Maximum allowable and active links for each client at AP MLD

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods, components, devices, and systems for performing actions related to maximum allowed and active links for each client at an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD). An example method performed by an AP MLD includes outputting, for transmission, a first frame indicating at least one of: a first limit of an allowed number of links for association with a multi-link device (MLD) to which an apparatus is affiliated, or a second limit of a number of allowed active links; obtaining a request from the client to associate one or more links between the client and the AP MLD; and processing the request subject to at least the first limit.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 427,761, filed on January 30, 2024, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 484,477, filed on February 10, 2023, both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly, to maximum allowed and active links per client at an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD).

[0004] Related technical description

[0005] 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 known as wireless stations (STAs). The fundamental building block of a WLAN that complies with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of standards is the Basic Service Set (BSS) managed by the AP. Each BSS is identified by a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) announced by the AP. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames to enable any STA within the AP's wireless range to establish or maintain a communication link with the WLAN. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The systems, methods, and devices of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0007] One aspect provides an apparatus for wireless communication. The method includes: a memory including processor-executable instructions; one or more processors configured to execute the processor-executable instructions and cause the apparatus to: output a first frame for transmission indicating at least one of: a first limit on the number of links allowed for association with a multi-link device (MLD) to which the apparatus is attached, or a second limit on the number of active links allowed; obtain a request from a client to associate one or more links between the client and the AP MLD; and process the request subject to at least one of the first limit or the second limit.

[0008] Another aspect provides an apparatus for wireless communication. The method includes a memory including processor-executable instructions; one or more processors configured to execute the processor-executable instructions and cause the apparatus to: obtain a first frame indicating at least one of: a first limit on the number of links allowed for association with a multi-link device (MLD) attached to an access point (AP) or a second limit on the number of active links allowed; and output a request to associate one or more links between the apparatus and the MLD, the request being subject to at least one of the first limit or the second limit.

[0009] Other aspects provide: an apparatus operable to, configured to, or otherwise adapted to perform any one or more of the aforementioned methods and / or those described elsewhere herein; a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of the apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the aforementioned methods and those described elsewhere herein; a computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium comprising code for performing the aforementioned methods and those described elsewhere herein; and / or an apparatus comprising components for performing the aforementioned methods and those described elsewhere herein. By way of example, an apparatus may comprise a processing system, a device having a processing system, or processing systems cooperating through one or more networks.

[0010] The details of one or more specific implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. It should be noted that the relative dimensions in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another example wireless communication network is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an example multi-link device (MLD) deployment is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 A call flow diagram is shown in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 A method for wireless communication is shown.

[0016] Figure 6A method for wireless communication is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 Aspects of an example communication device are shown.

[0018] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following description refers to certain specific examples for the purpose of describing the 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 a variety of different ways. Some or all of the examples described may be implemented in a manner that is compatible with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the IEEE 802.15 standard, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), or any other standard defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The described examples may be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals in accordance with one or more of the Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G, or 5G (New Radio (NR)) standards promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The described examples may be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals in accordance with 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), spatial division multiple access (SDMA), rate splitting multiple access (RSMA), multi-user shared access (MUSA), single-user (SU) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), and multi-user (MU) MIMO. The described examples may also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), or an Internet of Things (IoT) network.

[0020] A multi-link device (MLD) typically consists of one or more attached STAs. An AP MLD typically refers to an MLD whose attached STA is an AP. A non-AP MLD typically refers to an MLD whose attached STA is a non-AP STA. Each STA in an MLD operates on a link. A link is a tuple consisting of {BSSID of the AP operating on the link, channel, and operation class}. Frame transmission and reception are performed by the attached STAs.

[0021] Multi-link operation (MLO) generally refers to a feature in advanced wireless systems, such as 802.11be Extreme High Throughput (EHT), that enables the use of multiple links using separate frequency channels for transmission and reception between devices. MLO can enable an AP, a client, or both to concurrently utilize multiple radio links on different frequency channels / bands.

[0022] MLO enables a pair of devices to simultaneously transmit and receive using multiple wireless links in different frequency bands. This allows for simultaneous use of multiple bands and also improves the throughput of a single data session, whereas current multi-band APs may allow client devices to connect using only one band at a time. Ideally, the maximum achievable throughput of MLO is the sum of the achievable throughput of each link.

[0023] In some systems, direct links between client devices (referred to as peer-to-peer (P2P) or direct links) can be established between stations (STAs), while one or more of the stations can also remain associated with the AP. These P2P mechanisms can help reduce the amount of traffic passing through the network and prevent congestion at the AP. P2P links can be automatically established between devices without intervention from the AP or user, and the connection to the AP can be maintained.

[0024] As noted above, some multi-link devices (MLDs) are capable of supporting (e.g., associating with and operating on) several links (e.g., 5 links). However, in some cases, an AP MLD may not be able to, or may not have the resources to, support a non-AP MLD operating on a specific number of links. For example, some AP-MLDs may only be capable of supporting 2 links. Therefore, it may be useful for an AP MLD (e.g., one that supports several links) to limit the number of links that it is allowed to associate with.

[0025] In some cases, an access point (AP) MLD has the option to accept a subset of requested links (e.g., associated links) (e.g., and reject a subset of requested links). For example, in some cases, a 1:1 traffic identifier (TID) to link (T2LM) mapping negotiation can be used to address this issue. In a T2LM mapping negotiation, both parties (the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD) can request a mapping / link, and both parties can reject the requested mapping / link. For example, in some cases, a non-AP MLD can reject an AP MLD's request for a link in a T2LM mapping negotiation. In some cases, a non-AP MLD can request any number of links, and the AP MLD can be allowed to reject any of the requested links.

[0026] It may be advantageous for a non-AP MLD to know the upper limit of links that an AP-MLD may allow (e.g., before transmitting a request for one or more mappings / links). Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques that may enable an AP-MLD to announce a limit on the number of associated and / or active links.

[0027] For example, in some cases, the AP MLD may inform one or more non-AP MLDs of a first limit on the maximum allowed links for association and / or a second limit on the maximum allowed active links. Such information may allow the non-AP MLDs to apply power saving procedures (e.g., per-link power saving) to limit the number of links requested by the non-AP MLD and / or the number of links on which the non-AP MLD is active, thereby allowing the non-AP MLDs to meet the requirements of the AP MLDs while reducing power consumption.

[0028] Example Wireless Communication Network

[0029] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example wireless communication network 100 is shown. According to some aspects, the 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, the WLAN 100 may be a network that implements at least one of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards, such as those 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 802.11 revisions associated with Wi-Fi 8. The WLAN 100 may include a plurality of wireless communication devices, such as a wireless AP 102 and a plurality of wireless STAs 104. Although Figure 1 Only one AP 102 is shown in FIG. 1 , but the WLAN network 100 may also include multiple APs 102 . Figure 1 The illustrated AP 102 may represent various types of APs, including but not limited to enterprise-class APs, single-band APs, dual-band APs, standalone APs, software-enabled APs (soft APs), and multi-link APs. The coverage area and capacity of cellular networks (such as LTE, 5G NR, etc.) can be further improved by small cells supported by APs acting as micro base stations. In addition, small cells can also be used to establish private cellular networks over wireless area networks.

[0030] Each STA 104 may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), a mobile device, a mobile phone, a wireless phone, an access terminal (AT), a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), or a subscriber unit, etc. STA 104 may represent a variety of devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptop computers, Chromebooks, extended reality (XR) headsets, wearable devices, display devices (e.g., TVs (including smart TVs), computer monitors, navigation systems, etc.), music or other audio or stereo equipment, remote control devices (“remote controls”), printers, kitchen appliances (including smart refrigerators) or other home appliances, remote control keys (e.g., for passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, vehicles, etc. The various STAs 104 in the network can communicate with each other via the AP 102.

[0031] 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 1 Additionally shown is an example coverage area 108 of the AP 102, which may represent a basic service area (BSA) of the WLAN 100. A BSS may be identified or indicated to a user by a service set identifier (SSID) and may also be identified to other devices by a basic service set identifier (BSSID), which may be the media access control (MAC) address of the AP 102. The AP 102 may periodically broadcast a beacon frame ("beacon") including the BSSID to enable any STA 104 within wireless range of the AP 102 to "associate" or re-associate with the AP 102 to establish or maintain a corresponding communication link 106 (hereinafter also referred to as a "Wi-Fi link") with the AP 102. For example, the beacon may include an identification or indication of a 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 the various STAs 104 in the WLAN with access to external networks via respective communication links 106 .

[0032] To establish a communication link 106 with the AP 102, each of the STAs 104 is configured to perform passive or active scanning operations ("scans") on frequency channels in one or more frequency bands (eg, the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz bands). To perform a passive scan, the STA 104 listens for beacons transmitted by the corresponding AP 102 at periodic time intervals, referred to as target beacon transmit times (TBTTs), measured in time units (TUs), where one TU may be equal to 1024 microseconds (μs). To perform an active scan, the STA 104 generates probe requests and sequentially transmits these probe requests on each channel to be scanned, and listens for probe responses from the AP 102. Each STA 104 may identify, determine, detect, or select an AP 102 with which to associate based on the scan 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 association identifier (AID) to the STA 104 at the end of the association operation, and the AP 102 uses the association identifier (AID) to track the STA 104.

[0033] As wireless networks become increasingly common, a STA 104 may have the opportunity to select one of many BSSs within range of the STA or multiple APs 102 that together form an extended service set (ESS) (including multiple connected BSSs). Extended network stations associated with a WLAN 100 can connect to a wired or wireless distribution system that allows multiple APs 102 to connect in such an ESS. Thus, a STA 104 may be covered by more than one AP 102 and may associate with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. In addition, after associating with an AP 102, the STA 104 may also periodically scan its surroundings to find a more suitable AP 102 with which to associate. For example, a STA 104 that is moving relative to its associated AP 102 may perform a "roaming" scan to find another AP 102 with more desirable network characteristics, such as a greater received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or reduced traffic load.

[0034] In some cases, STAs 104 may form a network without APs 102 or other equipment other than the STAs 104 themselves. One example of such a network is an ad hoc network (or wireless ad hoc network). An ad hoc network may alternatively be referred to as a mesh network or a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In some cases, an ad hoc network may be implemented within a larger wireless network, such as WLAN 100. In such an example, while STAs 104 may be able to communicate with each other through APs 102 using communication links 106, STAs 104 may also communicate directly with each other via direct wireless communication links 110. Additionally, two STAs 104 may communicate via direct communication links 110 regardless of whether they are associated with and served by the same AP 102. In such an ad hoc system, one or more STAs 104 may assume the role played by APs 102 in a BSS. Such STAs 104 may be referred to as group owners (GOs) and may coordinate transmissions within the ad hoc network. Examples of direct wireless communication links 110 include Wi-Fi direct connections, connections established by using a Wi-Fi Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) link, and other P2P group connections.

[0035] The AP 102 and the STA 104 may operate and communicate (via corresponding communication links 106) in accordance with one or more of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. These standards define WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the PHY and MAC layers. The AP 102 and the STA 104 send and receive wireless communications (hereinafter also referred to 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 the STA 104 in the WLAN 100 may send PPDUs over an unlicensed spectrum, which may be a portion of the spectrum that includes frequency bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technology, such as the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, the 60 GHz band, the 3.6 GHz band, and the 900 MHz band. Some examples of the AP 102 and the STA 104 described herein may also communicate in other frequency bands that may support both licensed and unlicensed communications, such as the 5.9 GHz band and the 6 GHz band. The AP 102 and STAs 104 may also communicate on other frequency bands, such as shared licensed frequency bands, where multiple operators may have licenses to operate in one or more of the same or overlapping frequency bands.

[0036] Each frequency band may include multiple sub-bands or frequency channels. For example, PPDUs compliant with IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11be standard revisions may be transmitted in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz frequency bands, each of which is divided into multiple 20 MHz channels. Thus, these PPDUs are transmitted on physical channels with a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz, but larger channels may be formed through channel bonding. For example, a PPDU may be transmitted on a physical channel with a bandwidth of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz by bonding multiple 20 MHz channels together.

[0037] 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 subsequent data in the PSDU. In instances where the PPDU is transmitted on a bonded channel, the preamble field may be duplicated and transmitted in each of the multiple component channels. The PHY preamble may include both a legacy portion (or "legacy preamble") and a non-legacy portion (or "non-legacy preamble"). The legacy preamble may 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 to transmit the payload.

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another example wireless communication network 200 is shown. According to some aspects, the wireless communication network 200 can be an example of a mesh network, an IoT network, or a sensor network in accordance with one or more of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards, including the 802.11ah revision. The wireless network 200 can include a plurality of wireless communication devices 214. The wireless communication devices 214 can represent various devices, such as display devices (e.g., TVs, computer monitors, navigation systems, etc.), music or other audio or stereo equipment, remote control devices ("remote controls"), printers, kitchen or other home appliances, and the like.

[0039] In some examples, wireless communication device 214 senses, measures, collects, or otherwise obtains and processes data, and then sends such raw or processed data to intermediate device 212 for subsequent processing or distribution. Additionally or alternatively, intermediate device 212 can send control information, digital content (e.g., audio or video data), configuration information, or other instructions to wireless communication device 214. Intermediary device 212 and wireless communication device 214 can communicate with each other via wireless communication link 216. In some examples, wireless communication link 216 includes a Bluetooth link or other PAN or short-range communication link.

[0040] In some examples, the intermediary device 212 can also be configured to wirelessly communicate with other networks, such as a Wi-Fi WLAN or a wireless (e.g., cellular) wide area network (WWAN), which in turn can provide access to external networks, including the Internet. For example, the intermediary device 212 can associate with and communicate with the AP 202 of the WLAN network via a Wi-Fi link 218, which can also serve various STAs 204. In some examples, the intermediary device 212 is an example of a network gateway (e.g., an IoT gateway). In this way, the intermediary device 212 can act as an edge bridge that provides Wi-Fi core backhaul for an IoT network that includes wireless communication devices 214. In some examples, the intermediary device 212 can analyze, pre-process, and aggregate data received from wireless communication devices 214 locally at the edge before sending the data via the Wi-Fi link 218 to other devices or external networks. The intermediary device 212 can also provide additional security for the IoT network and the data it transmits.

[0041] Aspects of the transmission may vary depending on the distance between the sender (e.g., AP 102 or STA 104) and the receiver (e.g., another AP 102 or STA 104). Wireless communication devices may generally benefit from having information regarding the location or proximity of various STAs 104 within a coverage area. In some examples, an RTT-based ranging process may be used to determine (e.g., calculate or compute) the relevant distances. Additionally, in some examples, the AP 102 and the STA 104 may perform ranging operations. Each ranging operation may involve the exchange of fine timing measurement (FTM) frames (such as those defined in the 802.11az amendment to the IEEE wireless communication protocol family of standards) to obtain a measurement of the RTT transmission between the wireless communication devices.

[0042] Overview of Multilink Devices

[0043] As initially described above, a multi-link device (MLD) generally refers to a single device or equipment that includes two or more station (STA) instances or entities that are implemented in the physical (PHY) / medium access control (MAC) layer and configured to communicate on separate wireless links. In some examples, each MLD can include a single higher-layer entity, such as a MAC service access point (SAP), which can assign MAC protocol data units (MPDUs) for transmission by separate STA instances.

[0044] Figure 3 A block diagram 300 of an example MLD deployment is shown. Figure 3 As shown, an access point (AP) MLD can communicate with a non-AP MLD. Each of the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can include at least two STA entities (hereinafter also referred to as "STAs") that can communicate with the associated STAs of the other MLD. In an AP MLD, the STA can be an AP STA (a STA that functions as an AP or simply "AP"). In a non-AP MLD, the STA can be a non-AP STA (a STA that does not function as an AP). As also described above, the MLD can utilize multi-link aggregation (MLA) (which includes packet-level aggregation), thereby transmitting MPDUs from the same traffic ID (TID) via two or more wireless links.

[0045] Various communication modes can be used in the specific implementation of MLD. For example, MLD can communicate in asynchronous (Async) mode or synchronous (Sync) mode.

[0046] In asynchronous mode, the STA / AP can count down on both radio links (e.g., via random backoff (RBO)). The start / end of a Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) can occur independently on each radio link. As a result, asynchronous mode can potentially provide latency and aggregation gains. In some cases, relatively complex (and expensive) filters may be required (e.g., in the case of 5 GHz + 6 GHz aggregation).

[0047] In synchronous mode, the STA / AP can also count down on two wireless links (e.g., Link 1 and Link 2). If the first link (e.g., Link 1) wins the medium, both links can send PPDUs simultaneously. Therefore, this mode can benefit from some restrictions to minimize intra-device interference.

[0048] Synchronous mode can operate in 5GHz+6GHz aggregation and may require relatively low filter performance while still providing latency and aggregation gains. However, due to the tiled architecture of STAs, this latency and aggregation gains may be difficult to achieve.

[0049] Although not shown, the third communication mode may include a basic (e.g., multi-primary channel single-link transmission) mode. In basic mode, the STA / AP may also count down on both wireless links. However, transmission may only occur on the wireless link that wins the medium. The other wireless link may be blocked by in-device interference greater than -62 decibels per milliwatt (dBm). In this mode, aggregation gain may not be achieved.

[0050] One potential issue with MLO deployments is congestion, which may need to be addressed to achieve better band management. Other potential issues for APs and clients that may limit MLO deployments are that the AP needs to manage individual client radio usage and provide services on multiple radios while limiting the number of links a single client can switch between. The AP may also want to limit the number of radios on which a client can be active (e.g., transmit / receive) at one time to manage load.

[0051] Clients (e.g., customers) may view MLO as a tool to adapt to dynamic traffic loads, link quality, and collocation operations. It may be desirable to have autonomy in managing performance. Most scenarios may only require at most two active links, but may benefit from the ability to easily switch between more bands / channels (e.g., to adapt to changing conditions / mobility).

[0052] Aspects of the present disclosure provide mechanisms that can be added to MLO negotiation to achieve the desired behavior noted above. In some cases, the AP may announce a maximum number of links on which a client may associate and / or a maximum number of links on which a client may be active (e.g., for transmission / reception). Based on this information, the client may use power savings (PS) subject to the announced maximums to change which links are active between the association sets.

[0053] Aspects of the present disclosure can help improve AP band management, allowing an AP to manage its resources to meet the needs of all clients while delivering the required service to each client. This can be achieved by allowing an AP MLD operating several links to limit the number of links a non-AP MLD can associate with and advertise this limit. This can be beneficial so a non-AP MLD can know the upper limit in advance so that it can request the link that best suits it within the limit set by the AP. Within the accepted links, the AP MLD may want to limit the number of links on which a non-AP MLD can be active. Effectively managing the number of concurrently active links in this way can help reduce the complexity of deploying MLDs.

[0054] Aspects related to indicating limits on allowed and active links per client at the AP MLD

[0055] As noted above, an MLD may be able to support various numbers of links (e.g., be associated with and operate on various numbers of links). Therefore, it may be advantageous for a non-AP MLD to know the upper limit of links that an AP-MLD may allow. Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques that may enable an AP-MLD to inform one or more non-AP MLDs of a first limit on the maximum allowed links for association and a second limit on the maximum allowed active links. Such information may allow the non-AP MLD to apply power conservation procedures (e.g., per-link power conservation) to limit the number of links requested by the non-AP MLD and / or the number of links on which the non-AP MLD is active, thereby allowing the non-AP MLD to meet the requirements of the AP MLD.

[0056] The techniques proposed in this paper for implementing restrictions on allowed and / or active links can be found in Figure 4 The call flow diagram 400 is understood.

[0057] As indicated at 406, the AP MLD (AP affiliated with the MLD) may output a first frame for transmission to a client (e.g., a non-AP MLD) indicating at least one of: a first limit on the allowed number of links for association, or a second limit on the allowed number of active links.

[0058] As indicated at 408, the client may output a request to associate or activate one or more links between the client and the AP MLD, the request being subject to at least one of the first restriction or the second restriction. As indicated at 410, the AP MLD may process the request subject to at least one of the first restriction or the second restriction.

[0059] In some cases, the AP MLD may send a response to the request. As described in more detail below, the response may indicate an acceptance of the request (e.g., acceptance / establishment of one or more links) or, in some cases, a rejection of the request (e.g., rejection of one or more links). In the case of a rejection, the response may indicate an error code indicating that one or both of the first limit or the second limit is exceeded.

[0060] As will be described in more detail below, in some cases, the AP-MLD may indicate an update to one or both of the first limit or the second limit. In such cases, the update may be sent in association with at least one of the following: a critical update flag (CUF) in the capability information field being set to 1, a BSS parameter change count (BPCC) field corresponding to at least one subordinate AP being incremented, or all update flags corresponding to at least one subordinate AP being set to 1.

[0061] In some cases, new fields (e.g., a maximum allowed associated links field / subfield and a maximum active links field / subfield) may be defined in the common information field of the basic multilink information element (IE) for one or both of the first and second limits. For example, the maximum active links field may indicate a recommended number of maximum simultaneous links. Such a field may span 4 bits and may define a recommended maximum number of enabled links on which a non-AP MLD may operate for simultaneous frame exchange. In some aspects, when an AP MLD indicates / announces a value of L (e.g., where L is greater than 1) in the maximum active links (sub)field of the basic multilink element carried in a beacon or broadcast probe response frame, the associated non-AP MLD should not exchange frames on more than L links simultaneously. In some aspects, a value of 0 may indicate that the AP MLD does not announce any such limit, and a value of 1 may be reserved.

[0062] In some cases, if the Limit Associations and Active Links subfield is present in the Basic Multilink Element sent by the AP attached to the AP MLD, and the AP has indicated a non-zero value in the Maximum Allowed Associations subfield or the Maximum Active Links (sub)field, the behavior may depend on the value of the Support Limit Associations and Active Links subfield in the Basic Multilink Element sent by the non-AP MLD. For example, if this subfield is set to:

[0063] 0, then the AP MLD shall not accept a total of links greater than the value indicated in the Maximum Active Links subfield in the Basic Multilink Element sent by the AP attached to the AP MLD during multilink (re)establishment; or

[0064] 1 and the number of links requested by the non-AP MLD during multilink (re)establishment exceeds the value indicated in the Maximum Allowed Associations subfield in the Basic Multilink Element sent by the AP attached to the AP MLD, then the AP MLD shall not accept more links than the value indicated in the Maximum Allowed Associations subfield.

[0065] In some aspects, the frame may include one or more fields (e.g., a presence bitmap subfield) to indicate the presence of at least one of the maximum allowed associated links field or the maximum active links field. At least one of the first limit or the second limit may be announced in a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

[0066] According to certain aspects, the non-AP MLD may obtain / receive an advertised maximum allowed associated links field and a maximum active links field indicating the maximum number of links a client is allowed to associate with and the maximum number of links on which the client is allowed to be active at any given time, respectively. In certain aspects, the non-AP MLD may provide an indication that the client supports at least one of the allowed associated links field or the maximum active links field.

[0067] The non-AP may consider the announced limit when negotiating links with the AP-MLD. For example, in some aspects, the non-AP MLD may request association for X links, where X <= the maximum allowed associated links. In such aspects, the non-AP MLD may select X links from the link set announced by the AP.

[0068] According to certain aspects, a non-AP MLD may be active on Y links (e.g., for both uplink and downlink), where Y <= min(maximum active links, X). In such aspects, a non-AP MLD may select the Y links on which it is active (e.g., for both uplink and downlink).

[0069] According to certain aspects, if a non-AP MLD's request exceeds the maximum allowed associated links, an indication may be provided by the AP MLD to the non-AP MLD to reject specific links (e.g., reject the specific links in the association request). For example, in certain aspects, if a non-AP MLD's request exceeds the maximum allowed associated links, a status code (e.g., "exceeded maximum allowed associated links") may be defined for rejecting specific links. For example, in some cases, a multi-link association (e.g., generated by a multi-link association request) may be successful, but one or more links requested in the association request may be rejected (e.g., using a defined status code). In some aspects, if a non-AP MLD's multi-link association request includes a total number of links that exceeds the maximum allowed associated links, the multi-link association may be rejected (e.g., with the status code indicating "exceeded maximum allowed associated links").

[0070] According to certain aspects, the AP-MLD may update / change the value announced in at least one of the Maximum Allowed Associated Links field or the Maximum Active Links field. In such aspects, the update may be considered a critical update (e.g., a priority flag / critical update flag (CUF) may be set to 1) so that non-AP-MLDs may become aware of and comply with the newly announced limit / maximum value. According to certain aspects, an add / remove procedure may be used to add or remove one or more links to satisfy the new value of the Maximum Allowed Associated Links field (e.g., after association).

[0071] In some cases, an update may be indicated in the second frame using a flag indicating the presence of an update to the parameters of the device or the MLD to which the device is attached. In some cases, the second frame may indicate a counter associated with the parameters of the device or the MLD to which the device is attached. This counter may be associated with an incremented BSS Parameter Change Counter (BPCC) carried in the Basic ML IE for the reporting AP and in the Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) element for the reported AP. The second frame may include a flag indicating that information related to the update is included in the second frame itself. This flag may be referred to as the Include All Updates flag, which indicates that the update that increments the BPCC is carried within the same frame—in other words, the receiving STA does not need to transmit a probe request or listen to beacon frames to retrieve the update.

[0072] According to certain aspects, the non-AP MLD may indicate the number of active links to the AP-MLD. In certain aspects, the non-AP MLD may use the power management (PM) subfield in the frame header to indicate an active state (e.g., or an inactive state). In some cases, for example, PM=0 indicates an active state, and PM=1 indicates a power saving (e.g., inactive or sleep) state.

[0073] In some scenarios, the AP MLD may announce / broadcast a maximum active links field indicating the maximum number of links L on which the client is allowed to be active at any given time, and the non-AP MLD may set / indicate the number of active links greater than L. According to certain aspects, the AP MLD may consider the most recently signaled L links active (e.g., PM=0) and all other links inactive.

[0074] Aspects of the present disclosure can help address scenarios where association is available on various links (e.g., 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz / 6 GHz), with a maximum of two active links. In one example scenario, the 5 GHz link and the 6 GHz link may currently be active (PM=0) but unreachable. From the perspective of the non-AP, no links are active, but from the perspective of the AP MLD, two links are active (5 GHz and 6 GHz). The non-AP can then activate the 2.4 GHz link (e.g., setting PM=0), resulting in three links being active from the perspective of the AP MLD (2.4 GHz link / 5 GHz link / 6 GHz link). In other words, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD may be out of sync with respect to the number of active links.

[0075] There are various potential solutions to this problem. For example, a non-AP could initiate TID-to-link mapping (T2LM) on 2.4 GHz to disable both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz links. In this case, the T2LM request frame could indicate PM = 0. The AP MLD could be expected to understand that the non-AP MLD is shutting down at least one of the two (currently) active links and activating one, while the AP MLD might expect that only one link is active (at 2.4 GHz). The outcome of this 1:1 T2LM negotiation may not be guaranteed. However, in this scenario, T2LM negotiation may need to be considered mandatory.

[0076] Another potential solution involves cross-link power saving, where a non-AP signals PM=1 for either the 5 GHz link or the 6 GHz link via 2.4 GHz, while indicating PM=0 for 2.4 GHz.

[0077] Another potential solution involves new signaling, such as explicit management frame exchanges, to indicate which links are active / operational. For example, a non-AP MLD could transmit management frames on 2.4 GHz to turn off 5 GHz and 6 GHz while turning on 2.4 GHz.

[0078] In some cases, multi-link reconfiguration (e.g., ML Reconfig) may be performed to remove unreachable links and add them back when they are in range. In such cases, non-AP STAs on the 5GHz / 6GHz links may keep monitoring beacons to determine reach range.

[0079] In some cases, flexible target wake time (TWT) information can be used. TWT information frames can control the PM state of the link on which they are sent, even if TWT is not established between the transmitting STA and the receiving STA. In some cases (for example, for TWT information frame exchanges between EHT STAs), cross-link TWT information can be added to allow changes to the PM state of other links (a lesser-known way to perform cross-link PS).

[0080] Another potential solution involves the AP's announcement time, during which a non-AP cannot change its "operating" link beyond the maximum allowed. One potential problem is that the non-AP may be stuck in the current link establishment until the "window" expires. In some cases, the non-AP may need to be awake after transmitting a PS-Poll. The non-AP may transmit a QoS null value (PM=0) followed by another QoS null value, and the AP may be unable to serve due to a busy channel.

[0081] Another potential solution involves the non-AP maintaining its "operational" link set for a well-defined period of time. In such a case, the TBTT of the link with the lowest link ID (e.g., the link set is allowed to change at each TBTT epoch). The non-AP can transmit PS-Polls or set PM=0 within the same set until the next TBTT. In such a case, there may be no need to announce the change, as the AP can determine the new set based on the link on which the frame is received.

[0082] Example Operation

[0083] Figure 5 shows that in AP (such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a method 500 for performing wireless communications at an AP 102).

[0084] Method 500 begins at step 510 by outputting a first frame for transmission indicating at least one of: a first limit on the number of links allowed for association with a multi-link device (MLD) to which the apparatus is attached, or a second limit on the number of active links allowed. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the operation of Figure 7 The circuit for outputting and / or the code for outputting are described, or can be executed by the circuit and / or the code.

[0085] Method 500 then proceeds to step 520, where a request is obtained from the client to associate or activate one or more links between the client and the AP MLD. In some cases, the operation of this step is as described in reference to Figure 7 The described circuit for obtaining and / or code for obtaining, or executable by the circuit and / or the code.

[0086] Method 500 then proceeds to step 530 where the request is processed subject to at least one of the first restriction or the second restriction. In some cases, the operation of this step is as described in reference to Figure 7 The circuits for processing and / or the code for processing are described, or can be executed by the circuits and / or the code.

[0087] In some aspects, the client is attached to a non-AP MLD.

[0088] In some aspects, the first frame comprises a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

[0089] In some aspects, at least one of the first limit or the second limit is output for transmission in a common information field of a basic multilink information element (IE).

[0090] In some aspects, the first frame includes at least one field indicating the presence of at least one of the first restriction and the second restriction.

[0091] In some aspects, the method 500 further includes: obtaining an indication that the client supports the first restriction and the second restriction. In some cases, the operation of this step is as described in reference Figure 7 The described circuit for obtaining and / or code for obtaining, or executable by the circuit and / or the code.

[0092] In some aspects, method 500 further includes: processing the request subject to the first restriction and the second restriction only after obtaining the indication. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the operation of Figure 7 The circuits for processing and / or the code for processing are described, or can be executed by the circuits and / or the code.

[0093] In some aspects, the method 500 further includes: outputting a frame indicating the first restriction and the second restriction only after obtaining the indication. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the operation of Figure 7 The circuit for outputting and / or the code for outputting are described, or can be executed by the circuit and / or the code.

[0094] In some aspects, processing the request includes, if the number of links indicated in the request exceeds a first limit, outputting, for transmission to the client, an indication that at least one of the one or more links is rejected. The rejection may be for the entire association or only for additional links requested as part of the association (exceeding a maximum).

[0095] In some aspects, the indication includes a status code indicating that at least one of the one or more links is rejected because a number of links indicated in the request exceeds a first limit.

[0096] In some aspects, the method 500 further includes: outputting a second frame for transmission indicating an update to at least one of the first limit or the second limit. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the operation of Figure 7 The circuit for outputting and / or the code for outputting are described, or can be executed by the circuit and / or the code.

[0097] In some aspects, the second frame includes at least one of: a flag indicating that there is an update to one or more operating parameters of the device or at least one of the MLDs to which the device is attached, an update to a counter associated with one or more operating parameters of the device or at least one of the MLDs to which the device is attached, or a flag indicating that information related to the update is included in the second frame.

[0098] In some aspects, the method 500 further includes: performing a process for adding or removing at least one link based on the update. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the process of referring to Figure 7 Circuits for performing and / or code for performing are described, or can be performed by the circuits and / or the code.

[0099] In some aspects, the method 500 further includes: obtaining an indication from the client that more than the second limit of links are active. In some cases, the operation of this step is as described in reference to Figure 7 The described circuit for obtaining and / or code for obtaining, or executable by the circuit and / or the code.

[0100] In some aspects, the method 500 further includes: designating the most recently activated links up to the second limit as active after receiving the indication. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the following steps: Figure 7 The circuits for specifying and / or the codes for specifying are described, or can be executed by the circuits and / or the codes.

[0101] In one aspect, method 500 or any aspect related thereto may be performed by an apparatus such as Figure 7 The method 500 is performed by a communication device 700 comprising various components operable, configured or adapted to perform the method 500. The communication device 700 is described in more detail below.

[0102] It should be noted that Figure 5 This is merely one example of a method, and other methods including fewer, additional, or alternative steps are possible consistent with the present disclosure.

[0103] Figure 6 shows that in AP (such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a method 600 for performing wireless communication at an STA 120).

[0104] Method 600 begins at step 610 by obtaining a first frame indicating at least one of: a first limit on the number of links allowed for associating with a multi-link device (MLD) attached to an access point (AP), or a second limit on the number of active links allowed. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the process described in reference to FIG. Figure 7 The described circuit for obtaining and / or code for obtaining, or executable by the circuit and / or the code.

[0105] Method 600 then proceeds to step 620, outputting a request to associate or activate one or more links between the device and the MLD, the request being subject to at least one of the first restriction or the second restriction. In some cases, the operation of this step is as described in reference to Figure 7 The circuit for outputting and / or the code for outputting are described, or can be executed by the circuit and / or the code.

[0106] In some aspects, the device is attached to a non-AP MLD.

[0107] In some aspects, the first frame comprises a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

[0108] In some aspects, at least one of the first limit or the second limit is obtained in a common information field of a basic multilink information element (IE).

[0109] In some aspects, the first frame includes at least one field indicating the presence of at least one of the first restriction and the second restriction.

[0110] In some aspects, the method 600 further includes: outputting an indication that the device supports the first restriction and the second restriction for transmission. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the following steps: Figure 7 The circuit for outputting and / or the code for outputting are described, or can be executed by the circuit and / or the code.

[0111] In some aspects, method 600 further includes: obtaining an indication that at least one of the one or more links is rejected, wherein the indication includes a status code indicating that at least one of the one or more links is rejected because the number of links indicated in the request exceeds a first limit. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the operation of Figure 7 The described circuit for obtaining and / or code for obtaining, or executable by the circuit and / or the code.

[0112] In some aspects, the method 600 further comprises obtaining a second frame indicating an update to at least one of the first constraint or the second constraint. In some cases, the operation of this step is as described in reference to Figure 7 The described circuit for obtaining and / or code for obtaining, or executable by the circuit and / or the code.

[0113] In some aspects, the second frame includes at least one of: a flag indicating that there is an update to one or more operating parameters of at least one of the device or the MLD, an update to a counter associated with one or more operating parameters of at least one of the device or the MLD, or a flag indicating that information related to the update is included in the second frame.

[0114] In some aspects, the method 600 further includes: performing a process for adding or removing at least one link based on the update. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the process of referring to Figure 7 Circuits for performing and / or code for performing are described, or can be performed by the circuits and / or the code.

[0115] In some aspects, performing the process to add or remove at least one link based on the update includes updating a power management state of the at least one link based on the update.

[0116] In one aspect, method 600 or any aspect related thereto may be performed by an apparatus such as Figure 7 The method 600 is performed by a communication device 700 comprising various components operable, configured or adapted to perform the method 600. The communication device 700 is described in more detail below.

[0117] It should be noted that Figure 6 This is merely one example of a method, and other methods including fewer, additional, or alternative steps are possible consistent with the present disclosure.

[0118] Example Communication Device

[0119] Figure 7 Depicted are aspects of an example communication device 700. In some aspects, the communication device 700 is a station, such as described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some aspects, the communication device 700 is an access point, such as the STA 120 described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2AP 102 described herein. Output component 702 may include circuitry for outputting and / or code for outputting. Obtain component 704 may include circuitry for obtaining and / or code for obtaining. Process component 706 may include circuitry for processing and / or code for processing. Output for transmission component 708 may include circuitry for outputting and / or code for outputting for transmission.

[0120] The means for outputting, the means for sending, the means for obtaining, the means for receiving, the means for obtaining, the means for processing, the means for executing, the means for limiting and / or the means for specifying may include one or more processors, transceivers, or other types of circuits.

[0121] Sample Clauses

[0122] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0123] Item 1: A method for wireless communication at a wireless node, the method comprising: outputting a first frame for transmission indicating at least one of: a first limit on an allowed number of links for association with a multi-link device (MLD) to which the wireless node is attached, or a second limit on an allowed number of active links; obtaining a request from a client to associate one or more links between the client and the AP MLD; and processing the request subject to at least the first limit.

[0124] Clause 2: The method of clause 1, wherein the client is attached to a non-AP MLD.

[0125] Clause 3: The method of any of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the first frame comprises a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

[0126] Clause 4: A method according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first limit or the second limit is output for transmission in a common information field of a basic multilink information element (IE).

[0127] Clause 5: The method of any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the first frame comprises at least one field indicating the presence of at least one of the first restriction and the second restriction.

[0128] Clause 6: The method of any one of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising: obtaining an indication that the client supports the first restriction and the second restriction.

[0129] Clause 7: The method of clause 6, comprising processing the request subject to the first restriction and the second restriction only after obtaining the indication.

[0130] Clause 8: The method of clause 6, comprising outputting the frame indicating the first restriction and the second restriction only after obtaining the indication.

[0131] Clause 9: A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein processing the request includes: if the number of links indicated in the request exceeds the first limit, outputting an indication that at least one of the one or more links is rejected for sending to the client.

[0132] Clause 10: The method of clause 9, wherein the indication comprises a status code indicating that at least one of the one or more links is rejected because the number of links indicated in the request exceeds the first limit.

[0133] Clause 11: The method of any of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising outputting for transmission a second frame indicating an update to at least one of the first limit or the second limit.

[0134] Clause 12: The method of clause 11, wherein the second frame includes at least one of: a flag indicating that there is an update to one or more operating parameters of the wireless node or at least one of the MLDs to which the wireless node is affiliated, an update to a counter associated with the one or more operating parameters of the wireless node or at least one of the MLDs to which the wireless node is affiliated, or a flag indicating that information related to the update is included in the second frame.

[0135] Clause 13: The method of clause 11, further comprising performing a process to add or remove at least one link based on the update.

[0136] Clause 14: A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, further comprising: obtaining an indication from the client that more links than the second limit are active; and after receiving the indication, designating the most recently activated links up to the second limit as active.

[0137] Clause 15: A method for wireless communication at a wireless node, the method comprising: obtaining a first frame indicating at least one of: a first limit on an allowed number of links for association with a multi-link device (MLD) attached to an access point (AP), or a second limit on an allowed number of active links; and outputting a request to associate one or more links between the wireless node and the MLD, the request being subject to at least the first limit.

[0138] Clause 16: The method of clause 15, wherein the wireless node is attached to a non-AP MLD.

[0139] Clause 17: A method as described in any of clauses 15 to 16, wherein the first frame comprises a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

[0140] Clause 18: The method of any of clauses 15 to 17, wherein at least one of the first limit or the second limit is obtained in a common information field of a basic multilink information element (IE).

[0141] Clause 19: The method of any of clauses 15 to 18, wherein the first frame comprises at least one field indicating the presence of at least one of the first restriction and the second restriction.

[0142] Clause 20: The method of any of clauses 15 to 19, further comprising outputting for transmission an indication that the wireless node supports the first restriction and the second restriction.

[0143] Clause 21: A method according to any one of clauses 15 to 20, further comprising: obtaining an indication that at least one of the one or more links is rejected, wherein the indication includes a status code indicating that at least one of the one or more links is rejected because the number of links indicated in the request exceeds the first limit.

[0144] Clause 22: The method of any of clauses 15 to 21, further comprising obtaining a second frame indicating an update to at least one of the first constraint or the second constraint.

[0145] Clause 23: The method of clause 22, wherein the second frame includes at least one of: a flag indicating that there is an update to one or more operating parameters of at least one of the wireless node or the MLD, an update to a counter associated with the one or more operating parameters of at least one of the wireless node or the MLD, or a flag indicating that information related to the update is included in the second frame.

[0146] Clause 24: The method of clause 22, further comprising performing a process to add or remove at least one link based on the update.

[0147] Clause 25: The method of clause 24, wherein performing a process to add or remove at least one link based on the update comprises updating a power management state of at least one link based on the update.

[0148] Clause 26: An apparatus comprising: at least one memory comprising instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 25.

[0149] Clause 27: An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any one of clauses 1 to 25.

[0150] Clause 28: A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 25.

[0151] Clause 29: A computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium comprising code for performing the method according to any one of clauses 1 to 25.

[0152] Clause 30: A wireless node comprising: at least one transceiver; at least one memory comprising instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions and cause the UE to perform a method according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to send the first frame.

[0153] Clause 31: A wireless node comprising: at least one transceiver; at least one memory comprising instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions and cause the network entity to perform a method according to any one of clauses 15 to 25, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to receive the first frame.

[0154] Additional considerations

[0155] As used herein, the terms "determine" or "determine" encompass a wide variety of actions, and thus, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (such as via searching in a table, database, or other data structure), reasoning, ascertaining, and the like. Additionally, "determining" may include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data stored in a memory), sending (such as sending information), and the like. Additionally, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, obtaining, choosing, establishing, and other such similar actions.

[0156] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items (including single members). For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to encompass: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc. As used herein, unless expressly indicated otherwise, "or" is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense. For example, "a or b" may include only a, only b, or a combination of a and b.

[0157] As used herein, unless expressly indicated otherwise, "or" is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense. For example, unless expressly indicated otherwise, "based on" may be used interchangeably with "based at least in part on," "associated with," or "in accordance with." Specifically, unless the context indicates "based only on 'one'" or an equivalent, whether "based on 'one'" or "based at least in part on 'one'" can be based on 'one' alone or on a combination of 'one' and one or more other factors, conditions, or information.

[0158] As used herein, "processor," "at least one processor," or "one or more processors" generally refers to a single processor configured to perform one or more operations or multiple processors configured to perform one or more operations together. In the case of multiple processors, the execution of one or more operations may be divided between different processors, but one processor may perform multiple operations, and multiple processors may perform a single operation together. Similarly, "memory," "at least one memory," or "one or more memories" generally refers to a single memory configured to store data and / or instructions or multiple memories configured to store data and / or instructions together. As used herein, the term wireless node may refer to, for example, an access point (AP) station (STA) or a non-AP STA. An AP STA generally refers to a STA that is (or is capable of) acting as / functioning as an AP or is capable of acting as / functioning as an AP (which may be simply referred to as an AP). A non-AP STA generally refers to a STA that does not act as / function as an AP (which may be simply referred to as a STA).

[0159] Although this disclosure may describe certain operations as being performed by one type of wireless node, the same or similar operations may also be performed by another type of wireless node. For example, an operation performed by an AP STA may also (or alternatively) be performed by a non-AP STA. Similarly, an operation performed by a non-AP STA may also (or alternatively) be performed by an AP STA.

[0160] Furthermore, while the present disclosure may describe certain types of communications between different types of wireless nodes (e.g., between an AP STA and a non-AP STA), the same or similar types of communications may occur between wireless nodes of the same type (e.g., between AP STAs or between non-AP STAs in a peer-to-peer scenario). Furthermore, communications may occur in the reverse order of that described.

[0161] The various illustrative components, logical elements, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the examples disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or a 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 generally described in terms of their functionality and exemplified in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0162] Various modifications to the examples described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles, and the novel features disclosed herein.

[0163] Additionally, various features described in this specification in the context of separate examples may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple examples individually or in any suitable subcombination. Thus, although features may be described above as functioning in a particular combination and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be deleted from the combination, and a claimed combination may involve subcombinations or variations of subcombinations.

[0164] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or to perform all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. In addition, the accompanying drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flow chart or a flow diagram. However, other operations not depicted can be incorporated into the example processes schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of the various system components in the examples described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all examples, but it should be understood that the described program components and systems can usually be integrated together in a single software product, or be packaged into multiple software products.

Claims

1. A device for wireless communication, the device comprising: at least one memory comprising instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to: A first frame indicating at least one of the following is output for transmission: a first limit on the number of links for associating with a multi-link device (MLD) to which the apparatus is attached, and a second limit on the number of active links; obtaining, from a client, a request to associate or activate at least one of one or more links between the client and the MLD; as well as The request is processed subject to at least one of the first restriction or the second restriction. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first frame comprises a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame. 3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first frame includes an information element (IE) having a common information field, the common information field including at least one of the first limit or the second limit. 4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first frame comprises at least one field indicating the presence of at least one other field comprising the at least one of the first limit or the second limit.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to: obtaining an indication that the client supports the first restriction and the second restriction; and The request is processed subject to the first restriction and the second restriction only after obtaining the indication.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to: obtaining an indication that the client supports the first restriction and the second restriction; and The first frame indicating the first restriction and the second restriction is output only after the indication is obtained.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to: obtaining an indication that the client lacks support for at least one of the first restriction or the second restriction; and The number of active links is limited according to the second limit.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein processing the request comprises: In a case where the number of links indicated in the request exceeds at least one of the first limit or the second limit, an indication that the request is rejected is output for transmission to the client.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the indication comprises a status code indicating that the request was denied because the number of links indicated in the request exceeds the first limit.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to output for transmission a second frame indicating an update to at least one of the first limit or the second limit.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second frame comprises at least one of: a flag indicating that there is an update to a parameter of the device or the MLD to which the device is attached, a counter associated with said parameter of said device or said MLD to which said device is attached, or A flag indicating that information related to the update is included in the second frame itself. 12 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to perform a process to add or remove at least one link based on the update.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to: obtaining an indication from the client that the amount of active links exceeds the second limit; and After receiving the indication, the most recently activated links up to the second limit are designated as active.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one transceiver configured to transmit the first frame, wherein the apparatus is configured as an access point (AP) device.

15. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory comprising instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to: Obtaining a first frame indicating at least one of: a first limit on the allowed number of links for associating with a multi-link device (MLD) attached to an access point (AP), and a second limit on the number of active links allowed; as well as A request is output to activate or associate at least one of one or more links between the device and the MLD, the request being subject to at least one of the first restriction or the second restriction. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the apparatus is attached to a non-AP MLD. 17 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first frame comprises a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first frame includes an information element (IE) having a common information field, the common information field including at least one of the first limit or the second limit.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first frame comprises at least one field indicating the presence of at least one other field comprising the at least one of the first limit or the second limit.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to output for transmission an indication that the apparatus supports the first restriction and the second restriction.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to obtain an indication that the request is denied, wherein the indication comprises a status code indicating that the request is denied because the number of links indicated in the request exceeds the first limit.

22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to obtain a second frame indicating an update to at least one of the first limit or the second limit.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the second frame comprises at least one of: a flag indicating that there is an update to a parameter of the device or the MLD to which the device is attached, a counter associated with said parameter of said device or said MLD to which said device is attached, or A flag indicating that information related to the update is included in the second frame itself.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to perform a process to add or remove at least one link based on the update.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein performing a process to add or remove at least one link based on the update comprises: A power management state of at least one link is updated based on the update.

26. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to: outputting an indication of a number of links in an active state, wherein the number of links is greater than the second limit; and After outputting the indication, the most recently activated links up to the second limit are designated as active.

27. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising at least one transceiver configured to receive the first frame, wherein the apparatus is configured as a client device.

28. A method for wireless communication at a wireless node, the method comprising: A first frame indicating at least one of the following is output for transmission: a first limit on the number of links for associating with a multi-link device (MLD) to which the wireless node is attached, and a second limit on the number of active links; obtaining, from a client, a request to associate or activate at least one of one or more links between the client and the MLD; as well as The request is processed subject to at least one of the first restriction or the second restriction.

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