Communication method, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a communication method, a communication method and a communication system. The communication method comprises the following steps: a non-AP MLD sends a first frame to an AP MLD under a first link established with the AP MLD; the first frame is used for requesting a processing operation on a first operation or a working mode; wherein the processing operation comprises at least one of the following items: activating the first operation or working mode; deactivating the first operation or working mode; and updating the parameter of the first operation or working mode, thereby improving the configuration flexibility and resource management efficiency of the multi-link communication system, and reducing the configuration synchronization delay in a multi-link scene.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a communication method, a communication device and a communication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the related art, the content researched by Wi-Fi technology, such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), has a vision of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connection, reducing delay, improving manageability, increasing throughput at different Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) levels and reducing device-level power consumption, etc. SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a communication device and a communication system to improve communication efficiency.

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, applied to a non-AP MLD, the method comprising:

[0005] sending a first frame to an AP MLD under a first link established with the AP MLD; the first frame is used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode; wherein the processing operation comprises at least one of the following:

[0006] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0007] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0008] updating a parameter of the first operation or working mode.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a communication method, applied to an AP MLD, the method comprising:

[0010] receiving a first frame sent by a non-AP MLD under a first link established with the non-AP MLD; the first frame is used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode; wherein the processing operation comprises at least one of the following:

[0011] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0012] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0013] updating a parameter of the first operation or working mode.

[0014] In another aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, and the non-AP MLD comprises:

[0015] a sending module configured to send a first frame to an AP MLD over a first link established with the AP MLD, the first frame being used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode, and the processing operation comprising at least one of the following:

[0016] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0017] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0018] updating a parameter of the first operation or working mode.

[0019] In another aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is an AP MLD, and the AP MLD comprises:

[0020] a receiving module configured to receive a first frame sent by a non-AP MLD over a first link established with the non-AP MLD, the first frame being used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode, and the processing operation comprising at least one of the following:

[0021] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0022] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0023] updating a parameter of the first operation or working mode.

[0024] In another aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, and the non-AP MLD comprises:

[0025] one or more processors;

[0026] The non-AP MLD is configured to perform the communication method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] In another aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is an AP MLD, and the AP MLD comprises:

[0028] one or more processors;

[0029] The AP MLD is configured to perform the communication method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication system comprising a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD.

[0031] wherein the non-AP MLD is configured to send, to an AP MLD, a first frame over a first link established with the AP MLD, the first frame being used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode, and wherein the processing operation comprises at least one of:

[0032] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0033] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0034] updating a parameter of the first operation or working mode;

[0035] the AP MLD is configured to receive the first frame.

[0036] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium storing instructions, when the instructions run on a communication device, causing the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-AP MLD sends, to an AP MLD, a first frame over a first link established with the AP MLD, and requests a processing operation on a first operation or working mode, wherein the processing operation comprises at least one of: activating the first operation or working mode; deactivating the first operation or working mode; and updating a parameter of the first operation or working mode, thereby improving the configuration flexibility and resource management efficiency of the multi-link communication system and reducing the configuration synchronization delay in the multi-link scenario.

[0038] Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be given in part in the following description, become apparent from the following description, or be learned by practice of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following introduces the drawings required for the embodiment description. The following drawings only constitute some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1 One exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided according to the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 One exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the method provided according to the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3 One flow schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 Flowchart two of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5 Structure diagram of the non-AP MLD proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 Structure diagram of the AP MLD proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7 Structure diagram of the terminal proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 8 Structure diagram of the chip proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method, a communication device and a communication system.

[0049] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method applied to a non-AP MLD, the method comprising:

[0050] sending a first frame to an AP MLD under a first link established with the AP MLD; the first frame is used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode; wherein the processing operation comprises at least one of the following:

[0051] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0052] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0053] updating a parameter of the first operation or working mode.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the configuration flexibility and resource management efficiency of the multi-link communication system are improved, and the configuration synchronization delay in the multi-link scenario is reduced.

[0055] In some embodiments in combination with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first frame comprises at least one of the following:

[0056] first identification information; wherein the first identification information is set to a first parameter value, and identifies that the first frame is a UHR multi-link reconfiguration request frame or a UHR multi-link reconfiguration notification frame;

[0057] Second identification information, identifying a media access control (MAC) address of the non-AP MLD.

[0058] At least one third identification information, identifying a processing operation requested for a first operation or working mode of a non-AP station (non-AP STA) affiliated to the non-AP MLD under the second link corresponding to the third identification information.

[0059] In the above embodiment, by carrying the identification frame type, the MAC address of the non-AP MLD, and the request content of the STA under each link in the first frame, the AP MLD can accurately identify the request source and its multi-link configuration, thereby realizing targeted processing and improving the clarity and reliability of the request interaction.

[0060] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the third identification information includes at least one of the following:

[0061] First sub-identification information, identifying the second link;

[0062] Second sub-identification information including a plurality of information bits, each information bit corresponding to an operation or working mode supported by the non-AP STA.

[0063] In the above embodiment, by refining the link identification and operation mode support capability in the third identification information, the AP MLD can finely identify and manage the operation mode supported by each non-AP STA on each link, thereby improving the flexibility and controllability of link-level mode processing.

[0064] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the information bit is set to a first parameter value, indicating a processing operation requested for the first operation or working mode corresponding to the information bit.

[0065] In the above embodiment, by setting the information bit to a first parameter value to explicitly indicate that the corresponding operation mode needs to be processed, the request information structure is more concise and clear, which is conducive to the AP to quickly analyze and process the intention and reduce the complexity of interaction.

[0066] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in the case where at least one information bit is set to a first parameter value, the third identification information further includes:

[0067] At least one third sub-identification information, the third sub-identification information identifying any one of the following:

[0068] Activating the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value;

[0069] deactivating the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value;

[0070] updating a parameter of the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value.

[0071] In the above embodiment, by further increasing the third sub-identification information to specify the processing type (activation, deactivation or update) of the operation mode, the AP MLD can make accurate responses based on different processing types after receiving the request, and the granularity and efficiency of mode management are improved.

[0072] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in the case where the third sub-identification information identifies the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value, or updates the parameter of the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value, the third identification information further includes:

[0073] at least one fourth sub-identification information, identifying parameter update information of the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value.

[0074] In the above embodiment, when the operation mode needs to be activated or updated, the specific parameter update information is carried to realize dynamic adjustment at the parameter level, so that the operation mode configuration is more adaptive, and the flexibility and adaptability to complex scenarios of the system are enhanced.

[0075] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0076] receiving a second frame sent by the AP MLD; wherein the second frame includes at least one fourth identification information, and the fourth identification information identifies whether the AP MLD accepts the processing operation of the first operation or working mode requested by the non-AP MLD.

[0077] In the above embodiment, it is explicitly indicated in the response frame returned from the AP MLD whether the request of the non-AP MLD is accepted, so that the STA side can know the processing result in real time, a bidirectional confirmation mechanism is realized, and the reliability and state controllability of the communication process are enhanced.

[0078] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the capability information of the first operation or working mode supported by the non-AP STA is carried in a Ultra High Reliability (UHR) capability information element of the third frame.

[0079] The third frame is sent by the non-AP STA to an affiliated AP in an association process with the affiliated AP affiliated to the AP MLD.

[0080] In the above embodiment, by encapsulating the operation mode capability information supported by the non-AP STA in the UHR capability information element, the capability range of the non-AP STA is informed to the AP in advance in the association process, so that the AP has the capability prediction when processing the request subsequently, which helps the accuracy of resource allocation and mode judgment.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first operation or working mode includes at least one of the following:

[0082] Non-primary channel access mechanism (NPCA);

[0083] Dynamic power saving (DPS);

[0084] In-device coexistence (IDC);

[0085] Dynamic bandwidth enhancement (DBE);

[0086] Dynamic spatial operation (DSO).

[0087] In the above embodiment, by extending the support for multiple operation or working modes (such as NPCA, DPS, IDC, DBE, and DSO), the non-AP MLD is provided with rich dynamic link management capabilities, so that it can flexibly adjust the behavior according to the link state and service demand, and improve the adaptability and performance of the entire system.

[0088] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method applied to an AP MLD, and the method comprises:

[0089] Under a first link established with a non-AP MLD, a first frame sent by the non-AP MLD is received; the first frame is used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode; wherein the processing operation includes at least one of the following:

[0090] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0091] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0092] updating a parameter under the first operation or working mode.

[0093] In some embodiments of the second aspect, a second frame is sent to the non-AP MLD, wherein the second frame comprises at least one fourth identification information, and the fourth identification information indicates whether the AP MLD accepts the processing operation of the first operation or working mode requested by the non-AP MLD.

[0094] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, comprising a sending module, wherein the non-AP MLD is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0095] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is an AP MLD, comprising a receiving module, wherein the AP MLD is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the second aspect.

[0096] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0097] one or more processors;

[0098] wherein the non-AP MLD is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0099] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is an AP MLD, comprising:

[0100] one or more processors;

[0101] wherein the AP MLD is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the second aspect.

[0102] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication system, comprising a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD.

[0103] wherein the non-AP MLD is configured to send a first frame to the AP MLD under a first link established with the multi-link access point device (AP MLD), and the first frame is used to request a processing operation of a first operation or working mode, and the processing operation comprises at least one of the following:

[0104] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0105] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0106] updating a parameter under the first operation or working mode;

[0107] The AP MLD is configured to receive the first frame.

[0108] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium, which stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0109] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a program product, when the program product is executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0110] In a tenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program, when the computer program is executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0111] In an eleventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or a chip system. The chip or the chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0112] It can be understood that the non-AP MLD, the AP MLD, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be repeated here.

[0113] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method, a communication device and a communication system. In some embodiments, the terms of the communication method and the signal sending method, the wireless frame sending method, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms of the information processing system and the communication system, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0114] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing some steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the steps of different embodiments or part of the steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation manners of other embodiments arbitrarily.

[0115] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions among the embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other if there is no special description and logical conflict, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0116] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments and not as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" refers to two or more.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of A or B", "at least one of A and B", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0119] In some embodiments, the description modes such as "at least one of A or B", "A and / or B", "A in one case and B in another case", "A in response to one case and B in response to another case" and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: A in some embodiments (A is executed regardless of whether there is a branch of B); B in some embodiments (B is executed regardless of whether there is a branch of A); A and B are selectively executed in some embodiments (A and B are selected from A and B); A and B are executed in some embodiments (A and B are executed). When there are more branches of A, B, C and the like, the above is similar.

[0120] In some embodiments, the description modes such as "A or B" and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: A in some embodiments (A is executed regardless of whether there is a branch of B); B in some embodiments (B is executed regardless of whether there is a branch of A); A and B are selectively executed in some embodiments (A and B are selected from A and B). When there are more branches of A, B, C and the like, the above is similar.

[0121] The prefix words "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute limitation on the position, sequence, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. The description objects are described in the claims or embodiments in the context of the description, and should not be limited by the prefix words. For example, the description objects are "fields", and the ordinal words before "fields" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or sequence between "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified thereby are in the same message, nor do they limit the sequence of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description objects are "levels", and the ordinal words before "levels" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description objects is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", wherein the quantity of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different. For example, the description objects are "devices", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. For another example, the description objects are "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0122] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0123] In some embodiments, the terms "time / frequency", "time / frequency domain" and the like refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0124] In some embodiments, the terms "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other. These descriptions all refer to the case where the device will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to have a judgment action when implemented, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terms "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above" and the like can be replaced with each other. The terms "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0126] In some embodiments, an apparatus and the like can be interpreted as an entity, and can also be interpreted as virtual, and the name thereof is not limited to the name described in the embodiments. The terms of "apparatus", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "network function", "network device", "function", "node", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0127] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as an apparatus (for example, an access network device, a core network device and the like) included in the network.

[0128] In addition, the terms of "uplink", "downlink" and the like can also be replaced with the terms corresponding to the inter-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, the uplink channel, the downlink channel and the like can be replaced with the side channel, and the uplink, the downlink and the like can be replaced with the side link.

[0129] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information and the like can comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is located.

[0130] In some embodiments, the data, information and the like can be acquired after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0131] In addition, each element, each row or each column in the table of the embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any element, any row, any column combination can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0132] Figure 1 is the architecture schematic diagram of the communication system according to the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0133] As shown in Figure 1 , the communication system 100 includes a non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (non-AP MLD) 101, an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) 102. The AP MLD can represent an access point supporting multi-link communication function, and the non-AP MLD can represent a station supporting multi-link communication function. For example, in the embodiments of the disclosure, the link can represent a connection, a link; under each embodiment, the connection and the link can be interchangeable.

[0134] In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD 101 can be, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal supporting Wi-Fi communication function. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal can be at least one of, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a Wi-Fi communication function enabled car, a smart car, a tablet (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, a wireless terminal device in smart home, and the like.

[0135] In particular, the non-AP MLD 101 can be a terminal device or a network device with a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip. Optionally, the non-AP MLD 101 can support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, 802.11bn, and the like, as well as the next generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited thereto.

[0136] In some embodiments, the AP MLD 102 can be an access point for mobile terminals to enter a wired network. The AP serves as a bridge connecting the wired network and the wireless network, and its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then access the Ethernet network through the wireless network. In particular, the AP can be a terminal device or a network device with a wireless fidelity chip. Optionally, the AP can support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, 802.11bn, and the like, as well as the next generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited thereto.

[0137] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can know that, with the evolution of system architecture and the appearance of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0138] The embodiments of the present disclosure described below can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown is an example, and the communication system can include Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown is an example, and the communication system can include Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown is an example, and the communication system can include Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown is an example, and the communication system can include

[0139] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN), for example, a local area network using 802.11 series protocols. In a WLAN, a basic service set (BSS) is a basic component of a WLAN. A BSS network is composed of a certain number of associated station devices within a certain coverage area. One situation of association is that the stations directly communicate with each other in an ad hoc network, which is called an independent BSS (IBSS). Another more common situation is that in a BSS network, there is only one central station with a full-time management BSS, which is called an access point device, and the other STAs in the network are associated with it. The other stations in the BSS network that are not central stations are called terminals, also called non-AP STAs. When describing a STA, it is not necessary to distinguish between a terminal and a non-AP STA. In the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., one STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away from it, and the two are each other's hidden nodes.

[0140] In ultra high reliability (UHR), in order to meet the requirements of high reliability, low latency and high spectrum utilization in multiple business scenarios, multiple operation modes are proposed to optimize device performance and communication efficiency. Among them, the operation modes include but are not limited to at least one of the following:

[0141] I. Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA)

[0142] The NPCA allows a STA to perform channel access on a non-primary channel to alleviate congestion on the primary channel and improve spectrum utilization efficiency.

[0143] II. Dynamic Power Save (DPS)

[0144] The DPS supports a communication device to dynamically switch to a low capability (LC) state according to a service requirement, thereby reducing power consumption. For example, a non-AP STA or a mobile access point device can enter a power saving mode when there is no high load service.

[0145] III. In-device Coexistence (IDC)

[0146] The IDC is used to optimize the coordination capability between multiple communication systems (such as Bluetooth (BT) or Ultra Wide Band (UWB)) inside a device, reduce interference, and improve overall connection reliability.

[0147] IV. Dynamic Bandwidth Enhancement (DBE)

[0148] The DBE allows a device to dynamically adjust bandwidth resources according to real-time network load conditions.

[0149] V. Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO)

[0150] The DSP supports a device to flexibly configure spatial multiplexing parameters to improve the utilization efficiency of spatial resources.

[0151] However, although the above operation modes have different performance improvement effects, in the UHR scenario, a device often has multi-link communication capability and can simultaneously support multiple operation modes. In this context, there is still a lack of a unified signaling mechanism for effectively interacting between devices to configure operation mode information under each link.

[0152] The present disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system to coordinate operation mode configurations between devices in a multi-link communication process, which can adapt to dynamic communication requirements under different links, thereby improving the reliability and resource utilization efficiency of multi-link communication.

[0153] Figure 2 is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2 the above method comprises:

[0154] Step 201, the non-AP MLD 101 sends a first frame to the AP MLD 102 under the first link established with the AP MLD 102; the first frame is used to request processing operation of the first operation or working mode; wherein the processing operation comprises at least one of the following:

[0155] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0156] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0157] updating the parameters in the first operation or working mode.

[0158] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD complete the multi-link establishment, the non-AP MLD can send a first frame to the AP MLD under any link (for example, the first link) established with the AP MLD. The first frame can include but is not limited to: ultra-high reliability multi-link reconfiguration request frame (UHR multi-link reconfiguration Request frame), ultra-high reliability multi-link reconfiguration notification frame (UHR multi-link reconfiguration Notify frame). Optionally, in the above Request frame or Notify frame, a field for identifying the frame type can be included. For example, the type field identification information bit identifies which type of multi-link control frame the frame belongs to. For example, the parameter value of the type field identification information bit is set to "2", which identifies that the frame is an operation mode request (Operation Mode and Parameters Request, OMP Request) frame, and the OMP Request frame is used for related processing of the first operation or working mode. Wherein, the first operation or working mode can be referred to as the first operation mode, and can also be referred to as the first working mode; accordingly, the parameters in the first operation or working mode can be referred to as the operation parameters in the first operation mode, and can also be referred to as the working parameters in the first working mode, which is not limited here.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first operation or working mode refers to an operation mode supported by a non-AP STA affiliated to a non-AP MLD under a corresponding link. Wherein, multiple links are established between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and each non-AP STA under each link supports a corresponding operation mode. The first operation or working mode includes but is not limited to NPCA, DPS, IDC, DBE, DSO and other operation modes defined under the UHR communication framework.

[0160] In some embodiments, the processing operation for the first operation or working mode includes at least one of the following to dynamically manage the activation state and / or parameters of the first operation or working mode:

[0161] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0162] enabling or enabling a specific operation mode, so that the non-AP STA performs the corresponding function in the corresponding link according to the mode. For example, enabling the DPS mode.

[0163] deactivating (or out-activating) the first operation or working mode;

[0164] deactivating (or out-activating) the first operation or working mode;

[0165] updating the parameters of the first operation or working mode;

[0166] updating the parameters of the first operation or working mode;

[0167] In some embodiments, the parameters corresponding to different operation modes can be different. For example:

[0168] In the IDC mode, the parameters can include coexistence type (such as BT / UWB), priority control parameters, etc.

[0169] In the DPS mode, the parameters can include LC (Low Capability) state switching threshold, power consumption budget, etc.

[0170] In the NPCA mode, the parameters can include non-primary channel access window size, backoff time configuration, etc.

[0171] In the DBE mode, it can include spectrum width adjustment strategy, allowed dynamic switching threshold, etc.

[0172] In the DSO mode, it can include spatial multiplexing conditions, transmission direction weight parameters, etc.

[0173] In some embodiments, in order to enable the receiver to accurately parse the processing request type of each first operation or working mode, the first wireless frame can further include an identification bit for identifying different types of operations, and different values of the identification bit can be used to distinguish whether the current operation mode is activated, deactivated, or its parameters are updated. Through the introduction of such an identification bit, the AP MLD can quickly determine the control intention of the non-AP MLD under the multi-link according to the request frame sent by the non-AP MLD.

[0174] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the specific structure and usage of the identification bit will be described in detail later. For example, in the per-STA profile structure of the first wireless frame, for each non-AP STA under each second link, a working mode identification information bit field is included, which is used to correspond to different UHR operation modes (such as NPCA, DPS, IDC, etc.) respectively; in this field, each bit represents whether to request to perform a processing operation on the corresponding first operation or working mode, and a value of "1" indicates that the corresponding mode information may change. On the basis of the above, the per-STA profile can further include a third sub-identification information for explicitly identifying whether the first operation or working mode / working mode is activated, deactivated, or its parameters have changed, and optionally further extend to carry fourth sub-identification information based on the third sub-identification information, for carrying the specific parameter change content of the first operation or working mode / working mode. Specific examples and coding structures will be described in detail later.

[0175] In some embodiments, the capability information of the first operation or working mode supported by the non-AP STA is carried in a UHR capability information element of a third frame;

[0176] The third frame is sent by the non-AP STA to an affiliated AP in an association process between the non-AP STA and the affiliated AP attached to the AP MLD.

[0177] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the capability information of the first operation or working mode supported by the non-AP STA can be carried in the third frame, specifically in the UHR capability information element (UHR Capability Information Element) in the third frame. The third frame is sent in an association process between the non-AP STA and an affiliated access point device (AP) attached to the AP MLD, and is intended to complete the exchange of device capabilities at the initial stage of connection establishment.

[0178] In some embodiments, in the association process between the AP and the non-AP STA, the non-AP STA can send the UHR capability information element in a probe request (Probe Request) frame or an association request (Association Request) frame or a reassociation request (Reassociation Request) frame to the affiliated AP; and the affiliated AP can return its capability information supporting the first operation or working mode in a response frame, which can be a probe response (Probe Response) frame or an association response (Association Response) frame or a reassociation response (Reassociation Response) frame. In this way, the communication parties can complete the capability declaration of the UHR operation mode (such as NPCA, DPS, IDC, etc.) supported by each party in the association establishment stage, and provide basic support for subsequent operation mode configuration and control.

[0179] At step 202, the AP MLD 102 receives the first frame.

[0180] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP MLD receives the first frame sent by the non-AP MLD, and the first frame is used for the non-AP MLD to request a processing operation on the first operation or working mode.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least one of the following:

[0182] First identification information; wherein the first identification information is set to a first parameter value, and identifies that the first frame is a super-high reliability multi-link reconfiguration request (UHR multi-link reconfiguration Request) frame or a super-high reliability multi-link reconfiguration notification (UHR multi-link reconfiguration notify) frame;

[0183] Second identification information, which identifies the media access control (MAC) address of the non-AP MLD;

[0184] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second identification information is used to identify the MAC address of the initiator non-AP MLD. The second identification information can be carried in the common information (common Info) field in the multi-link reconfiguration information element in the UHR multi-link reconfiguration control frame. When the receiver AP MLD receives the first frame, it can confirm the device sending the first frame by reading the MAC address field.

[0185] at least one third identification information, indicating that the first frame is used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode of a non-AP MLD affiliated attached multi-link station device non-AP STA under a second link corresponding to the third identification information.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least one third identification information, which can be carried in the STA configuration information field (per-STA profile) of the multi-link reconfiguration information element; wherein each per-STA profile identifies the operation mode configuration information of the non-AP STA under the corresponding link. For example, the per-STA profile includes a link identification (LinkID) field to identify the second link, and operation mode identification information bits (which can include multiple bits corresponding to different UHR operation modes), such as NDPA, DPS, IDC, etc.

[0187] In some embodiments, the second link is a target link corresponding to the third identification information, i.e. the non-AP MLD can request a processing operation on the first operation or working mode of the affiliated STA under a certain link (second link) established with the AP MLD. The second link can be the same as the first link where the first frame is sent, or it can be a different link, indicating that the non-AP MLD wants to change the specific link corresponding to the operation or working mode of a certain affiliated STA.

[0188] Optionally, the first wireless frame includes first identification information, which can mean that the first frame contains first identification information, or the first frame contains at least one first identification information, or the first frame contains information indicating that the first frame is a super-high reliability multi-link reconfiguration request UHR multi-link reconfiguration Request frame, or a super-high reliability multi-link reconfiguration notification UHR multi-link reconfiguration notify frame.

[0189] Optionally, the first wireless frame includes second identification information, which can mean that the first frame contains second identification information, or the first frame contains at least one second identification information, or the first frame contains information indicating the media access control (Media Access Control, MAC) address of the non-AP MLD.

[0190] Optionally, the first wireless frame comprises at least one third identification information, which can indicate that the first frame contains the third identification information, or the first frame contains at least one third identification information, or the first frame contains information for indicating a processing operation of requesting a first operation or working mode of an affiliated multi-link station device non-AP STA under the second link (a certain second link) corresponding to the third identification information. For example, a separate field is included in the first frame to represent the information of the processing operation of the first operation or working mode of the non-AP STA device under a second link.

[0191] In some embodiments, the third identification information comprises at least one of the following:

[0192] The first sub-identification information identifies the second link.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first sub-identification information can be carried in the LinkID field of the per-STA profile, which is used to indicate the link identifier of the second link, so as to identify the non-AP STA corresponding to the link requiring operation mode configuration.

[0194] The second sub-identification information comprises a plurality of information bits, each of which identifies a first operation or working mode supported by the non-AP STA.

[0195] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second sub-identification information comprises a plurality of information bits (for example, operation mode information bits or working mode information bits), each of which corresponds to an operation mode supported by the non-AP STA under the second link, and these information bits can be carried in the per-STA profile field.

[0196] For example, one per-STA profile field corresponds to a non-AP STA under a link, and the per-STA profile field comprises a plurality of information bits, each of which corresponds to an operation mode supported by the non-AP STA.

[0197] In some embodiments, the information bit is set to a first parameter value, which identifies the processing operation of the first operation or working mode corresponding to the information bit.

[0198] In the per-STA profile field, a plurality of operation mode information bits are included, and the operation mode information bits are set to a first parameter value, which indicates a request for a processing operation on the operation mode corresponding to the operation mode information bit. The processing operation includes, but is not limited to, activating the operation mode corresponding to the operation mode information bit, deactivating the operation mode corresponding to the operation mode information bit, and updating the parameters of the operation mode corresponding to the operation mode information bit. For example, the non-AP STA under the link corresponding to the per-STA profile field supports the NPCA mode, the DPS mode, and the IDC mode, and the per-STA profile field includes three operation mode information bits (or includes one operation mode information bit, and one operation mode information bit includes three bits), which correspond to the NPCA mode, the DPS mode, and the IDC mode, respectively. In the case where the parameter value of the operation mode information bit is set to the first parameter value (for example, "1"), a request for a processing operation on the corresponding operation mode is indicated; in the case where the parameter value of the operation mode information bit is set to the first parameter value (for example, "0"), a request for a processing operation on the corresponding operation mode is not indicated.

[0199] For example, the LinkID in the per-STA profile is 3, which indicates a request for a processing operation on the operation mode of the non-AP STA of the link 3. The working mode identification information bit occupies 3 bits, which respectively represent:

[0200] Bit 0: NPCA mode;

[0201] Bit 1: DPS mode;

[0202] Bit 2: IDC mode.

[0203] If the value of the information bit is 010, it indicates that:

[0204] The NPCA mode corresponding to bit 0 does not change, and the IDC mode corresponding to bit 2 also does not change, that is, no processing operation is requested on the NPCA (bit 0) and the IDC (bit 2); the DPS mode corresponding to bit 1 changes, that is, a processing operation is requested on the DPS mode.

[0205] In some embodiments, each of the above-mentioned bits is not only used to indicate whether a processing operation is performed on the corresponding first operation or working mode, but also can indicate the specific change type of the corresponding mode through further value combinations. For example, the combination of these bits can be used to indicate a request for activating a mode, deactivating a mode, or updating the parameters thereof.

[0206] Further, when requesting processing of multiple operation modes, if the operation parameters / working parameters of the multiple operation modes are all changed, the per-STA profile field can sequentially carry the processing operation information of each changed operation mode according to the order of the working mode identification information bits, for example, the third sub-identification information and / or the fourth sub-identification information in the following text. The order usually corresponds to the bit order of the working mode identification information bit by bit, so that the receiving device can correctly parse the processing type and parameter change of each mode.

[0207] In some embodiments, the per-STA profile described above can further include an identification bit for identifying the processing operation of the DPS mode.

[0208] In some embodiments, when at least one of the information bits is set to the first parameter value, the third identification information further includes:

[0209] at least one third sub-identification information, the third sub-identification information identifying any one of:

[0210] activating a first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value;

[0211] deactivating a first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value;

[0212] updating a parameter in a first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value.

[0213] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when at least one of the information bits is set to the first parameter value, it indicates that the information corresponding to the first operation or working mode may change, at this time, the third identification information further includes at least one third sub-identification information for explicitly identifying the requested processing operation type. Specifically, the third sub-identification information is used to identify at least one of the following operations: activating the corresponding first operation or working mode, deactivating (or disabling) the operation mode, or updating the operation parameter of the operation mode.

[0214] For example, when the working mode identification information bit in the per-STA profile identifies that the processing operation of a certain first operation or working mode is requested, the per-STA profile further includes third sub-identification information for carrying information about what kind of processing operation is performed on the first operation or working mode. Optionally, the third sub-identification information can include two bits, for example:

[0215] bit value 00: indicating that the first operation or working mode is requested to be activated (for example, the target mode is started);

[0216] Bit value 01: indicates a request to deactivate the first operation or working mode (e.g., to turn off the first operation or working mode);

[0217] Bit value 10: indicates a request to update the operation parameter of the first operation or working mode (e.g., to adjust the operation parameter in the first operation or working mode).

[0218] That is, if the non-AP STA does not originally enable the first operation or working mode (e.g., DPS mode) under a certain link and currently wants to enable the mode, the parameter value of the working mode information bit corresponding to the DPS mode can be set to "1", indicating a request to perform a processing operation on the DPS mode, and carrying third sub-identification information in the per-STA profile. Assuming that the parameter value of the third sub-identification information is set to "00", it indicates that the processing operation requested for the DPS mode is to activate the DPS mode. For another example, if the STA is already in the enabled IDC mode and now wants to update the operation parameter in the IDC mode, the parameter value of the working mode information bit corresponding to the IDC mode is also set to "1", indicating a request to perform a processing operation on the IDC mode, and carrying third sub-identification information in the per-STA profile. Assuming that the parameter value of the third sub-identification information is set to "10", it indicates that the processing operation requested for the IDC mode is to update the operation parameter in the IDC mode.

[0219] In some embodiments, in the case where the third sub-identification information indicates to activate the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value, or to update the parameter in the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value, the third identification information further includes:

[0220] At least one fourth sub-identification information, indicating the parameter update information of the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value.

[0221] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the third sub-identification information is identified as "activation" of the first operation or working mode, or is identified as "updating" of the operation parameter of the corresponding first operation or working mode, the third identification information can further include at least one fourth sub-identification information, which is used to indicate the operation parameter updating information of the first operation or working mode. That is, the fourth sub-identification information can be used to carry the parameter configuration content associated with the first operation or working mode, so as to realize more fine-grained control. For example, when the first operation or working mode is the IDC mode, the fourth sub-identification information can include the coexistence priority, the scheduling window size, the interference avoidance strategy and the like; when the first operation or working mode is the DPS mode, the fourth sub-identification information can include the low-capability state switching threshold, the maximum power saving duration and the like; when the first operation or working mode is the NPCA mode, the fourth sub-identification information can include the polling period of non-primary channel access, the backoff parameter and the like.

[0222] Specifically, if the bit value of the third sub-identification information is 00 (activation) or 10 (parameter updating), it indicates that the operation mode needs to carry additional parameter information, that is, the fourth sub-identification information is carried in the corresponding per-STA profile, and the fourth sub-identification information identifies the specific parameter updating information; on the contrary, if the bit value is 01 (deactivation), the operation mode will be closed, and therefore the parameter does not need to be updated and configured, and therefore the fourth sub-identification information is not carried in the per-STA profile.

[0223] In step 203, the AP MLD 102 sends a second frame to the non-AP MLD 101; wherein the second frame includes at least one fourth identification information, and the fourth identification information identifies whether the AP MLD accepts the processing operation of the first operation or working mode requested by the non-AP MLD.

[0224] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after receiving the first frame sent by the non-AP MLD in step 203, the AP MLD can send the second frame to the non-AP MLD under the link of receiving the first frame, so as to respond to the processing request of the first operation or working mode.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second frame can be a UHR multi-link reconfiguration response frame, used to feed back the processing result of the requested operation. For example, at least one fourth identification information is included in the second frame. Each fourth identification information can correspond to a second link, and be used to indicate whether the AP MLD accepts the first operation or working mode processing operation request of the non-AP STA under the link. Specifically, the fourth identification information can include a status code information field, for example, to identify the response state of "accept" or "not accept" or "not support temporarily" with different parameter values, so as to reduce the signaling interaction overhead and improve the control efficiency under multi-link.

[0226] At step 204, the non-AP MLD 101 receives the second frame.

[0227] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after sending the first frame, the non-AP MLD in step 204 can receive the second frame sent by the AP MLD under the link where the first frame is sent. The second frame is used to respond to the processing request of the first operation or working mode initiated by the non-AP MLD. The non-AP MLD can know whether the first operation or working mode of each non-AP STA under the corresponding link is accepted, activated, deactivated or parameter updated by analyzing at least one fourth identification information carried in the second frame. For example, in the received UHR multi-link reconfiguration response frame, the non-AP MLD can confirm the processing result under each link according to the status code field corresponding to different LinkID, so as to further perform local control operations such as parameter application and state update.

[0228] In some embodiments, the names of information and the like are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and the terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "code point", "bit", "data", "program", "chip", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0229] In some embodiments, the terms "moment", "time point", "time", "time position" and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms "duration", "time period", "time window", "window", "time" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0230] In some embodiments, the terms "wireless access scheme", "waveform" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0231] In some embodiments, the terms "certain", "preseted", "preset", "set", "indicated", "certain", "arbitrary", "first" and the like can be replaced with each other, and "certain A", "preset A", "preset A", "set A", "indicated A", "certain A", "arbitrary A", "first A" can be interpreted as A specified in advance in a protocol and the like, or A obtained by setting, configuration, or indication and the like, or A specific, certain, arbitrary, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0232] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values (for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0233] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving in time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data and the like after receiving the data and the like; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiving party to respond to the content of the sending.

[0234] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps 201-204. For example, step 201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment,

[0235] Steps 201+202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 202+203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 203+204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 201+201+203+204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0236] In some embodiments, reference can be made to the other embodiments described before or after the description of the present embodiment, the steps and optional implementation manners thereof, and other related parts of the description, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] Figure 3 is one of the flowcharts of the communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0238] As shown in Figure 3 , the above method can be applied to the non-AP MLD 101, and the above method comprises:

[0239] Step 301, sending a first frame to the AP MLD under the first link established with the multi-link access point device AP MLD; the first frame is used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode; wherein the processing operation comprises at least one of the following:

[0240] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0241] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0242] updating the parameters of the first operation or working mode.

[0243] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first frame comprises at least one of the following:

[0244] first identification information; wherein the first identification information is set to a first parameter value, and identifies that the first frame is a super-high-reliability multi-link reconfiguration request UHR multi-link reconfiguration Request frame or a super-high-reliability multi-link reconfiguration notification UHR multi-link reconfiguration notify frame;

[0245] second identification information, identifying the medium access control MAC address of the non-AP MLD;

[0246] at least one third identification information, identifying a request for a processing operation on a first operation or working mode of a dependent multi-link station device non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD under a second link corresponding to the third identification information.

[0247] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the third identification information comprises at least one of the following:

[0248] first sub-identification information, identifying the second link;

[0249] The second sub-identification information includes a plurality of information bits, and each information bit identifies a first operation or working mode supported by the non-AP STA.

[0250] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the information bit is set as a first parameter value, and the information bit identifies a request for a processing operation on the first operation or working mode corresponding to the information bit.

[0251] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when at least one information bit is set as a first parameter value, the third identification information further includes:

[0252] At least one third sub-identification information, the third sub-identification information identifying any one of the following:

[0253] activating the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value;

[0254] deactivating the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value;

[0255] updating a parameter in the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value.

[0256] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the third sub-identification information identifies activating the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value, or updating the parameter in the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value, the third identification information further includes:

[0257] At least one fourth sub-identification information, the fourth sub-identification information identifying parameter update information of the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set as the first parameter value.

[0258] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0259] receiving a second frame sent by the AP MLD; wherein the second frame includes at least one fourth identification information, the fourth identification information identifying whether the AP MLD accepts the processing operation on the first operation or working mode requested by the non-AP MLD.

[0260] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the capability information of the first operation or working mode supported by the non-AP STA is carried in a ultra-high reliability capability (UHR) capability information element of a third frame.

[0261] The third frame is sent by the non-AP STA to an affiliated AP in an association process with the affiliated AP attached to the AP MLD.

[0262] Optionally, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the first operation or working mode includes at least one of:

[0263] a non-primary channel access mechanism (NPCA);

[0264] dynamic power saving (DPS);

[0265] in-device coexistence (IDC);

[0266] dynamic bandwidth enhancement (DBE);

[0267] dynamic spatial operation (DSO).

[0268] In some embodiments, see the other embodiments described before or after the corresponding description of the present embodiment for each step and its optional implementation, as well as other related parts of the description, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0270] As Figure 4 shown, the above method can be applied to the AP MLD 102, and the above method includes:

[0271] Step 401: receiving a first frame sent by a non-AP MLD under a first link established with the non-AP MLD; the first frame is used to request a processing operation on a first operation or working mode; wherein the processing operation includes at least one of:

[0272] activating the first operation or working mode;

[0273] deactivating the first operation or working mode;

[0274] updating a parameter in the first operation or working mode.

[0275] Optionally, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0276] sending a second frame to the non-AP MLD; wherein the second frame includes at least one fourth identification information, and the fourth identification information identifies whether the AP MLD accepts the processing operation on the first operation or working mode requested by the non-AP MLD.

[0277] In some embodiments, see the other embodiments described before or after the corresponding description of the present embodiment for each step and its optional implementation, as well as other related parts of the description, which will not be repeated here.

[0278] In some embodiments, in UHR, mechanisms such as IDC, DPS, NPCA, etc. are proposed, which all contain their working / operational parameters, and the STA needs to send an OMP (operation mode and parameters) Request frame to the AP to activate some working modes and the supported parameter information under these working modes, and of course, the defined OMP Request frame can also be used to activate or change the working parameters under certain modes. The multi-link reconfiguration Request frame is defined as the OMP Request frame, where the type value is set to 2, and the OMP Request frame can contain multiple modes of activation / deactivation or change of working parameters.

[0279] In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD sends an OMP request to the associated AP MLD through its affiliated non-AP STA to activate or deactivate one or more UHR working modes of the affiliated non-AP STA running on the enabled link.

[0280] In some embodiments, if a certain UHR working mode is not supported by the AP associated with the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD should not request to activate this mode for the non-AP STA on the corresponding AP link.

[0281] In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD can also update the related parameters of one or more UHR working modes enabled by one or more affiliated non-AP STAs by sending an OMP request.

[0282] In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD can simultaneously request to perform activation, deactivation, and parameter update operations on multiple affiliated non-AP STAs and multiple working modes in the same OMP request.

[0283] However, the description of the OMP Request frame is only limited to the multi-link reconfiguration Request frame, but the specific format of this frame is not described, and the signaling needs to be defined to enhance it.

[0284] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the embodiments of the present disclosure define the signaling mechanism for the non-AP MLD to activate / deactivate / change the working parameters under the corresponding mode in the case of supporting multiple working modes (DPS, IDC, NPCA, etc.) and the corresponding mode may carry working parameters, which can meet the UHR requirements.

[0285] In some embodiments, for non-AP MLD, after completing multi-link establishment with AP MLD, the OMP Request frame is sent under one link, wherein the OMP Request frame can be a UHR multi-link reconfiguration Request frame, and the specific format of the Request frame is as follows:

[0286] The type field contains identification information bits, which are set to a certain value to identify that it is a working mode frame (identify enable, disabled, and working parameter update);

[0287] The multi-link reconfiguration information element is contained, and the specific format of the information element is as follows:

[0288] The common Info field is contained, wherein the common Info field contains the MAC address of the non-AP MLD;

[0289] The per-STA profile field is contained, wherein the per-STA profile field contains the LinkID field and the working mode identification information bits (including multiple bit positions corresponding to different UHR operation modes), such as NDPA, DPS, IDC, etc. The bit position set to 1 indicates that the information corresponding to the mode may change, and 0 indicates that no change has occurred. If a change is identified, the specific working mode is contained in the STA-profile field, or the parameter information can be contained, such as appearing in the STA-profile in turn. Two bit positions can be used for identification, such as 00 indicating activation enable, 01 indicating deactivation disable, 10 indicating that the operation mode specific parameter has changed, such as IDC mode working parameter change, or NPCA, DPS mode parameter change. If the two bit positions are set to enable or the specific parameter value changes, the specific parameter change situation is carried, such as being set to disable, and the parameter value situation is not carried.

[0290] In some embodiments, multiple per-STA profiles can be contained, and the Link ID is not the same as the Link ID of the sending link, and the change situation in the STA-profile field can be different, such as activating NPCA under some links, activating IDC under some links, and changing DPS operation parameters under some links.

[0291] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD is on the receiving link, the AP replies with an OMP response frame, which may be a UHR multi-link reconfiguration response frame. The response frame carries at least status code information for each link, indicating that it accepts the request from the non-AP MLD.

[0292] In some embodiments, during the association process, the AP and STA identify that they support these capability information, specifically carried in the UHR capability information element. This information element is carried by the STA in the probe Request frame or (Re)association Request frame, and by the AP in the probe response or (Re)association response frame.

[0293] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0294] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0295] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0296] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in this disclosure embodiment. The non-AP MLD is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the non-AP MLD 500 may include: a transmitting module 501.

[0297] In some embodiments, the sending module 501 is configured to send a first frame to the AP MLD under a first link established with the AP MLD; the first frame is used to request a processing operation for a first operation or working mode; wherein the processing operation includes at least one of the following:

[0298] Activate the first operation or working mode;

[0299] Deactivate the first operation or working mode;

[0300] Update the parameters of the first operation or working mode.

[0301] Optionally, the sending module 501 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201 and 301) performed by the non-AP MLD101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0302] In some embodiments, the sending module can be interchanged with the transceiver module or transceiver.

[0303] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The AP MLD is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the AP MLD 600 may include: a receiving module 601.

[0304] In some embodiments, the receiving module 601 is configured to receive a first frame sent by the non-AP MLD under a first link established with the non-AP MLD; the first frame is used to request processing operations for a first operation or working mode; wherein the processing operations include at least one of the following:

[0305] Activate the first operation or working mode;

[0306] Deactivate the first operation or working mode;

[0307] Update the parameters of the first operation or working mode.

[0308] Optionally, the receiving module 601 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 202 and 401) performed by AP MLD102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0309] In some embodiments, the receiving module can be interchanged with the transceiver module or transceiver.

[0310] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 700 (e.g., a user equipment) proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The terminal 700 may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports network devices in implementing any of the above methods, or it may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The terminal 700 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0311] like Figure 7As shown, terminal 700 includes one or more processors 701. The processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Terminal 700 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0312] In some embodiments, terminal 700 further includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 702 may be located outside of terminal 700.

[0313] In some embodiments, terminal 700 further includes one or more transceivers 704. When terminal 700 includes one or more transceivers 704, transceivers 704 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 201, 202, 203, 204, 301, 302, but not limited thereto).

[0314] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0315] In some embodiments, terminal 700 may include one or more interface circuits 703. Optionally, interface circuit 703 is connected to memory 702, and interface circuit 703 can be used to receive signals from memory 702 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 702 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 703 can read instructions stored in memory 702 and send the instructions to processor 701.

[0316] The terminal 700 described in the above embodiments may be a communication device such as a user equipment, but the scope of the terminal 700 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the terminal 700 may vary. Figure 7The limitations. The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0317] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 800 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where terminal 700 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to... Figure 8 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of chip 800, but is not limited to this.

[0318] Chip 800 includes one or more processors 801, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0319] In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more 803s. Optionally, interface circuitry 803 is connected to memory 802, and interface circuitry 803 can be used to receive signals from memory 802 or other devices, and interface circuitry 803 can be used to send signals to memory 802 or other devices. For example, interface circuitry 803 can read instructions stored in memory 802 and send the instructions to processor 801.

[0320] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 803 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 201, 202, 203, 204, 301, 302, but not limited thereto).

[0321] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0322] In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more memories 802 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 802 may be located outside of chip 800.

[0323] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal 700, cause the terminal 700 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0324] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by terminal 700, causes terminal 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0325] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a multi-link site device (non-AP MLD), characterized in that, include: Under the first link established with the multi-link access point device (AP MLD), send the first frame to the AP MLD; The first frame is used to request a processing operation for a first operation or operating mode; wherein the processing operation includes at least one of the following: Activate the first operation or working mode; Deactivate the first operation or working mode; Update the parameters of the first operation or working mode.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame includes at least one of the following: First identification information; wherein, the first identification information is set to a first parameter value, identifying the first frame as an Ultra-Reliable Multi-Link Reconfiguration Request (UHR) frame or an Ultra-Reliable Multi-Link Reconfiguration Notification (UHR) frame. The second identification information identifies the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the non-AP MLD; At least one third identification information, identifying: a request for processing operation of a first operation or working mode of a non-AP STA, an affiliated multi-link site device attached to the non-AP MLD under the second link corresponding to the third identification information.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third identification information includes at least one of the following: The first sub-identification information identifies the second link; The second sub-identification information includes multiple information bits, each of which corresponds to an operation or working mode supported by the non-AP STA.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The information bit is set to a first parameter value to identify the processing operation requested for the first operation or working mode corresponding to the information bit.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When at least one of the information bits is set to the first parameter value, the third identification information further includes: At least one third sub-identifier, wherein the third sub-identifier identifies any one of the following: Activate the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value; Deactivate the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value; Update the parameter of the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the third sub-identifier information identifies and activates the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value, or updates the parameter of the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value, the third identification information further includes: At least one fourth sub-identifier information, the identifier being the parameter update information of the first operation or working mode corresponding to the first information bit set to the first parameter value.

7. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second frame sent by the AP MLD is received; wherein the second frame includes at least one fourth identification information, the fourth identification information indicating whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP MLD request for processing operation of the first operation or working mode.

8. The communication method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The capability information of the first operation or working mode supported by the non-AP STA is carried in the UHR capability information element of the third frame; The third frame is sent by the non-AP STA to the affiliated AP during the association process with the affiliated AP attached to the AP MLD.

9. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first operation or working mode includes at least one of the following: Non-Master Channel Access Mechanism (NPCA); Dynamic power saving DPS; Coexisting IDC within the equipment; Dynamic Bandwidth Enhanced DBE; Dynamic Space Operations (DSO).

10. A communication method applied to AP MLD, characterized in that, include: Under the first link established with the non-AP MLD, receive the first frame sent by the non-AP MLD; The first frame is used to request a processing operation for a first operation or operating mode; wherein the processing operation includes at least one of the following: Activate the first operation or working mode; Deactivate the first operation or working mode; Update the parameters of the first operation or working mode.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second frame to the non-AP MLD; wherein the second frame includes at least one fourth identification information, the fourth identification information indicating whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP MLD's request for processing operation of the first operation or working mode.

12. A communication device, wherein the communication device is a non-AP MLD, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The non-AP MLD is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A communication device, wherein the communication device is an AP MLD, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The AP MLD is used to perform the communication method described in claim 10 or 11.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, Including non-AP MLD and AP MLD; The non-AP MLD is configured to send a first frame to the AP MLD on a first link established with the multi-link access point device (AP MLD); the first frame is used to request processing operations for a first operation or operating mode; wherein the processing operation includes at least one of the following: Activate the first operation or working mode; Deactivate the first operation or working mode; Update the parameters of the first operation or working mode; The AP MLD is configured to receive the first frame.

16. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or performs the communication method as described in claim 10 or 11.

17. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or the communication method of claim 10 or 11.

Images