Multi-link communication method, system and device

Abstract

The invention provides a multi-link communication method, system and device, and is applied to the technical field of communication. And the master device and the slave device can interact control information through the link of the first medium so as to establish the link of the second medium. Furthermore, the master device and the slave device can communicate simultaneously through the links of two different media, namely the first medium and the second medium. On the basis, the invention provides a scheme for negotiating to establish the mixed medium multilink.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular, to a multi-link communication method, system and device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Multi-link technology is a technology of simultaneously using multiple links for communication, which can increase bandwidth and improve communication performance. For example, in the field of wireless local area network (WLAN), a terminal device and a router can simultaneously establish wireless links of two frequency bands of 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5 GHz for communication, thereby improving the communication rate between the router and the terminal device.

[0003] In some networking scenarios, two devices have the capability of wireless communication in addition to being connected by optical fiber or network cable. Therefore, the two devices can not only perform wired communication based on passive optical network (PON) or local area network (LAN), but also perform wireless communication based on WLAN. As a technical concept, devices having multiple communication capabilities can simultaneously use multiple different communication media to establish communication links, such as WLAN+PON or WLAN+LAN, to improve communication performance. However, there is currently no protocol standard in the art to implement this technical solution. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a multi-link communication method, system and device, which are used to solve the problem that there is no protocol standard for establishing multiple links using multiple different media in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a multi-link communication method, which is applied to a master device, and can also be applied to a module or component in the master device, such as a chip or chip system. The multi-link communication method can include: in a case where a master device and a slave device perform communication through a first link of a first medium, the master device sends a beacon frame to the slave device through the first link, the beacon frame being used to indicate that the master device supports communication through a link of at least one medium, the at least one medium including a second medium. Then, the master device receives a probe frame from the slave device through the first link, the probe frame being used to request communication through a link of the second medium, the link of the second medium having one or more links. After that, the master device sends an add frame to the slave device through the first link, the add frame being used to indicate adding a second link between the master device and the slave device, the second link belonging to the link of the second medium. Further, the master device receives an add response frame from the slave device through the first link, the add response frame being used to indicate confirming the addition of the second link.

[0006] Based on this scheme, the master device and the slave device can exchange control information through the link of the first medium to establish a link of the second medium. Furthermore, the master device and the slave device can communicate simultaneously through links of two different media, the first medium and the second medium.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible implementation, the first medium and the second medium can be any two of PON, LAN, and WLAN. Based on this, the solution of this application can be used to establish hybrid multi-links using these three different media (PON, LAN, and WLAN), and its application scenarios are very wide-ranging.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the beacon frame carries a media type and / or a communication address. The media type indicates at least one medium, and the communication address is the address used by the master device when communicating via a link using at least one medium. Based on this implementation, the master device can directly announce the media capabilities of the links it supports by indicating the media type through the beacon frame; alternatively, the master device can also indirectly announce the media capabilities of the links it supports by indicating the communication address through the beacon frame.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the beacon frame also carries rate information and / or frequency band information, whereby the rate information indicates the rate of the link for at least one medium, and the frequency band information indicates the frequency band of the link for at least one medium. Based on this implementation, the master device can also specifically indicate detailed parameters of the links for various media it supports.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible implementation, the beacon frame also carries the link ID of at least one medium link.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the probe frame carries a target medium type and / or a target communication address, wherein the target medium type indicates a second medium and the target communication address is the address used by the master device when communicating through the link of the second medium.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the probe frame also carries target rate information and / or target frequency band information, wherein the target rate information indicates the rate of the second link and the target frequency band information indicates the frequency band of the second link.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the probe frame is used to request communication via a link through the second medium, specifically including: the probe frame is used to request communication via the second link. The probe frame carries the link ID of the second link.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, one possible implementation involves adding communication parameters of the second link carried in the frame. These second link communication parameters are used for communication between the slave device and the master device via the second link, and / or for authentication between the slave device and the master device.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the second medium is WLAN, the second link is a WLAN link, and the communication parameters of the second link include at least one of BSSID, SSID, channel, and password.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device sending a first information update frame to the slave device through a first link or a second link, the first information update frame carrying first link performance parameters, the first link performance parameters including the performance parameters of the first link and / or the second link measured by the master device.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device receiving a second information update frame from the slave device via a first link or a second link, the second information update frame carrying second link performance parameters, the second link performance parameters including performance parameters of the first link and / or the second link measured by the slave device.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the performance parameters include at least one of the following: maximum bandwidth limit, rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, bit error rate, latency, queue depth, or link priority.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device sending a first QoS frame to the slave device through a first link or a second link, the first QoS frame being used to indicate the QoS priority of the messages sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device receiving a second QoS frame from the slave device through a first link or a second link, the second QoS frame being used to indicate the QoS priority of the message sent by the master device to the slave device through the first link or the second link.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device sending a first control frame to the slave device through the first link, the first control frame being used to indicate whether to sleep, wake up, or delete the second link.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device receiving a second control frame from the slave device through the first link, the second control frame being used to indicate sleep, wake up, or delete the second link.

[0023] Secondly, this application provides a multi-link communication method, which is applied to a master device, and can also be applied to modules or components in the master device, such as chips or chip systems. The multi-link communication method may include: when a slave device and a master device are communicating via a first link through a first medium, the slave device receives a beacon frame from the master device via the first link. The beacon frame indicates that the master device supports communication via a link through at least one medium, including a second medium. Then, the slave device sends a probe frame to itself via the first link, requesting communication via a link through a second medium. Subsequently, the slave device receives an add frame from the master device via the first link, indicating the addition of a second link between the master and slave devices, the second link being a link of a second medium. Further, the slave device sends an add response frame to itself via the first link, indicating confirmation of the addition of the second link.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the first medium and the second medium are any two of PON, LAN, and WLAN.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the beacon frame carries a media type and / or a communication address. The media type indicates at least one medium, and the communication address is the address used by the master device when communicating via a link using at least one medium. Based on this implementation, the master device can directly announce the media capabilities of the links it supports by indicating the media type through the beacon frame; alternatively, the master device can also indirectly announce the media capabilities of the links it supports by indicating the communication address through the beacon frame.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the beacon frame also carries rate information and / or frequency band information, whereby the rate information indicates the rate of the link for at least one medium, and the frequency band information indicates the frequency band of the link for at least one medium. Based on this implementation, the master device can also specifically indicate detailed parameters of the links for various media it supports.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the beacon frame also carries the link ID of at least one medium link.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the probe frame carries a target medium type and / or a target communication address, wherein the target medium type indicates a second medium and the target communication address is the address used by the master device when communicating through the link of the second medium.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the probe frame also carries target rate information and / or target frequency band information, wherein the target rate information indicates the rate of the second link and the target frequency band information indicates the frequency band of the second link.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the probe frame is used to request communication via a link through the second medium, specifically including: the probe frame is used to request communication via the second link. The probe frame carries the link ID of the second link.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, one possible implementation involves adding communication parameters of the second link carried in the frame. These second link communication parameters are used for communication between the slave device and the master device via the second link, and / or for authentication between the slave device and the master device.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the second medium is WLAN, the second link is a WLAN link, and the communication parameters of the second link include at least one of BSSID, SSID, channel, and password.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the slave device receiving a first information update frame from the master device via a first link or a second link, the first information update frame carrying first link performance parameters, the first link performance parameters including the performance parameters of the first link or the second link measured by the master device.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the slave device sending a second information update frame to the master device through a first link or a second link, the second information update frame carrying second link performance parameters, the second link performance parameters including the performance parameters of the first link or the second link measured by the slave device.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the performance parameters include at least one of the following: maximum bandwidth limit, rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, bit error rate, latency, queue depth, or link priority.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the slave device receiving a first QoS frame from the master device via a first link or a second link, the first QoS frame being used to indicate the QoS priority of a message sent by the slave device to the master device via the first link or the second link.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the slave device sending a second QoS frame to the master device through a first link or a second link, the second QoS frame being used to indicate the QoS priority of the message sent by the master device to the slave device through the first link or the second link.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the slave device receiving a first control frame from the master device via the first link, the first control frame being used to indicate hibernation, wake-up, or deletion of the second link.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the multi-link communication method further includes: the slave device sending a second control frame to the master device through the first link, the second control frame being used to indicate sleep, wake-up, or deletion of the second link.

[0040] The technical effects of any of the implementation methods in the second aspect can be referred to the description of the corresponding implementation method in the first aspect.

[0041] Thirdly, a communication system is provided, comprising a master device and a slave device, wherein the master device is used to instruct the multi-link communication method described in any of the first aspects above, and the slave device is used to instruct the multi-link communication method described in any of the second aspects above.

[0042] Fourthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the multi-link communication method described in any one of the first or second aspects. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0043] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being coupled to a memory, and after reading instructions from the memory, executing a multi-link communication method as described in any one of the first or second aspects above, according to the instructions.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing computer instructions.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, pins, or related circuitry.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0047] In one possible implementation, when the communication device is a chip or chip system, the aforementioned communication interface can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The aforementioned processor can also be embodied as a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0048] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the multi-link communication method described in any one of the first or second aspects.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which, when run on a processor, causes the processor to execute the multi-link communication method described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0050] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through seven can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one or two, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a multi-link communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a beacon frame format provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an added frame format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating a format for adding response frames, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the format of a first information update frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 8A schematic diagram of the format of a first QoS frame provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the format of a first control frame for instructing a second link to hibernate, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the format of a first control frame for instructing the deletion of a second link, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, some terms and related technologies involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained. It should be noted that the following explanations are for the purpose of making the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by the embodiments of this application.

[0064] WLAN: In a broad sense, WLAN is a network that uses wireless channels of various radio waves to replace some or all of the transmission medium in a wired local area network (LAN). In a narrow sense, WLAN is defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard as a local area network that uses high-frequency radio frequency (such as radio electromagnetic waves in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands) as the transmission medium. WiFi is a type of WLAN technology defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0065] Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is a technology that brings fiber optic cables directly into a user's home to provide broadband access. FTTH networking includes fiber optic cables, an optical modem (ONT), a router, and network cables. The fiber optic cable is laid into the user's home and connects to the ONT. The ONT, in turn, connects to the router via a network cable. The ONT converts optical signals to electrical signals and communicates with the router via LAN. The router converts electrical signals to wireless signals and communicates with terminal devices via WLAN.

[0066] Alternatively, the optical modem and the router communicate via LAN, which can also be referred to as the communication medium between the optical modem and the router.

[0067] Alternatively, the terminal device and the router communicate via WLAN, and the communication medium between the terminal device and the router can also be referred to as WLAN.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the router in the FTTH network can also be connected to the terminal device via a network cable, so that the terminal device and the router can also communicate via LAN.

[0069] Access Controller (AC) + Access Point (AP) Networking: This is a centralized WLAN networking architecture consisting of an AC and multiple APs. The AC acts as the network management center, responsible for controlling and managing all APs. The APs, as access points, are responsible for providing wireless signal coverage and connecting users. Communication between the AC and APs is via LAN or WLAN, while communication between APs and terminal devices is via WLAN.

[0070] As one possible implementation, AC+AP networking can be based on FTTH networking. For example, in FTTH, the optical modem can act as an AC, and the optical modem can connect to multiple APs, thus realizing an AC+AP networking architecture. Optionally, the router connected to the optical modem can act as an AP.

[0071] Fiber to the Room (FTTR) is a technology that brings fiber optic cables directly into a user's home to provide broadband access. An FTTR network includes a main optical modem (modem), secondary optical modems (modems), optical splitters, and optical fibers. The fiber optic cable is laid into the user's home and connects to the main modem. The main modem then connects to the optical splitter via fiber optic cables, and the splitter connects to secondary modems in multiple rooms via fiber optic cables. Communication between the main and secondary modems is via PON (Power over Optical) communication. The secondary modems are used to convert optical signals to wireless signals, and terminal devices communicate with them via WLAN (Wi-Fi).

[0072] In one possible implementation, both the master optical modem and the slave optical modem in the FTTR network have wireless communication capabilities, so that the master optical modem and the slave optical modem can also communicate with each other via WLAN.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the slave optical modem in the FTTR network can also be connected to the terminal device via a network cable, and the terminal device and the slave optical modem can also communicate via LAN.

[0074] Multi-link: This is a technology that utilizes multiple links for communication simultaneously, which can increase communication bandwidth and improve communication speed.

[0075] Multi-link operation (MLO) is a key technology in the WiFi 7 standard. This technology allows terminal devices and wireless access devices to simultaneously establish wireless links across multiple frequency bands for communication. Using this technology enables greater communication bandwidth and higher communication speeds. For example, ... Figure 1 As shown, terminal device 101 and wireless access device 102 can simultaneously establish 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz wireless links for communication.

[0076] Current multi-link technology is only applied in single-medium scenarios such as WiFi communication. However, with the continuous enrichment of networking methods, different devices can now communicate through multiple different media. For example, in FTTR, the master and slave optical modems support PON and WLAN communication, while routers and terminal devices support LAN and WLAN communication. Theoretically, devices supporting multiple communication media can establish multi-links using various media, thereby improving communication performance. However, there are currently no relevant protocol specifications for this implementation.

[0077] In view of the above problems, this application provides a multi-link communication method that enables a master device and a slave device to exchange control information through a link of a first medium, thereby establishing a link of a second medium. Furthermore, the master device and the slave device can communicate simultaneously through links of two different media, the first medium and the second medium.

[0078] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second" are not necessarily different. Meanwhile, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding. In addition, the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0079] Before introducing the multi-link communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the communication system to which the multi-link communication method of this application is applied will be introduced first.

[0080] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the communication system includes a master device 201 and a slave device 202, and the master device 201 and the slave device 202 support communication through links of various different media.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the master device 201 is a network access device, and the slave device 202 is a terminal device. For example, the master device 201 could be an optical modem, powerline adapter, digital subscriber line (DSL) equipment, router, or customer-premises equipment (CPE). The slave device 202 could be a host computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, television, set-top box, or IoT device. The optical modem is either an optical network unit (ONU) or an optical network terminal (ONT).

[0082] As one possible implementation, the master device 201 and the slave device 202 are network access devices with a master-slave relationship. Both the master device 201 and the slave device 202 can be optical modems, powerline adapters, DSL equipment, routers, or CPEs, etc. For example, Figure 2 The communication system shown is an FTTH network scenario, with the master device 201 being an optical modem and the slave device 202 being a router. For example, Figure 2 The communication system shown is an AC+AP networking scenario, where the master device 201 is the AC and the slave device 202 is the AP. For example... Figure 2 The communication system shown is an FTTR networking scenario, with the master device 201 being the master optical modem and the slave device 202 being the slave optical modem.

[0083] As one possible implementation, the communication medium between the master device 201 and the slave device 202 includes PON, LAN, and WLAN.

[0084] As one possible implementation, when the master device 201 and the slave device 202 establish a link using WLAN, multiple frequency bands such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz can be selected.

[0085] As one possible implementation, when the master device 201 and the slave device 202 establish a link using PON or LAN, a variety of interfaces with different speeds can be selected.

[0086] It should be understood that the above refers to... Figure 2 The illustrated communication networks and examples of the implementation methods of master and slave devices in the networks are illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with the evolution of network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar network architectures.

[0087] The multi-link communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to... Figure 2 In the communication network shown, the following will be combined withFigure 2 The communication network shown illustrates the multi-link communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, in the following embodiments of the multi-link communication method, the master device is... Figure 2 The master device 201 and the slave device are... Figure 3 Device 202 in the middle.

[0088] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the multi-link communication method provided in this application is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following steps S301 to S304.

[0089] S301. When communication occurs between the master device and the slave device via a first link using a first medium, the master device sends a beacon frame to the slave device via the first link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives a beacon frame from the master device via the first link. The beacon frame indicates that the master device supports communication via a link using at least one medium, including a second medium.

[0090] In this embodiment, the master device and the slave device have multi-media communication capabilities, and the master device can indicate its own multi-media communication capabilities through beacon frames. The first medium and the second medium are two different media supported by the master device for communication.

[0091] As one possible implementation, the first medium is PON, and the second medium is LAN and WLAN. Alternatively, the first medium is LAN, and the second medium is PON and WLAN. Or, the first medium is WLAN, and the second medium is PON and LAN. Here, WLAN can be WiFi.

[0092] Optionally, the beacon frame may indicate multiple media supported by the master device, or the beacon frame may indicate other media besides the first media among the multiple media supported by the master device, and this application does not limit this.

[0093] Optionally, the master device supports communication via links of at least one medium, specifically including: the master device supports communication via one or more links of each of at least one medium.

[0094] Optionally, the beacon frame carries a media type and / or a communication address. The media type indicates at least one medium supported by the master device, and the communication address is the address used by the master device when communicating via a link of at least one medium. It should be understood that carrying the media type in the beacon frame is a direct indication of the master device's media capabilities, allowing the slave device to directly determine the master device's supported media capabilities based on the media type in the beacon frame. Carrying the communication address in the beacon frame is an indirect indication of the master device's media capabilities, allowing the slave device to determine the master device's supported media capabilities by querying the media type corresponding to the communication address.

[0095] Optionally, when the beacon frame carries a communication address, the slave device can send a test message with that communication address as the destination address to detect the media type corresponding to that communication address. For example, if the slave device sends a WiFi probe request frame with the communication address in the beacon frame as the destination address, and receives a WiFi probe response frame from the master device, then the communication address can be determined to be the master device's WiFi communication address, and thus the master device can be determined to support WiFi media. As another example, if the slave device sends an Ethernet request frame through the LAN port with the communication address in the beacon frame as the destination address, and receives an Ethernet response frame from the master device, then the communication address can be determined to be the master device's LAN communication address, and thus the master device can be determined to support LAN media.

[0096] As one possible implementation, the communication address can be a media access control (MAC) address. Optionally, if the master device supports communication via a WLAN link, the MAC address can be the MAC address of the master device's wireless network card. If the master device supports communication via a PON link, the MAC address can be the MAC address of the master device's PON interface. If the master device supports communication via a LAN link, the MAC address can be the MAC address of the master device's LAN interface.

[0097] Optionally, the beacon frame also carries rate information and / or frequency band information, wherein the rate information indicates the rate of the link of at least one medium supported by the master device, and the frequency band information indicates the frequency band of the link of at least one medium supported by the master device.

[0098] As one possible implementation, the rate information is specifically a rate value, such as 100 megabits per second (Mbps), 500 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps. Alternatively, the rate information can also be a parameter indicating the rate value, for example, parameter value 0 indicates 100 Mbps, parameter value 1 indicates 500 Mbps, and parameter value 2 indicates 1000 Mbps. Similarly, the frequency band information is specifically a frequency band value, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz. Alternatively, the frequency band information can also be a parameter indicating the frequency band value, for example, parameter value 0 indicates 2.4 GHz, parameter value 1 indicates 5 GHz, and parameter value 2 indicates 6 GHz.

[0099] It should be understood that beacon frames will carry frequency band information only if the host device supports at least one medium, including WLAN media. The frequency band information indicates the WLAN frequency band. Optionally, the frequency band of the WLAN link may include bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.

[0100] As one possible implementation, when the host device supports WLAN media links, the media type in the beacon frame can simultaneously indicate both the WLAN media and the frequency band of the WLAN media link. For example, the media type carried in the beacon frame can specifically indicate that the host device supports WLAN media links in the 2.4 GHz band, WLAN media links in the 5 GHz band, or WLAN media links in the 6 GHz band.

[0101] Optionally, the beacon frame may also carry a link identifier (ID) of at least one medium supported by the master device.

[0102] Optionally, the beacon frame may also carry preference information, which indicates the priority of the link of at least one medium supported by the master device.

[0103] Optionally, the beacon frame may also carry the role information of the master device. This role information is divided into master and slave device types; the role information in the beacon frame sent by the master device is naturally that of the master device.

[0104] Optionally, the number of links supported by the master device for at least one medium may include multiple links, and the master device indicates multiple links for at least one medium through beacon frames. As one possible implementation, one beacon frame indicates one link for one of the at least one medium, and the master device sends multiple beacon frames to indicate multiple links for each of the at least one medium. As another possible implementation, one beacon frame simultaneously indicates multiple links for at least one medium. This application does not limit this to any particular implementation.

[0105] When a beacon frame indicates a link of at least one medium, the beacon frame carries the medium type, communication address, rate information, frequency band information, priority information, or link ID corresponding to the link of at least one medium.

[0106] When a single beacon frame indicates multiple links in at least one medium, the beacon frame carries the medium type, communication address, rate information, frequency band information, priority information, or link ID corresponding to the multiple links in at least one medium. In this case, the beacon frame may carry multiple parameters such as medium type, communication address, rate information, frequency band information, priority information, or link ID.

[0107] For example, consider a beacon frame indicating a link of at least one of the media. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a beacon frame format provided in this application is shown below. Figure 4As shown, the beacon frame includes the following fields in sequence: element ID, length, link ID, and sub-elements. The element ID field indicates that the current frame is a beacon frame. The length field indicates the length of the beacon frame. The link ID field carries the link ID of a link using at least one of the media types. The sub-element field carries relevant parameters of a link using at least one of the media types. For example, the sub-element field may carry parameters such as media type, communication address, rate information, frequency band information, and priority information.

[0108] As one possible implementation, continue to refer to Figure 4 The sub-element fields can include MAC, medium type, role, rate, and priority fields. Among them, the MAC field carries the MAC address used by the master device when communicating through a link of at least one medium; the medium type field indicates the medium of at least one medium; the role field carries the role information of the master device; the rate field carries the rate information of the link; and the priority field carries the priority information of the link.

[0109] S302, the slave device sends a probe frame to the master device through the first link, and correspondingly, the master device receives a probe frame from the slave device through the first link. The probe frame is used to request communication through the link of the second medium.

[0110] It should be understood that, based on the information indicated by the beacon frame, the slave device can determine that the master device also supports link communication via at least one medium other than the first medium. In this embodiment, the slave device can select a link using the second medium from among the links using at least one medium other than the first medium to communicate with the master device. Based on this, the slave device sends a probe frame to the master device to indicate that the slave device wants to communicate with the master device via the link using the second medium.

[0111] Optionally, the probe frame carries indication information including a target medium type and / or a target communication address. The target medium type indicates a second medium, allowing the probe frame to directly instruct the master device that the slave device requests communication via a link through the second medium. The target communication address is the address used by the master device when communicating via the link through the second medium, allowing the probe frame to indirectly instruct the master device that the slave device requests communication via the link through the second medium. In this case, the probe frame does not indicate which specific link to use; the master device can subsequently select a link through the second medium to communicate with the slave device.

[0112] Optionally, when the probe frame carries the target medium type and / or target communication address, the probe frame may also carry target rate information and / or target frequency band information. The target rate information indicates the rate of the link of the second medium requested by the slave device, and the target frequency band information indicates the frequency band of the link of the second medium requested by the slave device. In this embodiment, taking the master device determining to use the second link of the second medium to communicate with the slave device as an example, the target rate information specifically indicates the rate of the second link, and the target frequency band information specifically indicates the frequency band of the second link.

[0113] Optionally, if the probe frame carries the target medium type and / or target communication address, it may also carry target priority information, which indicates the priority of the link of the second medium requested by the slave device. In this embodiment, the example of the master device determining to use the second link of the second medium to communicate with the slave device is used for illustration, in which case the target priority information specifically indicates the priority of the second link.

[0114] Optionally, the probe frame may directly carry the link ID of the second link. The probe frame is used to request communication via a link through the second medium, specifically including: the probe frame is used to request communication via the second link. In this case, the probe frame specifically indicates the link the slave device wants to use, rather than being selected by the master device.

[0115] Optionally, if the link ID of the second link is directly carried in the probe frame, the probe frame may also carry parameters such as the medium type, communication address, rate information, frequency band information, or priority information corresponding to the second link.

[0116] Optionally, the probe frame may also carry role information, which is from the slave device.

[0117] As one possible implementation, the frame format of the probe frame can be the same as that of the beacon frame; for example, the frame format of the probe frame can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown. The value of the element ID field differs from that in the probe frame, where the element ID indicates that the current frame is a probe frame.

[0118] S303. The master device sends an add frame to the slave device through the first link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives the add frame from the master device through the first link. The add frame is used to indicate the addition of a second link between the master device and the slave device, and the second link is a link of a second medium.

[0119] In this embodiment, the master device can determine, based on the indication of the probe frame, to use the second link to communicate with the slave device. Based on this, the master device sends an add frame to the slave device to establish the second link.

[0120] Optionally, the link ID of the second link can be added to the frame to indicate to the slave device that a second link has been added.

[0121] For example, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an added frame format provided in this application is shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the added frame includes the following fields in sequence: element ID, length, and link ID. The element ID field indicates that the current frame is an added frame. The length field indicates the length of the added frame. The link ID field carries the link ID of the second link.

[0122] Optionally, the frame may also carry communication parameters for the second link. These second link communication parameters are used for communication between the slave device and the master device via the second link, and / or for authentication between the slave device and the master device.

[0123] As one possible implementation, when the second medium is WLAN, the communication parameters of the second link carried in the frame include at least one of the following: basic service set identification (BSSID), service set identification (SSID), channel, and password. For example, taking a link where the second link is a WLAN medium as an example, continue to refer to... Figure 6 The frame can also include a BSSID field, an SSID field, a channel field, and a password field to carry the aforementioned parameters.

[0124] As one possible implementation, when the second medium is PON or LAN, the communication parameters of the second link carried in the frame can include the MAC address used by the master device for communication via the second link. Optionally, it can also include parameters for PON or LAN authentication between the master device and the slave device.

[0125] S304. The slave device sends an add response frame to the master device through the first link, and correspondingly, the master device receives an add response frame from the slave device through the first link. The add response frame is used to indicate confirmation of adding a second link.

[0126] Optionally, status information can be added to the response frame to indicate that the second link has been successfully created.

[0127] For example, Figure 6 This application provides a schematic diagram of a format for adding response frames, as shown below. Figure 6As shown, the add response frame includes the following fields in sequence: element ID, length, link ID, and status. The element ID indicates that the current frame is an add response frame, the length field indicates the length of the add response frame, the link ID field carries the link ID of the second link, and the status field indicates confirmation of adding the second link.

[0128] As one possible implementation, when the second medium is WLAN, the response frame can also carry parameters such as BSSID, SSID, channel, and password from the additional frame. For example, see [reference needed]. Figure 6 The response frame can also include BSSID, SSID, channel, and password fields to carry the aforementioned information. It should be understood that... Figure 7 The example illustrates this by placing the BSSID, SSID, channel, and password fields between the link ID and status fields.

[0129] Optionally, after S304, the master device and the slave device can simultaneously utilize the first link and the second link to perform data transmission in parallel.

[0130] Based on the above scheme, the master device and the slave device exchange control information through a link in the first medium, thereby establishing a communication link in the second medium. Furthermore, the master device and the slave device can communicate simultaneously through links in both the first and second media. The method of this application provides a scheme for creating multi-links in a hybrid medium between devices.

[0131] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S305, the master device sends a first information update frame to the slave device through a first link or a second link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives the first information update frame from the master device through the first link or the second link. The first information update frame carries first link performance parameters, which include performance parameters of the first link and / or the second link measured by the master device.

[0132] It should be understood that the first link performance parameters sent by the master device to the slave device are used to enable the slave device to adjust its strategy for sending data to the master device in order to achieve optimal data transmission performance.

[0133] As one possible implementation, the first link performance parameters include at least one of the following: the maximum bandwidth limit, rate, bit error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, latency, queue depth, and link priority, as measured by the master device.

[0134] As another possible implementation, the first link performance parameters include at least one of the following: the maximum bandwidth limit, rate, bit error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, latency, queue depth, and link priority of the second link as measured by the master device.

[0135] For example, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the format of a first information update frame provided in this application is shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the first information update frame includes an element ID, a length, and a sub-element field. The element ID field indicates that the current frame type is a first information update frame, the length field indicates the length of the first information update frame, and the sub-element field carries the first link performance parameters.

[0136] For example, continue to refer to Figure 7 The sub-element fields include Link ID, Length, Parameter Type, Parameter Length, and Parameter Value. Specifically, if the first link performance parameter carried by the sub-element field is the performance parameter of the first link measured by the master device, the Link ID field carries the link ID of the first link. If the first link performance parameter carried by the sub-element field is the performance parameter of the second link measured by the master device, the Link ID field carries the link ID of the second link. The Length field indicates the length of the sub-element field. The Parameter Type indicates the type of link parameter, such as the maximum bandwidth limit, rate, bit error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, latency, queue depth, or link priority mentioned above. The Parameter Length field indicates the length of the Parameter Value field. The Parameter Value field carries the value of the parameters mentioned above, such as maximum bandwidth limit, rate, bit error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, latency, queue depth, or link priority.

[0137] Optionally, Figure 7 The sub-element fields in the table are of variable length and can include multiple sets of parameter type, parameter length, and parameter value fields to carry multiple link parameters. These multiple link parameters are several of the following: maximum bandwidth limit, rate, bit error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, latency, queue depth, and link priority.

[0138] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S306, the slave device sends a second information update frame to the master device through the first link or the second link, and correspondingly, the master device receives the second information update frame from the slave device through the first link or the second link. The second information update frame carries second link performance parameters, which include performance parameters of the first link and / or the second link measured by the slave device.

[0139] It should be understood that the second link performance parameters sent from the slave device to the master device are used to enable the master device to adjust its strategy for sending data to the slave device in order to achieve optimal data transmission performance.

[0140] As one possible implementation, the second link performance parameters include at least one of the following: maximum bandwidth limit, rate, bit error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, latency, queue depth, and link priority of the first link as measured by the device.

[0141] As another possible implementation, the second link performance parameters include at least one of the following: maximum bandwidth limit, rate, bit error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, latency, queue depth, and link priority, as measured by the device.

[0142] Optionally, the frame format of the second information update frame is the same as that of the first information update frame. Refer to the description of the frame format of the first information update frame; this will not be repeated here. For example, the second information update frame is... Figure 7 The frame format shown is Figure 8 The sub-element fields in the code are used to carry second link performance parameters.

[0143] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S307, the master device sends a first quality of service (QoS) frame to the slave device through a first link or a second link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives the first QoS frame from the master device through the first link or the second link. The first QoS frame is used to indicate the QoS priority of the messages sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link.

[0144] Based on this scheme, the link used by the slave device to send messages to the master device can be controlled more flexibly according to the QoS priority indicated by the master device. For example, the master device can instruct the slave device to transmit high-priority messages via PON or LAN links, thereby ensuring that high-priority messages can reach the destination quickly and reliably. This application can adjust the message transmission link as needed to better meet business requirements.

[0145] For example, Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the format of a first QoS frame provided in this application is shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the first QoS frame includes fields such as element ID, length, link ID, and QoS priority. The element ID indicates that the current frame is the first QoS frame, the length field indicates the length of the first QoS frame, the link ID field carries the link ID of the first or second link, and the QoS priority field carries the QoS priority corresponding to the first or second link.

[0146] As one possible implementation, the first QoS frame specifically indicates the differentiated services code point (DSCP) priority of the message sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link. The DSCP priority is a specific type of QoS priority.

[0147] For example, in the case where the QoS priority is DSCP priority,Figure 7 The QoS priority field can carry a DSCP bitmap.

[0148] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S308, the slave device sends a second QoS frame to the master device through the first link or the second link, and correspondingly, the master device receives the second QoS frame from the slave device through the first link or the second link. The second QoS frame is used to indicate the QoS priority of the message sent by the master device to the slave device through the first link or the second link.

[0149] Based on this scheme, the link used by the master device to send messages to the slave device can be controlled according to the QoS priority indicated by the slave device, which is more flexible. The technical effects of S308 and S307 will not be described in detail here.

[0150] Optionally, the second QoS frame has the same frame format as the first QoS frame, which can be referred to in the frame format description of the first QoS frame, and will not be repeated here. For example, the second QoS frame is Figure 9 The frame format shown.

[0151] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S309, the master device sends a first control frame to the slave device through the first link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives the first control frame from the master device through the first link. The first control frame is used to instruct the slave device to sleep, wake up, or delete the second link.

[0152] Optionally, if the first control frame is used to instruct the second link to hibernate, the control frame will carry hibernation indication information and the link ID of the second link. For example, Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the format of a first control frame for instructing a second link to sleep, as provided in this application, is shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the control frame includes an element ID, a length, and a link ID field. The element ID field indicates that the current frame is a control frame indicating a sleep function, the length field indicates the length of the current frame, and the link ID field carries the link ID of the second link.

[0153] As one possible implementation, the first control frame used to instruct the second link to sleep also includes delay information, which indicates that the sleep action should be performed after a certain delay. For example, Figure 9 The first control frame shown, used to indicate the hibernation of the second link, also includes a delay field, which carries the aforementioned delay information.

[0154] As one possible implementation, the first control frame used to indicate the sleep duration of the second link also includes duration information. For example, Figure 9The first control frame shown, used to indicate the hibernation of the second link, also includes a duration field, which carries the aforementioned duration information.

[0155] It should be understood that the master device will only send the first control frame to the slave device to indicate the need to wake up the second link if the second link is already in a dormant state.

[0156] Optionally, if the first control frame is used to instruct the second link to be woken up, the first control frame will carry indication information of the hibernation function and the link ID of the second link.

[0157] As one possible implementation, the format of the first control frame used to indicate waking up the second link can be the same as the format of the first control frame used to indicate putting the second link to sleep, for example, it can be as follows: Figure 10 As shown, it includes the element ID, length, and link ID fields. The element ID field is used to indicate that the current frame is a control frame that indicates the wake-up function.

[0158] Optionally, if the first control frame is used to indicate the deletion of the second link, the first control frame will carry indication information for the deletion function and the link ID of the second link. For example, Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the format of a first control frame for instructing the deletion of a second link is provided in this application, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, the first control frame includes an element ID, a length, and a link ID field. The element ID field indicates that the current frame is a control frame indicating a deletion function, the length field indicates the length of the current frame, and the link ID field carries the link ID of the second link.

[0159] Optionally, if the first control frame is used to indicate the deletion of the second link, the first control frame may also indicate the reason for deleting the second link. For example, continue to refer to... Figures 4 to 10 The first control frame used to indicate the deletion of the second link also includes a reason field, which carries the reason for deleting the second link.

[0160] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S310, the slave device sends a second control frame to the master device through the first link, and correspondingly, the master device receives the second control frame from the slave device through the first link. The second control frame is used to indicate whether to sleep, wake up, or delete the second link. The content and frame format of the second control frame can be the same as the first control frame; refer to the relevant description of the first control frame in S309, which will not be repeated here.

[0161] As one possible implementation, the master and slave devices in this application can be interconnected and controlled based on the Easymesh protocol. The master device can act as the controller as defined in the Easymesh protocol, and the slave device can act as the agent as defined in the Easymesh protocol. The beacon frames, probe frames, add frames, add response frames, first information update frames, second information update frames, first QoS frames, second QoS frames, first control frames, or second control frames in this application can belong to Easymesh protocol messages. Figures 4 to 10 The frame format shown can be TLV in the Easymash protocol.

[0162] Optionally, when the link medium is PON, the beacon frame, probe frame, add frame, add response frame, first information update frame, second information update frame, first QoS frame, second QoS frame, first control frame, or second control frame in this application can be carried in the payload of the PON frame. For example, in this application Figures 4 to 10 The frame format shown is located in the payload of the PON frame.

[0163] Optionally, when the link medium is a LAN, the beacon frame, probe frame, add frame, add response frame, first information update frame, second information update frame, first QoS frame, second QoS frame, first control frame, or second control frame in this application can be carried in the payload of the Ethernet frame. For example, in this application Figures 4 to 10 The frame format shown is located in the payload of the Ethernet frame.

[0164] Optionally, when the link medium is WLAN, the beacon frame, probe frame, add frame, add response frame, first information update frame, second information update frame, first QoS frame, second QoS frame, first control frame, or second control frame in this application can be carried in the payload of the WLAN frame. For example, in this application Figure 11 The frame format shown is located in the payload of the WLAN frame.

[0165] This application also provides a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be a master device in the above method embodiments, or a component usable in a master device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a slave device in the above method embodiments, or a component usable in a slave device. It is understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0166] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0167] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application is shown, with reference to... Figure 12 The communication device 110 may include a transmitting unit 1101 and a receiving unit 1102. Optionally, the communication device 110 may also include a processing unit 1103.

[0168] The communication device 110 can be used to implement the functions performed by the main device described above. Specifically, the sending unit 1101 can be used to support the device in performing the sending behavior of the main device in the above method embodiment, the receiving unit 1102 can be used to support the device in performing the receiving behavior of the main device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1103 can be used to support the device in performing the processing behavior of the main device in the above method embodiment.

[0169] Alternatively, the communication device 110 can be used to implement the functions performed by the slave device described above. Specifically, the sending unit 1101 can be used to support the device in performing the sending behavior of the slave device in the above method embodiment, the receiving unit 1102 can be used to support the device in performing the receiving behavior of the slave device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1103 can be used to support the device in performing the processing behavior of the slave device in the above method embodiment.

[0170] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0171] It should be understood that the module division in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. In addition, the integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0172] In this embodiment, the communication device 110 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to a specific ASIC, circuitry, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 120 can employ... Figure 12 The communication device 120 shown is in the form of [example device].

[0173] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 120 includes one or more processors 1201, a communication line 1202, and at least one communication interface. Figure 12(This is merely an example illustration using a communication interface 1203 and a processor 1201.) Optionally, a memory 1204 may also be included. The processor 1201 may be a CPU, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of programs according to this application. The communication line 1202 may include a path for communication between different components. The communication interface 1203 may be a transceiver module for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, RAN, wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. For example, the transceiver module may be a transceiver or similar device. Optionally, the communication interface 1203 may also be a transceiver circuit located within the processor 1201, used to implement signal input and signal output of the processor. The memory 1204 may be a device with storage function. For example, it can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions; random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions; electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM); compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage; optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.); magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices; or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer, but not limited to these. The memory can exist independently and be connected to the processor via communication line 1202. The memory can also be integrated with the processor. The memory 1204 is used to store computer execution instructions for executing the scheme of this application and is controlled by the processor 1201 for execution. Processor 1201 is used to execute computer execution instructions stored in memory 1204, thereby implementing the multi-link communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Alternatively, in the embodiments of this application, processor 1201 executes processing-related functions in the multi-link communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application, and communication interface 1203 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks; this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this. The computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application can also be referred to as application code; this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this. As one embodiment, processor 1201 may include one or more CPUs, for example.Figure 12 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0174] As one embodiment, the communication device 120 may include multiple processors, such as Figure 12 The processors 1201 and 1207 are described herein. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processors herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor, and other computing devices that run software. Each computing device may include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing.

[0175] As one embodiment, the communication device 120 may further include an output device 1205 and an input device 1206. The output device 1205 communicates with the processor 1201 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 1205 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 1206 communicates with the processor 1201 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 1206 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0176] ​ The processor 1201 in the communication device 120 shown can execute the multi-link communication method described in the above method embodiment by calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1204. Since the communication device 120 provided in this embodiment can execute the above multi-link communication method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0177] In the various embodiments of this application, the sequence numbers of the above processes do not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Additionally, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. In the above embodiments, implementation can be entirely or partially achieved through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device.The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more media that can be integrated. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid state disk (SSD)).

[0178] As used herein, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,” etc., are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, which may be hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or running software. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, a running thread, a program, and / or a computer. As an example, an application running on a computing device and the computing device itself can both be components. One or more components may reside in a running process and / or thread, and components may be located in a single computer and / or distributed among two or more computers. Furthermore, these components are capable of execution from various computer-readable media having various data structures thereon. These components may communicate locally and / or remotely via signals, such as based on one or more data packets (e.g., data from a component that interacts with a local system, another component in a distributed system, and / or signals that interact with other systems via a network such as the Internet). This application presents various aspects, embodiments, or features of a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and acknowledged that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0179] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, the term "exemplary" is used to indicate that something is used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, information, signal, message, and channel may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent when their distinctions are not emphasized. "Of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent when their distinctions are not emphasized. "System" and "network" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and their intended meanings are consistent when their distinctions are not emphasized; for example, "communication network" also refers to "communication system." The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0180] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of multi-link communication, the method comprising: The method is applied to a master device, and the method comprises the following steps: In a case that the master device communicates with a slave device through a first link of a first medium, the master device sends a beacon frame to the slave device through the first link, the beacon frame being used for indicating that the master device supports communication through a link of at least one medium, the at least one medium comprising a second medium; The master device receives a probe frame from the slave device through the first link, the probe frame being used for requesting communication through a link of the second medium; The master device sends an add frame to the slave device through the first link, the add frame being used for indicating that a second link between the master device and the slave device is added, the second link belonging to the link of the second medium; The master device receives an add response frame from the slave device through the first link, the add response frame being used for indicating that the second link is confirmed to be added.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first medium and the second medium are any two of a passive optical network (PON), a local area network (LAN) and a wireless local area network (WLAN).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The beacon frame carries a medium type and / or a communication address, the medium type indicating the at least one medium, and the communication address being an address used by the master device when communicating through the link of the at least one medium.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The beacon frame further carries rate information and / or frequency band information, the rate information indicating a rate of the link of the at least one medium, and the frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the link of the at least one medium.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The beacon frame further carries a link identification (ID) of the link of the at least one medium.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The probe frame carries a target medium type and / or a target communication address, the target medium type indicating the second medium, and the target communication address being an address used by the master device when communicating through the link of the second medium.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The probe frame further carries target rate information and / or target frequency band information, the target rate information indicating a rate of the second link, and the target frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the second link.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The probe frame is used for requesting communication through the link of the second medium, and the probe frame is used for requesting communication through the second link. The probe frame carries a link ID of the second link.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The add frame carries a communication parameter of the second link, the communication parameter being used for the slave device to communicate with the master device through the second link, and / or the communication parameter being used for the slave device to authenticate the master device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further comprises the following steps: The master device sends a first information update frame to the slave device through the first link or the second link, the first information update frame carrying a first link performance parameter, the first link performance parameter comprising a performance parameter of the first link and / or the second link measured by the master device; And / or, the master device receives a second information update frame from the slave device through the first link or the second link, the second information update frame carrying a second link performance parameter, the second link performance parameter including a performance parameter of the first link and / or the second link measured by the slave device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The performance parameter includes at least one of a maximum bandwidth limit, a rate, a packet error rate, a packet loss rate, a bit error rate, a time delay, a queue depth, or a link priority.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The master device sends a first quality of service (QoS) frame to the slave device through the first link or the second link, the first QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link; And / or, the master device receives a second QoS frame from the slave device through the first link or the second link, the second QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the master device to the slave device through the first link or the second link.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The master device sends a first control frame to the slave device through the first link, the first control frame being used to indicate sleep, wake-up, and / or, the master device receives a second control frame from the slave device through the first link, the second control frame being used to indicate sleep, wake-up, or deletion of the second link.

14. A multi-link communication method, comprising: Applied to the slave device, the method includes: In a case where the slave device communicates with a master device through a first link of a first medium, the slave device receives a beacon frame from the master device through the first link, the beacon frame being used to indicate that the master device supports communication through a link of at least one medium, the at least one medium including a second medium; The slave device sends a probe frame to the master device through the first link, the probe frame being used to request communication through a link of the second medium; The slave device receives an addition frame from the master device through the first link, the addition frame being used to indicate addition of a second link between the master device and the slave device, the second link belonging to the link of the second medium; The slave device sends an addition response frame to the master device through the first link, the addition response frame being used to indicate confirmation of addition of the second link.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first medium and the second medium are any two of a passive optical network (PON), a local area network (LAN), and a wireless local area network (WLAN).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The beacon frame carries a medium type and / or a communication address, the medium type indicating the at least one medium, and the communication address being an address used by the master device when communicating through the link of the at least one medium.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The beacon frame further carries rate information and / or frequency band information, the rate information indicating a rate of the link of the at least one medium, and the frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the link of the at least one medium.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The beacon frame further carries a link identification (ID) of the link of the at least one medium.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized by, The probe frame carries a target medium type and / or a target communication address, the target medium type indicating the second medium, and the target communication address being an address used by the master device to communicate through a link of the second medium.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The probe frame further carries target rate information and / or target frequency band information, the target rate information indicating a rate of the second link, and the target frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the second link.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized by, The probe frame is used to request communication through a link of the second medium, including that the probe frame is used to request communication through the second link. The probe frame carries a link ID of the second link.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14-21, characterized by, The increase frame carries a communication parameter of the second link; the communication parameter is used for the slave device to communicate with the master device through the second link, and / or the communication parameter is used for the slave device to authenticate with the master device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14-22, characterized by, The method further includes: The slave device receives a first information update frame from the master device through the first link or the second link, the first information update frame carrying a first link performance parameter, the first link performance parameter including a performance parameter of the first link or the second link measured by the master device; And / or, the slave device sends a second information update frame to the master device through the first link or the second link, the second information update frame carrying a second link performance parameter, the second link performance parameter including a performance parameter of the first link or the second link measured by the slave device.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The performance parameter includes at least one of a maximum bandwidth limit, a rate, a packet error rate, a packet loss rate, a bit error rate, a delay, a queue depth, or a link priority.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14-24, characterized by, The method further includes: The slave device receives a first quality of service (QoS) frame from the master device through the first link or the second link, the first QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link; And / or, the slave device sends a second QoS frame to the master device through the first link or the second link, the second QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the master device to the slave device through the first link or the second link.

26. The method of any one of claims 14-25, wherein, The method further includes: The slave device receives a first control frame from the master device through the first link, the first control frame being used to indicate dormancy, wake-up, or deletion of the second link; And / or, the slave device sends a second control frame to the master device through the first link, the second control frame being used to indicate dormancy, wake-up, or deletion of the second link.

27. A communication system, characterized by The communication system includes a master device and a slave device; wherein the master device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-13, and the slave device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 14-26.

28. A communications device, characterized by The communication device includes a processor and a memory. The memory is for storing program instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method of any of claims 1-13 or 14-26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of claims 1-13 or 14-26.

Images