Link state determination method, frame transmission method, device, equipment and medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a link state determination method, a frame transmission method and device, equipment and a medium, and relates to the field of communication. The method includes transmitting a first frame in a millimeter wave link in a first state. According to the embodiment of the invention, the MLD is supported to perform frame transmission on the millimeter wave link in the first state, and the link state of the millimeter wave link when the first frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link is limited, so that the communication quality of millimeter wave communication can be effectively improved, the failure rate of millimeter wave communication is reduced, and resource waste is reduced.

Description

Link status determination method, frame transmission method, device, equipment and medium Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a method for determining a link state, a frame transmission method, an apparatus, a device, and a medium. Background Art

[0002] Millimeter wave communication is currently a hot technology. However, millimeter waves have significant drawbacks, such as short propagation distance, susceptibility to attenuation, and susceptibility to obstruction, which significantly affect communication quality.

[0003] Therefore, how to effectively improve the communication quality of millimeter wave communication is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a link status determination method, frame transmission method, apparatus, device, and medium. The technical solutions are as follows:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present application, a method for determining a link status is provided. The method is performed by a multi-link device (MLD), and the method includes:

[0007] The link status of the millimeter wave link is determined based on whether the beamforming training is completed.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present application, a device for determining a link status is provided, the device comprising:

[0009] A determination module is used to determine the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present application, a frame transmission method is provided, where the method is performed by an MLD, and the method includes:

[0011] A first frame is transmitted over the millimeter wave link in a first state.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present application, a frame transmission device is provided, the device comprising:

[0013] A transmission module is configured to transmit a first frame on a millimeter wave link in a first state.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present application, a wireless device is provided, which includes: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the link status determination method or frame transmission method as described in the above aspects.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which executable instructions are stored. The executable instructions are loaded and executed by a processor to implement the link status determination method or frame transmission method as described in the above aspects.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer program product is provided, which includes computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and a processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes to implement the link status determination method or frame transmission method as described in the above aspects.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present application, a chip is provided, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and when the chip is running, it is used to implement the link status determination method or frame transmission method as described in the above aspects.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer program is provided, which includes computer instructions. A processor of a computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the link status determination method or frame transmission method as described in the above aspects.

[0019] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application include at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] MLD supports frame transmission on the millimeter wave link in the first state. Since the link state of the millimeter wave link when the first frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link is limited, the communication quality of millimeter wave communication can be effectively improved, the failure rate of millimeter wave communication can be reduced, and resource waste can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] 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.

[0022] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-link operation process in the related art;

[0023] FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of a Wi-Fi system provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0024] FIG3 shows a schematic flow chart of a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0025] FIG4 shows a schematic flow chart of a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0026] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for determining a link status according to some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0027] FIG6 shows a schematic flow chart of a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0028] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing a method for determining a link status provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0029] FIG8 is a schematic flow chart showing a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0030] FIG9 is a schematic flow chart showing a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0031] FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing a method for determining a link status provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0032] FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing an element format provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0033] FIG12 is a schematic diagram showing an element format provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0034] FIG13 is a schematic diagram showing an element format provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0035] FIG14 is a schematic diagram showing an element format provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0036] FIG15 is a schematic diagram showing an element format provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0037] FIG16 is a schematic diagram showing an element format provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0038] FIG17 is a schematic diagram showing a field format provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0039] FIG18 is a schematic diagram showing an element format provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0040] FIG19 is a schematic flow chart showing a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0041] FIG20 is a schematic diagram showing an element format provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0042] FIG21 shows a structural block diagram of a frame transmission device provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0043] FIG22 shows a schematic structural diagram of a wireless communication device provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application more clear, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0045] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. As used in this application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this application to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein can be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determination". In this specification, when expressing the meaning expressed by a Boolean value, it will be expressed as '0' for 'first meaning' and '1' for 'second meaning'. Without loss of generality, those skilled in the art will understand that its representative meaning can be swapped, that is, '1' for 'first meaning' and '0' for 'second meaning'.

[0047] For millimeter wave (mmWave) links, some people believe that all devices operating in the mmWave band should have Multi-Link Operation (MLO) capabilities, and in addition to the station (STA) / access point (AP) in the mmWave band, there should be at least one affiliated STA / AP in the low-frequency band, and device association and discovery should be performed in the low-frequency band.

[0048] (1) Some Questions to Answer for Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) Project Authorization Request (PAR)

[0049] The proposal describes how the addition of millimeter wave capabilities can provide UHR customers with clear lighthouse capabilities and performance-enhancing features. Furthermore, the proposal foresees a new long-term Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) roadmap, including other new uses and features. This proposal opens a new path for legacy communications and sensing solutions.

[0050] The proposal recognizes the importance of clearly defining the scope of mmWave within this generation of UHR and that further features are not required to optimize UHR. Furthermore, the proposal stipulates that all devices operating in mmWave should be capable of multi-link operation and, in addition to the STA / AP operating in the mmWave band, have at least one affiliated STA / AP operating in a low-band band. Essentially, there are no devices operating exclusively in mmWave. Using the mmWave link for multi-link operation offers numerous advantages: device discovery / association in the low-band band; scheduling from the low-band band, such as Target Wake Time (TWT) scheduling negotiation in the low-band band, while using the TWT Service Period (SP) in the mmWave band significantly reduces power consumption because there is virtually no channel contention in the mmWave band: devices are only woken up in the TWT SP; broadcast exchanges are performed in the low-band band; beamforming training performs sector scanning in the 60 GHz band, but sequences can be triggered and scheduled in the low-band band, and feedback can also be provided in the low-band band; and in the event of a 60 GHz link loss, seamless and rapid fallback to the low-band band (beamforming needs to be re-performed). In other words, all broadcast exchanges, as well as all frame exchanges completed prior to beamforming establishment and successful training in the mmWave band, can be performed in the low-band.

[0051] In addition, the proposal also provides the differences between the technologies in the IEEE 802.11ad / ay specifications and the technologies supported by mmWave in UHR, as shown in Table 1:

[0052] Table 1 Comparison of technologies in the IEEE 802.11ad / ay specifications and technologies supported by millimeter waves in UHR

[0053] (2) Multi-link operation process

[0054] The multi-link operation process between a non-AP multi-link device (Non-AP MLD) and an AP MLD consists of the AP MLD discovery phase, the multi-link (re)establishment phase, and the traffic identifier-to-link (TID-to-link) mapping phase. Figure 1 shows the process.

[0055] The AP MLD discovery phase operates in two modes: active scanning and passive scanning. Active scanning involves any subordinate STA in a non-AP MLD broadcasting a Probe Request frame and receiving a Probe Response frame to obtain information about nearby AP MLDs. Passive scanning involves an subordinate AP STA in an AP MLD broadcasting a Beacon frame carrying its own complete information and basic information about other subordinate AP STAs. Furthermore, a non-AP STA affiliated with a non-AP MLD can request full or partial functionality, parameters, and operational element sets of the AP in the AP MLD using a multilink Probe Request frame.

[0056] Before Non-AP MLD and AP MLD (re)establish multilinks, they must first follow the MLD authentication process. A subordinate non-AP STA in the Non-AP MLD sends a (re)association request frame to the subordinate AP in the AP MLD. This (re)association request frame includes the requested connection and the capabilities and operating parameters of the requested connection. Subsequently, upon receiving the (re)association request frame, AP MLD should indicate in a (re)association response frame whether the requested connection was accepted or rejected, as well as the capabilities and operating parameters of the requested connection. After the Non-AP MLD receives the (re)multilink association response frame, multilink establishment between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD is complete.

[0057] The TID-to-Link mapping mechanism allows AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs that are performing or currently performing multilink establishment to determine how to allocate uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) Quality of Service (QoS) traffic for TID values ​​between 0 and 7 to the non-AP MLD's established links. There are two modes for TID-to-Link mapping: implicit and explicit. In the implicit mode, during multilink (re)establishment, the non-AP MLD can initiate TID-to-Link mapping negotiation by including a TID-to-Link mapping element in a (re)association request frame. The AP MLD receives the (re)association request frame and responds. The request is accepted only if the (re)association request frame contains a multilink establishment request for at least one link mapped to at least one TID. Otherwise, the (re)association response frame should include a proposed TID-to-Link mapping. In explicit mode, after a multilink is successfully (re)established and the four-way handshake is completed, the initiating MLD and responding MLD can exchange TID-to-Link request frames and receive TID-to-Link response frames to perform TID-to-Link negotiation. After TID-to-Link mapping is performed, data can be transmitted on the link in the Enabled state.

[0058] (3) Status of established links

[0059] The states of an established link are divided into enabled and disabled states. If at least one TID is mapped to an established link in either DL or UL, the established link is defined as enabled. If no TID is mapped to the established link in either DL or UL, the established link is defined as disabled.

[0060] During the TID-to-Link mapping process, all TIDs are mapped to all established links in the DL and UL by default, and all established links are enabled. If TID-to-Link mapping negotiation for a different mapping does not occur, is unsuccessful, or is interrupted, the Non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD will operate in the aforementioned default mode.

[0061] (4) Operations in different link states

[0062] If the link state of a link is enabled for non-AP MLD, then:

[0063] 1) This link can be used for individually addressed frame exchanges, depending on the power state of the non-AP STAs operating on the link. Only Media Access Control Service Data Units (MSDUs) or Aggregate-MSDUs (A-MSDUs) corresponding to the TIDs mapped to the link can be transmitted on the link between the corresponding non-AP STA (belonging to the non-AP MLD) and the AP (belonging to the AP MLD) in the direction (DL / UL) corresponding to the TID-to-Link mapping.

[0064] 2) Individually addressed management frames, QoS null frames, and control frames can be sent on any enabled link between the corresponding non-AP MLD and AP MLD in DL and UL.

[0065] If the link state of a link is incapable for non-AP MLD, then the link cannot be used for the exchange of individually addressed frames, including management frames and control frames, between a non-AP STA associated with non-AP MLD and an AP associated with AP MLD, unless the link state of the link is incapable for non-AP MLD but has not been advertised as incapable by AP MLD. If the non-AP MLD is the initiator, the link can be used for the transmission of Type 1 management frames, Type 2 management frames, Type 1 control frames, TID-to-Link Mapping Request frames, TID-to-Link Mapping Response frames, and TID-to-Link Mapping Teardown frames.

[0066] (5) Beamforming training in Related Technology 1

[0067] In related technology 1, beamforming training is divided into sector-level sweep (SLS), beam refinement protocol (BRP) and beam tracking (BT) stages.

[0068] The SLS phase consists of four phases: ISS, RSS, SSW-FB, and SSW-ACK. The ISS phase is used to train the Initiator link, while the RSS phase is used to train the Responder link. TX training in SLS is called TXSS, while RX training in SLS is called RXSS. During the SLS phase, the Beam Forming (BF) frames sent by the Initiator can include DMG Beacon frames, SSW frames, and SSW-FB frames; the BF frames sent by the Responder can include SSW frames and SSW-ACK frames. Finally, the RSS phase includes feedback on the best sector (and best antenna) during the ISS phase, while the SSW-FB phase includes feedback on the best sector (and best antenna) during the RSS phase. During the ISS and TXSS phases, each TX sector of the Initiator sends a BF (DMG Beacon or SSW) frame. The number of TX sectors is pre-negotiated between STAs. If the Responder has multiple antennas, the Initiator repeats the above process for each of the Responder's receive antennas. Subsequently, the responder sets all receiving antennas to quasi-omnidirectional mode to cyclically receive and measure data packets from the initiator's sending sector. Finally, the responder feedbacks the optimal sector ID in the RSS phase (if the initiator also has multiple antennas, the responder also needs to feedback the optimal antenna ID). RSS: Similar to the ISS execution process, if TXSS is performed in the ISS, the RSS phase includes feedback on the optimal sector (and optimal antenna) during the ISS process. SSW-FB: SSW-FB is executed after each RSS and sent by the initiator to the responder. At this time, the responder sets the receiving antenna to quasi-omnidirectional antenna mode, or the antenna configured by the RE after performing ISS RXSS, to ensure that the RE can successfully receive the feedback. SSW-ACK: SSW-ACK is executed after SSW-FB and sent by the responder to the initiator. The ACK is sent using the optimal sector that the responder should use as reported by SSW-FB.

[0069] The purpose of BRP is to enable STAs to iteratively train their RX and TX antenna arrays and improve their TX and RX antenna configurations. BRP can be used regardless of the antenna configuration supported by the STA. The BRP phase consists of the BRP setup subphase, the multi-sector ID detection (MID) subphase, the beam combining (BC) subphase, a subset of the previous subphases, and one or more beam refinement transactions.

[0070] Beam tracking is used for beamforming training during data transmission to adapt to channel changes between two SLS / BRP beamforming training phases. In beam tracking, a training field containing the Channel Estimation Field (CEF) and the Short Training Field (STF) is appended to the end of the packet.

[0071] A packet type of 0 indicates a BRP-RX packet; a packet type of 1 indicates a BRP-TX packet.

[0072] If BT request is 1, the transmitter's TX / RX is performing training. If BT request is 0, the receiver's TX / RX is performing training.

[0073] During the interaction process when the initiator requests TRN-R, the transmitter adds the TRN-R field after the current packet. The receiver uses the beam tracking method to find its best receiving sector. The initiator sends a request, and the responder adds the TRN-R field after the data (Data) to train the initiator's RX.

[0074] (6) Beamforming Training in Related Technology 2

[0075] In Related Technology 2, the beamforming training process consists of three stages: quasi-omnidirectional beamforming training, sector-level beamforming training, and beam-level beamforming training. These three stages correspond to different beamforming areas. The directional gain of the quasi-omnidirectional beamforming training, sector-level beamforming training, and beam-level beamforming training increases successively, while the coverage decreases successively. Through this wide-to-narrow beam search method, the optimal beam is found. Specifically:

[0076] 1) Sub Contention Access Period (S-CAP) and Association:

[0077] Assume that the Piconet Controller (PNC) has P TA transmitting antennas and P RA receiving antennas, so that PNC can be respectively TA and P RA Similarly, a device has D TA transmit antennas and D RA A receiving antenna.

[0078] For example, the PNC sends a quasi-omni (Q-omni) beacon frame P TA times, and use PTA One P in each antenna TA The antenna transmits, and repeats each time so that devices at different angles can join the same PNC. The device sends data to the D RA The device listens to the quasi-omnidirectional beacon frames in all directions to find the best direction pair and the suboptimal direction pair. Before determining the best direction pair and the suboptimal direction pair, the device will at least compare P TA ×D RA Yes. Finally, the device informs the PNC of its optimal transmission direction in the Association Command sent during the S-CAP Association process. Because the device does not yet know the optimal S-CAP, it sends Association Request commands on different antennas during the S-CAP Association process until the PNC responds with an Association Response command.

[0079] 2) Beam discovery: Since the antenna direction pair discovered in the association phase may not be optimal, a two-stage beam discovery is performed during the contention-free period of the Channel Time Allocation (CTA), including coarse-level beam discovery and fine-level beam discovery.

[0080] Exemplarily, after selecting the best coarse beam pair, fine beam discovery finally selects the best narrow beam pair. TB Transmit beam and P RB Receive beam, so that PNC can be respectively in P TB and P RB Similarly, a device has D TR transmit beams and D RB One CTA is allocated for beam discovery from the PNC to the device, and for feedback from the device to the PNC and similar steps.

[0081] Exemplarily, PNC to device beam discovery includes P TB cycles, in each cycle, PNC repeatedly sends D in the same direction RB In each cycle, the device attempts to RB beams to receive the training sequence. TB When the cycle is complete, the device has tested all possible P TB ×D RB Based on this information, the device selects the best beam pair, i.e. the best transmit beam for the PNC and the best receiving beam of the device The PNC is informed of this information through feedback. Similar steps are performed by the device as the sender of the training sequence and the PNC as the receiver. The PNC then selects the best beam pair, i.e. the best transmit beam for the device. PNC's optimal receiving beam Finally, a mapping process is performed to exchange the information of the fine-grained beams in the best beam pair found. In the second stage, a similar method is used to select the best fine-grained beam pair.

[0082] 3) Beam Tracking: For typical home and office environments, where very fast motion does not occur frequently, the wireless channel experiences very slow fading in many cases. In this case, the optimal beam found from the current packet to the next packet does not change significantly. Therefore, there is no need to invoke the time-consuming beam discovery process very frequently. To address the problem of very slow channel fading, beam tracking is used, which is much faster than beam discovery because it selects the optimal fine-grained beam pair from the coarse-scale beam pairs that have already been discovered. Therefore, beam tracking is performed periodically during the life cycle of the data transmission.

[0083] However, the attenuation problem of millimeter waves caused by factors such as free space loss, material penetration, and human obstruction is more serious than the attenuation problem in the Sub-7GHz band. Since the above method does not perform beamforming training, there are no optimal transmission parameters available for transmission, which can easily lead to the failure of the established millimeter wave link transmission, resulting in wasteful overhead and channel occupancy.

[0084] Based on the above problems, the present application proposes a link status determination method and a frame transmission method that help solve the above problems.

[0085] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a Wi-Fi system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The Wi-Fi system includes terminal devices, terminal devices and network devices, or APs and STAs, though this application does not limit this. This application uses an example of a Wi-Fi system including AP 210 and non-AP STA 220.

[0086] In some scenarios, an AP may be referred to as an AP STA, that is, in a sense, an AP is also a type of STA.

[0087] In some embodiments, STAs may include AP STAs and non-AP STAs.

[0088] Communication in a Wi-Fi system can be between an AP and a non-AP STA, between a non-AP STA and a non-AP STA, or between a STA and a peer STA. A peer STA refers to a device that communicates with a STA. For example, a peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0089] An AP acts as a bridge between a wired network and a wireless network. Its primary function is to connect wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. An AP device can be a terminal device or a network device equipped with a Wi-Fi chip.

[0090] It should be understood that the role of STA in the communication system is not absolute. For example, in some scenarios, when a mobile phone is connected to a router, the mobile phone is a non-AP STA. When the mobile phone serves as a hotspot for other mobile phones, the mobile phone plays the role of AP.

[0091] APs and non-AP STAs can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0092] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA can support various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. A non-AP STA can also be used in a network environment supporting a next-generation WLAN system, which is a WLAN system evolved from the 802.11ax system and can meet backward compatibility with the 802.11ax system. Next-generation Wi-Fi communication refers to any new generation of Wi-Fi communication after Wi-Fi 7 based on the IEEE 802.11be specification, such as Extremely High Throughput (EHT) communication and UHR communication. For example, a non-AP STA is a UHR STA.

[0093] In some embodiments, the AP may be a device that supports various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The AP may also be used in a network environment supporting a next-generation WLAN system, which is an evolved WLAN system from the 802.11ax system and is backward compatible with the 802.11ax system. Next-generation Wi-Fi communication refers to any new generation of Wi-Fi communication after Wi-Fi 7 based on the IEEE 802.11be specification, such as EHT communication and UHR communication. For example, the AP is a UHR AP.

[0094] In the embodiment of the present application, the STA may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, e-book reader, laptop computer, desktop computer, television, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, mixed reality (MR) device, extended reality (XR) device, baffle reality (BR) device, cinematic reality (CR) device, deceived reality (DR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, in-vehicle communication device, wireless device in remote medical care, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city or wireless device in smart home, wireless communication chip, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), system on chip (SoC), etc. Chip, SoC) etc.

[0095] The Wi-Fi system in the embodiment of the present application can support frequency bands including but not limited to: millimeter wave bands (such as 45 GHz, 60 GHz, etc., which are frequency bands in the range of 30 to 300 GHz) and Sub-7 GHz bands (such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc., which are frequency bands in the range of 1 to 7.25 GHz).

[0096] There may be one or more links between a STA and an AP.

[0097] In some embodiments, STAs and APs support multi-band communications, for example, communicating simultaneously on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, and 60 GHz frequency bands, or communicating simultaneously on different channels of the same frequency band or different channels of different frequency bands, to improve the communication throughput and / or reliability between devices. Such devices are generally referred to as multi-band devices, or multi-link devices (MLDs), and are sometimes also referred to as multi-band entities or multi-link entities. A multi-link device can be an AP device or a non-AP STA device. If the multi-link device is an AP device, the multi-link device includes one or more APs; if the multi-link device is a non-AP STA device, the multi-link device includes one or more non-AP STAs.

[0098] A multi-link device including one or more APs is called an AP, and a multi-link device including one or more non-AP STAs is called a Non-AP. In the embodiment of the application, the Non-AP can be called a STA.

[0099] In some embodiments, a STA exists in the form of one or more BSSs, which are a collection of STAs that can successfully synchronize to communicate with each other. A BSS may or may not include an AP.

[0100] In some embodiments, the AP may include multiple APs, the Non-AP may include multiple STAs, multiple links may be formed between the APs in the AP and the STAs in the Non-AP, and the APs in the AP and the corresponding STAs in the Non-AP may communicate through the corresponding links.

[0101] In some embodiments, an AP is a device deployed in a WLAN / Wi-Fi system to provide wireless communication capabilities for STAs. STAs may be: User Equipment (UE), Access Terminal, Subscriber Unit, Subscriber Station, Mobile Station, Mobile Station, Remote Station, Remote Terminal, Mobile Device, Wireless Communication Device, User Agent, or User Equipment. STAs may also be cellular phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted devices, or wearable devices, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0102] In some embodiments, both the AP and the non-AP STA support the IEEE 802.11 standard, but are not limited to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0103] FIG3 is a flow chart of a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method performed by MLD as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0104] Step 320: Transmit a first frame on the millimeter wave link in the first state.

[0105] In this application, MLD includes AP MLD and / or Non-AP MLD. AP MLD includes one or more APs supporting MLO, while Non-AP MLD includes one or more non-AP STAs supporting MLO. APs included in an AP MLD are also referred to as subordinate APs of the AP MLD. Similarly, non-AP STAs included in a Non-AP MLD are also referred to as subordinate non-AP STAs of the Non-AP MLD.

[0106] AP and AP STA have the same meaning, and Non-AP and Non-AP STA have the same meaning. STA, appearing alone, can represent AP STA and / or Non-AP STA.

[0107] At least two links exist between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. That is, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can operate simultaneously on at least two links. The at least two links are in the same frequency band, for example, both are in the low frequency band or both are in the millimeter wave frequency band; or the at least two links are in different frequency bands, for example, at least one link is in the low frequency band and the other at least one link is in the millimeter wave frequency band.

[0108] In this application, the example of at least two links between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD includes at least one millimeter wave link and at least one non-millimeter wave link. That is, of the at least two links between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, at least one link operates in a millimeter wave frequency band, and at least one other link operates in a non-millimeter wave frequency band. A millimeter wave link refers to a link operating in a millimeter wave frequency band. Similarly, a link operating in a non-millimeter wave frequency band can also be referred to as a non-millimeter wave link.

[0109] Non-millimeter wave frequency bands refer to frequency bands other than millimeter wave frequency bands, such as Sub-7 GHz frequency bands, or new frequency bands that may be planned in the future that are different from millimeter wave frequency bands. This application does not limit this.

[0110] "Transmitting" includes receiving and / or sending. For example, transmitting the first frame can be understood as sending the first frame and / or receiving the first frame.

[0111] The millimeter wave link is in the first state, that is, the link state of the millimeter wave link is the first state.

[0112] The first frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link in the first state, or it can be understood that the millimeter wave link in the first state can be used to transmit the first frame, or it can be understood that the millimeter wave link in the first state supports the transmission of the first frame.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first state is used to indicate that the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction.

[0114] In some embodiments, beamforming training includes: at least one of a sector-level sweep (SLS) stage, a beam refinement (BR) stage, and a beam tracking (BT) stage. Completing beamforming training can be understood as completing at least one of the sector-level sweep stage, the beam refinement stage, and the beam tracking stage. It should be understood that beamforming training may also include other stages that may be designed in the future that are different from the sector-level sweep stage, the beam refinement stage, and the beam tracking stage, or other stages designed based on the sector-level sweep stage, the beam refinement stage, and the beam tracking stage, and this application does not limit this.

[0115] In some embodiments, beamforming training includes at least one of a quasi-omnidirectional beamforming training phase, a sector-level beamforming training phase, and a beam-level beamforming training phase. Completing beamforming training can be understood as completing at least one of a quasi-omnidirectional beamforming training phase, a sector-level beamforming training phase, and a beam-level beamforming training phase. It should be understood that beamforming training may also include other phases that may be designed in the future that are different from the quasi-omnidirectional beamforming training phase, the sector-level beamforming training phase, and the beam-level beamforming training phase, or other phases designed based on the quasi-omnidirectional beamforming training phase, the sector-level beamforming training phase, and the beam-level beamforming training phase. This application does not limit this.

[0116] In some embodiments, the beamforming training includes at least one of a sector-level scanning phase, a beam optimization phase, a beam tracking phase, a quasi-omnidirectional beamforming training phase, a sector-level beamforming training phase, and a beam-level beamforming training phase.

[0117] In some embodiments, completing beamforming training can be understood as completing the complete beamforming training process, referred to as completing the complete beamforming training. Which stages or stages are included in the complete beamforming training process can be determined based on actual conditions, equipment capabilities, communication protocols and other information, and this application does not limit this. Exemplarily, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning stage and the beam optimization stage; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning stage, the beam optimization stage and the beam tracking stage; or, completing the quasi-omnidirectional level beamforming training stage, the sector-level beamforming training stage and the beam-level beamforming training stage; or, completing the sector-level beamforming training stage and the beam-level beamforming training stage, and so on.

[0118] In some embodiments, completing beamforming training can be understood as completing part of the beamforming training process, referred to as completing part of the beamforming training. Which phases or stages the partial beamforming training process includes can be determined based on actual conditions, device capabilities, communication protocols and other information, and this application does not limit this. Exemplarily, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning phase; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the beam optimization phase; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning phase and the beam optimization phase; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the beam-level beamforming training phase; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the quasi-omnidirectional beamforming training phase and the sector-level beamforming training phase, and so on.

[0119] In some embodiments of this application, "completion of beamforming training" is used as an example to illustrate "completion of full beamforming training," but this is not intended to be limiting. That is, in some embodiments of this application, "completion of beamforming training" can mean either "completion of full beamforming training" or "completion of partial beamforming training."

[0120] In some embodiments, the first state is further used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0121] Millimeter wave links have been established;

[0122] Millimeter wave links have completed beamforming;

[0123] The millimeter wave link has completed TID-to-Link mapping;

[0124] The millimeter wave link meets the communication requirements between two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link.

[0125] The communication requirement is indicated by at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value, a packet loss rate, a retransmission rate, a number of packet losses, a number of retransmissions, a number of transmission failures, and the like. Exemplarily, the communication requirement is indicated by an RSSI threshold value. The communication requirement can be a default value, a predefined value in a communication protocol, a value negotiated between the two MLDs, or a value determined by one of the two MLDs.

[0126] The two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link are the two MLDs connected by the millimeter wave link. In other words, the two MLDs can communicate with each other through the millimeter wave link. The millimeter wave link meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs. For example, the RSSI value corresponding to the millimeter wave link reaches the RSSI threshold between the two MLDs.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least one of the following: a management frame; a quality of service null frame (QoS Null Frame); a control frame; or a data frame.

[0128] In summary, the method provided in the present application supports MLD to perform frame transmission on a millimeter wave link in the first state. Since the link state of the millimeter wave link when the first frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link is limited, the communication quality of millimeter wave communication can be effectively improved, the failure rate of millimeter wave communication can be reduced, and resource waste can be reduced.

[0129] FIG4 is a flow chart of a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method executed by MLD as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0130] Step 410: Transmit a first frame over a millimeter wave link in a first state;

[0131] In this application, MLD includes AP MLD and / or Non-AP MLD. AP MLD includes one or more APs supporting MLO, while Non-AP MLD includes one or more non-AP STAs supporting MLO. APs included in an AP MLD are also referred to as subordinate APs of the AP MLD. Similarly, non-AP STAs included in a Non-AP MLD are also referred to as subordinate non-AP STAs of the Non-AP MLD.

[0132] AP and AP STA have the same meaning, Non-AP and Non-AP STA have the same meaning, and STA refers to AP STA and / or Non-AP STA.

[0133] At least two links exist between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. That is, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can operate simultaneously on at least two links. The at least two links are in the same frequency band, for example, both are in the low frequency band or both are in the millimeter wave frequency band; or the at least two links are in different frequency bands, for example, at least one link is in the low frequency band and the other at least one link is in the millimeter wave frequency band.

[0134] In this application, the example of at least two links between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD includes at least one millimeter wave link and at least one non-millimeter wave link. That is, of the at least two links between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, at least one link operates in a millimeter wave frequency band, and at least one other link operates in a non-millimeter wave frequency band. A millimeter wave link refers to a link operating in a millimeter wave frequency band. Similarly, a link operating in a non-millimeter wave frequency band can also be referred to as a non-millimeter wave link.

[0135] Non-millimeter wave frequency bands refer to frequency bands other than millimeter wave frequency bands, such as Sub-7 GHz frequency bands, or new frequency bands that may be planned in the future that are different from millimeter wave frequency bands. This application does not limit this.

[0136] "Transmitting" includes receiving and / or sending. For example, transmitting the second frame can be understood as sending the second frame and / or receiving the second frame.

[0137] The millimeter wave link is in the first state, that is, the link state of the millimeter wave link is the first state.

[0138] The first frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link in the first state, or it can be understood that the millimeter wave link in the first state can be used to transmit the first frame, or it can be understood that the millimeter wave link in the first state supports the transmission of the first frame.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first state is used to indicate that the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction.

[0140] In some embodiments, completing beamforming training can be understood as completing the complete beamforming training process, referred to as completing the complete beamforming training. Which stages or stages are included in the complete beamforming training process can be determined based on actual conditions, equipment capabilities, communication protocols and other information, and this application does not limit this. Exemplarily, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning stage and the beam optimization stage; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning stage, the beam optimization stage and the beam tracking stage; or, completing the quasi-omnidirectional level beamforming training stage, the sector-level beamforming training stage and the beam-level beamforming training stage; or, completing the sector-level beamforming training stage and the beam-level beamforming training stage, and so on.

[0141] In some embodiments, completing beamforming training can be understood as completing part of the beamforming training process, referred to as completing part of the beamforming training. Which phases or stages the partial beamforming training process includes can be determined based on actual conditions, device capabilities, communication protocols and other information, and this application does not limit this. Exemplarily, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning phase; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the beam optimization phase; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning phase and the beam optimization phase; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the beam-level beamforming training phase; or, completing beamforming training refers to completing the quasi-omnidirectional beamforming training phase and the sector-level beamforming training phase, and so on.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first state is further used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0143] Millimeter wave links have been established;

[0144] Millimeter wave links have completed beamforming;

[0145] The millimeter wave link has completed TID-to-Link mapping;

[0146] The millimeter wave link meets the communication requirements between two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link.

[0147] The communication requirement is indicated by at least one of an RSSI value, a packet loss rate, a retransmission rate, a number of packet losses, a number of retransmissions, a number of transmission failures, and the like. Exemplarily, the communication requirement is indicated by an RSSI threshold value. The communication requirement can be a default value, a predefined value in a communication protocol, a value negotiated by the two MLDs, or a value determined by one of the two MLDs.

[0148] The two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link are the two MLDs connected by the millimeter wave link. In other words, the two MLDs can communicate with each other through the millimeter wave link. The millimeter wave link meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs. For example, the RSSI value corresponding to the millimeter wave link reaches the RSSI threshold between the two MLDs.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least one of the following: a management frame; a QoS Null frame; a control frame; a data frame.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first state is an enabled state, or an enabled on usable state.

[0151] Step 420: Not transmitting the first frame on the millimeter wave link in the second state or transmitting a frame related to beamforming training on the millimeter wave link in the second state;

[0152] The first frame is not transmitted on the millimeter wave link in the second state, or it is understood that the millimeter wave link in the second state is not available for transmitting the first frame, or it is understood that the millimeter wave link in the second state does not support the transmission of the first frame.

[0153] In some embodiments, the second state is used to indicate that the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training, and / or that no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and the downlink direction.

[0154] In some embodiments, incomplete beamforming training can be understood as incomplete beamforming training process, referred to as incomplete complete beamforming training. Which stages or which phases are included in the complete beamforming training process can be determined based on actual conditions, equipment capabilities, communication protocols and other information, and this application does not limit this. Exemplarily, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete sector-level scanning stage and beam optimization stage; or, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete sector-level scanning stage, beam optimization stage and beam tracking stage; or, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete quasi-omnidirectional level beamforming training stage, sector-level beamforming training stage and beam-level beamforming training stage; or, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete sector-level beamforming training stage and beam-level beamforming training stage, and so on.

[0155] In some embodiments, incomplete beamforming training can be understood as incomplete part of the beamforming training process, referred to as incomplete part of the beamforming training. Which stages or which phases the partial beamforming training process includes can be determined based on actual conditions, equipment capabilities, communication protocols and other information, and this application does not limit this. Exemplarily, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete sector-level scanning stage; or, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete beam optimization stage; or, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete sector-level scanning stage and beam optimization stage; or, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete beam-level beamforming training stage; or, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete quasi-omnidirectional level beamforming training stage and sector-level beamforming training stage, and so on.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second state is further used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0157] The millimeter wave link is not established;

[0158] The mmWave link does not perform beamforming;

[0159] The millimeter wave link has not completed TID-to-Link mapping;

[0160] The link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold;

[0161] The millimeter wave link does not meet the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link.

[0162] The millimeter wave link does not meet the communication requirement between the two MLDs. For example, the RSSI value corresponding to the millimeter wave link does not reach the RSSI threshold between the two MLDs.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first state is an enabled state, and the second state is a disabled state, for example, the disabled state includes a disabled state. In some embodiments of the present application, the disabled state is taken as an example for description.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first state is an available enabled state, and the second state is an unavailable enabled state, for example, the unavailable enabled state includes an unusable enabled state. In some embodiments of the present application, the unusable enabled state is described as an example.

[0165] In some embodiments, when the first state is an enabled state, TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is not performed during the establishment phase of the millimeter wave link; and / or, after the millimeter wave link is established and beamforming is completed, TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is performed.

[0166] In some embodiments, when the first state is the enabled state, TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is not performed during the establishment phase of the millimeter wave link; and / or, after the millimeter wave link is established and beamforming is completed, TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is performed, and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link or it is ensured that at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link.

[0167] In some embodiments, when the first state is the enabled state and the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the available enabled state.

[0168] Step 430: If the first condition is met, change the link state of the millimeter wave link from the second state to the first state;

[0169] In some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the second state lasts for a first period of time; and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than a second threshold.

[0170] Step 440: When the second condition is met, perform the first operation;

[0171] In some embodiments, the second condition includes: the second state lasting for two time periods, and / or the link quality of the millimeter wave link being lower than a third threshold.

[0172] The second time period is the same as or different from the first time period.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0174] Retraining the beamforming of the mmWave link;

[0175] Re-beamforming the mmWave links;

[0176] Rediscovering other MLDs. Other MLDs refer to MLDs other than the MLD that executed step 440. Other MLDs may also include AP MLDs and / or Non-AP MLDs.

[0177] Re-establish the mmWave link.

[0178] Step 450: Transmit the second frame;

[0179] The second frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link, or the second frame is transmitted on a link other than the millimeter wave link. The link other than the millimeter wave link is, that is, a non-millimeter wave link.

[0180] The second frame is used for at least one of a multi-link discovery phase, a multi-link association phase, and a multi-link re-association phase.

[0181] The second frame includes a field for indicating the millimeter wave capability of the AP and / or a field for indicating the millimeter wave capability of the STA.

[0182] In some embodiments, the basic multilink element carried by the second frame includes a first sub-element, and the first sub-element is used to indicate station configuration (STA Profile) information.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first field in the first sub-element includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field;

[0184] Among them, the first field includes a field for indicating site control (STA Control) information and / or a field for indicating site information (STA Info); the first subfield is used to indicate the presence of millimeter wave AP STA capability information, and the second subfield is used to indicate millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

[0185] In some embodiments, the second frame carries a second sub-element, and the second sub-element is used to indicate millimeter wave site configuration (mmWave STA Profile) information.

[0186] In some embodiments, the second sub-element includes at least one of a sub-element identification field, a length field, a site control information field, a site information field, and a site configuration information field.

[0187] In some embodiments, the site control information field and / or the site information field includes a first subfield and a second subfield;

[0188] The first subfield is used to indicate the presence of millimeter wave AP STA capability information, and the second subfield is used to indicate the millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

[0189] In some embodiments, the second frame carries the first sub-element and / or the second sub-element;

[0190] The first sub-element and / or the second sub-element carries a third sub-element, and the third sub-element is used to indicate the AP STA millimeter wave capability information.

[0191] In some embodiments, the third sub-element carries at least one of an element identification field, a length field, an element identification extension field, and an AP STA millimeter wave capability information field.

[0192] In some embodiments, the AP STA millimeter wave capability information field carries at least one of a maximum number of associated millimeter wave STAs field, a power field, and a reserved field.

[0193] In some embodiments, the second frame includes at least one of an element identification field, a length field, an element identification extension field, and a non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information field.

[0194] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information field includes: a reverse subfield, a high-layer timer synchronization subfield, a transmission power control subfield, a receiving millimeter wave antenna number subfield, a fast link adaptation subfield, a total number of sectors subfield, a millimeter wave antenna peer subfield, an A-MPDU parameter subfield, a block acknowledgment (Block ACK, BA) with flow control subfield, a modulation and coding scheme set support subfield, an A-PPDU support subfield, an antenna pattern peer subfield, and at least one of a grant acknowledgment (Grant Ack) support subfield.

[0195] Step 460: Transmit the third frame.

[0196] The third frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link, or the third frame is transmitted on a link other than the millimeter wave link. The link other than the millimeter wave link is, that is, a non-millimeter wave link.

[0197] The third frame is used for at least one of a multi-link establishment phase, a multi-link association phase, and a multi-link re-association phase.

[0198] The third frame includes a field for indicating beamforming related parameters.

[0199] The basic multilink element carried in the third frame includes a first sub-element, where the first sub-element is used to indicate that the station configures STA Profile information.

[0200] In some embodiments, the third frame carries a second sub-element, and the second sub-element is used to indicate millimeter wave site configuration (mmWave STA Profile) information.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first field in the first sub-element and / or the second sub-element includes a third sub-field and a fourth sub-field;

[0202] The first field includes a field for indicating site control information and / or a field for indicating site information; the third subfield is used to indicate the presence of sector scanning parameter information; and the fourth subfield is used to indicate sector scanning parameter information.

[0203] In some embodiments, the fourth subfield includes at least one of a direction field, a down counter field, a sector identification field, an antenna identification field, a receiving side length field, and a reserved field.

[0204] In summary, the method provided by this application limits the link state of the millimeter wave link when the first frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link, which can effectively improve the communication quality of millimeter wave communication, reduce the failure rate of millimeter wave communication, and reduce resource waste. In addition, by transmitting the second frame and the third frame, further support is provided for the use of the millimeter wave link, so that the MLD obtains millimeter wave capability information through the second frame and obtains beamforming-related information through the third frame, which helps to further improve the stability and flexibility of the use of the millimeter wave link, improve spectrum utilization, and reduce resource waste. In addition, the design of the frame format that may be used in each stage of multi-link operation is given, which provides feasibility for the negotiation, establishment, and status change of the millimeter wave link.

[0205] FIG5 is a flow chart showing a method for determining link status provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method executed by MLD as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0206] Step 510: Determine the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed.

[0207] In this application, beamforming training includes at least one of a sector-level scanning phase, a beam optimization phase, and a beam tracking phase. Completing beamforming training can be understood as completing at least one of the sector-level scanning phase, the beam optimization phase, and the beam tracking phase.

[0208] In some embodiments, completing beamforming training can be understood as completing full beamforming training. Exemplarily, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning phase and the beam optimization phase; alternatively, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning phase, the beam optimization phase, and the beam tracking phase.

[0209] In some embodiments, completing beamforming training can be understood as completing partial beamforming training. For example, completing beamforming training refers to completing the sector-level scanning phase; alternatively, completing beamforming training refers to completing the beam optimization phase; alternatively, completing beamforming training refers to completing both the sector-level scanning phase and the beam optimization phase.

[0210] In some embodiments, incomplete beamforming training can be understood as incomplete complete beamforming training. Exemplarily, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete sector-level scanning and beam optimization phases; alternatively, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete sector-level scanning, beam optimization, and beam tracking phases.

[0211] In some embodiments, incomplete beamforming training can be understood as incomplete partial beamforming training. For example, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete sector-level scanning; or, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete beam optimization; or, incomplete beamforming training refers to incomplete sector-level scanning and beam optimization.

[0212] In some embodiments, the link status of the mmWave link is determined based on whether beamforming training is completed.

[0213] In some embodiments, the link status of the millimeter wave link is determined based on whether the beamforming training is completed and whether the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link are met.

[0214] The communication requirement is indicated by at least one of an RSSI value, a packet loss rate, a retransmission rate, a number of packet losses, a number of retransmissions, a number of transmission failures, and the like. Exemplarily, the communication requirement is indicated by an RSSI threshold value. The communication requirement can be a default value, a predefined value in a communication protocol, a value negotiated by the two MLDs, or a value determined by one of the two MLDs.

[0215] The two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link are the two MLDs connected by the millimeter wave link. In other words, the two MLDs can communicate through the millimeter wave link. The millimeter wave link meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs, for example, the RSSI value corresponding to the millimeter wave link reaches the RSSI threshold between the two MLDs. The millimeter wave link does not meet the communication requirements between the two MLDs, for example, the RSSI value corresponding to the millimeter wave link does not reach the RSSI threshold between the two MLDs.

[0216] In some embodiments, the link state includes at least one of a first state and a second state.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first state is an enabled state, and the second state is a disabled state. For example, the disabled state includes an incapable state.

[0218] In some embodiments, when beamforming training of the millimeter wave link has been completed and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in an uplink direction or a downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is a first state;

[0219] Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training and meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the first state.

[0220] In some embodiments, when beamforming training for the millimeter wave link has been completed, TID-to-Link mapping for the millimeter wave link has been completed, and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in an uplink direction or a downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is a first state;

[0221] Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has been established, beamforming training for the millimeter wave link has been completed, TID-to-Link mapping for the millimeter wave link has been completed, and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in an uplink direction or a downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the first state;

[0222] Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, completes TID-to-Link mapping for the millimeter wave link, and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the first state;

[0223] Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has been established, the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link are met, the millimeter wave link completes TID-to-Link mapping, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the first state.

[0224] In some embodiments, when beamforming training of the millimeter wave link has not been completed, and / or when no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the second state;

[0225] Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training, and / or does not meet the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, and / or when there is no TID mapping to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the second state.

[0226] In some embodiments, when the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the first state to the second state; or,

[0227] When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold for a first time period, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the first state to the second state.

[0228] In some embodiments, when the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than a second threshold, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the first state; or,

[0229] When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold for a second time period, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the first state.

[0230] In some embodiments, TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is not performed during the establishment phase of the millimeter wave link; and / or, TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is performed after the millimeter wave link has been established and beamforming training has been completed.

[0231] In some embodiments, the link state includes at least one of a first state, a second state, an enabled state, and a disabled state.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first state is an available enabled state, and the second state is a non-available enabled state. For example, the non-available enabled state includes an unavailable enabled state, and the non-enabled state includes an incapable state.

[0233] In some embodiments, when the millimeter wave link is in an enabled state and the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is a first state;

[0234] Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link is in an enabled state, the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the first state.

[0235] In some embodiments, when the millimeter wave link is in an enabled state and the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the second state; or,

[0236] When the millimeter wave link is in an enabled state and the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training and / or does not meet the communication requirements between two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the second state.

[0237] In some embodiments, when the millimeter wave link has been established and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be enabled; or

[0238] When the millimeter wave link is in a disabled state and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in an uplink direction or a downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from a disabled state to an enabled state; or

[0239] During the establishment of the millimeter wave link, the millimeter wave link is in a non-enabled state, and when there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from a disabled state to an enabled state.

[0240] In some embodiments, when the millimeter wave link has been established and no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be a disabled state; or

[0241] During the establishment of the millimeter wave link, if no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is a disabled state; or

[0242] In the case that no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be a disabled state.

[0243] In some embodiments, when the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the first state to the second state; or,

[0244] When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold for a first time period, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the first state to the second state.

[0245] In some embodiments, when the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than a second threshold, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the first state; or,

[0246] When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold for a second time period, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the first state.

[0247] In some embodiments, when the millimeter wave link is in the second state and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a third threshold, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the enabled state.

[0248] In some embodiments, when the millimeter wave link is in the second state and the MLD does not transmit a frame through the millimeter wave link within a third time period, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the disabled state; or

[0249] When the millimeter wave link is in the second state and the MLD transmits a disassociation frame, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the disabled state; or

[0250] When the millimeter wave link is in the second state and the MLD re-associates with other MLDs, the millimeter wave link is re-established.

[0251] In some embodiments, when the millimeter wave link is in a non-enabled state, the millimeter wave link re-completes beamforming training, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the non-enabled state to the first state.

[0252] In some embodiments, after the millimeter wave link completes beamforming training, the millimeter wave link is established; or, after the millimeter wave link is established, beamforming training is performed on the millimeter wave link.

[0253] Step 530: When the millimeter wave link is in the first state, transmit a first frame on the millimeter wave link;

[0254] The first frame includes at least one of the following: a management frame; a QoS Null frame; a control frame; and a data frame.

[0255] Step 550: When the millimeter wave link is in the second state, transmit a frame related to beamforming training on the millimeter wave link;

[0256] Frames related to beamforming training may be understood as frames required for beamforming training or frames required for completing beamforming training. Exemplarily, frames related to beamforming training include at least one of a sector sweep frame (Sector Sweep Frame), a sector sweep acknowledgment frame (Sector Sweep Frame-Ack), and the like.

[0257] Step 570: Transmit the second frame;

[0258] For related content, please refer to step 450, which will not be repeated here.

[0259] Step 590: Transmit the third frame.

[0260] For related content, please refer to step 460, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] In summary, the method provided in this application supports determining the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed before, during, and after the millimeter wave link is established. Determining the link status of the millimeter wave link helps to use the millimeter wave link for communication more efficiently, helps to improve the communication quality of millimeter wave communication, reduces the failure rate of millimeter wave communication, and reduces resource waste. In addition, further support is provided for the use of the millimeter wave link by transmitting the second frame and the third frame, so that the MLD obtains millimeter wave capability information through the second frame and obtains beamforming-related information through the third frame, which helps to further improve the stability and flexibility of the use of the millimeter wave link, improve spectrum utilization, and reduce resource waste. In addition, a design of the frame format that may be used in each stage of multi-link operation is given, which provides feasibility for the negotiation, establishment, and status change of the millimeter wave link.

[0262] FIG6 is a flow chart of a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method performed by an AP and / or a non-AP STA as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0263] Step 601: Determine whether the millimeter wave link is in an incapable state;

[0264] Determining that the millimeter wave link is in an incapable state may be understood as setting the link state of the millimeter wave link to an incapable state.

[0265] During the establishment phase of the millimeter wave link, the link state of the millimeter wave link is an incapable state; or, the initial link state of the millimeter wave link is an incapable state; or, no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is an incapable state; or, the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is an incapable state; or, there is no at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is an incapable state.

[0266] In some embodiments, during the negotiation phase for establishing a millimeter wave link, the millimeter wave capable AP MLD and the millimeter wave capable Non-AP MLD ensure that no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link. At this time, the link state of the millimeter wave link is in an incapable state.

[0267] In some embodiments, if the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training, the link status of the millimeter wave link is determined to be in an incapable state. The incomplete beamforming training includes incomplete beamforming training and / or incomplete beamforming training.

[0268] In some embodiments, the millimeter wave link fails to successfully perform TID-to-Link mapping negotiation, or there is no TID mapping to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be an incapable state.

[0269] In some embodiments, the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold, and the link status of the millimeter wave link is determined to be an incapable state.

[0270] The link quality of the millimeter wave link is determined based on a link quality evaluation result, and the link quality evaluation result is determined based on at least one of an RSSI value, a packet loss rate, a retransmission rate, a number of packet losses, a number of retransmissions, a number of transmission failures, etc. Exemplarily, when the RSSI value is lower than a first value (e.g., -78 dBm), or the number of transmission failures reaches a second value (e.g., 1, 3, etc.), or the packet loss rate reaches a third value, or the number of retransmissions reaches a fourth value, it is determined that the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold.

[0271] Exemplarily, when the number of transmission failures of the millimeter wave link reaches 1, that is, when a transmission failure occurs in the millimeter wave link, it is determined that the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold.

[0272] Exemplarily, there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction, and the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, but the millimeter wave link fails to transmit due to obstruction by an object, or the RSSI value is lower than the first value, then the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be in an incapable state.

[0273] In some embodiments, at least two links exist between an AP MLD supporting millimeter wave capabilities and a non-AP MLD supporting millimeter wave capabilities, and the at least two links operate simultaneously in the same frequency band, or simultaneously operate in different frequency bands. For example, of the at least two links between an AP MLD supporting millimeter wave capabilities and a non-AP MLD supporting millimeter wave capabilities, at least one link operates in the millimeter wave frequency band, and at least one other link operates in a frequency band outside the millimeter wave frequency band (e.g., the Sub-7 GHz frequency band).

[0274] Among them, for a link operating in the Sub-7 GHz frequency band, if the link has been established and at least one TID is mapped to the link, the link status of the link is enabled; otherwise, the link status of the link is disabled.

[0275] In some embodiments, after the millimeter wave link is established, beamforming and TID-to-Link mapping are successfully completed, and when there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is set to the enabled state.

[0276] Setting the link state of the millimeter wave link to the enabled state may also be understood as determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the enabled state.

[0277] In some embodiments, frame transmission is performed on a millimeter wave link in an enabled state, including at least one of a data frame, a management frame, a control frame, and a quality of service empty frame.

[0278] In some embodiments, whether or not to transmit frames for individual addressing on a millimeter wave link depends primarily on the power state or energy state (Power State) of the non-AP MLD operating on the millimeter wave link. For example, if the power state of the non-AP MLD indicates that the non-AP MLD can transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, or indicates that the non-AP MLD is allowed to transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, or indicates that the non-AP MLD is capable of transmitting frames on the millimeter wave link, then the millimeter wave link can be used for individually addressing frame transmission; if the power state of the non-AP MLD indicates that the non-AP MLD cannot transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, or indicates that the non-AP MLD is not allowed to transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, or indicates that the non-AP MLD is unable to transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, then the millimeter wave link cannot be used for individually addressing frame transmission.

[0279] If data frames (including data frames for individual addressing and / or data frames for broadcast addressing) are transmitted on a millimeter wave link, only data frames with a TID mapped to the millimeter wave link can be transmitted on the millimeter wave link. In other words, the TID carried by the data frames transmitted on the millimeter wave link must be consistent with the TID mapped to the millimeter wave link. For example, the subordinate millimeter wave AP or subordinate millimeter wave STA of the AP MLD associated with the millimeter wave link may transmit MSDUs / A-MSDUs with the TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink, or transmit MSDUs / A-MSDUs with the TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the downlink.

[0280] If the millimeter wave link is disconnected, or the millimeter wave link cannot work normally, or the millimeter wave link cannot transmit, or the millimeter wave link fails, or the millimeter wave link is unavailable, step 602 is executed.

[0281] Step 602: Determine whether the millimeter wave link is disconnected immediately;

[0282] In some embodiments, instant disconnection can be understood as instantaneous disconnection or flash disconnection, which means that the millimeter wave link transmission is unstable, the link is disconnected instantaneously but can be restored autonomously in a short time.

[0283] In some embodiments, non-instantaneous disconnection refers to a disconnection that cannot be recovered autonomously due to, for example, a millimeter wave link failure or an MLD failure.

[0284] In some embodiments, whether the millimeter wave link is disconnected immediately is determined based on whether beamforming training is completed before the millimeter wave link is disconnected, and / or whether a TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link before the millimeter wave link is disconnected, and / or whether normal transmission occurs before the millimeter wave link is disconnected.

[0285] Exemplarily, if beamforming training is not completed before the millimeter wave link is disconnected, and / or there is no TID mapping to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions before the millimeter wave link is disconnected, the disconnection of the millimeter wave link is non-instantaneous.

[0286] Exemplarily, if beamforming training has been completed before the millimeter wave link is disconnected, and / or, there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink or downlink direction before the millimeter wave link is disconnected, and / or, the millimeter wave link is transmitted normally before the disconnection, then the disconnection of the millimeter wave link is immediate.

[0287] If the disconnection or failure of the millimeter wave link is not immediate, step 603 is executed.

[0288] If the disconnection or failure of the millimeter wave link is an immediate disconnection, step 608 is executed.

[0289] Step 603: The millimeter wave link (re)performs beamforming training;

[0290] In some embodiments, step 603 may also be implemented as (re)performing beamforming on the millimeter wave link; or, step 603 may be implemented as (re)performing beamforming training and beamforming on the millimeter wave link.

[0291] In some embodiments, if the millimeter wave link has not been beamformed before step 603 , the millimeter wave link is beamformed; if the millimeter wave link has been beamformed before step 603 , the millimeter wave link is beamformed again.

[0292] In some embodiments, if the millimeter wave link has not performed beamforming training before step 603, the millimeter wave link performs beamforming training; if the millimeter wave link has performed beamforming training before step 603, the millimeter wave link performs beamforming training again.

[0293] In some embodiments, before executing step 603, if the millimeter wave link has not performed beamforming training, or if beamforming-related information is invalid, the millimeter wave link (re)performs beamforming training. Re-performing beamforming training includes re-performing partial beamforming training or re-performing complete beamforming training. Performing beamforming training includes performing partial beamforming training or performing complete beamforming training.

[0294] Step 604: Determine whether the beamforming training is successfully completed;

[0295] In some embodiments, step 604 may also be implemented as determining whether beamforming is successful; or, step 603 may be implemented as determining whether beamforming training is successful and whether beamforming is successful.

[0296] In some embodiments, if the millimeter wave link completes beamforming after executing step 603, the judgment result is success; if the millimeter wave link does not complete beamforming after executing step 603, the judgment result is failure.

[0297] In some embodiments, if the millimeter wave link completes beamforming training and completes beamforming after executing step 603, the judgment result is success; if the millimeter wave link does not complete beamforming or does not complete beamforming after executing step 603, the judgment result is failure.

[0298] In some embodiments, if the millimeter wave link successfully completes beamforming training (meaning completes full beamforming training or completes a partial beamforming training cycle), the result is determined to be successful. If the millimeter wave link successfully completes beamforming training, it means that the millimeter wave link has valid beamforming information.

[0299] In some embodiments, if the millimeter wave link fails to successfully complete beamforming training (meaning, fails to complete the entire beamforming training, or fails to complete a portion of the beamforming training), the result of the determination is failure. If the millimeter wave link fails to successfully complete beamforming training, it means that the millimeter wave link does not have valid beamforming information.

[0300] If the judgment result is failure, return to step 601.

[0301] If the determination result is successful, execute step 605 .

[0302] Step 605: Determine whether TID-to-Link mapping needs to be negotiated;

[0303] Determine whether the mmWave link needs to negotiate TID-to-Link mapping.

[0304] In some embodiments, before executing step 605, the millimeter wave link has not performed TID-to-Link mapping, or, before executing step 605, the millimeter wave link has not performed TID-to-Link mapping negotiation, or, the TID-to-Link mapping performed on the millimeter wave link has expired, or, the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation performed on the millimeter wave link has expired, then it is determined that TID-to-Link mapping needs to be negotiated, and step 606 is executed.

[0305] In some embodiments, if the TID-to-Link mapping or TID-to-Link mapping negotiation performed on the millimeter wave link is still valid, there is no need to negotiate the TID-to-Link mapping, and step 610 is executed.

[0306] In some embodiments, if there is no TID mapping to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, or there is no valid TID mapping to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, or the existing TID mapping of the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions has expired, it is necessary to (re)perform TID-to-Link mapping negotiation and execute step 606.

[0307] In some embodiments, if there is a valid TID mapping to a millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or the downlink direction, there is no need to negotiate the TID-to-Link mapping, and step 610 is executed.

[0308] Step 606: MLDs (re)negotiate TID-to-Link mapping.

[0309] If the MLDs have not performed TID-to-Link mapping or TID-to-Link mapping negotiation before step 603, they perform TID-to-Link mapping negotiation. If the MLDs have performed TID-to-Link mapping or TID-to-Link mapping negotiation before step 603, they perform TID-to-Link mapping negotiation again. The MLDs refer to the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD in step 601.

[0310] Step 607: Determine whether there is at least one TID mapped to a millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction;

[0311] If the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation is successful, the TID-to-Link mapping is performed according to the negotiated method. There are multiple negotiated TID-to-Link mapping methods, such as mapping the TID to a millimeter wave link, mapping the TID to a Sub-7 GHz link, or mapping the TID to a millimeter wave link and a Sub-7 GHz link. This application does not limit the negotiated TID-to-Link mapping method.

[0312] If the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation fails, the default mode is used for TID-to-Link mapping, that is, the TID is mapped to all links (including mmWave links). All links include uplinks and downlinks, but does not exclude the case where all links include only uplinks or only downlinks.

[0313] Since there are multiple possible TID-to-Link mapping negotiation methods when the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation is successful, it is necessary to consider whether there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction.

[0314] If the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation succeeds and there is at least one TID mapped to a millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or the downlink direction, step 610 is performed.

[0315] If the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation succeeds and at least one TID in the uplink direction and the downlink direction does not map to a millimeter wave link, the process returns to step 601 .

[0316] Since the default mode is used for TID-to-Link mapping when TID-to-Link mapping negotiation fails, at least one TID must be mapped to a millimeter wave link in the uplink and / or downlink direction. In other words, if the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation fails, at least one TID must be mapped to a millimeter wave link in the uplink and / or downlink direction, and step 610 is executed.

[0317] Step 608: Wait for the millimeter wave link to recover;

[0318] In some embodiments, if there is at least one TID mapped to a millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction, and the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, the disconnection of the millimeter wave link may be immediate, and a first time period should be waited for the millimeter wave link to be restored.

[0319] In some embodiments, the disconnection or failure of the millimeter wave link is immediate, and the millimeter wave link can be restored autonomously. The waiting time is a first time period.

[0320] The first time period is default, configured, predefined by a communication protocol, autonomously determined by the AP MLD, or autonomously determined by the Non-AP MLD.

[0321] Step 609: Determine whether the millimeter wave link is restored;

[0322] If the millimeter wave link can operate normally, or the frame transmission is successful, or the fault is eliminated, or the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold, it is determined that the millimeter wave link is recovered and step 610 is executed.

[0323] If the millimeter wave link still cannot work normally, or the frame transmission fails, or the fault is not eliminated, or the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the third threshold, it is determined that the millimeter wave link has not recovered, and step 603 is executed.

[0324] The link quality of the millimeter wave link is determined based on a link quality evaluation result, and the link quality evaluation result is determined based on at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value, a packet loss rate, a retransmission rate, a number of packet losses, a number of retransmissions, a number of transmission failures, etc. Exemplarily, when the RSSI value is higher than a first value (e.g., -78 dBm), or the number of transmission failures is lower than a second value (e.g., 1, 3, etc.), or the packet loss rate is lower than a third value, or the number of retransmissions is lower than a fourth value, it is determined that the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than a second threshold.

[0325] Exemplarily, when the number of transmission failures of the millimeter wave link is less than 1, that is, when the transmission of the millimeter wave link is successful, it is determined that the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the first threshold.

[0326] The design of the third threshold value may refer to the first threshold value and the second threshold value. The first threshold value, the second threshold value and the third threshold value may be the same or different.

[0327] Step 610: Determine that the millimeter wave link state is enabled;

[0328] In some embodiments, after the millimeter wave link is established, beamforming and TID-to-Link mapping are successfully completed, and when there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link, the link state of the millimeter wave link is set to an enabled state.

[0329] In some embodiments, during the millimeter wave link establishment process, the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is set to an enabled state.

[0330] Setting the link state of the millimeter wave link to the enabled state may also be understood as determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the enabled state.

[0331] Step 611: Perform frame transmission on the millimeter wave link.

[0332] In some embodiments, frame transmission is performed on the enabled millimeter wave link, including at least one of a data frame, a management frame, a control frame, and a QoS Null frame. For other frame transmission-related content, refer to step 601 and will not be repeated here.

[0333] In summary, the method provided by this application supports real-time determination of whether the current millimeter wave link is available through one or more judgment conditions, and realizes dynamic update of the link status, which helps to solve the problem that the millimeter wave link has been established but is unavailable. In addition, the enabled state and disabled state of the millimeter wave link are redefined, and the millimeter wave link in the newly defined enabled state can be used for frame transmission. Such a newly defined link state can give the millimeter wave link better and more effective transmission parameters, further improving the transmission performance of the millimeter wave link, the stability of the communication system, and the communication quality.

[0334] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a method for determining link status provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method performed by AP MLD and Non-AP MLD as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0335] The millimeter wave link starts the link establishment process, or starts the link re-establishment process.

[0336] When the AP MLD and non-AP MLD corresponding to the mmWave link successfully associate or reassociate, the mmWave link may or may not have successfully completed beamforming training (including partial or complete beamforming training). Furthermore, if no TID is mapped to the mmWave link in the uplink or downlink directions, the mmWave link should initially be in the incapable state.

[0337] When the mmWave link is in the disabled state, it is disabled for the Non-AP MLD. For example, it cannot be used to exchange individually addressed frames, including management and control frames, with the mmWave AP STA in the associated AP MLD. Alternatively, when the mmWave link is in the disabled state, it can be used to transmit frames related to beamforming training.

[0338] After the millimeter wave link (re)completes beamforming training and TID-to-Link mapping negotiation, and if at least one TID in the uplink and / or downlink direction is mapped to the millimeter wave link, the millimeter wave link is determined to be in an enabled state, or has changed from a disabled state to an enabled state. Alternatively, after the millimeter wave link automatically recovers, the millimeter wave link is determined to be in an enabled state, or has changed from a disabled state to an enabled state.

[0339] When the disconnection or failure of the millimeter wave link is not immediate, and / or the millimeter wave link (re)beamforming training fails, and / or the millimeter wave link (re)beamforming fails, and / or the millimeter wave link (re)TID-to-Link mapping negotiation succeeds and there is no TID mapping to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, and / or the millimeter wave link (re)TID-to-Link mapping fails, and / or there is no TID mapping to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, and / or the millimeter wave link is not recovered, it is determined that the millimeter wave link is in an incapable state or has changed from an enabled state to an incapable state.

[0340] For the above-mentioned related contents, reference may be made to the related contents in the embodiment shown in FIG6 , which will not be repeated here.

[0341] In summary, the method provided in this application newly defines the enabled and disabled states of millimeter wave links. Millimeter wave links in the newly defined enabled state can be used for frame transmission. This newly defined link state can give millimeter wave links more excellent and effective transmission parameters, further improving the transmission performance of millimeter wave links, the stability of communication systems, and the communication quality. In addition, the conditions and methods for changing between multiple link states are provided, increasing the feasibility and flexibility of using millimeter wave links.

[0342] FIG8 is a flow chart of a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method performed by AP (MLD) and Non-AP (MLD) as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0343] Step 801: Transmit a frame carrying millimeter wave capability information;

[0344] In some embodiments, the AP sends a beacon frame carrying millimeter wave capability information, and the non-AP STA receives the beacon frame carrying millimeter wave capability information; or, the AP sends a beacon frame indicating millimeter wave capability, and the non-AP STA receives the beacon frame indicating millimeter wave capability.

[0345] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA sends a probe request frame carrying millimeter wave capability information, the AP receives the probe request frame and sends a probe response frame carrying millimeter wave capability information to the non-AP STA, and the non-AP STA receives the probe response frame.

[0346] Step 802: Transmit a multi-link probe request frame and a multi-link probe response frame;

[0347] After completing the multi-link discovery phase, the AP and the non-AP STA can further obtain complete information about the peer device millimeter wave STA and other affiliated STAs through the multi-link detection request frame and the multi-link detection response frame.

[0348] It should be understood that step 802 is an optional step.

[0349] Step 803: Multi-link (re)establishment;

[0350] Multiple links are established between the AP and non-AP STAs, including a millimeter wave link. That is, the at least two links between the AP and non-AP STAs include at least one link operating in the millimeter wave frequency band and at least one link operating in a frequency band outside the millimeter wave band.

[0351] Because an AP supports multi-link capabilities or has established multiple links with non-AP STAs, the AP can be called an AP MLD, which includes one or more multi-link-capable APs. Similarly, because a non-AP STA supports multi-link capabilities or has established multiple links with non-AP STAs, the non-AP STA can be called a Non-AP MLD, which includes one or more multi-link-capable non-AP STAs.

[0352] The multi-link establishment phase and the millimeter wave link establishment phase can be simultaneous or sequential.

[0353] If multiple links have been established between the AP and the Non-AP STA (between the AP and the Non-AP STA or between the AP and the Non-AP STA) before executing step 803, multiple links may be re-established between the AP and the Non-AP STA.

[0354] If TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is performed in the multi-link establishment phase, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link, the link state of the millimeter wave link becomes enabled, otherwise it becomes disabled.

[0355] Step 804: Perform beamforming training;

[0356] In some embodiments, step 804 may also be implemented as performing beamforming; or, step 804 may be implemented as performing beamforming training and beamforming.

[0357] In some embodiments, after multilink establishment is complete, beamforming training is performed based on the beamforming parameters negotiated during the multilink (re)establishment phase, allowing the AP MLD and non-AP MLD to obtain the optimal transmit antenna configuration for frame transmission. After beamforming training is complete, TID-to-Link mapping negotiation and TID-to-Link mapping for the mmWave link can be performed.

[0358] In some embodiments, after multilink establishment is complete, beamforming training and beamforming are performed based on the beamforming parameters negotiated during the multilink (re)establishment phase. AP MLD and non-AP MLD obtain the optimal transmit antenna configuration for frame transmission. After beamforming training and beamforming are complete, TID-to-Link mapping negotiation and TID-to-Link mapping for the mmWave link can be performed.

[0359] Perform beamforming training, including partial beamforming training or full beamforming training.

[0360] Step 805: Determine whether the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation of the millimeter wave link is successful and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link;

[0361] If TID-to-Link mapping negotiation for the millimeter wave link has been completed during the multi-link (re)establishment phase, and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and / or downlink directions, then the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation step can be skipped after beamforming is completed for the millimeter wave link, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is set to Enabled on Usable. Otherwise, if TID-to-Link mapping negotiation for the millimeter wave link has not been performed during the multi-link (re)establishment phase, or at least one TID is not mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, then after beamforming is completed, TID-to-Link mapping must be performed, or both TID-to-Link mapping negotiation and TID-to-Link mapping must be performed. Only after TID-to-Link mapping negotiation is completed and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and / or downlink directions can the millimeter wave link state be set to Enabled on Usable.

[0362] Step 806: Change the link state of the millimeter wave link to an available enabled state;

[0363] In some embodiments, step 806 is performed after step 805; or, step 806 is performed directly after step 804.

[0364] In some embodiments, a default mode of TID-to-Link mapping is adopted to map all TIDs to links of all frequency bands, and the link status of the millimeter wave link is set to an available enabled state.

[0365] Step 807: Perform frame transmission on the millimeter wave link.

[0366] Frame transmission is performed on a millimeter wave link in an available enabled state, including at least one of a data frame, a management frame, a control frame, and a QoS Null frame.

[0367] In some embodiments, transmission of frames for individual addressing on a millimeter wave link depends primarily on the power state or energy state of the non-AP MLD operating on the millimeter wave link. For example, if the power state of the non-AP MLD indicates that the non-AP MLD can transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, or indicates that the non-AP MLD is allowed to transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, or indicates that the non-AP MLD is capable of transmitting frames on the millimeter wave link, then the millimeter wave link can be used for transmission of frames for individual addressing; if the power state of the non-AP MLD indicates that the non-AP MLD cannot transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, or indicates that the non-AP MLD is not allowed to transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, or indicates that the non-AP MLD is unable to transmit frames on the millimeter wave link, then the millimeter wave link cannot be used for transmission of frames for individual addressing.

[0368] If a millimeter wave link transmits data frames (including data frames for individual addressing and / or data frames for broadcast addressing), only data frames with a TID mapped to the millimeter wave link can be transmitted on the millimeter wave link. In other words, the TID carried by the data frames transmitted on the millimeter wave link must be consistent with the TID mapped to the millimeter wave link. For example, the subordinate millimeter wave AP or subordinate millimeter wave STA of the AP MLD associated with the millimeter wave link may transmit MSDUs / A-MSDUs with a TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink, or transmit MSDUs / A-MSDUs with a TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the downlink.

[0369] In summary, the method provided in this application newly defines the enabled and disabled states of millimeter wave links. Millimeter wave links in the newly defined enabled states can be used for frame transmission. This newly defined link state can give millimeter wave links more optimal and effective transmission parameters, further improving the transmission performance of millimeter wave links, the stability of the communication system, and the communication quality.

[0370] FIG9 is a flow chart of a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method performed by AP (MLD) and Non-AP (MLD) as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0371] Step 701: Determine that the link status of the millimeter wave link is an available enabled state;

[0372] Determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is an available enabled state may be understood as determining that the millimeter wave link is in an available enabled state, or as setting the link state of the millimeter wave link to an available enabled state.

[0373] In some embodiments, when the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training (including completing full beamforming training or completing partial beamforming training), the millimeter wave link has completed TID-to-Link mapping, and at least one TID in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction is mapped to the millimeter wave link, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be an available enabled state;

[0374] Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has been established, beamforming training for the millimeter wave link has been completed, TID-to-Link mapping for the millimeter wave link has been completed, and at least one TID in the uplink and / or downlink direction is mapped to the millimeter wave link, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is an available enabled state;

[0375] Alternatively, during the establishment of the millimeter wave link, the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, the millimeter wave link has completed TID-to-Link mapping, and when there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be an available enabled state.

[0376] Step 702: Determine whether the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold;

[0377] Determining that the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold may be understood as judging that the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold.

[0378] The first threshold is a default threshold, a configured threshold, a predefined threshold in a communication protocol, a threshold determined autonomously by an AP MLD, or a threshold determined autonomously by a Non-AP MLD.

[0379] The link quality of the millimeter wave link is determined based on a link quality evaluation result, and the link quality evaluation result is determined based on at least one of an RSSI value, a packet loss rate, a retransmission rate, a number of packet losses, a number of retransmissions, a number of transmission failures, etc. Exemplarily, when the RSSI value is lower than a first value (e.g., -78 dBm), or the number of transmission failures reaches a second value (e.g., 1, 3, etc.), or the packet loss rate reaches a third value, or the number of retransmissions reaches a fourth value, it is determined that the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold.

[0380] Exemplarily, when the number of transmission failures of the millimeter wave link reaches 1, that is, when a transmission failure occurs in the millimeter wave link, it is determined that the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold.

[0381] Exemplarily, there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction, and the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, but the millimeter wave link fails to transmit due to obstruction by an object, or the RSSI value is lower than the first value, then the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be an unavailable enabled state.

[0382] Step 703: Change the link state of the millimeter wave link to an unavailable enabled state;

[0383] In some embodiments, if the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be an unavailable enabled state. The incomplete beamforming training includes incomplete complete beamforming training and / or incomplete partial beamforming training.

[0384] In some embodiments, the millimeter wave link fails to successfully perform TID-to-Link mapping negotiation, or there is no TID mapping to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be an unavailable enabled state.

[0385] In some embodiments, the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be an unavailable enabled state.

[0386] Determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is an unavailable enabled state, or being understood as changing the link state of the millimeter wave link to an unavailable enabled state.

[0387] In some embodiments, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD do not transmit frames on the millimeter wave link that is in an unavailable enabled state. Alternatively, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD transmit frames related to beamforming training on the millimeter wave link that is in an unavailable enabled state.

[0388] Step 704: Wait for the millimeter wave link to recover;

[0389] In some embodiments, if there is at least one TID mapped to a millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction, and the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, the disconnection of the millimeter wave link may be immediate, and a first time period should be waited for the millimeter wave link to be restored.

[0390] In some embodiments, the disconnection or failure of the millimeter wave link is immediate, and the millimeter wave link can be restored autonomously. The waiting time is a first time period.

[0391] The first time period is default, configured, predefined by a communication protocol, autonomously determined by the AP MLD, or autonomously determined by the Non-AP MLD.

[0392] AP MLD and Non-AP MLD wait for the millimeter wave link to recover based on the waiting time.

[0393] Step 705: Determine whether the millimeter wave link is restored;

[0394] If the millimeter wave link can operate normally, or the frame transmission is successful, or the fault is eliminated, or the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold, it is determined that the millimeter wave link is recovered and step 706 is executed.

[0395] The second threshold is a default threshold, a configured threshold, a predefined threshold in a communication protocol, a threshold determined autonomously by an AP MLD, or a threshold determined autonomously by a non-AP MLD. The second threshold is the same as or different from the first threshold.

[0396] The link quality of the millimeter wave link is determined based on a link quality evaluation result, which is determined based on at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value, a packet loss rate, a retransmission rate, a number of packet losses, a number of retransmissions, and a number of transmission failures. For details related to the second threshold, reference may be made to the first threshold. For example, when frame transmission is successful, or the RSSI value is higher than a first value (e.g., -78 dBm), or retransmissions are successful within a second value (e.g., 3 times), the link quality of the millimeter wave link is determined to be higher than the second threshold.

[0397] If the millimeter wave link still cannot work normally, or the frame transmission fails, or the fault is not eliminated, or the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the third threshold, it is determined that the millimeter wave link has not been restored and step 708 is executed.

[0398] For details about the third threshold, refer to the first and second thresholds. For example, when the RSSI value is lower than the first threshold, or the number of transmission failures reaches the second threshold, or the packet loss rate reaches the third threshold, or the number of retransmissions reaches the fourth threshold, the link quality of the millimeter wave link is determined to be lower than the third threshold. The third threshold can be the same as the first and second thresholds, or different from the first threshold, or different from the second threshold.

[0399] Step 706: Change the link state of the millimeter wave link to an available enabled state;

[0400] In some embodiments, after determining that the millimeter wave link has been restored, the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed to an available enabled state, or it can be understood that the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be an available enabled state.

[0401] In some embodiments, after the millimeter wave link is established, beamforming and TID-to-Link mapping are successfully completed, and when there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link, the link state of the millimeter wave link is set to an available enabled state.

[0402] In some embodiments, during the millimeter wave link establishment process, the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is set to an available enabled state.

[0403] Step 707: Frame transmission is performed on the millimeter wave link;

[0404] In some embodiments, frame transmission is performed on the millimeter wave link in an available enabled state, including at least one of a data frame, a management frame, a control frame, and a QoS Null frame. For other frame transmission-related content, please refer to step 807 and will not be repeated here.

[0405] Step 708: Determine whether the Non-AP MLD is within the service range of the AP MLD.

[0406] The service range of the AP MLD can be understood as the signal coverage range of the AP MLD or the wireless medium coverage range of the AP MLD.

[0407] If the non-AP MLD is not within the service range of the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD cannot communicate over the wireless medium. For example, signal strength is used to determine whether the non-AP MLD is within the service range of the AP MLD. For example, if the non-AP MLD cannot receive the AP MLD's signal, it is determined that the non-AP MLD is not within the service range of the AP MLD.

[0408] If the determination result indicates that the Non-AP MLD is not within the service range of the AP MLD, step 709 is executed.

[0409] If the determination result indicates that the Non-AP MLD is within the service range of the AP MLD, step 710 is executed.

[0410] Step 709: Establish a new millimeter wave link or re-establish a millimeter wave link;

[0411] In some embodiments, the Non-AP MLD rediscovers a new AP MLD that supports millimeter wave capabilities and establishes a new millimeter wave link with the new AP MLD that supports millimeter wave capabilities; or, after the Non-AP MLD re-enters the service range of the AP MLD, it re-establishes the millimeter wave link with the AP MLD.

[0412] For the establishment of the millimeter wave link, please refer to step 801, step 802, step 803 and other related contents, which will not be repeated here.

[0413] Step 710: Change the link state of the millimeter wave link to an unavailable enabled state;

[0414] If the millimeter wave link has not recovered and the non-AP MLD is within the service range of the AP MLD, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be unavailable and enabled. Alternatively, if the non-AP MLD can receive the AP MLD signal but the millimeter wave link cannot transmit normally or the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold, the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed to unavailable and enabled.

[0415] Step 711: Re-perform beamforming training.

[0416] In some embodiments, step 711 may also be implemented as re-performing beamforming; or, step 711 may be implemented as re-performing beamforming training and beamforming.

[0417] In some embodiments, beamforming training and beamforming are re-performed on the millimeter wave link in the unavailable enabled state. After the beamforming training and beamforming are completed, step 706 is executed.

[0418] In some embodiments, beamforming training is performed again on the millimeter wave link in the unavailable enabled state. After the beamforming training is completed or the beamforming training is successful, step 706 is executed.

[0419] In some embodiments, beamforming is performed again on the millimeter wave link in the unavailable enabled state. After beamforming is completed or succeeded, step 706 is executed.

[0420] Re-performing beamforming training, including re-performing complete beamforming training, or re-performing partial beamforming training.

[0421] In summary, the method provided by this application supports real-time determination of whether the current millimeter wave link is available through one or more judgment conditions, and realizes dynamic update of the link status, which helps to solve the problem that the millimeter wave link has been established but is unavailable. In addition, the available enabled state and unavailable enabled state of the millimeter wave link are newly defined, and the millimeter wave link in the newly defined available enabled state can be used for frame transmission. Such a newly defined link state can give the millimeter wave link better and more effective transmission parameters, further improving the transmission performance of the millimeter wave link, the stability of the communication system, and the communication quality.

[0422] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a method for determining link status provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method performed by AP (MLD) and Non-AP (MLD) as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0423] The AP and non-AP STA initiate the establishment or re-establishment of a millimeter wave link. For example, frames carrying millimeter wave capability information are transmitted between the AP and non-AP STA. Both the AP and non-AP STA support multi-link capability, meaning both are MLDs. Therefore, the AP can be referred to as an AP MLD, and the non-AP STA can be referred to as a non-AP MLD.

[0424] In some embodiments, the AP sends a beacon frame carrying millimeter wave capability information, and the non-AP STA receives the beacon frame carrying millimeter wave capability information; or, the AP sends a beacon frame indicating millimeter wave capability, and the non-AP STA receives the beacon frame indicating millimeter wave capability.

[0425] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA sends a probe request frame carrying millimeter wave capability information, the AP receives the probe request frame and sends a probe response frame carrying millimeter wave capability information to the non-AP STA, and the non-AP STA receives the probe response frame.

[0426] After the millimeter wave link is established, the link state of the millimeter wave link can be directly set to the enabled state; or, it can be set to the disabled state first and then changed from the disabled state to the enabled state.

[0427] If, during the millimeter wave link establishment phase, the AP MLD successfully associates or re-associates with the Non-AP MLD, the millimeter wave link adopts the default TID-to-Link mapping mode, and the link state of the millimeter wave link is directly set to the enabled state, regardless of whether beamforming training has been completed or not. The default TID-to-Link mapping mode maps all TIDs to all links (including millimeter wave links); or, in other words, after TID-to-Link mapping is performed using the default TID-to-Link mapping mode, all links between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD have at least one TID mapping in the uplink and / or downlink directions, respectively.

[0428] If no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link during the millimeter wave link establishment phase, the initial link state of the millimeter wave link is disabled. The millimeter wave link being in the disabled state indicates that the millimeter wave link is disabled or unavailable for non-AP MLD. A millimeter wave link in the disabled state cannot or cannot be used for frame transmission, including management frames, control frames, data frames, and QoS Null frames, such as TID-to-Link Mapping Response frames, TID-to-Link Mapping Termination frames, and TID-to-Link Mapping Removal frames.

[0429] If the millimeter wave link in the disabled state completes the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and / or downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the disabled state to the enabled state.

[0430] If beamforming training for an enabled millimeter-wave link is completed (including partial or full beamforming training), the link state of the millimeter-wave link is changed from Enabled to Enabled on Usable. If beamforming training for an enabled millimeter-wave link fails or is incomplete, the link state of the millimeter-wave link is changed from Enabled to Enabled on Unusable.

[0431] The millimeter wave link in the available enabled state can be used for frame transmission, including: management frames, control frames, data frames, and QoS Null frames. Exemplarily, frame transmission for individual addressing is performed on the millimeter wave link. If data frames (including data frames for individual addressing and / or data frames for broadcast addressing) are transmitted on the millimeter wave link, only data frames with a TID mapped to the millimeter wave link can be transmitted on the millimeter wave link, that is, the TID carried by the data frames transmitted on the millimeter wave link must be consistent with the TID mapped to the millimeter wave link. Exemplarily, the subordinate millimeter wave AP or subordinate millimeter wave STA of the AP MLD associated with the millimeter wave link transmits MSDUs / A-MSDUs with the TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink, or transmits MSDUs / A-MSDUs with the TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the downlink.

[0432] If the millimeter wave link in the disabled state successfully completes beamforming training and TID-to-Link mapping negotiation, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and / or downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link can be directly changed from the disabled state to the enabled state.

[0433] When the millimeter wave link is in the Usable Enabled state, it indicates that the millimeter wave link can transmit frames under multi-link operation. If the link quality of the millimeter wave link falls below the first threshold, for example, due to a transient shadow event (such as a person or object blocking the millimeter wave link) or a change in link quality caused by the movement of the Non-AP MLD, the millimeter wave link cannot transmit frames normally. In this case, the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from Enabled on Usable to Enabled on Unusable.

[0434] When the millimeter wave link is in the unavailable enabled state, it indicates that the millimeter wave link is unavailable and frames used for individual addressing (such as data frames) cannot be transmitted between the AP and non-AP STAs. Alternatively, the millimeter wave link in the unavailable enabled state can be used to transmit frames related to beamforming training.

[0435] If the link quality of the millimeter wave link recovers to a state higher than the first threshold after waiting for the first time period, or the millimeter wave link re-completes the beamforming training, the link state of the millimeter wave link changes from the Unusable Enabled (Enabled on Unusable) state to the Usable Enabled (Enabled on Usable) state. The first time period is the default, or configured, or predefined by the communication protocol, or determined independently by the AP MLD, or determined independently by the Non-AP MLD. Exemplarily, if the RSSI value is lower than the 0dB threshold, the first time period is 550ms; if the RSSI value is lower than the 10dB threshold, the first time period is 300-450ms; if the RSSI value is lower than the 20dB threshold, the first time period is 100-300ms.

[0436] If no frame is successfully transmitted between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD on the millimeter wave link within the second time period, such as a data frame used to keep the millimeter wave link active (Keep Alive), a Power-Saving Poll (PS-Poll) frame, a management frame, a control frame, etc., or the Non-AP MLD sends a Disassociation frame to the AP MLD, the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the Enabled on Unusable state to the Disabled state. The second time period is default, or configured, or predefined by the communication protocol, or determined independently by the AP MLD, or determined independently by the Non-AP MLD. Exemplarily, the second time period is a predefined MLD maximum idle period (MLD Max Idle Period). The second time period is the same as or different from the first time period.

[0437] If the non-AP MLD is reassociated with the disassociated AP MLD, the millimeter wave link re-establishment phase begins. If the non-AP MLD is reassociated with the new AP MLD, the millimeter wave link establishment phase begins.

[0438] In summary, the method provided by this application newly defines the available enabled state and unavailable enabled state of the millimeter wave link. The millimeter wave link in the newly defined available enabled state can be used for frame transmission. Such newly defined link states can give the millimeter wave link more excellent and effective transmission parameters, further improving the transmission performance of the millimeter wave link, the stability of the communication system, and the communication quality. In addition, the conditions and methods for changing between multiple link states are provided, which increases the feasibility and flexibility of using millimeter wave links.

[0439] It should be understood that the numerical markings corresponding to the various steps in the method embodiments provided in this application are only for ease of explanation and do not mean to limit the execution order of the various steps. The various steps in the implementation of each method can be combined, split, deleted, or executed in different orders in different embodiments or different designs. For example, step 410 and step 420 can be combined into one step; step 450 and step 460 can be combined into one step; step 430 and step 440 can be combined into one step; step 430 is executed before step 410; step 440 is executed before step 410; step 450 is executed before step 410; step 460 is executed before step 410; step 450 is executed before step 430; step 460 is executed before step 440, and so on.

[0440] Figures 11 to 13 illustrate the format of the fields carried by each STA configuration (Per-STA Profile) sub-element provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The number below the field represents the number of bytes (Octets) or bits (Bits) of the field.

[0441] Each STA configuration sub-element is carried in the STA Profile field, which is carried in the Basic Multilink Element, which is carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame. In some embodiments, the beacon frame or probe response frame carrying each STA configuration sub-element is sent by the AP MLD during the multilink discovery phase; or by the AP or STA during the multilink association phase; or by the AP or STA during the multilink reassociation phase.

[0442] Each STA configuration sub-element includes a field for indicating the millimeter wave capability of the AP MLD.

[0443] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, each STA configuration sub-element includes: at least one of: a sub-element identification (Identity, ID) field, a length (Length) field, a STA control (Control) field, a STA information (Information, Info) field, and a STA configuration (Profile) field.

[0444] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 11, the STA control field includes: a link ID field, a complete profile field, a STA MAC address present field, a beacon interval present field, a timing synchronization function offset present (TSF Offset Present) field, a basic service set parameter change counter (Basic Service Set Parameters Change Count Present, BSS Parameters Change Count Present) field, a millimeter wave AP STA capability information (mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information Present) field, a sector scan parameter (Sector Sweep Parameters Present) field, and at least one of the reserved field.

[0445] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the STA information field includes: a link ID field, a STA MAC address field, a beacon interval field, a timing synchronization function offset (TSF Offset) field, a delivery traffic indication map information (DTIM Info) field, a basic service set parameter change counter (BSS Parameters Change Count) field, a millimeter wave AP STA capability information (mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information) field, a sector scan parameter (Sector Sweep Parameters) field, and at least one of the reserved field.

[0446] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG13 , the mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information field includes at least one of a Max Associated mmWave STA Number field, a Power Source field, and a Reserved field. The Max Associated mmWave STA Number field is used to indicate the maximum number of mmWave STAs (referring to STAs that support mmWave capabilities) that a mmWave AP (referring to an AP that supports mmWave capabilities) can associate with or support association with. Exemplarily, if the value of the Power Source field is a first value (such as 0), it indicates that the power source of the AP is a battery; if the value of the Power Source field is a second value (such as 1), it indicates that the power source of the AP is not a battery.

[0447] In some embodiments, an AP that supports millimeter wave capabilities sets the value of the mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information Present field in the STA control field to a second value (for example, 1), and carries the mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information field in the STA information field, thereby indicating the millimeter wave capabilities of the AP MLD.

[0448] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the format of the fields carried by each millimeter wave STA configuration (Per-mmWave STA Profile) sub-element provided in some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The number below the field indicates the number of bytes (octets) or bits (bits) of the field. Each millimeter wave STA configuration (Per-mmWave STA Profile) sub-element can be used specifically to describe millimeter wave AP STA information to distinguish it from non-millimeter wave AP STA information.

[0449] Each mmWave STA configuration sub-element is carried in the STA Profile field, which is carried in the Basic Multilink Element, which is carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame. In some embodiments, the beacon frame or probe response frame carrying each mmWave STA configuration sub-element is sent by the AP MLD during the multilink discovery phase; or by the AP or STA during the multilink association phase; or by the AP or STA during the multilink reassociation phase.

[0450] Each mmWave STA Configuration sub-element is used to indicate the mmWave capability of the AP MLD.

[0451] As shown in FIG14 , each millimeter wave STA configuration sub-element includes at least one of a sub-element ID field, a length field, a STA control field, a STA information (Info) field, and a STA configuration (Profile) field.

[0452] If the value of the sub-element ID field is the second value (for example, 1), it indicates that the sub-element is a sub-element for each millimeter wave STA configuration. The specific values ​​of the sub-element ID field can be found in Table 2.

[0453] Table 2 Optional sub-element IDs in the multi-link element

[0454] The STA control field includes: a link ID field, a complete profile field, a STA MAC address present field, a beacon interval present field, a timing synchronization function offset present field, a basic service set parameter change counter present field, a millimeter wave capability information present field, a sector scan parameter present field, and at least one of the reserved field.

[0455] The STA information field can be referred to Figure 12 and will not be described again here.

[0456] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the format of the AP STA millimeter wave capability information element provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The number below the field indicates the number of bytes (octets) or bits (bits) of the field.

[0457] The AP STA millimeter wave capability information element is carried in the aforementioned STA configuration (Per-STA Profile) sub-element or each millimeter wave STA configuration (Per-mmWave STA Profile) sub-element, which is carried in the basic multi-link element, which is carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame. In some embodiments, the beacon frame or probe response frame carrying the AP STA millimeter wave capability information element is sent by the AP MLD during the multi-link discovery phase; or by the AP or STA during the multi-link association phase; or by the AP or STA during the multi-link reassociation phase.

[0458] The AP STA millimeter wave capability information element is used to indicate the millimeter wave capability information of the AP (MLD). The AP STA millimeter wave capability information element may also be referred to as the AP millimeter wave capability information element.

[0459] The AP STA mmWave capability information element includes at least one of an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension (Element ID Extension) field, and an AP STA mmWave Capabilities Information field (AP STA mmWave Capabilities Information).

[0460] The settings of the element ID field and the element ID extension field can be referred to Table 3.

[0461] Table 3 Settings of the Element ID Field and Element ID Extension Field in the Millimeter Wave Capability Information Element

[0462] The AP STA millimeter wave capability information field may also be referred to as the AP millimeter wave capability information field. The AP STA millimeter wave capability information field includes at least one of: a maximum associated millimeter wave STA number field, a power source field, and a reserved field.

[0463] For other relevant contents of the AP STA millimeter wave capability information field, please refer to Figures 11 to 14 and will not be repeated here.

[0464] Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of the format of the Non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information element provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The number below the field indicates the number of bytes (octets) or bits (bits) of the field.

[0465] The Non-AP STA mmWave Capability information element is carried in the STA Profile field, which is carried in the Multilink Element, which is carried in a beacon frame or a Probe Request frame. In some embodiments, the beacon frame or Probe Request frame carrying the Non-AP STA mmWave Capability information element is sent by the Non-AP MLD during the Multilink Discovery phase, or by the AP or STA during the Multilink Association phase, or by the AP or STA during the Multilink Reassociation phase.

[0466] The Non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information element is used to indicate the millimeter wave capability information of the Non-AP (MLD). The Non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information element may also be referred to as the Non-AP millimeter wave capability information element.

[0467] The Non-AP STA mmWave Capabilities Information element includes at least one of an Element ID field, a Length field, an Element ID Extension field, and a Non-AP STA mmWave Capabilities Information field.

[0468] The settings of the element ID field and the element ID extension field can be referred to Table 3.

[0469] The Non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information field may also be referred to as the Non-AP millimeter wave capability information field. The Non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information field includes at least one of the following fields:

[0470] Reverse Direction subfield: Indicates whether the non-AP STA supports reverse operation. Reverse operation improves air interface throughput and avoids the need to compete for channel access rights during each transmission. For example, if the value of the Reverse subfield is the second value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the non-AP STA supports reverse operation. If the value of the Reverse subfield is the first value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the non-AP STA does not support reverse operation.

[0471] Higher Layer Timer Synchronization subfield: Used to indicate whether the non-AP STA supports higher layer timer synchronization. For example, if the value of the Higher Layer Timer Synchronization subfield is the second value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the non-AP STA supports higher layer timer synchronization; if the value of the Higher Layer Timer Synchronization subfield is the first value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the non-AP STA does not support higher layer timer synchronization.

[0472] Transmission Power Control (TPC) subfield: used to indicate whether the non-AP STA supports transmission power control. For example, if the value of the TPC subfield is the second value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the non-AP STA supports TPC; if the value of the TPC subfield is the first value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the non-AP STA does not support TPC.

[0473] The Number of RX mmWave Antennas subfield is used to indicate the number of millimeter wave antennas of a non-AP STA. For example, the number of millimeter wave antennas of a non-AP STA is the value of the Number of RX mmWave Antennas subfield minus 1.

[0474] Fast Link Adaptation subfield: Used to indicate whether a non-AP STA supports link adaptation. Exemplarily, if the value of the Fast Link Adaptation subfield is the second value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the non-AP STA supports link adaptation; if the value of the Fast Link Adaptation subfield is the first value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the non-AP STA does not support link adaptation.

[0475] Total Number of Sectors subfield: This field indicates the total number of sectors across all millimeter-wave antennas used by a non-AP STA during a transmission sector scan. For example, the total number of sectors across all millimeter-wave antennas used by a non-AP STA during a transmission sector scan is the value of the Total Number of Sectors subfield minus 1.

[0476] Sector Scan Responder Length (RXSS Length) field.

[0477] The mmWave Antenna Reciprocity subfield indicates whether the non-AP STA's best transmitting millimeter-wave antenna is the same as the non-AP STA's best receiving millimeter-wave antenna. For example, if the value of the mmWave Antenna Reciprocity subfield is the second value (for example, 1), it indicates that the non-AP STA's best transmitting millimeter-wave antenna is the same as the non-AP STA's best receiving millimeter-wave antenna. If the value of the mmWave Antenna Reciprocity subfield is the first value (for example, 0), it indicates that the non-AP STA's best transmitting millimeter-wave antenna is different from the non-AP STA's best receiving millimeter-wave antenna.

[0478] Aggregate-MAC Protocol Data Unit (A-MPDU Parameters) subfield: Used to indicate A-MPDU parameters. For example, the format of the A-MPDU Parameters subfield is shown in Figure 17 , where the number below the field indicates the number of bits in the field. The A-MPDU Parameters subfield includes at least one of the Maximum A-MPDU Length Index field (occupies bits B0 to B2) and the Minimum MPDU field (occupies bits B3 to B5).

[0479] Black Acknowledgment with Flow Control (BA with Flow Control) subfield: indicates whether a non-AP STA supports BA with flow control. For example, if the value of the BA with Flow Control subfield is the second value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the non-AP STA supports BA with flow control. If the value of the BA with Flow Control subfield is the first value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the non-AP STA does not support BA with flow control.

[0480] Supported Modulation and Coding Scheme Set (Supported MCS Set) subfield: used to indicate the MCS set supported by the Non-AP STA.

[0481] Aggregate-Physical Protocol Data Unit (A-PPDU) subfield: used to indicate whether the non-AP STA supports PPDU aggregation. For example, if the value of the A-PPDU support subfield is the second value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the non-AP STA supports PPDU aggregation; if the value of the A-PPDU support subfield is the first value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the non-AP STA does not support PPDU aggregation.

[0482] Antenna Pattern Reciprocity subfield: This field indicates whether the transmit antenna pattern associated with an Antenna Weight Vector (AWV) is the same as the receive antenna pattern associated with the same AWV. For example, if the value of the Antenna Pattern Reciprocity subfield is the second value (e.g., 1), the transmit antenna pattern associated with the AWV is the same as the receive antenna pattern associated with the same AWV. If the value of the Antenna Pattern Reciprocity subfield is the first value (e.g., 0), the transmit antenna pattern associated with the AWV is different from the receive antenna pattern associated with the same AWV.

[0483] Grant Ack Supported subfield: used to indicate whether the Non-AP STA supports responding to a Grant Frame with a Grant Ack Frame.

[0484] Reserved field.

[0485] Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of the format of the fields carried by each STA configuration (Per-STA Profile) sub-element provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The number below the field represents the number of bytes (Octets) or bits (Bits) of the field.

[0486] Each STA configuration sub-element is carried in the STA Profile field, which is carried in the Basic Multilink Element, which is carried in the Association Request frame. In some embodiments, the Association Request frame carrying each STA configuration sub-element is sent by the Non-AP MLD during the multilink establishment phase; or by the AP or STA during the multilink association phase; or by the AP or STA during the multilink reassociation phase.

[0487] Each STA configuration sub-element includes a field for indicating beamforming (training) related parameters.

[0488] Each STA configuration sub-element includes at least one of a sub-element identification (ID) field, a length (Length) field, a STA control (Control) field, a STA information (Info) field, and a STA configuration (Profile) field.

[0489] The STA information field includes: a link ID field, a STA MAC address field, a beacon interval field, a timing synchronization function offset (TSF Offset) field, a delivery traffic indication map information (DTIM Info) field, a basic service set parameter change counter (BSS Parameters Change Count) field, a millimeter wave AP STA capability information (mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information) field, a sector scan parameter (Sector Sweep Parameters) field, and at least one of the reserved (Reserved) field.

[0490] The sector scanning parameter field includes at least one of a direction (Direction) field, a down counter (Count Down, CDOWN) field, a sector ID field, an antenna ID field, a receiver length (RX Length) field, and a reserved field.

[0491] The Direction field is used to indicate whether the frame is sent by the initiator of beamforming (training) or the responder of beamforming (training). For example, if the value of the Direction field is a first value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the frame is sent by the initiator of beamforming (training); if the value of the Direction field is a second value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the frame is sent by the responder of beamforming (training).

[0492] The CDOWN field is used to indicate the number of beamforming frames remaining before the sector sweep initiator (TX Sector Sweep) finishes transmitting a beamforming frame (e.g., a sector sweep frame, etc.), or to indicate the number of beamforming frames remaining before the sector sweep responder (RX Sector Sweep) finishes transmitting a beamforming frame (e.g., a sector sweep frame, etc.). In the last frame of a beamforming frame transmission, the CDOWN field has a value of 0. Exemplarily, the value of the CDOWN field ranges from 0 to 511.

[0493] The Sector ID field is used to indicate the sector number through which the frame containing this field is transmitted.

[0494] In some embodiments, when a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD establish a multi-link including a millimeter wave link, when a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD and operating in a non-millimeter wave frequency band (such as a Sub-7 GHz frequency band) sends a multi-link (re)association request frame to an AP attached to the AP MLD and operating in a non-millimeter wave frequency band, the Link Info Field in the Basic Multi-Link Element carried in the (re)association request frame should include a per-mmWave STA profile subelement. Each per-mmWave STA profile subelement carries complete information about the millimeter wave STA.

[0495] In some embodiments, after receiving the (re)association request frame, the AP operating in the non-millimeter wave frequency band attached to the AP MLD verifies the millimeter wave capability and beamforming (training) related parameters, and responds to the (re)association request frame, for example, sending a (re)association response frame to the Non-AP STA operating in the non-millimeter wave frequency band attached to the Non-AP MLD.

[0496] Each millimeter-wave STA profile subelement is carried in the STA profile field, which is carried in the basic multilink element, which is carried in the association request frame. In some embodiments, the association request frame carrying each millimeter-wave STA profile subelement is sent by the non-AP MLD during the multilink establishment phase; or by the AP or STA during the multilink association phase; or by the AP or STA during the multilink reassociation phase.

[0497] Each millimeter wave STA configuration sub-element includes a field for indicating beamforming (training) related parameters.

[0498] In some embodiments, the format of each millimeter wave STA configuration sub-element can be referred to Figure 17.

[0499] In some embodiments, the STA Configuration sub-element and the mmWave STA Configuration sub-element can be distinguished by the value of the Sub-element ID field. For example, if the value of the Sub-element ID field is a first value (such as 0), it indicates that the sub-element is a STA Configuration sub-element; if the value of the Sub-element ID field is a second value (such as 1), it indicates that the sub-element is a mmWave STA Configuration sub-element.

[0500] It should be understood that the formats, names, and values ​​of the frames / elements / fields involved in the various embodiments of the present application are merely examples and are not intended to limit the formats, names, and values ​​of the frames / elements / fields. In different embodiments or designs, it is not excluded that at least one of the names of the aforementioned elements / fields, their positions in the frame, their order with other elements / fields, the number of bytes occupied, or the number of bits occupied may be changed.

[0501] FIG19 is a flow chart illustrating a frame transmission method provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method performed by an AP (MLD) and a non-AP (MLD) as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0502] Both AP MLD and non-AP MLD support multi-link capabilities (meaning support for MLO) and millimeter wave capabilities (meaning support for operation in the millimeter wave band). The at least two links between the AP MLD and non-AP MLD include at least one link operating in the millimeter wave band and at least one link operating in a non-millimeter wave band. This example illustrates the simultaneous operation of at least two links between the AP MLD and non-AP MLD at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz.

[0503] Step 1701: Perform multi-link discovery;

[0504] A non-AP MLD device supporting mmWave capabilities discovers nearby AP MLD devices supporting mmWave capabilities. The multi-link discovery phase can be performed in two ways: passive scanning and active scanning.

[0505] 1. In passive scanning mode, an attached AP operating in a low-frequency band (2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz) in an MLD supporting millimeter-wave capabilities transmits a beacon frame containing a basic multilink element (BME) that contains capability information for millimeter-wave STAs operating in the 60 GHz band. Specific implementations include at least the following four methods:

[0506] (1) The Link Info field in the basic multi-link element contains the aforementioned Per-STA Profile Subelement, as shown in Figure 11.

[0507] The value of the mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information Present field in the STA Control field in each of the aforementioned STA configuration sub-elements is set to a second value (for example, 1), thereby indicating that the STA Information (STA Info) field includes a field for indicating millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

[0508] (2) The Link Info field in the basic multi-link element contains the aforementioned millimeter wave STA configuration sub-elements (Per-mmWave STA Profile Subelement), as shown in Figure 14.

[0509] The value of the mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information Present field in the STA control field in each of the aforementioned millimeter wave STA configuration sub-elements is set to a second value (for example, 1), thereby indicating that the STA information field includes a field indicating millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

[0510] (3) The Link Info field in the basic multilink element contains each STA configuration sub-element. The STA Profile field in each STA configuration sub-element contains the millimeter wave AP capability information element or the millimeter wave AP STA capability information element (as shown in Figure 13).

[0511] The format of each STA configuration sub-element is the same as or different from the format of the aforementioned STA configuration sub-element. For example, the format of each STA configuration sub-element adopts the format of each STA configuration sub-element in the related art.

[0512] (4) The Link Info field in the basic multilink element contains the aforementioned millimeter wave STA configuration sub-elements. The STAProfile field in the aforementioned millimeter wave STA configuration sub-elements contains the millimeter wave AP capability information element or the millimeter wave AP STA capability information element (as shown in Figure 13).

[0513] 2. In active scanning mode, the subordinate non-AP STA operating in the low frequency band (2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz) in the non-AP MLD generates and sends a probe request frame containing millimeter wave STA capability information, specifically including steps 1701a and 1701b.

[0514] Step 1701a: The Non-AP STA sends a probe request frame.

[0515] The probe request frame includes the STA Profile field in the probe request multilink element, and the STA Profile field includes the Non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information element (as shown in Figure 16), thereby indicating the millimeter wave capability supported by the Non-AP STA.

[0516] Step 1701b: The Non-AP STA receives the probe response frame.

[0517] This probe response frame is sent by an attached AP operating in a low-frequency band (2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz) in an AP MLD that supports millimeter wave capabilities. The probe response frame contains a basic multi-link element indicating the millimeter wave capabilities supported by the AP. Specific implementation methods include at least the following four:

[0518] (1) The Link Info field in the basic multi-link element contains the aforementioned STA configuration sub-element (Per-STA Profile Subelement), as shown in Figure 11.

[0519] The value of the mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information Present field in the STA Control field in each of the aforementioned STA configuration sub-elements is set to the second value (for example, 1), thereby indicating that the STA Info field includes a field for indicating millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

[0520] (2) The Link Info field in the basic multi-link element contains the aforementioned millimeter wave STA configuration sub-elements (Per-mmWave STA Profile Subelement), as shown in Figure 14.

[0521] The value of the mmWave AP STA Capabilities Information Present field in the STA Control field in each of the aforementioned millimeter wave STA configuration sub-elements is set to the second value (for example, 1), thereby indicating that the STA Info field includes a field for indicating millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

[0522] (3) The Link Info field in the basic multilink element contains each STA configuration sub-element. The STA Profile field in each STA configuration sub-element contains the millimeter wave AP capability information element or the millimeter wave AP STA capability information element (as shown in Figure 13).

[0523] The format of each STA configuration sub-element is the same as or different from the format of the aforementioned STA configuration sub-element. For example, the format of each STA configuration sub-element adopts the format of each STA configuration sub-element in the related art.

[0524] (4) The Link Info field in the Basic Multilink Element contains the aforementioned millimeter-wave STA configuration subelement (Per-mmWave STA Profile Subelement). The STA Profile field in the aforementioned millimeter-wave STA configuration subelement contains the millimeter-wave AP capability information element or the millimeter-wave AP STA capability information element (as shown in Figure 13).

[0525] Step 1703: Perform multi-link (re)establishment;

[0526] After the multi-link discovery phase is completed, the non-AP MLD and AP MLD-dependent non-AP STAs operating in the low-frequency band (2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz) can (re)establish multi-links by transmitting (re)association request frames and (re)association response frames. Non-AP MLD and AP MLD complete the (re)establishment of millimeter wave links through low-frequency links (links operating in 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz). Specific implementation methods include at least the following two:

[0527] (1) During the negotiation between AP MLD and Non-AP MLD for multi-link establishment, when AP MLD and Non-AP MLD negotiate TID-to-Link mapping, if the default TID-to-Link mapping mode is used, all TIDs should be mapped to links in all working Sub-7 GHz frequency bands. If TID-to-Link mapping is performed for each link individually, TID mapping for millimeter wave links should not be negotiated.

[0528] In addition, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD must negotiate the beamforming (training) parameters required for the millimeter wave link. First, the non-AP MLD transmits an association request frame carrying a basic multilink element. The beamforming (training) parameters carried in this basic multilink element are shown in Figure 18.

[0529] After the multi-link establishment is completed according to the above rules, the link state of the millimeter wave link should be in the disabled state. Then, the beamforming (training) operation is performed according to the negotiated beamforming (training) related parameters. After the beamforming training is completed, the millimeter wave AP working in the millimeter wave frequency band in the AP MLD and the millimeter wave non-AP working in the millimeter wave frequency band in the Non-AP MLD both obtain the optimal millimeter wave transmission parameters. Then, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD should also negotiate the TID mapping of the millimeter wave link. When the millimeter wave link successfully completes the beamforming training operation and the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation, and if there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and / or downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed to the enabled state; otherwise, the link state of the millimeter wave link should be set to the disabled state.

[0530] Only enabled mmWave links can be used for frame transmission in Non-AP MLD and AP MLD.

[0531] (2) During the negotiation between AP MLD and Non-AP MLD for establishing multiple links, when AP MLD and Non-AP MLD negotiate TID-to-Link mapping, if the default TID-to-Link mapping mode is adopted, all TIDs should be mapped to links in all working Sub-7 GHz frequency bands, and the link status of the millimeter wave link should be set to enabled; otherwise, it should be set to disabled.

[0532] In addition, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD should also negotiate the relevant parameters required for beamforming (training) of the millimeter wave link.

[0533] Then, beamforming (training) operations are performed based on the negotiated beamforming (training) parameters. After beamforming training is completed, both the millimeter-wave APs operating in the millimeter-wave frequency band in the AP MLD and the millimeter-wave non-APs operating in the millimeter-wave frequency band in the Non-AP MLD obtain optimal millimeter-wave transmission parameters.

[0534] If before the beamforming training is completed, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD have negotiated the TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and / or downlink direction, then the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed to the available enabled state after the beamforming training is completed. Otherwise, if before the beamforming training is completed, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD have not negotiated the TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link, then the TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is negotiated after the beamforming training is completed. The TID-to-Link mapping negotiation of the millimeter wave link includes an explicit negotiation method or an implicit negotiation method. Exemplarily, the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation of the millimeter wave link is performed by transmitting a TID-to-Link mapping request frame and a TID-to-Link mapping response frame. After completing the TID-to-Link mapping negotiation for the mmWave link and at least one TID in the uplink and / or downlink direction is mapped to the mmWave link, the mmWave link state is changed to the enabled state. Only mmWave links in the enabled state can be used for frame transmission in Non-AP MLD and AP MLD.

[0535] If beamforming fails, the millimeter wave link status is changed to the unavailable enabled state. A millimeter wave link in the unavailable enabled state cannot be used for frame transmission.

[0536] Step 1705: The link status of the millimeter wave link changes;

[0537] During the use of the millimeter wave link, the link quality may fall below the first threshold, for example, due to movement of people, obstruction, or device movement. If the link quality of the millimeter wave link falls below the first threshold, at least the following two processing steps are included:

[0538] (1) The link state of the millimeter wave link is enabled, and frame transmission is performed between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold, the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed to disabled. The millimeter wave link in the disabled state cannot be used for frame transmission.

[0539] Then, wait for the first time period (for example, if the RSSI value is lower than the 0dB threshold, the first time period is 550ms; if the RSSI value is lower than the 10dB threshold, the first time period is 300-450ms; if the RSSI value is lower than the 20dB threshold, the first time period is 100-300ms). After waiting for the first time period, frame transmission is performed. If the millimeter wave link is restored or retransmission is successful within a certain retransmission number range, the link state of the millimeter wave link is restored to the enabled state. The millimeter wave link in the enabled state can be used for frame transmission.

[0540] If frame transmission still fails on the mmWave link after waiting for the first time period, the mmWave Non-AP STA should determine whether the mmWave Non-AP STA is within the service range of the mmWave AP STA by listening to beacon frames transmitted by the mmWave AP STA.

[0541] If the mmWave Non-AP STA is out of the service range of the mmWave AP STA, the mmWave Non-AP STA will rediscover a new mmWave AP STA, or re-associate with the mmWave AP STA after the mmWave Non-AP STA re-enters the service range of the original mmWave AP STA.

[0542] If the mmWave Non-AP STA is within the service range of the mmWave AP STA, the link state of the mmWave link is set to enabled, and beamforming (training) is re-performed. After beamforming (training) is completed, the link state is set again.

[0543] (2) The link state of the millimeter wave link is in the available enabled state, and frame transmission is performed between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold, the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed to the unavailable enabled state. The millimeter wave link in the unavailable enabled state cannot be used for frame transmission.

[0544] Then, wait for the first time period (for example, if the RSSI value is lower than the 0dB threshold, the first time period is 550ms; if the RSSI value is lower than the 10dB threshold, the first time period is 300-450ms; if the RSSI value is lower than the 20dB threshold, the first time period is 100-300ms). After waiting for the first time period, frame transmission is performed. If the millimeter wave link is restored or retransmission is successful within a certain retransmission number range, the link state of the millimeter wave link is restored to an available enabled state. The millimeter wave link in the available enabled state can be used for frame transmission.

[0545] If frame transmission still fails on the mmWave link after waiting for the first time period, the mmWave Non-AP STA should determine whether the mmWave Non-AP STA is within the service range of the mmWave AP STA by listening to beacon frames transmitted by the mmWave AP STA.

[0546] If the mmWave Non-AP STA is out of the service range of the mmWave AP STA, the mmWave Non-AP STA will rediscover a new mmWave AP STA, or re-associate with the mmWave AP STA after the mmWave Non-AP STA re-enters the service range of the original mmWave AP STA.

[0547] If the mmWave Non-AP STA is within the service range of the mmWave AP STA, the link state of the mmWave link is set to enabled, and beamforming (training) is re-performed. After beamforming (training) is completed, the link state is set again.

[0548] The re-beamforming (training) operations involved in the above two processing flows may include renegotiating beamforming (training) parameters. Exemplarily, the negotiation or renegotiation of beamforming (training) parameters may be achieved by transmitting a multi-link operation request frame with millimeter waves (e.g., Operating with mmWave Link Request Frame) and a multi-link operation response frame with millimeter waves (Operating with mmWave Link Response Frame).

[0549] For example, a multi-link operation request frame with millimeter waves is shown in Table 4, and a multi-link operation response frame with millimeter waves is shown in Table 5. EHT stands for Extremely High Throughput.

[0550] Table 4 Multi-link operation request frame with millimeter wave

[0551] Table 5 Multi-link operation response frame with millimeter wave

[0552] Among them, the category field is shown in Table 6, the protected EHT action field is shown in Table 7, and the status code field is shown in Table 8.

[0553] Table 6 Category fields

[0554] Table 7 Protected EHT Action Fields

[0555] The value of the dialogue token field in the multi-link operation request frame with millimeter wave, including the non-zero value selected and set by the initiator device of the millimeter wave communication, is copied by the peer device to the corresponding transmitted multi-link operation response frame with millimeter wave.

[0556] Table 8 Status Code Field

[0557] The millimeter wave link negotiation field is shown in Figure 20. The meaning and design of each field can be referred to the relevant content in Figures 11 to 18, and will not be repeated here.

[0558] In summary, the method provided by this application newly defines the link state of the millimeter wave link, and the millimeter wave link in the newly defined enabled state or available enabled state can be used for frame transmission. Such a newly defined link state can give the millimeter wave link more excellent and effective transmission parameters, which helps to improve spectrum occupancy, reduce wireless device power and loss, and improve the frame transmission success rate, further improving the transmission performance of the millimeter wave link, the stability of the communication system and the communication quality. In addition, the change conditions and change methods between multiple link states are given, which increases the feasibility and flexibility of the use of millimeter wave links. In addition, the design of the frame format that may be used in each stage of multi-link operation is given, which provides feasibility for the negotiation, establishment, state change, etc. of the millimeter wave link.

[0559] FIG21 shows a block diagram of a frame transmission device or a link status determination device provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The device includes at least some of the following modules: a transmission module 1910, a processing module 1930, a generation module 1950, a parsing module 1970, and a storage module 1990:

[0560] The transmission module 1910 is configured to execute the transmission-related steps in the above method embodiment.

[0561] The processing module 1930 is used to execute the steps related to determination and the steps related to processing in the above embodiment.

[0562] Generation module 1950 is configured to generate relevant information for the current device. Exemplarily, during the multi-link discovery phase, generation module 1950 generates a millimeter wave capability element based on the millimeter wave capabilities of the current device and carries it in at least one of the first, second, and third frames. During the multi-link establishment phase, generation module 1950 may further generate information related to millimeter wave capabilities. During the millimeter wave link negotiation phase, generation module 1950 may generate a request frame / response frame for multi-link operations with millimeter wave capabilities based on its own millimeter wave capabilities.

[0563] In some embodiments, the transmission module 1910 is used to transmit any one or more types of information generated by the generation module 1950.

[0564] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a parsing module 1970 configured to parse received related indication information. During the multi-link discovery phase, the parsing module 1970 parses and obtains the millimeter wave capabilities of the peer device based on at least one of the first, second, and third frames received by the current device. During the multi-link establishment phase, the parsing module 1970 may further parse and obtain information related to millimeter wave capabilities. During the millimeter wave link negotiation phase, the parsing module 1970 may parse received request frames / response frames for multi-link operations involving millimeter waves.

[0565] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a storage module 1990 for storing at least one of the information received by the transmission module 1910 , the information generated by the generation module 1950 , and the information parsed by the parsing module 1970 .

[0566] In summary, the device provided by this application can effectively improve the communication quality of millimeter wave communication, reduce the failure rate of millimeter wave communication, and reduce resource waste by limiting the link state of the millimeter wave link when the first frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link. In addition, by transmitting the second frame and the third frame, further support is provided for the use of the millimeter wave link, so that the MLD obtains millimeter wave capability information through the second frame and obtains beamforming-related information through the third frame, which helps to further improve the stability and flexibility of the use of the millimeter wave link, improve spectrum utilization, and reduce resource waste. In addition, the design of the frame format that may be used in each stage of multi-link operation is given, which provides feasibility for the negotiation, establishment, and status change of the millimeter wave link.

[0567] It should be noted that the device provided in the above embodiment is only illustrated by the division of the above functional modules. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0568] Regarding the device in this 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.

[0569] Figure 22 shows a structural diagram of a wireless communication device (AP or Non-STA) provided in some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The wireless communication device 2000 includes: a processor 2001, a receiver 2002, a transmitter 2003, a memory 2004 and a bus 2005.

[0570] The processor 2001 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 2001 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules. In some embodiments, the processor 2001 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 1930 and / or the generation module 1950 and / or the analysis module 1970 described above.

[0571] Receiver 2002 and transmitter 2003 can be implemented as a communication component, which can be a communication chip. In some embodiments, receiver 2002 can be used to implement the functions and steps of transmission module 1910 described above. In some embodiments, transmitter 2003 can be used to implement the functions and steps of transmission module 1910 described above.

[0572] Memory 2004 is connected to processor 2001 via bus 2005. Memory 2004 can be used to store at least one instruction, and processor 2001 can be used to execute the at least one instruction to implement the various steps in the above-mentioned method embodiment. In some embodiments, memory 2004 can be used to implement the functions and steps of storage module 1990 as described above.

[0573] In addition, the memory 2004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof. The volatile or non-volatile storage devices include but are not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), static random-access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory (PROM).

[0574] In some embodiments, the receiver 2002 receives signals / data independently, or the processor 2001 controls the receiver 2002 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2001 requests the receiver 2002 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2001 cooperates with the receiver 2002 to receive signals / data.

[0575] In some embodiments, the transmitter 2003 independently sends signals / data, or the processor 2001 controls the transmitter 2003 to send signals / data, or the processor 2001 requests the transmitter 2003 to send signals / data, or the processor 2001 cooperates with the transmitter 2003 to send signals / data.

[0576] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, in which at least one program is stored. The at least one program is loaded and executed by a processor, and the computer-readable storage medium is used to implement the frame transmission method or link status determination method provided by the above-mentioned various method embodiments.

[0577] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a chip is also provided, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions. When the chip runs on a communication device, it is used to implement the frame transmission method or link status determination method provided by the above-mentioned various method embodiments.

[0578] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is further provided. When the computer program product is executed on a processor of a computer device, the computer device executes the above-mentioned frame transmission method or link status determination method.

[0579] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer program is further provided. The computer program includes computer instructions. A processor of a computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the above-mentioned frame transmission method or link status determination method.

[0580] 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.

[0581] It should be understood that the frame format and element format shown in the embodiments of the present application are exemplary cases. In different embodiments or different designs, it is not ruled out that at least one of the positions of the fields in the frame / element, the arrangement order with other fields, the number of bytes occupied, and the number of bits occupied may be changed. The present application does not limit the specific format of each frame or each element.

[0582] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, 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 method for determining a link state, characterized in that: The method is performed by a multi-link device MLD, and the method includes: The link status of the millimeter wave link is determined based on whether the beamforming training is completed.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The determining the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed includes: The link status of the millimeter wave link is determined based on whether the beamforming training is completed and whether the communication requirement between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link is met.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The link state includes at least one of a first state (enabled) and a second state (disabled).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The determining the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed includes: When beamforming training of the millimeter wave link has been completed and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in an uplink direction or a downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the first state; Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training and meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, and when there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the first state.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The determining the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed includes: When the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and the millimeter wave link has completed TID-to-Link mapping, and when at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the first state; Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has been established, beamforming training has been completed for the millimeter wave link, TID-to-Link mapping has been completed for the millimeter wave link, and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the first state; Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, and the millimeter wave link completes TID-to-Link mapping, and when there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the first state; Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has been established, and the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, and the millimeter wave link completes TID-to-Link mapping, and when there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the first state.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The determining the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed includes: When beamforming training of the millimeter wave link has not been completed, and / or when no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the second state; Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training, and / or does not meet the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, and / or when there is no TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink and downlink directions, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the second state.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises at least one of the following: When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the first state to the second state; When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold for a first time period, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the first state to the second state.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises at least one of the following: When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than a second threshold, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the first state; When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold for a second time period, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the first state.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Not performing TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link during the establishment phase of the millimeter wave link; and / or, After the millimeter wave link has been established and the beamforming training has been completed, TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is performed.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The link state includes at least one of a first state (available and enabled), a second state (unavailable and enabled), an enabled state, and a disabled state.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The determining the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed includes: When the millimeter wave link is in an enabled state and the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the first state; Alternatively, when the millimeter wave link is in an enabled state, the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and meets the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the first state.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The determining the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed includes: When the millimeter wave link is in an enabled state and the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the second state; or, When the millimeter wave link is in an enabled state and the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training and / or does not meet the communication requirements between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the second state.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises one of the following: When the millimeter wave link has been established and at least one TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in an uplink direction or a downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the enabled state; When the millimeter wave link is in the disabled state and at least one TID in the uplink direction or the downlink direction is mapped to the millimeter wave link, determine that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the disabled state to the enabled state; During the establishment process of the millimeter wave link, the millimeter wave link is in the disabled state, and when there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the disabled state to the enabled state.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: The method further comprises one of the following: When the millimeter wave link has been established and no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the disabled state; During the establishment of the millimeter wave link, when no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the disabled state; In a case where no TID is mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is the disabled state.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that: The method further comprises one of the following: When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the first state to the second state; When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than the first threshold for a first time period, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the first state to the second state.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that: The method further comprises one of the following: When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than a second threshold, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the first state; When the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than the second threshold for a second time period, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the first state.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the millimeter wave link is in the second state and the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a third threshold, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the enabled state.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises one of the following: When the millimeter wave link is in the second state and the MLD does not transmit a frame through the millimeter wave link within a third time period, determine that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the disabled state; When the millimeter wave link is in the second state and the MLD transmits a disassociation frame, determining that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the disabled state; When the millimeter wave link is in the second state and the MLD re-associates with other MLDs, the millimeter wave link is re-established.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The millimeter wave link is in the disabled state, and the millimeter wave link re-completes the beamforming training, and, in the uplink When there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in an upstream or downstream direction, it is determined that the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the disabled state to the first state.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that: The method further comprises: After the millimeter wave link completes beamforming training, establishing the millimeter wave link; or, After the millimeter wave link is established, beamforming training is performed on the millimeter wave link.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the millimeter wave link is in a first state, a first frame is transmitted on the millimeter wave link.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The first frame includes at least one of the following: Management frames; Quality of Service Null QoS Null frame; Control frame; Data frame.

23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the millimeter wave link is in the second state, a frame related to beamforming training is transmitted on the millimeter wave link.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Transmitting a second frame on the millimeter wave link or other link other than the millimeter wave link; The second frame is used for at least one of a multi-link discovery phase, a multi-link association phase, and a multi-link re-association phase.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The second frame includes a field for indicating the millimeter wave capability of the access point AP.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that The basic multilink element carried by the second frame includes a first sub-element, where the first sub-element is used to indicate that the station configures STA Profile information.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The first field in the first sub-element includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field; Among them, the first field includes a field for indicating site control STA Control information and / or a field for indicating site information STA Info, the first subfield is used to indicate the existence of millimeter wave AP STA capability information, and the second subfield is used to indicate millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

28. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that The second frame carries a second sub-element, and the second sub-element is used to indicate the millimeter wave site configuration mmWave STA Profile information.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that The second sub-element includes at least one of a sub-element identification field, a length field, a site control information field, a site information field, and a site configuration information field.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that The site control information field and / or the site information field includes a first subfield and a second subfield; The first subfield is used to indicate the presence of millimeter wave AP STA capability information, and the second subfield is used to indicate the millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

31. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that: The second frame carries the first sub-element and / or the second sub-element; The first sub-element and / or the second sub-element carries a third sub-element, and the third sub-element is used to indicate AP STA millimeter wave capability information.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The third sub-element carries at least one of an element identification field, a length field, an element identification extension field, and an AP STA millimeter wave capability information field.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The AP STA millimeter wave capability information field carries at least one of a maximum number of associated millimeter wave STAs field, a power field, and a reserved field.

34. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The second frame includes a field for indicating the millimeter wave capability of the station STA.

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that The second frame includes at least one of an element identification field, a length field, an element identification extension field, and a non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information field.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that The non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information field includes: a reverse subfield, a high-layer timer synchronization subfield, a transmission power control subfield, a receiving millimeter wave antenna number subfield, a fast link adaptation subfield, a total number of sectors subfield, a millimeter wave antenna peer subfield, an A-MPDU parameter subfield, a block acknowledgment BA subfield with flow control, a modulation and coding scheme MCS set support subfield, an A-PPDU support subfield, an antenna pattern peer subfield, and at least one of the authorization confirmation Grant Ack support subfields.

37. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 36, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Transmitting a third frame on the millimeter wave link or other link other than the millimeter wave link; The third frame is used for at least one of a multi-link establishment phase, a multi-link association phase, and a multi-link re-association phase.

38. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that The third frame includes a field for indicating beamforming training related parameters.

39. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that The basic multilink element carried in the third frame includes a first sub-element, where the first sub-element is used to indicate that the station configures STA Profile information.

40. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that The third frame carries a second sub-element, and the second sub-element is used to indicate the millimeter wave site configuration mmWave STA Profile information.

41. The method according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that The first field in the first sub-element and / or the second sub-element includes a third sub-field and a fourth sub-field; The first field includes a field for indicating site control STA Control information and / or a field for indicating site information STA Info, the third subfield is used to indicate the existence of sector scanning parameter information, and the fourth subfield is used to indicate sector scanning parameter information.

42. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that The fourth subfield includes: at least one of: a direction field, a down counter field, a sector identification field, an antenna identification field, a receiving side length field, and a reserved field.

43. A device for determining a link status, characterized in that: The device comprises: A determination module is used to determine the link status of the millimeter wave link based on whether the beamforming training is completed.

44. A frame transmission method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a multi-link device MLD, and the method includes: transmitting a first frame over a millimeter wave link in a first state; The first state is used to indicate that the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction.

45. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that The first state is also used to indicate at least one of the following: The millimeter wave link has been established; The millimeter wave link has completed beamforming; The millimeter wave link has completed TID-to-Link mapping; The millimeter wave link meets the communication requirement between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link.

46. ​​The method according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that The method further comprises one of the following: not transmitting the first frame on the millimeter wave link in the second state; Transmitting frames related to beamforming training on the millimeter wave link in the second state; The second state is used to indicate that the millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming training, and / or that there is no TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction and the downlink direction.

47. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that The second state is further used to indicate at least one of the following: The millimeter wave link is not established; The millimeter wave link has not completed beamforming; The millimeter wave link has not completed TID-to-Link mapping; The link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a first threshold; The millimeter wave link does not meet the communication requirement between the two MLDs corresponding to the millimeter wave link.

48. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 47, characterized in that The first state is an enabled state, or an enabled on usable state.

49. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that When the first state is an enabled state, the second state is a disabled state.

50. The method according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that When the first state is an enabled state, the method further includes: Not performing TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link during the establishment phase of the millimeter wave link; and / or, After the millimeter wave link has been established and the beamforming training has been completed, TID-to-Link mapping of the millimeter wave link is performed.

51. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that In a case where the first state is an enabled on usable state, the second state is an enabled on unusable state.

52. The method according to claim 48 or 51, characterized in that Before the millimeter wave link in the first state transmits the first frame, the method further includes: When the millimeter wave link is in an enabled state and the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, the link state of the millimeter wave link is determined to be the available enabled state.

53. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 52, characterized in that The method further comprises: When a first condition is met, the link state of the millimeter wave link is changed from the second state to the first state.

54. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that The first condition includes at least one of the following: The second state lasts for a first period of time; The link quality of the millimeter wave link is higher than a second threshold.

55. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 54, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the second condition is met, at least one of the following operations is performed: Re-performing beamforming training on the millimeter wave link; re-beamforming the millimeter wave link; Rediscover other MLDs; The millimeter wave link is reestablished.

56. The method according to claim 55, characterized in that The second condition includes: The second state lasts for two time periods, and / or the link quality of the millimeter wave link is lower than a third threshold.

57. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 56, characterized in that The first frame includes at least one of the following: Management frames; Quality of Service Null QoS Null frame; Control frame; Data frame.

58. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 57, characterized in that The method further comprises: Transmitting a second frame on the millimeter wave link or other link other than the millimeter wave link; The second frame is used for at least one of a multi-link discovery phase, a multi-link association phase, and a multi-link re-association phase.

59. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that The second frame includes a field for indicating the millimeter wave capability of the access point AP.

60. The method according to claim 58 or 59, characterized in that The basic multilink element carried by the second frame includes a first sub-element, where the first sub-element is used to indicate that the station configures STA Profile information.

61. The method according to claim 60, characterized in that The first field in the first sub-element includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field; Among them, the first field includes a field for indicating site control STA Control information and / or a field for indicating site information STA Info, the first subfield is used to indicate the existence of millimeter wave AP STA capability information, and the second subfield is used to indicate millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

62. The method according to claim 58 or 59, characterized in that The second frame carries a second sub-element, and the second sub-element is used to indicate the millimeter wave site configuration mmWave STA Profile information.

63. The method according to claim 62, characterized in that The second sub-element includes at least one of a sub-element identification field, a length field, a site control information field, a site information field, and a site configuration information field.

64. The method according to claim 63, characterized in that The site control information field and / or the site information field includes a first subfield and a second subfield; The first subfield is used to indicate the presence of millimeter wave AP STA capability information, and the second subfield is used to indicate the millimeter wave AP STA capability information.

65. The method according to any one of claims 60 to 64, characterized in that The second frame carries the first sub-element and / or the second sub-element; The first sub-element and / or the second sub-element carries a third sub-element, and the third sub-element is used to indicate AP STA millimeter wave capability information.

66. The method according to claim 65, characterized in that The third sub-element carries at least one of an element identification field, a length field, an element identification extension field, and an AP STA millimeter wave capability information field.

67. The method according to claim 66, characterized in that The AP STA millimeter wave capability information field carries at least one of a maximum number of associated millimeter wave STAs field, a power field, and a reserved field.

68. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that The second frame includes a field for indicating the millimeter wave capability of the station STA.

69. The method according to claim 68, characterized in that The second frame includes at least one of an element identification field, a length field, an element identification extension field, and a non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information field.

70. The method according to claim 69, characterized in that The non-AP STA millimeter wave capability information field includes: a reverse subfield, a high-layer timer synchronization subfield, a transmission power control subfield, a receiving millimeter wave antenna number subfield, a fast link adaptation subfield, a total number of sectors subfield, a millimeter wave antenna peer subfield, an A-MPDU parameter subfield, a block acknowledgment BA subfield with flow control, a modulation and coding scheme MCS set support subfield, an A-PPDU support subfield, an antenna pattern peer subfield, and at least one of the authorization confirmation Grant Ack support subfields.

71. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 70, characterized in that The method further comprises: Transmitting a third frame on the millimeter wave link or other link other than the millimeter wave link; The third frame is used for at least one of a multi-link establishment phase, a multi-link association phase, and a multi-link re-association phase.

72. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that The third frame includes a field for indicating beamforming training related parameters.

73. The method according to claim 72, characterized in that The basic multilink element carried in the third frame includes a first sub-element, where the first sub-element is used to indicate that the station configures STA Profile information.

74. The method according to claim 72, characterized in that The third frame carries a second sub-element, and the second sub-element is used to indicate the millimeter wave site configuration mmWave STA Profile information.

75. The method according to claim 73 or 74, characterized in that The first field in the first sub-element and / or the second sub-element includes a third sub-field and a fourth sub-field; The first field includes a field for indicating site control STA Control information and / or a field for indicating site information STA Info, the third subfield is used to indicate the existence of sector scanning parameter information, and the fourth subfield is used to indicate sector scanning parameter information.

76. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that The fourth subfield includes: at least one of: a direction field, a down counter field, a sector identification field, an antenna identification field, a receiving side length field, and a reserved field.

77. A frame transmission device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A transmission module, configured to transmit a first frame on a millimeter wave link in a first state; The first state is used to indicate that the millimeter wave link has completed beamforming training, and there is at least one TID mapped to the millimeter wave link in the uplink direction or the downlink direction.

78. A wireless device, characterized in that: The wireless device comprises: processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; a memory for storing executable instructions for the processor; The processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the link status determination method as described in any one of claims 1 to 42, or the frame transmission method as described in any one of claims 44 to 76.

79. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The readable storage medium stores executable instructions, which are loaded and executed by a processor to implement the link status determination method as described in any one of claims 1 to 42, or the frame transmission method as described in any one of claims 44 to 76.

80. A chip, characterized in that: The chip includes a programmable logic circuit or a program, and the chip is used to implement the link status determination method as described in any one of claims 1 to 42, or the frame transmission method as described in any one of claims 44 to 76.

81. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes computer instructions, which are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the link status determination method as described in any one of claims 1 to 42, or the frame transmission method as described in any one of claims 44 to 76.

82. A computer program, characterized in that The computer program includes computer instructions, and the processor of the computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the link status determination method as described in any one of claims 1 to 42, or the frame transmission method as described in any one of claims 44 to 76.

Images