Device discovery method and apparatus, storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a device discovery method and apparatus, and a storage medium, wherein the device discovery method comprises: receiving a fast initial connection establishment discovery (FD) frame sent by a wireless access point (AP) through a target connection between the AP and a station (STA); and in response to determining that at least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, determining to discover an AP multi-link device (MLD) under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify a multi-link communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD. The present disclosure achieves the purpose that the AP MLD can be quickly discovered by a STA MLD under one connection, so as to establish multi-link communication.

Description

Divisional application statement

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202180001897.8, filed on July 7, 2021, entitled "Device Discovery Method and Apparatus, Storage Medium". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to methods and apparatus for device discovery and storage media. Background Technology

[0003] The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 has established the SG (Study Group) IEEE 802.11be to research next-generation mainstream (802.11a / b / g / n / ac) Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) technology. The research focuses on 320MHz bandwidth transmission, multi-band aggregation and coordination, etc., with a proposed vision of at least four times the speed and throughput compared to the existing 802.11ax. Its main applications include video transmission, AR (Augmented Reality), and VR (Virtual Reality). Among them, the aggregation and coordination of multiple frequency bands (connections) refers to the communication between devices (mainly terminal devices) in the 2.4 GHz (gigahertz), 5 GHz and 6-7 GHz frequency bands at the same time. For devices to communicate in multiple frequency bands at the same time, a new MAC (Media Access Control) mechanism needs to be defined for management. In addition, another vision of IEEE 802.11be is to support low latency transmission.

[0004] In 802.11be, the maximum supported bandwidth will be 320MHz (160MHz+160MHz), followed by 240MHz (160MHz+80MHz). The bandwidth supported in 802.11ax may be defined in the future. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this disclosure provides a device discovery method and apparatus, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a device discovery method is provided, the method being applied to a wireless access point (AP) supporting multi-connection communication, comprising: Generate a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame, wherein the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, the first information element being used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP Multi-Connection Device (MLD); The FD frame, which encapsulates at least the first information element, is sent to the STA via the target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0007] Optionally, the FD frame also encapsulates a second information element, which is used to indicate support for the target service.

[0008] Optionally, the target service is a low-latency service.

[0009] Optionally, the FD frame further encapsulates a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element, in which the first information element includes at least a first subfield for identifying whether a Basic Service Set (BSS) change sequence exists, and the bit values ​​included in the first subfield are preset values, which are used to indicate that no BSS change sequence exists.

[0010] Optionally, the common information field of the first information element does not include a second subfield for indicating the BSS parameter change count.

[0011] Optionally, if the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP attached to the AP MLD, then the common information field of the first information element does not include a third subfield for indicating whether multi-connectivity capability exists.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a device discovery method is provided, the method being applied to a site device (STA), comprising: Receive a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame sent by the AP through a target connection with the wireless access point (AP); In response to determining that the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, it is determined that an AP multi-connection device (MLD) has been discovered under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0013] Optionally, the above device discovery method further includes: In response to the determination that the FD frame also encapsulates a second information element, it is determined that the AP supports the target service.

[0014] Optionally, the target service is a low-latency service.

[0015] Optionally, the above device discovery method further includes: In response to determining that the bit value included in the first subfield of the first information element used to identify whether a Basic Service Set (BSS) change sequence exists is a preset value, it is determined that the common information field of the first information element does not include a second subfield used to indicate the BSS parameter change count, the preset value being used to indicate that no BSS change sequence exists.

[0016] Optionally, the above device discovery method further includes: In response to determining that the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP attached to the AP MLD, it is determined that the common information field of the first information element does not include a third subfield for indicating whether multi-connectivity capability exists.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a device discovery apparatus is provided, the apparatus being applied to a wireless access point (AP) supporting multiple connection communications, comprising: The generation module is configured to generate a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame, wherein the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, which is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD. The transmitting module is configured to transmit the FD frame, which encapsulates at least the first information element, to the STA via a target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a device discovery apparatus is provided, the apparatus being applied to a site device (STA), comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frames sent by the wireless access point (AP) through a target connection with the AP. The device discovery module is configured to determine, in response to determining that at least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, that an AP multi-connection device (MLD) is discovered under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for performing the device discovery method described in any of the above-described AP side methods.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for performing the device discovery method described in any of the above STA side embodiments.

[0021] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a device discovery apparatus is provided, comprising: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute any of the device discovery methods described above on the AP side.

[0022] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a device discovery apparatus is provided, comprising: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute any of the device discovery methods described in the STA side above.

[0023] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: In this embodiment, an AP supporting multi-connection communication can generate an FD frame, and the generated FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element for identifying the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD. Then, through the target connection between the AP and the STA, the AP sends an FD frame encapsulating at least the first information element to the STA. The STA can quickly discover the AP MLD based on the first information element encapsulated in the FD frame. This achieves the goal of enabling the AP MLD to be quickly discovered by the STA MLD under a single connection, thus facilitating the establishment of multi-connection communication.

[0024] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a device discovery method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figures 2A to 2F This is a schematic diagram of a frame structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another device discovery method flow according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another device discovery method flow according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another device discovery method flow according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram illustrating another device discovery method flow according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another device discovery method flow according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating a device discovery apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of another device discovery apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a device discovery apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another device discovery device illustrated in this disclosure according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0038] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of at least one associated listed item.

[0039] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0040] Currently, 802.11be defines that devices can support the FILS (Fast Initial Link Setup) function. Furthermore, in the earlier 802.11 standard, the FD (FILS Discovery) frame was defined to facilitate rapid device discovery. The FD frame format has also been integrated and extended to facilitate rapid discovery of APs (Access Points).

[0041] However, current FD frames are not applicable to AP MLDs (Multi-Link Devices). In an AP MLD, the auxiliary APs can communicate with different STAs through multiple concurrent communication links. Each communication link can have a different bandwidth; for example, communicating with STA1 via a 2.4GHz link, with STA2 via a 5GHz link, and with STA3 via a 6GHz link. Multiple communication links combined constitute an AP MLD. Each communication link corresponds to one auxiliary AP.

[0042] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a device discovery scheme that can quickly discover AP MLDs under a single connection, thereby establishing multi-connection communication.

[0043] The device discovery solution provided in this application will be introduced from the AP side first.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a device discovery method according to one embodiment, which can be used in an AP that supports multi-connection communication. Optionally, the AP is an auxiliary AP of an AP MLD device. The method may include the following steps: In step 101, a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame is generated. The FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, which is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP Multi-Connection Device (MLD).

[0045] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP may encapsulate at least a first information element in the FD frame. Optionally, the first information element may be an ML (Multi-Link) information element.

[0046] In step 102, the FD frame, which encapsulates at least the first information element, is sent to the STA via the target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the AP can send FD frames within the period of a beacon frame. Alternatively, it can send FD frames within a time period after the previous beacon frame has been sent but before the next beacon frame is ready to be sent.

[0048] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP can send an FD frame encapsulating at least a first information element to a STA (Station) through an established target connection. The STA can be a STA attached to a STA MLD. This enables rapid device discovery while informing the STA that the AP supports multi-connection communication, allowing the AP MLD to be quickly discovered by the STA MLD under the target connection, thereby establishing multi-connection communication.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the goal of enabling AP MLD to be quickly discovered by STA MLD under a single connection is achieved, so as to establish multi-connection communication.

[0050] In some alternative embodiments, the first information element may be encapsulated in the FD frame in a manner as shown in Table 1, for example.

[0051] Table 1 Where n is a positive integer.

[0052] In some optional embodiments, the FD frame further encapsulates a second information element, which is used to indicate support for the target service. Optionally, the second information element can be an rTWT (restricted target wake-up time) information element. When both the first and second information elements are encapsulated in the FD frame, the encapsulation methods are shown in Table 2, for example.

[0053] Table 1 Where n is a positive integer.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the target business includes, but is not limited to, low-latency services, such as autonomous driving services.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the FD frame generated by the AP also encapsulates a second information element to indicate that the AP supports the target service and has high availability.

[0056] In some optional embodiments, since the AP supports multi-connection communication, the FD frame also encapsulates at least an RNR (Reduced Neighbor Report) information element. Accordingly, the first information element includes at least a first subfield, and the bit values ​​included in the first subfield can be preset values.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the first subdomain is used to identify whether a BSS (Basic Service Set) change sequence exists. For example, it can be the BSS Change Sequence Present subdomain, with a default value of "0" to indicate that no BSS change sequence exists.

[0058] Furthermore, the common info field of the first information element does not include a second subfield for indicating the BSS parameter change count, which could be the BSS Parameters Change Count subfield.

[0059] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the structure of the first information element can be, for example... Figure 2A As shown, it includes at least the following information fields: information element identifier, length, information element extension, multi-device discovery, commonly used information, and connection information. The structure of the multi-device discovery field can be, for example... Figure 2B As shown, it includes type, reserved, and status bits. Figure 3 Each subfield. The structure of the state bitmap subfield is as follows: Figure 2C As shown, it includes at least a first subfield for identifying whether a BSS change sequence exists, namely the BSS ChangeSequence Present subfield. In this embodiment, the bit value included in the first subfield can be a preset value "0" to indicate that no BSS change sequence exists. Since the AP supports multi-connection communication, the identifiers of the BSS corresponding to multiple APs attached to the AP MLD need to be consistent and there should be no changes. Therefore, setting the first subfield to a preset value can indicate that no BSS change sequence exists.

[0060] Accordingly, the structure of commonly used information domains is as follows: Figure 2D As shown, when the bit value included in the first subfield is the preset value "0", the commonly used information field does not include the second subfield used to indicate the BSS parameter change count, that is, in Figure 2D It does not include a second subfield used to indicate the count of BSS parameter changes, for example Figure 2E As shown.

[0061] In the above embodiments, since the AP supports multi-connection communication, the first subfield can be set to a preset value when generating the FD frame to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence. Furthermore, the common information field does not include a second subfield used to indicate the BSS parameter change count. This achieves the purpose of indicating that the AP supports multi-connection communication through the FD frame, saves the bit resources occupied by the FD frame, and has high availability.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, if the AP does not support multi-connection communication, the FD frame does not include the RNR information element. Therefore, the bit values ​​included in the first subfield can be set to "1" to indicate the presence of a BSS change sequence. Accordingly, the common information field includes a second subfield to indicate the BSS parameter change count.

[0063] In some alternative embodiments, the AP supports multi-connection communication, and the FD frame includes an RNR information element, which includes AP information of at least one other AP attached to the AP MLD. Optionally, the common information field of the first information element may be, for example... Figure 2D The structure shown may not include a third subdomain indicating the presence of multi-connectivity capabilities. This third subdomain could be an MLD capabilities subdomain, for example... Figure 2F As shown.

[0064] In the above embodiments, when the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP attached to the AP MLD, the common information field of the first information element may not include a third subfield used to indicate whether multi-connection capability exists, thereby saving bit resources occupied by the FD frame and achieving high availability.

[0065] Next, we will introduce the device discovery scheme provided in this disclosure from the perspective of the STA.

[0066] This disclosure provides a device discovery method, referring to... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a device discovery method according to an embodiment, which can be used in a STA (Stationary Device Provider). The method may include the following steps: In step 301, a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame sent by the AP is received through a target connection with the wireless access point (AP).

[0067] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the STA can be a STA attached to the STA MLD. The STA can receive FD frames sent by the AP through a target connection with the AP.

[0068] In step 302, in response to determining that the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, it is determined that an AP multi-connection device (MLD) is discovered under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the STA MLD can quickly discover devices based on the FD frame, and determine that the AP supports multi-connection communication based on the first information element encapsulated in the FD frame. This achieves the goal of quickly discovering the AP MLD under the target connection, thereby establishing multi-connection communication in the future, resulting in high availability.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, this disclosure provides a device discovery method, referring to... Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a device discovery method according to an embodiment, which can be used in a STA (Stationary Device Provider). The method may include the following steps: In step 401, a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame sent by the wireless access point (AP) is received through a target connection with the AP.

[0071] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the STA can be a STA attached to the STA MLD. The STA can receive FD frames sent by the AP through a target connection with the AP.

[0072] In step 402, in response to determining that the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, it is determined that an AP multi-connection device (MLD) is discovered under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0073] In step 403, in response to determining that the FD frame also encapsulates a second information element, it is determined that the AP supports the target service.

[0074] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second information element can be an rTWT information element.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the target business is a low-latency business, including but not limited to autonomous driving business.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the FD frame generated by the AP also encapsulates a second information element. The STA can determine the target service supported by the AP based on the second information element, resulting in high availability.

[0077] In some optional embodiments, this disclosure provides a device discovery method, referring to... Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a device discovery method according to an embodiment, which can be used in a STA (Stationary Device Provider). The method may include the following steps: In step 501, a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame sent by the wireless access point (AP) is received through a target connection with the AP.

[0078] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the STA can be a STA attached to the STA MLD. The STA can receive FD frames sent by the AP through a target connection with the AP.

[0079] In step 502, in response to determining that the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, it is determined that an AP multi-connection device (MLD) is discovered under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0080] In step 503, in response to determining that the bit value included in the first subfield of the first information element used to identify whether a Basic Service Set (BSS) change sequence exists is a preset value used to indicate that no BSS change sequence exists, it is determined that the common information field of the first information element does not include a second subfield used to indicate the BSS parameter change count.

[0081] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first subfield can be the BSS Change Sequence Present subfield, with a preset value of "0" to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence. The second subfield can be the BSS Parameters Change Count subfield.

[0082] In the above embodiments, since the AP supports multi-connection communication, the first subfield can be set to a preset value when generating the FD frame to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence. Furthermore, the common information field does not include a second subfield used to indicate the BSS parameter change count. This achieves the purpose of indicating that the AP supports multi-connection communication through the FD frame, saves the bit resources occupied by the FD frame, and has high availability.

[0083] In some optional embodiments, this disclosure provides a device discovery method, referring to... Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a device discovery method according to an embodiment, which can be used in a STA (Stationary Device Provider). The method may include the following steps: In step 601, a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame sent by the wireless access point (AP) is received through a target connection with the AP.

[0084] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the STA can be a STA attached to the STA MLD. The STA can receive FD frames sent by the AP through a target connection with the AP.

[0085] In step 602, in response to determining that the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, it is determined that an AP multi-connection device (MLD) has been discovered under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0086] In step 603, in response to determining that the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP attached to the AP MLD, it is determined that the common information field of the first information element does not include a third subfield for indicating whether multi-connectivity capability exists.

[0087] The third subdomain can be the MLD capabilities subdomain.

[0088] In the above embodiments, when the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP attached to the AP MLD, the common information field of the first information element can be excluded from the third subfield used to indicate whether multi-connection capability exists, thereby saving bit resources occupied by the FD frame and achieving high availability.

[0089] In some alternative embodiments, refer to Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a device discovery method according to an embodiment, which may include the following steps: In step 701, the AP that supports multi-connection communication generates an FD frame.

[0090] The FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, which is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP multi-connection device MLD.

[0091] In step 702, the AP sends the FD frame, which encapsulates at least the first information element, to the STA via the target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0092] In step 703, the STA determines that an AP multi-connection device (MLD) has been discovered under the target connection in response to determining that the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element. The first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the goal of enabling AP MLD to be quickly discovered by STA MLD under a single connection is achieved, so as to establish multi-connection communication.

[0094] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiments of the application function implementation method, this disclosure also provides embodiments of the application function implementation apparatus.

[0095] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 8This is a block diagram of a device discovery apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus being applied to a wireless access point (AP) supporting multi-connection communication, comprising: The generation module 801 is configured to generate a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame, wherein the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, which is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD. The transmitting module 802 is configured to transmit the FD frame, which encapsulates at least the first information element, to the STA via a target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0096] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a block diagram of a device discovery apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus being applied to a site device (STA), comprising: The receiving module 901 is configured to receive a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame sent by the wireless access point (AP) through a target connection with the AP. The device discovery module 902 is configured to determine, in response to determining that at least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, that an AP multi-connection device (MLD) has been discovered under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0097] For the device embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to in the description of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this disclosure according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0098] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for performing any of the device discovery methods described above for the AP side.

[0099] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for performing any of the device discovery methods described above for the STA side.

[0100] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a device discovery apparatus, comprising: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute any of the device discovery methods described above on the AP side.

[0101] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a device discovery apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus 1000 can be provided as an access point (AP) supporting multiple connection communications. (Refer to...) Figure 10 The device 1000 includes a processing component 1022, a wireless transmitting / receiving component 1024, an antenna component 1026, and a signal processing section specific to the wireless interface. The processing component 1022 may further include at least one processor.

[0102] One of the processors in the processing component 1022 can be configured to perform any of the device discovery methods described above.

[0103] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a device discovery apparatus, comprising: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute any of the device discovery methods described above on the STA side.

[0104] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating a device discovery apparatus 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the device discovery apparatus 1100 may be a STA, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers, multimedia playback devices, wearable devices, in-vehicle user equipment, iPads, smart TVs, and other terminals.

[0105] Reference Figure 11 The device discovery device 1100 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 1102, a memory 1104, a power supply component 1106, a multimedia component 1108, an audio component 1110, an input / output (I / O) interface 1112, a sensor component 1116, and a communication component 1118.

[0106] Processing component 1102 typically controls the overall operation of device discovery device 1100, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, random data access, camera operation, and recording operations. Processing component 1102 may include one or more processors 1120 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the device discovery method described above. Furthermore, processing component 1102 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between processing component 1102 and other components. For example, processing component 1102 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 1108 and processing component 1102. Alternatively, processing component 1102 may read executable instructions from memory to implement the steps of a device discovery method provided in the above embodiments.

[0107] Memory 1104 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of device discovery device 1100. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on device discovery device 1100, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 1104 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0108] Power supply component 1106 provides power to the various components of device discovery device 1100. Power supply component 1106 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to device discovery device 1100.

[0109] The multimedia component 1108 includes a display screen that provides an output interface between the device discovery device 1100 and the user. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 1108 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When the device discovery device 1100 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera can receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0110] Audio component 1110 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 1110 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when the device detects that device 1100 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 1104 or transmitted via communication component 1118. In some embodiments, audio component 1110 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0111] I / O interface 1112 provides an interface between processing component 1102 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0112] Sensor assembly 1116 includes one or more sensors for providing status assessments of various aspects of device discovery device 1100. For example, sensor assembly 1116 may detect the on / off state of device discovery device 1100, the relative positioning of components such as the display and keypad of device discovery device 1100, changes in the position of device discovery device 1100 or one of its components, the presence or absence of user contact with device discovery device 1100, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of device discovery device 1100, and temperature changes of device discovery device 1100. Sensor assembly 1116 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 1116 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 1116 may also include an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, pressure sensor, or temperature sensor.

[0113] Communication component 1118 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between device discovery device 1100 and other devices. Device discovery device 1100 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 1118 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 1118 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, the device discovery apparatus 1100 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform any of the device discovery methods described above on the STA side.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 1104 including instructions, which can be executed by the processor 1120 of the device discovery apparatus 1100 to complete the device discovery method described above. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0116] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0117] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device discovery method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a wireless access point (AP) that supports multi-connection communication, including: A Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame is generated. The FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element and also encapsulates a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element. The first information element includes at least a first subfield for identifying whether a Basic Service Set (BSS) change sequence exists, and the bit value included in the first subfield is a preset value, which is used to indicate that no BSS change sequence exists. The FD frame is sent to the STA through the target connection between the AP and the STA.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The common information field of the first information element does not include a second subfield used to indicate the BSS parameter change count.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The FD frame also encapsulates a second information element, which is used to indicate support for the target service.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The target service is a low-latency service.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP attached to the AP MLD, then the common information field of the first information element does not include a third subfield for indicating whether multi-connectivity capability exists.

6. A device discovery method, characterized in that, The method is applied to site equipment (STA) and includes: Through a target connection with a wireless access point (AP), a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame sent by the AP is received; wherein the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element and further encapsulates a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element, wherein the first information element includes at least a first subfield for identifying whether a Basic Service Set (BSS) change sequence exists, and the bit value included in the first subfield is a preset value, the preset value being used to indicate that no BSS change sequence exists.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to the determination that the FD frame also encapsulates a second information element, it is determined that the AP supports the target service.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The target service is a low-latency service.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to determining that the bit value included in the first subfield of the first information element used to identify whether a BSS change sequence exists is the preset value, it is determined that the common information field of the first information element does not include a second subfield used to indicate the BSS parameter change count.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to determining that the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP attached to the AP MLD, it is determined that the common information field of the first information element does not include a third subfield for indicating whether multi-connectivity capability exists.

11. A device detection apparatus, characterized in that, The device is applied to a wireless access point (AP) that supports multi-connection communication and includes: The generation module is configured to generate a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame, which encapsulates at least a first information element and a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element. The first information element includes at least a first subfield for identifying whether a Basic Service Set (BSS) change sequence exists, and the bit value included in the first subfield is a preset value, which is used to indicate that no BSS change sequence exists. The transmitting module is configured to transmit the FD frame to the STA via a target connection between the AP and the STA.

12. A device detection apparatus, characterized in that, The device is applied to site equipment (STA) and includes: The receiving module is configured to receive a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame sent by a wireless access point (AP) via a target connection; wherein the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element and further encapsulates a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element, wherein the first information element includes at least a first subfield for identifying whether a Basic Service Set (BSS) change sequence exists, and the bit value included in the first subfield is a preset value, the preset value being used to indicate that no BSS change sequence exists.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program for performing the device discovery method according to any one of claims 1-5.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program for performing the device discovery method according to any one of claims 6-10.

15. A device detection apparatus, characterized in that, include: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to perform the device discovery method according to any one of claims 1-5.

16. A device detection apparatus, characterized in that, include: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to perform the device discovery method according to any one of claims 6-10.

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