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: a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) determines a first wireless frame in a sending link; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information is used for identifying a communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link; wherein the communication mode comprises a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than that of the second capability communication mode; the sending link is at least one link in the first links; and sending the first wireless frame to a multi-link access point device AP MLD through the sending link so as to provide a mechanism for supporting power saving of the multi-link communication device.

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 in Wi-Fi technology focuses on areas 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. Furthermore, in UHR, to improve system throughput, methods for simultaneous communication in the sub-7GHz and 45GHz and / or 60GHz frequency bands have been proposed.

[0003] In UHR, power-saving mechanisms will be further enhanced. Since devices may also support multi-link communication, and multiple links may exist between devices, in the existing 802.11be standard, non-APMLDs supporting multi-link communication are either in eMLSR (enhanced multi-link single radio) or eMLMR (enhanced multi-link multi-radio) operating modes, and are active under eMLSR or eMLMR links. The BSS bandwidth established under these links, for example, 40MHz, is used for listening or transmitting. Because listening with a larger bandwidth leads to more power consumption, a power-saving mechanism is needed to support multi-link communication devices.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system to provide a mechanism for power saving in multi-link communication devices.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD), the method comprising:

[0007] A first radio frame is determined in the transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to identify the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under the first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links;

[0008] The first radio frame is sent to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) via the transmission link.

[0009] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a communication method executed by a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), the method comprising:

[0010] A first radio frame transmitted by a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) is received via a transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; and the transmission link is at least one of the first links.

[0011] Thirdly, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD), comprising:

[0012] A determining module is configured to determine a first radio frame in a transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to identify the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under the first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links;

[0013] The transmitting module is used to transmit the first wireless frame to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) via the transmitting link.

[0014] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), comprising:

[0015] A receiving module is configured to receive a first radio frame transmitted by a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) via a transmitting link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; and the transmitting link is at least one of the first links.

[0016] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD), comprising:

[0017] One or more processors;

[0018] The communication device is used to execute the communication method described in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), comprising:

[0020] One or more processors;

[0021] The communication device 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 a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) and a multi-link access point device (AP MLD);

[0023] The non-AP MLD is configured to determine a first radio frame in a transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links; and the first radio frame is transmitted to the AP MLD through the transmission link.

[0024] The AP MLD is used to receive the first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the transmission link.

[0025] 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 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.

[0026] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a mechanism is provided to support power saving for multi-link communication devices. Specifically, a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) determines a first radio frame in a transmission link and transmits the first radio frame to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD) through the transmission link. The first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link. The communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode. The capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than that of the second capability communication mode. The transmission link is at least one of the first links. Thus, the non-AP MLD can send its support capability information for switching communication capability modes to the AP MLD. During communication between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, it can choose to use either a lower first capability communication mode or a higher second capability communication mode. This allows for maintaining normal communication while using a higher second capability communication mode, and also reduces power consumption of the multi-link communication device when using a lower first capability communication mode.

[0027] 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

[0028] 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.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 is the third interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of one scenario of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6 is a second scenario diagram of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 8 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-link non-access point device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-link access point device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0042] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD), the method comprising:

[0043] A first radio frame is determined in the transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to identify the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under the first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links;

[0044] The first radio frame is sent to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) via the transmission link.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the non-AP MLD can send its support capability information for communication capability mode switching to the AP MLD. Thus, during the communication process between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, it can choose to use a lower first capability communication mode or a higher second capability communication mode for communication. In this way, while maintaining the normal communication process by using the higher second capability communication mode, it can also reduce the power consumption of the multi-link communication device when using the lower first capability communication mode for communication.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information and / or third identification information;

[0047] The second identification information is used to identify: the communication parameters of the first capability communication mode;

[0048] The third identification information is used to identify the communication parameters of the second capability communication mode.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the non-AP MLD can send the communication parameters of the first capability communication mode to the AP MLD through the second identification information carried in the first radio frame; and send the communication parameters of the second capability communication mode to the AP MLD through the third identification information carried in the first radio frame.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the frame type of the first wireless frame is a mode switching notification frame or a mode switching request frame; the method further includes:

[0051] Receive a second radio frame sent by the AP MLD; wherein the second radio frame identifies: response information of the AP MLD to the non-AP MLD performing a communication mode switching operation under the first link; wherein the communication mode switching operation includes switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, or switching from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the frame type of the first radio frame is a mode switching notification frame or a mode switching request frame. By receiving the second radio frame sent by the AP MLD, the response information of the AP MLD to the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link can be obtained. For example, whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link, and whether there is a recommended or suggested link for the non-AP MLD to perform the communication mode switching operation if the AP MLD partially accepts or rejects the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after receiving the second radio frame sent by the AP MLD, the method further includes:

[0054] When the second radio frame identifies that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the non-AP MLD switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode under the first link;

[0055] or

[0056] If the second radio frame identifies whether the AP MLD part accepts or rejects the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the non-AP MLD performs the communication mode switching operation under the second link recommended by the AP MLD; wherein the second link is the same as or completely different from the first link part.

[0057] In the above embodiments, when the second radio frame identifier AP MLD accepts the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the non-AP MLD switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode under the first link; or, when the second radio frame identifier AP MLD partially accepts or rejects the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the non-AP MLD performs the communication mode switching operation on the second link recommended by the AP MLD; wherein, the second link is partially the same as or completely different from the first link.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes fourth identification information.

[0059] The fourth identification information is used to identify the non-AP MLD's ability to support communication mode switching operations.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the non-AP MLD can send the non-AP MLD's support capability information for communication mode switching operations (e.g., whether it supports switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, whether it supports switching from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode, the latency required for the communication mode switching operation, etc.) to the AP MLD through the fourth identification information carried in the first radio frame.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element including an EML capability field; the fourth identification information is carried in the EML capability field.

[0062] In the above embodiments, the fourth identification information can be carried in the EML capability field of the multi-link information element in the first radio frame.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth identification information includes a first identification bit and / or a second identification bit.

[0064] The first flag bit is used to identify whether the non-AP MLD supports switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode;

[0065] The second identifier is used to identify the switching delay information of the communication mode switching operation of the non-AP MLD.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the first identifier bit in the fourth identifier information can be used to identify whether the non-AP MLD supports switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; the second identifier bit in the fourth identifier information can be used to identify the switching delay information of the non-AP MLD communication mode switching operation.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the non-AP MLD is operating in eMLSR mode, the switching delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLSR mode;

[0068] or

[0069] When the non-AP MLD is operating in eMLMR mode, the switching delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLMR mode.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the switching delay information for the communication mode switching operation of the non-AP MLD can be determined according to the non-AP MLD's operating mode (e.g., eMLSR mode or eMLMR).

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after sending the first radio frame to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) via the transmission link, the method further includes:

[0072] The non-AP MLD enters an active state under the transmission link; wherein, the active state includes the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode;

[0073] or

[0074] The non-AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode or sleep state under the third link; the third link is any link in the first link other than the transmission link.

[0075] In the above embodiments, after the non-AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the AP MLD through the transmission link, the STA attached to the non-AP MLD can enter different communication modes under its working link. Specifically, the non-AP MLD can enter the active state under the transmission link, that is, the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode; the non-AP MLD can enter the first capability communication mode or the sleep state under other links in the first link besides the transmission link (i.e., the third link).

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0077] The first STA operating under the third link enters the listening mode and listens for the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD;

[0078] Specifically, the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the eMLSR mode, or the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the eMLMR mode, or the first STA receives a wake-up frame sent by the AP MLD under the third link.

[0079] In the above embodiments, after the STA operating under the third link receives the wake-up frame sent by the AP MLD, or the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the eMLSR mode, or the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the eMLMR mode, it can enter the listening mode to listen for the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD.

[0080] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), the method comprising:

[0081] A first radio frame transmitted by a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) is received via a transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; and the transmission link is at least one of the first links.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information and / or third identification information;

[0083] The second identification information is used to identify: the communication parameters of the first capability communication mode;

[0084] The third identification information is used to identify the communication parameters of the second capability communication mode.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the frame type of the first wireless frame is a mode switching notification frame or a mode switching request frame; the method further includes:

[0086] Determine the second radio frame; wherein the second radio frame identifies: the response information of the AP MLD to the communication mode switching operation performed by the non-AP MLD under the first link;

[0087] The second radio frame is sent to the non-AP MLD.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the second radio frame indicates that the AP MLD part accepts or rejects the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the second radio frame further indicates that: the AP MLD recommends that the non-AP MLD perform the communication mode switching operation under the second link; wherein, the second link is the same as or completely different from the first link part.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes fourth identification information, which is used to identify: the non-AP MLD's ability to support communication mode switching operations.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element including an EML capability field; the fourth identification information is carried in the EML capability field.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth identification information includes a first identification bit and / or a second identification bit.

[0092] The first flag is used to identify whether the non-AP MLD supports communication mode switching.

[0093] The second identifier is used to identify the switching delay information of the communication mode switching operation of the non-AP MLD.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the non-AP MLD is operating in eMLSR mode, the switching delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLSR mode;

[0095] or

[0096] When the non-AP MLD is operating in eMLMR mode, the switching delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLMR mode.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) via the transmission link, the method further includes:

[0098] Send a wake-up frame to the first STA operating on the third link, instructing the first STA to listen for the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD;

[0099] The third link is any link in the first link other than the sending link.

[0100] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which includes at least one of a determining module and a sending module; wherein the communication device is used to perform an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0101] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including: a first receiving module; wherein the communication device is used to execute an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0102] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0103] One or more processors;

[0104] The communication device is used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0105] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0106] One or more processors;

[0107] The communication device is used to execute an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0108] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a communication device and a second communication device; wherein the communication device is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the first aspect, and the second communication device is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the second aspect.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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."

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0124] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than”, “greater than or equal to”, “not less than”, “more than”, “more than or equal to”, “not less than”, “higher than”, “higher than or equal to”, “not lower than”, 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”.

[0126] 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.

[0127] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0128] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0129] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0130] 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.

[0131] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a multi-link access point device 101 and a multi-link non-access point device (i.e., a multi-link site device) 102.

[0133] In some embodiments, the multi-link access point device 101 is an access point (AP) device 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, the 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] Specifically, repeater device 102 and site device 103 can be terminal devices or network devices equipped with Wi-Fi chips. Optionally, repeater device 102 and site device 103 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 are not limited to these.

[0136] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, AP and STA can be devices that support multiple links. For example, they can be represented as Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) and Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), respectively. AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multiple link communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a site that supports multiple link communication functions.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] The channel access mechanism based on Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) as the basic unit allows access point equipment or site equipment that obtains a TXOP to continuously use the channel during the duration of the TXOP in order to meet the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of different services.

[0141] When the AP acts as the TXOP holder, not all associated STAs need to receive data. To reduce power consumption, STAs can indicate their power mode after completing the current frame exchange via the Power Management subfield carried in the Frame Control field of the transmitted radio frame. When the Power Management subfield is set to 0, it indicates that the STA is in Active Mode after completing the current frame exchange. In this state, it can transmit or receive data, all RF links are active, and power consumption is relatively high. When the Power Management subfield is set to 1, it indicates that the STA enters Power Saving Mode (PS Mode) after completing the current frame exchange.

[0142] Optionally, PS Mode mainly includes an Awake state and a Doze state. In the Doze state, the STA consumes very little power but cannot perform send or receive operations. When the AP has data to send to a STA in the Doze state, it buffers the data. Even in the Doze state, the STA will periodically wake up according to a DTIM period (DTIM stands for Delivery Traffic Indication Message) to receive Beacon frames. The STA determines whether the AP has buffered data to send to it by listening to the TIM (Traffic Indication Map) element and / or Multi-Link Traffic Indication element in the Beacon frame. If the AP has buffered data to send to the STA, the STA switches to the Awake state and sends PS-Poll frames to inform the AP that it is in the Awake state. In the Awake state, the STA consumes the same power as in the Active state and can receive or send data. After receiving the PS-Poll frames, the AP sends its buffered data to the STA.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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 3, 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.

[0145] 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 4, 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.

[0146] 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 power during listening, suppose a non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD establishes an 80MHz BSS with an AP attached to the AP MLD on a certain link, but only listens for 20MHz of that 80MHz. This allows for further power saving. However, currently, no mechanism has been proposed to support power saving in multi-link communication devices, preventing them from operating in a low-energy state across multiple links.

[0147] 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:

[0148] Step 201: The non-AP MLD102 determines a first radio frame in the transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which is used to identify the communication mode of the non-AP MLD102 under the first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links.

[0149] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first radio frame can be an initial control frame. Specifically, the frame type of the first radio frame may include a mode switching notification frame or a mode switching request frame. That is, the non-AP MLD102 can use the first radio frame to notify the AP MLD101 of its communication mode under the first link (the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode). The first radio frame is sent from the non-AP MLD to the AP MLD after the multi-link establishment between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is completed.

[0150] Optionally, the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than that of the second capability communication mode. That is, for the same communication parameters, such as communication bandwidth, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode under the communication parameters is smaller than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode under the communication mode.

[0151] The communication parameters corresponding to the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode may include, but are not limited to, bandwidth (BW), supported MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) methods (such as MCS index value), NSS (number of Spatial Streams), etc.

[0152] As an example, assuming that the non-AP MLD102 supports a working bandwidth of 20MHz in the first capability communication mode, then the non-AP MLD102 can support a working bandwidth greater than 20MHz in the second capability communication mode, for example, it can be any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz.

[0153] Optionally, the first capability communication mode may also be referred to as 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 high-energy capability communication mode, high-capability communication mode, high-power communication mode, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name.

[0154] Optionally, in the first capability communication mode, the non-AP MLD102 supports a basic operating bandwidth of 20MHz (Mega Hertz) (i.e., BW = 20MHz), a single SS (i.e., NSS = 1), and an MCS index that can be any value from 0 to 6, such as 5. In the second capability communication mode, the non-AP MLD102 supports a bandwidth greater than or equal to 20MHz, for example, any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz, a single SS that can be greater than or equal to 2, and an MCS index that can be greater than or equal to 6, etc.

[0155] Optionally, the number of first links may include one or more, and this disclosure does not limit this. The transmitting link may be at least one of the first links.

[0156] Optionally, the first radio frame may include link information of the first link and the communication mode of the non-AP MLD102 under the first link.

[0157] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the number of first links may include multiple links, wherein for each link in the first link, the communication mode under that link may be a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

[0158] Optionally, a bitmap can be used to identify the communication mode of each link in the multi-link system established between non-APMLD102 and APMLD101. The number of bits in the bitmap can be set according to the total number of links, with each bit corresponding to one link. For each link, when the corresponding link bit is set to "1", the communication mode of that link is identified as the second capability communication mode (i.e., high capability communication mode); when the corresponding link bit is set to "0", the communication mode of that link is identified as the first capability communication mode (i.e., low capability communication mode).

[0159] For example, eight links are established between non-APMLD102 and APMLD101, each identified by eight bits. In the bitmap's corresponding bit sequence, from least significant bit to most significant bit, the bits correspond to the links for Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4, Link5, Link6, Link7, and Link8, respectively. Assuming the bitmap's corresponding bit sequence is "00001001", setting the link bit for Link1 to "1" indicates this link is in high-capacity communication mode, while setting the link bit for Link2 to "0" indicates this link is in low-capacity communication mode.

[0160] Optionally, the bitmap length can also be 2 bytes. If the link is in low-capacity communication mode, it indicates that after receiving the initial control frame sent by APMLD, it can switch from low-capacity communication mode to high-capacity communication mode. If communication is completed within a TXOP, the link will automatically switch from high-capacity communication mode to low-capacity communication mode.

[0161] In the above embodiments, the non-AP MLD102 can identify the communication mode of the non-AP MLD102 under the first link through the first identification information in the first radio frame.

[0162] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information and / or third identification information;

[0163] The second identification information is used to identify: the communication parameters of the first capability communication mode;

[0164] The third identification information is used to identify the communication parameters of the second capability communication mode.

[0165] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a UHR MCS-NSS set information element, and the second and third identification information may be carried in the UHR MCS-NSS set information element.

[0166] Optionally, as described above, the communication parameters for both the first and second capability communication modes may include, but are not limited to, BW, supported MCS methods, NSS, etc. For the same communication parameter, the parameter value of the first capability communication mode under that communication parameter is less than the parameter value of the second capability communication mode under that communication mode.

[0167] 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 mode, and at least one of the punctured channel density supported by the device.

[0168] 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.

[0169] For a given device, the MCS information it supports can be found in Table 1.

[0170] Table 1

[0171] 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.

[0172] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes fourth identification information.

[0173] The fourth identification information is used to identify: the non-AP MLD102's ability to perform communication mode switching operations; wherein, the communication mode switching operation includes switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, or switching from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode.

[0174] Optionally, the support capability information of the non-AP MLD102 for communication mode switching operations may include, but is not limited to: whether the non-AP MLD102 supports communication mode switching operations, that is, whether the non-AP MLD102 supports switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, and whether the non-AP MLD102 supports switching from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode; and, if the non-AP MLD102 supports communication mode switching operations, the switching delay information of the non-AP MLD102 for communication mode switching operations, etc.

[0175] Specifically, when the non-AP MLD102 supports multiple pieces of information regarding its ability to perform communication mode switching operations, different information items can be identified using different flag bits.

[0176] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, which includes an EML (enhanced multi-link) capability field; the fourth identification information is carried in the EML capability field.

[0177] Referring to Table 2, the format of the EML capability field is as follows:

[0178] Referring to Table 2, in the EML capability field, the EMLSR support field occupies 1 bit, i.e., B0; the EMLSR / EMLMR Padding Delay field occupies 3 bits, i.e., B1 to B3; the EMLSR / EMLMR Transition Delay field occupies 3 bits, i.e., B4 to B6; the EMLMR support field occupies 1 bit, i.e., B7; the Reserved field occupies a total of 4 bits, i.e., B8 to B10 and B15; and the Transition Timeout field occupies 4 bits, i.e., B11 to B14.

[0179] Bits B1 to B3 can be used as either the EMLSR Padding Delay field, indicating the padding delay for the eMLSR mode, or the EMLMR Padding Delay field, indicating the padding delay for the eMLSR mode. In other words, the EMLSR Padding Delay field and the EMLMR Padding Delay field share bits B1 to B3. Bits B4 to B6 can be used as either the EMLSR Transition Delay field, indicating the transmission delay for the eMLSR mode, or the EMLMR Transition Delay field, indicating the transmission delay for the eMLSR mode. In other words, the EMLSR Transition Delay field and the EMLMR Transition Delay field share bits B4 to B6.

[0180] Optionally, the fourth identification information can be carried in the Reserved field and the Transition Timeout field. Specifically, when the non-AP MLD102 supports multiple capability information items for switching operations from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, different items of information can be identified through different fields.

[0181] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth identification information includes a first identification bit and / or a second identification bit.

[0182] The first flag bit is used to identify whether the non-AP MLD102 supports communication mode switching operation;

[0183] The second identifier is used to identify the switching delay information of the communication mode switching operation of the non-AP MLD102.

[0184] Optionally, the first identifier bit may include one bit. Optionally, the first identifier bit may carry any bit in the Reserved field shown in Table 1.

[0185] Optionally, when the parameter value of the bit corresponding to the first flag is set to 1, the first flag is used to indicate that the non-AP MLD102 supports communication mode switching operation; when the parameter value of the bit corresponding to the first flag is set to 0, the first flag is used to indicate that the non-AP MLD102 does not support communication mode switching operation.

[0186] Optionally, the second flag may include three bits. Optionally, the second flag may be carried in the Transition Timeout field shown in Table 1, specifically in three consecutive bits within the Transition Timeout field. The second flag may also be carried in the EMLSR / EMLMR Padding Delay field shown in Table 1.

[0187] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the non-AP MLD102 is operating in eMLSR (enhanced multi-link single-radio) mode, the switching delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLSR mode;

[0188] or

[0189] When the non-AP MLD102 is operating in eMLMR (enhanced multi-link multi-radio) mode, the handover delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLMR mode.

[0190] Optionally, the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLSR mode and the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLMR mode may be the same or different, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0191] Referring to the above, the transmission delay corresponding to eMLSR mode and eMLMR mode occupy the same field. When the non-AP MLD102 operates in eMLSR mode, the switching delay information for the non-AP MLD102 from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode can be the same as the parameter value of the EMLSR Transition Delay field shown in Table 1. When the non-AP MLD102 operates in eMLMR mode, the switching delay information for the non-AP MLD102 from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode can be the same as the parameter value of the EMLMR Transition Delay field shown in Table 1.

[0192] Step 202: non-AP MLD102 sends the first radio frame to AP MLD101 through the transmission link.

[0193] Step 203: AP MLD101 receives the first radio frame sent by non-AP MLD102 through the transmission link.

[0194] In the above embodiment, the non-AP MLD102 can send its support capability information for communication capability mode switching to the AP MLD101. Then, during the communication process between the non-AP MLD102 and the AP MLD101, it can choose to use a lower first capability communication mode or a higher second capability communication mode for communication. Thus, while maintaining the normal communication process by using the higher second capability communication mode, it can also reduce the power consumption of the multi-link communication device when using the lower first capability communication mode for communication.

[0195] Optionally, referring to Figure 3, after step 203, the method may further include:

[0196] Step 301, AP MLD101 determines the second radio frame; wherein, the second radio frame identifies: the response information of AP MLD101 to the communication mode switching operation performed by non-AP MLD102 under the first link.

[0197] Optionally, the response information of AP MLD101 to the communication mode switching operation of non-AP MLD102 under the first link may include, but is not limited to: AP MLD101 accepting, partially accepting or rejecting (i.e. not accepting at all) the response information of non-AP MLD102 to the communication mode switching operation under the first link.

[0198] Optionally, if the number of first links includes one, the second radio frame can identify the response information of AP MLD101 to non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under the first link in the form of (Link ID, status). Here, Link ID identifies the link identifier of the first link; status indicates whether AP MLD101 accepts or rejects non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under the first link. The status may include a bit; when this bit is set to "1", it indicates that AP MLD101 accepts non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under the first link; when this bit is set to "0", it indicates that AP MLD101 rejects non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under the first link. As an example, if the second radio frame includes (Link1, 1), it indicates that AP MLD101 accepts non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under Link1.

[0199] Optionally, when there are multiple first links, the response information of AP MLD101 to the communication mode switching operation of non-AP MLD102 under each first link can be identified in the form of (Link ID, status) in the second radio frame; alternatively, the response information of AP MLD101 to the communication mode switching operation of non-AP MLD102 under each first link can be identified simultaneously in the form of (Link bitmap, multiple statuses). Where multiple statuses are all "1", it indicates that AP MLD101 accepts the communication mode switching operation of non-AP MLD102 under all first links; multiple statuses are all "0", it indicates that AP MLD101 rejects the communication mode switching operation of non-AP MLD102 under all first links; multiple statuses are partly "1" and partly "0", it indicates that AP MLD101 accepts the communication mode switching operation of non-AP MLD102 under some first links, specifically AP MLD101 accepts non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under some first links. When MLD102 performs a communication mode switching operation under the first link with a status of "1", AP MLD101 rejects the non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under the first link with a status of "0".

[0200] Optionally, if AP MLD101 partially accepts the response information from non-AP MLD102 regarding the communication mode switching operation under the first link, AP MLD101 may also send the link that AP MLD101 accepts for the communication mode switching operation to non-AP MLD102. Optionally, the link that AP MLD101 accepts for the communication mode switching operation may also be referred to as the link that AP MLD101 recommends for non-AP MLD102 to perform the communication mode switching operation.

[0201] As an example, suppose eight links are established between non-APMLD102 and APMLD101. If, in (Linkbitmap, multiple statuses), the bit sequence corresponding to Linkbitmap is "00001001" and the bit sequence corresponding to multiple statuses is "11001011", then it indicates that AP MLD101 accepts non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under some of the first links. Specifically, AP MLD101 accepts non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under Link1, Link2, Link4, Link7, and Link8, but AP MLD101 rejects non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under Link3, Link5, and Link6. In other words, AP MLD101 recommends non-AP MLD102 perform communication mode switching operations under Link1, Link2, Link4, Link7, and Link8.

[0202] Step 302, AP MLD101 sends the second radio frame to the non-AP MLD102.

[0203] Step 303: non-AP MLD102 receives the second radio frame sent by non-AP MLD102.

[0204] In step 304, the non-AP MLD102 performs the corresponding operation based on the information of the second radio frame identifier.

[0205] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, step 304 may include step 304A or step 304B.

[0206] Step 304A: When the second radio frame identifies that the AP MLD101 accepts the non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the non-AP MLD102 performs the communication mode switching operation under the first link.

[0207] Step 304B: If the second radio frame indicates that the AP MLD101 partially accepts or rejects the non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the non-AP MLD102 performs the communication mode switching operation under the second link recommended by the AP MLD101; wherein, the second link is partially the same as or completely different from the first link.

[0208] Optionally, if the second radio frame identifies AP MLD101 as accepting a communication mode switching operation performed by non-AP MLD102 under the first link, then non-AP MLD102 performs the communication mode switching operation under the first link.

[0209] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second link is preferably selected from a portion of the first link.

[0210] Optionally, if the second radio frame identifies whether the AP MLD101 accepts or rejects the communication mode switching operation of the non-AP MLD102 under the first link, and the second link is recommended, the non-AP MLD102 will perform the communication mode switching operation under the second link.

[0211] Referring to the example above, if in (Linkbitmap, multiple statuses), the bit sequence corresponding to Linkbitmap is "00001001" and the bit sequence corresponding to multiple statuses is "11001011", then non-AP MLD can perform communication mode switching operations under the second link (Link1, Link2, Link4, Link7, Link8) recommended by AP MLD.

[0212] Optionally, referring to Figure 4, after step 203, the method may further include:

[0213] Step 401, non-AP MLD102 enters a different communication mode under the first link.

[0214] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, step 401 includes step 401A or step 401B.

[0215] Step 401A: The non-AP MLD102 enters an active state under the transmission link; wherein, the active state includes the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode;

[0216] Step 401B: The non-AP MLD102 enters the first capability communication mode or sleep state under the third link; the third link is any link in the first link other than the transmitting link.

[0217] Optionally, after sending the first radio frame, the non-AP MLD102 can directly perform the communication mode switching operation, or it can choose not to perform the communication mode switching operation first, and then perform the communication mode switching operation after the AP MLD101 receives the non-AP MLD102 performing the communication mode switching operation under the transmission link.

[0218] Optionally, if the frame type of the first radio frame is a mode switching notification frame, the non-AP MLD102 will directly perform a communication mode switching operation after sending the first radio frame.

[0219] Optionally, if the frame type of the first radio frame is a mode switching notification frame or a mode switching request frame, the non-AP MLD102 will not perform a communication mode switching operation after sending the first radio frame. The communication mode switching operation will only be performed after the AP MLD101 receives the non-AP MLD102's request to perform a communication mode switching operation under the transmission link.

[0220] Optionally, if the non-AP MLD102 receives the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD101 in the first capability communication mode, it can switch to the second capability communication mode.

[0221] Optionally, when the non-AP MLD102 is in a sleep state, if the non-AP MLD102 receives a wake-up frame sent by the AP MLD101, and the non-AP MLD102 is woken up, it enters either the high-capacity communication mode or the low-capacity communication mode previously negotiated with the AP MLD101; wherein, if the non-AP MLD102 is in the low-capacity communication mode, it can listen for the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD101, and after receiving the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD101, it switches to the high-capacity communication mode.

[0222] It is understandable that a non-AP MLD102 enters the first capability communication mode under a certain link, that is, it operates on that link, and the non-AP STA attached to that non-AP MLD102 enters the first capability communication mode. Optionally, the same applies to other communication modes, which will not be elaborated here.

[0223] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, there is no explicit execution order between steps 401 and 301, that is, steps 401 and 301 can be executed simultaneously, steps 401 can be executed after steps 301, or steps 401 can be executed before steps 301.

[0224] Step 402, AP MLD101 sends a wake-up frame to the first STA operating under the third link, instructing the first STA to listen for the initial control frame sent by AP MLD101;

[0225] Specifically, the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the eMLSR mode, or the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the eMLMR mode, or the first STA receives a wake-up frame sent by the AP MLD101 under the third link.

[0226] Optionally, the AP MLD101 can send a wake-up frame to the first STA via a third link if communication with the first STA is required.

[0227] Optionally, if the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the eMLSR mode, then under the overlapping link, the communication mode negotiated between the non-AP MLD102 and AP MLD101 in the high-capacity communication mode will be the main mode. If the negotiation result is that the non-AP MLD102 is in the low-capacity communication mode, then the non-AP MLD102 will use communication parameters such as BW=20MHz, NSS=1, and support MCS for listening and data transmission under the overlapping link.

[0228] Step 403: The first STA operating under the third link enters the listening mode and listens for the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD101.

[0229] Optionally, after the first STA detects the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD101, it can switch to the second capability communication mode based on the information in the initial control frame and communicate with the AP MLD101 in the second capability communication mode.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.”

[0232] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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 202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 203 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 304A can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 304B can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 401A can be implemented as... The following steps can be implemented as independent embodiments: step 401B, step 402, and step 403 can be implemented as independent embodiments; the combination of steps 201 and 202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, and 203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 203, and 301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301 and 302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step 301... The combination of steps 302 and 303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, and 304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, and 304A can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 301, 302, 303, and 304B can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 203, and 301 with 302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step 201... Steps 202, 203, 301, and the combination of steps 302 and 303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 203, 301, 302, 303, and 304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 203, 301, 302, 303, and 304A can be implemented as an independent embodiment; and the combination of steps 201, 202, 203, 301, 302, 303, and 304B can be implemented as an independent embodiment.The combination of steps 401 and 402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401A and 402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401B and 402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401, 402, and 403 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401A, 402, and 403 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 401B, 402, and 403 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 203, and 401 can be implemented as... This can be implemented as an independent embodiment. The combination of steps 201, 202, 203, 401, and 402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 203, 401A, 402, and 303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 203, 401B, 402, and 403 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0237] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG6 may be referred to.

[0238] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] As shown in Figure 7, the above method can be applied to the multi-link non-access point device MLD102. The above method includes:

[0240] Step 701: Determine a first radio frame in the transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to identify the communication mode of the non-AP MLD102 under the first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links.

[0241] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information and / or third identification information;

[0242] The second identification information is used to identify: the communication parameters of the first capability communication mode;

[0243] The third identification information is used to identify the communication parameters of the second capability communication mode.

[0244] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes fourth identification information.

[0245] The fourth identification information is used to identify the non-AP MLD102's ability to support communication mode switching operations.

[0246] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, and the multi-link information element includes an EML capability field; the fourth identification information is carried in the EML capability field.

[0247] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth identification information includes a first identification bit and / or a second identification bit.

[0248] The first flag bit is used to identify whether the non-AP MLD102 supports switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode;

[0249] The second identifier is used to identify the switching delay information of the communication mode switching operation of the non-AP MLD102.

[0250] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the non-AP MLD102 is operating in eMLSR mode, the switching delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLSR mode;

[0251] or

[0252] When the non-AP MLD102 is operating in eMLMR mode, the switching delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLMR mode.

[0253] 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.

[0254] Step 702: Send the first radio frame to the multi-link access point device AP MLD101 through the transmission link.

[0255] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the frame type of the first wireless frame is a mode switching notification frame or a mode switching request frame; after step 702, the method further includes:

[0256] Receive a second radio frame sent by the AP MLD101; wherein the second radio frame identifies: response information of the AP MLD101 to the non-AP MLD102 performing a communication mode switching operation under the first link; wherein the communication mode switching operation includes switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, or switching from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode.

[0257] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, after receiving the second radio frame sent by the AP MLD101, the method further includes:

[0258] When the second radio frame identifies that AP MLD101 accepts the communication mode switching operation of non-AP MLD102 under the first link, the non-AP MLD102 switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode under the first link.

[0259] or

[0260] If the second radio frame indicates that the AP MLD101 partially accepts or rejects the non-AP MLD102's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the non-AP MLD102 performs the communication mode switching operation under the second link recommended by the AP MLD101; wherein the second link is either the same as or completely different from the first link.

[0261] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, after step 702, the method further includes:

[0262] The non-AP MLD102 enters an active state under the transmission link; wherein, the active state includes the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode;

[0263] or

[0264] The non-AP MLD102 enters the first capability communication mode or sleep state under the third link; the third link is any link in the first link other than the transmission link.

[0265] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0266] The first STA operating under the third link enters the listening mode and listens for the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD101;

[0267] Specifically, the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the eMLSR mode, or the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the eMLMR mode, or the first STA receives a wake-up frame sent by the AP MLD101 under the third link.

[0268] The optional implementation of step 702 can be found in the optional implementation of step 202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] 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 701 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step 702 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and the combination of step 701 and step 702 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0270] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG7 may be referred to.

[0271] Figure 8 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0272] As shown in Figure 8, the above method can be applied to AP MLD101, and the method includes:

[0273] Step 801: Receive a first radio frame sent by a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) via a transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies that: the non-AP MLD supports switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode under a first link; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; and the transmission link is at least one of the first links.

[0274] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information and / or third identification information;

[0275] The second identification information is used to identify: the communication parameters of the first capability communication mode;

[0276] The third identification information is used to identify the communication parameters of the second capability communication mode.

[0277] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes fourth identification information.

[0278] The fourth identification information is used to identify: the non-AP MLD's support capability information for switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0279] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, and the multi-link information element includes an EML capability field; the fourth identification information is carried in the EML capability field.

[0280] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth identification information includes a first identification bit and / or a second identification bit.

[0281] The first flag is used to identify whether the non-AP MLD supports switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode;

[0282] The second identifier is used to identify the switching delay information of the non-AP MLD when switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0283] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the non-AP MLD is operating in eMLSR mode, the switching delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLSR mode;

[0284] or

[0285] When the non-AP MLD is operating in eMLMR mode, the switching delay information is consistent with the transmission delay corresponding to the eMLMR mode.

[0286] The optional implementation of step 801 can be found in the optional implementations of steps 201 to 203 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0287] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the frame type of the first wireless frame is a mode switching notification frame or a mode switching request frame; after step 801, the method further includes:

[0288] Determine the second radio frame; wherein the second radio frame identifies: the response information of the AP MLD to the non-AP MLD performing mode switching under the first link;

[0289] The second radio frame is sent to the non-AP MLD.

[0290] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second radio frame indicates that the AP MLD part accepts or rejects the non-AP MLD performing mode switching under the first link, the second radio frame further indicates that: the AP MLD recommends that the non-AP MLD switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode under the second link; wherein, the second link is the same as or completely different from the first link part.

[0291] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, after step 801, the method further includes:

[0292] Send a wake-up frame to the first STA operating on the third link, instructing the first STA to listen for the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD;

[0293] The third link is any link in the first link other than the sending link.

[0294] 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.

[0295] 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.

[0296] 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).

[0297] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link non-access point device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the multi-link non-access point device 900 may include at least one of a determining module 901, a sending module 902, etc.

[0298] In some embodiments, the determining module 901 is configured to determine a first radio frame in a transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to identify the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links; and the transmission module 902 is configured to transmit the first radio frame to the multi-link access point device AP MLD through the transmission link.

[0299] Optionally, the determining module 901 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201, 304, 304A, 304B, 401, 401A, 401B, 403, 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. The sending module 902 is used to execute at least one of the sending and receiving steps (e.g., steps 202, 303, 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.

[0300] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-link access point device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the multi-link access point device 1000 may include a receiving module 1001.

[0301] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1001 is configured to receive a first radio frame transmitted by a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) via a transmitting link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; and the transmitting link is at least one of the first links.

[0302] Optionally, the receiving module 1001 is used to perform at least one of the transmit / receive steps (e.g., steps 203, 302, and 402, but not limited thereto) performed by AP MLD101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0303] The aforementioned multi-link access point device 1000 may include a determination module, which is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (such as step 301, but not limited thereto) performed by AP MLD101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0304] 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.

[0305] 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.

[0306] 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.

[0307] 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, 402, but not limited thereto), and processor 1101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 304, 304A, 304B, 401, 401A, 401B, 403, but not limited thereto).

[0308] 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.

[0309] 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.

[0310] 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.

[0311] 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.

[0312] Chip 1200 includes one or more processors 1201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0313] 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.

[0314] 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, 402, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 304, 304A, 304B, 401, 401A, 401B, 403, but not limited thereto).

[0315] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0316] 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.

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] 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, Performed by a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD), the method includes: A first radio frame is determined in the transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to identify: the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under the first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links; The first radio frame is sent to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) via the transmission link.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes second identification information and / or third identification information; The second identification information is used to identify the communication parameters of the first capability communication mode; the third identification information is used to identify the communication parameters of the second capability communication mode.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first wireless frame is a mode switching notification frame or a mode switching request frame; the method further includes: Receive a second radio frame sent by the AP MLD; wherein the second radio frame identifies: response information of the AP MLD to the non-AP MLD performing a communication mode switching operation under the first link; wherein the communication mode switching operation includes switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, or switching from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the second radio frame identifies that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the non-AP MLD performs the communication mode switching operation under the first link; or If the second radio frame identifies whether the AP MLD portion accepts or rejects the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the non-AP MLD performs the communication mode switching operation under the second link recommended by the AP MLD; wherein the second link is either the same as or completely different from the first link portion.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes fourth identification information. The fourth identification information is used to identify the non-AP MLD's ability to support communication mode switching operations.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, which includes an enhanced multi-link capability (EML) field; the fourth identification information is carried in the EML capability field.

7. The communication method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The fourth identification information includes a first identification bit and / or a second identification bit. The first flag is used to identify whether the non-AP MLD supports communication mode switching. The second identifier is used to identify the switching delay information of the communication mode switching operation of the non-AP MLD.

8. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, After sending the first radio frame to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) via the transmission link, the method further includes: The non-AP MLD enters an active state under the transmission link; wherein, the active state includes the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode; or The non-AP MLD enters the first capability communication mode or sleep state under the third link; the third link is any link in the first link other than the transmission link.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first STA operating under the third link enters the listening mode and listens for the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD; Wherein, the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the enhanced multi-link single-radio eMLSR mode, or the third link overlaps or partially overlaps with the link corresponding to the enhanced multi-link multi-radio eMLMR mode, or the first STA The wake-up frame sent by the AP MLD was received under the third link.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), the method includes: A first radio frame is received from a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) via a transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link, the communication mode including a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes second identification information and / or third identification information; The second identification information is used to identify the communication parameters of the first capability communication mode; the third identification information is used to identify the communication parameters of the second capability communication mode.

12. The communication method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first wireless frame is a mode switching notification frame or a mode switching request frame; the method further includes: A second radio frame is determined; wherein the second radio frame identifies: response information of the AP MLD to the non-AP MLD performing a communication mode switching operation under the first link; wherein the communication mode switching operation includes switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, or switching from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode; The second radio frame is sent to the non-AP MLD.

13. The communication method according to claim 12, characterized in that, If the second radio frame indicates that the AP MLD part accepts or rejects the non-AP MLD's communication mode switching operation under the first link, the second radio frame also indicates that the AP MLD recommends that the non-AP MLD perform the communication mode switching operation under the second link; wherein the second link is the same as or completely different from the first link part.

14. The communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes fourth identification information. The fourth identification information is used to identify the non-AP MLD's ability to support communication mode switching operations.

15. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, which includes an EML capability field; the fourth identification information is carried in the EML capability field.

16. The communication method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The fourth identification information includes a first identification bit and / or a second identification bit. The first flag is used to identify whether the non-AP MLD supports communication mode switching. The second identifier is used to identify the switching delay information of the communication mode switching operation of the non-AP MLD.

17. The communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, After receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) via the transmission link, the method further includes: Send a wake-up frame to the first STA operating on the third link, instructing the first STA to listen for the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD; The third link is any link in the first link other than the sending link.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD), including: A determining module is configured to determine a first radio frame in a transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to identify the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under the first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links; The transmitting module is used to transmit the first wireless frame to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) via the transmitting link.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive a first radio frame transmitted by a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD) via a transmitting link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under the first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the first capability... The capability of the communication mode is lower than that of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is a multi-link non-access point device (non-AP MLD), including: One or more processors; The communication device 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 multi-link access point device (AP MLD), comprising: One or more processors; The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, This includes non-AP MLDs (Multi-Link Non-Access Point Devices) and AP MLDs (Multi-Link Access Point Devices); The non-AP MLD is configured to determine a first radio frame in a transmission link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the communication mode of the non-AP MLD under a first link; wherein the communication mode includes a first capability communication mode and / or a second capability communication mode; the capability of the first capability communication mode is lower than the capability of the second capability communication mode; the transmission link is at least one of the first links; and the first radio frame is transmitted to the AP MLD through the transmission link. The AP MLD is used to receive the first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the transmission link.

23. 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.

24. 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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