Communication method, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a communication method, communication equipment and a communication system. The communication method comprises the following steps: after establishing initial association between non-simultaneous transmit-receive mobile multilink access point equipment NSTR mobile AP MLD and multilink site equipment non-AP MLD under at least one link, entering a first capability communication mode under a main link, and entering the first capability communication mode or a non-switching communication mode under a non-main link; wherein the link comprises the main link or the non-main link; for any communication parameter in at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is smaller than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode. Through the method, a further enhanced power saving mechanism can be provided.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, research on Wi-Fi technology includes topics such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), with the vision of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connections, reducing latency, improving manageability, increasing throughput at different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels, and reducing device-level power consumption.

[0003] Currently, in multi-link communication, the primary link and non-primary link are usually bound together. When the primary link is busy, the non-primary link cannot communicate independently, and the AP operating under the non-primary link will not respond to any probe request frames, that is, it will not perform the initial association process.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system to further enhance power-saving mechanisms.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0007] After establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD (Multi-Link Access Point) under at least one link, the non-Simultaneous Transmit / Receive Mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, or enters the first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes under a non-primary link; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

[0008] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0009] The non-AP MLD determines a first radio frame, which indicates that after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, enters the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or does not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode;

[0010] During the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the non-AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0011] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including an NSTR mobile AP MLD, the NSTR mobile AP MLD comprising:

[0012] The processing module is configured to, after establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD on at least one link, enter a first capability communication mode on the main link, enter the first capability communication mode on a non-main link, or not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the main link or the non-main link; for any communication parameter among at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

[0013] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD comprising:

[0014] A determining module is configured to determine a first radio frame, the first radio frame indicating that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, enters the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or does not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode;

[0015] The transmitting module is used to transmit the first radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD during the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0016] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including an NSTR mobile AP MLD, comprising:

[0017] One or more processors;

[0018] The NSTR mobile AP MLD is used to execute the communication method described in the first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0020] One or more processors;

[0021] The non-AP MLD is used to execute the communication method described in the second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0022] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including an NSTR mobile AP MLD and a non-AP MLD;

[0023] The NSTR mobile AP MLD is used to establish an initial association with a non-AP MLD under at least one link, and then enter a first capability communication mode under the main link, or enter the first capability communication mode or not switch communication modes under a non-main link; wherein the link includes the main link or the non-main link; for any of the at least one communication parameters, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

[0024] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including an NSTR mobile AP MLD and a non-AP MLD;

[0025] Wherein, the non-AP MLD is used to determine the first radio frame; and, during the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the first radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD; the first radio frame is used to indicate that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, enters the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or does not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode;

[0026] The NSTR mobile AP MLD is used to enter a first capability communication mode on the main link, or enter a first capability communication mode or not switch communication modes on the non-main link, after establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD on at least one link; or, based on the first radio frame received during the initial association process, enter a first capability communication mode on the main link, or enter a first capability communication mode or not switch communication modes on the non-main link.

[0027] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect of this disclosure, or to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0028] In this embodiment, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the multi-link site device non-AP MLD under at least one link, it enters a first capability communication mode under the main link, and either enters the first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes under non-main links. For any of the at least one communication parameters, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode. In this way, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD, it can enter a lower capability communication mode under some or all links, which can save the device's energy consumption and further realize device power saving.

[0029] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 is the third interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of one scenario of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 is a second scenario diagram of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-simultaneous transmission and reception mobile multi-link access point device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-link site device proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0044] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0045] After establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD on at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode on the main link, or enters the first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes on a non-main link; wherein, the link includes the main link or the non-main link; for any of the at least one communication parameters, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

[0046] In the above embodiments, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the multi-link site device non-AP MLD under at least one link, it enters a first capability communication mode under the main link, and either enters the first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes under non-main links. For any of the at least one communication parameters, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode. In this way, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD, it can enter a lower capability communication mode under some or all links, which can save the device's energy consumption and further realize device power saving.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, entering the first capability communication mode under the main link, entering the first capability communication mode under a non-main link, or not switching communication modes includes:

[0048] Based on the first radio frame received during the initial association process, the system enters the first capability communication mode under the main link, or enters the first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes under a non-main link.

[0049] In the above embodiments, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the multi-link site device non-AP MLD under at least one link, it can enter a first capability communication mode under the main link, or enter the first capability communication mode or not switch communication modes under the non-main link, according to the information indicated by explicit indication in the first radio frame. In this way, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD, it can enter a lower capability communication mode under some or all links, which can save the device's energy consumption and further realize device power saving.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes first identification information and second identification information.

[0051] The first identification information is used to identify that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association under the main link, it enters the first capability communication mode;

[0052] The second identification information is used to identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association under the non-main link.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the non-AP MLD can use the first identification information carried in the first radio frame to identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association under the main link; and use the second identification information carried in the first radio frame to identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association under a non-main link. In this way, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the first radio frame and establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD, it can enter a lower capability communication mode under some or all links, which can save the device's energy consumption and further realize device power saving.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a first information element, the first information element including an identification field corresponding to each of the links; the identification field includes a first identification field corresponding to the primary link and / or a second identification field corresponding to the non-primary link;

[0055] The first identification information is carried in the first identification field; the second identification information is carried in the second identification field.

[0056] In the above embodiments, the non-AP MLD can specifically carry the first identification information in the first information element of the first radio frame, and through the identification field in the first information element corresponding to each link, identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under each link.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0058] The NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the main link; and simultaneously performs a communication mode switching operation under the main link and the non-main link; wherein, the second radio frame includes third identification information, the third identification information being used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to simultaneously perform a communication mode switching operation under the main link and the non-main link; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0059] or

[0060] The NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a third radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD; and performs a communication mode switching operation on the link in which the third radio frame is received; wherein the third radio frame includes fourth identification information, which is used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation on the link in which the third radio frame is received.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can receive a second radio frame sent by a non-AP MLD under the main link, and based on the indication content of the third identification information in the second radio frame, perform a communication mode switching operation under the main link and non-main link, that is, switch to the second capability communication mode, so as to exchange frames with the non-AP MLD in the second capability communication mode; or, by receiving a third radio frame sent by a non-AP MLD under a certain link, and based on the indication content of the third identification information in the third radio frame, perform a communication mode switching operation under the link receiving the third radio frame, that is, switch to the second capability communication mode, so as to exchange frames with the non-AP MLD in the second capability communication mode.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a second radio frame transmitted by the non-AP MLD via the main link, including:

[0063] When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the main link.

[0064] In the above embodiments, when the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can transmit a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD received under the main link.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a third radio frame transmitted by the non-AP MLD, including:

[0066] When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the third radio frame.

[0067] In the above embodiments, when the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can transmit a second radio frame sent by a non-AP MLD received under an idle link.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD under at least one link of the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the method further includes:

[0069] The NSTR mobile AP MLD determines a fourth radio frame; wherein the fourth radio frame includes fifth identification information, the fifth identification information being used to instruct the non-AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0070] The NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the fifth identification information carried in the fourth radio frame of the NSTR mobile AP MLD instructs the non-AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation; thus, after the non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame, it can switch to the second capability communication mode to exchange frames with the NSTR mobile AP MLD in the second capability communication mode.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD, including:

[0073] When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD.

[0074] In the above embodiments, when the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can send a fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD under an idle link.

[0075] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0076] The non-AP MLD determines a first radio frame, which indicates that after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, enters the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or does not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode;

[0077] During the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the non-AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes first identification information and second identification information.

[0079] The first identification information is used to identify that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association under the main link, it enters the first capability communication mode;

[0080] The second identification information is used to identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association under the non-main link.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a first information element, the first information element including an identification field corresponding to each of the links; the identification field includes a first identification field corresponding to the primary link and / or a second identification field corresponding to the non-primary link;

[0082] The first identification information is carried in the first identification field; the second identification information is carried in the second identification field.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0084] The non-AP MLD determines a second radio frame and sends the second radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD through the main link; wherein, the second radio frame includes third identification information, the third identification information being used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation simultaneously under the main link and the non-main link; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0085] or

[0086] The non-AP MLD determines a third radio frame and sends the third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD; wherein, the third radio frame includes fourth identification information, which is used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation under the link that receives the third radio frame.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending the second radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link includes:

[0088] When the main link is idle, the second radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending the third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD includes:

[0090] When the main link is idle, the third radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the method further includes:

[0092] The non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD;

[0093] The fourth radio frame includes fifth identification information, which is used to instruct the non-AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the non-AP MLD receives a fourth radio frame transmitted by the NSTR mobile AP MLD, including:

[0095] When the main link is idle, the non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0096] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including an NSTR mobile AP MLD, the NSTR mobile AP MLD including a processing module; wherein the NSTR mobile AP MLD is used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0097] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device being a non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD comprising at least one of a determining module and a transmitting module; wherein the non-AP MLD is used to execute an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0098] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including an NSTR mobile AP MLD, comprising:

[0099] One or more processors;

[0100] The NSTR mobile AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0101] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0102] One or more processors;

[0103] The non-AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0104] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system including an NSTR mobile AP MLD and a non-AP MLD; wherein the NSTR mobile AP MLD is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the first aspect, and the non-AP MLD is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the second aspect.

[0105] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the optional implementation described in the first or second aspect.

[0106] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0107] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0108] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the optional implementations of the first or second aspect above.

[0109] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, and communication systems. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0111] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0112] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0113] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0114] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0115] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0116] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0117] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0118] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0119] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0121] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than”, “greater than or equal to”, “not less than”, “more than”, “more than or equal to”, “not less than”, “higher than”, “higher than or equal to”, “not lower than”, and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than”, “less than or equal to”, “not greater than”, “less than”, “less than or equal to”, “not more than”, “lower than”, “lower than or equal to”, “not higher than”, and “below”.

[0122] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0123] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0124] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0125] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0126] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0127] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a nonsimultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) mobile AP MLD 101 and a multi-link site device (i.e., a multi-link non-access point device) 102.

[0129] To achieve higher throughput, devices supporting Multi-Link Operation (MLO) are called Multi-Link Devices (MLDs). With MLO technology, multiple links can be established across frequency bands between multi-link access point devices (AP MLDs) and multi-link site devices (Non-AP MLDs). After establishing multiple links, a non-AP MLD can use multiple links to communicate with an AP MLD.

[0130] In some embodiments, an NSTR mobile AP MLD is a mobility multi-link access point device based on a nonsimultaneous transmit and receive mechanism. Optionally, for backward compatibility, a UHR mobile AP can also be a type of NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0131] In some embodiments, a multi-link access point device is an access point (AP) that supports multi-link communication functionality. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device or network device with a wireless fidelity chip. Optionally, an AP can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0132] In some embodiments, the multi-link station device 102 is a station (STA) that supports multi-link communication functionality. A station device, for example, is an electronic device with wireless network access capabilities that provides frame delivery services to enable information transmission. Examples include wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals that support Wi-Fi communication. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal may be at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an IoT device supporting Wi-Fi communication, a car with Wi-Fi communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, or a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0133] Specifically, the site equipment can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the site equipment can support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0134] As an example, referring to Figure 5, the APs attached to the AP MLD include AP1 and AP2, and the non-APs attached to the non-AP MLD include STA1 and STA2. If AP1, AP2, STA1, and STA2 all support multi-link communication, then as shown in Figure 5, AP1 can communicate with STA1 through Link1, and AP2 can communicate with STA2 through Link2; a multi-link is established between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0135] As another example, referring to Figure 6, the APs attached to the AP MLD include AP3 and AP4. If AP3 and AP4 both support multi-link communication, while STA3, STA4, STA5, STA6, and STA7 all support single-link communication, then as shown in Figure 6, AP3 can communicate with STA3 via Link 5, and AP3 can communicate with STA4 via Link 6; AP4 can communicate with STA5 via Link 7, AP4 can communicate with STA6 via Link 8, and AP4 can communicate with STA7 via Link 9. That is, AP3 establishes multiple links with STA3 and STA4, AP4 establishes multiple links with STA5, STA6, and STA7, STA3 establishes a single link with AP3, STA4 establishes a single link with AP3, STA5 establishes a single link with AP4, STA6 establishes a single link with AP4, and STA7 establishes a single link with AP4.

[0136] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0137] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0138] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as LANs using the 802.11 series of protocols. In a WLAN, a Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental component. An BSS network consists of site devices with some association within a specific coverage area. One type of association is where sites communicate directly with each other in a self-organizing network; this is called an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Another more common scenario is that in a BSS network, there is only one central site dedicated to managing the BSS, called an Access Point (AP) device, while other sites in the BSS network that are not APs are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs. APs and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between APs and non-AP STAs. Within the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away; they are each other's hidden nodes.

[0139] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0140] Step 201: After the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, it enters the first capability communication mode under the main link, or enters the first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes under the non-main link; wherein, the link includes the main link or the non-main link; for any communication parameter among at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

[0141] The next-generation Wi-Fi technology, Ultra High Reliability (UHR), aims to improve the reliability of wireless LAN connections, reduce latency, and lower device-level power consumption. To further conserve device power, the device's communication mode can be switched from a higher capability mode to a lower capability mode, thus achieving power saving.

[0142] However, in current multi-link communication processes, the primary link and non-primary link are usually bound together. When the primary link is busy, the non-primary link cannot communicate independently, and the AP operating under the non-primary link will not respond to any probe request frames, i.e., it will not perform the initial association process. Based on this, how can we reduce device-level power consumption after the NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD have established multiple links (primary link and non-primary link)? Specifically, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD have established multiple links (primary link and non-primary link), is the NSTR mobile AP MLD in a low-capacity communication mode? And if the NSTR mobile AP MLD is in a low-capacity communication mode, how should the non-AP MLD send initial control frames to allow the NSTR mobile AP MLD to switch from low-capacity mode to high-capacity communication mode on these links? The question of which links MLD can send initial control frames has become a pressing technical issue that needs to be addressed and requires signaling to specify.

[0143] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD and the non-AP MLD establish an initial association, it is defined whether to enter a lower capability communication mode under the main link and whether to enter a lower capability communication mode under a non-main link. In this way, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD and the non-AP MLD establish an initial association under one of the links, it can directly enter or not enter the first capability communication mode with lower power consumption according to the link type (main link or non-main link), so that the device saves power.

[0144] In WLAN, the multiple links established between multi-link devices can usually be divided into primary links or non-primary links.

[0145] Optionally, the first capability communication mode may also be referred to as a first power mode, low-energy communication mode, low-capability communication mode, low-power communication mode, eavesdropping mode, or low-power communication phase, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name. The second capability communication mode may also be referred to as a second power mode, high-energy capability communication mode, high-capability communication mode, high-power communication mode, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name.

[0146] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, entering the non-switching communication mode under non-main link conditions can also be referred to as not entering the first capability communication mode under non-main link conditions.

[0147] Optionally, the communication parameters corresponding to the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode may include, but are not limited to, bandwidth (BW), supported MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) methods (e.g., MCS index value), NSS (number of Spatial Streams), etc.

[0148] As an example, assuming that the device supports a working bandwidth of 20MHz (Mega Hertz) in the first capability communication mode, then in the second capability communication mode, the device can support a working bandwidth greater than 20MHz, such as any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz.

[0149] Optionally, in the first capability communication mode, the device supports a basic operating bandwidth of 20MHz (i.e., BW = 20MHz), the number of SSs is 1 (i.e., NSS = 1), and the maximum value of the MCS index is 6, meaning the MCS index value can be any value from 0 to 6, for example, an MCS index value of 5. In the second capability communication mode, the device supports a bandwidth greater than or equal to 20MHz, for example, any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz, the number of SSs can be greater than or equal to 2, and the MCS index can be greater than or equal to 6.

[0150] Optionally, in one communication mode, the MCS information supported by the device is associated with multiple communication parameters. For example, the communication parameters associated with the MCS information may include, but are not limited to: NSS, the modulation scheme supported by each spatial stream, coding rate, BW, device transmission resource type [e.g., Resource Unit RU, Multiple Resource Unit (MRU), Distributed Resource Unit (dRU), UEQM, etc.], whether the device supports BW punctured channel pattern, and at least one of the punctured channel density supported by the device.

[0151] For example, regarding each communication parameter, does the device support its specific parameter values? For instance, for NSS, the maximum NSS supported by the device could be 4, 8, or 16. Taking modulation schemes as an example, the modulation schemes supported by a spatial stream supported by the device could be at least one of Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), 64-QAM, 256-QAM, 1024-QAM, and 4096-QAM. Taking coding rate as an example, the coding rate supported by a spatial stream supported by the device could be 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 4, or 5 / 6. Taking BW as an example, the BW supported by the device could be at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz. When the device supports BW punch channel mode, the punch channel density supported by the device may be at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz.

[0152] For a given device, the MCS information it supports can be found in Table 1.

[0153] Table 1

[0154] As shown in Table 1, n, n+1, n+2, n+3, n+4, etc., are merely examples used to distinguish the differences between each row. Specific values ​​need to be adjusted according to the actual situation. In each row, the NSS, modulation, coding rate, transmission resource type, BW, whether puncturing is supported, and puncturing channel density corresponding to the device can be arbitrarily combined, and the corresponding MCS index value will differ under different combinations. For example, in the first row, the MCS index values ​​corresponding to different combinations can be t, t+1, t+2, ..., etc.

[0155] Optionally, the first implicit indication method or the first explicit indication method can be used to indicate whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link.

[0156] Optionally, in the first implicit indication method, if the NSTR mobile AP MLD identifies that the NSTR mobile AP MLD supports switching from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode, it can implicitly indicate that after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link, it directly enters the first capability communication mode under the main link.

[0157] Optionally, in the first explicit indication mode, the first identification information in the first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD to the NSTR mobile AP MLD can explicitly indicate whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link.

[0158] Optionally, a second implicit indication method or a second explicit indication method can be used to indicate whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the non-primary link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the non-primary link.

[0159] Optionally, in the second implicit indication method, regardless of whether the first implicit indication method or the first explicit indication method is used to indicate that the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link, the implicit indication is: after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the non-main link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD directly enters the first capability communication mode under the non-main link.

[0160] Optionally, in the second explicit indication method, the second identification information in the first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD to the NSTR mobile AP MLD can be used to explicitly indicate whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the non-master link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the non-master link.

[0161] Optionally, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can determine, based on the first implicit indication method or the first explicit indication method, whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link; and, based on the second implicit indication method or the second explicit indication method, whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the non-main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the non-main link.

[0162] Optionally, if, based on the aforementioned first implicit indication method or first explicit indication method, it is determined that the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link and then enters the first capability communication mode under the main link, then the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link.

[0163] Specifically, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link, (1-1) if the NSTR mobile AP MLD determines, based on the aforementioned first implicit indication method, that the NSTR mobile AP MLD supports switching from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode, the NSTR mobile AP MLD directly enters the first capability communication mode under the main link. Alternatively, (1-2) if, based on the aforementioned first explicit indication method, the NSTR mobile AP MLD determines, after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link, that it enters the first capability communication mode under the main link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the main link.

[0164] Optionally, based on the above-mentioned second implicit indication method or second explicit indication method, if it is determined that the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the non-main link and then enters the first capability communication mode under the main link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD may enter the first capability communication mode or not switch communication modes under the non-main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the non-main link.

[0165] Specifically, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the non-main link, (2-1) if the NSTR mobile AP MLD determines, based on the above-mentioned second implicit indication method, that the NSTR mobile AP MLD can determine, based on (1-1) or (1-2) above, that the NSTR mobile AP MLD has established an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link and has entered the first capability communication mode under the main link, it directly enters the first capability communication mode under the non-main link. Alternatively, (2-2) if, based on the above-mentioned second explicit indication method, the NSTR mobile AP MLD determines that it has established an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the non-primary link, and then enters the first capability communication mode under the non-primary link, then the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the non-primary link; if, based on the above-mentioned second explicit indication method, the NSTR mobile AP MLD determines that it has established an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the non-primary link, and then does not enter the first capability communication mode under the non-primary link, then the NSTR mobile AP MLD does not switch communication modes under the non-primary link.

[0166] Specifically, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under a certain link, when determining whether to enter the first capability communication mode under the link based on the identification information in the first radio frame in the first explicit indication method or the second display indication method, the parameter value of the identification field corresponding to the link in the first radio frame can be determined; and according to the parameter value of the identification field corresponding to the link, it can be determined whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the link; and, according to the determination result, it enters the first capability communication mode under the link, or does not enter the first capability communication mode.

[0167] Alternatively, as another example, referring to Figure 3, before step 201, the method further includes:

[0168] Step 301: The non-AP MLD determines a first radio frame, which indicates that after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD on at least one link, it enters a first capability communication mode on the main link, enters a first capability communication mode on a non-main link, or does not switch communication modes.

[0169] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame may be a data frame or a management frame, and this embodiment of the disclosure is not limited thereto. Optionally, the data frame may include a Quality of Service (QoS) data frame or a QoS null frame, and this embodiment of the disclosure is not limited thereto. The management frame may include an association request frame, a reassociation request frame, a probe request frame, etc., and this embodiment of the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0170] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes first identification information and second identification information.

[0171] The first identification information is used to identify that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association under the main link, it enters the first capability communication mode;

[0172] The second identification information is used to identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association under the non-main link.

[0173] Optionally, the first identification information may include a bit. By setting the parameter value of this bit to different values, it can be identified whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link. For example, when the parameter value of this bit is set to "1", it can be identified that the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode under the main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link; when the parameter value of this bit is set to "0", it can be identified that the NSTR mobile AP MLD does not enter the first capability communication mode under the main link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under the main link.

[0174] Similarly, the second identification information can also include a single bit. By setting the parameter value of this bit to different values, it can be identified whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode on a non-primary link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD. For example, when the parameter value of this bit is set to "1", it indicates that the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode on a non-primary link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD; when the parameter value of this bit is set to "0", it indicates that the NSTR mobile AP MLD does not enter the first capability communication mode on a non-primary link after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD.

[0175] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a first information element, the first information element including an identifier field corresponding to each of the links; the identifier field includes a first identifier field corresponding to the main link and / or a second identifier field corresponding to the non-main link;

[0176] The first identification information is carried in the first identification field; the second identification information is carried in the second identification field.

[0177] Optionally, the first information element may include, but is not limited to, the basic multi-link element, which may include an identification field corresponding to each link. For example, taking the identification of a link by the parameter value of link ID as an example, the first information element includes an identification field corresponding to the link ID.

[0178] As a concrete example, the parameter value of the identifier field corresponding to link1 can be used to indicate whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode on link1 after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under link1.

[0179] In step 302, during the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the non-AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD. Correspondingly, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD.

[0180] Optionally, the non-AP MLD can send the first radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. Depending on the propagation method, the first radio frame can be divided into a unicast frame, a broadcast frame, or a multicast frame.

[0181] Alternatively, as another example, referring to Figure 3, after step 201, the method further includes:

[0182] Step 303: The non-AP MLD determines a second radio frame; wherein the second radio frame includes third identification information, the third identification information being used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation under the primary link and the non-primary link.

[0183] Optionally, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, the initial control frame.

[0184] Optionally, the second radio frame can be divided into unicast frames according to the propagation method of the second radio frame.

[0185] Optionally, referring to the above description, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD will enter the first capability communication mode under the primary link, or enter the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or not switch communication modes. In step 301, the non-AP MLD can instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation under at least one link by sending a second radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD, that is, instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation simultaneously under the primary link and a non-primary link, i.e., switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0186] Optionally, after performing step 303, the above method further includes step 304.

[0187] In step 304, the non-AP MLD sends the second radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link. Correspondingly, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD via the main link.

[0188] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, sending the second radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link includes:

[0189] When the main link is idle, the second radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link. Correspondingly, when the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD via the main link.

[0190] Optionally, after performing step 303, the above method further includes step 305.

[0191] Step 305: After the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the main link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can simultaneously perform a communication mode switching operation under the main link and the non-main link.

[0192] Optionally, in step 201 or step 305 (specifically after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link of the NSTR mobile AP MLD, as shown in Figure 3, which is executed after step 305), the method further includes:

[0193] Step 306: The NSTR mobile AP MLD determines a fourth radio frame; wherein the fourth radio frame includes fifth identification information, which is used to instruct the non-AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation.

[0194] Optionally, the fourth radio frame may include, but is not limited to, the initial control frame.

[0195] Optionally, depending on the propagation method of the first radio frame, the fourth radio frame can be divided into a unicast frame, a broadcast frame, or a multicast frame.

[0196] Optionally, when the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can send a fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD via any idle link established with the non-AP MLD.

[0197] In step 307, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD. Correspondingly, the non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0198] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sending the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD includes:

[0199] When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD. Correspondingly, the non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD when the main link is idle.

[0200] Optionally, when the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can send a fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD through any link (i.e., the main link or the non-main link) that is associated with the non-AP MLD.

[0201] Optionally, when both the primary link and the non-primary link are idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can send a fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD through any link (i.e., the primary link or the non-primary link) that is associated with the non-AP MLD.

[0202] Optionally, when the primary link is busy and the non-primary link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD cannot send a fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD through any link (i.e., primary link or non-primary link) associated with it. That is, even if the non-primary link is idle when the primary link is busy, the NSTR mobile AP MLD cannot send a fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD independently through any link (i.e., primary link or non-primary link) associated with it.

[0203] Optionally, after receiving the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the non-AP MLD can perform a communication mode switching operation.

[0204] Alternatively, as another example, referring to Figure 4, after step 201, the method further includes:

[0205] Step 401: The non-AP MLD determines a third radio frame; wherein the third radio frame includes fourth identification information, which is used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation on the link receiving the third radio frame.

[0206] Optionally, the third radio frame may include, but is not limited to, the initial control frame.

[0207] Optionally, the third radio frame can be divided into unicast frames according to the propagation method of the third radio frame.

[0208] Optionally, referring to the above description, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD will enter the first capability communication mode under the primary link, or enter the first capability communication mode or not switch communication modes under a non-primary link. In step 401, the non-AP MLD can instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation under the link receiving the third radio frame by sending a third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD, that is, to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0209] Optionally, after performing step 401, the above method further includes step 402.

[0210] In step 402, the non-AP MLD sends the third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD. Correspondingly, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the third radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD.

[0211] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, sending the third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD includes:

[0212] When the main link is idle, the third radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD. Correspondingly, when the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the third radio frame.

[0213] Optionally, when the main link is idle, the non-AP MLD can send a third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link.

[0214] Optionally, when both the primary link and the non-primary link are idle, the non-AP MLD can send a third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the non-primary link.

[0215] Optionally, when the primary link is busy and the secondary link is idle, the non-AP MLD cannot send a third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the secondary link. That is, when the primary link is busy, even if the secondary link is idle, the non-AP MLD cannot send control frames to the NSTR mobile AP MLD solely via the secondary link.

[0216] Optionally, after performing step 402, the above method further includes step 403.

[0217] Step 403: After the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can perform a communication mode switching operation on the link where the second radio frame is received.

[0218] As an example, when the main link is idle and the non-AP MLD sends a third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can perform a communication mode switching operation under the main link. Conversely, when the main link is idle and the non-AP MLD sends a third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via a non-main link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can perform a communication mode switching operation under a non-main link.

[0219] Optionally, after step 201 or step 403 (specifically after establishing an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link of the NSTR mobile AP MLD, Figure 4 takes step 403 as an example), the method further includes:

[0220] Step 306: The NSTR mobile AP MLD determines a fourth radio frame; wherein the fourth radio frame includes fifth identification information, which is used to instruct the non-AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation.

[0221] In step 307, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD. Correspondingly, the non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0222] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sending the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD includes:

[0223] When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD. Correspondingly, the non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD when the main link is idle.

[0224] Optionally, when the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can send a fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD via any idle link established with the non-AP MLD.

[0225] Optionally, after receiving the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the non-AP MLD can perform a communication mode switching operation.

[0226] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0227] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0228] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0229] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0230] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0231] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0232] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 306 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 307 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 403 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 201 and step 301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 201, step 301, step 302, step 303 and step 304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. The combination of steps 201, 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, and 307 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 301, 302, 401, and 402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 301, 302, 401, 402, and 403 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 301, 302, 401, 402, 403, 306, and 307 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0233] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 4.

[0234] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] As shown in Figure 7, the above method can be applied to NSTR mobile AP MLD, and the method includes:

[0236] Step 701: After the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, it enters the first capability communication mode under the main link, or enters the first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes under the non-main link; wherein, the link includes the main link or the non-main link; for any communication parameter among at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

[0237] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, entering the first capability communication mode under the main link, entering the first capability communication mode under a non-main link, or not switching communication modes includes:

[0238] Based on the first wireless frame received during the initial association process, the system enters a first capability communication mode under the main link, or enters a first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes under a non-main link; wherein, the link includes the main link or the non-main link.

[0239] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes first identification information and second identification information.

[0240] The first identification information is used to identify that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association under the main link, it enters the first capability communication mode;

[0241] The second identification information is used to identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association under the non-main link.

[0242] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a first information element, wherein the first information element includes an identifier field corresponding to each of the links;

[0243] The first identification information is carried in the first identification field of the first information element corresponding to the main link; the second identification information is carried in the second identification field of the first information element corresponding to the non-main link; wherein, the identification field includes the first identification field or the second identification field.

[0244] The optional implementation of step 701 can be found in the optional implementation of step 201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0246] The NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the main link; and simultaneously performs a communication mode switching operation under the main link and the non-main link; wherein, the second radio frame includes third identification information, the third identification information being used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to simultaneously perform a communication mode switching operation under the main link and the non-main link; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0247] or

[0248] The NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a third radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the link; and performs a communication mode switching operation under the link where the third radio frame is received; wherein, the third radio frame includes fourth identification information, which is used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation under the link where the third radio frame is received.

[0249] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the main link, including:

[0250] When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the main link.

[0251] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a third radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the link, including:

[0252] When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the third radio frame through the link.

[0253] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, after establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD under at least one link of the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the method further includes:

[0254] The NSTR mobile AP MLD determines a fourth radio frame; wherein the fourth radio frame includes fifth identification information, the fifth identification information being used to instruct the non-AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0255] The NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD.

[0256] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sending the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD includes:

[0257] When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD through the link.

[0258] Figure 8 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0259] As shown in Figure 8, the above method can be applied to non-AP MLD, and the method includes:

[0260] Step 801: The non-AP MLD determines a first radio frame, which indicates that after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, enters the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or does not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameters, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

[0261] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes first identification information and second identification information.

[0262] The first identification information is used to identify that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association under the main link, it enters the first capability communication mode;

[0263] The second identification information is used to identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association under the non-main link.

[0264] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a first information element, the first information element including an identifier field corresponding to each of the links; the identifier field includes a first identifier field corresponding to the main link and / or a second identifier field corresponding to the non-main link;

[0265] The first identification information is carried in the first identification field; the second identification information is carried in the second identification field.

[0266] The optional implementation of step 801 can be found in the optional implementation of step 201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0267] Step 802: During the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the non-AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0268] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0269] The non-AP MLD determines a second radio frame and sends the second radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD through the main link; wherein, the second radio frame includes third identification information, the third identification information being used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation simultaneously under the main link and the non-main link; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0270] or

[0271] The non-AP MLD determines a third radio frame and sends the third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD; wherein, the third radio frame includes fourth identification information, which is used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation under the link that receives the third radio frame.

[0272] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, sending the second radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link includes:

[0273] When the main link is idle, the second radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link.

[0274] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, sending the third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD includes:

[0275] When the main link is idle, the third radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0276] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the method further includes:

[0277] The non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD;

[0278] The fourth radio frame includes fifth identification information, which is used to instruct the non-AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0279] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the non-AP MLD receiving the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD includes:

[0280] When the main link is idle, the non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0281] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 801 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step 802 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and the combination of step 801 and step 802 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0282] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG8 may be referred to.

[0283] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0284] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). This PLD can include a large number of logic gates, and the connection relationships between these logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0285] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0286] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the NSTR mobile AP MLD proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the NSTR mobile AP MLD 900 may include a processing module 901.

[0287] In some embodiments, the above-described processing module is configured to, after establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD under at least one link, enter a first capability communication mode under the main link, enter the first capability communication mode under a non-main link, or not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the main link or the non-main link; for any of the at least one communication parameters, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

[0288] Optionally, the processing module 901 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (such as steps 201, 305, 306, and 403, but not limited thereto) executed by the NSTR mobile AP MLD101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0289] The aforementioned NSTR mobile AP MLD900 may also include a transceiver module, which is used to perform at least one of the transceiver steps (such as steps 302, 304, 307, and 402, but not limited thereto) performed by the NSTR mobile AP MLD101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0290] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the non-AP MLD 1000 may include: a determining module 1001 and a sending module 1002.

[0291] In some embodiments, the determining module 1001 is configured to determine a first radio frame, the first radio frame indicating that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, enters the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or does not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode;

[0292] The transmitting module 1002 is used to transmit the first radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD during the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0293] Optionally, the determination module 1001 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 301, 303, and 401, but not limited thereto) performed by the non-AP MLD 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0294] The aforementioned sending module 1002 is used to execute at least one of the sending and receiving steps (such as steps 302, 304, 307, and 402, but not limited to these) executed by the non-AP MLD102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0295] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 1100 (e.g., a user equipment) according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The terminal 1100 may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports network devices in implementing any of the above methods, or it may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The terminal 1100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0296] As shown in Figure 11, terminal 1100 includes one or more processors 1101. The processor 1101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Terminal 1100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0297] In some embodiments, terminal 1100 further includes one or more memories 1102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1102 may also be located outside of terminal 1100.

[0298] In some embodiments, terminal 1100 further includes one or more transceivers 1104. When terminal 1100 includes one or more transceivers 1104, transceivers 1104 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 302, 304, 307, 402, but not limited thereto), and processor 1101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 303, 305, 306, 401, 403, but not limited thereto).

[0299] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0300] In some embodiments, terminal 1100 may include one or more interface circuits 1103. Optionally, interface circuit 1103 is connected to memory 1102, and interface circuit 1103 can be used to receive signals from memory 1102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 1102 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 1103 can read instructions stored in memory 1102 and send the instructions to processor 1101.

[0301] The terminal 1100 described in the above embodiments may be a user equipment or other communication device, but the scope of the terminal 1100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the terminal 1100 may not be limited by FIG11. The communication device may be an independent device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC set may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0302] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 1200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the terminal 1100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 1200 shown in Figure 12, but it is not limited thereto.

[0303] Chip 1200 includes one or more processors 1201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0304] In some embodiments, chip 1200 further includes one or more 1203s. Optionally, interface circuitry 1203 is connected to memory 1202. Interface circuitry 1203 can be used to receive signals from memory 1202 or other devices, and interface circuitry 1203 can be used to send signals to memory 1202 or other devices. For example, interface circuitry 1203 can read instructions stored in memory 1202 and send the instructions to processor 1201.

[0305] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1203 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 302, 304, 307, 402, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 303, 305, 306, 401, 403, but not limited thereto).

[0306] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0307] In some embodiments, chip 1200 further includes one or more memories 1202 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1202 may be located outside of chip 1200.

[0308] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on terminal 1100, cause terminal 1100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0309] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by terminal 1100, causes terminal 1100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0310] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: After establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD (Multi-Link Access Point) under at least one link, the non-Simultaneous Transmit / Receive Mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, or enters the first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes under a non-primary link; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of entering the first capability communication mode under the main link, entering the first capability communication mode under a non-main link, or not switching communication modes includes: Based on the first radio frame received during the initial association process, the system enters the first capability communication mode under the main link, or enters the first capability communication mode or does not switch communication modes under a non-main link.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes first identification information and second identification information. The first identification information is used to identify that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association under the main link, it enters the first capability communication mode; The second identification information is used to identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association under the non-main link.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes a first information element, which includes an identifier field corresponding to each of the links; the identifier field includes a first identifier field corresponding to the main link and / or a second identifier field corresponding to the non-main link. The first identification information is carried in the first identification field; The second identification information is carried in the second identification field.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the main link; and performs a communication mode switching operation under the main link and the non-main link; wherein, the second radio frame includes third identification information, the third identification information being used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation simultaneously under the main link and the non-main link; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; or The NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a third radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD; and performs a communication mode switching operation on the link in which the third radio frame is received; wherein the third radio frame includes fourth identification information, which is used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation on the link in which the third radio frame is received.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the main link, including: When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the main link.

7. The communication method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The NSTR mobile AP MLD receives a third radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD, including: When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD receives the third radio frame.

8. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, After establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD under at least one link of the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the method further includes: The NSTR mobile AP MLD determines a fourth radio frame; wherein the fourth radio frame includes fifth identification information, the fifth identification information being used to instruct the non-AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; The NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD, including: When the main link is idle, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends the fourth radio frame to the non-AP MLD.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The non-AP MLD determines a first radio frame, which indicates that after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, enters the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or does not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode; During the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the non-AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes first identification information and second identification information. The first identification information is used to identify that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association under the main link, it enters the first capability communication mode; The second identification information is used to identify whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode after establishing an initial association under the non-main link.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes a first information element, which includes an identifier field corresponding to each of the links; the identifier field includes a first identifier field corresponding to the main link and / or a second identifier field corresponding to the non-main link. The first identification information is carried in the first identification field; The second identification information is carried in the second identification field.

13. The communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The non-AP MLD determines a second radio frame and sends the second radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD through the main link; wherein, the second radio frame includes third identification information, the third identification information being used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation simultaneously under the main link and the non-main link; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; or The non-AP MLD determines a third radio frame and sends the third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD; wherein, the third radio frame includes fourth identification information, which is used to instruct the NSTR mobile AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation under the link that receives the third radio frame.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Sending the second radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link includes: When the main link is idle, the second radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD via the main link.

15. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Sending the third radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD includes: When the main link is idle, the third radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

16. The communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, After the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the method further includes: The non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD; The fourth radio frame includes fifth identification information, which is used to instruct the non-AP MLD to perform a communication mode switching operation; the communication mode switching operation includes switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD, including: When the main link is idle, the non-AP MLD receives the fourth radio frame sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes an NSTR mobile AP MLD, and the NSTR mobile AP MLD includes: The processing module is configured to, after establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD on at least one link, enter a first capability communication mode on the main link, enter the first capability communication mode on a non-main link, or not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the main link or the non-main link; for any communication parameter among at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is a non-AP MLD, and the non-AP MLD includes: A determining module is configured to determine a first radio frame, the first radio frame indicating that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, enters the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or does not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode; The transmitting module is used to transmit the first radio frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD during the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes an NSTR mobile AP MLD, comprising: One or more processors; The NSTR mobile AP MLD is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is a non-AP MLD, including: One or more processors; The non-AP MLD is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, Including NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD; The NSTR mobile AP MLD is used to establish an initial association with a non-AP MLD under at least one link, and then enter a first capability communication mode under the main link, or enter the first capability communication mode or not switch communication modes under a non-main link; wherein the link includes the main link or the non-main link; for any of the at least one communication parameters, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, Including NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD; Wherein, the non-AP MLD is used to determine the first radio frame; and, during the initial association process with the NSTR mobile AP MLD, the first radio frame is sent to the NSTR mobile AP MLD; the first radio frame is used to indicate that: after the NSTR mobile AP MLD establishes an initial association with the non-AP MLD under at least one link, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters a first capability communication mode under the primary link, enters the first capability communication mode under a non-primary link, or does not switch communication modes; wherein, the link includes the primary link or the non-primary link; for any of the at least one communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode; The NSTR mobile AP MLD is used to enter a first capability communication mode on the main link after establishing an initial association with a non-AP MLD on at least one link, or to enter the first capability communication mode on a non-main link without switching communication modes; or, based on the first radio frame received during the initial association process, to enter the first capability communication mode on the main link, or to enter the first capability communication mode on a non-main link without switching communication modes.

24. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 17.

25. A program product, characterized in that, When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 17.

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