Wireless communication method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a wireless communication method and equipment, and designs multi-AP MLD cooperation capability discovery, establishment of a multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and a used frame structure and network architecture, so that multi-AP MLD cooperation transmission can be realized. The wireless communication method comprises the following steps: a first AP MLD receives an association request frame sent by a first non-AP MLD; wherein the association request frame is used for requesting association to a target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the association request frame comprises first multi-link information, the first multi-link information is used for indicating multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set is a multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

Description

Wireless communication method and device Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method and device for wireless communications. Background Art

[0002] With the evolution of technology, the access point multi-link device (AP MLD) capability cannot meet transmission requirements. How to improve the AP MLD capability to meet transmission requirements has become a problem that needs to be solved.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a wireless communication method and device, which designs multi-AP MLD cooperation capability discovery, establishment of a multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the used frame structure and network architecture, thereby realizing multi-AP MLD cooperative transmission.

[0005] In a first aspect, a wireless communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0006] The first AP MLD receives an association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD;

[0007] The association request frame is used to request association to a target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the association request frame includes first multi-link information, where the first multi-link information is used to indicate multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set is the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

[0008] In a second aspect, a wireless communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0009] The first non-AP MLD sends an association request frame to the first AP MLD;

[0010] The association request frame is used to request association to a target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the association request frame includes first multi-link information, where the first multi-link information is used to indicate multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set is the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

[0011] According to a third aspect, a wireless communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0012] The second AP MLD receives the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame sent by the first AP MLD;

[0013] The multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, an AP MLD is provided, configured to execute the method in the first aspect.

[0015] Specifically, the AP MLD includes a functional module for executing the method in the first aspect.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, a non-AP MLD is provided, which is used to execute the method in the second aspect.

[0017] Specifically, the non-AP MLD includes a functional module for executing the method in the second aspect.

[0018] In a sixth aspect, an AP MLD is provided, configured to execute the method in the third aspect.

[0019] Specifically, the AP MLD includes a functional module for executing the method in the third aspect.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, an AP MLD is provided, comprising a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that the AP MLD executes the method in the first aspect.

[0021] In an eighth aspect, a non-AP MLD is provided, comprising a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the non-AP MLD performs the method in the second aspect above.

[0022] In a ninth aspect, an AP MLD is provided, comprising a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that the AP MLD executes the method in the third aspect.

[0023] In a tenth aspect, a device is provided for implementing the method in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0024] Specifically, the apparatus includes: a processor, configured to call and run a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the apparatus executes the method in any one of the first to third aspects described above.

[0025] In an eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program enables a computer to execute the method in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0026] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer program instructions, wherein the computer program instructions enable a computer to execute the method in any one of the above-mentioned first to third aspects.

[0027] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0028] Through the above technical solution, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability discovery, the establishment of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the used frame structure and network architecture are designed, so that multi-AP MLD cooperative transmission can be realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applied in an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of establishing multiple links between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD provided by the present application.

[0031] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of multi-AP cooperative transmission provided by the present application.

[0032] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a J-TX transmission provided by the present application.

[0033] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an AP MLD composed of multiple non-collocated APs provided by the present application.

[0034] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of a wireless communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a frame body of an association request frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a frame body of an association response frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] FIG10 is a schematic flowchart of associating a non-AP MLD with a multi-AP MLD set and establishing multiple links according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a first virtual AP MLD provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of another first virtual AP MLD provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a second virtual AP MLD provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another second virtual AP MLD provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of yet another second virtual AP MLD provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a multi-AP MLD coordination set information element provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] FIG17 is a schematic flowchart of a non-AP MLD discovering a multi-AP MLD cooperation set according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a beacon frame carrying a multi-AP MLD coordination set information element according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a probe request frame carrying a multi-AP MLD coordination set information request element according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0048] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a probe response frame carrying a multi-AP MLD coordination set information element according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of an ML detection request frame carrying a multi-AP MLD coordination set information request element according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0051] FIG23 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a multi-AP MLD coordinated set response frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] FIG24 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] FIG25 is a schematic flowchart of establishing a multi-AP MLD coordination set according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0054] FIG26 is a schematic diagram of a frame body structure of a beacon frame carrying multi-link elements and multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a frame body structure of a broadcast probe response frame carrying multi-link elements and multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the frame body structure of a DMG beacon frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] FIG29 is a schematic diagram of a frame body of a DMG beacon frame carrying multi-link elements and multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0058] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of a multi-link element provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of a multi-link control field provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of a general information field in a basic multi-link element provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Figure 33 is a schematic diagram of a link identification information field provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of a single STA overview field provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0063] Figure 35 is a schematic diagram of a STA control field provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0064] FIG36 is a schematic diagram of a multi-AP MLD collaboration capability element provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0065] FIG37 is a schematic flowchart of exchanging multi-link information between multiple AP MLDs according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] FIG38 is a schematic block diagram of an AP MLD provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0067] FIG39 is a schematic block diagram of a non-AP MLD provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0068] FIG40 is a schematic block diagram of another AP MLD provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] Figure 41 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0070] Figure 42 is a schematic block diagram of a device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Figure 43 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The following will describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. With respect to the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0073] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), or other communication systems.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 1, which shows a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication system may include: an access point (AP) and a station (STA).

[0075] In some scenarios, an AP can be referred to as an AP STA, meaning that in a sense, an AP is also a type of STA. In some scenarios, a STA can be referred to as a non-AP STA.

[0076] In some embodiments, STAs may include AP STAs and non-AP STAs. Communication in a communication system may be between an AP and a non-AP STA, between a non-AP STA and a non-AP STA, or between a STA and a peer STA. A peer STA may refer to a device that communicates with a STA. For example, a peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0077] An AP acts as a bridge between wired and wireless networks, connecting wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to the Ethernet. An AP can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) equipped with a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip.

[0078] It should be understood that the role of STA in the communication system is not absolute. For example, in some scenarios, when a mobile phone is connected to a router, the mobile phone is a non-AP STA. When the mobile phone serves as a hotspot for other mobile phones, the mobile phone plays the role of AP.

[0079] APs and non-AP STAs can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0080] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA may support 802.11be. A non-AP STA may also support various current and future 802.11 family wireless LAN standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0081] In some embodiments, the AP may be a device supporting the 802.11be standard. The AP may also be a device supporting various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, the STA may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, vehicle communication equipment, wireless device in remote medical, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city, wireless device in smart home, wireless communication chip, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), SOC (System on Chip), etc. that supports WLAN / WIFI technology.

[0083] The frequency bands supported by WLAN technology may include but are not limited to: low frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) and high frequency bands (45 GHz, 60 GHz).

[0084] There are one or more links between the station and the access point. In some embodiments, the station and the access point support multi-band communication. For example, communication is performed simultaneously on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, and 60 GHz frequency bands, or communication is performed simultaneously on different channels of the same frequency band (or different frequency bands), thereby improving the communication throughput and / or reliability between devices. Such a device is generally referred to as a multi-band device, or a multi-link device (MLD), sometimes also referred to as a multi-link entity or a multi-band entity. A multi-link device can be an access point device or a station device. If the multi-link device is an access point device, the multi-link device includes one or more APs; if the multi-link device is a station device, the multi-link device includes one or more non-AP STAs.

[0085] A multi-link device including one or more APs may be referred to as an AP MLD, and a multi-link device including one or more non-AP STAs may be referred to as a non-AP MLD (Non Access Point Multi-Link Device).

[0086] In an embodiment of the present application, the AP may include multiple APs, the Non-AP may include multiple STAs, multiple links may be formed between the APs in the AP and the STAs in the Non-AP, and data communication may be performed between the APs in the AP and the corresponding STAs in the Non-AP through the corresponding links.

[0087] An AP is a device deployed in a wireless local area network to provide wireless communication capabilities for STAs. A station may include: User Equipment (UE), an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. Optionally, a station may also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, or a wearable device, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0088] Optionally, both the station and the access point support the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0089] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" is simply a description of an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0090] It should be understood that the "indication" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct indication, an indirect indication, or an indication of an association. For example, "A indicates B" can mean that A directly indicates B, for example, B can be obtained through A; it can also mean that A indirectly indicates B, for example, A indicates C, and B can be obtained through C; it can also mean that there is an association between A and B.

[0091] The terms used in the embodiments of this application are intended only to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc. in the specification and claims of this application and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0092] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "corresponding" may indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between the two, or an association relationship between the two, or a relationship between indication and being indicated, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0093] In the embodiments of the present application, "pre-defined" or "pre-configured" may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (e.g., including STAs and network devices). The present application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, pre-defined may refer to what is defined in the protocol.

[0094] In the embodiments of the present application, the “protocol” may refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, for example, it may include a WiFi protocol and related protocols used in future WiFi communication systems, and the present application does not limit this.

[0095] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the multi-link operations related to the present application are described.

[0096] An AP MLD can establish multiple links with non-AP MLDs on different frequency bands / channels. As shown in Figure 2, three links (link 1, link 2, and link 3) are established between the AP MLD and non-AP MLDs at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, respectively. These links can operate simultaneously. AP 1 operating on link 1 (2.4 GHz), AP 2 operating on link 2 (5 GHz), and AP 3 operating on link 3 (6 GHz) are called affiliated APs of the AP MLD. Similarly, non-AP STA 1 operating on link 1 (2.4 GHz), non-AP STA 2 operating on link 2 (5 GHz), and non-AP STA 3 operating on link 3 (6 GHz) are called affiliated STAs of the non-AP MLD.

[0097] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present application, multi-AP collaboration related to the present application is described.

[0098] As shown in Figure 3, multiple APs can form a multi-AP cooperative set (Multi-AP Candidate Set), in which one AP acts as the master AP (Master AP, MAP or M-AP) through a wired or wireless link (also known as a backhaul link (backhaul link)) to manage and control the other slave APs (Slave AP, SAP or S-AP) in the Multi-AP Candidate Set. Then the APs in the Multi-AP Candidate Set can provide services for STAs (such as STA a, STA b) through collaboration.

[0099] Among them, multi-AP collaboration can be achieved in many ways, such as coordinated orthogonal frequency division multiple access (C-OFDMA), coordinated time division multiple access (C-TDMA), coordinated beamforming (C-BF), joint transmission (J-TX), coordinated spatial reuse (C-SR) and coordinated uplink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (C-UL MU-MIMO).

[0100] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the J-TX in the multi-AP collaboration related to the present application is described.

[0101] As shown in Figure 4, in a multi-AP architecture, the coordinator of multiple APs can be an independent device, and each AP is connected to the coordinator via a wired or wireless connection. In addition, the coordinator of multiple APs can be any AP (this AP can be called the Master AP), and then other APs (called Slave APs) are connected to the Master AP (i.e., the AP with the Coordinator) via a wired or wireless connection. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of multiple APs using J-TX to provide STA services. AP 1 and AP 2 simultaneously use the steering matrix calculated after channel sounding in the same frequency band to send data to STA 1.

[0102] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the logic of multiple APs forming multiple links related to the present application is described.

[0103] As shown in Figure 5, multiple non-collocated APs are treated as a single logical AP MLD entity. When a STA connects to this AP MLD, the multiple non-collocated APs can be considered as different subordinate APs of the AP MLD. This allows the multi-link operation architecture to use different subordinate APs and different links to provide services to the STA, further enhancing STA uninterrupted roaming. As shown in Figure 5, STA x uses multiple links to connect to AP 1 and AP 2. When STA x sends a move signal, the link to AP 1 is disconnected, but the link to AP 2 is not affected. This improves STA mobility support.

[0104] In order to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the problems solved by the present application are explained.

[0105] With the popularization of mobile communication devices and the rapid development of mobile Internet, people's demand for access to the Internet anytime and anywhere is becoming more and more urgent. Nowadays, in office areas, shopping malls and stadiums, AP deployment is becoming more and more dense, and the signal interference between devices has become very serious. This has brought huge challenges to people's high-reliability, high-speed and low-latency communication requirements. Therefore, multi-AP collaboration technology is particularly important. Usually, STAs that need to perform multi-AP collaboration are in the overlapping area of ​​multiple APs, and are far away from each AP. The signal quality and link stability are weak. In order to improve the communication rate of such STAs, improve the reliability of communication and provide a low-latency communication experience, this application proposes a multi-AP MLD collaborative communication solution, which uses multi-AP MLD to provide high-reliability, high-speed and low-latency services for non-AP MLD.

[0106] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The following related technologies can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and they all fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application include at least part of the following contents.

[0107] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the wireless communication method 200 may include at least part of the following contents:

[0108] S210: A first non-AP MLD sends an association request frame to a first AP MLD; wherein the association request frame is used to request association with a target multi-AP MLD coordination set, and the association request frame includes first multilink information, wherein the first multilink information is used to indicate information about a multilink established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD coordination set is the multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs;

[0109] S220: The first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD.

[0110] In the embodiment of the present application, after the first non-AP MLD discovers the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs, the first non-AP MLD sends an association request frame to the first AP MLD to request association with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0111] In the embodiment of the present application, an AP MLD may belong to one or more multi-AP MLD coordination sets (Multi-AP MLDCandidate Sets). That is, in addition to the target multi-AP MLD coordination set, the first AP MLD may also belong to other multi-AP MLD coordination sets.

[0112] In the embodiment of the present application, each multi-AP MLD coordination set should have only one master AP MLD (Master AP MLD), and the remaining AP MLDs are slave AP MLDs (Slave AP MLDs).

[0113] In the embodiment of the present application, each multi-AP MLD cooperation set may support one or more multi-AP MLD cooperation modes.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present application, a “field” may also be referred to as a “field” or a “subfield.” A field may occupy one or more bytes (byte / octet), or a field may occupy one or more bits (bit).

[0115] In some embodiments, the first AP MLD is a master AP MLD. Of course, in some embodiments, the first AP MLD may also be a slave AP MLD, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first multi-link information is a Basic Multi-Link field included in an association request frame.

[0117] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes capability information of the first non-AP MLD to participate in multi-AP MLD collaboration.

[0118] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes a non-AP MLD multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field, where the non-AP MLD multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field is used to indicate capability information of the first non-AP MLD to participate in the multi-AP MLD collaboration.

[0119] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a C-SR field, a C-BF field, a C-UL MU MIMO field, a J-TX field, a C-OFDMA field, and a C-TDMA field;

[0120] The C-SR field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

[0121] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a C-SR field, a C-UL MU MIMO field;

[0122] The C-SR field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-SR, and the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0123] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF; and / or

[0124] In a case where the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

[0125] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA; and / or

[0126] In a case where the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the C-TDMA field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-TDMA and downlink C-TDMA.

[0127] In some embodiments, the Association Request frame may be as shown in FIG7 , wherein the element with a sequence number a in the Association Request frame is a Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities of non-AP MLD element of non-AP MLD, and the Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities of non-AP MLD element of non-AP MLD includes a Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities of non-AP MLD field of non-AP MLD, and the Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities of non-AP MLD field of non-AP MLD is used to indicate capability information of the first non-AP MLD to participate in multi-AP MLD coordination; and the element with a sequence number b in the Association Request frame is a Basic Multi-Link element, and the Basic Multi-Link element is used to indicate information about a multilink established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first AP MLD sends an association response frame to the first non-AP MLD;

[0129] The association response frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the association response frame includes second multi-link information, where the second multi-link information is used to indicate acceptance or rejection of some or all links requested by the first non-AP MLD to establish, and / or the second multi-link information is used to indicate multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second multilink information is a basic multilink field included in the association response frame.

[0131] In some embodiments, the association response frame further includes at least one of the following: a status code (Status Code) field, a multi-AP MLD collaboration set information (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info) field;

[0132] The status code field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the requested traditional basic service set (BSS) and / or virtual basic service set (VBSS), where the VBSS is the BSS corresponding to the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set; and the multi-AP MLD cooperation set information field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0133] In some embodiments, the status code field indicates success, indicating that the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with a legacy BSS and a VBSS; and / or, the status code field indicates VBSS failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with the VBSS fails; and / or, the status code field indicates failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with a legacy SSID fails.

[0134] In some embodiments, the Association Response frame may be as shown in FIG8 , wherein the element with a sequence number of 2 in the Association Response frame is a Status Code element, which includes a Status Code field for indicating whether the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the requested legacy BSS and / or VBSS; the element with a sequence number of a in the Association Response frame is a Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info element, which includes a Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info field for indicating the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set; and the element with a sequence number of b in the Association Response frame is a Basic Multilink element, which includes a Basic Multilink field for indicating information about a multilink established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD.

[0135] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field in the association response frame includes a coordination set information field;

[0136] The Candidate Set Info field includes at least one of the following: a Virtual Basic Service Set Identifier (VBSSID) field, a Candidate Set ID field, a Sounding Method field, a Multi-AP MLD Scheme field, a Basic Multi-Link element, an AP MLD number (Number of AP MLDs) field, and multiple AP MLD information (AP MLD Info) fields;

[0137] The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the cooperation set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD cooperation mode supported by the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the multiple AP MLD information fields are used to indicate relevant information of multiple member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0138] Optionally, the coordination set identification field may also be replaced by a VBSS color field, and the VBSS color field may be used to indicate the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

[0139] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, the probing method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential probing field, a joint probing field; or, the probing method field includes only a joint probing field;

[0140] The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

[0141] Optionally, in the association response frame, the Sequential Detection field occupies 1 bit; wherein, the Sequential Detection field=1 indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence, and the Sequential Detection field=0 indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence; or, the Sequential Detection field=0 indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence, and the Sequential Detection field=1 indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence.

[0142] Optionally, in the association response frame, the joint detection field occupies 1 bit; wherein, the joint detection field = 1, indicating that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously and synchronously; the joint detection field = 0, indicating that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously and synchronously; or, the joint detection field = 0, indicating that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously and synchronously; the joint detection field = 1, indicating that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously and synchronously.

[0143] In some embodiments, when the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence by default.

[0144] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: an uplink C-OFDMA field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detect and discard field, and a reduce interference field.

[0145] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full bandwidth J-TX field, a partial bandwidth J-TX field, a detect and discard field, and a reduce interference field.

[0146] Specifically, in the association response frame, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports uplink C-OFDMA. The uplink C-OFDMA field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the uplink C-OFDMA field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports uplink C-OFDMA; if the uplink C-OFDMA field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support uplink C-OFDMA. For another example, if the uplink C-OFDMA field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports uplink C-OFDMA; if the uplink C-OFDMA field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support uplink C-OFDMA.

[0147] Specifically, in the association response frame, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports downlink C-OFDMA. The downlink C-OFDMA field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the downlink C-OFDMA field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports downlink C-OFDMA; if the downlink C-OFDMA field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support downlink C-OFDMA. For another example, if the downlink C-OFDMA field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports downlink C-OFDMA; if the downlink C-OFDMA field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support downlink C-OFDMA.

[0148] Specifically, in the association response frame, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, wherein the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA; if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA. For another example, if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA; if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA.

[0149] Specifically, in the association response frame, the C-SR and C-BF combination field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF, wherein the C-SR and C-BF combination field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the C-SR and C-BF combination field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF; if the C-SR and C-BF combination field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF. For another example, if the C-SR and C-BF combination field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF; if the C-SR and C-BF combination field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF.

[0150] Specifically, in the association response frame, the C-SR and J-TX combination field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX, wherein the C-SR and J-TX combination field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the C-SR and J-TX combination field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX; if the C-SR and J-TX combination field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX. For another example, if the C-SR and J-TX combination field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX; if the C-SR and J-TX combination field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX.

[0151] Specifically, in the association response frame, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO. The C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO; if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO. For another example, if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO; if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0152] Specifically, in the association response frame, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports C-BF. The C-BF field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the C-BF field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports C-BF; if the C-BF field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support C-BF. For another example, if the C-BF field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports C-BF; if the C-BF field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support C-BF.

[0153] Specifically, in the association response frame, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, wherein the single-user J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the single-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user; if the single-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user. For another example, if the single-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user; if the single-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user.

[0154] Specifically, in the association response frame, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for multiple users, wherein the multi-user J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the multi-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for multiple users; if the multi-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for multiple users. For another example, if the multi-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for multiple users; if the multi-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0155] Specifically, in the association response frame, the Diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports diversity joint transmission. The Diversity J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the Diversity J-TX field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports diversity joint transmission; if the Diversity J-TX field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support diversity joint transmission. For another example, if the Diversity J-TX field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports diversity joint transmission; if the Diversity J-TX field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support diversity joint transmission.

[0156] Specifically, in the association response frame, the Multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiplexed joint transmission. The Multiplexing J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the Multiplexing J-TX field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiplexed joint transmission; if the Multiplexing J-TX field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support multiplexed joint transmission. For another example, if the Multiplexing J-TX field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiplexed joint transmission; if the Multiplexing J-TX field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD coordination set does not support multiplexed joint transmission.

[0157] Specifically, in the association response frame, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, wherein the full-bandwidth J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission; if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission. For another example, if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission; if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0158] Specifically, in the association response frame, the partial bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports partial bandwidth joint transmission, wherein the partial bandwidth J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the partial bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports partial bandwidth joint transmission; if the partial bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission. For another example, if the partial bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports partial bandwidth joint transmission; if the partial bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0159] Specifically, in the association response frame, the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, wherein the detection and discard field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the detection and discard field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode; if the detection and discard field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode. For another example, if the detection and discard field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode; if the detection and discard field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0160] Specifically, in the association response frame, the Reduce Interference field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperative set supports directly treating the data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode, wherein the Reduce Interference field is an optional field and may occupy 1 bit when it exists. For example, if the Reduce Interference field = 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperative set supports directly treating the data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode; if the Reduce Interference field = 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperative set does not support directly treating the data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode. For another example, if the interference reduction field is 0, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports directly treating the data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode; if the interference reduction field is 1, it indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support directly treating the data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0161] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the uplink C-OFDMA field and the downlink C-OFDMA field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0162] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0163] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support diversity joint transmission.

[0164] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support multiplexed joint transmission.

[0165] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0166] In some embodiments, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

[0167] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full-bandwidth J-TX field. Optionally, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0168] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; or, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field;

[0169] Among them, the Support C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-OFDMA, the Support C-SR field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-SR, the Support C-BF field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-BF, the Support J-TX field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports J-TX, and the Support C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0170] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0171] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, the AP MLD information field in the plurality of AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a BSSID field, an AP MLD identification field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element;

[0172] Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration role supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multilink element is used to indicate the multilink information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

[0173] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, the AP MLD identification field is directly set by the master AP MLD or the cooperative AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLDs indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the target multi-AP MLD cooperative set.

[0174] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, the AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a coordinated AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field, and a shared AP MLD role field;

[0175] In the channel detection phase, the cooperative AP MLD indicated by the cooperative AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the coordinated AP MLD role field participates in the detection;

[0176] In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its transmission opportunity TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for cooperative transmission.

[0177] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field in the association response frame may be as shown in FIG9 , wherein the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field includes a coordination set information field, and the coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: VBSSID field (occupies 6 bytes), coordination set identifier or VBSS color field (occupies 0 or 1 byte), detection method field (occupies 1 byte), multi-AP MLD mechanism field (occupies 2 bytes), basic multi-link element (occupies a variable number of bytes), AP MLD number field (occupies 1 byte), 1 st AP MLD information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), 2 nd AP MLD information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), ..., m th AP MLD information field (occupies a variable number of bytes). Optionally, as shown in FIG9 , the AP MLD information field includes at least one of the following: a BSSID field (occupies 0 or 6 bytes), an AP MLD identifier field (occupies 1 byte), an AP MLD role field (occupies 1 byte), and a basic multilink element (occupies a variable number of bytes).

[0178] In some embodiments, in the association response frame, when the coordination set information field does not include a basic multilink element (i.e., a basic multilink element used to indicate the multilink information of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set in FIG9 ), the basic multilink field included in the association response frame (i.e., a basic multilink field included in the basic multilink element in FIG8 ) is also used to indicate the multilink information of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first AP MLD shares the association information of the first non-AP MLD contained in the association request frame with other AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set through a backhaul link.

[0180] In some embodiments, assuming that the first AP MLD is AP MLD 1 and the first non-AP MLD is non-AP MLD 1, the process of exchanging association request frames and association response frames between non-AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 1 can be shown in Figure 10. Non-AP MLD 1 sends an Association Request frame to AP MLD 1 to request association with AP MLD 1 and carries a Basic Multi-Link element to indicate the multilink information that non-AP MLD 1 requests to establish with AP MLD 1. AP MLD 1 replies with an Association Response frame to non-AP MLD 1, indicating the result of the association with non-AP MLD 1 and accepting / rejecting one or more multilinks requested by non-AP MLD 1 through a Basic Multi-Link element. It should be noted that the AP MLD 1 (e.g., Master AP MLD) to which non-AP MLD 1 requests association can share the association information carried in the non-AP MLD 1 association request frame over the backhaul link. Therefore, non-AP MLD 1 can associate with all AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD coordination set. The association between non-AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 1 and the establishment of multilinks can be performed on any one or more links shown in Figure 10. The results of the association and multilink establishment apply to all links.

[0181] In some embodiments, some or all of the AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD coordination set together form a first virtual AP MLD. Optionally, the first virtual AP MLD may be a logical AP MLD.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first virtual AP MLD has a virtual MLD Media Access Control (MAC); wherein the virtual MLD MAC is connected to the MLD Upper MACs of all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD MAC manages and controls all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD.

[0183] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD MAC is located in any one of all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in a master AP MLD (Master AP MLD) among all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in an independent controller device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD has an MLD upper MAC (MLD Upper MAC), a non-MLD upper MAC (non-MLD Upper MAC), an MLD lower MAC (MLD Lower MAC), and a physical layer (PHY).

[0185] In some embodiments, the first virtual AP MLD may be as shown in FIG11 . The first virtual AP MLD includes AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2. AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 are two AP MLDs with complete MLD Upper MAC, non-MLD Upper MAC, MLD Lower MAC, and PHY. The virtual MLD MAC in the first virtual AP MLD is located on an independent controller device. The virtual MLD MAC is connected to the MLD Upper MAC of AP MLD 1, which is connected to the MLD Lower MAC of AP MLD 1. The virtual MLD MAC is also connected to the MLD Upper MAC of AP MLD 2, which is connected to the MLD Lower MAC of AP MLD 2. The virtual MLD MAC manages and controls AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first virtual AP MLD may be as shown in FIG12 . The first virtual AP MLD includes AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2. AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 are two AP MLDs that have complete MLD Upper MAC, non-MLD Upper MAC, MLD Lower MAC, and PHY. The virtual MLD MAC in the first virtual AP MLD is located in AP MLD 1 (Master AP MLD). The virtual MLD MAC is connected to the MLD Upper MAC of AP MLD 1, which in turn connects to the MLD Lower MAC of AP MLD 1. Furthermore, the virtual MLD MAC is connected to the MLD Upper MAC of AP MLD 2, which in turn connects to the MLD Lower MAC of AP MLD 2. The virtual MLD MAC manages and controls AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2. That is, AP MLD 1 has a virtual MLD MAC that manages and controls all AP MLDs in the virtual AP MLD. The MLD Upper MAC address of the AP MLD in the Virtual AP MLD is connected to the Virtual MLD MAC address of AP MLD 1.

[0187] Specifically, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, AP MLD 1 can establish multiple links (Link 1 and Link 2) with non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2, and AP MLD 2 can establish multiple links (Link 3, Link 4, Link 5, and Link 6) with non-AP MLD 2, non-AP MLD 3, and non-AP MLD 4.

[0188] Optionally, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 simultaneously provide data transmission services for non-AP MLD 2 over 5 GHz Link 2 and Link 4, respectively. This can improve the communication rate and reduce latency for non-AP MLD 2. Because the 5 GHz signal path loss is more severe than the slightly lower 2.4 GHz band, communication stability for non-AP MLD 2 may be poor. Therefore, AP MLD 2 can also use 2.4 GHz Link 3 to provide services for non-AP MLD 2.

[0189] Optionally, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, since non-AP MLD 2 establishes multi-link links with AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2, when non-AP MLD 2 moves away from AP MLD 1, causing Link 2 to be interrupted, non-AP MLD 2 still maintains a link with AP MLD 2 through Link 3 and Link 4. Therefore, seamless roaming / uninterrupted switching of non-AP MLD can be achieved.

[0190] Specifically, as shown in FIG11 and FIG12 , the first virtual AP MLD can also be regarded as a three-layer network architecture.

[0191] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD manages link allocation for the entire VBSS corresponding to the first virtual AP MLD. Specifically, for example, a non-AP MLD sends an association request frame to an Anchor AP in the Virtual AP MLD to associate with all subordinate AP MLDs in the Virtual AP MLD and establish multiple links. The Controller in the Virtual AP MLD manages Link ID allocation for the entire VBSS. Therefore, a Link ID that does not duplicate previously assigned Link IDs can be assigned to the non-AP MLD for multi-link communication with each AP MLD in the Virtual AP MLD. That is, when multiple AP MLDs collaborate, the Controller in the Virtual AP MLD coordinates the allocation of unique Link IDs between the non-AP MLD and the Virtual AP MLD. This prevents a non-AP MLD from establishing the same Link ID with different AP MLDs, which could result in mapping errors during TID-to-Link mapping.

[0192] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, some of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD transmit only control plane information and other parts of the links transmit only data plane information. Alternatively, some or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD allow transmission of both control plane information and data plane information.

[0193] For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12 , Link 3 between AP MLD 2 and non-AP MLD 2 can function only as the control plane, that is, only transmit control frames and / or management frames. Link 2 between AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2, and Link 4 between AP MLD 2 and non-AP MLD 2 can function only as the data plane, that is, transmit data frames. Alternatively, Link 3 between AP MLD 2 and non-AP MLD 2 can transmit both control frames, management frames, and data frames. This is not a limitation of the present invention.

[0194] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with subordinate APs of multiple AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD. Specifically, the same subordinate STA of the non-AP MLD can establish links with subordinate APs of multiple AP MLDs. Specifically, after a subordinate non-AP STA (or subordinate AP) of a non-AP MLD (or AP MLD) establishes a link with a subordinate AP (subordinate non-AP STA) under one AP MLD (or non-AP MLD), the same subordinate non-AP STA (or subordinate AP) of the non-AP MLD (or AP MLD) is allowed to establish a link with a subordinate AP (subordinate non-AP STA) under another AP MLD (or non-AP MLD).

[0195] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU), or multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

[0196] For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, link 2 between AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2 and link 4 between AP MLD 2 and non-AP MLD 2 can transmit the same PPDU (i.e., exactly the same data) to improve communication reliability / stability. Alternatively, link 2 between AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2 and link 4 between AP MLD 2 and non-AP MLD 2 can also transmit different PPDUs (i.e., different data) to improve communication rate / throughput. The present invention is not limited to this.

[0197] In some embodiments, when the first non-AP MLD is an extremely high throughput (EHT) non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD supports association with only one AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD and establishment of a multi-link connection, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is assigned by the virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD. That is, an EHT non-AP MLD that only supports 802.11be associates with only one AP MLD and establishes multi-links. When establishing multi-links, the Link ID assigned by the AP MLD to the EHT non-AP MLD is still uniformly assigned by the Virtual MLD MAC, avoiding Link ID conflicts that would otherwise occur if Link IDs were independently assigned to the EHT non-AP MLD.

[0198] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD MAC sublayer in the first virtual AP MLD may include the following functions:

[0199] Management of authentication, association, and reassociation (between AP MLD and non-AP MLD)

[0200] Management of AP MLD's SN / PN assignment for frames to be encrypted by PTK for unicast frames;

[0201] Management of AP MLD's Power save buffering of individually addressed frames (only on AP MLD);

[0202] Selection of the MLD upper MAC sublayer for transmission;

[0203] Merging reception of MPDUs from two or more links from different AP MLDs.

[0204] Reordering of packets of AP MLDs to ensure in-order delivery per each Block Ack session;

[0205] Management of AP MLD's Block Ack scoreboarding for individually addressed frames (in collaboration with the MLD upper MAC sublayer and the MLD lower MAC sublayer). Optionally, the Virtual MLD MAC delivers the Block Ack record on one link to the MLD upper MAC sublayer and the MLD lower MAC sublayer of other links.

[0206] MLD level management information exchange / indication via the MLD upper MAC sublayer;

[0207] Coordination of distribution and management of EDCA parameters across the MLD upper sublayer of the links.

[0208] In some embodiments, the MLD upper MAC sublayer in the first virtual AP MLD may include the following functions:

[0209] Authentication, association, and reassociation (between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD);

[0210] Security associations (e.g., pairwise master key security association, pairwise transient key security association, and group temporal key (GTK) distribution or integrity group temporal key (IGTK) distribution or beacon integrity group temporal key (BIGTK));

[0211] SN / PN assignment for frames to be encrypted by PTK for unicast frames;

[0212] SN assignment for group addressed MSDUs;

[0213] Power save buffering of individually addressed frames (only on AP MLD);

[0214] Encryption / decryption using PTK for unicast frames;

[0215] Selection of the MLD lower MAC sublayer for transmission;

[0216] Merging reception of MPDUs from two or more links;

[0217] Reordering of packets to ensure in-order delivery per each Block Ack session;

[0218] Block Ack scoreboarding for individually addressed frames (in collaboration with the MLD lower MAC sublayer). Optionally, the MLD upper MAC sublayer delivers the Block Ack record on one link to the MLD lower MAC sublayer of other links.

[0219] MLD level management information exchange / indication via the MLD lower MAC sublayer;

[0220] Coordination of distribution and management of EDCA parameters across the MLD lower MAC sublayers of the links.

[0221] In some embodiments, the auxiliary (non-MLO) upper MAC sublayer in the first virtual AP MLD may include the following functions:

[0222] Non-MLO peer operations, above the MLD lower MAC sublayer;

[0223] Maintenance of link specific GTK / IGTK / BIGTK (between an AP affiliated with the AP MLD and a non-AP STA affiliated with the non-AP MLD);

[0224] Link specific encryption / decryption / integrity protection and PN assignment using GTK / IGTK / BIGTK (between an AP affiliated with the AP MLD and a non-AP STA affiliated with the non-AP MLD);

[0225] Link-specific management info exchange / indication (eg, Beacon);

[0226] Power save buffering of group addressed frames.

[0227] In some embodiments, the MLD lower MAC sublayer in the first virtual AP MLD may include the following functions:

[0228] Link specific control information exchange / indication (e.g., RTS / CTS, acknowledgments, NDP, etc.);

[0229] Power save state and mode;

[0230] MAC address filtering for frame reception;

[0231] Block Ack scoreboarding for individually addressed frames (in collaboration with the MLD upper MAC sublayer). Optionally, the MLD lower MAC sublayer receives the Block Ack record on the other links from the MLD upper MAC sublayer.

[0232] It is worth noting that the Virtual MLD MAC and the MLD Upper MAC are connected by the MAC service access point (SAP) through the distribution system (DS). When the DS delivers the MAC service tuples to an AP MLD through the distribution system access function (DSAF), the (coordinator of) Virtual AP MLD then determines when and how to deliver the MAC service tuples to the AP MLD's MLD upper MAC sublayer (via the MAC SAP).

[0233] In some embodiments, the subordinate APs of some or all of the AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD coordination set together form a second virtual AP MLD. Optionally, the second virtual AP MLD may be a logical AP MLD.

[0234] In some embodiments, the second virtual AP MLD has a virtual MLD upper MAC (Virtual MLD upper MAC);

[0235] The virtual MLD upper MAC is connected to the MLD lower MACs of all affiliated APs in the second virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD upper MAC manages and controls all affiliated APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

[0236] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD upper layer MAC may also be referred to as a virtual MLD MAC (Virtual MLD MAC).

[0237] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD upper layer MAC is located in any one of all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper layer MAC is located in the master AP among all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper layer MAC is located in an independent control device.

[0238] In some embodiments, the subordinate AP in the second virtual AP MLD has a non-MLD upper MAC (non-MLD Upper MAC), an MLD lower MAC (MLD Lower MAC), and a physical layer (PHY).

[0239] In some embodiments, a plurality of co-located affiliated APs in the second virtual AP MLD share one MLD upper layer MAC.

[0240] In some embodiments, the second virtual AP MLD can be as shown in Figure 13. Affiliated APs 1 through 6 are six APs affiliated with the second virtual AP MLD. Each AP has a non-MLD Upper MAC, MLD Lower MAC, and PHY, but no MLD Upper MAC. To enable multi-AP collaboration, the second virtual AP MLD has a Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC. This Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC is connected to the MLD Lower MAC of Affiliated APs 1 through 6, managing and controlling these APs. As shown in Figure 13, the Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC of the second virtual AP MLD is located on a separate controller device.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second virtual AP MLD can be as shown in Figure 14. Affiliated APs 1 through 6 are six APs affiliated with the second virtual AP MLD. Each AP has a non-MLD Upper MAC, MLD Lower MAC, and PHY, but no MLD Upper MAC. To enable multi-AP collaboration, the second virtual AP MLD has a Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC. This Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC is connected to the MLD Lower MACs of Affiliated APs 1 through 6, managing and controlling them. As shown in Figure 14, the Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC of the second virtual AP MLD is located in Affiliated AP 1. Affiliated AP 1 has a Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC that manages and controls all affiliated APs in the second virtual AP MLD. The MLD Lower MAC of the Affiliated APs in the second virtual AP MLD is connected to the Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC of Affiliated AP 1.

[0242] In some embodiments, the second virtual AP MLD can be as shown in Figure 15 . Affiliated APs 1 through 6 are six APs affiliated with the second virtual AP MLD. Each AP has a non-MLD Upper MAC, an MLD Lower MAC, and a PHY, but no MLD Upper MAC. To enable multi-AP collaboration, the second virtual AP MLD has a Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC. This Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC is connected to the MLD Lower MACs of Affiliated APs 1 through 6, managing and controlling Affiliated APs 1 through 6. As shown in Figure 15 , the Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC of the second virtual AP MLD is located on an independent controller device, and multiple co-located affiliated APs within the second virtual AP MLD share a single MLD Upper MAC.

[0243] Specifically, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, co-located AP1 and AP2 can establish multiple links (Link 1 and Link 2) with non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2, respectively, and co-located AP3, AP4, AP5, and AP6 can establish multiple links (Link 3, Link 4, Link 5, and Link 6) with non-AP MLD 2, non-AP MLD 3, and non-AP MLD 4, respectively.

[0244] Optionally, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, AP2 and AP4 simultaneously provide data transmission services for non-AP MLD 2 over 5 GHz Link 2 and Link 4, respectively. This can improve the communication rate and reduce latency for non-AP MLD 2. Because signal path loss in the 5 GHz band is more severe than in the slightly lower 2.4 GHz band, communication stability for non-AP MLD 2 may be poor. Therefore, AP3 can also use 2.4 GHz Link 3 to provide services for non-AP MLD 2.

[0245] Optionally, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, since non-AP MLD 2 establishes multi-link links with AP 2, AP 3, and AP 4, when non-AP MLD 2 moves away from AP 2 and causes Link 2 to be interrupted, non-AP MLD 2 still maintains links with AP 3 and AP 4 through Link 3 and Link 4. Therefore, seamless roaming / uninterrupted switching of non-AP MLD can be achieved.

[0246] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 , the second virtual AP MLD can be regarded as a two-layer network architecture.

[0247] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD upper-layer MAC of the second virtual AP MLD manages the link allocation for the entire VBSS corresponding to the second virtual AP MLD. Specifically, for example, a non-AP MLD sends an association request frame to the Anchor AP in the Virtual AP MLD to associate with all subordinate APs in the Virtual AP MLD and establish multiple links. The Controller in the Virtual AP MLD manages the Link ID allocation for the entire VBSS. Therefore, a Link ID that does not duplicate a previously assigned Link ID can be assigned to the non-AP MLD for multi-link communication between the non-AP MLD and the various APs in the Virtual AP MLD. That is, when multiple APs collaborate, the Controller in the Virtual AP MLD coordinates the allocation of non-AP Link IDs to the non-AP MLD and the Virtual AP MLD. This helps prevent the non-AP MLD from establishing the same Link ID with different APs, which could result in mapping errors during TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0248] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, some of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located with the second virtual AP MLD transmit only control plane information, and another part of the links transmit only data plane information. Alternatively, some or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located with the second virtual AP MLD allow transmission of both control plane information and data plane information.

[0249] For example, as shown in Figures 13 to 15 , Link 3 between AP 3 and non-AP MLD 2 can function only as the control plane, that is, only transmit control frames and / or management frames. Link 2 between AP 2 and non-AP MLD 2, and Link 4 between AP 4 and non-AP MLD 2 can function as the data plane, that is, transmit data frames. Alternatively, Link 3 between AP 3 and non-AP MLD 2 can transmit both control frames and management frames, but this is not a limitation of the present invention.

[0250] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with multiple non-co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

[0251] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same PPDU, or the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

[0252] For example, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, link 2 between AP 2 and non-AP MLD 2 and link 4 between AP 4 and non-AP MLD 2 can transmit the same PPDU (i.e., exactly the same data) to improve communication reliability / stability. Alternatively, link 2 between AP 2 and non-AP MLD 2 and link 4 between AP 4 and non-AP MLD 2 can also transmit different PPDUs (i.e., different data) to improve communication rate / throughput. The present invention is not limited to this.

[0253] In some embodiments, when the first non-AP MLD is an EHT non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD only supports association with a group of co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD and establishment of multi-link connections, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is assigned by the virtual MLD MAC of the second virtual AP MLD. In other words, the EHT non-AP MLD that only supports 802.11be only associates with a group of co-located subordinate APs and establishes multi-links. When establishing multi-links, the Link ID assigned by the AP to the EHT non-AP MLD is still uniformly assigned by the Virtual MLD MAC, avoiding Link ID conflicts caused by independent Link ID assignment to the EHT non-AP MLD.

[0254] In some embodiments, the Virtual MLD (upper) MAC sublayer in the second virtual AP MLD may include the following functions:

[0255] Authentication, association, and reassociation (between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD);

[0256] Security association (eg, PMKSA, PTKSA) and distribution of GTK / IGTK / BIGTK;

[0257] SN / PN assignment for frames to be encrypted by PTK for unicast frames;

[0258] SN assignment for group addressed MSDUs;

[0259] Power save buffering of individually addressed frames (only on AP MLD);

[0260] Encryption / decryption using PTK for unicast frames;

[0261] Selection of the MLD lower MAC sublayer for transmission;

[0262] Merging reception of MPDUs from two or more links;

[0263] Reordering of packets to ensure in-order delivery per each Block Ack session;

[0264] Block Ack scoreboarding for individually addressed frames (in collaboration with the MLD lower MAC sublayer). Optionally, the MLD upper MAC sublayer delivers the Block Ack record on one link to the MLD lower MAC sublayer of other links;

[0265] MLD level management information exchange / indication via the MLD lower MAC sublayer;

[0266] Coordination of distribution and management of EDCA parameters across the MLD lower MAC sublayers of the links.

[0267] In some embodiments, the secondary (non-MLO) upper MAC sublayer (AP only) in the second virtual AP MLD may include the following functions:

[0268] Non-MLO peer operations, above the MLD lower MAC sublayer;

[0269] Maintenance of link specific GTK / IGTK / BIGTK (between an AP affiliated with the AP MLD and a non-AP STA affiliated with the non-AP MLD);

[0270] Link specific encryption / decryption / integrity protection and PN assignment using GTK / IGTK / BIGTK (between an AP affiliated with the AP MLD and a non-AP STA affiliated with the non-AP MLD);

[0271] Link-specific management info exchange / indication (eg, Beacon);

[0272] Power save buffering of group addressed frames.

[0273] In some embodiments, the MLD lower MAC sublayer in the second virtual AP MLD may include the following functions:

[0274] Link specific control information exchange / indication (eg, RTS / CTS, acknowledgments, NDP, etc.);

[0275] Power save state and mode;

[0276] MAC address filtering for frame reception;

[0277] Block Ack scoreboarding for individually addressed frames (in collaboration with the MLD upper MAC sublayer). Optionally, the MLD lower MAC sublayer receives the Block Ack record on the other links from the MLD upper MAC sublayer.

[0278] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, in the three-layer network architecture shown in Figures 11 and 12, each AP MLD under the Virtual AP MLD is a complete MLD device. The Virtual AP MLD's Virtual MLD MAC manages and controls the MLD Upper MAC of these AP MLDs, and the synchronization requirements between the AP MLDs and between the AP MLD and the Virtual AP MLD are relatively low. In the two-layer network architecture shown in Figures 13 to 15, the Virtual AP MLD's Virtual MLD (Upper) MAC directly manages and controls the MLD Lower MAC of each affiliated AP. Therefore, the synchronization requirements between the affiliated APs and between the affiliated AP and the Virtual AP MLD are relatively high.

[0279] In some embodiments, before the first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, the first AP MLD sends a first frame;

[0280] The first frame includes the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs includes at least the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0281] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, before the first non-AP MLD requests to associate with the target multi-AP MLD coordination set, the first non-AP MLD needs to discover the target multi-AP MLD coordination set, or the first non-AP MLD needs to discover the multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first frame is one of the following: a beacon frame, a directional multi-gigabit (DMG) beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a multi-link (ML) probe response frame.

[0283] It should be noted that the DMG beacon frame is sent on a 60 GHz link.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field, where the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field is used to indicate coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

[0285] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field in the first frame includes a coordination set quantity field and at least one coordination set information field; wherein the coordination set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the sth coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the sth multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs, where s is a positive integer.

[0286] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the cooperation set information field in the at least one cooperation set information field includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a VBSSID field, a cooperation set identification field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD number field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields;

[0287] The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the coordination set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination mode supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, and the mth AP MLD information field in the multiple AP MLD information fields is used to indicate relevant information of the mth member AP MLD included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field.

[0288] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the coordination set identification field may also be replaced by a VBSS color field. The VBSS color field may be used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field.

[0289] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or, the detection method field includes only a joint detection field;

[0290] Among them, the sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

[0291] Optionally, in the first frame, the sequential detection field occupies 1 bit; wherein, the sequential detection field = 1, indicating that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the sequential detection field = 0, indicating that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence; or, the sequential detection field = 0, indicating that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the sequential detection field = 1, indicating that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence.

[0292] Optionally, in the first frame, the joint detection field occupies 1 bit; wherein, the joint detection field = 1, indicating that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously and synchronously; the joint detection field = 0, indicating that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously and synchronously; or, the joint detection field = 0, indicating that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously and synchronously; the joint detection field = 1, indicating that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously and synchronously.

[0293] In some embodiments, in the first frame, when the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence by default.

[0294] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: an uplink C-OFDMA field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detect and discard field, and a reduce interference field.

[0295] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detect and discard field, and a reduce interference field.

[0296] Specifically, in the first frame, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, wherein the uplink C-OFDMA field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the uplink C-OFDMA field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA; if the uplink C-OFDMA field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support uplink C-OFDMA. For another example, if the uplink C-OFDMA field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA; if the uplink C-OFDMA field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support uplink C-OFDMA.

[0297] Specifically, in the first frame, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA. The downlink C-OFDMA field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the downlink C-OFDMA field is 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA; if the downlink C-OFDMA field is 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support downlink C-OFDMA. For another example, if the downlink C-OFDMA field is 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA; if the downlink C-OFDMA field is 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support downlink C-OFDMA.

[0298] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, wherein the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA; if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA. For another example, if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 0, it means that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA; if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 1, it means that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA.

[0299] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-SR and C-BF combined field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF. The C-SR and C-BF combined field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the C-SR and C-BF combined field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF; if the C-SR and C-BF combined field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF. For another example, if the C-SR and C-BF combined field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF; if the C-SR and C-BF combined field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF.

[0300] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-SR and J-TX combined field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordinated set corresponding to the current coordinated set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX, wherein the C-SR and J-TX combined field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the C-SR and J-TX combined field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordinated set corresponding to the current coordinated set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX; if the C-SR and J-TX combined field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordinated set corresponding to the current coordinated set information field does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX. For another example, if the C-SR and J-TX combined field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordinated set corresponding to the current coordinated set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX; if the C-SR and J-TX combined field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordinated set corresponding to the current coordinated set information field does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX.

[0301] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO, wherein the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO; if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO. For another example, if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO; if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0302] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports C-BF. The C-BF field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the C-BF field is 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports C-BF; if the C-BF field is 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support C-BF. For another example, if the C-BF field is 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports C-BF; if the C-BF field is 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support C-BF.

[0303] Specifically, in the first frame, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, wherein the single-user J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the single-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports joint transmission for the same user; if the single-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user. For another example, if the single-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports joint transmission for the same user; if the single-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user.

[0304] Specifically, in the first frame, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users, wherein the multi-user J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the multi-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users; if the multi-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users. For another example, if the multi-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users; if the multi-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0305] Specifically, in the first frame, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports diversity joint transmission, wherein the diversity J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the diversity J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports diversity joint transmission; if the diversity J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support diversity joint transmission. For another example, if the diversity J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports diversity joint transmission; if the diversity J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support diversity joint transmission.

[0306] Specifically, in the first frame, the Multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports multiplexed joint transmission, wherein the Multiplexing J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy one bit. For example, if the Multiplexing J-TX field is 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports multiplexed joint transmission; if the Multiplexing J-TX field is 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support multiplexed joint transmission. For another example, if the Multiplexing J-TX field is 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports multiplexed joint transmission; if the Multiplexing J-TX field is 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support multiplexed joint transmission.

[0307] Specifically, in the first frame, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, wherein the full-bandwidth J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission; if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission. For another example, if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission; if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0308] Specifically, in the first frame, the partial bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports partial bandwidth joint transmission, wherein the partial bandwidth J-TX field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the partial bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports partial bandwidth joint transmission; if the partial bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission. For another example, if the partial bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports partial bandwidth joint transmission; if the partial bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0309] Specifically, in the first frame, the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, wherein the detection and discard field is an optional field and, when present, may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the detection and discard field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode; if the detection and discard field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode. For another example, the detection and discard field = 0 indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode; the detection and discard field = 1 indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0310] Specifically, in the first frame, the interference reduction field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports directly treating the data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode, wherein the interference reduction field is an optional field and may occupy 1 bit when it exists. For example, if the interference reduction field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports directly treating the data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode; if the interference reduction field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support directly treating the data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode. For another example, if the interference reduction field = 0, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports directly treating the data of other users as interference in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user; if the interference reduction field = 1, it indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support directly treating the data of other users as interference in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user.

[0311] In some embodiments, in the first frame, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the uplink C-OFDMA field and the downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0312] In some embodiments, in the first frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0313] In some embodiments, in the first frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support diversity joint transmission.

[0314] In some embodiments, in the first frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support multiplexed joint transmission.

[0315] In some embodiments, in the first frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0316] In some embodiments, in the first frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

[0317] In some embodiments, in the first frame, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full-bandwidth J-TX field. Optionally, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0318] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; or, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field;

[0319] Among them, the supported C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-OFDMA, the supported C-SR field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-SR, the supported C-BF field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-BF, the supported J-TX field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports J-TX, and the supported C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0320] In some embodiments, in the first frame, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0321] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the AP MLD information field in the plurality of AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a BSSID field, an AP MLD identification field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element;

[0322] Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration role supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multilink element is used to indicate the multilink information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

[0323] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the AP MLD identification field is directly set by the master AP MLD or the coordinated AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the multi-AP MLD coordinated set corresponding to the current coordinated set information field.

[0324] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a coordinated AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field, and a shared AP MLD role field;

[0325] In the channel detection phase, the cooperative AP MLD indicated by the cooperative AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the coordinated AP MLD role field participates in the detection;

[0326] In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for cooperative transmission.

[0327] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set information element in the first frame may be as shown in FIG16, wherein the multi-AP MLD coordination set information element includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field includes a coordination set number field (occupies 1 byte), 1 st Collaboration set information field (occupies a variable number of bytes), 2 nd Collaboration set information field (occupies a variable number of bytes) ..., s th Collaboration set information field (occupies a variable number of bytes). Specifically, as shown in FIG16 , the collaboration set information field includes at least one of the following: VBSSID field (occupies 6 bytes), collaboration set identifier or VBSS color field (occupies 0 or 1 byte), detection method field (occupies 1 byte), multi-AP MLD mechanism field (occupies 2 bytes), basic multilink element (occupies a variable number of bytes), AP MLD number field (occupies 1 byte), 1 st AP MLD information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), 2 nd AP MLD information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), ..., m th AP MLD information field (occupies a variable number of bytes). Optionally, as shown in FIG16 , the AP MLD information field includes at least one of the following: a BSSID field (occupies 0 or 6 bytes), an AP MLD identifier field (occupies 1 byte), an AP MLD role field (occupies 1 byte), and a basic multilink element (occupies a variable number of bytes).

[0328] In some embodiments, before the first AP MLD sends the first frame, the first AP MLD receives a second frame sent by the first non-AP MLD;

[0329] The second frame is used to request the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0330] In some embodiments, the second frame includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a Service Set Identifier (SSID) field, an SSID list field, and a multi-AP MLD cooperation set information request element;

[0331] The SSID field and / or the SSID list field is used to indicate the SSID requested by the first non-AP MLD and / or the SSID corresponding to the VBSS. The multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request field in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request element includes an information request field. The information request field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD requests to obtain the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set.

[0332] In some embodiments, when the first frame is a probe response frame, the second frame is a probe request frame.

[0333] In some embodiments, when the first frame is a multi-link probe response frame, the second frame is a multi-link probe request frame.

[0334] In some embodiments, when the second frame is a multilink probe request frame, the second frame further includes a multilink element, and the type field included in the multilink control field in the multilink element is used to indicate that the multilink element is a probe request multilink element.

[0335] In the embodiment of the present application, the first non-AP MLD discovers the multi-AP MLD candidate set in two ways: active scanning and passive scanning. It should be noted that the methods for other non-AP MLDs to discover the multi-AP MLD candidate set are the same as those for the first non-AP MLD and are not described in detail here.

[0336] Specifically, assuming that the first AP MLD is AP MLD 1 and the first non-AP MLD is non-AP MLD 1, for passive scanning, as shown in Figure 17, AP MLD 1 (for example, Master AP MLD) carries information such as the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info element in a Beacon frame (at 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz) or a DMG Beacon frame (at 60GHz) and broadcasts the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set to which it belongs. Non-AP MLD 1 receives the Beacon frame or the DMG Beacon frame to learn about the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set.

[0337] Specifically, assuming that the first AP MLD is AP MLD 1 and the first non-AP MLD is non-AP MLD 1, for active discovery (Active Scanning), as shown in Figure 17, non-AP MLD 1 sends a probe request (Probe Request) frame carrying multi-AP MLD cooperation set information request (field or element) (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info Request (field / element)) and other information to actively request Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set information from AP MLD 1, and then AP MLD 1 informs non-AP MLD 1 of the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set to which it belongs through a probe response (Probe Response) frame carrying multi-AP MLD cooperation set information element (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info element).

[0338] Optionally, as shown in Figure 17, non-AP MLD 1 can also actively request information about the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set from AP MLD 1 by sending a multi-link probe request (ML Probe Request) frame carrying a multi-AP MLD cooperative set information request (field or element) (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info Request (field / element)) and a probe request multi-link element (Probe Request Multi-Link element). Then, AP MLD 1 informs non-AP MLD 1 of the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set to which it belongs through a multi-link probe response (ML Probe Response) frame carrying a Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info element.

[0339] It should be noted that the process of non-AP MLD 1 discovering AP MLD 1 can be performed on any link as shown in FIG. 17 .

[0340] In some embodiments, the frame body structure of the beacon frame shown in Figure 17 may be as shown in Figure 18, AP MLD 1 (Master AP MLD) sent by the Beacon frame needs to carry an additional multi-AP MLD collaboration set information element (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info.element) for indicating the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set collaboration capability and multi-link information, the format of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info.element is shown in Figure 16.

[0341] In some embodiments, the frame body structure of the DMG beacon frame shown in Figure 17 is consistent with the frame body structure of the beacon frame. The DMG Beacon frame sent by AP MLD 1 (Master AP MLD) needs to carry an additional multi-AP MLD collaboration set information element (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info.element) for indicating the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set. The format of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info.element is shown in Figure 16.

[0342] In some embodiments, the frame body structure of the probe request frame shown in Figure 17 can be shown in Figure 19, wherein the SSID element and the SSID list element indicate the SSID(s) and / or SSID(s) corresponding to the VBSS requested by the non-AP MLD 1. The information request field (Info Request field) of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set information request element (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info Request element) is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD 1 requests to obtain the cooperation capability and / or multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set. For example, Info Request = 0 represents that the non-AP MLD 1 does not request to obtain the cooperation capability and / or multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set; Info Request = 1 represents that the non-AP MLD 1 requests to obtain the cooperation capability and / or multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set.

[0343] It should be noted that the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info Request (ie, 1 bit Info Request in Figure 19) can also be implemented using the reserved bits of other elements or fields (element / field) in the frame structure of the Probe Request frame, and is not limited to being implemented in the newly added Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info Request element.

[0344] In some embodiments, the frame body structure of the probe response frame shown in Figure 17 may be shown in Figure 20, the Probe Response frame sent by AP MLD 1 (Master AP MLD) needs to carry an additional multi-AP MLD collaboration set information element (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info.element) for indicating the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set. The format of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info.element is shown in Figure 16.

[0345] In some embodiments, the frame body structure of the ML Probe Request frame shown in Figure 17 can be as shown in Figure 21. The ML Probe Request frame is a Probe Request frame, except that a Probe Request frame carrying a (Probe Request) Multi-Link element is called an ML Probe Request frame. The Type subfield of the Multi-Link Control field in the Multi-Link element is set to 1, indicating that the Multi-Link element is a Probe Request Multi-Link element. Specifically, the SSID element and the SSID List element indicate the SSID(s) requested by non-AP MLD 1 and / or the SSID(s) corresponding to the VBSS. The information request field (Info Request field) of the multi-AP MLD coordination set information request element (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info Request element) is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD 1 requests to obtain the coordination capability and / or multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set. For example, Info Request = 0 represents that the non-AP MLD 1 does not request to obtain the coordination capability and / or multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set; Info Request = 1 represents that the non-AP MLD 1 requests to obtain the coordination capability and / or multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set.

[0346] In some embodiments, the frame body structure of the ML probe response frame shown in Figure 17 may be consistent with the frame body structure of the probe response frame. The Probe Response frame sent by AP MLD 1 (Master AP MLD) needs to carry an additional multi-AP MLD collaboration set information element (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info.element) for indicating the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set. The format of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Info.element is shown in Figure 16.

[0347] In some embodiments, before the first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, the first AP MLD sends a multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame to at least one AP MLD;

[0348] The multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

[0349] Optionally, the first AP MLD is a master AP MLD, and the at least one AP MLD is a slave AP MLD.

[0350] In the embodiment of the present application, before the first non-AP MLD discovers the multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs, the first AP MLD needs to request to establish the multi-AP MLD coordination set.

[0351] Optionally, the at least one AP MLD may include a second AP MLD, that is, the second AP MLD may receive the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame sent by the first AP MLD.

[0352] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation set request frame (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Request frame) includes a multi-AP MLD cooperation set request field, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation set request field is used to indicate the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set established by the first AP MLD request.

[0353] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set request field includes a coordination set quantity field and at least one coordination set information field; wherein the coordination set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets established by the first AP MLD request, and the nth coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the nth multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request, where n is a positive integer.

[0354] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, n≥s, that is, among the AP MLD coordination sets requested to be established in the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, there may be some AP MLD coordination sets that fail to be established.

[0355] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, the coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a VBSSID field, a coordination set identification field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD number field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields;

[0356] The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the coordination set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination mode supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, and the mth AP MLD information field in the multiple AP MLD information fields is used to indicate relevant information of the mth member AP MLD included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field.

[0357] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, the coordination set identification field may also be replaced by a VBSS color field. The VBSS color field may be used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field.

[0358] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, the detection method field is consistent with the detection method field in the first frame, and will not be described in detail here.

[0359] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is consistent with the multi-AP MLD mechanism field in the first frame, and will not be described in detail here.

[0360] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, the basic multilink element is consistent with the basic multilink element in the first frame, and details thereof will not be repeated here.

[0361] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, the AP MLD quantity field is consistent with the AP MLD quantity field in the first frame, and will not be described in detail here.

[0362] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, the multiple AP MLD information fields are consistent with the multiple AP MLD information fields in the first frame, and are not described in detail here.

[0363] In some embodiments, the frame body structure of the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame can be as shown in FIG22, wherein the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), and the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field includes a coordination set number field (occupies 1 byte), 1 st Collaboration set information field (occupies a variable number of bytes), 2 nd Collaboration set information field (occupies a variable number of bytes) ..., nth collaboration set information field (occupies a variable number of bytes). Specifically, as shown in FIG22 , the collaboration set information field includes at least one of the following: VBSSID field (occupies 6 bytes), collaboration set identifier or VBSS color field (occupies 0 or 1 byte), detection method field (occupies 1 byte), multi-AP MLD mechanism field (occupies 2 bytes), basic multilink element (occupies a variable number of bytes), AP MLD number field (occupies 1 byte), 1 st AP MLD information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), 2 nd AP MLD information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), ..., m th AP MLD information field (occupies a variable number of bytes). Optionally, as shown in FIG22 , the AP MLD information field includes at least one of the following: a BSSID field (occupies 0 or 6 bytes), an AP MLD identifier field (occupies 1 byte), an AP MLD role field (occupies 1 byte), and a basic multilink element (occupies a variable number of bytes).

[0364] In some embodiments, the first AP MLD receives a multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame sent by the second AP MLD;

[0365] The at least one AP MLD includes the second AP MLD, and the multi-AP MLD coordination set response field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame includes a response code (Response Code) field;

[0366] The value of the response code field is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0367] The second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD;

[0368] The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, because the second AP MLD has a heavy BSS load and cannot participate in the multi-AP MLD coordination transmission;

[0369] The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, and the rejection reason is unknown.

[0370] For example, if the Response Code field is 0, it means that the second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD. If the Response Code field is 1, it means that the second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD. The reason for the rejection is that the BSS load of the second AP MLD is too large and the second AP MLD cannot participate in the multi-AP MLD coordinated transmission. If the Response Code field is 2, it means that the second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD. The reason for the rejection is unknown.

[0371] In some embodiments, when the response code field indicates that the second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, the multi-AP MLD coordination set response field further includes an associated non-AP MLD number field (Number of Associated non-AP MLDs field) and multiple non-AP MLD information fields (such as 1 st non-AP MLD Info.Field,…,x th non-AP MLD Info.field);

[0372] The associated non-AP MLD quantity field is used to indicate the quantity of non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, and the x-th non-AP MLD information field in the multiple non-AP MLD information fields is used to indicate multi-AP MLD collaboration related information of the x-th non-AP MLD in the non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, where x is a positive integer.

[0373] In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD information field in the plurality of non-AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a non-AP MLD priority field, a multi-AP MLD coordination capability of non-AP MLD field, and a basic multi-link element;

[0374] The non-AP MLD priority field is used to indicate the priority of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field in participating in multi-AP MLD collaborative transmission. The multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD is used to indicate the capability information of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field to participate in multi-AP MLD collaboration. The basic multilink element is used to indicate the multilink information supported by the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field.

[0375] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field, a C-BF field, a C-UL MU MIMO field, and a J-TX field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field;

[0376] Among them, the C-SR field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

[0377] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF.

[0378] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

[0379] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD itself implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

[0380] In some embodiments, the frame structure of the multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame may be as shown in FIG23, wherein the multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set response field (occupies a variable number of bytes). The multi-AP MLD coordination set response field includes: a response code field (occupies 1 byte), an associated non-AP MLD number field (occupies 1 byte), 1 st Non-AP MLD information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), 2 nd Non-AP MLD information field (occupies a variable number of bytes), ..., x th Non-AP MLD information field (occupies a variable number of bytes). The non-AP MLD information field includes: non-AP MLD priority field (occupies 1 byte), non-AP MLD multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field (occupies 1 byte), and basic multilink elements (occupies a variable number of bytes).

[0381] In some embodiments, the first AP MLD sends a multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame;

[0382] The multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD confirmation.

[0383] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame, the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation field includes a coordination set number (Number of Candidate Sets) field and at least one coordination set information field (such as 1 st Candidate Set Info.,…,s th Candidate Set Info.); wherein the number of coordination sets field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets established by the first AP MLD, and the sth coordination set information (s th The Candidate Set Info.) field is used to indicate the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the sth multi-AP MLD cooperation set confirmed and established by the first AP MLD, where s is a positive integer.

[0384] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame, the coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a VBSSID field, a coordination set identification field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD number field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields;

[0385] The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field; the coordination set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field; the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field; the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination mode supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field; the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field; the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field; and the mth AP MLD information field in the multiple AP MLD information fields is used to indicate relevant information of the mth member AP MLD included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field.

[0386] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame, the coordination set identification field may also be replaced by a VBSS color field. The VBSS color field may be used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field.

[0387] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame, the detection method field is consistent with the detection method field in the first frame, and will not be described in detail here.

[0388] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is consistent with the multi-AP MLD mechanism field in the first frame, and will not be described in detail here.

[0389] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame, the basic multilink element is consistent with the basic multilink element in the first frame, and details thereof will not be repeated here.

[0390] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame, the AP MLD number field is consistent with the AP MLD number field in the first frame, and will not be described in detail here.

[0391] In some embodiments, in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame, the multiple AP MLD information fields are consistent with the multiple AP MLD information fields in the first frame, and are not described in detail here.

[0392] In some embodiments, the frame body structure of the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame may be as shown in FIG24, wherein the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), and the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field includes a coordination set number field (occupies 1 byte), 1 st Collaboration set information field (occupies a variable number of bytes), 2 nd Collaboration set information field (occupies a variable number of bytes) ..., s th Collaboration set information field (occupies a variable number of bytes). Specifically, as shown in FIG24 , the collaboration set information field includes at least one of the following: VBSSID field (occupies 6 bytes), collaboration set identifier or VBSS color field (occupies 0 or 1 byte), detection method field (occupies 1 byte), multi-AP MLD mechanism field (occupies 2 bytes), basic multilink element (occupies a variable number of bytes), AP MLD number field (occupies 1 byte), 1 st AP MLD information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), 2 nd AP MLD information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), ..., m th AP MLD information field (occupies a variable number of bytes). Optionally, as shown in FIG24 , the AP MLD information field includes at least one of the following: a BSSID field (occupies 0 or 6 bytes), an AP MLD identifier field (occupies 1 byte), an AP MLD role field (occupies 1 byte), and a basic multilink element (occupies a variable number of bytes).

[0393] It should be noted that the frame structure of the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Confirm) shown in Figure 24 is different from the frame structure of the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Request) shown in Figure 22. The difference is that the number of Candidate Set Info.field indicated by Number of Candidate Sets is different (Figure 22 is n, Figure 24 is s, s≤n). The information contained in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame can be regarded as a subset of the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, because some Slave AP MLD (s) may reject the Master AP MLD multi-AP MLD set establishment request for some reason, so the final use of the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame to confirm the establishment of the multi-AP MLD set may be inconsistent with the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame requested. Multi-AP MLD collaboration set confirmation frame RA field indicates the target receiver of the frame MAC address, can be set to a broadcast address, can also be set to a multicast address, if set to a multicast address, the target accepted the Master AP MLD to establish a Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set request AP MLD.

[0394] In the embodiment of the present application, through multi-AP MLD capability interaction, each AP MLD can obtain the cooperation capability information and multi-link information of other AP MLDs.

[0395] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the method for establishing a multi-AP MLD coordination set supporting multiple links is divided into the following two methods:

[0396] Master AP MLD determines the collaboration capability and multi-link capability of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set (applicable to 1 or more Slave AP MLDs); Slave AP MLD(s) determines the collaboration capability and multi-link capability of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set (special case, applicable to only 1 Slave AP MLD).

[0397] Specifically, assuming that the first AP MLD is AP MLD 1 (Master AP MLD) and the second AP MLD is AP MLD 2 (Slave AP MLD), the Master AP MLD determines the coordination capability and multi-link capability of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set. As shown in Figure 25, AP MLD 1 sends a multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Request frame) to AP MLD 2. The frame carries the multi-AP capability information and multi-link information of the AP MLDs (such as AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2) in the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set to be established. As shown in Figure 25, AP MLD 2 replies to AP MLD 1 with a multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Response frame). The frame carries whether AP MLD 2 accepts the Master AP MLD's Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set establishment request and its associated non-AP MLDs information. Optionally, as shown in Figure 25, AP MLD 1 determines the multi-AP MLD coordination capability and multi-link capability information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set based on the feedback of AP MLD 2, and sends it to AP MLD 2 through a multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Confirm frame). At this time, there is a Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Confirm frame in Figure 25. Specifically, this solution is applicable to the case where there are one or more Slave AP MLDs, because if there are multiple Slave AP MLDs, the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Response frame replied by each Slave AP MLD may indicate different multi-AP MLD capability information and multi-link capability information, but ultimately this information is fed back to the Master AP MLD for processing and then uniformly determines the multi-AP MLD capability and multi-link capability of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set.

[0398] Specifically, assuming that the first AP MLD is AP MLD 1 (Master AP MLD), the second AP MLD is AP MLD 2 (Slave AP MLD), and for the Slave AP MLD (s) decides the cooperation capability and multi-link capability of the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set, as shown in Figure 25, AP MLD 1 sends a multi-AP MLD cooperation set request frame (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Request frame) to AP MLD 2, which carries the multi-AP capability information and multi-link information of the AP MLDs (such as AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2) in the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set to be established. AP MLD 2 replies to the multi-AP MLD cooperation set response frame (Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Response frame) to AP MLD 1, which carries whether AP MLD 2 accepts the Master AP's Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set establishment request and its associated non-AP MLDs information. If the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set to be established has only one Slave AP MLD, then the establishment of a multi-AP MLD collaborative set that supports multi-link is completed, and the multi-AP MLD collaborative set of multi-AP collaboration capabilities and multi-link capability information is indicated by the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Response frame. At this time, there is no Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Confirm frame in Figure 25. Specifically, this solution is applicable to the case where there is only one Slave AP MLD, because if there are multiple Slave AP MLDs, each Slave AP MLD reply Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set Response frame may indicate different collaboration capability information and multi-link capability information, and ultimately the Multi-AP MLD Candidate Set collaboration capability information and multi-link capability information is difficult to determine.

[0399] It should be noted that AP MLDs can establish a multi-AP MLD coordination set on any link shown in Figure 25, and the established result applies to all links.

[0400] In some embodiments, before the first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, the first AP MLD obtains multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of at least one AP MLD.

[0401] In the embodiment of the present application, before requesting to establish a multi-AP MLD coordination set, the first AP MLD needs to obtain multi-AP MLD coordination capability information of at least one AP MLD.

[0402] Optionally, the first AP MLD is a master AP MLD, and the at least one AP MLD is a slave AP MLD.

[0403] In the embodiment of the present application, before the first non-AP MLD requests to establish a multi-AP MLD coordination set, the first AP MLD requires multi-AP MLD coordination capability information of at least one AP MLD.

[0404] Optionally, the at least one AP MLD may include a second AP MLD, that is, the second AP MLD may send the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the second AP MLD to the first AP MLD.

[0405] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the j-th AP MLD in the at least one AP MLD is sent via a third frame;

[0406] The third frame includes a multi-link element (Multi-Link element) and a multi-AP MLD coordination capability element (Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element), and j is a positive integer;

[0407] The multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the j-th AP MLD, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field in the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability element is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the j-th AP MLD.

[0408] It should be noted that the multi-link element (Multi-Link element) included in the third frame may also be a basic multi-link element (Basic Multi-Link element), and they can be replaced with each other in this embodiment.

[0409] In some embodiments, the third frame is one of the following: a beacon frame, a broadcast probe response frame, and a DMG beacon frame.

[0410] For example, when the third frame is a beacon frame, the frame structure of the beacon frame can be as shown in Figure 26. The beacon frame should at least include the (Basic)Multi-Link element and the Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element. The (Basic)Multi-Link element is used to indicate the multi-link information supported by the j-th AP MLD, for example, the j-th AP MLD supports the establishment of multiple links at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and 60GHz, and the corresponding capability information on each link. The Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element is used to indicate the coordination capability information supported by the j-th AP MLD.

[0411] For example, when the third frame is a beacon frame, the frame structure of the beacon frame can be as shown in Figure 26. The beacon frame should at least include the (Basic)Multi-Link element and the Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element. The (Basic)Multi-Link element is used to indicate the multi-link information supported by the j-th AP MLD, for example, the j-th AP MLD supports the establishment of multiple links at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and 60GHz, and the corresponding capability information on each link. The Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element is used to indicate the coordination capability information supported by the j-th AP MLD.

[0412] For example, when the third frame is a broadcast probe response frame, the frame structure of the broadcast probe response frame can be as shown in Figure 27. The broadcast probe response frame should at least include the (Basic)Multi-Link element and the Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element. The (Basic)Multi-Link element is used to indicate the multi-link information supported by the j-th AP MLD, for example, the j-th AP MLD supports the establishment of multiple links at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz and 60GHz, and the corresponding capability information on each link. The Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element is used to indicate the coordination capability information supported by the j-th AP MLD.

[0413] For example, if the third frame is a DMG beacon frame, the frame structure of the DMG beacon frame can be as shown in Figure 28. The DMG beacon frame includes a frame control field (occupies 2 bytes), a duration field, a BSSID field (occupies 6 bytes), a frame body field (occupies a variable number of bytes), and a frame check sequence (FCS) (occupies 4 bytes). The frame control field is used to indicate the type information of the frame. When the type value (Type value) of the frame control field is 11 and the subtype value (Subtype value) is 0000, it indicates that the frame is a DMG beacon frame. The duration field indicates the duration of the phase in which the j-th AP MLD transmits the DMG beacon frame. The BSSID field is used to carry the BSSID of the j-th AP MLD. The frame body field, as shown in Figure 29, carries various different information about the j-th AP MLD. The FCS field is used to verify the frame. As shown in Figure 29, the frame body field of the DMG beacon frame should contain at least the (Basic) Multi-Link element and the Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element. The (Basic) Multi-Link element is used to indicate the multi-link information supported by the j-th AP MLD, for example, the j-th AP MLD supports the establishment of multiple links at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and 60GHz, and the corresponding capability information on each link. The Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element is used to indicate the coordination capability information supported by the j-th AP MLD.

[0414] In some embodiments, in the third frame, the multilink element includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a multilink control field, a general information field, and a link information field;

[0415] The type field in the multilink control field is used to indicate that the type of the multilink element is a basic multilink element, and the presence bitmap field in the multilink control field is used to indicate the fields present in the general information field;

[0416] The first Q1 bits and the last Q2 bits of the link identifier information field in the general information field jointly indicate the link identifier of the subordinate AP of the AP MLD that transmits the basic multilink element in multi-AP MLD collaboration, where Q1 and Q2 are both positive integers.

[0417] The link information field is used to indicate link-related information of the j-th AP MLD.

[0418] For example, Q1 = 4, Q2 = 4. Of course, Q1 and Q2 may also be other values, which are not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0419] In some embodiments, in the third frame, the link information field includes at least one single STA profile (Per-STA Profile) field, and the first Q3 bits and the last Q4 bits of the STA control field in the single STA profile field in the at least one single STA profile field jointly indicate the link identifier of the STA reported in multi-AP MLD collaboration, and Q3 and Q4 are both positive integers.

[0420] For example, Q3 = 4, Q4 = 4. Of course, Q3 and Q4 may also be other values, which are not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0421] In some embodiments, the multi-link element (Multi-Link element) in the third frame can be as shown in Figure 30, wherein the element identification field = 255, together with the element identification extension field, indicates the identifier corresponding to the multi-link element (Multi-Link element). When the element identification = 107, it is uniquely determined that the current element (element) is a Multi-Link element. The length field is used to indicate the length of the current element. Optionally, the multi-link control (Multi-Link Control) field in the multi-link element shown in Figure 30 can be as shown in Figure 31, wherein the type (Type) field is used to indicate the subtype of the current Multi-Link element, the presence bitmap (Presence Bitmap) field is used to indicate which subfields exist in the common information field (Common Info field) of the Multi-Link element, and the link information field (Link Info field) carries MLD link-related information and includes one or more subelements. Among them, when Type = 0, the Multi-Link element is a Basic Multi-Link element. Optionally, the meaning represented by the value of the type (Type) field can be as shown in Table 1. Optionally, the Common Info field of the Basic Multi-Link element is shown in Figure 32, wherein the format of the Link ID Info field in the Common Info field is shown in Figure 33. The first 4 bits (Link ID) are used to indicate the Link ID of the affiliated AP that transmits the AP MLD of this Basic Multi-Link element. Since the number of links indicated by the 4-bit Link ID is limited. When multiple AP MLDs collaborate, the virtual AP MLD may contain more AP MLDs and serve more non-AP MLDs. The original 4-bit Link ID may not be enough to indicate. Therefore, this application uses the last 4 bits defined as Link ID Extension (Link ID Extension), which is combined with the first 4 bits (Link ID) to indicate the Link ID of the affiliated AP that transmits the AP MLD of this Basic Multi-Link element when multiple AP MLDs collaborate.Optionally, the Link Info field of the Basic Multi-Link element contains one or more Per-STA Profile fields, where the format of the Per-STA Profile field is shown in Figure 34, and the format of the STA control field (STA Control field) is shown in Figure 35. The first 4 bits (Link ID) are used to indicate the link identifier of the reported STA. This application uses the last 4 reserved bits defined as Link ID Extension, which are combined with the first 4 bits (LinkID) to indicate the link identifier of the reported STA during multi-AP MLD collaboration.

[0422] In some embodiments, in the third frame, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a multi-AP MLD cooperation control field, a general information field, a C-OFDMA specific information field, a C-SR specific information field, a J-TX specific information field, and a C-UL MU MIMO specific information field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a multi-AP cooperation control field, a general information field, a C-SR specific information field, a J-TX specific information field, and a C-UL MU MIMO specific information field.

[0423] Among them, the multi-AP MLD collaboration control field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration mode-related fields specifically included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field; the general information field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration set establishment method, the role supported by the j-th AP MLD under the multi-AP MLD transmission mechanism, and the channel detection method supported by the j-th AP MLD; the C-OFDMA specific information field is used to indicate the C-OFDMA type supported by the j-th AP MLD; the C-SR specific information field is used to indicate the C-SR type supported by the j-th AP MLD; the J-TX specific information field is used to indicate the J-TX type supported by the j-th AP MLD; the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field is used to indicate the C-UL-MU MIMO type supported by the j-th AP MLD.

[0424] In some embodiments, in the third frame, the multi-AP MLD cooperation control field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA presence field, a C-SR presence field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX presence field, and a C-UL MU MIMO presence field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperation control field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR presence field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX presence field, and a C-UL MU MIMO presence field.

[0425] Specifically, the C-OFDMA Present field is used to indicate whether the Multi-AP MLD Collaboration Capability field includes the C-OFDMA Specific Information field, and the C-OFDMA Present field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-OFDMA. Optionally, the C-OFDMA Present field can occupy 1 bit. For example, if the C-OFDMA Present field = 1, it means that the Multi-AP MLD Collaboration Capability field includes the C-OFDMA Specific Information field and the j-th AP MLD supports C-OFDMA; if the C-OFDMA Present field = 0, it means that the Multi-AP MLD Collaboration Capability field does not include the C-OFDMA Specific Information field and the j-th AP MLD does not support C-OFDMA. For another example, if the C-OFDMA presence field is 0, it means that the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-OFDMA specific information field, and the j-th AP MLD supports C-OFDMA; if the C-OFDMA presence field is 1, it means that the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field does not include the C-OFDMA specific information field, and the j-th AP MLD does not support C-OFDMA.

[0426] Specifically, the C-SR Present (C-SR Present) field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field includes the C-SR specific information field, and the C-SR Present field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-SR. Optionally, the C-SR Present field can occupy 1 bit. For example, if the C-SR Present field = 1, it means that the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field includes the C-SR specific information field, and the j-th AP MLD supports C-SR; if the C-SR Present field = 0, it means that the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field does not include the C-SR specific information field, and the j-th AP MLD does not support C-SR. For another example, if the C-SR Present field = 0, it means that the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field includes the C-SR specific information field, and the j-th AP MLD supports C-SR; if the C-SR Present field = 1, it means that the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field does not include the C-SR specific information field, and the j-th AP MLD does not support C-SR.

[0427] Specifically, the C-BF Support field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-BF. Optionally, the C-BF Support field can occupy 1 bit. For example, if the C-BF Support field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports C-BF; if the C-BF Support field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support C-BF. For another example, if the C-BF Support field = 0, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports C-BF; if the C-BF Support field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support C-BF.

[0428] Specifically, the J-TX Present field is used to indicate whether the Multi-AP MLD Collaboration Capability field includes the J-TX Specific Information field, and the J-TX Present field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports J-TX. Optionally, the J-TX Present field can occupy 1 bit. For example, if the J-TX Present field = 1, it means that the Multi-AP MLD Collaboration Capability field includes the J-TX Specific Information field, and the j-th AP MLD supports J-TX; if the J-TX Present field = 0, it means that the Multi-AP MLD Collaboration Capability field does not include the J-TX Specific Information field, and the j-th AP MLD does not support J-TX. For another example, if the J-TX Present field = 0, it means that the Multi-AP MLD Collaboration Capability field includes the J-TX Specific Information field, and the j-th AP MLD supports J-TX; if the J-TX Present field = 1, it means that the Multi-AP MLD Collaboration Capability field does not include the J-TX Specific Information field, and the j-th AP MLD does not support J-TX.

[0429] Specifically, the C-UL MU MIMO Present (C-UL MU-MIMO Present) field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field includes the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field, and the C-UL MU MIMO Present field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO. Optionally, the C-UL MU MIMO Present field may occupy 1 bit. For example, if the C-UL MU MIMO Present field = 1, it means that the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field includes the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field and the j-th AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO; if the C-UL MU MIMO Present field = 0, it means that the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field does not include the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field and the j-th AP MLD does not support C-UL MU MIMO. For another example, if the C-UL MU MIMO presence field = 0, it means that the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field, and the j-th AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO; if the C-UL MU MIMO presence field = 1, it means that the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field does not include the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field, and the j-th AP MLD does not support C-UL MU MIMO.

[0430] In some embodiments, when the Multi-AP MLD Mechanism Supported field does not include the C-OFDMA Existence field, the Multi-AP MLD Cooperation Capability field itself implicitly indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

[0431] In some embodiments, the C-OFDMA specific information field includes an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field;

[0432] The uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA, and the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports downlink C-OFDMA.

[0433] In some embodiments, the C-SR specific information field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, and a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field.

[0434] Specifically, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA. Optionally, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA; if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 0, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA. For another example, if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 0, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA; if the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA.

[0435] Specifically, the C-SR and C-BF combined field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF. Optionally, the C-SR and C-BF combined field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the C-SR and C-BF combined field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF; if the C-SR and C-BF combined field = 0, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF. For another example, if the C-SR and C-BF combined field = 0, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF; if the C-SR and C-BF combined field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF.

[0436] Specifically, the C-SR and J-TX combined field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX. Optionally, the C-SR and J-TX combined field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the C-SR and J-TX combined field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX; if the C-SR and J-TX combined field = 0, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX. For another example, if the C-SR and J-TX combined field = 0, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX; if the C-SR and J-TX combined field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX.

[0437] Specifically, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO. Optionally, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO; if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 0, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO. For another example, if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 0, it means that the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO; if the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field = 1, it means that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0438] In some embodiments, when the j-th AP MLD does not support C-BF, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and C-BF combination field, or the value of the C-SR and C-BF combination field indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF.

[0439] In some embodiments, when the j-th AP MLD does not support J-TX, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and J-TX combination field, or the value of the C-SR and J-TX combination field indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX.

[0440] In some embodiments, when the j-th AP MLD does not support C-UL MU MIMO, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, or the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0441] In some embodiments, the J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial-bandwidth J-TX field.

[0442] In some embodiments, the J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial-bandwidth J-TX field.

[0443] In some embodiments, the J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a multiplexed J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial-bandwidth J-TX field.

[0444] In some embodiments, the J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, and a fractional bandwidth J-TX field.

[0445] Specifically, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user. Optionally, the single-user J-TX field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the single-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user; if the single-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support joint transmission for the same user. For another example, if the single-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user; if the single-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support joint transmission for the same user.

[0446] Specifically, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for multiple users. Optionally, the multi-user J-TX field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the multi-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for multiple users; if the multi-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support joint transmission for multiple users. For another example, if the multi-user J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for multiple users; if the multi-user J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0447] Specifically, the Diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports diversity-based joint transmission. Optionally, the Diversity J-TX field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the Diversity J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports diversity-based joint transmission; if the Diversity J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support diversity-based joint transmission. For another example, if the Diversity J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports diversity-based joint transmission; if the Diversity J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support diversity-based joint transmission.

[0448] Specifically, the Multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports multiplexing joint transmission. Optionally, the Multiplexing J-TX field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the Multiplexing J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports multiplexing joint transmission; if the Multiplexing J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support multiplexing joint transmission. For another example, if the Multiplexing J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports multiplexing joint transmission; if the Multiplexing J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support multiplexing joint transmission.

[0449] Specifically, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission. Optionally, the full-bandwidth J-TX field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission; if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission. For another example, if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission; if the full-bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0450] Specifically, the Fractional Bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports partial bandwidth joint transmission. Optionally, the Fractional Bandwidth J-TX field occupies 1 bit. For example, if the Fractional Bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports partial bandwidth joint transmission; if the Fractional Bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission. For another example, if the Fractional Bandwidth J-TX field = 0, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports partial bandwidth joint transmission; if the Fractional Bandwidth J-TX field = 1, it indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0451] In some embodiments, when the J-TX specific information field does not include a single-user J-TX field, the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user by default.

[0452] In some embodiments, when the J-TX specific information field does not include a diversity J-TX field, the j-th AP MLD supports diversity joint transmission by default.

[0453] In some embodiments, when the J-TX specific information field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, the j-th AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0454] In some embodiments, the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field includes at least one of the following: a detect and discard field, a reduce interference field;

[0455] The Detect and Discard field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode;

[0456] The Reduce Interference field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports directly treating other users' data as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frame in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0457] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination capability element (Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element) in the third frame may be as shown in Figure 36, where the multi-AP MLD coordination capability element includes a multi-AP MLD coordination capability field, wherein the multi-AP MLD coordination capability field includes at least one of the following: a multi-AP MLD coordination control field (Multi-AP MLD Coordination Control field) (occupies 1 byte), a general information field (occupies 3 bytes), a C-OFDMA specific information field (occupies 0 or 1 byte), a C-SR specific information field (occupies 0 or 1 byte), a J-TX specific information field (occupies 0 or 1 byte), and a C-UL MU MIMO specific information field (occupies 0 or 1 byte). The multi-AP MLD collaborative control field includes: C-OFDMA presence field (occupies 1 bit), C-SR presence field (occupies 1 bit), C-BF support field (occupies 1 bit), J-TX presence field (occupies 1 bit), and C-UL MU MIMO presence field (occupies 1 bit).

[0458] In an embodiment of the present application, multiple AP MLDs can obtain each other's capability information by receiving Beacon frames (at 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz) or DMG Beacon frames (at 60GHz) or Broadcast Probe Response frames (at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz and 60GHz) sent by each other. In this embodiment of the present application, the capability information is mainly multi-AP MLD collaboration capability information, specifically including: 1) collaboration capability information, carried by the Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element; 2) multi-link information, mainly carried by the Basic Multi-Link element. Assuming that the first AP MLD is AP MLD 1 and the second AP MLD is AP MLD 2, as shown in Figure 37, AP MLD 1 (and / or AP MLD 2) can send a Beacon frame on 2.4 GHz through its attached AP 1. The Multi-AP MLD Coordination Capabilities element carried in the frame is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination capabilities supported by the AP MLD; the Basic Multi-Link element carried in the frame is used to indicate the multi-link information supported by the AP MLD, for example, the AP MLD supports establishing multiple links on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz, and the corresponding capability information for each link. Through the above method, since the Beacon frame sent by AP MLD 1 (and / or AP MLD 2) on any link carries the capability information of the other supported links, AP MLD 1 (and / or AP MLD 2) does not need to send Beacon frames carrying coordination capability information and multi-link information on all supported links.

[0459] It should be noted that Figure 37 is illustrated using the example of the auxiliary AP 1 in which AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 work at 2.4 GHz. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. It can also be performed by the auxiliary AP 2 in which AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 work at 5 GHz, and / or, by the auxiliary AP 3 in which AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 work at 6 GHz, and / or, by the auxiliary AP 4 in which AP MLD 1 and AP MLD2 work at 60 GHz.

[0460] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, multi-AP MLD collaborative transmission can be achieved, and multi-AP MLD can use multiple links for collaboration, which can improve throughput and enhance communication reliability; the rules for multi-AP MLD to perform joint channel detection are designed, which fills the need for multi-AP MLD to use the same frequency link for channel detection, and different frequency links do not need to perform channel detection, so that multi-AP MLD can jointly transmit data for one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0461] The above text, in combination with Figures 6 to 37, describes in detail the method embodiment of the present application. The following text, in combination with Figures 38 to 43, describes in detail the device embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the device embodiment and the method embodiment correspond to each other, and similar descriptions can refer to the method embodiment.

[0462] FIG38 shows a schematic block diagram of an access point multi-link device AP MLD 300 according to an embodiment of the present application. The AP MLD 300 is a first AP MLD. As shown in FIG38 , the AP MLD 300 includes:

[0463] The communication unit 310 is configured to receive an association request frame sent by a first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD;

[0464] The association request frame is used to request association to a target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the association request frame includes first multi-link information, where the first multi-link information is used to indicate multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set is the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

[0465] In some embodiments, the first multilink information is a basic multilink field included in the association request frame.

[0466] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes capability information of the first non-AP MLD to participate in multi-AP MLD collaboration.

[0467] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes a non-AP MLD multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field, where the non-AP MLD multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field is used to indicate capability information of the first non-AP MLD to participate in the multi-AP MLD collaboration.

[0468] In some embodiments, the capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a collaborative spatial multiplexing C-SR field, a collaborative beamforming C-BF field, a collaborative uplink multi-user multiple input multiple output C-UL MU MIMO field, a joint transmission J-TX field, a collaborative orthogonal frequency division multiple access C-OFDMA field, and a collaborative time division multiple access C-TDMA field; or, the capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field;

[0469] The C-SR field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

[0470] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF; and / or

[0471] In a case where the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

[0472] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA; and / or

[0473] In a case where the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the C-TDMA field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-TDMA and downlink C-TDMA.

[0474] In some embodiments, the communication unit 310 is further configured to send an association response frame to the first non-AP MLD;

[0475] The association response frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the association response frame includes second multi-link information, where the second multi-link information is used to indicate acceptance or rejection of some or all links requested by the first non-AP MLD to establish, and / or the second multi-link information is used to indicate multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD.

[0476] In some embodiments, the second multilink information is a basic multilink field included in the association response frame.

[0477] In some embodiments, the association response frame further includes at least one of the following: a status code field, a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field;

[0478] The status code field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the requested traditional basic service set BSS and / or virtual basic service set VBSS, where the VBSS is the BSS corresponding to the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set;

[0479] The multi-AP MLD coordination set information field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination capability of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

[0480] In some embodiments, the status code field indicates success, indicating that the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the legacy BSS and the VBSS; and / or,

[0481] The status code field indicates VBSS failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with the VBSS fails; and / or,

[0482] The status code field indicates failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with the traditional SSID fails.

[0483] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field in the association response frame includes a coordination set information field; wherein,

[0484] The coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a virtual basic service set identifier VBSSID field, a coordination set identifier field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD quantity field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields;

[0485] The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the cooperation set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD cooperation mode supported by the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the multiple AP MLD information fields are used to indicate relevant information of multiple member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0486] In some embodiments, the detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or

[0487] The detection method field only includes the joint detection field;

[0488] The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

[0489] In some embodiments, when the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence by default.

[0490] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: uplink C-OFDMA field, downlink C-OFDMA field, C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, C-SR and C-BF joint field, C-SR and J-TX joint field, C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, C-BF field, single-user J-TX field, multi-user J-TX field, diversity J-TX field, J-TX field, full bandwidth J-TX field, partial bandwidth J-TX field, detect and discard field, reduce interference field; or,

[0491] The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detect and discard field, and a reduce interference field;

[0492] Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-OFDMA for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-BF for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and J-TX for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO for simultaneous joint use, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-BF, and the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP Whether the MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, the detect and discard field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and the reduce interference field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports directly treating data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating data / frames of target users in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0493] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the uplink C-OFDMA field and the downlink C-OFDMA field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0494] In some embodiments, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or

[0495] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support diversity joint transmission; and / or

[0496] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support multiplexed joint transmission; and / or

[0497] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or

[0498] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

[0499] In some embodiments, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full-bandwidth J-TX field.

[0500] In some embodiments, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or,

[0501] The target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0502] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; or

[0503] The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field;

[0504] Among them, the Support C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-OFDMA, the Support C-SR field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-SR, the Support C-BF field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-BF, the Support J-TX field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports J-TX, and the Support C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0505] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0506] In some embodiments, the AP MLD information field in the plurality of AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a basic service set identifier BSSID field, an AP MLD identifier field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element;

[0507] Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration role supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multilink element is used to indicate the multilink information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

[0508] In some embodiments, the AP MLD identification field is directly set by the master AP MLD or the coordinated AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLDs indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the target multi-AP MLD coordinated set.

[0509] In some embodiments, the AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a coordinated AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field, and a shared AP MLD role field;

[0510] In the channel detection phase, the cooperative AP MLD indicated by the cooperative AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the coordinated AP MLD role field participates in the detection;

[0511] In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its transmission opportunity TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for cooperative transmission.

[0512] In some embodiments, when the coordination set information field does not include a basic multilink element, the basic multilink field included in the association response frame is further used to indicate the multilink information of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

[0513] In some embodiments, the communication unit 310 is further configured to share the association information of the first non-AP MLD included in the association request frame with other AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set through a backhaul link.

[0514] In some embodiments, some or all of the AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD coordination set together constitute a first virtual AP MLD.

[0515] In some embodiments, the first virtual AP MLD has a virtual multi-link device MLD media access control MAC;

[0516] The virtual MLD MAC is connected to the MLD upper layer MACs of all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD MAC manages and controls all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD.

[0517] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD MAC is located in any one of all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in a master AP MLD among all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in an independent control device.

[0518] In some embodiments, the AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD has an MLD upper layer MAC, a non-MLD upper layer MAC, an MLD lower layer MAC, and a physical layer.

[0519] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD manages link allocation of the entire VBSS corresponding to the first virtual AP MLD.

[0520] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, some of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD transmit only control plane information and other parts of the links transmit only data plane information. Alternatively, some or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD allow transmission of both control plane information and data plane information.

[0521] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate station STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with subordinate access points AP of multiple AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD.

[0522] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, or the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

[0523] In some embodiments, when the first non-AP MLD is an extremely high throughput (EHT) non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD supports association with only one AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD and establishment of a multi-link connection, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is allocated by the virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD.

[0524] In some embodiments, subordinate APs of some or all AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set together form a second virtual AP MLD.

[0525] In some embodiments, the second virtual AP MLD has a virtual MLD upper layer MAC;

[0526] The virtual MLD upper MAC is connected to the MLD lower MACs of all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD upper MAC manages and controls all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

[0527] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD upper layer MAC is located in any one of all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper layer MAC is located in the master AP among all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper layer MAC is located in an independent control device.

[0528] In some embodiments, the subordinate AP in the second virtual AP MLD has a non-MLD upper layer MAC, an MLD lower layer MAC, and a physical layer.

[0529] In some embodiments, multiple subordinate APs co-located in the second virtual AP MLD share one MLD upper layer MAC.

[0530] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD upper layer MAC of the second virtual AP MLD manages link allocation of the entire VBSS corresponding to the second virtual AP MLD.

[0531] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, some of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located with the second virtual AP MLD transmit only control plane information, and another part of the links transmit only data plane information. Alternatively, some or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located with the second virtual AP MLD allow transmission of both control plane information and data plane information.

[0532] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate station STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with multiple non-co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

[0533] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same PPDU, or the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

[0534] In some embodiments, when the first non-AP MLD is an EHT non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD only supports associating with a group of co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD and establishing multi-link connections, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is allocated by the virtual MLD MAC of the second virtual AP MLD.

[0535] In some embodiments, before the first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, the communication unit 310 is further configured to send a first frame;

[0536] The first frame includes the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs includes at least the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0537] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field, where the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field is used to indicate coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

[0538] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field in the first frame includes a coordination set quantity field and at least one coordination set information field; wherein the coordination set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the sth coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the sth multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs, where s is a positive integer.

[0539] In some embodiments, the first frame is one of the following: a beacon frame, a directional multi-gigabit (DMG) beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a multi-link probe response frame.

[0540] In some embodiments, before the first AP MLD sends the first frame, the communication unit 310 is further configured to receive a second frame sent by the first non-AP MLD;

[0541] The second frame is used to request the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0542] In some embodiments, the second frame includes at least one of the following: a service set identifier SSID field, an SSID list field, a multi-AP MLD cooperation set information request element;

[0543] The SSID field and / or the SSID list field is used to indicate the SSID requested by the first non-AP MLD and / or the SSID corresponding to the VBSS. The multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request field in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request element includes an information request field. The information request field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD requests to obtain the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set.

[0544] In some embodiments, when the first frame is a probe response frame, the second frame is a probe request frame; or

[0545] In the case that the first frame is a multi-link probe response frame, the second frame is a multi-link probe request frame.

[0546] In some embodiments, when the second frame is a multilink probe request frame, the second frame further includes a multilink element, and the type field included in the multilink control field in the multilink element is used to indicate that the multilink element is a probe request multilink element.

[0547] In some embodiments, before the first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, the communication unit 310 is further configured to send a multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame to at least one AP MLD;

[0548] The multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

[0549] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set request field, where the multi-AP MLD coordination set request field is used to indicate coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

[0550] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set request field includes a coordination set quantity field and at least one coordination set information field; wherein the coordination set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets established by the first AP MLD request, and the nth coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the nth multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request, where n is a positive integer.

[0551] In some embodiments, the communication unit 310 is further configured to receive a multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame sent by a second AP MLD;

[0552] The at least one AP MLD includes the second AP MLD, and the multi-AP MLD coordination set response field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame includes a response code field;

[0553] The value of the response code field is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0554] The second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD;

[0555] The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, because the second AP MLD has a heavy BSS load and cannot participate in the multi-AP MLD coordinated transmission.

[0556] The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, and the rejection reason is unknown.

[0557] In some embodiments, when the response code field indicates that the second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, the multi-AP MLD coordination set response field further includes an associated non-AP MLD quantity field and multiple non-AP MLD information fields;

[0558] The associated non-AP MLD quantity field is used to indicate the quantity of non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, and the x-th non-AP MLD information field in the multiple non-AP MLD information fields is used to indicate multi-AP MLD collaboration related information of the x-th non-AP MLD in the non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, where x is a positive integer.

[0559] In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD information field in the plurality of non-AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a non-AP MLD priority field, a multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD, and a basic multilink element;

[0560] The non-AP MLD priority field is used to indicate the priority of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field in participating in multi-AP MLD collaborative transmission. The multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD is used to indicate the capability information of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field in participating in multi-AP MLD collaboration. The basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information supported by the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field.

[0561] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field, a C-BF field, a C-UL MU MIMO field, and a J-TX field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field;

[0562] Among them, the C-SR field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

[0563] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF; and / or

[0564] In the case that the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

[0565] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD itself implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

[0566] In some embodiments, the communication unit 310 is further configured to send a multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame;

[0567] The multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD confirmation.

[0568] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation field includes a coordination set quantity field and at least one coordination set information field; wherein the coordination set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets established by the first AP MLD confirmation, and the sth coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the sth multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD confirmation, where s is a positive integer.

[0569] In some embodiments, the coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a VBSSID field, a coordination set identification field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD number field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields;

[0570] The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the coordination set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination mode supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, and the mth AP MLD information field in the multiple AP MLD information fields is used to indicate relevant information of the mth member AP MLD included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field.

[0571] In some embodiments, the detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or

[0572] The detection method field only includes the joint detection field;

[0573] The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

[0574] In some embodiments, when the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence by default.

[0575] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: uplink C-OFDMA field, downlink C-OFDMA field, C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, C-SR and C-BF joint field, C-SR and J-TX joint field, C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, C-BF field, single-user J-TX field, multi-user J-TX field, diversity J-TX field, J-TX field, full bandwidth J-TX field, partial bandwidth J-TX field, detect and discard field, reduce interference field; or,

[0576] The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detect and discard field, and a reduce interference field;

[0577] Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-OFDMA at the same time, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-BF at the same time, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and J-TX at the same time, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO at the same time, the C-BF field is used to indicate the multi-AP corresponding to the current cooperation set information field Whether the MLD cooperation set supports C-BF, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-UL-MU Whether the MIMO mode supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames, the Reduce Interference field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports directly treating the data of other users as interference in C-UL-MU MIMO mode and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frames of the target user.

[0578] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the uplink C-OFDMA field and the downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0579] In some embodiments, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or

[0580] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support diversity joint transmission; and / or

[0581] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support multiplexed joint transmission; and / or

[0582] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or

[0583] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

[0584] In some embodiments, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full bandwidth J-TX field.

[0585] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or,

[0586] The multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0587] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; or

[0588] The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field;

[0589] Among them, the supported C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-OFDMA, the supported C-SR field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-SR, the supported C-BF field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-BF, the supported J-TX field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports J-TX, and the supported C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0590] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0591] In some embodiments, the AP MLD information field in the plurality of AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a BSSID field, an AP MLD identification field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element;

[0592] Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration role supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multilink element is used to indicate the multilink information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

[0593] In some embodiments, the AP MLD identification field is directly set by the master AP MLD or the coordinated AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the multi-AP MLD coordinated set corresponding to the current coordinated set information field.

[0594] In some embodiments, the AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a coordinated AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field, and a shared AP MLD role field;

[0595] In the channel detection phase, the cooperative AP MLD indicated by the cooperative AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the coordinated AP MLD role field participates in the detection;

[0596] In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for cooperative transmission.

[0597] In some embodiments, before the first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, the communication unit 310 is further configured to obtain multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of at least one AP MLD.

[0598] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the j-th AP MLD in the at least one AP MLD is sent via a third frame;

[0599] The third frame includes a multi-link element and a multi-AP MLD cooperation capability element, and j is a positive integer;

[0600] The multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the j-th AP MLD, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field in the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability element is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the j-th AP MLD.

[0601] In some embodiments, the multilink element includes at least one of the following: a multilink control field, a general information field, and a link information field;

[0602] The type field in the multilink control field is used to indicate that the type of the multilink element is a basic multilink element, and the presence bitmap field in the multilink control field is used to indicate the fields present in the general information field;

[0603] The first Q1 bits and the last Q2 bits of the link identifier information field in the general information field jointly indicate the link identifier of the subordinate AP of the AP MLD that transmits the basic multilink element in multi-AP MLD collaboration, where Q1 and Q2 are both positive integers.

[0604] The link information field is used to indicate link-related information of the j-th AP MLD.

[0605] In some embodiments, the link information field includes at least one single STA overview field, and the first Q3 bits and the last Q4 bits of the STA control field in the single STA overview field in the at least one single STA overview field jointly indicate the link identifier of the STA reported in multi-AP MLD collaboration, and Q3 and Q4 are both positive integers.

[0606] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes at least one of the following: a multi-AP MLD cooperation control field, a general information field, a C-OFDMA specific information field, a C-SR specific information field, a J-TX specific information field, and a C-UL MU MIMO specific information field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes at least one of the following: a multi-AP cooperation control field, a general information field, a C-SR specific information field, a J-TX specific information field, and a C-UL MU MIMO specific information field;

[0607] Among them, the multi-AP MLD collaboration control field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration mode-related fields specifically included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field; the general information field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration set establishment method, the role supported by the j-th AP MLD under the multi-AP MLD transmission mechanism, and the channel detection method supported by the j-th AP MLD; the C-OFDMA specific information field is used to indicate the C-OFDMA type supported by the j-th AP MLD; the C-SR specific information field is used to indicate the C-SR type supported by the j-th AP MLD; the J-TX specific information field is used to indicate the J-TX type supported by the j-th AP MLD; the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field is used to indicate the C-UL-MU MIMO type supported by the j-th AP MLD.

[0608] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation control field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA presence field, a C-SR presence field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX presence field, and a C-UL MU MIMO presence field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperation control field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR presence field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX presence field, and a C-UL MU MIMO presence field;

[0609] The C-OFDMA presence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-OFDMA specific information field, and the C-OFDMA presence field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-OFDMA;

[0610] The C-SR existence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-SR specific information field, and the C-SR existence field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-SR;

[0611] The Supported C-BF field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-BF;

[0612] The J-TX presence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the J-TX specific information field, and the J-TX presence field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports J-TX;

[0613] The C-UL MU MIMO presence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field, and the C-UL MU MIMO presence field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0614] In some embodiments, when the Multi-AP MLD Mechanism Supported field does not include the C-OFDMA Existence field, the Multi-AP MLD Cooperation Capability field itself implicitly indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

[0615] In some embodiments, the C-OFDMA specific information field includes an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field;

[0616] The uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA, and the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports downlink C-OFDMA.

[0617] In some embodiments, the C-SR specific information field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, and a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field;

[0618] Among them, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0619] In some embodiments, when the j-th AP MLD does not support C-BF, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and C-BF combination field, or the value of the C-SR and C-BF combination field indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF; and / or

[0620] In the case that the j-th AP MLD does not support J-TX, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and J-TX combination field, or the value of the C-SR and J-TX combination field indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX; and / or

[0621] When the j-th AP MLD does not support C-UL MU MIMO, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, or the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0622] In some embodiments, the J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field; or

[0623] The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial-bandwidth J-TX field; or

[0624] The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a multiplexed J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial-bandwidth J-TX field; or

[0625] The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, and a fractional bandwidth J-TX field;

[0626] The single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, and the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0627] In some embodiments, when the J-TX specific information field does not include a single-user J-TX field, the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user by default; and / or,

[0628] In the case that the J-TX specific information field does not include the diversity J-TX field, the j-th AP MLD supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or,

[0629] In the case that the J-TX specific information field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, the j-th AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0630] In some embodiments, the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field includes at least one of the following: a detect and discard field, a reduce interference field;

[0631] The Detect and Discard field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode;

[0632] The Reduce Interference field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports directly treating other users' data as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frame in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0633] In some embodiments, the third frame is one of the following: a beacon frame, a broadcast probe response frame, and a DMG beacon frame.

[0634] In some embodiments, the first AP MLD is a master AP MLD.

[0635] In some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or a transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system on chip. The processing unit may be one or more processors.

[0636] It should be understood that the AP MLD 300 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the first AP MLD in the method embodiment of the present application, and the above-mentioned and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the AP MLD 300 are respectively for implementing the corresponding process of the first AP MLD in the method 200 shown in Figure 6. For the sake of brevity, they are not further described here.

[0637] FIG39 shows a schematic block diagram of a non-AP MLD 400 according to an embodiment of the present application. The non-AP MLD 400 is a first non-AP MLD. As shown in FIG39 , the non-AP MLD 400 includes:

[0638] The communication unit 410 is configured to send an association request frame to a first access point multi-link device AP MLD;

[0639] The association request frame is used to request association to a target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the association request frame includes first multi-link information, where the first multi-link information is used to indicate multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set is the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

[0640] In some embodiments, the first multilink information is a basic multilink field included in the association request frame.

[0641] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes capability information of the first non-AP MLD to participate in multi-AP MLD collaboration.

[0642] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes a non-AP MLD multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field, where the non-AP MLD multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field is used to indicate capability information of the first non-AP MLD to participate in the multi-AP MLD collaboration.

[0643] In some embodiments, the capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a collaborative spatial multiplexing C-SR field, a collaborative beamforming C-BF field, a collaborative uplink multi-user multiple input multiple output C-UL MU MIMO field, a joint transmission J-TX field, a collaborative orthogonal frequency division multiple access C-OFDMA field, and a collaborative time division multiple access C-TDMA field; or, the capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field;

[0644] The C-SR field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

[0645] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF; and / or

[0646] In a case where the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

[0647] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA; and / or

[0648] In a case where the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the C-TDMA field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-TDMA and downlink C-TDMA.

[0649] In some embodiments, the communication unit 410 is further configured to receive an association response frame sent by the first AP MLD;

[0650] The association response frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the association response frame includes second multi-link information, where the second multi-link information is used to indicate acceptance or rejection of some or all links requested by the first non-AP MLD to establish, and / or the second multi-link information is used to indicate multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD.

[0651] In some embodiments, the second multilink information is a basic multilink field included in the association response frame.

[0652] In some embodiments, the association response frame further includes at least one of the following: a status code field, a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field;

[0653] The status code field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the requested traditional basic service set BSS and / or virtual basic service set VBSS, where the VBSS is the BSS corresponding to the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set;

[0654] The multi-AP MLD coordination set information field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination capability of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

[0655] In some embodiments, the status code field indicates success, indicating that the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the legacy BSS and the VBSS; and / or,

[0656] The status code field indicates VBSS failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with the VBSS fails; and / or,

[0657] The status code field indicates failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with the traditional SSID fails.

[0658] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field in the association response frame includes a coordination set information field; wherein,

[0659] The coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a virtual basic service set identifier VBSSID field, a coordination set identifier field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD quantity field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields;

[0660] The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the cooperation set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD cooperation mode supported by the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, and the multiple AP MLD information fields are used to indicate relevant information of multiple member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0661] In some embodiments, the detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or

[0662] The detection method field only includes the joint detection field;

[0663] The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

[0664] In some embodiments, when the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the target multi-AP MLD coordination set supports multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence by default.

[0665] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: uplink C-OFDMA field, downlink C-OFDMA field, C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, C-SR and C-BF joint field, C-SR and J-TX joint field, C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, C-BF field, single-user J-TX field, multi-user J-TX field, diversity J-TX field, J-TX field, full bandwidth J-TX field, partial bandwidth J-TX field, detect and discard field, reduce interference field; or,

[0666] The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detect and discard field, and a reduce interference field;

[0667] Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-OFDMA for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-BF for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and J-TX for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-ULMU MIMO for simultaneous joint use, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-BF, and the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP Whether the MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, the detect and discard field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and the reduce interference field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports directly treating data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating data / frames of target users in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0668] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the uplink C-OFDMA field and the downlink C-OFDMA field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0669] In some embodiments, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or

[0670] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support diversity joint transmission; and / or

[0671] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support multiplexed joint transmission; and / or

[0672] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or

[0673] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

[0674] In some embodiments, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full-bandwidth J-TX field.

[0675] In some embodiments, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or,

[0676] The target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0677] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; or

[0678] The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field;

[0679] Among them, the Support C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-OFDMA, the Support C-SR field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-SR, the Support C-BF field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-BF, the Support J-TX field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports J-TX, and the Support C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0680] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0681] In some embodiments, the AP MLD information field in the plurality of AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a basic service set identifier BSSID field, an AP MLD identifier field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element;

[0682] Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration role supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multilink element is used to indicate the multilink information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

[0683] In some embodiments, the AP MLD identification field is directly set by the master AP MLD or the coordinated AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLDs indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the target multi-AP MLD coordinated set.

[0684] In some embodiments, the AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a coordinated AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field, and a shared AP MLD role field;

[0685] In the channel detection phase, the cooperative AP MLD indicated by the cooperative AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the coordinated AP MLD role field participates in the detection;

[0686] In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its transmission opportunity TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for cooperative transmission.

[0687] In some embodiments, when the coordination set information field does not include a basic multilink element, the basic multilink field included in the association response frame is further used to indicate the multilink information of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

[0688] In some embodiments, the first AP MLD shares the association information of the first non-AP MLD contained in the association request frame with other AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set through a backhaul link.

[0689] In some embodiments, some or all of the AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD coordination set together constitute a first virtual AP MLD.

[0690] In some embodiments, the first virtual AP MLD has a virtual multi-link device MLD media access control MAC;

[0691] The virtual MLD MAC is connected to the MLD upper layer MACs of all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD MAC manages and controls all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD.

[0692] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD MAC is located in any one of all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in a master AP MLD among all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in an independent control device.

[0693] In some embodiments, the AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD has an MLD upper layer MAC, a non-MLD upper layer MAC, an MLD lower layer MAC, and a physical layer.

[0694] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD manages link allocation of the entire VBSS corresponding to the first virtual AP MLD.

[0695] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, some of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD transmit only control plane information and other parts of the links transmit only data plane information. Alternatively, some or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD allow transmission of both control plane information and data plane information.

[0696] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate station STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with subordinate access points AP of multiple AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD.

[0697] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, or the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

[0698] In some embodiments, when the first non-AP MLD is an extremely high throughput (EHT) non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD supports association with only one AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD and establishment of a multi-link connection, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is allocated by the virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD.

[0699] In some embodiments, subordinate APs of some or all AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set together form a second virtual AP MLD.

[0700] In some embodiments, the second virtual AP MLD has a virtual MLD upper layer MAC;

[0701] The virtual MLD upper MAC is connected to the MLD lower MACs of all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD upper MAC manages and controls all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

[0702] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD upper layer MAC is located in any one of all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper layer MAC is located in the master AP among all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper layer MAC is located in an independent control device.

[0703] In some embodiments, the subordinate AP in the second virtual AP MLD has a non-MLD upper layer MAC, an MLD lower layer MAC, and a physical layer.

[0704] In some embodiments, multiple subordinate APs co-located in the second virtual AP MLD share one MLD upper layer MAC.

[0705] In some embodiments, the virtual MLD upper layer MAC of the second virtual AP MLD manages link allocation of the entire VBSS corresponding to the second virtual AP MLD.

[0706] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, some of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located with the second virtual AP MLD transmit only control plane information, and another part of the links transmit only data plane information. Alternatively, some or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located with the second virtual AP MLD allow transmission of both control plane information and data plane information.

[0707] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate station STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with multiple non-co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

[0708] In some embodiments, after the first non-AP MLD successfully associates with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same PPDU, or the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

[0709] In some embodiments, when the first non-AP MLD is an EHT non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD only supports associating with a group of co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD and establishing multi-link connections, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is allocated by the virtual MLD MAC of the second virtual AP MLD.

[0710] In some embodiments, before the first non-AP MLD sends the association request frame, the communication unit 410 is further configured to receive a first frame sent by the first AP MLD;

[0711] The first frame includes the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs includes at least the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0712] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field, where the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field is used to indicate coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

[0713] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field in the first frame includes a coordination set quantity field and at least one coordination set information field; wherein the coordination set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the sth coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the sth multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs, where s is a positive integer.

[0714] In some embodiments, the coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a VBSSID field, a coordination set identification field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD number field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields;

[0715] The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the coordination set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination mode supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, and the mth AP MLD information field in the multiple AP MLD information fields is used to indicate relevant information of the mth member AP MLD included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field.

[0716] In some embodiments, the detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or

[0717] The detection method field only includes the joint detection field;

[0718] The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

[0719] In some embodiments, when the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence by default.

[0720] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: uplink C-OFDMA field, downlink C-OFDMA field, C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, C-SR and C-BF joint field, C-SR and J-TX joint field, C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, C-BF field, single-user J-TX field, multi-user J-TX field, diversity J-TX field, J-TX field, full bandwidth J-TX field, partial bandwidth J-TX field, detect and discard field, reduce interference field; or,

[0721] The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detect and discard field, and a reduce interference field;

[0722] Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-OFDMA at the same time, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-BF at the same time, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and J-TX at the same time, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO at the same time, the C-BF field is used to indicate the multi-AP corresponding to the current cooperation set information field Whether the MLD cooperation set supports C-BF, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-UL-MU Whether the MIMO mode supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames, the Reduce Interference field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports directly treating the data of other users as interference in C-UL-MU MIMO mode and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frames of the target user.

[0723] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the uplink C-OFDMA field and the downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0724] In some embodiments, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or

[0725] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support diversity joint transmission; and / or

[0726] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support multiplexed joint transmission; and / or

[0727] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or

[0728] In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

[0729] In some embodiments, when the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full bandwidth J-TX field.

[0730] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or,

[0731] The multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0732] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; or

[0733] The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field;

[0734] Among them, the supported C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-OFDMA, the supported C-SR field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-SR, the supported C-BF field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-BF, the supported J-TX field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports J-TX, and the supported C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0735] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0736] In some embodiments, the AP MLD information field in the plurality of AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a BSSID field, an AP MLD identification field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element;

[0737] Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration role supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multilink element is used to indicate the multilink information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

[0738] In some embodiments, the AP MLD identification field is directly set by the master AP MLD or the coordinated AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the multi-AP MLD coordinated set corresponding to the current coordinated set information field.

[0739] In some embodiments, the AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a coordinated AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field, and a shared AP MLD role field;

[0740] In the channel detection phase, the cooperative AP MLD indicated by the cooperative AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the coordinated AP MLD role field participates in the detection;

[0741] In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for cooperative transmission.

[0742] In some embodiments, the first frame is one of the following: a beacon frame, a directional multi-gigabit (DMG) beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a multi-link probe response frame.

[0743] In some embodiments, before the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame, the communication unit 410 is further configured to send a second frame to the first AP MLD;

[0744] The second frame is used to request the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

[0745] In some embodiments, the second frame includes at least one of the following: a service set identifier SSID field, an SSID list field, a multi-AP MLD cooperation set information request element;

[0746] The SSID field and / or the SSID list field is used to indicate the SSID requested by the first non-AP MLD and / or the SSID corresponding to the VBSS. The multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request field in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request element includes an information request field. The information request field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD requests to obtain the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set.

[0747] In some embodiments, when the first frame is a probe response frame, the second frame is a probe request frame; or

[0748] In the case that the first frame is a multi-link probe response frame, the second frame is a multi-link probe request frame.

[0749] In some embodiments, when the second frame is a multilink probe request frame, the second frame further includes a multilink element, and the type field included in the multilink control field in the multilink element is used to indicate that the multilink element is a probe request multilink element.

[0750] In some embodiments, the first AP MLD is a master AP MLD.

[0751] In some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or a transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system on chip. The processing unit may be one or more processors.

[0752] It should be understood that the non-AP MLD 400 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the first non-AP MLD in the method embodiment of the present application, and the above-mentioned and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the non-AP MLD 400 are respectively for implementing the corresponding process of the first non-AP MLD in the method 200 shown in Figure 6. For the sake of brevity, they are not further described here.

[0753] FIG40 shows a schematic block diagram of an access point multi-link device AP MLD 500 according to an embodiment of the present application. The AP MLD 500 is a second AP MLD. As shown in FIG40 , the AP MLD 500 includes:

[0754] The communication unit 510 is configured to receive a multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame sent by a first AP MLD;

[0755] The multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

[0756] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set request field, where the multi-AP MLD coordination set request field is used to indicate coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

[0757] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set request field includes a coordination set quantity field and at least one coordination set information field; wherein the coordination set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets established by the first AP MLD request, and the nth coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the nth multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request, where n is a positive integer.

[0758] In some embodiments, the communication unit 510 is further configured to send a multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame to the first AP MLD;

[0759] The multi-AP MLD coordination set response field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame includes a response code field;

[0760] The value of the response code field is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0761] The second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD;

[0762] The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, because the second AP MLD has a heavy BSS load and cannot participate in the multi-AP MLD coordinated transmission.

[0763] The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, and the rejection reason is unknown.

[0764] In some embodiments, when the response code field indicates that the second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, the multi-AP MLD coordination set response field further includes an associated non-AP MLD quantity field and multiple non-AP MLD information fields;

[0765] The associated non-AP MLD quantity field is used to indicate the quantity of non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, and the x-th non-AP MLD information field in the multiple non-AP MLD information fields is used to indicate multi-AP MLD collaboration related information of the x-th non-AP MLD in the non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, where x is a positive integer.

[0766] In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD information field in the plurality of non-AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a non-AP MLD priority field, a multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD, and a basic multilink element;

[0767] The non-AP MLD priority field is used to indicate the priority of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field in participating in multi-AP MLD collaborative transmission. The multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD is used to indicate the capability information of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field to participate in multi-AP MLD collaboration. The basic multilink element is used to indicate the multilink information supported by the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field.

[0768] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field, a C-BF field, a C-UL MU MIMO field, and a J-TX field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field;

[0769] The C-SR field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-SR. The C-BF field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF. The C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-UL MU MIMO. The J-TX field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

[0770] In some embodiments, when the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF; and / or

[0771] In the case that the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

[0772] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD itself implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

[0773] In some embodiments, the communication unit 510 is further configured to receive a multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame sent by the first AP MLD;

[0774] The multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD confirmation.

[0775] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation field includes a coordination set quantity field and at least one coordination set information field; wherein the coordination set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets established by the first AP MLD confirmation, and the sth coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the sth multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD confirmation, where s is a positive integer.

[0776] In some embodiments, the coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a VBSSID field, a coordination set identification field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD number field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields;

[0777] The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the coordination set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination mode supported by the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field, and the mth AP MLD information field in the multiple AP MLD information fields is used to indicate relevant information of the mth member AP MLD included in the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field.

[0778] In some embodiments, the detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or

[0779] The detection method field only includes the joint detection field;

[0780] The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

[0781] In some embodiments, when the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs performing channel detection in sequence by default.

[0782] In some embodiments, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: uplink C-OFDMA field, downlink C-OFDMA field, C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, C-SR and C-BF joint field, C-SR and J-TX joint field, C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, C-BF field, single-user J-TX field, multi-user J-TX field, diversity J-TX field, J-TX field, full bandwidth J-TX field, partial bandwidth J-TX field, detect and discard field, reduce interference field; or,

[0783] The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detect and discard field, and a reduce interference field;

[0784] Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-OFDMA at the same time, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-BF at the same time, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and J-TX at the same time, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO at the same time, the C-BF field is used to indicate the multi-AP corresponding to the current cooperation set information field Whether the MLD cooperation set supports C-BF, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information ...

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The first access point multi-link device AP MLD receives an association request frame sent by a first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD; The association request frame is used to request association to a target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, and the association request frame includes first multi-link information, the first multi-link information is used to indicate the multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set is the multi-AP MLD collaboration set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first multilink information is a basic multilink field included in the association request frame.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The association request frame includes capability information of the first non-AP MLD participating in multi-AP MLD collaboration.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The association request frame includes a capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD, and the capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD is used to indicate capability information of the first non-AP MLD participating in multi-AP MLD collaboration.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: collaborative spatial multiplexing C-SR field, collaborative beamforming C-BF field, collaborative uplink multi-user multiple input multiple output C-UL MU MIMO field, joint transmission J-TX field, collaborative orthogonal frequency division multiple access C-OFDMA field, collaborative time division multiple access C-TDMA field; or, the capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: C-SR field, C-UL MU MIMO field; The C-SR field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that In a case where the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF; and / or, In a case where the capability field of multi-AP MLD cooperation of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the capability field of multi-AP MLD cooperation of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that In a case where the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA; and / or, In a case where the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-TDMA field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-TDMA and downlink C-TDMA.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first AP MLD sends an association response frame to the first non-AP MLD; The association response frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is associated with the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, and the association response frame includes second multi-link information, wherein the second multi-link information is used to indicate acceptance or rejection of some or all of the links requested to be established by the first non-AP MLD, and / or, the second multi-link information is used to indicate multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The second multilink information is a basic multilink field included in the association response frame.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The association response frame further includes at least one of the following: a status code field, a multi-AP MLD collaboration set information field; The status code field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the requested traditional basic service set BSS and / or virtual basic service set VBSS, where the VBSS is the BSS corresponding to the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set; The multi-AP MLD coordination set information field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination capability of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The status code field indicates success, indicating that the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the legacy BSS and VBSS; and / or, The status code field indicates VBSS failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with VBSS fails; and / or, The status code field indicates failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with the traditional SSID fails.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The multi-AP MLD coordination set information field in the association response frame includes a coordination set information field; wherein, The coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a virtual basic service set identifier VBSSID field, a coordination set identifier field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multi-link element, an AP MLD quantity field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields; Among them, the VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the collaboration set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration mode supported by the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, and the multiple AP MLD information fields are respectively used to indicate the relevant information of multiple member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or, The detection method field only includes a joint detection field; The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that In the case that the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence by default.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: an uplink C-OFDMA field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and a reduction interference field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and a reduction interference field; Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-OFDMA for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-BF for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and J-TX for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO for simultaneous joint use, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-BF, and the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP Whether the MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports partial bandwidth joint transmission, the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames, and the interference reduction field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports directly treating other users' data as interference in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frame.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that In the case that the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support diversity joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexed J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexed J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support multiplexed joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full-bandwidth J-TX field.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or, The target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein: The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting C-OFDMA field, supporting C-SR field, supporting C-BF field, supporting J-TX field, supporting C-UL MU MIMO field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting a C-SR field, supporting a C-BF field, supporting a J-TX field, and supporting a C-UL MU MIMO field; Among them, the supported C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-OFDMA, the supported C-SR field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-SR, the supported C-BF field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-BF, the supported J-TX field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports J-TX, and the supported C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-UL MU MIMO.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein: In the case where the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

22. The method of claim 12, wherein: The AP MLD information field in the multiple AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a basic service set identifier BSSID field, an AP MLD identifier field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element; Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identification of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multiple AP MLD collaboration roles supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: The AP MLD identification field is directly set by the main AP MLD or the cooperative AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLDs indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the target multi-AP MLD cooperative set.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a cooperating AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field and a shared AP MLD role field; Wherein, in the channel detection phase, the cooperating AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field participates in the detection; In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its transmission opportunity TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for collaborative transmission.

25. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 24, characterized in that In the case that the coordination set information field does not include a basic multilink element, the basic multilink field included in the association response frame is also used to indicate the multilink information of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first AP MLD transmits the association information of the first non-AP MLD contained in the association request frame through a backhaul link. Shared with other AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that Some or all of the AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set together form a first virtual AP MLD.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein: The first virtual AP MLD has a virtual multi-link device MLD media access control MAC; The virtual MLD MAC is connected to the MLD upper layer MACs of all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD MAC manages and controls all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein: The virtual MLD MAC is located in any one AP MLD among all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in a master AP MLD among all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in an independent control device.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that The AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD has an MLD upper layer MAC, a non-MLD upper layer MAC, an MLD lower layer MAC and a physical layer.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, characterized in that The virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD manages link allocation of the entire VBSS corresponding to the first virtual AP MLD.

32. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 31, characterized in that After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, a part of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD transmits only control plane information and another part of the links transmits only data plane information, or a part or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD allow transmission of control plane information and data plane information.

33. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, characterized in that After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate station STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with subordinate access points AP of multiple AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD.

34. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 33, characterized in that After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, or the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

35. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, characterized in that In the case where the first non-AP MLD is an extremely high throughput EHT non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD only supports association with one AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD and establishment of a multi-link connection, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is allocated by the virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD.

36. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that The subordinate APs of some or all of the AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set together form a second virtual AP MLD.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein: The second virtual AP MLD has a virtual MLD upper layer MAC; The virtual MLD upper MAC is connected to the MLD lower MACs of all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD upper MAC manages and controls all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein: The virtual MLD upper MAC is located at any one of all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper MAC is located at a master AP among all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper MAC is located at an independent control device.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, characterized in that The subordinate AP in the second virtual AP MLD has a non-MLD upper layer MAC, an MLD lower layer MAC and a physical layer.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein: Multiple subordinate APs at the same address in the second virtual AP MLD share one MLD upper layer MAC.

41. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, characterized in that The virtual MLD upper layer MAC of the second virtual AP MLD manages link allocation of the entire VBSS corresponding to the second virtual AP MLD.

42. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, characterized in that After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, a part of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located in the second virtual AP MLD only transmit control plane information and another part of the links only transmit data plane information, or a part or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located in the second virtual AP MLD allow transmission of control plane information and data plane information.

43. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 42, characterized in that After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate station STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with multiple non-co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

44. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 43, characterized in that After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same PPDU, or the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

45. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 42, characterized in that In the case where the first non-AP MLD is an EHT non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD only supports associating with a group of co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD and establishing a multi-link connection, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is allocated by the virtual MLD MAC of the second virtual AP MLD.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 1 to 45, characterized in that Before the first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, the method further includes: The first AP MLD sends a first frame; The first frame includes the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs includes at least the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein: The first frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field, and the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein: The multi-AP MLD collaboration set information field in the first frame includes a collaboration set quantity field and at least one collaboration set information field; wherein the collaboration set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD collaboration sets to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the s-th collaboration set information field in the at least one collaboration set information field is used to indicate the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the s-th multi-AP MLD collaboration set to which the first AP MLD belongs, and s is a positive integer.

49. The method according to any one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that The first frame is one of the following: a beacon frame, a directional multi-gigabit DMG beacon frame, a probe response frame, and a multi-link probe response frame.

50. The method according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that Before the first AP MLD sends the first frame, the method further includes: The first AP MLD receives a second frame sent by the first non-AP MLD; The second frame is used to request the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein: The second frame includes at least one of the following: a service set identifier SSID field, an SSID list field, and a multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request element; The SSID field and / or the SSID list field are used to indicate the SSID requested by the first non-AP MLD and / or the SSID corresponding to the VBSS, and the multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request field in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request element includes an information request field, and the information request field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD requests to obtain the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set.

52. The method of claim 50 or 51, wherein: In the case where the first frame is a probe response frame, the second frame is a probe request frame; or In the case where the first frame is a multi-link detection response frame, the second frame is a multi-link detection request frame.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein: In the case where the second frame is a multilink detection request frame, the second frame further includes a multilink element, and the type field contained in the multilink control field in the multilink element is used to indicate that the multilink element is a detection request multilink element.

54. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 53, characterized in that Before the first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, the method further includes: The first AP MLD sends a multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame to at least one AP MLD; The multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein: The multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set request field, and the multi-AP MLD coordination set request field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein: The multi-AP MLD coordination set request field includes a coordination set quantity field and at least one coordination set information field; wherein the coordination set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD coordination sets established by the first AP MLD request, The nth coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the nth multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request, where n is a positive integer.

57. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 57, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first AP MLD receives a multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame sent by the second AP MLD; The at least one AP MLD includes the second AP MLD, and the multi-AP MLD coordination set response field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame includes a response code field; The value of the response code field is used to indicate at least one of the following: The second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD; The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD cooperative set establishment request of the first AP MLD, because the BSS load of the second AP MLD is large and cannot participate in the multi-AP MLD cooperative transmission; The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, and the rejection reason is unknown.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein: In the case where the response code field indicates that the second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, the multi-AP MLD coordination set response field further includes an associated non-AP MLD quantity field and a plurality of non-AP MLD information fields; Among them, the associated non-AP MLD quantity field is used to indicate the number of non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, and the x-th non-AP MLD information field among the multiple non-AP MLD information fields is used to indicate multi-AP MLD collaboration related information of the x-th non-AP MLD among the non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, and x is a positive integer.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein: The non-AP MLD information field in the plurality of non-AP MLD information fields comprises at least one of the following: a non-AP MLD priority field, a multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD, and a basic multi-link element; The non-AP MLD priority field is used to indicate the priority of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field in participating in multi-AP MLD collaborative transmission, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD is used to indicate the capability information of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field in participating in multi-AP MLD collaboration, and the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information supported by the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein: The multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field, a C-BF field, a C-UL MU MIMO field, and a J-TX field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field; The C-SR field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein: In the case where the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF; and / or, In the case that the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

62. The method according to any one of claims 59 to 61, characterized in that The multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD itself implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

63. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 62, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first AP MLD sends a multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame; The multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD confirmation.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein: The multi-AP MLD collaboration set confirmation field includes a collaboration set quantity field and at least one collaboration set information field; wherein the collaboration set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD collaboration sets established by the first AP MLD confirmation, and the sth collaboration set information field in the at least one collaboration set information field is used to indicate the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the sth multi-AP MLD collaboration set established by the first AP MLD confirmation, and s is a positive integer.

65. The method of claim 48, 56 or 64, wherein: The coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a VBSSID field, a coordination set identification field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD quantity field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields; The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the collaboration set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration mode supported by the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, and the m-th AP MLD information field among the multiple AP MLD information fields is used to indicate the relevant information of the m-th member AP MLD included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein: The detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or, The detection method field only includes a joint detection field; The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein: In the case where the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence by default.

68. The method of claim 65, wherein: The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: an uplink C-OFDMA field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and a reduction interference field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and a reduction interference field; Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-OFDMA at the same time, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-BF at the same time, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and J-TX at the same time, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO at the same time, and the C-BF field is used to indicate the multi-AP corresponding to the current cooperation set information field. Whether the MLD cooperation set supports C-BF, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, and the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-UL-MU Whether the MIMO mode supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames, the interference reduction field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports directly treating the data of other users as interference in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein: In the case where the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the uplink C-OFDMA field and the downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

70. The method of claim 68, wherein: In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support diversity joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support multiplexed joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

71. The method of claim 68, wherein: When the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full bandwidth J-TX field.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein: The multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or, The multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

73. The method of claim 65, wherein: The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting C-OFDMA field, supporting C-SR field, supporting C-BF field, supporting J-TX field, supporting C-UL MU MIMO field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting a C-SR field, supporting a C-BF field, supporting a J-TX field, and supporting a C-UL MU MIMO field; Among them, the supported C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-OFDMA, the supported C-SR field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-SR, the supported C-BF field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-BF, the supported J-TX field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports J-TX, and the supported C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein: In the case that the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

75. The method of claim 65, wherein: The AP MLD information field in the plurality of AP MLD information fields comprises at least one of the following: a BSSID field, an AP MLD identification field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element; Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identification of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multiple AP MLD collaboration roles supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein: The AP MLD identification field is directly set by the main AP MLD or the cooperative AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is set by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the multi-AP MLD cooperative set corresponding to the current cooperative set information field. The order in is determined.

77. The method of claim 75 or 76, wherein: The AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a cooperating AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field and a shared AP MLD role field; Wherein, in the channel detection phase, the cooperating AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field participates in the detection; In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for collaborative transmission.

78. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 77, characterized in that Before the first AP MLD receives the association request frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, the method further includes: The first AP MLD acquires multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of at least one AP MLD.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein: The multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the j-th AP MLD in the at least one AP MLD is sent through a third frame; Wherein, the third frame includes a multi-link element and a multi-AP MLD cooperation capability element, and j is a positive integer; The multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the j-th AP MLD, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field in the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability element is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the j-th AP MLD.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein: The multilink element includes at least one of the following: a multilink control field, a general information field, and a link information field; The type field in the multilink control field is used to indicate that the type of the multilink element is a basic multilink element, and the existence bitmap field in the multilink control field is used to indicate the fields existing in the general information field; The first Q1 bit and the last Q2 bit of the link identifier information field in the general information field jointly indicate the link identifier of the subordinate AP of the AP MLD that transmits the basic multi-link element when multiple AP MLDs cooperate, and Q1 and Q2 are both positive integers; The link information field is used to indicate link related information of the j-th AP MLD.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein: The link information field includes at least one single STA overview field, and the first Q3 bits and the last Q4 bits of the STA control field in the single STA overview field in the at least one single STA overview field jointly indicate the link identifier of the STA reported in multi-AP MLD collaboration, and Q3 and Q4 are both positive integers.

82. The method of claim 79, wherein: The multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field includes at least one of the following: a multi-AP MLD collaboration control field, a general information field, a C-OFDMA specific information field, a C-SR specific information field, a J-TX specific information field, and a C-UL MU MIMO specific information field; or, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field includes at least one of the following: a multi-AP collaboration control field, a general information field, a C-SR specific information field, a J-TX specific information field, and a C-UL MU MIMO specific information field; Among them, the multi-AP MLD collaboration control field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration mode-related fields specifically included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field; the general information field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration set establishment method, the role supported by the j-th AP MLD under the multi-AP MLD transmission mechanism, and the channel detection method supported by the j-th AP MLD; the C-OFDMA specific information field is used to indicate the C-OFDMA type supported by the j-th AP MLD; the C-SR specific information field is used to indicate the C-SR type supported by the j-th AP MLD; the J-TX specific information field is used to indicate the J-TX type supported by the j-th AP MLD; the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field is used to indicate the C-UL-MU MIMO type supported by the j-th AP MLD.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein: The multi-AP MLD cooperative control field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA presence field, a C-SR presence field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX presence field, and a C-UL MU MIMO presence field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperative control field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR presence field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX presence field, and a C-UL MU MIMO presence field; The C-OFDMA existence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-OFDMA specific information field, and the C-OFDMA existence field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-OFDMA; The C-SR existence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-SR specific information field, and the C-SR existence field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-SR; The supported C-BF field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-BF; The J-TX existence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the J-TX specific information field, and the J-TX existence field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports J-TX; The C-UL MU MIMO existence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field, and the C-UL MU MIMO existence field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO.

84. The method of claim 83, wherein: In the case that the multi-AP MLD mechanism supported field does not include the C-OFDMA existence field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field itself implicitly indicates that the j-th AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

85. The method of claim 82, wherein: The C-OFDMA specific information field includes an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field; The uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA, and the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports downlink C-OFDMA.

86. The method of claim 82, wherein: The C-SR specific information field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, and a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field; Among them, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

87. The method of claim 86, wherein: In the case where the j-th AP MLD does not support C-BF, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and C-BF joint field, or the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF; and / or, In the case where the j-th AP MLD does not support J-TX, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and J-TX joint field, or the value of the C-SR and J-TX joint field indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX; and / or, In the case that the j-th AP MLD does not support C-UL MU MIMO, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, or the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field indicates that the j-th AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

88. The method of claim 82, wherein: The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial-bandwidth J-TX field; or, The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial bandwidth J-TX field; or, The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a multiplexed J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial-bandwidth J-TX field; or, The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, and a partial bandwidth J-TX field; Among them, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, and the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein: In the case where the J-TX specific information field does not include a single-user J-TX field, the j-th AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user by default; and / or, In the case where the J-TX specific information field does not include a diversity J-TX field, the j-th AP MLD supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or, In a case where the J-TX specific information field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, the j-th AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

90. The method of claim 82, wherein: The C-UL MU MIMO specific information field includes at least one of the following: a detection and discard field, a reduction interference field; The detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding them in C-UL-MU MIMO mode to obtain useful data / frames; The Reduce Interference field is used to indicate whether the j-th AP MLD supports directly treating other users' data as interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frame in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

91. The method according to any one of claims 79 to 90, characterized in that The third frame is one of the following: a beacon frame, a broadcast probe response frame, and a DMG beacon frame.

92. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 91, characterized in that The first AP MLD is a main AP MLD.

93. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD sends an association request frame to the first access point multi-link device AP MLD; The association request frame is used to request association to a target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, and the association request frame includes first multi-link information, the first multi-link information is used to indicate the multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set is the multi-AP MLD collaboration set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein: The first multilink information is a basic multilink field included in the association request frame.

95. The method of claim 93 or 94, wherein: The association request frame includes capability information of the first non-AP MLD participating in multi-AP MLD collaboration.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein: The association request frame includes a capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD, and the capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD is used to indicate capability information of the first non-AP MLD participating in multi-AP MLD collaboration.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein: The capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: collaborative spatial multiplexing C-SR field, collaborative beamforming C-BF field, collaborative uplink multi-user multiple input multiple output C-UL MU MIMO field, joint transmission J-TX field, collaborative orthogonal frequency division multiple access C-OFDMA field, collaborative time division multiple access C-TDMA field; or, the capability field of multi-AP MLD collaboration of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: C-SR field, C-UL MU MIMO field; The C-SR field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein: In a case where the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports C-BF; and / or, In a case where the capability field of multi-AP MLD cooperation of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the capability field of multi-AP MLD cooperation of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports J-TX.

99. The method of claim 97 or 98, wherein: In a case where the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA; and / or, In a case where the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include a C-TDMA field, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the first non-AP MLD supports uplink C-TDMA and downlink C-TDMA.

100. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 99, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first non-AP MLD receives an association response frame sent by the first AP MLD; The association response frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is associated with the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, and the association response frame includes second multi-link information, wherein the second multi-link information is used to indicate acceptance or rejection of some or all of the links requested to be established by the first non-AP MLD, and / or, the second multi-link information is used to indicate multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein: The second multilink information is a basic multilink field included in the association response frame.

102. The method of claim 100 or 101, wherein: The association response frame further includes at least one of the following: a status code field, a multi-AP MLD collaboration set information field; The status code field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the requested traditional basic service set BSS and / or virtual basic service set VBSS, where the VBSS is the BSS corresponding to the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set; The multi-AP MLD coordination set information field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination capability of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein: The status code field indicates success, indicating that the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the legacy BSS and VBSS; and / or, The status code field indicates VBSS failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with VBSS fails; and / or, The status code field indicates failure, indicating that the first non-AP MLD request to associate with the traditional SSID fails.

104. The method of claim 102, wherein: The multi-AP MLD coordination set information field in the association response frame includes a coordination set information field; wherein, The coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a virtual basic service set identifier VBSSID field, a coordination set identifier field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multi-link element, an AP MLD quantity field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields; Among them, the VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the collaboration set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration mode supported by the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, and the multiple AP MLD information fields are respectively used to indicate the relevant information of multiple member AP MLDs included in the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein: The detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or, The detection method field only includes a joint detection field; The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein: In the case that the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence by default.

107. The method of claim 104, wherein: The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: an uplink C-OFDMA field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and a reduction interference field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and a reduction interference field; Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-OFDMA for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-BF for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and J-TX for simultaneous joint use, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO for simultaneous joint use, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports C-BF, and the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP Whether the MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports partial bandwidth joint transmission, the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames, and the interference reduction field is used to indicate whether the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports directly treating other users' data as interference in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frame.

108. The method of claim 107, wherein: In the case where the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field, the target The standard multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

109. The method of claim 107, wherein: In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support diversity joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexed J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexed J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support multiplexed joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

110. The method of claim 107, wherein: In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full-bandwidth J-TX field.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein: The target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or, The target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

112. The method of claim 104, wherein: The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting C-OFDMA field, supporting C-SR field, supporting C-BF field, supporting J-TX field, supporting C-UL MU MIMO field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting a C-SR field, supporting a C-BF field, supporting a J-TX field, and supporting a C-UL MU MIMO field; Among them, the supported C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-OFDMA, the supported C-SR field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-SR, the supported C-BF field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-BF, the supported J-TX field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports J-TX, and the supported C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set supports C-UL MU MIMO.

113. The method of claim 112, wherein: In the case where the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

114. The method of claim 104, wherein: The AP MLD information field in the multiple AP MLD information fields includes at least one of the following: a basic service set identifier BSSID field, an AP MLD identifier field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element; Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identification of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multiple AP MLD collaboration roles supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein: The AP MLD identification field is directly set by the main AP MLD or the cooperative AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLDs indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the target multi-AP MLD cooperative set.

116. The method of claim 114 or 115, wherein: The AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a cooperating AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field and a shared AP MLD role field; Wherein, in the channel detection phase, the cooperating AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field participates in the detection; In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its transmission opportunity TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for collaborative transmission.

117. The method according to any one of claims 104 to 116, characterized in that In the case that the coordination set information field does not include a basic multilink element, the basic multilink field included in the association response frame is also used to indicate the multilink information of the target multi-AP MLD coordination set.

118. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 117, characterized in that The first AP MLD shares the association information of the first non-AP MLD contained in the association request frame with other AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set through a backhaul link.

119. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 118, characterized in that Some or all of the AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set together form a first virtual AP MLD.

120. The method of claim 119, wherein: The first virtual AP MLD has a virtual multi-link device MLD media access control MAC; The virtual MLD MAC is connected to the MLD upper layer MACs of all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD MAC manages and controls all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein: The virtual MLD MAC is located in any one AP MLD among all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in a master AP MLD among all AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD MAC is located in an independent control device.

122. The method according to any one of claims 119 to 121, characterized in that The AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD has an MLD upper layer MAC, a non-MLD upper layer MAC, an MLD lower layer MAC and a physical layer.

123. The method according to any one of claims 119 to 122, characterized in that The virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD manages link allocation of the entire VBSS corresponding to the first virtual AP MLD.

124. The method according to any one of claims 119 to 123, characterized in that After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, a part of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD transmits only control plane information and another part of the links transmits only data plane information, or a part or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the first AP MLD allow transmission of control plane information and data plane information.

125. The method according to any one of claims 119 to 124, characterized in that After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate station STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with subordinate access points AP of multiple AP MLDs in the first virtual AP MLD.

126. The method according to any one of claims 119 to 125, characterized in that After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, or the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

127. The method of any one of claims 119 to 124, wherein: In the case where the first non-AP MLD is an extremely high throughput EHT non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD only supports association with one AP MLD in the first virtual AP MLD and establishment of a multi-link connection, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is allocated by the virtual MLD MAC of the first virtual AP MLD.

128. The method of any one of claims 93 to 118, wherein: The subordinate APs of some or all of the AP MLDs in the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set together form a second virtual AP MLD.

129. The method of claim 128, wherein: The second virtual AP MLD has a virtual MLD upper layer MAC; The virtual MLD upper MAC is connected to the MLD lower MACs of all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, and the virtual MLD upper MAC manages and controls all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

130. The method of claim 129, wherein: The virtual MLD upper MAC is located at any one of all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper MAC is located at a master AP among all subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD, or the virtual MLD upper MAC is located at an independent control device.

131. The method of any one of claims 128 to 130, wherein: The subordinate AP in the second virtual AP MLD has a non-MLD upper layer MAC, an MLD lower layer MAC and a physical layer.

132. The method of claim 131, wherein: Multiple subordinate APs at the same address in the second virtual AP MLD share one MLD upper layer MAC.

133. The method of any one of claims 128 to 132, wherein: The virtual MLD upper layer MAC of the second virtual AP MLD manages link allocation of the entire VBSS corresponding to the second virtual AP MLD.

134. The method of any one of claims 128 to 133, wherein: After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, a part of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located in the second virtual AP MLD only transmit control plane information and another part of the links only transmit data plane information, or a part or all of the links established between the first non-AP MLD and the multiple subordinate APs co-located in the second virtual AP MLD allow transmission of control plane information and data plane information.

135. The method of any one of claims 128 to 134, wherein: After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the same subordinate station STA of the first non-AP MLD is allowed to establish links with multiple non-co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD.

136. The method of any one of claims 128 to 135, wherein: After the first non-AP MLD is successfully associated with the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set, the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit the same PPDU, or the multiple links corresponding to the same subordinate STA of the first non-AP MLD transmit different PPDUs.

137. The method of any one of claims 128 to 134, wherein: In the case where the first non-AP MLD is an EHT non-AP MLD, the first non-AP MLD only supports associating with a group of co-located subordinate APs in the second virtual AP MLD and establishing a multi-link connection, and the link identifier corresponding to the first non-AP MLD is allocated by the virtual MLD MAC of the second virtual AP MLD.

138. The method of any one of claims 93 to 137, wherein: Before the first non-AP MLD sends the association request frame, the method further includes: The first non-AP MLD receives a first frame sent by the first AP MLD; The first frame includes the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation set to which the first AP MLD belongs includes at least the target multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

139. The method of claim 138, wherein: The first frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set information field, and the multi-AP MLD coordination set information field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein: The multi-AP MLD collaboration set information field in the first frame includes a collaboration set quantity field and at least one collaboration set information field; wherein the collaboration set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD collaboration sets to which the first AP MLD belongs, and the s-th collaboration set information field in the at least one collaboration set information field is used to indicate the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the s-th multi-AP MLD collaboration set to which the first AP MLD belongs, and s is a positive integer.

141. The method of claim 140, wherein: The coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a VBSSID field, a coordination set identification field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD quantity field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields; The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the collaboration set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration mode supported by the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, and the m-th AP MLD information field among the multiple AP MLD information fields is used to indicate the relevant information of the m-th member AP MLD included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field.

142. The method of claim 141, wherein: The detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or, The detection method field only includes a joint detection field; The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

143. The method of claim 142, wherein: In the case where the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence by default.

144. The method of claim 141, wherein: The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: uplink C-OFDMA field, downlink C-OFDMA field, C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, C-SR and C-BF joint field, C-SR and J-TX joint field, C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO Combined field, C-BF field, single-user J-TX field, multi-user J-TX field, diversity J-TX field, J-TX field, full-bandwidth J-TX field, partial-bandwidth J-TX field, detect and discard field, reduce interference field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and a reduction interference field; Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-OFDMA at the same time, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-BF at the same time, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and J-TX at the same time, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO at the same time, and the C-BF field is used to indicate the multi-AP corresponding to the current cooperation set information field. Whether the MLD cooperation set supports C-BF, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports diversity joint transmission, the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, and the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-UL-MU Whether the MIMO mode supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames, the interference reduction field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports directly treating the data of other users as interference in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user.

145. The method of claim 144, wherein: In the case where the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the uplink C-OFDMA field and the downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

146. The method of claim 144, wherein: In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support diversity joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support multiplexed joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

147. The method of claim 144, wherein: The value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports the same In the case where one user performs joint transmission, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full bandwidth J-TX field.

148. The method of claim 147, wherein: The multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or, The multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

149. The method of claim 141, wherein: The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting C-OFDMA field, supporting C-SR field, supporting C-BF field, supporting J-TX field, supporting C-UL MU MIMO field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting a C-SR field, supporting a C-BF field, supporting a J-TX field, and supporting a C-UL MU MIMO field; Among them, the supported C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-OFDMA, the supported C-SR field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-SR, the supported C-BF field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-BF, the supported J-TX field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports J-TX, and the supported C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO.

150. The method of claim 149, wherein: In the case that the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

151. The method of claim 141, wherein: The AP MLD information field in the plurality of AP MLD information fields comprises at least one of the following: a BSSID field, an AP MLD identification field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element; Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identification of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multiple AP MLD collaboration roles supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

152. The method of claim 151, wherein: The AP MLD identification field is directly set by the main AP MLD or the cooperative AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the multi-AP MLD cooperative set corresponding to the current cooperative set information field.

153. The method of claim 151 or 152, wherein: The AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a cooperating AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field and a shared AP MLD role field; Wherein, in the channel detection phase, the cooperating AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field participates in the detection; In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for collaborative transmission.

154. The method of any one of claims 138 to 153, wherein: The first frame is one of the following: a beacon frame, a directional multi-gigabit DMG beacon frame, a probe response frame, and a multi-link probe response frame.

155. The method of any one of claims 138 to 154, wherein: Before the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame, the method further includes: The first non-AP MLD sends a second frame to the first AP MLD; The second frame is used to request the cooperation capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD cooperation set.

156. The method of claim 155, wherein: The second frame includes at least one of the following: a service set identifier SSID field, an SSID list field, and a multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request element; The SSID field and / or the SSID list field are used to indicate the SSID requested by the first non-AP MLD and / or the SSID corresponding to the VBSS, and the multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request field in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set information request element includes an information request field, and the information request field is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD requests to obtain the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set.

157. The method of claim 155 or 156, wherein: In the case where the first frame is a probe response frame, the second frame is a probe request frame; or In the case where the first frame is a multi-link detection response frame, the second frame is a multi-link detection request frame.

158. The method of claim 157, wherein: In the case where the second frame is a multilink detection request frame, the second frame further includes a multilink element, and the type field contained in the multilink control field in the multilink element is used to indicate that the multilink element is a detection request multilink element.

159. The method of any one of claims 93 to 158, wherein: The first AP MLD is a main AP MLD.

160. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The second access point multi-link device AP MLD receives the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame sent by the first AP MLD; The multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

161. The method of claim 160, wherein: The multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes a multi-AP MLD coordination set request field, and the multi-AP MLD coordination set request field is used to indicate the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

162. The method of claim 161, wherein: The multi-AP MLD collaboration set request field includes a collaboration set quantity field and at least one collaboration set information field; wherein the collaboration set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD collaboration sets established by the first AP MLD request, and the nth collaboration set information field in the at least one collaboration set information field is used to indicate the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the nth multi-AP MLD collaboration set established by the first AP MLD request, where n is a positive integer.

163. The method of any one of claims 160 to 162, wherein: The method further comprises: The second AP MLD sends a multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame to the first AP MLD; The multi-AP MLD coordination set response field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set response frame includes a response code field; The value of the response code field is used to indicate at least one of the following: The second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD; The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD cooperative set establishment request of the first AP MLD, because the BSS load of the second AP MLD is large and cannot participate in the multi-AP MLD cooperative transmission; The second AP MLD rejects the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, and the rejection reason is unknown.

164. The method of claim 163, wherein: In the case where the response code field indicates that the second AP MLD accepts the multi-AP MLD coordination set establishment request of the first AP MLD, the multi-AP MLD coordination set response field further includes an associated non-AP MLD quantity field and a plurality of non-AP MLD information fields; Among them, the associated non-AP MLD quantity field is used to indicate the number of non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, and the x-th non-AP MLD information field among the multiple non-AP MLD information fields is used to indicate multi-AP MLD collaboration related information of the x-th non-AP MLD among the non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD, and x is a positive integer.

165. The method of claim 164, wherein: The non-AP MLD information field in the plurality of non-AP MLD information fields comprises at least one of the following: a non-AP MLD priority field, a multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD, and a basic multi-link element; The non-AP MLD priority field is used to indicate the priority of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field in participating in multi-AP MLD collaborative transmission, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field of the non-AP MLD is used to indicate the capability information of the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field in participating in multi-AP MLD collaboration, and the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information supported by the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field.

166. The method of claim 165, wherein: The multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field, a C-BF field, a C-UL MU MIMO field, and a J-TX field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD includes at least one of the following: a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field; The C-SR field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

167. The method of claim 166, wherein: In the case where the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the C-BF field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports C-BF; and / or, In the case that the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD does not include the J-TX field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports J-TX.

168. The method of any one of claims 165 to 167, wherein: The multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field of the non-AP MLD itself implicitly indicates that the non-AP MLD indicated by the current non-AP MLD information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

169. The method of any one of claims 160 to 168, wherein: The method further comprises: The first AP MLD receives a multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame sent by the first AP MLD; The multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation field in the multi-AP MLD coordination set confirmation frame is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD confirmation.

170. The method of claim 169, wherein: The multi-AP MLD collaboration set confirmation field includes a collaboration set quantity field and at least one collaboration set information field; wherein the collaboration set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP MLD collaboration sets established by the first AP MLD confirmation, and the sth collaboration set information field in the at least one collaboration set information field is used to indicate the collaboration capability and multi-link information of the sth multi-AP MLD collaboration set established by the first AP MLD confirmation, and s is a positive integer.

171. The method of claim 162 or 170, wherein: The coordination set information field in the at least one coordination set information field includes at least one of the following: a VBSSID field, a coordination set identification field, a detection method field, a multi-AP MLD mechanism field, a basic multilink element, an AP MLD quantity field, and a plurality of AP MLD information fields; The VBSSID field is used to indicate the VBSSID of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the collaboration set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the detection method field is used to indicate the channel detection method supported by the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration mode supported by the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, the AP MLD number field is used to indicate the number of member AP MLDs included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field, and the m-th AP MLD information field among the multiple AP MLD information fields is used to indicate the relevant information of the m-th member AP MLD included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration set corresponding to the current collaboration set information field.

172. The method of claim 171, wherein: The detection method field includes at least one of the following: a sequential detection field, a joint detection field; or, The detection method field only includes a joint detection field; The sequential detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence, and the joint detection field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection simultaneously.

173. The method of claim 172, wherein: In the case where the detection method field does not include a sequential detection field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports multiple AP MLDs to perform channel detection in sequence by default.

174. The method of claim 171, wherein: The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: an uplink C-OFDMA field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and a reduction interference field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and a reduction interference field; Among them, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-OFDMA at the same time, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-BF at the same time, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and J-TX at the same time, the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO at the same time, the C-BF field The single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports C-BF. The single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for the same user. The multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users. The diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports diversity joint transmission. The multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports multiplexed joint transmission. The full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission. The partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission. The detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports partial bandwidth joint transmission in C-UL-MU Whether the MIMO mode supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding and obtaining useful data / frames, the interference reduction field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field supports directly treating the data of other users as interference in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and directly receiving and demodulating the data / frame of the target user.

175. The method of claim 174, wherein: In the case where the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the uplink C-OFDMA field and the downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

176. The method of claim 174, wherein: In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support diversity joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support multiplexed joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or, In the case where the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD cooperation set corresponding to the current cooperation set information field does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

177. The method of claim 174, wherein: When the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full bandwidth J-TX field.

178. The method of claim 177, wherein: The multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or, The multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

179. The method of claim 171, wherein: The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting C-OFDMA field, supporting C-SR field, supporting C-BF field, supporting J-TX field, supporting C-UL MU MIMO field; or, The multi-AP MLD mechanism field includes at least one of the following: supporting a C-SR field, supporting a C-BF field, supporting a J-TX field, and supporting a C-UL MU MIMO field; Among them, the supported C-OFDMA field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-OFDMA, the supported C-SR field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-SR, the supported C-BF field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-BF, the supported J-TX field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports J-TX, and the supported C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate that the multi-AP MLD collaborative set corresponding to the current collaborative set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO.

180. The method of claim 179, wherein: In the case that the multi-AP MLD mechanism field does not include the C-OFDMA support field, the multi-AP MLD coordination set corresponding to the current coordination set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

181. The method of claim 171, wherein: The AP MLD information field in the plurality of AP MLD information fields comprises at least one of the following: a BSSID field, an AP MLD identification field, an AP MLD role field, and a basic multilink element; Among them, the BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD identification field is used to indicate the identification of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, the AP MLD role field is used to indicate the multiple AP MLD collaboration roles supported by the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field, and the basic multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field.

182. The method of claim 181, wherein: The AP MLD identification field is directly set by the main AP MLD or the cooperative AP MLD, or the AP MLD identification field is determined by the order of the AP MLD indicated by the current AP MLD information field in the multi-AP MLD cooperative set corresponding to the current cooperative set information field.

183. The method of claim 181 or 182, wherein: The AP MLD role field includes at least one of the following: a cooperating AP MLD role field, a cooperating AP MLD role field, a sharing AP MLD role field and a shared AP MLD role field; Wherein, in the channel detection phase, the cooperating AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field initiates detection, and the AP MLD indicated by the cooperating AP MLD role field participates in the detection; In the preparation phase and / or the transmission phase, the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field shares its TXOP resources with the AP MLD indicated by the shared AP MLD role field for collaborative transmission.

184. The method of any one of claims 160 to 183, wherein: Before the second AP MLD receives the multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame, the method further includes: The second AP MLD sends the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the second AP MLD.

185. The method of claim 184, wherein: The multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the second AP MLD is sent through a third frame; Wherein, the third frame includes a multi-link element and a multi-AP MLD collaboration capability element; The multi-link element is used to indicate the multi-link information of the second AP MLD, and the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field in the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability element is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability information of the second AP MLD.

186. The method of claim 185, wherein: The multilink element includes at least one of the following: a multilink control field, a general information field, and a link information field; The type field in the multilink control field is used to indicate that the type of the multilink element is a basic multilink element, and the existence bitmap field in the multilink control field is used to indicate the fields existing in the general information field; The first Q1 bit and the last Q2 bit of the link identifier information field in the general information field jointly indicate the link identifier of the subordinate AP of the AP MLD that transmits the basic multi-link element when multiple AP MLDs cooperate, and Q1 and Q2 are both positive integers; The link information field is used to indicate link related information of the second AP MLD.

187. The method of claim 186, wherein: The link information field includes at least one single STA overview field, and the first Q3 bits and the last Q4 bits of the STA control field in the single STA overview field in the at least one single STA overview field jointly indicate the link identifier of the STA reported in multi-AP MLD collaboration, and Q3 and Q4 are both positive integers.

188. The method of claim 185, wherein: The multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field includes at least one of the following: a multi-AP MLD collaboration control field, a general information field, a C-OFDMA specific information field, a C-SR specific information field, a J-TX specific information field, and a C-UL MU MIMO specific information field; or, the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field includes at least one of the following: a multi-AP collaboration control field, a general information field, a C-SR specific information field, a J-TX specific information field, and a C-UL MU MIMO specific information field; Among them, the multi-AP MLD collaboration control field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration capability field specifically included in the multi-AP MLD collaboration mode-related fields; the general information field is used to indicate the multi-AP MLD collaboration set establishment method, the second AP MLD under the multi-AP MLD transmission mechanism The role supported by the second AP MLD and the channel detection method supported by the second AP MLD; the C-OFDMA specific information field is used to indicate the C-OFDMA type supported by the second AP MLD; the C-SR specific information field is used to indicate the C-SR type supported by the second AP MLD; the J-TX specific information field is used to indicate the J-TX type supported by the second AP MLD; the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field is used to indicate the second AP MLD Supported C-UL-MU MIMO type.

189. The method of claim 188, wherein: The multi-AP MLD cooperative control field includes at least one of the following: a C-OFDMA presence field, a C-SR presence field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX presence field, and a C-UL MU MIMO presence field; or, the multi-AP MLD cooperative control field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR presence field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX presence field, and a C-UL MU MIMO presence field; The C-OFDMA existence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-OFDMA specific information field, and the C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports C-OFDMA; The C-SR existence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-SR specific information field, and the C-SR existence field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports C-SR; The supported C-BF field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports C-BF; The J-TX existence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the J-TX specific information field, and the J-TX existence field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports J-TX; The C-UL MU MIMO presence field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field includes the C-UL MU MIMO specific information field, and the C-UL MU MIMO presence field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports C-UL MU MIMO.

190. The method of claim 189, wherein: In the case that the multi-AP MLD mechanism supported field does not include the C-OFDMA existence field, the multi-AP MLD cooperation capability field itself implicitly indicates that the second AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

191. The method of claim 188, wherein: The C-OFDMA specific information field includes an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field; The uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports uplink C-OFDMA, and the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports downlink C-OFDMA.

192. The method of claim 188, wherein: The C-SR specific information field includes at least one of the following: a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, and a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field; Among them, the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, the C-SR and C-BF joint field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF, the C-SR and J-TX joint field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

193. The method of claim 192, wherein: In the case where the second AP MLD does not support C-BF, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and C-BF joint field, or the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field indicates that the second AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-BF; and / or, In the case where the second AP MLD does not support J-TX, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and J-TX combination field, or the value of the C-SR and J-TX combination field indicates that the second AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and J-TX; and / or, In the case that the second AP MLD does not support C-UL MU MIMO, the C-SR specific information field does not include the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, or the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field indicates that the second AP MLD does not support the simultaneous joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

194. The method of claim 188, wherein: The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial-bandwidth J-TX field; or, The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial bandwidth J-TX field; or, The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a multiplexed J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, and a partial-bandwidth J-TX field; or, The J-TX specific information field includes at least one of the following: a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, and a partial bandwidth J-TX field; The single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports joint transmission for multiple users, the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports diversity joint transmission, and the multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports Whether the second AP MLD supports multiplexed joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, and the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission.

195. The method of claim 194, wherein: In the case where the J-TX specific information field does not include a single-user J-TX field, the second AP MLD supports joint transmission for the same user by default; and / or, In the case where the J-TX specific information field does not include a diversity J-TX field, the second AP MLD supports diversity joint transmission by default; and / or, In a case where the J-TX specific information field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, the second AP MLD supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

196. The method of claim 188, wherein: The C-UL MU MIMO specific information field includes at least one of the following: a detection and discard field, a reduction interference field; The detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports receiving and demodulating data / frames of other users and then discarding them in C-UL-MU MIMO mode to obtain useful data / frames; The Reduce Interference field is used to indicate whether the second AP MLD supports directly treating data of other users as interference and directly receiving and demodulating data / frames of the target user in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

197. The method of any one of claims 185 to 196, wherein: The third frame is one of the following: a beacon frame, a broadcast probe response frame, and a DMG beacon frame.

198. The method of any one of claims 160 to 197, wherein: The first AP MLD is a main AP MLD.

199. An access point multi-link device AP MLD, characterized in that: The AP MLD is a first AP MLD, and the AP MLD includes: A communication unit, configured to receive an association request frame sent by a first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD; The association request frame is used to request association to a target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, and the association request frame includes first multi-link information, the first multi-link information is used to indicate the multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set is the multi-AP MLD collaboration set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

200. A non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD, characterized in that: The non-AP MLD is a first non-AP MLD, and the non-AP MLD includes: A communication unit, configured to send an association request frame to a first access point multi-link device AP MLD; The association request frame is used to request association to a target multi-AP MLD collaboration set, and the association request frame includes first multi-link information, the first multi-link information is used to indicate the multi-link information established between the first non-AP MLD request and the first AP MLD, and the target multi-AP MLD collaboration set is the multi-AP MLD collaboration set to which the first AP MLD belongs.

201. An access point multi-link device AP MLD, characterized in that: The AP MLD is a second AP MLD, and the AP MLD includes: A communication unit, configured to receive a multi-AP MLD collaboration set request frame sent by a first AP MLD; The multi-AP MLD coordination set request frame includes the coordination capability and multi-link information of the multi-AP MLD coordination set established by the first AP MLD request.

202. An AP MLD, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that the AP MLD executes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 92.

203. A non-AP MLD, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that the non-AP MLD executes the method as described in any one of claims 93 to 159.

204. An AP MLD, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that the AP MLD executes the method as claimed in any one of claims 160 to 198.

205. A chip, characterized in that: include: A processor, used to call and run a computer program from a memory so that a device equipped with the chip executes a method as described in any one of claims 1 to 92, or a device equipped with the chip executes a method as described in any one of claims 93 to 159, or a device equipped with the chip executes a method as described in any one of claims 160 to 198.

206. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that Used to store a computer program, when the computer program is executed, the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 92 is implemented, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 93 to 159 is implemented, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 160 to 198 is implemented.

207. A computer program product, characterized in that Comprising computer program instructions, when the computer program instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 92 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 93 to 159 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 160 to 198 is implemented.

208. A computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 92 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 93 to 159 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 160 to 198 is implemented.

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