Link operation mode switching method and device, communication equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a link operation mode switching method and device, communication equipment and a storage medium, and belongs to the technical field of wireless communication. The method is executed by a first device, and at least two links are established between the first device and a second device. The first equipment and the second equipment are multi-link equipment; the method comprises: sending link operation mode switching information to the second device (601), the link operation mode switching information being used for indicating to switch a link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of the at least two links; a link mode of operation of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched (602).

Description

Link operation mode switching method, device, communication equipment and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a link operation mode switching method, apparatus, communication equipment, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In a wireless local area network (WLAN), a multi-link device (MLD) can establish multiple wireless links simultaneously to improve its wireless transmission capability.

[0003] In related technologies, an MLD may include multiple subordinate access points (APs) or subordinate stations (STAs), and each subordinate AP / subordinate STA may establish a corresponding link with another MLD device.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium for switching a link operation mode. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a link operation mode switching method, the method being performed by a first device, wherein at least two links are established between the first device and a second device; the first device and the second device are multi-link devices; the method comprising:

[0007] The second device sends link operation mode switching information, where the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of the link operation mode of the first link; the first link is one of the at least two links;

[0008] A link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched.

[0009] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a link operation mode switching method, the method being performed by a second device, wherein at least two links are established between a first device and the second device; the first device and the second device are multi-link devices; the method comprising:

[0010] receiving link operation mode switching information sent by a first device, where the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of a link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of the at least two links;

[0011] The link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0012] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a link operation mode switching device, the device comprising:

[0013] a sending module, configured to send link operation mode switching information to a second device, wherein the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of the link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of at least two links established between the first device and the second device; and the first device and the second device are multi-link devices;

[0014] A switching module is configured to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0015] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a link operation mode switching device, the device comprising:

[0016] a receiving module, configured to receive link operation mode switching information sent by a first device, the link operation mode switching information being used to indicate switching of the link operation mode of a first link; the first link being one of the at least two links; at least two links being established between the first device and the second device; and the first device and the second device being multi-link devices;

[0017] A switching module is configured to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0018] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is a multi-link device; the communication device includes a processor, a memory and a transceiver, the memory stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to be executed by the processor to implement the above-mentioned link operation mode switching method.

[0019] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. The computer program is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the above-mentioned link operation mode switching method.

[0020] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a communication device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the communication device to perform the link operation mode switching method described above.

[0021] On the other hand, a chip is provided. The chip is used to run in a communication device so that the communication device executes the link operation mode switching method.

[0022] On the other hand, a computer program is provided, which is executed by a processor of a communication device to implement the link operation mode switching method.

[0023] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can bring the following beneficial effects:

[0024] Multiple link operation modes are set for links established by a multi-link device. When at least two links are established between two multi-link devices, one of the multi-link devices can send link operation mode switching information to the other multi-link device to switch the link operation mode of a first link of the at least two links, thereby improving the flexibility of link management between the multi-link devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication system provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a reference model of a multi-link device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG3 is a timing diagram of multi-link discovery and establishment involved in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the BI structure involved in this application;

[0030] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of request and response frame exchange during the ATI period involved in this application;

[0031] FIG6 is a flowchart of a link operation mode switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG7 is a flowchart of a link operation mode switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of link operation mode switching according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG9 is a flowchart of a link operation mode switching method provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0035] 10 is a diagram showing the format definition of a control field for switching between controlled and independent operation modes according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 ;

[0036] 11 is a schematic diagram of a switching method initiated by a non-AP multi-link device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 ;

[0037] 12 is a schematic diagram of a method for switching initiated by a non-AP multi-link device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 ;

[0038] 13 is a schematic diagram of a method for switching initiated by an AP multi-link device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 ;

[0039] 14 is a schematic diagram of a switching method initiated by an AP multi-link device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 ;

[0040] FIG15 is a block diagram of a link operation mode switching device provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG16 is a block diagram of a link operation mode switching device provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that, with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0045] Please refer to FIG1 , which shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. The network architecture may include: a station 10 and an access point 20 .

[0046] There are usually multiple sites 10, and each access point 20 can be associated with one or more sites 10. Sites 10 can include various handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, as well as various forms of user equipment (UE), mobile stations (MS), terminal devices, etc. For ease of description, in the embodiments of this application, the above-mentioned devices are collectively referred to as sites STA.

[0047] The access point 20 is a device deployed in the access network to provide wireless communication functions for the station 10, and may also be referred to as an AP (Access Point). The access point 20 may include various forms of wireless routers, wireless switches, or wireless relay devices.

[0048] The above-mentioned station 10 and / or access point 20 may be a multi-link device.

[0049] Optionally, what is not shown in FIG1 is that the above network architecture also includes other network devices, such as gateway devices and the like.

[0050] The station 10 and the access point 20 may be associated and communicated with each other via wireless local area network technology, for example, communication based on the IEEE 802.11 protocol.

[0051] The IEEE 802.11BF working group is currently discussing the development of a protocol to define how to implement WLAN awareness using IEEE 802.11-compliant WLAN signals. WLAN terminals participating in awareness may play roles such as awareness session initiator, awareness session responder, awareness signal sender, and awareness signal receiver.

[0052] A WLAN awareness session includes one or more of the following phases: session establishment, awareness measurement, awareness reporting, and session termination. A WLAN terminal may have one or more roles in a awareness session. For example, the awareness session initiator can be solely the awareness session initiator, but can also be the awareness signal sender, the awareness signal receiver, or both.

[0053] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, some technical knowledge involved in this application is first introduced and explained.

[0054] 1) Multiple Links Device (MLD)

[0055] Relevant standard protocols define support for multiple links. The standard defines the two communicating ends as STA MLD and AP MLD. STA MLD and AP MLD that have established multiple links can leverage the advantages of multiple links to transmit and receive data across multiple links, achieving high throughput and low latency.

[0056] In traditional single-link devices, each single-link device has a Media Access Control (MAC) address that can be used to identify the device. In multi-link devices defined in relevant standards, because a multi-link device has multiple links, each link has a separate MAC address, and a multi-link device also has a single multi-link device MAC address (MLD MAC address).

[0057] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the reference model for a multi-link device. As shown in Figure 2, there are two links between two multi-link devices: Link 1 and Link 2. Each multi-link device has a separate Link MAC address (also known as a Wireless Medium (WM) MAC address) on each link in the Lower MAC layer, and a single MLD MAC address in the Upper MAC layer.

[0058] 2) Multi-link discovery and multi-link establishment

[0059] Please refer to Figure 3, which shows a multi-link discovery and establishment sequence diagram related to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, before initiating multi-link establishment with the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD uses one or more of the following methods to obtain information about the AP MLD and each of its affiliated APs of interest:

[0060] 1. Each subordinate station of the non-AP MLD performs the passive scanning process (Passive scanning) or active scanning process related to non-multilink operation specified in the IEEE 802.11 standard;

[0061] 2. One of the non-AP MLD's subordinate stations transmits a multi-link probe request on any link operated by the AP MLD to obtain complete information about the AP MLD and its subordinate APs.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, Non-AP MLD and AP MLD establish multiple links by exchanging Association Request / Response frames on one of the multiple links requested. Both Association Request / Response frames carry the Basic Multi-link element (BME). The non-AP MLD performing multi-link establishment indicates the multiple links requested for establishment, as well as their capabilities and operating parameters, in the Association Request frame. The AP MLD indicates the links accepted and rejected among the multiple links requested for establishment, and requests the link capabilities and operating parameters, in the Association Response frame.

[0063] When multilink is successfully established, the AP MLD assigns an Association Identifier (AID) to the non-AP MLD. All STAs affiliated with the non-AP MLD share the same AID (the AID assigned to the non-AP MLD during the multilink establishment process). After multilink is established between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, multiple links are established between the non-AP and AP MLD for multilink operation, and the non-AP MLD is associated with the AP MLD (i.e., Phase 3 or Phase 4).

[0064] 3) Millimeter wave communication technology

[0065] IEEE 802.11ad is a Wi-Fi communication technology that utilizes unlicensed millimeter-wave bands to deliver multi-Gbps throughput. IEEE 802.11ay builds upon IEEE 802.11ad by employing technologies such as Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO), channel bonding, channel access optimization, and advanced beamforming training, delivering Wi-Fi communication speeds of up to 100 Gb / s.

[0066] For the Media Access Control (MAC) technology of millimeter wave band communication, IEEE 802.11ay, like 802.11ad, organizes media access in the beacon interval (BI). Please refer to Figure 4, which shows a schematic diagram of the BI structure involved in this application. As shown in Figure 4, a typical BI is mainly composed of two access periods: the Beacon Header Interval (BHI) and the Data Transmission Interval (DTI).

[0067] Beacon Transmission Interval (BTI): used by an AP or a Personal Basic Service Set (PBSS) Control Point (PCP) to transmit beacon frames.

[0068] Association Beamforming Training (A-BFT): used for a station to perform beamforming training with a station that transmitted a beacon frame during the previous BTI.

[0069] A-BFT is slotted and can consist of multiple A-BFT time slots. A station can randomly select a time slot to transmit a sector sweep (SSW) frame or a short SSW frame. In this case, conflicts may occur when two or more stations select the same time slot. To accommodate more stations attempting to access during the A-BFT period, IEEE 802.11ay supports a maximum of 40 A-BFT slots per BI (beacon interval).

[0070] Announcement Transmission Interval (ATI): used by the AP / PCP to exchange management frames with beam-trained stations.

[0071] FIG5 illustrates a schematic diagram of request and response frames exchanged between an AP or PCP and any subset of stations during an ATI, as described herein. As shown in FIG5 , the AP or PCP initiates all frame exchange sequences that occur during an ATI. Once the ATI begins, the AP or PCP can immediately begin transmitting request frames, or delay transmission of request frames if the medium is determined to be busy via the CCA mechanism.

[0072] DTIs provide different types of medium access and beamforming training for data transmission. In a DTI, data frames are exchanged either in contention-based access periods (CBAPs) or in contention-free service periods (SPs).

[0073] Due to the shortcomings of millimeter-wave communication, such as high signal attenuation, susceptibility to obstruction, and short coverage distance, as well as the high cost of millimeter-wave devices and high power consumption of millimeter-wave communication equipment, if millimeter-wave equipment only uses millimeter-wave links, it will not be able to solve the problems existing in millimeter-wave communication. With the standardization of multi-link operation (MLO) technology in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), multi-link communication technology combining millimeter-wave links with low-frequency links can be considered based on the MLO architecture and technology. That is, in a device supporting millimeter-wave communication, in addition to one link operating in the millimeter-wave band, at least one link operates in the low-frequency band. Control and management functions are implemented in the low-frequency band link, and the millimeter-wave link is mainly used for high-throughput data transmission. Therefore, for multi-link communication devices supporting millimeter-wave communication, how to coordinate the operation between the millimeter-wave link and the low-frequency link to meet the communication needs of the device while reducing the device's power consumption and improving transmission efficiency is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 6, which shows a flowchart of a link operation mode switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method can be performed by a first device, wherein at least two links are established between the first device and a second device; the first device and the second device are multi-link devices; for example, the first device and the second device can be the station 10 and the access point 20 in the network architecture shown in Figure 1, respectively. The method may include the following steps:

[0075] Step 601: Send link operation mode switching information to a second device, where the link operation mode switching information is used to instruct switching of the link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of at least two links.

[0076] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information is carried by a non-periodically scheduled management frame.

[0077] For example, the link operation mode switching information may be carried by an action frame.

[0078] The link operation mode switching information may be carried by a notification action frame (also referred to as a notification frame).

[0079] The management frame carrying the link operation mode switching information may be a management frame sent aperiodically. For example, the management frame carrying the link operation mode switching information may be a management frame triggered by the switching of the link mode.

[0080] The management frame carrying the link operation mode switching information may be a management frame dedicated to triggering the link mode switching; or, the management frame carrying the link operation mode switching information may reuse an existing management frame, or a management frame shared with other MLOs other than the link operation mode switching.

[0081] In some embodiments, each link in a multi-link device may be configured with two or more link operation modes.

[0082] In some embodiments, the link operation mode may be used to define at least one of the following: a frame type transmitted in the corresponding link, a management method of the corresponding link, and a transmission method of management frames of the corresponding link, etc.

[0083] That is, for the same link, in different link operation modes, the frame types transmitted on the link may be different, the management methods of the link may be different, and the transmission methods of the management frames used to manage the link may also be different.

[0084] The first device and the second device may be an AP multi-link device and a non-AP multi-link device, respectively.

[0085] For example, the first device is an AP multi-link device, and the second device is a non-AP multi-link device; or, the first device is a non-AP multi-link device, and the second device is an AP multi-link device.

[0086] In some embodiments, the AP multi-link device may include multiple subordinate APs or subordinate PCPs, and the first link refers to a link established between any subordinate AP / subsidiary PCP in the AP multi-link device and the non-AP multi-link device.

[0087] From the perspective of a non-AP multi-link device, the non-AP multi-link device may include multiple subordinate STAs. The above-mentioned first link refers to the link established between any subordinate STA in the non-AP multi-link device and the corresponding AP / subsidiary PCP in the second device.

[0088] In some embodiments, a first device among the AP multi-link device and the non-AP multi-link device may carry link operation mode switching information through a management frame sent non-periodically, where the link operation mode switching information instructs the other device (i.e., the second device) among the AP multi-link device and the non-AP multi-link device to switch the link operation mode of the first link.

[0089] Step 602: Switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0090] In some embodiments, after sending the link operation mode switching information to instruct the second device to switch the link operation mode of the first link, the first device further performs the step of switching the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device locally on the first device.

[0091] For example, assume that an AP multi-link device includes three subordinate APs: a 6 GHz subordinate AP, a 5 GHz subordinate AP, and a 2.4 GHz subordinate AP. Accordingly, a non-AP multi-link device includes three subordinate STAs: a 6 GHz subordinate STA, a 5 GHz subordinate STA, and a 2.4 GHz subordinate STA. For example, assuming the first link is a 6 GHz link, the AP multi-link device can establish a 6 GHz link with the subordinate STAs of the non-AP multi-link device corresponding to the 6 GHz band through the subordinate AP corresponding to the 6 GHz band. Simultaneously, the AP multi-link device can also establish other links with the non-AP multi-link device through one or both of its other two subordinate APs, such as a 5 GHz link with the non-AP multi-link device, a 2.4 GHz link with the non-AP multi-link device, or both a 5 GHz and a 2.4 GHz link with the non-AP multi-link device.

[0092] When controlling the first link to switch the link operation mode, if one of the AP multi-link device and the non-AP multi-link device needs to switch the link operation mode of the 6 GHz link between the two, the multi-link device may send link operation mode switching information to the other multi-link device among the AP multi-link device and the non-AP multi-link device. The link operation mode switching information may indicate that the other multi-link device needs to switch the link operation mode of the 6 GHz link. At the same time, the multi-link device also locally switches the link operation mode of its own 6 GHz link according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0093] In summary, the solution shown in the embodiment of the present application sets multiple link operation modes for links established by multi-link devices. When at least two links are established between two multi-link devices, one of the multi-link devices can send link operation mode switching information to the other multi-link device to switch the link operation mode of a first link of the at least two links, thereby improving the flexibility of link management between the multi-link devices.

[0094] Please refer to Figure 7, which shows a flow chart of a link operation mode switching method provided by one embodiment of the present application. The method can be performed by a second device, where at least two links are established between a first device and a second device; the first device and the second device are multi-link devices; for example, the first device and the second device can be station 10 and access point 20, respectively, in the network architecture shown in Figure 1. The method can include the following steps:

[0095] Step 701: Receive link operation mode switching information sent by a first device, where the link operation mode switching information is used to instruct switching of the link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of at least two links.

[0096] Step 702: Switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0097] In summary, the solution shown in the embodiment of the present application sets multiple link operation modes for links established by multi-link devices. When at least two links are established between two multi-link devices, after one of the multi-link devices receives link operation mode switching information sent by the other multi-link device, it switches the link operation mode of the first link of the at least two links, thereby improving the flexibility of link management between the multi-link devices.

[0098] Based on the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 above, please refer to FIG. 8 , which shows a schematic diagram of link operation mode switching involved in an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] As shown in FIG8 , at time A, two links, namely a first link and a second link, are established between the AP multi-link device 810 and the non-AP multi-link device 820 ; and the first link operates in link operation mode 1 .

[0100] At time B, the AP multi-link device 810 needs to switch the link operation mode of the first link. At this time, the AP multi-link device 810 sends an aperiodic management frame, which includes link operation mode switching information. The link operation mode switching information instructs the non-AP multi-link device 820 to switch the link operation mode of the first link; the non-AP multi-link device 820 can receive the management frame.

[0101] At time C, the AP multi-link device 810 switches the link operation mode of the first link (for example, to link operation mode 2) according to the link operation mode switching information; and the non-AP multi-link device 820 also switches the link operation mode of the first link to link operation mode 2 according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0102] In response to the problems of large signal attenuation, susceptibility to obstruction, short coverage distance, and high power consumption of millimeter wave communication equipment, the operation mode management method of the non-access point multi-link device (Non-AP MLD) based on the millimeter wave link proposed in the above embodiment of the present application can initiate the switching between independent operation mode and controlled operation mode through the Non-AP MLD device, which not only meets the communication needs of the device, but also reduces the power consumption of the device and improves the transmission efficiency. In addition to being used for enhanced millimeter wave link management based on multi-link operation, the operation mode management method of the non-access point multi-link device (Non-AP MLD) based on the millimeter wave link proposed in the above embodiment of the present application can also be extended to enhanced low-frequency link management based on multi-link operation.

[0103] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7 above, please refer to Figure 9, which shows a flow chart of a link operation mode switching method provided by one embodiment of the present application. The method can be interactively executed by a first device and a second device, where at least two links are established between the first device and the second device; at least two links are established between the first device and the second device; the first device and the second device are multi-link devices; for example, the first device and the second device can be the station 10 and the access point 20 in the network architecture shown in Figure 1, respectively. The method can include the following steps:

[0104] Step 901: A first device sends link operation mode switching information to a second device; and the second device receives the link operation mode switching information.

[0105] The link operation mode switching information is used to instruct switching of the link operation mode of the first link; the first link is one of the at least two links.

[0106] In some embodiments, the link operation modes include: a controlled operation mode based on MLO and an independent operation mode based on MLO;

[0107] The controlled operation mode based on MLO refers to a mode in which the data transmission of the corresponding link in the MLO of an established link is managed and controlled by other links;

[0108] The independent operation mode based on MLO refers to a mode in which data transmission of a corresponding link in the MLO of an established link is managed and controlled by the corresponding link.

[0109] In some embodiments, the link operation mode includes: a controlled operation mode based on Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and an independent operation mode based on MLO;

[0110] Among them, the controlled operation mode based on MLO refers to a mode in which the data transmission of the corresponding link in the MLO of the established link is managed and controlled by other links; among them, the controlled operation mode based on MLO can also be called the forced enable operation mode of the management and control link based on MLO, that is, in this mode, the management and control link operates in the forced enable operation mode.

[0111] The independent operation mode based on MLO refers to a mode in which the data transmission of the corresponding link in the MLO of an established link is managed and controlled by the corresponding link; wherein, the independent operation mode based on MLO can also be called the non-mandatory enablement operation mode of the management and control link based on MLO, that is, in this mode, the management and control link operates in the non-mandatory enablement operation mode, that is, the management and control link can be in a disabled state or an energy-saving state.

[0112] The aforementioned independent operation mode based on MLO can also be referred to as a semi-independent operation mode. The so-called semi-independent operation mode means that a link is only operable in MLO, i.e., establishment of the link depends on the establishment of multiple links including the link on other links, and / or the link is only operable as one of the at least two established links when there are at least two established links.

[0113] In some embodiments, among the at least two links, the link in the MLO-based independent operation mode is used to transmit at least one of the following management frames:

[0114] Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

[0115] In some embodiments, of the at least two links, the link in the MLO-based controlled operation mode is not used to transmit at least one of the following management frames:

[0116] Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

[0117] In some embodiments, two working modes of the link are defined: an independent operation mode based on MLO (i.e., a non-mandatory enabled operation mode of the management and control link based on MLO, referred to as the independent operation mode), and a controlled operation mode based on MLO (i.e., a mandatory enabled operation mode of the management and control link based on MLO, referred to as the controlled operation mode).

[0118] Among them, for an AP multi-link device, one or more links established between an attached AP / attached PCP and one or more other non-AP link devices can constitute a BSS; at this time, the working mode of the link established by an attached AP / attached PCP in the AP multi-link device can be called an independent operation mode of a BSS or a controlled operation mode of a BSS.

[0119] Among them, the independent operation mode of the above-mentioned BSS or link means that the BSS or link can independently manage and control its own BSS or link and communicate data, mainly including that in the BSS or link, the corresponding AP periodically sends beacon frames or probe response frames, etc., and can exchange specific management frames (such as Type 3 management frames, deauthentication frames and disassociation frames, etc.) in the BSS or link.

[0120] The controlled operation mode of the above-mentioned BSS or link means that the BSS or link is managed and controlled by another BSS or link (called the management and control BSS or link), mainly including that in the BSS or link, the corresponding AP does not periodically send beacon frames or probe response frames, etc., and cannot exchange specific management frames (such as Type 3 management frames, deauthentication frames (Deauthentication frames) and disassociation frames (Disassociation frames), etc.), and its communication is managed and controlled by the management and control BSS or link.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first device sends link operation mode switching information to the second device, including:

[0122] When the first link is in the controlled operation mode based on MLO, link operation mode switching information is sent to the second device through the second link; the second link is a link that manages and controls the first link.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second device receives the link operation mode switching information sent by the first device, including:

[0124] When the first link is in the controlled operation mode based on MLO, link operation mode switching information sent by the first device is received through the second link; the second link is a link that manages and controls the first link.

[0125] In which, when the first link between the first device and the second device operates in a controlled operation mode based on MLO, no management frame is transmitted on the first link between the first device and the second device. At this time, the first device can send a management frame carrying link operation mode switching information through the second link that manages and controls the first link.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first device sends link operation mode switching information to the second device, including:

[0127] In a case where the first link is in the independent operation mode based on MLO, link operation mode switching information is sent to the second device through the first link.

[0128] In some embodiments, the second device receives the link operation mode switching information sent by the first device, including:

[0129] In a case where the first link is in an independent operation mode based on MLO, link operation mode switching information sent by the first device is received through the first link.

[0130] Among them, when the first link between the first device and the second device operates in an independent operation mode based on MLO, the first link between the first device and the second device will itself transmit management frames. At this time, the first device can send management frames carrying link operation mode switching information through the first link.

[0131] In some embodiments, when the first device is a non-AP multi-link device, the second device sends a unicast management frame to the first device. Accordingly, the first device can receive the unicast management frame sent by the second device, and the unicast management frame includes: at least one of the functions, capabilities, and operating parameter information of the link established between the first device and the second device.

[0132] In some embodiments, when the first device is a non-AP multi-link device, the unicast management frame sent by the second device to the first device includes: the unicast management frame sent to the first device through a link in an independent operation mode based on MLO among at least two links; accordingly, the first device receives the unicast management frame sent by the second device, including: receiving the unicast management frame sent by the second device through a link in an independent operation mode based on MLO among at least two links.

[0133] In some embodiments, when the first device is an AP multi-link device, the first device sends a unicast management frame to the second device, and accordingly, the second device receives the unicast management frame sent by the first device; the unicast management frame includes: at least one of the functions, capabilities, and operating parameter information of the link established between the first device and the second device.

[0134] In some embodiments, when the first device is an AP multi-link device, the first device sending a unicast management frame to the second device includes: sending the unicast management frame to the second device via a link in an independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links. Correspondingly, the second device receiving the unicast management frame sent by the first device includes: receiving the unicast management frame sent by the first device via a link in an independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links.

[0135] When a non-AP MLD is associated with an AP MLD and establishes multiple links with the AP MLD, one of the established links can operate in either independent or controlled mode. For example, if a non-AP MLD establishes a low-frequency (e.g., sub-7 GHz) link and a high-frequency (e.g., millimeter wave) link with an AP MLD, the millimeter wave link can operate in either independent or controlled mode. When the millimeter wave link operates in controlled mode, the low-frequency link acts as a management and control link to manage communications on the millimeter wave link; when the millimeter wave link operates in independent mode, the millimeter wave link manages and controls communications on its own link. If the AP MLD supports non-AP MLD switching the operating mode of the corresponding link, the non-AP MLD can switch the operating mode of the corresponding link by initiating a switch between controlled and independent modes.

[0136] 1. When a non-AP MLD link that can operate in either independent or controlled mode operates in independent mode, the characteristics and behaviors of management frame transmission and reception on the link are as follows:

[0137] (1) The AP MLD can periodically send individually addressed management frames, such as Unsolicited Probe Response frames, to the non-AP MLD on the link. These frames carry information about the functions, capabilities, and operating parameters of the established link with the non-AP MLD.

[0138] (2) The AP MLD may send individually addressed Class 3 management frames to the non-AP MLD on the link, targeting the non-AP MLD or one or more of its subordinate stations, while complying with the rules for frame transmission between enabled and disabled links in link management and the rules for individually addressed management frames for multi-link devices.

[0139] (3) The AP MLD can send individually addressed deauthentication and disassociation frames to the non-AP MLD on the link, while complying with the relevant rules for frame transmission between enabled and disabled links in link management.

[0140] (4) The Non-AP MLD can send individually addressed Class 3 management frames to the AP MLD on the link, with the target being the AP MLD or one or more of its subordinate APs, while complying with the rules for frame transmission between enabled and disabled links in link management, as well as the rules for transmission of individually addressed management frames for multi-link devices.

[0141] (5) The Non-AP MLD can send individually addressed multi-link probe requests, deauthentication frames, and disassociation frames to the AP MLD on this link, while complying with the relevant rules for frame transmission between enabled and disabled links in link management.

[0142] 2. When a non-AP MLD link that can operate in either independent or controlled mode operates in controlled mode, the characteristics and behavior of management frame transmission and reception on the link are as follows:

[0143] (1) The AP MLD does not periodically send management frames carrying information about the established link's functions, capabilities, and operating parameters to the non-AP MLD on the link.

[0144] (2) The AP MLD does not send individually addressed Class 3 management frames to the non-AP MLD on the link, with the frames destined for the non-AP MLD or one or more of its subordinate stations.

[0145] (3) The AP MLD does not send individually addressed deauthentication frames and disassociation frames to the non-AP MLD on the link.

[0146] (4) Non-AP MLD does not send individually addressed Class 3 management frames destined for AP MLD or one or more of its subordinate APs to AP MLD on this link.

[0147] (5) The Non-AP MLD does not send individually addressed multi-link probe requests, deauthentication frames, and disassociation frames to the AP MLD on this link.

[0148] When the link operates in controlled mode, the other link established between the Non-AP MLD and AP MLD, namely the management and control link of the link, is responsible for sending and receiving the above-mentioned management frames.

[0149] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate at least one of the following information:

[0150] The target link operation mode of the first link switching, the identifier of the first link, and the timeout duration of the link operation mode switching of the first link.

[0151] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information includes an operation mode switching control field, and the operation mode switching control field includes at least one of the following information fields:

[0152] New operation mode subfield, link identification bitmap subfield, and handover timeout subfield;

[0153] The new operation mode subfield is used to indicate the target link operation mode of the first link switching;

[0154] The link identification bitmap subfield is used to indicate the identification of the first link to be switched;

[0155] The switching timeout subfield is used to indicate the timeout duration for switching the link operation mode of the first link.

[0156] In some embodiments, the switching timeout subfield includes a switching timeout code, and the switching timeout code is used to indicate the number of time units corresponding to the timeout duration of the first link switching.

[0157] In some embodiments, the management frame carrying link operation mode switch indication information may also be referred to as a controlled and independent operation mode switch notification frame, which is used to instruct the non-AP MLD to which the station transmitting the frame is attached, or the non-AP MLD to which the target receiving station of the frame is attached, to change the operation mode of its designated link, i.e., to switch the designated link from controlled operation mode to independent operation mode or vice versa. The frame primarily includes a New Operation Mode subfield, a Link ID Bitmap field, and a Switch Timeout subfield.

[0158] For example, the information included in the notification frame for switching between the controlled and independent operation modes is shown in Table 1.

[0159] Table 1

[0160]

[0161] The Category field may comply with the definition of the Action field in the IEEE 802.11 specification.

[0162] The Protected Action field may comply with the definition of the Protected Action field in the IEEE 802.11 specification.

[0163] The Dialog Token field is set by the non-AP MLD to a non-zero value of its choice and by the AP MLD to a value copied from the received Controlled and Independent Operation Mode Switch Notification frame.

[0164] Please refer to Figure 10, which shows the format definition diagram of the controlled and independent operation mode switching control field involved in the embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 10, the controlled and independent operation mode switching control field includes the following contents:

[0165] (1) New Operation Mode subfield: indicates the operation mode to be switched to. When the value of the New Operation Mode subfield is 0, it indicates that the device will switch to the controlled operation mode. When the value of the New Operation Mode subfield is 1, it indicates that the device will switch to the independent operation mode.

[0166] (2) Link ID Bitmap field, indicating the identification of the link that performs switching between controlled and independent operation modes, wherein the value of the bit at position i in the Link ID Bitmap field is 1 to indicate that the link with link ID i is the link that performs switching between controlled and independent operation modes, and the value of the bit at position j in the Link ID Bitmap field is 0 to indicate that the link with link ID j is not the link that performs switching between controlled and independent operation modes.

[0167] (3) The Switch Timeout subfield indicates the timeout value for exchanging notification frames for switching between controlled and independent operation modes.

[0168] In some embodiments, the coding of the handover timeout subfield may be as shown in Table 2 below.

[0169] Table 2

[0170] Step 902: The first device switches the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0171] In some embodiments, when the link operation mode switching information indicates the timeout period for the link operation mode switching of the first link, and the time after receiving the link operation mode switching information does not reach the timeout period, the first device can return the link operation mode switching information to the second device.

[0172] The first device may return link operation mode switching information to the second device.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first device switches the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information, including:

[0174] When the link operation mode switching information indicates the timeout period for the link operation mode switching of the first link, and the time after sending the link operation mode switching information reaches the timeout period, if the link operation mode switching information returned by the second device has not been received, the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first device switches the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information, including:

[0176] When the link operation mode switching information indicates the timeout period for the link operation mode switching of the first link, and before the time after the link operation mode switching information is sent reaches the timeout period, the link operation mode switching information returned by the second device is received, and according to the link operation mode switching information, the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first device switches the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information, including:

[0178] In case of receiving the link operation mode switching information returned by the second device, the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0179] Step 903: The second device switches the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0180] In some embodiments, when the second device receives a management frame sent by the first device and containing link operation mode switching information, it can switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information in the management frame.

[0181] In some embodiments, the switching between the controlled and independent operation modes (ie, the switching of the link operation mode of the first link) may be initiated by a non-AP multi-link device or an AP multi-link device.

[0182] In some embodiments, when the operation mode of the first link is the MLO-based controlled operation mode, in the first device or the second device, the subordinate station / subsidiary AP corresponding to the second link is in at least one of the following modes or states:

[0183] active mode, a periodic awakening state in an energy-saving mode, and a continuous awakening state in an energy-saving mode; wherein the second link is a link for managing and controlling the first link.

[0184] In some embodiments, when the operation mode of the first link is an independent operation mode based on MLO, in the first device or the second device, the subordinate station / subsidiary AP corresponding to the second link is in at least one of the following modes or states:

[0185] active mode, periodic awakening state in energy-saving mode, continuous awakening state in energy-saving mode, and continuous sleeping state in energy-saving mode; wherein the second link is a link for managing and controlling the first link.

[0186] In which, the above-mentioned link operation mode can be associated with the energy-saving mode / activation mode of the link. For example, when the subsidiary station and / or subsidiary AP corresponding to a link needs to save energy to reduce consumption, it can enter a continuous sleep state in the energy-saving mode. At this time, the link can switch to a controlled operation mode based on MLO and not transmit beacon frames and specific management frames; when a link needs to prioritize transmission performance or assume management tasks for other links, the corresponding subsidiary station and / or subsidiary AP can enter a continuous awakening state / periodic awakening state in the activation mode. At this time, the link can switch to an independent operation mode based on MLO to transmit beacon frames, probe response frames and other specific management frames.

[0187] In some embodiments, the at least two links include at least one link operating in the millimeter wave (mmWave) segment.

[0188] The solutions shown in the above embodiments of the present application can solve the problems of large signal attenuation, susceptibility to obstruction, short coverage distance, and high power consumption of millimeter wave communication equipment in millimeter wave communication.

[0189] 1. The method for switching between controlled and independent operation modes initiated by a non-access point multi-link device is as follows:

[0190] When a non-AP MLD is preparing to switch the operation mode between controlled and independent for a related link that supports the switch, a station affiliated with the non-AP MLD sends a Controlled-to-Independent Operation Mode Switch Notification frame to an AP affiliated with the AP MLD. When the value of the New Operation Mode subfield is set to 0, it indicates that the operation mode of the related link is switched to the controlled operation mode; when the value of the New Operation Mode subfield is set to 1, it indicates that the operation mode of the related link is switched to the independent operation mode. Upon receiving the Controlled-to-Independent Operation Mode Switch Notification frame sent by a station affiliated with the non-AP MLD, an AP affiliated with the AP MLD sends a Controlled-to-Independent Operation Mode Switch Notification frame to the station affiliated with the non-AP MLD within the timeout interval indicated by the Switch Timeout subfield of the received Controlled-to-Independent Operation Mode Switch Notification frame, with the Controlled-to-Independent Operation Mode Switch Control field set to the same value as the received Controlled-to-Independent Operation Mode Switch Control field. After the Non-AP MLD successfully sends a controlled / independent operation mode switch notification frame and the switch timeout duration indicated by the Switch Timeout subfield has elapsed, or after the Non-AP MLD receives a controlled / independent operation mode switch notification frame sent by an AP affiliated with the AP MLD, the relevant link undergoing mode switching indicated by the Link ID Bitmap field in the frame will operate in the operation mode indicated by the New Operation Mode subfield. That is, when the value of the New Operation Mode subfield is set to 0, the operation mode of the relevant link will be switched to controlled operation mode; when the value of the New Operation Mode subfield is set to 1, the operation mode of the relevant link will be switched to independent operation mode.

[0191] Please refer to Figure 11, which shows a schematic diagram of a switching method initiated by a non-AP multi-link device involved in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11, it describes an example of a Non-AP MLD link switching from a controlled operation mode to an independent operation mode. A Non-AP MLD is associated with an AP MLD and establishes two links with the AP MLD, namely Link1 and Link2, where Link1 is a high-frequency link, such as a millimeter wave link (i.e., operating in the millimeter wave band), which can operate in an independent operation mode or a controlled operation mode; Link2 is a management and control link, which can be a low-frequency link (i.e., operating in a frequency band below 7 GHz), and can manage and control communications on Link1.

[0192] Initially, Link 1 of the non-AP MLD network is in controlled mode. This means that AP MLD's AP1 does not send beacon frames, and communications on Link 1 are managed and controlled by Link 2. Furthermore, STA 1 of the non-AP MLD network cannot send probe request frames on Link 1 to obtain AP information from the AP MLD. On Link 2, AP 2 carries Link 1 information in its beacon or probe response frames to notify non-AP MLD devices that receive the beacon or probe response about Link 1 or the AP corresponding to Link 1 (i.e., the reported AP). For non-AP MLD, when Link 1 is in controlled mode, Station 2 on Link 2 operates in an awake state in active mode to ensure that it can obtain management information on Link 1 in a timely manner while simultaneously acquiring management information on Link 2.

[0193] After some time, STA2 in the non-AP MLD sends a controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame over Link 2 to inform the AP MLD that Link 1 in the non-AP MLD will switch its operation mode. The New Operation Mode (NM) subfield in the controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame is set to 1, and the Link ID Bitmap field indicates that Link 1 is the link undergoing the controlled-to-independent operation mode switch, indicating that Link 1 will switch to independent operation mode.

[0194] STA2 of the non-AP MLD on Link2 receives the corresponding controlled and independent operation mode switching notification frame sent by AP MLD (Note: the controlled and independent operation mode switching control field is set to the same value as the received controlled and independent operation mode switching control field), and Link1 switches the operation mode to independent operation mode.

[0195] After the operation mode of Link 1 of the non-AP MLD is switched to independent operation mode, the AP MLD can periodically send unsolicited probe response frames (Unsolicited Probe Response) to the non-AP MLD on Link 1, carrying information about the functions, capabilities, and operating parameters of the non-AP MLD's established links (Link 1 and Link 2). At the same time, STA 1 of the non-AP MLD can also obtain the complete profile or requested information of AP 1 and / or AP 2 on the AP MLD by sending multi-link probe request frames to the AP MLD on Link 1. At the same time, the non-AP MLD switches STA 2 from active mode to sleep mode (energy-saving mode) on Link 2, thereby maintaining communication with the AP MLD on Link 1 and achieving energy saving for STA 2.

[0196] Please refer to Figure 12, which shows a schematic diagram of a switching method initiated by a non-AP multi-link device involved in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 12, it describes an example of a Non-AP MLD link switching from an independent operation mode to a controlled operation mode. A Non-AP MLD is associated with an AP MLD and establishes two links with the AP MLD, namely Link1 and Link2, where Link1 is a high-frequency link, such as a millimeter wave link (i.e., operating in the millimeter wave band), which can operate in an independent operation mode or a controlled operation mode; Link2 is a management and control link, which can be a low-frequency link (i.e., operating in a frequency band below 7 GHz), and can manage and control communications on Link1.

[0197] Initially, Link 1 of the non-AP MLD is in independent operation mode. That is, the AP MLD periodically sends unsolicited probe response frames to the non-AP MLD on Link 1, carrying information about the functions, capabilities, and operating parameters of the non-AP MLD's established links (Link 1 and Link 2). Simultaneously, STA 1 of the non-AP MLD can also send multi-link probe request frames to the AP MLD on Link 1 to obtain the complete profile or requested information of AP 1 and / or AP 2 on the AP MLD. STA 2 on Link 2 of the non-AP MLD is in sleep mode in energy-saving mode to achieve energy conservation.

[0198] After some time, STA1 of the non-AP MLD sends a controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame through Link 1 to inform the AP MLD that Link 1 of the non-AP MLD will switch its operation mode. The New Operation Mode (NM) subfield carried in the controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame is set to 0, and the Link ID Bitmap field indicates that the link undergoing the controlled-to-independent operation mode switch is Link 1, indicating that Link 1 will switch to controlled operation mode.

[0199] After STA1 of Non-AP MLD on Link 1 receives the corresponding controlled and independent operation mode switching notification frame sent by AP MLD (Note: the controlled and independent operation mode switching control field is set to the same value as the received controlled and independent operation mode switching control field), Link 1 switches the operation mode to controlled operation mode.

[0200] After Link 1 of the non-AP MLD switches to the controlled operation mode, AP MLD's AP1 no longer periodically sends unsolicited probe response frames to the non-AP MLD on Link 1. At the same time, STA1 of the non-AP MLD cannot send probe request frames on Link 1 to obtain AP information from the AP MLD.

[0201] Before Link 1 of the Non-AP MLD switches to the controlled operation mode, STA 2 of the Non-AP MLD on Link 2 switches from the energy-saving mode to the active mode. This allows STA 2 to receive beacon frames sent by AP 2 after Link 1 of the Non-AP MLD switches to the controlled operation mode to obtain information about the functions, capabilities, and operating parameters of Link 1 and Link 2. At the same time, STA 2 of the Non-AP MLD can also obtain the complete profile or requested information of AP 1 and / or AP 2 on the AP MLD by sending multi-link detection request frames to the AP MLD on Link 2.

[0202] 2. The method for switching between controlled and independent operation modes initiated by the access point multi-link device is as follows:

[0203] When an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) prepares to switch the operation mode of a link in its associated target non-AP MLD that supports this switching mode between controlled and independent, the subordinate AP corresponding to one of the established links in the AP MLD with the target non-AP MLD sends a controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame to a subordinate non-AP STA of the non-AP MLD, instructing the target non-AP MLD to switch the operation mode between controlled and independent. When the value of the New Operation Mode subfield carried in the Controlled-to-Independent Operation Mode Switch Notification frame is set to 0, it indicates that the operation mode of the link in the target non-AP MLD is switched to controlled mode; when the value of the New Operation Mode subfield is set to 1, it indicates that the operation mode of the link in the target non-AP MLD is switched to independent mode. After a Non-AP STA to which the target Non-AP MLD belongs receives a controlled-and-independent operation mode switching notification frame sent by an AP to which the AP MLD belongs, it sends a controlled-and-independent operation mode switching notification frame with the controlled-and-independent operation mode switching control field set to the same value as the received controlled-and-independent operation mode switching control field to an AP to which the target AP MLD belongs within the timeout interval indicated by the switching timeout subfield of the received controlled-and-independent operation mode switching notification frame. After the target Non-AP MLD successfully receives a controlled / independent operation mode switch notification frame and the switch timeout duration indicated by the Switch Timeout subfield expires, or after the target Non-AP MLD successfully sends a controlled / independent operation mode switch notification frame to an AP affiliated with the AP MLD, the relevant link undergoing mode switching indicated by the Link ID Bitmap field of the frame will operate in the operation mode indicated by the New Operation Mode subfield. That is, when the value of the New Operation Mode subfield is set to 0, the operation mode of the relevant link will be switched to the controlled operation mode; when the value of the New Operation Mode subfield is set to 1, the operation mode of the relevant link will be switched to the independent operation mode.

[0204] Please refer to Figure 13, which shows a schematic diagram of a method for switching initiated by an AP multi-link device involved in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 13, it describes an example of a Non-AP MLD link initiated by an access point multi-link device switching from a controlled operation mode to an independent operation mode. A Non-AP MLD is associated with an AP MLD and establishes two links with the AP MLD, namely Link1 and Link2, wherein Link1 is a high-frequency link, such as a millimeter wave link (i.e., operating in the millimeter wave band), which can operate in an independent operation mode or a controlled operation mode; Link2 is a management and control link, which can be a low-frequency link (i.e., operating in a frequency band below 7 GHz), and can manage and control communications on Link1.

[0205] Initially, Link 1 of the non-AP MLD network is in controlled mode. This means that AP MLD's AP1 does not send beacon frames, and communications on Link 1 are managed and controlled by Link 2. Furthermore, STA 1 of the non-AP MLD network cannot send probe request frames on Link 1 to obtain AP information from the AP MLD. On Link 2, AP 2 carries Link 1 information in its beacon or probe response frames to notify non-AP MLD devices that receive the beacon or probe response about Link 1 or the AP corresponding to Link 1 (i.e., the reported AP). For non-AP MLD, when Link 1 is in controlled mode, Station 2 on Link 2 operates in an awake state in active mode to ensure that it can obtain management information on Link 1 in a timely manner while simultaneously acquiring management information on Link 2.

[0206] After some time, AP MLD's AP2 sends a controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame over Link 2 to inform the non-AP MLD (i.e., the target non-AP MLD) that the non-AP MLD's Link 1 will undergo an operation mode switch. The controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame carries the New Operation Mode (NM) subfield set to 1, and the Link ID Bitmap field indicates that the link undergoing the controlled-to-independent operation mode switch is Link 1, indicating that Link 1 will switch to independent operation mode.

[0207] After STA2 on Link 2 of the non-AP MLD receives the controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame sent by the AP MLD and replies with an acknowledgment frame (ACK), if the non-AP MLD is ready to switch the operation mode of Link 1 to independent operation mode, it sends the corresponding controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame (Note: the controlled-to-independent operation mode switch control field is set to the same value as the received controlled-to-independent operation mode switch control field) to AP2 of the AP MLD. After receiving the acknowledgment frame (ACK) sent by the AP MLD, the operation mode of Link 1 of the non-AP MLD is switched to independent operation mode.

[0208] After the operation mode of Link 1 of the non-AP MLD is switched to independent operation mode, the AP MLD can periodically send unsolicited probe response frames (Unsolicited Probe Response) to the non-AP MLD on Link 1, carrying information about the functions, capabilities, and operating parameters of the non-AP MLD's established links (Link 1 and Link 2). At the same time, STA 1 of the non-AP MLD can also obtain the complete profile or requested information of AP 1 and / or AP 2 on the AP MLD by sending multi-link probe request frames to the AP MLD on Link 1. At the same time, the non-AP MLD switches STA 2 from active mode to sleep mode (energy-saving mode) on Link 2, thereby maintaining communication with the AP MLD on Link 1 and achieving energy saving for STA 2.

[0209] Please refer to Figure 14, which shows a schematic diagram of a switching method initiated by an AP multi-link device involved in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 14, it describes an example of a Non-AP MLD link switching from an independent operation mode to a controlled operation mode. A Non-AP MLD is associated with an AP MLD and establishes two links with the AP MLD, namely Link1 and Link2, wherein Link1 is a high-frequency link, such as a millimeter wave link (i.e., operating in the millimeter wave band), which can operate in an independent operation mode or a controlled operation mode; Link2 is a management and control link, which can be a low-frequency link (i.e., operating in a frequency band below 7 GHz), and can manage and control communications on Link1.

[0210] Initially, Link 1 of the non-AP MLD is in independent operation mode. That is, the AP MLD periodically sends unsolicited probe response frames to the non-AP MLD on Link 1, carrying information about the functions, capabilities, and operating parameters of the non-AP MLD's established links (Link 1 and Link 2). Simultaneously, STA 1 of the non-AP MLD can also send multi-link probe request frames to the AP MLD on Link 1 to obtain the complete profile or requested information of AP 1 and / or AP 2 on the AP MLD. STA 2 on Link 2 of the non-AP MLD is in sleep mode in energy-saving mode to achieve energy conservation.

[0211] After some time, AP MLD's AP1 sends a controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame through Link 1 to inform the non-AP MLD (i.e., the target non-AP MLD) that Link 1 of the non-AP MLD will switch its operation mode. The controlled-to-independent operation mode switch notification frame carries the New Operation Mode (NM) subfield set to 0, and the Link ID Bitmap field indicates that the link undergoing the controlled-to-independent operation mode switch is Link 1, indicating that Link 1 will switch to controlled operation mode.

[0212] After STA1 on Link 1 of the Non-AP MLD receives the controlled / independent operation mode switch notification frame sent by the AP MLD and replies with an acknowledgment frame (ACK), if the Non-AP MLD is ready to switch the operation mode of Link 1 to the controlled operation mode, it sends the corresponding controlled / independent operation mode switch notification frame (Note: the controlled / independent operation mode switch control field is set to the same value as the received controlled / independent operation mode switch control field) to AP1 of the AP MLD. After receiving the acknowledgment frame (ACK) sent by the AP MLD, the operation mode of Link 1 of the Non-AP MLD is switched to the controlled operation mode.

[0213] After Link 1 of the non-AP MLD switches to the controlled operation mode, AP MLD's AP1 no longer periodically sends unsolicited probe response frames to the non-AP MLD on Link 1. At the same time, STA1 of the non-AP MLD cannot send probe request frames on Link 1 to obtain AP information from the AP MLD.

[0214] Before Link 1 of the Non-AP MLD switches to the controlled operation mode, STA 2 of the Non-AP MLD on Link 2 switches from the energy-saving mode to the active mode. This allows STA 2 to receive beacon frames sent by AP 2 after Link 1 of the Non-AP MLD switches to the controlled operation mode to obtain information about the functions, capabilities, and operating parameters of Link 1 and Link 2. At the same time, STA 2 of the Non-AP MLD can also obtain the complete profile or requested information of AP 1 and / or AP 2 on the AP MLD by sending multi-link detection request frames to the AP MLD on Link 2.

[0215] Please refer to Figure 15, which shows a block diagram of a link operation mode switching device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The device has the function of implementing the steps performed by the first device in the link operation mode switching method described above. As shown in Figure 15, the device may include:

[0216] a sending module 1501, configured to send link operation mode switching information to a second device, where the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of the link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of at least two links established between the first device and the second device; and the first device and the second device are multi-link devices;

[0217] The switching module 1502 is configured to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0218] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information is carried by a non-periodically scheduled management frame.

[0219] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information is carried by an action frame.

[0220] In some embodiments, the link operation mode includes: a controlled operation mode based on MLO and an independent operation mode based on MLO;

[0221] The MLO-based controlled operation mode refers to a mode in which data transmission of the corresponding link in the MLO of the established link is managed and controlled by other links;

[0222] The MLO-based independent operation mode refers to a mode in which data transmission of a corresponding link in the MLO of an established link is managed and controlled by the corresponding link.

[0223] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate at least one of the following information:

[0224] The target link operation mode of the first link switching, the identifier of the first link, and the timeout duration of the link operation mode switching of the first link.

[0225] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information includes an operation mode switching control field, and the operation mode switching control field includes at least one of the following information fields:

[0226] New operation mode subfield, link identification bitmap subfield, and handover timeout subfield;

[0227] The new operation mode subfield is used to indicate the target link operation mode of the first link switching;

[0228] The link identification bitmap subfield is used to indicate the identification of the first link to be switched;

[0229] The switching timeout subfield is used to indicate the timeout duration for switching the link operation mode of the first link.

[0230] In some embodiments, the switching timeout subfield includes a switching timeout code, and the switching timeout code is used to indicate the number of time units corresponding to the timeout duration of the first link switching.

[0231] In some embodiments, the switching module 1502 is used to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information when the link operation mode switching information indicates a timeout period for the link operation mode switching of the first link, and when the time after sending the link operation mode switching information reaches the timeout period, if the link operation mode switching information returned by the second device has not been received.

[0232] In some embodiments, the switching module 1502 is used to receive the link operation mode switching information returned by the second device when the link operation mode switching information indicates a timeout period for the link operation mode switching of the first link, and before the time period after sending the link operation mode switching information does not reach the timeout period, and switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0233] In some embodiments, the switching module 1502 is configured to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information when the link operation mode switching information is received from the second device.

[0234] In some embodiments, the sending module 1501 is used to send the link operation mode switching information to the second device through the second link when the first link is in the controlled operation mode based on MLO; the second link is a link for managing and controlling the first link.

[0235] In some embodiments, the sending module 1501 is configured to send the link operation mode switching information to the second device through the first link when the first link is in an independent operation mode based on MLO.

[0236] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0237] a receiving module, configured to receive, when the first device is a non-AP multi-link device, a unicast management frame sent by the second device, the unicast management frame including at least one of information on functions, capabilities, and operating parameters of a link established between the first device and the second device.

[0238] In some embodiments, the receiving module is configured to receive the unicast management frame sent by the second device through a link in an independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links.

[0239] In some embodiments, the sending module is further used to send a unicast management frame to the second device when the first device is an AP multi-link device, and the unicast management frame includes: at least one of the functions, capabilities and operating parameter information of the link established between the first device and the second device.

[0240] In some embodiments, the sending module is configured to send the unicast management frame to the second device through a link in an independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links.

[0241] In some embodiments, the link in the MLO-based independent operation mode among the at least two links is configured to transmit at least one of the following management frames:

[0242] Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

[0243] In some embodiments, among the at least two links, the link in the MLO-based controlled operation mode is not used to transmit at least one of the following management frames:

[0244] Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

[0245] Please refer to Figure 16, which shows a block diagram of a link operation mode switching device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The device has the function of implementing the steps performed by the second device in the link operation mode switching method described above. As shown in Figure 16, the device may include:

[0246] A receiving module 1601 is configured to receive link operation mode switching information sent by a first device, where the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of the link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of the at least two links; at least two links are established between the first device and the second device; and the first device and the second device are multi-link devices;

[0247] The switching module 1602 is configured to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

[0248] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information is carried by a non-periodically scheduled management frame.

[0249] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information is carried by an action frame.

[0250] In some embodiments, the link operation mode includes: a controlled operation mode based on MLO and an independent operation mode based on MLO;

[0251] The MLO-based controlled operation mode refers to a mode in which data transmission of the corresponding link in the MLO of the established link is managed and controlled by other links;

[0252] The MLO-based independent operation mode refers to a mode in which data transmission of a corresponding link in the MLO of an established link is managed and controlled by the corresponding link.

[0253] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate at least one of the following information:

[0254] The target link operation mode of the first link switching, the identifier of the first link, and the timeout duration of the link operation mode switching of the first link.

[0255] In some embodiments, the link operation mode switching information includes an operation mode switching control field, and the operation mode switching control field includes at least one of the following information fields:

[0256] New operation mode subfield, link identification bitmap subfield, and handover timeout subfield;

[0257] The new operation mode subfield is used to indicate the target link operation mode of the first link switching;

[0258] The link identification bitmap subfield is used to indicate the identification of the first link to be switched;

[0259] The switching timeout subfield is used to indicate the timeout duration for switching the link operation mode of the first link.

[0260] In some embodiments, the switching timeout subfield includes a switching timeout code, and the switching timeout code is used to indicate the number of time units corresponding to the timeout duration of the first link switching.

[0261] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0262] A sending module is used to return the link operation mode switching information to the second device when the link operation mode switching information indicates a timeout period for the link operation mode switching of the first link and when the time after receiving the link operation mode switching information does not reach the timeout period.

[0263] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1601 is used to receive the link operation mode switching information sent by the first device through the second link when the first link is in the controlled operation mode based on MLO; the second link is a link for managing and controlling the first link.

[0264] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1601 is configured to receive the link operation mode switching information sent by the first device through the first link when the first link is in an independent operation mode based on MLO.

[0265] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0266] a sending module, configured to send a unicast management frame to the first device when the first device is a non-AP multi-link device, wherein the unicast management frame includes at least one of the function, capability, and operating parameter information of the link established between the first device and the second device.

[0267] In some embodiments, the sending module is configured to send a unicast management frame to the first device through a link in the MLO-based independent operation mode among the at least two links.

[0268] In some embodiments, the receiving module is further used to receive a unicast management frame sent by the first device when the first device is an AP multi-link device, and the unicast management frame includes: at least one of the functions, capabilities and operating parameter information of the link established between the first device and the second device.

[0269] In some embodiments, the receiving module is configured to receive a unicast management frame sent by the first device through a link in an independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links.

[0270] In some embodiments, the link in the MLO-based independent operation mode among the at least two links is configured to transmit at least one of the following management frames:

[0271] Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

[0272] In some embodiments, among the at least two links, the link in the MLO-based controlled operation mode is not used to transmit at least one of the following management frames:

[0273] Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

[0274] It should be noted that the device provided in the above embodiment only uses the division of the above-mentioned functional modules as an example to implement its functions. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be assigned to different functional modules according to actual needs, that is, the content structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0275] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiment, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiment of the method, and will not be elaborated here.

[0276] Please refer to Figure 17, which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1700 provided in one embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1700 may be a multi-link device and may include: a processor 1701, a receiver 1702, a transmitter 1703, a memory 1704, and a bus 1705.

[0277] The processor 1701 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 1701 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0278] The receiver 1702 and the transmitter 1703 may be implemented as a communication component, which may be a communication chip, which may also be called a transceiver.

[0279] The memory 1704 is connected to the processor 1701 via a bus 1705 .

[0280] The memory 1704 may be used to store a computer program, and the processor 1701 may be used to execute the computer program to implement the various steps performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0281] In addition, memory 1704 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic disk or optical disk, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, static random access memory, read-only memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory.

[0282] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver (the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver is used to receive information, and the transmitter is used to send information);

[0283] In one possible implementation, the processor and the transceiver may be used to execute all or part of the steps performed by the first device or the second device in any of the embodiments of FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 or FIG. 9 , which are not described in detail here.

[0284] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. The computer program is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the various steps performed by the first device or the second device in the method shown in any of the embodiments of Figures 6, 7 or 9 above.

[0285] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a communication device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the communication device to perform each step performed by the first device or the second device in the method shown in any of the embodiments of Figures 6, 7, or 9.

[0286] The present application also provides a chip, which is used to run in a communication device so that the communication device executes each step performed by the first device or the second device in the method shown in any embodiment of Figure 6, Figure 7 or Figure 9 above.

[0287] The present application also provides a computer program, which is executed by a processor of a communication device to implement the various steps performed by the first device or the second device in the method shown in any of the embodiments of Figures 6, 7 or 9 above.

[0288] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in one or more of the above examples, the functions described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any media that facilitates the transmission of computer programs from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0289] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A link operation mode switching method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first device, and at least two links are established between the first device and a second device; The first device and the second device are multi-link devices; the method comprises: Sending link operation mode switching information to the second device, where the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of the link operation mode of the first link; the first link is one of the at least two links; The link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched according to the link operation mode switching information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The link operation mode switching information is carried by a non-periodically scheduled management frame.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The link operation mode switching information is carried by an action frame.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The link operation modes include: a controlled operation mode based on MLO and an independent operation mode based on MLO; The MLO-based controlled operation mode refers to a mode in which the data transmission of the corresponding link in the MLO of the established link is managed and controlled by other links; The MLO-based independent operation mode refers to a mode in which data transmission of a corresponding link in the MLO of an established link is managed and controlled by the corresponding link.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The link operation mode switching information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: The target link operation mode of the first link switching, the identifier of the first link, and the timeout duration of the link operation mode switching of the first link.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The link operation mode switching information includes an operation mode switching control field, and the operation mode switching control field includes at least one of the following information fields: New operation mode subfield, link identification bitmap subfield, and handover timeout subfield; The new operation mode subfield is used to indicate the target link operation mode of the first link switching; The link identification bitmap subfield is used to indicate the identification of the first link to be switched; The switching timeout subfield is used to indicate a timeout duration for switching the link operation mode of the first link.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The switching timeout subfield includes a switching timeout code, and the switching timeout code is used to indicate the number of time units corresponding to the timeout duration of the first link switching.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The step of switching the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information includes: When the link operation mode switching information indicates the timeout period for switching the link operation mode of the first link, and when the time after sending the link operation mode switching information reaches the timeout period, if the link operation mode switching information returned by the second device has not been received, the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched according to the link operation mode switching information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The step of switching the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information includes: When the link operation mode switching information indicates a timeout period for switching the link operation mode of the first link, and before the time after sending the link operation mode switching information reaches the timeout period, the link operation mode switching information returned by the second device is received, and the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched according to the link operation mode switching information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The step of switching the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information includes: When the link operation mode switching information returned by the second device is received, the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched according to the link operation mode switching information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The sending link operation mode switching information to the second device includes: In a case where the first link is in a controlled operation mode based on MLO, the link operation mode switching information is sent to the second device via a second link; the second link is a link for managing and controlling the first link.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The sending link operation mode switching information to the second device includes: In a case where the first link is in an independent operation mode based on MLO, the link operation mode switching information is sent to the second device through the first link.

13. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that In the case where the first device is a non-AP multi-link device, the method further includes: A unicast management frame sent by the second device is received, where the unicast management frame includes: at least one of the functions, capabilities, and operation parameter information of the link established between the first device and the second device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The receiving a unicast management frame sent by the second device includes: The unicast management frame sent by the second device is received through the link in the independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links.

15. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that In the case where the first device is an AP multi-link device, the method further includes: A unicast management frame is sent to the second device, where the unicast management frame includes: at least one of the functions, capabilities, and operating parameter information of the link established between the first device and the second device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The sending a unicast management frame to the second device includes: The unicast management frame is sent to the second device through the link in the independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links.

17. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The link in the independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links is used to transmit at least one of the following management frames: Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

18. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Of the at least two links, the link in the MLO-based controlled operation mode is not used to transmit at least one of the following management frames: Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

19. A link operation mode switching method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a second device, and at least two links are established between the first device and the second device; The first device and the second device are multi-link devices; the method comprises: receiving link operation mode switching information sent by a first device, where the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of a link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of the at least two links; The link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched according to the link operation mode switching information.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The link operation mode switching information is carried by a non-periodically scheduled management frame.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The link operation mode switching information is carried by an action frame.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that: The link operation modes include: a controlled operation mode based on MLO and an independent operation mode based on MLO; The MLO-based controlled operation mode refers to a mode in which the data transmission of the corresponding link in the MLO of the established link is managed and controlled by other links; The MLO-based independent operation mode refers to a mode in which data transmission of a corresponding link in the MLO of an established link is managed and controlled by the corresponding link.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: The link operation mode switching information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: The target link operation mode of the first link switching, the identifier of the first link, and the timeout duration of the link operation mode switching of the first link.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The link operation mode switching information includes an operation mode switching control field, and the operation mode switching control field includes at least one of the following information fields: New operation mode subfield, link identification bitmap subfield, and handover timeout subfield; The new operation mode subfield is used to indicate the target link operation mode of the first link switching; The link identification bitmap subfield is used to indicate the identification of the first link to be switched; The switching timeout subfield is used to indicate a timeout duration for switching the link operation mode of the first link.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The switching timeout subfield includes a switching timeout code, and the switching timeout code is used to indicate the number of time units corresponding to the timeout duration of the first link switching.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the link operation mode switching information indicates a timeout period for switching the link operation mode of the first link, and when a time period after receiving the link operation mode switching information does not reach the timeout period, the link operation mode switching information is returned to the second device.

27. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that: The receiving link operation mode switching information sent by the first device includes: In a case where the first link is in a controlled operation mode based on MLO, the link operation mode switching information sent by the first device is received through a second link; the second link is a link for managing and controlling the first link.

28. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that: The receiving link operation mode switching information sent by the first device includes: In a case where the first link is in an independent operation mode based on MLO, the link operation mode switching information sent by the first device is received through the first link.

29. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that In the case where the first device is a non-AP multi-link device, the method further includes: A unicast management frame is sent to the first device, wherein the unicast management frame includes: at least one of the functions, capabilities, and operating parameter information of the link established between the first device and the second device.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that The unicast management frame sent to the first device includes: The unicast management frame is sent to the first device through the link in the independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links.

31. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that In the case where the first device is an AP multi-link device, the method further includes: A unicast management frame is received which is sent by the first device, where the unicast management frame includes: at least one of the function, capability and operation parameter information of the link established between the first device and the second device.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The receiving a unicast management frame sent by the first device includes: The single signal sent by the first device is received through the link in the independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links. Management frames broadcast.

33. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The link in the independent operation mode based on MLO among the at least two links is used to transmit at least one of the following management frames: Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

34. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that Of the at least two links, the link in the MLO-based controlled operation mode is not used to transmit at least one of the following management frames: Beacon frames, individually addressed type 3 management frames, individually addressed deauthentication frames, individually addressed disassociation frames, and individually addressed multilink probe requests.

35. A link operation mode switching device, characterized in that: The device comprises: a sending module, configured to send link operation mode switching information to a second device, wherein the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of a link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of at least two links established between the first device and the second device; the first device and the second device are multi-link devices; A switching module is used to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

36. A link operation mode switching device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A receiving module, configured to receive link operation mode switching information sent by a first device, wherein the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of the link operation mode of a first link; the first link is one of the at least two links; at least two links are established between the first device and the second device; the first device and the second device are multi-link devices; A switching module is used to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

37. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is implemented as a first device, at least two links are established between the first device and the second device; the first device and the second device are multi-link devices; the communication device includes a processor, a memory and a transceiver; The transceiver is used to send link operation mode switching information to the second device, where the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of the link operation mode of the first link;The first link is one of the at least two links; The processor is configured to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

38. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is implemented as a second device, at least two links are established between the first device and the second device; the first device and the second device are multi-link devices; the communication device includes a processor, a memory and a transceiver; The transceiver is used to receive link operation mode switching information sent by the first device, where the link operation mode switching information is used to indicate switching of the link operation mode of the first link; The first link is one of the at least two links; The processor is configured to switch the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information.

39. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to be executed by a processor to implement the link operation mode switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 34.

40. A chip, characterized in that: The chip is used to run in a communication device so that the communication device executes the link operation mode switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 34.

41. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes computer instructions, which are stored in a computer-readable storage medium; the processor of the communication device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, so that the communication device executes the link operation mode switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 34.

42. A computer program, characterized in that The computer program is executed by a processor of a communication device to implement the link operation mode switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

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