Communication method and related equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and related equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The method is executed by first multi-link equipment, and comprises the following steps: detecting that a first link for transmitting target service data between the first multi-link equipment and second multi-link equipment is in a first target state, and generating a first request frame, the identification information of the target service is requested to be mapped to at least two links between the first multi-link equipment and the second multi-link equipment; sending the first request frame to a second multi-link device; and receiving a first response frame returned by the second multi-link device and used for responding to the first request frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, a multi-link device, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) introduced the multi-link (ML) mechanism in the IEEE 802.11be protocol standard for wireless local access networks (WLANs). A multi-link device (MLD) supports data transmission over multiple links. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, performed by a first multi-link device, comprising: detecting that a first link transmitting target service data between the first multi-link device and a second multi-link device is in a first target state, generating a first request frame to request mapping identification information of the target service to at least two links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; sending the first request frame to the second multi-link device; and receiving a first response frame returned by the second multi-link device in response to the first request frame.

[0004] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, performed by a second multi-link device, comprising: receiving a first request frame sent by a first multi-link device, the first request frame requesting that identification information of a target service be mapped to at least two links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, wherein the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device transmit target service data via a first link, and the first link is in a first target state; generating a first response frame in response to the first request frame; and sending the first response frame to the first multi-link device.

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a multi-link device, comprising: one or more processors; and a memory configured to store one or more programs. When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the multi-link device implements the communication method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer implements the communication method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program product, including a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the communication method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-link communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of transmitting game data using multiple links provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 The flowchart of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0011] Figure 4 The interactive diagram of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0012] Figure 5 The interactive diagram of the communication method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0013] Figure 6 The flowchart of the multi-link selection strategy method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0014] Figure 7 The following schematically shows the format of a service-to-link mapping element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 8 The interactive diagram of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0016] Figure 9 The interactive diagram of a communication method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0017] Figure 10 The flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0018] Figure 11 The schematic structural diagram of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] To help those skilled in the art better understand the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is clear that the described embodiments are only a portion of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort with respect to the embodiments of the present disclosure are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0020] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" or "unit" refers to a computer program or a part of a computer program that has a predetermined function and works together with other related parts to achieve a predetermined goal, and can be implemented in whole or in part by using software, hardware (such as processing circuits or memories) or a combination thereof. Similarly, a processor (or multiple processors or memories) can be used to implement one or more modules or units. In addition, each module or unit can be part of an overall module or unit that includes the function of the module or unit.

[0021] The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification, claims, and drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish between different objects, not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, software, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or elements is not limited to the listed steps or elements but may also include steps or elements not listed, or other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0022] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0023] The “network” and “system” that appear in the embodiments of the present disclosure express the same concept, and the communication system is the communication network.

[0024] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs). Currently, WLANs adopt the IEEE 802.11 series of protocol standards. A WLAN may include multiple basic service sets (BSSs), and devices in a BSS may include access point stations (AP STAs, also referred to as APs or access points) and non-AP STAs (non-AP STAs, also referred to as STAs or stations). Furthermore, each BSS may include an access point and at least one station.

[0025] An access point can be an entity that provides network access to connected stations via a wireless medium. An access point can connect various wireless network clients to an Ethernet network. An access point can be a network device with a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip. An access point can be a device that supports various IEEE 802.11 protocol standards. For example, an access point can be a device that supports IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11ax, IEEE802.11be, next-generation WLAN protocol standards, etc. An access point can include a centralized controller, a base station (BS), a base transceiver station (BTS), a site controller, and a switch. An access point can include a device that provides wireless communication capabilities for a station, such as a chip system. The chip system can include a chip and may also include other discrete components, such as transceiver components. An access point can communicate with an Internet Protocol (IP) network. For example, the Internet, a private IP network or other data networks.

[0026] The station can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor or a wireless communication terminal. For example, a user equipment (UE) that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a remote / remote terminal (remote UE), an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile device, a user terminal, a smart terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user device / cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, etc., without specific limitation. The station can include a non-access point enhanced high throughput station (none AP extremely high throughput station, non AP EHT STA) and a non-access point high efficiency station (none AP high efficiency station, non AP HE STA), etc. The station can include a device with a transceiver function, such as a chip system. The chip system can include a chip and can also include other discrete devices, such as a transceiver device, etc.

[0027] The following combination Figure 1 An exemplary description is given of the multi-link communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] The IEEE 802.11be protocol standard introduces a multi-link mechanism. Among them, a multi-link device (MLD) can support data transmission on multiple links. A multi-link device can be an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) or a non-access point multi-link device (Non-AP MLD). An AP MLD can contain multiple access points (APs, e.g. Figure 1 In the example, three APs, namely AP1, AP2, and AP3, are used for illustration, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may include more or fewer APs. Non-AP MLD may include multiple stations (STAs, for example Figure 1 In the example, three STAs, namely STA1, STA2, and STA3, are used for illustration, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may include more or fewer STAs. Different APs or STAs may operate on different carrier frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Figure 16G) or different carrier frequencies in the same frequency band (e.g., 5GHz). In the disclosed embodiments, a non-AP MLD may be a user terminal that supports multi-link Wi-Fi 7 (i.e., the technical standard for wireless local area networks, IEEE 802.11be). An AP MLD may be a hotspot that supports multi-link Wi-Fi 7.

[0029] Multiple (two or more) links can be established between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD (called multi-link establishment or multi-link association), and data can be transmitted on the multiple links.

[0030] For example, Figure 1 As shown, it is assumed that link L1 (abbreviated as Link1, i.e., link 1) is established between AP1 and STA1, link L2 (abbreviated as Link2, i.e., link 2) is established between AP2 and STA2, link L3 (abbreviated as Link3, i.e., link 3) is established between AP3 and STA3, and so on. Each link is uniquely identified by a link ID (identity). Different links have different operating carrier frequencies. Figure 1 It is assumed that the operating carrier frequencies of L1, L2, and L3 are 2.4G, 5G, and 6G, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the identification information of the target service can be established or updated as a service identifier with a high priority, and the identification information of the target service can be mapped to multiple links between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD. The target service can be an important service or a high-speed service or a low-latency service, such as a gaming service, a video service, an audio service, a metaverse service, etc. The following examples are all taken as examples of the target service being a gaming service, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The identification information of the target service can be used to uniquely identify the target service to distinguish it from other services. The present disclosure does not limit its representation form. For example, it can be represented by a service ID (Traffic ID, TID). The following examples are all taken as examples of the identification information of the target service being represented by TID, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0032] For example, Figure 1It is assumed that TID0 to TID7 (the present disclosure is not limited to this, for example, TID0 to TID15 can also be used) can be used to represent the identification information of different services, wherein the priority of the service corresponding to TID6 or TID7 is higher than the priority of the service corresponding to TID0-TID5. Assuming that the game service is a low-latency service, the TID of the game service can be set or updated to TID6 or TID7 to give the game service a higher priority than other services, so that the data of the game service is transmitted first, reducing the transmission delay of the game service. For the game service whose service identifier is mapped to TID6 or TID7, its service identifier TID6 or TID7 can be mapped to multiple links. For example Figure 1 In the example, it is assumed that TID6 or TID7 of the gaming service is mapped to Link1, Link2, and Link3 simultaneously, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. This allows gaming service data to be transmitted simultaneously through Link1, Link2, and Link3, improving gaming reliability or reducing gaming latency in IEEE protocol multi-link transmission.

[0033] Optionally, Figure 1 The multi-link communication system shown may also include other multi-link devices, access points or stations in addition to the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, which is not specifically limited.

[0034] Optionally, Figure 1 The multi-link communication system shown may also include access network (radio access network, RAN) equipment, core network (core network, CN) equipment, network controller, mobility management entity and other network entities, which are not specifically limited.

[0035] Optionally, Figure 1 The communication between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD in the multi-link communication system shown may be wireless communication or wired communication, which is not specifically limited.

[0036] exist Figure 1 Based on the embodiment, it is assumed that TID6 or TID7 of the game service has been mapped to Link1 to Link3, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, AP MLD and Non-AP MLD can simultaneously transmit TID6 or TID7 game data (i.e., target service data) through Link1 with a working carrier frequency of 2.4 GHz, Link2 with a working carrier frequency of 5 GHz, and Link3 with a working carrier frequency of 6 GHz.

[0037] The multi-link communication system provided by the disclosed embodiments can simultaneously utilize multiple antennas and spectrum resources to transmit target service data. This allows AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs to communicate simultaneously on multiple frequency bands, improving network throughput and stability, reducing congestion and interference, and enhancing overall network performance. Multi-link transmission also increases network reliability. Even if a frequency band or antenna experiences congestion or interference, AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs can still communicate by combining other available links, reducing the possibility of data loss.

[0038] The IEEE protocol introduces the Multi-Link Operation (MLO) feature. APs and STAs supporting MLO can transmit data over one of multiple established links (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc.), and can also transmit the same data over multiple (two or more) communication links. Each communication link can complement each other, reducing data frame retransmissions and improving data transmission reliability. This allows multiple links to transmit service data with the same TID. For example, for gaming services, transmitting the same gaming data over multiple links can significantly improve transmission reliability and enhance the gaming experience, particularly in low-coverage environments. The disclosed embodiments detect the service status and wireless channel environment of each of the multiple established communication links. Then, a non-AP Multi-Link Device (MLD) and an APMLD supporting MLO negotiate and send a request frame (including a first request frame and, optionally, a second request frame) to each other, requesting that the TID mapping for low-latency gaming services be modified to the multiple established communication links. This allows the multiple communication links to transmit the same gaming data, improving data transmission reliability and enhancing the gaming experience.

[0039] In the disclosed embodiments, "transmitting the same data" refers to the parallel transmission of service data with the same identification information, such as the same TID, on multiple links that have been established between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD. Furthermore, two modes can be adopted. One mode is multi-transmission and single-reception, that is, the AP / STA end simultaneously sends the same data with the same TID to the receiving end (STA / AP) using multiple frequency bands / multiple links. The receiving end automatically selects the data of the fastest frequency band / link. If the frequency band is interfered with, the system accepts data from other frequency bands. This method can improve the stability of data transmission. The other mode is multi-transmission and multi-reception, that is, splitting a piece of data with the same TID into multiple parts (for example, three parts), and sending them simultaneously through multiple (for example, three) frequency bands / multiple (for example, three) links. After receiving them, the receiving end combines the multiple data parts. The multi-transmission and multi-reception mode can improve the speed of data transmission.

[0040] For example, when the service data is gaming data, "transmitting the same gaming data" means transmitting the gaming data corresponding to the gaming service's TID in parallel across multiple links established between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD. Multiple copies of the same gaming data can be replicated and transmitted in parallel across multiple links to improve transmission reliability, for example, in weak channel conditions. Alternatively, the same gaming data can be split into multiple copies and transmitted in parallel across multiple links to increase transmission speed, for example, in situations of gaming traffic congestion.

[0041] In the disclosed embodiments, detecting link traffic conditions refers to detecting whether there is congestion in the data transmission of services (e.g., which may include target services) being transmitted on at least one link established between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD. In exemplary embodiments, the degree of congestion can be determined by detecting congestion information. Different congestion levels can be assigned to represent different congestion levels, or congestion information can be used to determine whether a link is in a congested state. For example, a ping packet (a data packet used to test network connectivity) can be periodically sent from a transmitter (non-AP MLD / AP MLD) to a receiver (AP MLD / non-AP MLD) on the detected link, and the receiver waits for a signal sent back from the receiver. This allows the transmitter to obtain the time required for the data packet to travel from the transmitter to the receiver and back. This time is referred to as the latency between the transmitter and receiver, also known as the ping value. The ping value can be used to determine different congestion levels or determine whether the link is in a congested state. For example, if the ping value on a link exceeds a specified duration, the link can be determined to be congested; otherwise, it can be determined to be non-congested. The present disclosure is not limited to the above examples in the manner of detecting the service status of a link.

[0042] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, detecting the wireless channel environment of a link refers to detecting the channel quality information of at least one link established between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and judging whether the detected link is in a weak network environment by using the channel quality information. The channel quality information can be indicated by one or more indicators, such as a channel quality indicator (CQI), signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, bit error rate, transmission rate, time delay of data transmission in the channel, etc. In the following embodiment, the wireless channel environment of the link is judged by detecting changes in relevant wireless communication indicators such as the received signal strength indication (RSSI), that is, the channel quality information includes RSSI. When it is detected that the RSSI of a link is lower than a threshold (the value of which can be set according to actual needs and is not limited by the present disclosure), it is judged that the link is in a weak network environment; otherwise, it is judged that the link is not in a weak network environment.

[0043] Figure 3 The communication method provided in the embodiment may be executed by the first multi-link device.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device (AP MLD, also referred to as an AP multi-link device) or a non-AP MLD, also referred to as a STA multi-link device. Multi-link refers to multiple communication links between an AP and a STA. Correspondingly, the second multi-link device referred to below is a non-AP MLD or an access point multi-link device (AP MLD).

[0045] In S310, it is detected that a first link transmitting target service data between a first multi-link device and a second multi-link device is in a first target state, and a first request frame is generated to request mapping identification information of the target service to at least two links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one link has been established between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, and a first link has been determined from the at least one link for transmitting target service data. The target service data refers to the data of the target service, and the target service can be any type of service, such as any important service, high-priority service, delay-sensitive service / low-latency service, or high-speed service. The following uses the gaming service as an example. The first link can be one link or two or more links. The following uses the example of the first link being one link (hereinafter referred to as Link 1 or Link1), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first link can be any one or more links among the at least one link that has been established between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the first target state indicates that a channel quality of the first link is lower than a threshold, and / or that congestion exists in target traffic transmitted on the first link.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a link can transmit different services. The method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is targeted at target services such as gaming services, because the target services have latency requirements. When a link has multiple service data being transmitted, it has a congestion detection mechanism. It is recommended that AP MLD perform strategy selection, such as selecting two or three links to transmit the same data, or switching to another link with good channel quality and no congestion for transmission. This strategy can be extended to other services, not just gaming services. However, the TIDs of other services are not mapped to TID6 or TID7. TID6 or TID7 are specifically for gaming services with low latency requirements.

[0049] When the target service data is transmitted between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD via the first link, the first multi-link device can detect the channel quality information and / or congestion information of the first link, and determine whether the first link is in the first target state based on the channel quality information and / or the congestion information. If the channel quality information indicates that the channel quality of the first link is lower than a threshold, that is, the channel quality is poor, and / or the congestion information indicates that the target service transmitted on the first link is congested or in a congested state, then the first link can be determined to be in the first target state. If the channel quality information indicates that the channel quality of the first link is equal to or higher than a threshold, that is, the channel quality is good, and the congestion information indicates that the target service transmitted on the first link is not congested or is not in a congested state, then the first link can be determined to be not in the first target state, that is, not in a weak network environment and no congestion has occurred.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, it is detected that a first link transmitting target service data between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device is in a first target state, and a first request frame is generated. The method includes: detecting channel quality information of the first link and / or congestion information of the first link; if the channel quality information of the first link and / or the congestion information of the first link indicate that the first link is in the first target state, detecting channel quality information of a second link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device and / or congestion information of the second link; and if the channel quality information of the second link and / or the congestion information of the second link indicate that the second link is in a second target state, generating the first request frame to request mapping identification information of the target service to a target second link between the first link and the second link.

[0051] When the first multi-link device detects that the channel quality of the first link that is transmitting the target service data is poor and / or that the data transmission of the target service is congested, the first multi-link device may generate a first request frame and send the first request frame to the second multi-link device to request the second multi-link device to map the identification information of the target service corresponding to the target service data (for example, the TID of the target service) to at least two links between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0052] When the first request frame generated by the first multi-link device carries the mapping relationship between the at least two links suggested or required by the first multi-link device and the identification information of the target service, the first multi-link device may determine the at least two links according to the multi-link selection policy.

[0053] The multi-link selection policy in the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to a method for selecting two or more links from among the multiple links established between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD for transmitting target service data when two or more links are required between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. This multi-link selection policy can be configured based on actual needs.

[0054] For example, the multi-link selection strategy may include: if the first link currently transmitting target service data is a link (using link 1 as an example), and the channel quality of the first link is poor and / or service transmission is congested, then detecting the channel quality information and / or congestion information of a second link that is not currently transmitting target service data and that has been established between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD. The second link may be a remaining link other than the first link among the multiple links established between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, the remaining links including at least one link, or any one of the remaining links. That is, the channel quality information and / or congestion information of each link other than the first link may be detected to determine whether each link other than the first link is in the second target state. If the channel quality of a second link is poor and / or service is congested, the second link may be selected as the target second link. If multiple second links have poor channel quality and / or service congestion, any one of the multiple second links may be selected as the target second link. Alternatively, any link other than the first link is selected as the second link, and its channel quality information and / or congestion information is tested to determine whether the selected second link is in the second target state. If the second link is in the second target state, the second link is determined as the target second link; otherwise, a new second link is selected from the remaining links, and its channel quality information and / or congestion information is tested to determine whether the new second link is in the second target state. This process is repeated until the target second link is determined from the remaining links. After the target second link is determined, the generated first request frame includes the identification information of the target service and a mapping relationship between the first link and the target second link. That is, the identification information of the target service is mapped to the first link and the target second link, so that the target service data can be transmitted simultaneously through the first link and the target second link. In other words, when the channel quality of a first link currently transmitting the target service data is poor and / or congested, two links with poor channel quality and / or congested can be sequentially selected to simultaneously transmit the target service data, thereby improving the reliability of the target service data transmission and reducing transmission latency.

[0055] It will be understood that although the above example selects the first link and the target second link as the two links for simultaneously transmitting the target service data, i.e., the first link continues to be used to transmit the target service data, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For another example, if it is detected that the channel quality of multiple second links among the remaining links is poor and / or service congestion exists, any two second links can be selected from the multiple second links as the target second links, and the first link is no longer used to transmit the target service data. In this case, the first request frame includes a mapping relationship between the two target second links and the identification information of the target service.

[0056] For another example, the multi-link selection strategy may also include: if it is detected that one or more second links are not in the second target state, that is, one or more second links have good channel quality and there is no service congestion, then any second link can be selected as the target second link, and the first request frame is used to request that the first link be switched to the target second link, that is, the target service data is transmitted through the target second link, that is, the first request frame carries the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the target second link.

[0057] For another example, the multi-link selection strategy may also include: if it is detected that multiple second links are not in the second target state, that is, there are multiple second links with good channel quality and no service congestion, then any two second links can be selected as target second links, and the first request frame is used to request that the target service data be transmitted through the two target second links, that is, the first request frame carries the identification information of the target service and the mapping relationship between the two target second links.

[0058] For another example, the multi-link selection strategy may also include: if it is detected that at least one second link is not in the second target state, that is, there is at least one second link with good channel quality and no service congestion, then any second link can be selected as the target second link, and the first request frame is used to request that the target service data be transmitted through the first link and the target second link, that is, the first request frame carries the identification information of the target service and the mapping relationship between the first link and the target second link.

[0059] It should be noted that, since the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device know in advance that the identification information of the target service is mapped to the first link, when the first multi-link device requests, through a first request frame, that the identification information of the target service be mapped to at least two links, the first request frame may only carry the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the target second link, i.e., it is assumed that the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the first link continues to be retained.

[0060] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second target state is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second link is lower than a threshold, and / or that there is congestion in the service transmitted on the second link.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the first request frame is further used to request that the identification information of the target service be converted from a first service identifier to a second service identifier, wherein the priority of the second service identifier is higher than that of the first service identifier.

[0062] In the disclosed embodiment, it is assumed that, before generating the first request frame, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD have already determined that the identification information of the target service is a first service identifier, such as TID2, and that TID2 is mapped to Link 1. When the first multi-link device detects poor channel quality and / or service congestion on Link 1, the first multi-link device may modify the identification information of the target service to a second service identifier of a higher priority, such as TID6 or TID7. In this case, the first request frame may carry information regarding the modification of the identification information of the target service to the second service identifier of a higher priority, thereby requesting the second multi-link device to modify the identification information of the target service to the second service identifier. This means that latency can be reduced by increasing the priority of the target service.

[0063] In other embodiments, if the identification information of the target service determined between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD before generating the first request frame has a higher priority, such as TID6 or TID7, the identification information of the target service does not need to be modified.

[0064] The disclosed embodiments can be implemented through Quality of Service (QoS). QoS is a network security mechanism used to address issues such as network latency and congestion. When the network is overloaded or congested, QoS ensures that important services are not delayed or dropped, while also ensuring efficient network operation. For example, for gaming programs, the network priority of the gaming program can be increased, thereby reducing latency and improving the gaming experience.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, different priorities and different links can be bound. Therefore, in the multi-link selection strategy, the at least two links to which the identification information of the target service is mapped can also be selected based on the binding relationship between the link and the priority. For example, assuming that the first request frame requests to modify the identification information of the target service from the low-priority first service identifier to the high-priority second service identifier, and the high-priority second service identifier has been bound to a predetermined link, for example, the high-priority second service identifier has been bound to link 1, link 2, and link 3, then when the second multi-link device receives the first request frame, it can be known that the first multi-link device is requesting to map the identification information of the target service to link 1, link 2, and link 3, that is, the first request frame requesting to map the identification information of the target service to at least two links can be implicit, that is, it is not necessary to indicate the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the at least two links in the first request frame. For example, the binding of the link and the priority can be performed when the service is started. During the service process, due to the mobility of the STA site, the channel quality may deteriorate or a link data service may be congested. At this time, the mapping between the TID of the target service and the link can be negotiated in the manner provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the first request frame is a TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame. Correspondingly, the first response frame generated by the second multi-link device in response to the first request frame may be a TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto; in other embodiments, the first request frame and the first response frame may have other names.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the service-to-link mapping request frame includes a service-to-link mapping element (TID-To-Link Mapping element), which may carry a mapping relationship between identification information of the target service and the at least two links.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the service-to-link mapping element includes a service-to-link mapping control (TID-To-LinkMapping Control) field. Optionally, the service-to-link mapping control field includes a link mapping presence indication (LinkMapping Presence Indicator) subfield. The first value of the link mapping presence indication subfield is used to indicate the presence of a target service identifier (i.e., an identification representation of the identification information of the target service, such as TID6 or TID7) to a link mapping field (e.g., Link Mapping Of TID6 or Link Mapping Of TID7) in the service-to-link mapping element.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the target service identifier to link mapping field is used to indicate that the identification information of the target service is mapped to at least two links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device.

[0070] It is understandable that the indication information carried by the first request frame for requesting that the identification information of the target service be mapped to at least two links is not limited to the above examples, and can be explicit or implicit as long as it is any method that can represent the indication information.

[0071] In S320, the first request frame is sent to the second multi-link device. The second multi-link device receives the first request frame sent by the first multi-link device.

[0072] In S330, a first response frame returned by the second multi-link device in response to the first request frame is received.

[0073] After receiving the first request frame, the second multi-link device may decide to accept or reject the first request frame based on its own situation, link situation, mapping relationship between links and services, network conditions, etc., or modify the mapping relationship carried in the first request frame, thereby generating a first response frame to be returned to the first multi-link device, and sending the generated first response frame to the first multi-link device.

[0074] In some embodiments, a first multi-link device (e.g., a STA or an AP) may only request a second multi-link device (e.g., an AP or a STA) to map the identification information of the target service to at least two links. Specifically, the first request frame may not carry the at least two links required or recommended by the first multi-link device. When the second multi-link device accepts the first request frame, the second multi-link device selects the at least two links mapped to the identification information of the target service. The second multi-link device returns the mapping relationship between the at least two links selected by the second multi-link device and the identification information of the target service to the first multi-link device via a first response frame. When the second multi-link device rejects the first request frame, the first response frame returned by the second multi-link device may include information indicating the rejection of the first request frame. Optionally, the first response frame may also include a reason for rejecting the first request frame.

[0075] In other embodiments, the first multi-link device may carry in a first request frame a mapping relationship between at least two links required by the first multi-link device and the identification information of the target service. Upon receiving the first request frame, the second multi-link device may only choose to accept or reject the first request frame and may not propose a new mapping relationship between at least two links recommended or required by the second multi-link device and the identification information of the target service. If the second multi-link device accepts the first request frame, the first response frame returned to the first multi-link device includes information indicating acceptance of the first request frame. If the second multi-link device rejects the first request frame, the first response frame returned by the second multi-link device includes information indicating rejection of the first request frame. Optionally, the first response frame may also include a reason for rejecting the first request frame.

[0076] In some further embodiments, the first multi-link device may carry, in a first request frame, a mapping relationship between at least two links proposed by the first multi-link device and the identification information of the target service. Upon receiving the first request frame, the second multi-link device may choose to accept or reject the first request frame, or modify the mapping relationship between the at least two links proposed in the first request frame and the identification information of the target service. Specifically, the second multi-link device may also propose a new mapping relationship between at least two links proposed or required by the second multi-link device and the identification information of the target service. If the second multi-link device modifies the mapping relationship between the at least two links proposed in the first request frame and the identification information of the target service, the second multi-link device may select at least two new links that are mapped to the identification information of the target service. The second multi-link device returns the mapping relationship between the new at least two links selected by the second multi-link device and the identification information of the target service to the first multi-link device via a first response frame. The new at least two links may be completely different from the at least two links in the first request frame, or may be partially identical or partially different, as is not limited in this disclosure. If the second multi-link device accepts the first request frame, the first response frame returned to the first multi-link device includes information indicating acceptance of the first request frame. If the second multi-link device rejects the first request frame, the first response frame returned by the second multi-link device includes information indicating rejection of the first request frame. Optionally, the first response frame may also include a reason for rejecting the first request frame.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: if the first response frame indicates that the second multi-link device accepts the first request frame, updating the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service in the first multi-link device and the first link and the target second link according to the first response frame.

[0078] When the second multi-link device receives the first request frame, the second multi-link device may update the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the first link and the target second link in the second multi-link device while generating the first response frame.

[0079] It should be understood that the above embodiment is illustrated by an example in which a first request frame carries the mapping relationship between the first link, the target second link, and the identification information of the target service, and the second multi-link device accepts the first request frame. In other embodiments, if the second multi-link device modifies the mapping relationship in the first request frame and proposes a new mapping relationship, and the first multi-link device accepts the new mapping relationship carried in the first response frame, the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device will respectively update the new mapping relationship. If the second multi-link device rejects the first request frame, or the first multi-link device rejects the new mapping relationship in the first response frame, neither the first multi-link device nor the second multi-link device will update the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the first link, that is, the first link will still be used to transmit the target service data.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: transmitting the target service data in parallel through the first link and the target second link. When the second multi-link device receives the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service carried in the first request frame and the first link and the target second link, and returns a first response frame to the first multi-link device, the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the link on the second multi-link device is updated, that is, the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the first link is updated to the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the first link and the target second link. After the first multi-link device receives the first response frame, it updates the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the link on the first multi-link device. After the mapping relationship is updated, the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device can simultaneously transmit the target service data through the first link and the target second link, that is, transmit the target service data with the same TID.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: if it is detected that the transmission of the target service data by the first link and the target second link does not meet the target service data transmission requirements, generating a second request frame to request that identification information of the target service be mapped to at least three links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; and receiving a second response frame returned by the second multi-link device in response to the second request frame.

[0082] For example, when two links are used to simultaneously transmit target service data having the same TID, it may be detected whether the simultaneous transmission of the target service data by the two links meets the target service data transmission requirements. The target service data transmission requirements may be determined based on the specific requirements of the target service, such as the target service data transmission delay requirements, transmission speed requirements, etc. If the target service data transmission requirements are still not met by using the two links, the first multi-link device may generate a second request frame to request the second multi-link device to map the identification information of the target service to three or more links.

[0083] The second request frame may also be a TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame, and correspondingly, the second response frame may be a TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The generation and transmission process of the second request frame and the second response frame may refer to the first request frame and the first response frame described above.

[0084] The above-mentioned multi-link selection strategy may also include: if it is detected that the two links currently transmitting target service data (e.g., the first link (taking link 1 as an example) and the target second link (taking link 2 as an example)) still cannot meet the target service data transmission requirements, then detecting the channel quality information and / or congestion information of a third link that is not currently transmitting target service data and has been established between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD. The third link can be the remaining links other than the first link and the target second link among the multiple links already established between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD. To determine whether the third link is in the second target state, if the channel quality of the third link is poor and / or the service is congested, a link can be selected from the third links as the target third link (taking link 3 as an example). After determining the target third link, the generated second request frame includes the identification information of the target service and the mapping relationship between the first link, the target second link, and the target third link. That is, the identification information of the target service is mapped to the first link, the target second link, and the target third link, so that the target service data can be transmitted simultaneously through the first link, the target second link, and the target third link. The target third link may be one or more links, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0085] For another example, if, when determining the target second link as described above, the channel quality information and / or congestion information of multiple second links are detected, and there are multiple second links with poor channel quality and / or service congestion, and only some of the second links are selected as target second links, then when determining the target third link, a link can also be selected from the remaining second links as the target third link.

[0086] By setting the above-mentioned multi-link selection strategy, the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve that when a small number of links transmitting target service data cannot meet the target service data transmission requirements, the target service data can be transmitted in parallel by gradually increasing the number of links. This can improve the reliability of the target service data transmission, reduce the transmission delay, and avoid the target service occupying too many links, resulting in a waste of resources and avoiding affecting the data transmission of other services. The above-mentioned first request frame and second request frame are only used for illustration, and there is actually no limit on the number and number of request frames sent by the first multi-link device to the second multi-link device. After each update of the mapping relationship, the first multi-link device can detect whether the new mapping relationship can meet the target service data transmission requirements. If the requirements are not met, a new request frame can be generated and sent to the second multi-link device until the upper limit of the number of links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device is reached, that is, all the established links between the two have been used to transmit the target service data.

[0087] It is understandable that, in other embodiments, the following multi-link selection strategy may also be adopted: when it is detected that the first link is in the first target state, a request is made in the first request frame to map the identification information of the target service to all links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device both support negotiation of service-to-link mapping. That is, before the first multi-link device of the embodiment of the present disclosure sends the first request frame to the second multi-link device, the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are both capable of negotiating TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0089] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure detects the service status and wireless channel environment of each link in multiple communication links that have established communication. For Non-AP MLD and AP MLD supporting MLO, they send request frames (for example, the first request frame and the second request frame mentioned above, which can be TID-To-Link MappingRequest frames) to each other through negotiation, requesting to modify the identification information (for example, TID) of the low-latency target service, so as to map the identification information of the target service to two or more established communication links, so that the two or more communication links send target service data (for example, game data) with the same TID to improve the reliability of data transmission, so as to achieve the purpose of improving the target service experience.

[0090] Figure 4The embodiment is described by taking the target service as a gaming service, the first multi-link device as a Non-AP MLD, and the first request frame as a TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame as an example. Figure 4 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0091] In S41 , the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD transmit game data via a link (eg, link 1 ).

[0092] In S42, the Non-AP MLD detects that the wireless channel environment of the transmitting link (eg, link 1) is poor or congested, uses multiple links for transmission, and generates a TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame to request mapping the TID of the gaming service to multiple links.

[0093] In S43 , the Non-AP MLD sends a TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame to the AP MLD.

[0094] Due to changes in the wireless environment, the non-AP MLD that is transmitting game data with the AP MLD will be affected. At the same time, the non-AP MLD detects changes in relevant wireless communication indicators (such as RSSI) of the link or the congestion of the link in real time, and then selects to map the game TID to two or more links, generates a TID-To-Link MappingRequest frame, and sends the TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame to the AP MLD.

[0095] In S44 , the AP MLD sends a TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame to the Non-AP MLD.

[0096] After receiving the TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame, the AP MLD generates a TID-To-Link MappingResponse frame and replies to the Non-AP MLD with a TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame, informing the sender (i.e., the Non-AP MLD) whether to accept or reject the request. Optionally, in addition to accepting or rejecting the request, the AP MLD can also modify the TID-to-link mapping relationship requested in the TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame and then carry the modified TID-to-link mapping relationship in a TID-to-Link Mapping Response frame and return it to the Non-AP MLD.

[0097] In other embodiments, the AP MLD may also detect changes in the wireless environment and congestion of services being transmitted (detect congestion of the link being transmitted data), and then select to map the game TID to two or more links, and simultaneously send a TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame to the Non-AP MLD. The Non-AP MLD receives the TID-To-Link Mapping request frame and sends a TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame to the AP MLD, such as Figure 5 As shown:

[0098] In S51, the AP MLD detects that the wireless channel environment of the link being transmitted is poor or congested, adopts multiple links for transmission, generates a TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame to request mapping of the game TID to multiple links, and sends the generated TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame to the Non-AP MLD.

[0099] In S52 , the Non-AP MLD sends a TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame to the AP MLD.

[0100] After receiving the TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame, the Non-AP MLD replies with a TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame to the AP MLD, indicating whether the sender (i.e., the AP MLD) accepts or rejects the request. Optionally, in addition to accepting or rejecting the request, the Non-AP MLD can also modify the TID-to-link mapping relationship requested in the TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame and then carry the modified TID-to-link mapping relationship in a TID-to-Link MappingResponse frame and return it to the AP MLD.

[0101] Figure 6 The flowchart of the multi-link selection strategy method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. It should be noted that, Figure 6 The multi-link selection strategy shown is only an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0102] In S61, the communication link 1 in which the game transmission is in progress is detected.

[0103] Assume that AP MLD and Non-AP MLD have established Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3, and take the target service as a gaming service, and initially determine to transmit gaming data through Link 1 as an example.

[0104] In S62, it is determined whether the current channel quality of link 1 is poor or whether the game data is congested; if not, S63 is executed; if yes, S64 is executed.

[0105] In S63 , if the current channel quality of link 1 is good and the game data is not congested, the current communication link (eg link 1 ) is continued to transmit the game data.

[0106] Optionally, the process may return to S61 and continue to detect the communication link 1 in which the game transmission is in progress, and the above S61 to S63 may be executed in a loop.

[0107] In S64 , if the current channel quality of link 1 is poor, or the game data is congested, the channel quality and data congestion of communication link 2 and link 3 are detected.

[0108] In S65 , it is determined whether the current channel quality of link 2 and link 3 is poor or the game data is congested; if not, S66 is executed; if yes, S67 is executed.

[0109] In S66, if the current channel quality of link 2 and link 3 is good and there is no congestion, link 2 or link 3 is selected to transmit the game data, that is, link 1 is switched to link 2 or link 3, and link 1 is no longer used to transmit game data.

[0110] In S67, if the current channel quality of link 2 or link 3 is poor or congested, link 2 or link 3 is selected to transmit the game data, and the game data is also transmitted on link 1. Then S68 is executed.

[0111] In S68, it is detected whether the transmission of the two links meets the game data transmission requirement; if not, execute S69; if so, execute S610.

[0112] In S69 , if the game data transmission requirement is not met, the game data is transmitted simultaneously on three links.

[0113] In S610, if the game data transmission requirement has been met, the game data is continued to be transmitted on the current two communication links.

[0114] In the disclosed embodiment, AP MLD or non-AP MLD monitors the communication link currently transmitting the game data in real time, assuming it is Link 1. When the channel quality of Link 1 is poor or the service on Link 1 is congested, it simultaneously monitors the channel quality and service congestion of other links, defined as Link 2 and Link 3. The same game data as Link 1 can be transmitted over Link 2 or Link 3. It then checks whether the transmission of the two links meets the game data transmission requirements. If so, the game data continues to be transmitted over the two links. If not, the same game data is transmitted simultaneously over Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3.

[0115] The embodiment of the present disclosure can implement the above negotiation process through two management frames in the IEEE series of protocols: TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame and TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame.

[0116] The TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame is sent by the Non-AP MLD to the AP MLD, or by the AP MLD to the Non-AP MLD, to negotiate and modify the mapping of the TID to multiple communication links. The format of the TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame can be shown in Table 1 below:

[0117] Table 1. TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame format

[0118] order information 1 Category / Category 2 Protected EHT Action 3 Dialog Token 4 TID-To-Link Mapping

[0119] The TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame is mainly a response from the AP MLD or Non-AP MLD to the received TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame. The format of the TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame can be shown in Table 2 below:

[0120] Table 2. TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame format

[0121] order information 1 Category / Category 2 Protected EHT Action 3 Dialog Token 4 Status Code 5 TID-To-Link Mapping

[0122] Both the TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame and the TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame include the TID-To-Link Mapping (service to link mapping element). The data format of the TID-To-Link Mapping element is as follows: Figure 7 shown.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown, the TID-To-Link Mapping element includes an Element ID field, a Length field, an Element ID Extension field, a TID-To-Link Mapping Control field, a Mapping Switch Time field, and an Expected Duration field. The TID-To-Link Mapping Control field includes a Direction field, a Default Link Mapping bit, a Mapping Switch Time Present field, an Expected Duration Present field, a Link Mapping Size field, and a Reserved field. Optionally, the TID-To-Link Mapping Control field also includes a Link Mapping Presence Indicator subfield.

[0124] Among them, when the direction field is set to the first value, such as 0, it indicates uplink; when it is set to the second value, such as 1, it indicates downlink; when it is set to the third value, such as 2, it indicates uplink and downlink; the fourth value, such as 3, is a reserved value.

[0125] The default link mapping bit indicates whether all TIDs are mapped to all links. When the default link mapping bit is set to the first value, for example, 1, it indicates that all TIDs are mapped to all links. Assume that there are three communication links between the Non-AP MLD and the APMLD: Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3. When the default link mapping bit is set to 1, TIDs 0-7 are mapped to Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3.

[0126] The Link Mapping Presence Indicator subfield indicates whether the "Link Mapping of TIDn" field exists in the TID-To-Link Mapping element. If the value of position n in the Link Mapping Presence Indicator subfield is the first value, such as 1, then the Link Mapping of TIDn field exists in the TID-To-Link Mapping element. Otherwise, the Link Mapping of TIDn field does not exist in the TID-To-Link Mapping element.

[0127] The Link Mapping Size field is used to indicate the size of the Link Mapping Of TIDn field, which can be 0, 1, or 2 bytes.

[0128] The link mapping field of TID0 is used to indicate which links TID0 is mapped to. For example, the field can carry a bitmap, and each bit in the bitmap can correspond to a link. If the value of a certain bit is 1, it means that TID0 is mapped to the link corresponding to the certain bit. For example, if the value of a certain bit is 0, it means that TID 0 is not mapped to the link corresponding to the certain bit. Exemplarily, the length of the above-mentioned bitmap can be equal to the maximum number of links that can be associated between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; or, the length of the above-mentioned bitmap can be a fixed value, such as 16 bits; or, the length of the above-mentioned bitmap can be equal to the number of associated links established between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, etc. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the setting method of the length of the above-mentioned bitmap. For the description of the link mapping fields of other ITDs, please refer to the link mapping field of TID0, which will not be described in detail here. The TID0 to TID7 shown in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples. As the standard evolves, more service types may be added, such as TID0 to TID15. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the number of link mapping fields for the TID in the service identification and link mapping element. For example, the number of link mapping fields for the TID in the service identification and link mapping element can be the same as the type of TID. For example, if the TIDs are expanded from TID0 to TID7 to TID0 to TID15, the number of link mapping fields for the TID can be equal to 16.

[0129] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, assuming that the identification information of the game service is TID6 or TID7, and a request is made to map the game service to at least two links, for example, a request is made to map TID6 or TID7 to Link1 and Link2, then Link Mapping Of TID6 and Link Mapping Of TID7 exist in the TID-To-LinkMapping element, Link Mapping Of TID6 corresponds to a 3-bit bitmap, representing Link1 to 3 respectively, and the value of the bitmap is [1 1 0]; LinkMapping Of TID7 corresponds to a 3-bit bitmap, and the value of the bitmap is [1 1 0].

[0130] The Mapping Switch Time field can be used to indicate the effective start time or effective time of the service identifier and link mapping, or to indicate the effective start time or effective time of the mapping relationship between the service identifier and the link, or to indicate the time when the mapping relationship between the service identifier and the link is established. The Mapping Switch Time Present field is used to indicate whether the Mapping Switch Time field exists in the TID-To-Link Mapping element. The ExpectedDuration field can be used to indicate the expected end time of the mapping relationship between the service identifier and the link, or to indicate the expected end time of the service identifier and the link mapping. The Expected Duration Present field is used to indicate whether the Expected Duration field exists in the TID-To-Link Mapping element.

[0131] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD multi-links are successfully established, the Non-AP MLD can detect the wireless channel conditions of the communication link that is transmitting game data and the congestion conditions of the ongoing service. If the wireless channel is already below the set threshold value (poor channel quality) or the ongoing service is close to congestion or is already in a congested state, multiple links mapped with the identification information of the target service are selected according to the multi-link selection strategy. The STA MLD (i.e., the Non-AP MLD) actively sends a TID-To-Link Mapping negotiation message (such as the above-mentioned TID-To-Link Mapping request frame) to the AP MLD, suggesting that the low-latency game data TID be mapped to the high-level TID6 or TID7, and simultaneously mapped to two or more links in communication. In this way, low-latency game data can be transmitted over multiple links, improving the reliability of the game data and the user's gaming experience.

[0132] In the disclosed embodiments, the AP MLD can perform multi-link mapping during the multi-link establishment process. Therefore, the first request frame can also be an Association Request Frame or a ReAssociation Request Frame, and correspondingly, the first response frame can be an Association Response Frame or a ReAssociation Response Frame. While the target service is in progress, the Non-AP MLD / AP MLD can send the desired modified TID-link mapping to the AP MLD / Non-AP by detecting relevant indicators.

[0133] like Figure 8 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps:

[0134] In S81, the Non-AP MLD detects the service congestion and wireless channel conditions of the communicating link (e.g., link 1) in real time. When the communicating link is in a weak network environment or service congestion, it triggers TID-To-Link mapping negotiation, maps the gaming service data to the higher-level TID6 or TID7, and selects two or more communication links according to the strategy to map TID6 or TID7 to the selected links, while generating a TID-To-Link mapping request frame.

[0135] In S82 , the Non-AP MLD sends a TID-To-Link mapping request frame to the AP MLD.

[0136] In S83, the AP MLD receives the TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame, obtains the TID-To-Link Mapping element recommended by the STA in the Non-AP MLD, accepts the recommended TID-To-Link Mapping element, accepts mapping TID6 or TID7 to two or more communication links, and generates a TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame.

[0137] Optionally, the AP MLD can also reject or modify the TID-To-Link mapping element recommended by the STA in the Non-AP MLD.

[0138] In S84 , the AP MLD sends a TID-To-Link mapping response frame to the Non-AP MLD.

[0139] In S85 , the AP MLD updates the TID-To-Link mapping element.

[0140] In S86, the Non-AP MLD updates the TID-To-Link mapping element.

[0141] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, AP MLD and Non-AP MLD simultaneously support TID-To-Link Mapping negotiation. The dot11MultiLinkActivated (multi-link activation field) and dot11TIDToLinkMappingActivated (service to link mapping activation field) carried in the association request frame or reassociation request frame, and the association response frame or reassociation response frame transmitted between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD are set to a first value, such as true, and the TID-To-Link Mapping Negotiation Support (service to link mapping negotiation support) in the Capabilities and Operations (capabilities and operations) in the Basic Multi-Link element field is set to non-zero (for example, set to 3, but the present disclosure is not limited to this). The above indication information indicates that both AP MLD and Non-AP MLD support the service to link mapping function. For example, it can be shown in the following Table 3:

[0142] Table 3

[0143]

[0144] Maximum Number Of Simultaneous Links, the maximum number of concurrent links, is used to indicate the maximum number of links on which service data of the same TID can be transmitted in parallel. SRS (single response scheduling) is a control frame. SRS Support can be used to indicate whether to accept the association request frame or reassociation request frame carrying SRS Control. AAR (AP assistance request) is also a control frame. AAR Support can be used to indicate whether to accept the association request frame or reassociation request frame carrying AAR Control. STR (simultaneous transmit and receive) refers to the interval between links in which reception occurs simultaneously in multiple links. Frequency Separation For STR / AP MLD Type Indication refers to the frequency separation of STR / AP MLD type indications.

[0145] When both AP MLD and Non-AP MLD support negotiation of TID to link mapping, the two negotiate to achieve the purpose of modifying the TID mapping of the target service to two or more communication links. In other embodiments, AP MLD can also negotiate with Non-AP MLD to modify the mapping of TID to communication links, such as Figure 9 As shown, the following steps may be included:

[0146] In S91, the AP MLD detects the congestion and network coverage of the communication link for the ongoing gaming service in real time. When the congestion exceeds the set threshold or is in a weak network environment, it triggers TID-To-Link mapping negotiation, maps the gaming service data to the higher-level TID6 or TID7, and maps TID6 or TID7 to two or more communication links selected according to the policy, and generates a TID-To-Link mapping request frame at the same time.

[0147] In S92 , the AP MLD sends a TID-To-Link mapping request frame to the Non-AP MLD.

[0148] In S93, the Non-AP MLD receives the TID-To-Link Mapping Request frame, obtains the AP-recommended TID-To-Link Mapping element in the AP MLD, and accepts the AP-recommended TID-To-Link Mapping element, or recommends the TID-To-Link Mapping element to the sender (AP MLD), and generates a TID-To-Link Mapping Response frame.

[0149] In S94 , the Non-AP MLD sends a TID-To-Link mapping response frame to the AP MLD.

[0150] In S95, the Non-AP MLD updates the TID-To-Link mapping element.

[0151] In S96, the AP MLD updates the TID-To-Link mapping element.

[0152] The disclosed embodiments relate to a Wi-Fi wireless network where a wireless terminal (Non-AP MLD) performs a low-latency target service, such as a gaming service, in a scenario where network coverage is weak or service is congested. An AP or STA that supports multi-link and TID-to-link mapping can independently detect whether the network coverage of the link with which it is communicating is weak or service is congested, thereby determining whether to trigger a request frame to be sent to the other party to modify the mapping relationship between the TID and the link of the target service, mapping the TID of the target service to two or more links. After receiving the request frame, the receiver sends a corresponding mapping response frame of the TID of the target service to two or more links to inform the other party whether to accept or reject the request frame. If accepted, both parties will update the rules for mapping the TID to two or more links. Through the optimization of the above improvements, especially during the transmission of low-latency target services, the transmission of target service data on two or more links can be adaptively optimized according to network coverage and service congestion. In particular, in scenarios where wireless network coverage is weak or there is congestion in the ongoing service, the reliability of target service data transmission can be improved, thereby enhancing user perception. When the target service is a game, the reliability of the game can be improved in IEEE protocol multi-link transmission.

[0153] Figure 10 The method provided in the embodiment may be executed by the second multi-link device. Figure 10 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0154] In S1010, a first request frame sent by a first multi-link device is received, where the first request frame requests mapping identification information of a target service to at least two links between the first multi-link device and a second multi-link device, wherein the target service data is transmitted between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device via a first link, and the first link is in a first target state.

[0155] In S1020 , a first response frame is generated in response to the first request frame.

[0156] In S1030, a first response frame is sent to the first multi-link device.

[0157] Figure 10 For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to the other embodiments mentioned above.

[0158] Figure 11 The schematic diagram of the multi-link device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. The multi-link device can be a Non-AP MLD or an AP MLD. Figure 11The multi-link device 1100 shown includes a processor 1110 , which can call and execute a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] Alternatively, as Figure 11 As shown, the multi-link device 1100 may further include a memory 1120. The processor 1110 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 1120 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] The memory 1120 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1110 , or may be integrated into the processor 1110 .

[0161] Alternatively, as Figure 11 As shown, the multi-link device 1100 may further include a transceiver 1130 , and the processor 1110 may control the transceiver 1130 to communicate with other devices, specifically, to send information or data to other devices, or to receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0162] The transceiver 1130 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1130 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0163] Optionally, the processor 1110 , the memory 1120 , and the transceiver 1130 may implement bidirectional communication with each other via the communication bus 1140 .

[0164] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment may be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or software instructions.

[0165] The above-mentioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present disclosure can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above-mentioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0166] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory. It should be understood that the above memory is provided by way of example and not limitation.

[0167] The present embodiments also provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program. Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the non-AP MLD or AP MLD in the embodiments of the present invention, and the computer program causes the non-AP MLD or AP MLD to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the non-AP MLD or AP MLD in the various methods of the embodiments of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, these processes are not further described here.

[0168] The present disclosure also provides a computer program product including computer program instructions. Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to a non-AP MLD or AP MLD in the present disclosure. The computer program instructions cause the non-AP MLD or AP MLD to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the non-AP MLD or AP MLD in the various methods of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, these instructions are not further described here.

[0169] The present disclosure also provides a computer program. Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the non-AP MLD or AP MLD in the present disclosure. When the computer program is executed on the non-AP MLD or AP MLD, the non-AP MLD or AP MLD executes the corresponding processes implemented by the non-AP MLD or AP MLD in the various methods of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, these processes are not further described here.

[0170] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first multi-link device, and the method includes: detecting that a first link transmitting target service data between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device is in a first target state, and generating a first request frame to request mapping identification information of the target service to at least two links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; Sending the first request frame to the second multi-link device; A first response frame returned by the second multi-link device in response to the first request frame is received.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Detecting that a first link transmitting target service data between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device is in a first target state, and generating a first request frame, includes: detecting channel quality information of the first link and / or congestion information of the first link; If the channel quality information of the first link and / or the congestion information of the first link indicate that the first link is in the first target state, detecting the channel quality information of the second link and / or the congestion information of the second link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; If the channel quality information of the second link and / or the congestion information of the second link indicates that the second link is in the second target state, the first request frame is generated to request mapping the identification information of the target service to the target second link in the first link and the second link.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: If the first response frame indicates that the second multi-link device accepts the first request frame, the mapping relationship between the identification information of the target service and the first link and the target second link in the first multi-link device is updated according to the first response frame.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that Also includes: The target service data is transmitted in parallel through the first link and the target second link.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Also includes: If it is detected that the transmission of the target service data by the first link and the target second link does not meet the target service data transmission requirement, generating a second request frame to request mapping the identification information of the target service to at least three links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; A second response frame returned by the second multi-link device in response to the second request frame is received.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first request frame is further used to request that the identification information of the target service be converted from a first service identifier to a second service identifier, wherein the priority of the second service identifier is higher than that of the first service identifier.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first request frame is a service-to-link mapping request frame; The service-to-link mapping request frame includes a service-to-link mapping element; The service-to-link mapping element includes a service-to-link mapping control field; The service-to-link mapping control field includes a link mapping presence indication subfield, and a first value of the link mapping presence indication subfield is used to indicate that a target service identifier to link mapping field exists in the service-to-link mapping element; The target service identifier to link mapping field is used to indicate that the identifier information of the target service is mapped to at least two links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first target state indicates that the channel quality of the first link is lower than a threshold, and / or that there is congestion in the target service transmitted on the first link.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device or a non-access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device or an access point multi-link device.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first multi-link device and the second multi-link device both support negotiation of service-to-link mapping.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a second multi-link device, and the method includes: receiving a first request frame sent by a first multi-link device, wherein the first request frame requests mapping identification information of a target service to at least two links between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, wherein the target service data is transmitted between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device via a first link, and the first link is in a first target state; generating a first response frame in response to the first request frame; The first response frame is sent to the first multi-link device.

12. A multi-link device, characterized in that: include: processor; A memory configured to store a computer program or instruction, which, when executed by the processor, causes the multi-link device to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; or implement the method according to claim 11.

13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; or to implement the method according to claim 11.

14. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; or the computer program implements the method according to claim 11.

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