Secondary channel identification method, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a secondary channel identification method, communication equipment and a communication system. The secondary channel identification method comprises the following steps: an AP MLD determines a first wireless frame, wherein the first wireless frame is used for responding to a second wireless frame sent by a non-AP MLD; the second wireless frame is used for requesting link reconfiguration; the first wireless frame comprises first identification information and second identification information; under the condition that the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is link increase, the second identification information identifies non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of a basic service set (BSS) to which one or more added links belong; and sending the first wireless frame, so as to improve a secondary channel identification mechanism of the multi-link communication equipment under the condition that links are increased, and meet the UHR transmission requirement.

Description

Secondary channel identification methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a secondary channel identification method, communication equipment, 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] In UHR, a strategy of utilizing secondary channels has been proposed to reduce access latency. Therefore, the secondary channel identification mechanism needs to be further improved to meet the transmission requirements of UHR.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a secondary channel identification method, communication device, and communication system to further improve the secondary channel identification mechanism.

[0006] On one hand, embodiments of this disclosure provide a secondary channel identification method applied to AP MLD, the method comprising:

[0007] A first radio frame is determined, which is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by a multi-link site device (non-AP MLD); the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the basic service set (BSS) to which one or more newly added links belong;

[0008] Send the first wireless frame.

[0009] On the other hand, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a secondary channel identification method applied to non-AP MLD, the method comprising:

[0010] Receive a first radio frame; the first radio frame is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD, the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong.

[0011] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is an AP MLD, the AP MLD comprising:

[0012] The determination module is used to determine a first radio frame, which is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by a non-AP MLD; the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong;

[0013] The transmitting module is used to transmit the first wireless frame.

[0014] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD comprising:

[0015] The receiving module is used to receive a first radio frame; the first radio frame is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD, the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong.

[0016] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is an AP MLD, comprising:

[0017] One or more processors;

[0018] The AP MLD is used to execute the secondary channel identification method described in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides 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 secondary channel identification method described in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0022] This disclosure also provides a communication system, including an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD; wherein the AP MLD determines a first radio frame, the first radio frame being used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD; the second radio frame being used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong; the first radio frame is then sent;

[0023] The non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame; the first radio frame is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD, the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong.

[0024] This disclosure also provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the secondary channel identification method as described in this disclosure.

[0025] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP MLD determines a first radio frame, which is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD of the multi-link site device; the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the Basic Service Set (BSS) to which one or more newly added links belong; the first radio frame is sent to improve the secondary channel identification mechanism of the multi-link communication device in the case of adding links and meet the UHR transmission requirements.

[0026] 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

[0027] 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.

[0028] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is one of the exemplary interactive diagrams of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 is a second exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the STA Control field provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the Operation Channel OCI information element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the MLD parameter subfield of the multi-link device parameter provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating one of the secondary channel identification methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 is a second schematic flowchart of the secondary channel identification method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] This disclosure presents a secondary channel identification method, communication device, and communication system.

[0041] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a secondary channel identification method applied to an AP MLD, the method comprising:

[0042] A first radio frame is determined, which is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by a multi-link site device (non-AP MLD); the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the basic service set (BSS) to which one or more newly added links belong;

[0043] Send the first wireless frame.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the AP MLD determines a first radio frame, which is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD of the multi-link site device; the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the Basic Service Set (BSS) to which one or more newly added links belong; the first radio frame is sent to improve the secondary channel identification mechanism of the multi-link communication device in the case of adding links, and to meet the UHR transmission requirements.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a first information element;

[0046] The first identification information is carried in the STA Control field of the Per-STA Profile field of the first information element;

[0047] The first identification information identifies the non-primary channel or secondary channel corresponding to the primary channel of the Per-STA Profile domain under the newly added link. When the associated site equipment STA under the newly added link is busy, it can access the non-primary channel or secondary channel.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the first identification information is carried in the STA Control field of the Per-STA Profile field of the first information element. The first identification information identifies the non-primary channel or secondary channel corresponding to the primary channel under the new link in the Per-STA Profile field. When the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) is busy under the new link, the associated STA can access the non-primary channel or secondary channel, ensuring that after the new link is added, the STA can correctly access the secondary channel even when the OBSS is busy, reducing communication quality problems caused by channel interference.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes at least one of the following:

[0050] The second identification information is carried in the Operation Channel OCI information element of the Per-STA Profile, or in a newly defined information element of the Per-STA Profile;

[0051] The first information element includes a reconfiguration multi-link information element.

[0052] In the above embodiments, if a non-AP MLD requests the addition of one or more links, and the AP MLD accepts the request, the AP MLD includes an Operation Channel (OCI) information element in the Per-STA Profile of the first radio frame. The second identification information is carried in the OCI information element or in a newly defined information element in the Per-STA Profile to provide non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the Basic Service Set (BSS) to which the new link belongs.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0054] The AP MLD determines the beacon frame and increases the value indicated by the Maximum Number Of Simultaneous Links field of the basic multi-link element information element of the beacon frame by the number of newly added links;

[0055] Send the beacon frame.

[0056] In the above embodiments, by broadcasting updated beacon frames, all devices in the network can be notified of the maximum number of simultaneous links currently supported. This dynamic update helps devices understand the latest link configuration of the network, thereby adjusting their own link management strategies.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the multi-link device parameter (MLD) subfield of the resource and network reserved simplified neighbor report (RNR) information element of the beacon frame includes third identification information, which indicates that the newly added link has a secondary channel or a non-primary channel.

[0058] In the above embodiments, when the AP MLD broadcasts link information via a beacon frame, the beacon frame contains an RNR information element. The MLD parameter subfield of the RNR information element contains third identification information, which is used to identify whether the newly added link has a secondary channel. Specifically, by parsing the MLD parameter subfield of the RNR information element, the non-AP MLD can obtain information about the newly added link.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is to delete a link, it identifies the BSS to which the link belongs to be deleted, and the secondary channel or non-primary channel corresponding to the link to be deleted.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the first identification information can be used to indicate that the Reconfiguration operation type is delete link, identify the BSS to which the link belongs, and if the link contains a secondary channel, the secondary channel corresponding to the link is automatically deleted according to the time of deletion of the link. The relevant secondary channel is automatically deleted at the same time as the main link, which ensures the consistency of network configuration and avoids potential configuration conflicts and inconsistencies.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes at least one of the following:

[0062] The first radio frame includes a link reconfiguration response frame;

[0063] The second radio frame includes a Link reconfiguration request frame.

[0064] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a secondary channel identification method for application in non-AP MLD, the method comprising:

[0065] Receive a first radio frame; the first radio frame is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD, the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a first information element;

[0067] The first identification information is carried in the STA Control field of the Per-STA Profile of the first information element;

[0068] The first identification information identifies the non-primary channel or secondary channel corresponding to the primary channel of the Per-STA Profile under the newly added link. When the OBSS is busy, the associated STA under the newly added link can access the non-primary channel or secondary channel.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second identification information is carried in the OCI information element of the Per-STA Profile, or in a newly defined information element of the Per-STA Profile.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0071] Receive a beacon frame; the value indicated by the Maximum Number Of Simultaneous Links field of the basic multi-link element information element of the beacon frame increases the number of the newly added links.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the MLD parameter subfield of the simplified neighbor report (RNR) information element of the beacon frame includes third identification information, which indicates that the newly added link has a secondary channel or a non-primary channel.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is to delete a link, it identifies the BSS to which the link belongs to be deleted, and the secondary channel or non-primary channel corresponding to the link to be deleted.

[0074] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is an AP MLD, the AP MLD including at least one of a determining module and a transmitting module; wherein the AP MLD is used to execute the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0075] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, comprising: a first receiving module; wherein the non-AP MLD is used to execute an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0076] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is an AP MLD, comprising:

[0077] One or more processors;

[0078] The AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0079] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0080] One or more processors;

[0081] The non-AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0082] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD; wherein the AP MLD determines a first radio frame, the first radio frame being used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD; the second radio frame being used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that when the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong; and the first radio frame is sent.

[0083] The non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame; the first radio frame is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD, the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong.

[0084] 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 implementations described in the first and second aspects.

[0085] 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 and second aspects.

[0086] 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 the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0087] 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 according to optional implementations of the first and second aspects above.

[0088] It is understood that the aforementioned AP MLD, non-AP MLD, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0089] This disclosure provides a secondary channel identification method, a communication device, and a communication system. In some embodiments, the terms "secondary channel identification method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system," "communication system," etc.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0095] 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, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0099] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0100] 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”.

[0101] 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.

[0102] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0103] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0104] 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.

[0105] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) 101 and a Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (non-AP MLD) 102. AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multi-link communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a site that supports multi-link communication functions.

[0107] In some embodiments, the AP MLD 101 can be an access point for mobile terminals to access a wired network. The AP MLD 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, the AP MLD can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the AP MLD 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.

[0108] In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD102 includes, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports WiFi 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 that supports WiFi communication, a car with WiFi 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.

[0109] Specifically, the non-AP MLD102 can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the non-AP MLD102 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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 the Access Point (AP) device, and all other STAs in the network are associated with it. Other sites in the BSS network that are not the central site are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs; terminals and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between terminals 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.

[0113] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a secondary channel identification method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0114] Step 201, AP MLD 101 determines a first radio frame, which is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by non-AP MLD 102; the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration.

[0115] The first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that when the reconfiguration operation type is add link, the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel (NPC; or secondary channel) information of the basic service set (BSS) to which one or more newly added links belong.

[0116] To improve throughput and reduce network latency, embodiments of this disclosure incorporate a Multi-Link Operation (MLO) mechanism. In the network architecture of these embodiments, devices supporting MLO are referred to as Multi-Link Devices (MLDs), including AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs. An important aspect of multi-link operation is that AP MLDs can add new auxiliary APs to expand their communication capabilities.

[0117] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when an AP MLD adds a new auxiliary AP, the non-AP MLD needs to be aware of the existence of the newly added auxiliary AP and may request to establish an association with it to fully utilize the advantages of multi-link operation. Specifically, the non-AP MLD can send a second radio frame to the AP MLD. The second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration, which can be understood as the non-AP MLD requesting to establish an association with the auxiliary AP added by the AP MLD. As an example, the second radio frame can be a Link Reconfiguration Request frame. After receiving the second radio frame, the AP MLD will process the request. If the AP MLD accepts the non-AP MLD's request to establish an association with the auxiliary AP added by the AP MLD, it will carry the relevant configuration information of the new link in the first radio frame. As an example, the first radio frame can be a Link Reconfiguration Response frame.

[0118] In WLAN, in order to improve spectrum utilization, a secondary channel (or non-primary channel, also known as auxiliary channel or non-primary channel) access mechanism has been proposed, which allows STAs to use the secondary channel for communication when the primary channel is busy due to overlapping basic service set (OBSS) or other conditions.

[0119] In multi-link operation, each link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD belongs to a specific BSS. Each BSS includes a primary channel and one or more secondary channels, which can be utilized when the primary channel is busy or when higher bandwidth is required. For BSSs formed under newly added links, one or more secondary channels will also exist. In this embodiment, first identification information and second identification information are carried in the first radio frame. The newly added link is jointly identified by the first and second identification information, and the non-primary channel information (or secondary channel information) to which the newly added link belongs is also identified.

[0120] The first identification information can be used to indicate the reconfiguration operation type. A reconfiguration operation type of "add Link" means that the device is adding one or more new working links to expand its current communication capabilities. When the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is "add Link," the second identification information is used to identify the non-primary channel (or secondary channel) information of the BSS to which the newly added link belongs. It is understood that the reconfiguration operation type can include not only "add Link" but also "delete Link."

[0121] The non-primary channel information (or secondary channel information) identified by the second identification information can be in at least one of the following forms:

[0122] Channel Number List: This list identifies the secondary channels under the newly added link. For example, the new link may include some or all of channels 36, 40, 44, and 48 as secondary channels.

[0123] Channel mask: Multiple subchannels are represented using a mask. Each bit represents a possible channel location; if the location is set to 1, it indicates that the corresponding channel is used as a subchannel.

[0124] Channel range: Use the form of channel range to identify, for example, channel 36-48 means that all channels from 36 to 48 are secondary channels.

[0125] Channel set: You can specify a channel set ID, which is pre-mapped to a specific sub-channel combination.

[0126] Step 202, AP MLD 101 sends the first radio frame.

[0127] This disclosure embodiment defines signaling for the secondary channel information contained in the corresponding BSS when adding one or more links to a multi-link communication device. This enables the multi-link communication device to transmit detailed channel configuration data when adding a new link, thereby ensuring that the multi-link communication device can correctly parse and adapt to the new link configuration, avoiding compatibility issues caused by inconsistent channel information, and thus achieving forward and backward compatibility, meeting UHR requirements, and improving spectrum utilization.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a first information element;

[0129] The first identification information is carried in the STA Control field of the Per-STA Profile field of the first information element;

[0130] The first identification information identifies the non-primary channel or secondary channel corresponding to the primary channel of the Per-STA Profile domain under the newly added link. When the associated site equipment STA under the newly added link is busy, it can access the non-primary channel or secondary channel.

[0131] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first information element may be a reconfiguration multi-link information element. The reconfiguration multi-link information element includes a Per-STA Profile field, and the first identification information is carried in the STA Control field of the Per-STA Profile field. As shown in Figure 4, the STA Control field includes at least one of the following:

[0132] Link ID, Complete Profile, STA MAC Address, AP Removal Timer, Reconfiguration Operation Type, Operation Parameters, NSTR Bitmap Size, NSTR Indication Bitmap, and Reserved bits.

[0133] Specifically, when the Reconfiguration operation type is set to "add Link", one bit in the Reserved field is used to identify the secondary channel corresponding to the primary channel under the newly added link in the Per-STA Profile field. STAs under the newly added link can access the secondary channel when the OBSS is busy to maintain communication service transmission. The introduction of the secondary channel not only reduces data packet loss and retransmission caused by primary channel interference, but also optimizes spectrum resource utilization, improves the throughput and response speed of the entire network, and ensures that after adding a link, STAs can correctly access the secondary channel even when the OBSS is busy, reducing communication quality problems caused by channel interference.

[0134] In some embodiments, the second identification information is carried in the Operation Channel OCI information element of the Per-STA Profile, or in a newly defined information element of the Per-STA Profile.

[0135] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if a non-AP MLD requests the addition of one or more links, and the AP MLD accepts the request, the AP MLD includes an Operating Channel Information (OCI) element in the Per-STA Profile of the first radio frame. Second identification information is carried in the OCI information element, or in a newly defined information element in the Per-STA Profile, to provide non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the Basic Service Set (BSS) to which the newly added link belongs. As shown in Figure 5, the OCI information element includes at least one of the following:

[0136] Element ID, Length, Element ID Extension, Operating Class, Primary Channel Number, Frequency Segment 1 Channel Number, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Operating Class (optional), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Primary Channel Number (optional), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Frequency Segment 1 Channel Number (optional).

[0137] In some embodiments, when the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is to delete a link, it identifies the BSS to which the link belongs and the secondary channel or non-primary channel corresponding to the link to be deleted.

[0138] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identification information can be used to indicate that the Reconfiguration operation Type is "delete Link", identify the BSS to which the link belongs, and if the link contains a secondary channel, the secondary channel corresponding to the link is automatically deleted according to the time of deletion of the link. The relevant secondary channel is automatically deleted at the same time as the main link, which ensures the consistency of network configuration and avoids potential configuration conflicts and inconsistencies.

[0139] Step 203, non-AP MLD 102 receives the first radio frame.

[0140] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame, which includes first identification information and second identification information. The first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, while the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong, enabling the non-AP MLD to accurately receive and interpret the link reconfiguration response. When the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, the second identification information provides the non-primary channel or secondary channel information of the BSS to which the newly added link belongs, thereby ensuring that the STA associated with the newly added link can access the non-primary channel or secondary channel when the BSS is busy.

[0141] As an example, referring to Figure 3, Figure 3 illustrates an optional implementation of an embodiment of this disclosure, including the following steps:

[0142] Step 301: The AP MLD 101 determines the beacon frame and increases the value indicated by the Maximum Number of Simultaneous Links field of the basic multi-link element of the beacon frame by the number of newly added links.

[0143] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the AP MLD determines that one or more links need to be added, it broadcasts a beacon frame. This beacon frame contains a basic multi-link element information element, whose Maximum Number of Simultaneous Links field is updated to reflect the number of newly added links. For example, the value currently indicated by the Maximum Number of Simultaneous Links field is increased by the number of newly added links, thereby ensuring that the information in the beacon frame reflects the maximum number of links supported by the network, including the newly added links. This embodiment of the disclosure, by broadcasting the updated beacon frame, can notify all devices in the network of the maximum number of simultaneous links currently supported. This dynamic update helps devices understand the latest link configuration of the network, thereby adjusting their own link management strategies.

[0144] In some embodiments, the multi-link device parameter (MLD parameter) subfield of the resource and network reserved (RNR) information element of the beacon frame includes third identification information, which indicates that the newly added link has a secondary channel or a non-primary channel.

[0145] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the AP MLD broadcasts link information via a beacon frame, the beacon frame contains an RNR information element. The MLD parameter subfield of the RNR information element contains third identification information, which is used to identify whether the newly added link has a secondary channel. Specifically, by parsing the MLD parameter subfield of the RNR information element, the non-AP MLD can obtain information about the newly added link. As shown in Figure 6, the MLD parameter subfield includes at least one of the following:

[0146] Multi-link Access Point Device ID (AP MLD ID), Link ID, Basic Service Set Parameters Change Count (BSS Parameters Change Count), All Updates Included, Disabled Link Indication, Reserved.

[0147] The Reserve bit in the MLD parameter subfield can be used to indicate that this newly added link has a secondary channel.

[0148] Step 302, AP MLD 101 sends the beacon frame.

[0149] In this embodiment of the disclosure, AP MLD 101 determines that after adding one or more links, it broadcasts information about the new links and their secondary channels via a broadcast beacon frame, enabling the device to better allocate and utilize available spectrum resources.

[0150] In some embodiments, if the AP MLD deletes a link, the secondary or non-primary channel corresponding to that link, as indicated in the beacon frame, will also be automatically deleted. This means that when the AP MLD decides to delete a link, it will not only stop communication on that link but also update the network status in the beacon frame or other signaling, explicitly notifying the site equipment that the link and its secondary / non-primary channels are no longer available. This automatic deletion mechanism ensures that spectrum resources in the network can be dynamically and effectively managed and reallocated, avoiding resource waste.

[0151] Step 303, non-AP MLD 102 receives the beacon frame.

[0152] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the non-AP MLD receives the beacon frame broadcast by the AP MLD, obtains the information of the newly added link and the secondary channel of the newly added link, so that the non-AP MLD can quickly synchronize the network configuration and avoid communication problems caused by information lag.

[0153] 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", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0154] 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.”

[0155] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] The secondary channel identification method disclosed in this embodiment may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 201 and step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 202 and step 203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 301 and step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 302 and step 303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a secondary channel identification method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] As shown in Figure 7, the above method can be applied to AP MLD101, and the method includes:

[0162] Step 701: Determine a first radio frame, which is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by a multi-link site device (non-AP MLD); the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the basic service set (BSS) to which one or more newly added links belong.

[0163] Step 702: Send the first wireless frame.

[0164] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a first information element;

[0165] The first identification information is carried in the STA Control field of the Per-STA Profile field of the first information element;

[0166] The first identification information identifies the non-primary channel or secondary channel corresponding to the primary channel of the Per-STA Profile domain under the newly added link. When the associated site equipment STA under the newly added link is busy, it can access the non-primary channel or secondary channel.

[0167] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes at least one of the following:

[0168] The second identification information is carried in the Operation Channel OCI information element of the Per-STA Profile, or in a newly defined information element of the Per-STA Profile;

[0169] The first information element includes a reconfiguration multi-link information element.

[0170] Step 703: The AP MLD determines the beacon frame and increases the value indicated by the Maximum Number Of Simultaneous Links field of the basic multi-link element information element of the beacon frame by the number of newly added links.

[0171] Step 704: Send the beacon frame.

[0172] It should be noted that the order of steps 703, 704 and 702 is not important. The AP MLD can determine and send the beacon frame after sending the first radio frame, or before sending the first radio frame, or broadcast the beacon frame at the same time as sending the first radio frame. No specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0173] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the multi-link device parameter (MLD parameter) subfield of the resource and network reserved RNR information element of the beacon frame includes third identification information, which indicates that the newly added link has a secondary channel or a non-primary channel.

[0174] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is to delete a link, it identifies the BSS to which the link belongs and the secondary channel or non-primary channel corresponding to the link to be deleted.

[0175] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes at least one of the following:

[0176] The first radio frame includes a link reconfiguration response frame;

[0177] The second radio frame includes a Link reconfiguration request frame.

[0178] The secondary channel identification method disclosed in this embodiment may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 701 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 702 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 703 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 704 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 701 and step 702 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 703 and step 704 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG7 may be referred to.

[0180] Figure 8 is a second schematic flowchart of a secondary channel identification method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] As shown in Figure 8, the above method can be applied to non-AP MLD102, and the method includes:

[0182] Step 801: Receive a first radio frame; the first radio frame is used to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD, the second radio frame is used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong.

[0183] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a first information element;

[0184] The first identification information is carried in the STA Control field of the Per-STA Profile of the first information element;

[0185] The first identification information identifies the non-primary channel or secondary channel corresponding to the primary channel of the Per-STA Profile under the newly added link. When the OBSS is busy, the associated STA under the newly added link can access the non-primary channel or secondary channel.

[0186] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identification information is carried in the OCI information element of the Per-STA Profile, or in a newly defined information element of the Per-STA Profile.

[0187] Step 802, the method further includes:

[0188] Receive a beacon frame; the value indicated by the Maximum Number Of Simultaneous Links field of the basic multi-link element information element of the beacon frame increases the number of the newly added links.

[0189] It should be noted that the order of steps 802 and 801 is not important.

[0190] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the MLD parameter subfield of the RNR information element of the beacon frame includes third identification information, which indicates that the newly added link has a secondary channel or a non-primary channel.

[0191] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is to delete a link, it identifies the BSS to which the link belongs and the secondary channel or non-primary channel corresponding to the link to be deleted.

[0192] The secondary channel identification method disclosed herein may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 801 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step 802 may be implemented as a separate embodiment.

[0193] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG8 may be referred to.

[0194] 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.

[0195] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0196] 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).

[0197] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the AP MLD 900 may include at least one of a determination module 901, a transmission module 902, etc.

[0198] In some embodiments, the determining module 901 is configured to determine a first radio frame, the first radio frame being used to respond to a second radio frame sent by a non-AP MLD; the second radio frame being used to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong; the sending module 902 is configured to send the first radio frame.

[0199] Optionally, the determining module 901 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201 and 701, but not limited thereto) performed by AP MLD101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The sending module 902 is used to perform at least one of steps 202 and 702.

[0200] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the non-AP MLD 1000 may include a receiving module 1001.

[0201] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1001 is configured to receive a first radio frame; the first radio frame is configured to respond to a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD, the second radio frame is configured to request link reconfiguration; the first radio frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that the reconfiguration operation type is adding a link, and the second identification information identifies the non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of the BSS to which one or more newly added links belong.

[0202] Optionally, the receiving module 1001 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (such as step 203, step 801, but not limited thereto) performed by the non-AP MLD102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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 202, 203, 302, 303, 702, 704, 801, 802, but not limited thereto), and processor 1101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 701, but not limited thereto).

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] Chip 1200 includes one or more processors 1201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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 202, 203, 302, 303, 702, 704, 801, 802, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 701, but not limited thereto).

[0214] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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 method for identifying secondary channels, applied to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), comprising: The method comprises: determining a first wireless frame, the first wireless frame being used for responding to a second wireless frame sent by a multi-link station device non-AP MLD; the second wireless frame being used for requesting link reconfiguration; the first wireless frame comprising first identification information and second identification information; in the case where the reconfiguration operation type indicated by the first identification information is link addition, the second identification information identifying non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of a basic service set BSS to which one or more added links belong; sending the first wireless frame.

2. The secondary channel identification method of claim 1, wherein, The first wireless frame comprises a first information element; the first identification information is carried in a station device control STA Control field of a station device configuration Per-STA Profile domain of the first information element; the first identification information identifies a non-primary channel or a secondary channel corresponding to a primary channel of the Per-STA Profile domain under the added link, and an associated station device STA under the added link can access the non-primary channel or the secondary channel when an overlap basic service set OBSS is busy.

3. The secondary channel identification method of claim 2, wherein, The method comprises at least one of the following: the second identification information is carried in an operating channel OCI information element of the Per-STA Profile, or in a newly defined information element of the Per-STA Profile; the first information element comprises a reconfiguration multi-link information element.

4. The secondary channel identification method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: The AP MLD determines a beacon frame, and increases the number of added links to a value indicated by a maximum number of simultaneous links Maximum Number Of Simultaneous Links domain of a basic multi-link element information element of the beacon frame; sending the beacon frame.

5. The secondary channel identification method of claim 4, wherein, The resource of the beacon frame and a multi-link device parameter MLD parameter subdomain of a simplified neighbor report RNR information element comprise third identification information, and the third identification information identifies that the added link exists a secondary channel or a non-primary channel.

6. The secondary channel identification method of claim 1, wherein, In the case where the reconfiguration operation type indicated by the first identification information is link deletion, the first identification information identifies a BSS to which the deleted link belongs, and a secondary channel or a non-primary channel corresponding to the deleted link.

7. The secondary channel identification method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The method comprises at least one of the following: the first wireless frame comprises a link reconfiguration response Link reconfiguration response frame; the second wireless frame comprises a link reconfiguration request Link reconfiguration request frame.

8. A method for identifying a secondary channel, applied to a non-AP MLD, comprising: comprises: receiving a first wireless frame; the first wireless frame is used for responding to a second wireless frame sent by a non-AP MLD, and the second wireless frame is used for requesting link reconfiguration; The first wireless frame includes first identification information and second identification information; the first identification information indicates that, in the case of a reconfiguration operation type of adding a link, the second identification information identifies non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of a BSS to which one or more added links belong.

9. The secondary channel identification method of claim 8, wherein, The first wireless frame includes a first information element; The first identification information is carried in a STA Control field of a Per-STA Profile of the first information element; The first identification information identifies a non-primary channel or a secondary channel corresponding to a primary channel of the Per-STA Profile under the added link, and an associated STA under the added link can access the non-primary channel or the secondary channel in an OBSS busy time.

10. The secondary channel identification method of claim 9, wherein, The second identification information is carried in an OCI information element of the Per-STA Profile or in a newly defined information element of the Per-STA Profile.

11. The secondary channel identification method of claim 8, wherein, The method further includes: Receiving a beacon frame; a value indicated by a Maximum Number Of Simultaneous Links field of a basic multi-link element information element of the beacon frame is increased by a number of the added links.

12. The secondary channel identification method of claim 11, wherein, Third identification information is included in an MLD parameter subfield of a simplified neighbor report RNR information element of the beacon frame, and the third identification information identifies that the added link exists a secondary channel or a non-primary channel.

13. The secondary channel identification method of claim 8, wherein, In the case of a reconfiguration operation type of deleting a link, the first identification information identifies a BSS to which the link belongs and a secondary channel or a non-primary channel corresponding to the link.

14. A communication device, the communication device being an AP MLD, characterized in that, The AP MLD includes: A determining module configured to determine a first wireless frame, the first wireless frame being used in response to a second wireless frame sent by a non-AP MLD, the second wireless frame being used to request a link reconfiguration, the first wireless frame including first identification information and second identification information, the first identification information indicating, in the case of a reconfiguration operation type of adding a link, that the second identification information identifies non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of a BSS to which one or more added links belong; A sending module configured to send the first wireless frame.

15. A communication device, the communication device being a non-AP MLD, characterized in that, The non-AP MLD includes: A receiving module configured to receive a first wireless frame, the first wireless frame being used in response to a second wireless frame sent by the non-AP MLD, the second wireless frame being used to request a link reconfiguration, the first wireless frame including first identification information and second identification information, the first identification information indicating, in the case of a reconfiguration operation type of adding a link, that the second identification information identifies non-primary channel information or secondary channel information of a BSS to which one or more added links belong.

16. A communication device, the communication device being an AP MLD, characterized in that, Include: One or more processors; The AP MLD is configured to perform the secondary channel identification method in any one of claims 1 to 7.

17. A communication device, the communication device being a non-AP MLD, characterized in that, Include: One or more processors; The non-AP MLD is configured to perform the subchannel identification method of any one of claims 8-13.

18. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, The instructions, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the subchannel identification method of any one of claims 1-7, or perform the subchannel identification method of any one of claims 8-13.

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