Circuitry of a communication device and a communication method

Abstract

This application provides a circuit for a communication device and a communication method. A first circuit of a first communication device is configured to communicate with a second communication device via at least two links. The first circuit is configured to: switch between a full operating mode and a partial operating mode, wherein in the full operating mode, a first link of the at least two links is not used for communication between the second and first communication devices, and a second link of the at least two links shares the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication between the second and first communication devices; and wherein in the partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links to communicate with the first communication device; and receive a handover request frame, the handover request frame indicating that the first communication device should switch to the full operating mode, the handover request frame including padding data to extend the handover request frame to compensate for the handover delay of the second communication device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese national phase application, filed on July 27, 2021, with international application number PCT / EP2021 / 071069 and entitled "Communication device and method for wireless communication in a multi-link environment". The Chinese national phase application entered the national phase on January 20, 2023, with application number 202180059012.X and entitled "Communication device and method for wireless communication in a multi-link environment". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to communication devices and methods, specifically to WLAN communication in a multi-link (ML) environment. Background Technology

[0003] Multilinks are highly attractive for achieving high throughput and / or low latency. The idea is to combine two or more links between two base stations (STAs) for data transmission. The first link might be implemented on a first channel within, for example, the 5 GHz band, while the second link might be implemented on a second channel within, for example, the 6 GHz band. Devices supporting multiple links are also called multilink devices (MLDs), and can be either access point (AP) MLDs or non-AP (or STA) MLDs. Each link between an AP MLD (also referred to herein as the second communication device) and a non-AP MLD (also referred to herein as the first communication device) is established between the AP STA and the non-AP STA. Therefore, an AP MLD can include one or more AP STAs, and a non-AP MLD can include one or more non-AP STAs.

[0004] One drawback of the multi-link concept is the need for multiple radio or RF chains, which makes the equipment expensive. This is especially true for non-AP MLDs, which typically have more limitations in terms of implementation costs compared to AP MLDs.

[0005] In the enhanced single-radio concept, a splittable radio is used. The single radio can have two operating modes: a full operating mode and a partial operating mode. At the receiving device (e.g., a non-AP MLD), in full operating mode, the first link of the two links between the two communicating devices is disabled, and the second link of the two links shares the RF chain of both links to communicate between the communicating devices. In partial operating mode, both links use separately allocated spatial streams and bandwidths to communicate between the communicating devices. However, a handover delay occurs when switching between operating modes.

[0006] The “Background” description provided herein is intended to provide a general overview of the contents of this disclosure. Within the scope described in this Background section, the work of the currently designated inventor, and aspects that may not conform to the prior art at the time of application, are neither explicitly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art opposing this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective is to provide communication equipment and methods for handling handover delays, specifically methods for effectively utilizing periods of handover delay. Another objective is to provide corresponding computer programs for implementing the communication methods and non-transitory computer-readable recording media for implementing the communication methods.

[0008] According to one aspect, a first communication device is provided, configured to communicate with a second communication device via two links, the first communication device including circuitry configured to: Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. In the complete operating mode, the first of the two links is disabled, and the second of the two links typically uses the RF chain of both links to communicate with the second communication device. In one of the aforementioned operating modes, each link uses its RF chain to communicate with the second communication device; and Taking into account switching delay, the switching time between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode is controlled, and / or the time of accessing the second link in the full operating mode is controlled, wherein the switching delay indicates the delay between the start and completion of switching between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode.

[0009] According to another aspect, a second communication device is provided, configured to communicate with a first communication device via two links, the second communication device including circuitry configured to: Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. In the full operating mode, the first of the two links is disabled or used for a third communication device, and the second of the two links uses at least the same number of RF chains as used in the partial operating mode to communicate with the first communication device. In one of the aforementioned operating modes, the first link is disabled or used for a third communication device, and the second link uses one or more RF chains to communicate with the first communication device; and - Taking into account the switching delay of the first communication device, control is applied to the transmission of data and / or control information to the first communication device, wherein the switching delay indicates the delay between the initiation of the switching and the completion of the switching between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode.

[0010] According to another aspect of the corresponding communication method, a computer program includes program means for causing the computer to perform the steps of the method disclosed herein when the computer program is executed on a computer, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium therein storing a computer program product that causes the method disclosed herein to be executed when executed by a processor.

[0011] According to one aspect, a first circuit of a first communication device is provided, configured to communicate with a second communication device via at least two links. The first circuit is configured to: - switch between a full operating mode and a partial operating mode, wherein in the full operating mode, a first link of the at least two links is not used for communication between the second communication device and the first communication device, and a second link of the at least two links uses the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication between the second communication device and the first communication device; and wherein in the partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links to communicate with the first communication device; and - receive a handover request frame, the handover request frame indicating that the first communication device should switch to the full operating mode, the handover request frame including padding data that extends the handover request frame to compensate for the handover delay of the second communication device.

[0012] According to another aspect, a second circuit of a second communication device is provided, configured to communicate with a first communication device via at least two links. The second circuit is configured to: - switch between a full operating mode and a partial operating mode, wherein in the full operating mode, a first link of the at least two links is not used for communication between the first and second communication devices, and a second link of the at least two links uses the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication between the first and second communication devices; and wherein in the partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the spatial flow and / or bandwidth of the at least two links to communicate with the second communication device; and - control the timing of switching between the full and partial operating modes and / or the timing of accessing the second link in the full operating mode based on padding data that extends the handover request frame sent to the second communication device to compensate for handover delay.

[0013] According to another aspect, a first communication method is provided for a first communication device, the first communication device being configured to communicate with a second communication device via at least two links, the first communication method comprising: - switching between a full operating mode and a partial operating mode, wherein, in the full operating mode, a first link of the at least two links is not used for communication between the second communication device and the first communication device, and the second link of the at least two links uses the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication between the second communication device and the first communication device, and wherein, in the partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication with the first communication device; and - receiving a handover request frame, the handover request frame indicating that the first communication device should switch to the full operating mode, the handover request frame including padding data that extends the handover request frame to compensate for the handover delay of the second communication device.

[0014] According to another aspect, a second communication method is provided for a second communication device configured to communicate with a first communication device via at least two links. The second communication method includes: - switching between a full operating mode and a partial operating mode, wherein in the full operating mode, a first link of the at least two links is not used for communication between the first and second communication devices, and a second link of the at least two links uses the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication between the first and second communication devices; and wherein in the partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the spatial flow and / or bandwidth of the at least two links to communicate with the second communication device; and - controlling the timing of switching between the full and partial operating modes and / or the timing of accessing the second link in the full operating mode based on padding data that extends the handover request frame sent to the second communication device to compensate for handover delay.

[0015] The embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. It should be understood that the disclosed methods, the disclosed computer programs, and the disclosed computer-readable recording media have similar and / or identical further embodiments to the claimed communication device and those defined in the dependent claims and / or disclosed herein.

[0016] One aspect of this disclosure is providing channel access principles and rules that reflect the non-zero transition time between two different operating modes. The proposed rules apply to unlicensed frequency bands, take into account medium access protection to avoid overlapping transmissions, and conform to general channel access rules for wireless local area networks. Implicit and explicit signaling methods are provided in embodiments.

[0017] In full operating mode, in the first communication device, the first link of the two links is disabled (i.e., switched off), and the second link of the two links typically uses the RF chain of both links, specifically the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of both links, to communicate with the second communication device. In partial operating mode, each link uses its RF chain, specifically a corresponding subset of the spatial flow and / or bandwidth of the two links, to communicate with the second communication device.

[0018] In full operation mode, in the second communication device, the first of the two links is disabled (i.e., switched off) or used for the third communication device (i.e., communicating with the third communication device), and the second of the two links uses at least the same number (e.g., twice the number) of RF chains as used in partial operation mode, specifically using at least the same bandwidth (e.g., twice the bandwidth) and / or at least the same number of spatial streams (e.g., twice the number of spatial streams) as used in partial operation mode to communicate with the second communication device. In partial operation mode, the first link is disabled or used for the third communication device, and the second link uses one or more RF chains to communicate with the first communication device, specifically using a corresponding subset of the spatial streams and / or bandwidths of the two links to communicate with the second communication device.

[0019] According to this disclosure, the communication device and method take into account the existing handover delay of the first communication device, specifically by compensating for or limiting the impact of the handover delay on communication between the communication devices and the timing of access to the link. As provided in the embodiments, the timing of switching between full operating mode and partial operating mode and / or the timing of access to the second link in full operating mode can be controlled based on the length of the handover delay.

[0020] The foregoing paragraphs are provided in a general manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments and further advantages will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] A more complete understanding of this disclosure, and a better understanding of it when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will readily reveal its many accompanying advantages, in which: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the receiver architecture of a first communication device according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the transmitter architecture of a first communication device according to this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 3A schematic diagram illustrating the switching between full and partial operating modes is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the receiver architecture of a second communication device according to this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the transmitter architecture of a second communication device according to this disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating the operation between the first and second communication devices is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the impact of switching delays and related issues.

[0028] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating a first embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating a second embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating a third embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the use of polarization according to a fourth embodiment of the operation of this disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 12 A diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating a sixth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 14 A diagram illustrating a seventh embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 15 A diagram illustrating an eighth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 16 A diagram illustrating a ninth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 17 A diagram illustrating a tenth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 18A , Figure 18B , Figure 18C A schematic diagram illustrating different channel access protection mechanisms in WLAN is shown.

[0039] Figure 19 The diagram illustrates an embodiment of the use of implicit signaling according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] As described above, an enhanced single-radio non-AP MLD (first communication device, e.g., base station STA) uses a radio that can be divided, i.e., the radio can have two operating modes. First, it can act as a regular radio (= full operating mode), i.e., it can transmit and / or receive data using any PPDU (Physical Protocol Data Unit) type according to IEEE 802.11ax or IEEE 802.11be amendments or the IEEE 802.11 standard, including any type of data, control and / or management frames, different bandwidths, different modulation and coding schemes (MCS), and / or spatial streams. Second, it can act as a partial radio (= partial operating mode), i.e., it can receive control frames contained in a single PPDU type, modulated using a limited number of modulation and coding schemes (MCS) and / or spatial streams. Partial operation specifically covers the reception of Prepare to Transmit (RTS) and / or Multi-User RTS (MU-RTS) frames, as well as Carrier Clearing Assessment (CCA) operations. In another embodiment, it is assumed that partial operation includes the reception of data and / or top management frames. In another embodiment, it is assumed that the transmission of control frames and / or data reception and / or top management framework are involved.

[0041] If an Enhanced Single Radio (ESR) is configured to operate in full operating mode on a single link, all other links are disabled (shut down); that is, it can neither transmit nor receive on these links. However, an ESR can operate in partial operating mode on various links. As an example implementation, on N links, the number of spatial streams in full operating mode is N times the number of spatial streams in partial operating mode. Therefore, spatial streams are divided across different links for partial operation and combined into a single link for full operation.

[0042] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Figure 1A schematic diagram of a receiver architecture 100 of a first communication device according to the present disclosure is shown, specifically a receiver having two antennas 110 and 120. Each antenna 110 and 120 is first connected to bandpass filters 111 and 121, and then mixers 112 and 122 are connected to separate phase-locked loops (PLLs) 113 and 123. The outputs of the mixers are low-pass filtered by low-pass filters 114 and 124, and then passed to analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) 115 and 125, and further processed in a digital baseband processor 130. Typically, digital baseband-based processing is performed jointly for all antennas, but in another embodiment, separate digital baseband-based processing can be provided for each antenna. Thus, the receiver architecture 100 of this embodiment is capable of operating on two links, each link having a corresponding RF chain (including a corresponding ADC, low-pass filter, mixer, PLL, and bandpass).

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a transmitter architecture 200 of a first communication device according to this disclosure is shown, specifically a schematic diagram of a transmitter having two antennas 215, 225. The signal to be transmitted is first baseband processed by a digital baseband processor 230 before being processed by the RF chains of one or both of the two existing links. Each RF chain includes digital-to-analog converters (DACs) 210, 220, followed by low-pass filters 211, 221, and then mixers 212, 222 connected to independent PLLs 213, 223. The output of the mixers is bandpass filtered by bandpass filters 214, 224 connected to the respective antennas 215, 225. Similarly, a separate baseband processor can be provided in each link instead of the common baseband processor 230.

[0044] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the switching between full and partial operating modes (i.e., from full operating mode to partial operating mode or from partial operating mode to full operating mode) in a first communication device is shown, which can appear simultaneously in transmitter architecture 100 and receiver architecture 200. Essentially, in this embodiment example, the frequency... A and B The PLL may be the same or different for complete or partial operating modes. A Switch to B It takes some time, and vice versa. At this point, the so-called switching latency depends on the absolute difference | A - B|, target frequency accuracy ΔF, and / or the implementation of the PLL. Therefore, in practice, some PLL implementations are optimized for small switching delays; while in other PLL implementations, there are typically longer switching delays.

[0045] Another embodiment of the first communication device (typically having) Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown with the same components) and in the same problem, the main difference between partial and full operating modes is not the number of supported spatial streams, but the bandwidth of the application. Therefore, in partial operating mode, for each observed link, the bandwidth BW A =BW B It can be 80 MHz, or 80+80 MHz or 160 MHz in full operating mode. The number of space streams remains unchanged. Assuming... A and B If it is the center frequency of each frequency band in some operating modes, then A ±(BW A / 2+ BW B / 2)= B This holds true in full operating mode, where the two frequency bands are adjacent to each other. In the preceding equation, both the + and - operators apply, depending on the specific context. A Are they respectively less than or greater than? B .

[0046] Apart from the antenna, the components of the transmitter architecture 200 and receiver architecture 100 of the first communication device can generally be implemented as hardware and / or software. For example, in one embodiment, a common circuit or processor or computer can be used instead of separate hardware components. In an embodiment, a properly programmed processor or computer can implement these communication devices.

[0047] Figure 4 A receiver architecture 300 for a second communication device (AP MLD, e.g., an access point AP) according to this disclosure is illustrated, specifically a schematic diagram of a receiver having four antennas 310, 320, 330, and 340. The receiver has concurrent radios and includes two links, each link having two (or more) RF chains operating at different or the same bandwidth. Each RF chain includes bandpass filters 311, 321, 331, and 341, mixers 312, 322, 332, and 342, and PLLs 313 and 333 (wherein, in each link, the two RF chains can use, for example...). Figure 4The same PLLs are shown, along with low-pass filters 314, 324, 334, and 344, and ADCs 315, 325, 335, and 345. The outputs of the ADCs are ultimately processed by the digital baseband processor 350.

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a transmitter architecture 400 of a second communication device according to this disclosure is shown, specifically a schematic diagram of a transmitter having four antennas 415, 425, 435, and 445. The transmitter includes two links, each link having two RF chains operating at different bandwidths. The signal to be transmitted is first baseband processed by a digital baseband processor 450 before being processed by one or both of the existing two links' RF chains. Each RF chain includes DACs 410, 420, 430, and 440; low-pass filters 411, 421, 431, and 441; mixers 412, 422, 432, and 442; and PLLs 413 and 433 (wherein, in each link, the two RF chains can use, for example...). Figure 5 (The same PLL shown), and bandpass filters 414, 424, 434, and 444.

[0049] According to this disclosure, in the first communication device, the operating modes are used as follows: In full operating mode, the first link of the two links is disabled, and the second link of the two links typically uses the RF chains of the two links (e.g., typically using the bandwidth and / or spatial streams of the two links) to communicate with the second communication device. In partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of its RF chains (e.g., the spatial streams of the two links (i.e., one of the two spatial streams of the enhanced radio) and / or bandwidth (i.e., a portion of the total bandwidth of the enhanced radio)) to communicate with the second communication device. Specifically, regarding bandwidth, in partial operating mode, A and B It is tuned to the center frequency of each link, and in full operating mode, A or B It is tuned to have its bandwidth adjacent to that of the selected link. For spatial streams, in some operating modes, A and B Tune to the center frequency of each link, and in full operating mode, A or B tuned to B or A ,Right now A = B and B Keep it as it is, or A Keep it as it is, and A = B .

[0050] According to this disclosure, in the second communication device, the operating modes are used as follows: In full operating mode, the first link of the two links is disabled or used for a third communication device, and the second link of the two links uses at least the same number (e.g., twice the number) of RF chains as used in partial operating mode to communicate with the first communication device. In partial operating mode, the first link is disabled or used for a third communication device, and the second link uses one or more RF chains to communicate with the first communication device. In other words, the second communication device can have concurrent radios, i.e., in full operating mode, the first link can be disabled (if the second communication device is a single-radio type) or used for something else (if the second communication device has concurrent radios). In partial mode, the second communication device does nothing on the first link. If it has concurrent radios, it can serve another STA. If it is a single-radio type, it shuts down the first link because there is nothing to transmit.

[0051] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This describes concurrent radios on the AP MLD. If the AP MLD is a single-radio type, it is the same as a non-AP MLD. Since the PLL frequency remains constant, there is no switching delay for concurrent radios. According to... Figure 5 In partial operation mode, the APMLD selects a link intended for later use in full operation mode, along with one or more RF chains, to initiate transmission with the non-AP MLD. Once the non-AP MLD is in full operation mode, the AP MLD will apply a number of RF chains as required for the non-APMLD's full operation mode. If the non-AP MLD supports two links (i.e., it has twice the number of M RF chains), the APMLD uses twice the number of RF chains used in full operation mode, i.e., 2M RF chains, while in partial operation mode it uses M RF chains.

[0052] For example, a non-AP MLD uses one RF chain in partial operating mode and two RF chains in full operating mode, while an AP MLD may want to use link 2 for data communication. Therefore, refer to Figure 5In partial operation mode, the AP MLD selects one RF chain of Link 2, namely the RF chain defined by components 430 to 435 or 440 to 445. Once the non-AP MLD is in full operation mode, i.e., it supports two RF chains, the AP MLD additionally activates the RF chain of the previously unused RF chain of Link 2. All other RF chains, i.e., the RF chain of Link 1, can be used to serve other (third) non-AP MLDs.

[0053] for Figure 4 The same explanation essentially applies, but mapped to the receiver. In partial operating mode, the APMLD uses the same "one or more RF chains" as the non-AP MLD for reception to initiate transmission. Once the non-AP MLD is in full operating mode, the AP MLD will apply many RF chains as required for reception in the non-AP MLD's full operating mode. Where the non-AP MLD supports two links (i.e., it has twice the number of M RF chains), the AP MLD uses twice the number of RF chains used in full operating mode, 2M RF chains, while using M RF chains in partial mode.

[0054] For example, a non-AP MLD uses one RF chain in partial operating mode and two RF chains in full operating mode, while an AP MLD may want to use link 2 for data communication. Therefore, refer to Figure 4 In partial operating mode, the AP MLD selects the same RF chain for link 2 used to initiate transmission, i.e., the RF chain defined by components 330 to 335 or 340 to 345. Once the non-AP MLD is in full operating mode, for example, if it supports two RF chains, the AP MLD additionally activates the RF chain of the previously unused RF chain of link 2. All other RF chains, i.e., the RF chain of link 1, can be used to serve other non-AP MLDs or STAs.

[0055] In other words, if two links exist, in the partial operation mode embodiment, the AP MLD can use one or more RF chains, and in the full operation mode, the AP MLD can use twice the number of RF chains used in the partial operation mode, i.e., more than two RF chains (an even number). Another link can be used to communicate with another (third) communication device. If more than two links exist, the AP MLD can use at least twice (e.g., three times) the number of RF chains used in the full operation mode as in the partial operation mode. In the embodiment, in the full operation mode, the AP MLD uses a number of RF chains corresponding to the number of links on which a non-AP MLD can operate.

[0056] Figure 6This diagram illustrates the overall operation between a first communication device (non-AP MLD) and a second communication device (AP MLD) using two links. Initially, both radios of the non-AP MLD are in partial operating mode. When link 1 is busy, the AP MLD decides to transmit data on link 2. It initiates data transmission by sending an RTS frame 10 (or another frame indicating the start of data transmission) on link 2. RTS frame 10 instructs the non-AP MLD that it will configure radio B to full operating mode on link 2. Therefore, radio A is turned off (disabled) by the non-AP MLD on link 1. Next, if the link is detected as idle (otherwise it does not send a CTS frame), the non-AP MLD responds with a CTS frame 11 (or another frame acknowledging the start of data transmission). CTS frame 11 instructs the AP-MLD that it can now transmit data on link 2 12, thus initiating a TXOP (Transmission Opportunity). After the TXOP ends, for example after an ACK frame 13, the non-AP MLD switches both radios A and B to partial operating mode until it receives another RTS frame 14 addressed to it.

[0057] Figure 6 The operation shown assumes an instantaneous switch between two operating modes. Due to the implementation method, the switching operation takes time, typically longer than allowed from the perspective of frame switching. For example, the time interval 30 between the RTS transmission and the CTS response is SIFS (Short Interframe Spacing), which is 10µs (at 2.4GHz) or 16µs (at 5GHz). If it takes longer, it can be considered a lost CTS, or that another communication device (station) has accessed the channel.

[0058] Furthermore, when operating on a single link, i.e., in full operating mode, a non-AP MLD cannot receive frames on a non-operating link. Therefore, this disclosure defines the rules regarding when to access a non-operating link after a single radio phase.

[0059] Figure 7 It shows the basis Figure 6The example shown illustrates the impact of handover delay and related issues. First, it should be noted that during the switch from partial to full operating mode, partial operation continues on the link where full operation will be used later. After a period of time, known as the handover delay (also called operational handover delay), the radio will be switched from the non-AP MPD to full operating mode. However, the radio on the unused link will immediately shut down. This is because the phase-locked loop (PLL) on the unused link needs some time to stabilize at the carrier frequency of the used link, i.e., the link with the expected full operating mode. The handover delay can also be variable, meaning the PLL needs to receive a PPDU (or any data unit or frame) before it can determine the new carrier frequency. Therefore, receiving a PPDU, or at least its header, is a requirement for locking the PLL.

[0060] The first question is... Figure 7 The code is represented as 21: Due to a handover delay of 20, CTS frame 11 cannot be transmitted in the full operating mode of radio 2. The second problem lies in... Figure 7 The code is represented as 22: Due to the handover delay of 20', the non-AP MLD misses RTS frame 14 on link 1, which is important for future operations. Even if RTS frame 14 is not directed to the non-AP MLD under consideration, it is still important for NAV (Network Assignment Vector) settings, i.e., Channel Busy Indication or Virtual CCA.

[0061] besides, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The operation shown assumes RTS / CTS switching to avoid hidden node issues. However, hidden nodes are sometimes absent; therefore, RTS / CTS switching may add too much overhead. If partial and full operating modes have different operating bandwidths, the protection provided by RTS and / or CTS frames transmitted in partial operating mode is related to the bandwidth of the partial operating mode. Further protection could be provided if the bandwidth in full operating mode were increased; however, no further protection is currently provided according to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0062] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating a first embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown. If the handover delay 20 is less than SIFS, no special measures are typically required because a response frame (e.g., CTS) can be transmitted in full operating mode after an operation handover request (e.g., RTS). Otherwise, response frame transmission and subsequent data frame reception use partial operating mode, meaning this communication has low data rates and PPDU type limitations. Since the transition between partial and full operating modes cannot be completed within a PPDU, partial operating mode needs to continue until the currently transmitted or received PPDU ends. Therefore, full operating mode may already be available, but not as... Figure 8 As shown in the example. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the switch to full operation mode on the second link is delayed, as shown in delay 23, until the currently active frame ( ) ends at the end of the switching delay. Figure 8 The transmission of CTS frame 11 in the example shown has been completed.

[0063] Note that switching this link affects both links: the first link immediately shuts down. The second link remains in partial operating mode until the switching delay has passed. Afterward, it enters full operating mode. Switching to full operating mode is constrained by the fact that no frames are currently being transmitted. This means that the digital baseband processor does not consider the output of the RF chain from the previous first link.

[0064] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating a second embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown. If the switching delay 20 is long, it may even affect... Figure 9 The data transmission is illustrated. Here, the downlink PPDU containing the data is divided into two parts, 12a and 12b. The AP MLD transmits the first part 12a in partial operation mode and receives it by the non-AP MLD in partial operation mode. When the handover delay has passed, the AP MLD stops transmitting the first part, but continues transmitting the second part 12b, which was transmitted in full operation mode, during the SIFS or RIFS (Reduced Interframe Spacing) time interval. Figure 9 As shown, there is no response frame (e.g., ACK) after the first PPDU (i.e., the first part 12a) because this avoids non-AP MLD support for another control frame, namely radio B's ACK in partial operating mode.

[0065] If the transmission queue for the data to be transmitted is short, it's worth considering whether PPDU partitioning offers an advantage in terms of transmission time. Therefore, PPDU partitioning is preferably considered when the following equation is satisfied: TXTIME(PPDU partial )>TXTIME(1st PPDU partial )+SIFS+TXTIME(2nd PPDU full ).

[0066] Therefore, according to this embodiment, before the switching time or the completion of the switch from partial operation mode to full operation mode, the first part of the frame exchange (specifically, a data unit, such as a PPDU) is transmitted or received in partial operation mode, and after the switch from partial operation mode to full operation mode is completed, the second part of the frame exchange is transmitted or received in full operation mode.

[0067] Figure 10A diagram illustrating a third embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown. If CTS frame 11 is transmitted in partial operation, the transmission characteristics covered by the data protection of the data transmitted by CTS frame 11 are less than those used in subsequent full operation modes. For example, in partial operation mode, one transmit antenna may be used, while in full operation mode, two transmit antennas are used. Therefore, the protection provided by CTS frame 11 transmitted in partial operation is limited. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is recommended that CTS frames (or any other frames for which NAV can be set in the observation STA) be transmitted by the non-AP MLD once the switch to full operation mode is completed. Figure 10 An example is shown, in which the first NAV setting 24 is completed by CTS frame 11 (where the non-AP MLD is still in partial operation mode) and the second NAV setting 25 is completed by ACK frame 15 (where the non-AP MLD is already in full operation mode). The duration of the signaled NAV in each frame always points to the end of TXOP (indicated by arrows 24 and 25).

[0068] Therefore, according to this embodiment, before and / or after the first part 12a of the transmission or reception frame exchange, allocation information (e.g., NAV setting) is sent, indicating the allocation period for the second link to be allocated to the first and second communication devices for data communication.

[0069] When a partial operating mode partially includes the full operating mode, retransmitting CTS frames or ACK frames for the purpose of distributing NAV settings in the full operating mode can be avoided. Assuming the transmit antenna serves sufficiently different polarizations, such as orthogonal (horizontal and vertical) or quasi-orthogonal polarizations resulting in sufficient cross-attenuation, the spatial separation provided by the channel is very high. Therefore, protection in the partial operating mode only protects one polarization, and it is preferable to redistribute the NAV in the full operating mode.

[0070] However, if the transmit antenna serves an orthogonal linear combination of different polarizations (e.g., orthogonal (horizontal and vertical) or quasi-orthogonal), transmission using a single transmit antenna covers both polarizations, but with a power reduction for each polarization. Nevertheless, the difference in the complete operating modes is small compared to single-polarization transmission. While typical polarization differentiation is about 20 dB, the power loss when using a linear combination is about 3 dB if the transmit power is evenly distributed between polarizations.

[0071] Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the use of polarization according to a fourth embodiment of the operation of this disclosure is shown. Figure 11Two exemplary configurations of transmit antenna polarization are shown. In configuration 1 (C1), antenna 1 covers horizontal polarization, while antenna 2 covers vertical polarization. In configuration 2 (C2), antenna 1 and antenna 2 cover a mixture of the two polarizations, wherein the two polarizations remain orthogonal, allowing for digital separation of both in the horizontal and vertical components.

[0072] Figure 12 A diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown. If the CTS frame 11 transmitted in partial operation mode has a smaller bandwidth compared to full operation mode, the following rules should be maintained before switching to full operation mode.

[0073] The initiator of the data transmission, i.e. the initiator that initially transmits RTS frame 10 in partial operating mode, should transmit another RTS frame 16 in full operating mode. That is, as the bandwidth increases, if the new portion of the bandwidth is detected as idle within the PIFS (Priority Inter-Frame Spacing) time interval before transmitting RTS frame 16 in full operating mode.

[0074] The responder of the data transmission, i.e. the responder who initially transmitted CTS frame 11 in partial operating mode, shall transmit another CTS frame 17 in full operating mode, i.e., if the new portion of the bandwidth is detected as idle during the PIFS time interval before transmitting CTS frame 17 in full operating mode, and if it has previously received RTS frame 16 in full operating mode.

[0075] Following an RTS / CTS exchange in full operating mode, data transmission can begin (or continue) in full operating mode, meaning the second part 12b of the data unit can be transmitted with increased bandwidth. If at least one frame of RTS frame 16 or CTS frame 17 is transmitted in partial operating mode, data transmission should use the bandwidth of the partial operating mode.

[0076] Although Figure 12 This embodiment has been described with reference to RTS frame 16 and CTS frame 17, but generally, a bandwidth change request frame (instead of RTS frame 16) indicating a request to change bandwidth and a bandwidth change confirmation frame (instead of CTS frame 17) indicating confirmation of the change can be used. Furthermore, the transmission of RTS frame 16 (or bandwidth change request frame) in full operating mode may be affected by channel idle detection on the bandwidth added in full operating mode. The same conditions can be applied to CTS frame 17 (or bandwidth change confirmation frame) in addition to receiving RTS frame 16 (or bandwidth change request frame).

[0077] Optionally, at the top of channel detection for idle PIFS before transmitting RTS 16 or CTS 17, it may be additionally considered that NAV equals zero at the initiator and / or responder in the new bandwidth portion.

[0078] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating a sixth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown. According to this embodiment, handover delay is compensated for by extending the handover request (e.g., an RTS frame or a MU-RTS frame, i.e., a variant of RTS frame 10), allowing the relevant response to be transmitted within the SIFS in full operational mode. Figure 11 In the example shown, request frame 18 is divided into two parts: the first part 18a (which may correspond to RTS frame 10) contains the actual operation handover request; that is, the receiver is aware of the handover request after receiving the first part. A second part 18b is provided to compensate for the receiver's handover delay 20, allowing the receiving STA to respond to SIFS in full operating mode after the second part 18b is completed. The content of the second part 18b can be padding or copied data; that is, the first part 18a of the request frame can be copied. Both parts 18a and 18b of the request frame can be part of the same PPDU.

[0079] Figure 14 A diagram illustrating a seventh embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown. If radio A of a non-AP MLD detects that link 1 is busy and the duration of link occupancy (NAV 1) is known (e.g., via RTS or CTS or any other frame that maintains duration information), the non-AP MLD may have proactively switched to link 2 so that full operation can be provided on link 2 at any time should it be needed. Figure 14 In the embodiment shown, RTS frame 19 on link 1 sets NAV 1 on link 1.

[0080] Therefore, the non-AP MLD switches to full operation on link 2. The following behavior applies. Figure 10 During the "Listen for PPDU or Frame Exchange" phase: If the non-AP MLD is not involved in frame exchange with the AP MLD on Link 2 (e.g., data transmission), it should switch to partial operation mode so that partial operation mode becomes available once Link 1 is predicted to be idle, i.e., NAV 1 equals zero. If the non-AP MLD is exchanging frames with the AP MLD on Link 2, the non-AP MLD should remain on the link and complete the frame exchange. If the non-AP MLD receives a frame indicating that Link 2 is occupied until "NAV 1 minus handover delay" or longer (RTS frame 19 in this example), the non-AP MLD can switch to partial operation mode on both links or full operation mode on Link 1.

[0081] Therefore, in this embodiment, after receiving the allocation period information (NAV 1 in this example) on the first link, the second link is switched to full operation mode. This allocation period information indicates that the first link has been allocated to a third communication device for data communication. Subsequently, the first link is switched to partial operation mode in advance of the end of the allocation period, the advance period corresponding to a switching delay of 20 or 20' or longer.

[0082] It can be useful for the AP MLD to understand the current operation type of a non-AP MLD. This information can be transmitted via frames sent by the non-AP MLD. This can be done through signaling within the frame or through implicit detection, as described below.

[0083] Figure 15 A diagram illustrating an eighth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown. The ACK response typically does not benefit from the full operation because it is a very short frame and does not require large preamble overhead. Furthermore, a low data rate is chosen to achieve high reliability of successful ACK detection. Compared to the handover delay 21 without this embodiment, this can be used to reduce, for example... Figure 15 The switching delay shown is illustrated, where the switching delay 20' in this embodiment is shown to illustrate the difference in availability on the first link.

[0084] If the last ACK frame 13 of the frame exchange transmitted by a non-AP or AP MLD is sent, making partial operation mode sufficient, the non-AP MLD can switch to partial operation mode on that link. For example... Figure 15 As shown, radio A on link 1 transmits the ACK frame much earlier in partial listening mode compared to when it is transmitted in full operating mode. Since ACK frame 13 is transmitted in partial operating mode, it may not be as robust as the ab ACK frame transmitted in full operating mode. Therefore, ACK frames transmitted in partial operating mode should have more robust modulation and / or coding applied at the PHY layer compared to full operating mode.

[0085] Therefore, according to this embodiment, after data reception on the second link is completed, the system switches to a partial operating mode on the second link and transmits an acknowledgment message confirming the received data in the partial operating mode on the second link. Preferably, the acknowledgment message is transmitted at a lower coding rate and / or a more robust modulation than the data rate and modulation used to receive the data.

[0086] The behavior of a non-AP MLD at the start of data transmission will be explained below. Figure 16A diagram illustrating a ninth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown. Non-AP MLDs typically follow conventional channel access rules, such as Physical Carrier Clearing Assessment (CCA) and Virtual CCA (i.e., NAV=0). Since both radios of the AP MLD are available at all times, the non-AP MLD can transmit at any time and in any transmitter configuration, as long as it does not violate the channel access rules. Therefore, it can initiate transmissions in partial or full operating mode. However, if the non-AP MLD has just switched from full to partial operating mode, it may miss frames that set the NAV on unobserved links. Therefore, if the non-AP MLD has switched from full to partial operating mode, it will wait for a specific minimum time span of 26 (also called the observation period) and listen for frames until it can access the link. This behavior is limited to obtaining NAV updates for unobserved links. All conventional channel access rules can be applied on top.

[0087] The preferred operation is to use the link that was in full or partial operating mode before the non-AP MLD selection for uplink transmission. By doing so, it avoids the observation period and allows for faster channel access. Figure 16 In this example, the link corresponds to link 2; however, for this case, the link is assumed to be busy. The length of the observation period can be set by the AP MLD or a non-AP MLD, for example, depending on the number of adjacent STAs or MLDs.

[0088] Therefore, according to this embodiment, after switching from full operation mode to partial operation mode, the non-AP MLD listens for allocation information transmitted by the third communication device on the link that was disabled when the first communication device was in the previous full operation mode, and then the link is used for data transmission. The allocation information indicates the allocation period for the link to be allocated to the third communication device for data communication.

[0089] Figure 17 A diagram illustrating a tenth embodiment of operation according to this disclosure is shown. Alternatively, signaling that transmits NAV information of an unused link via a used link may be applicable. In this case, the AP MLD includes the current NAV information in the frame transmitted to the non-AP MLD. For this purpose, the NAV of the unused link should be longer than the time required for the radio to switch to a previously unused partial operating mode. If this condition is not met, the non-AP MLD should consider the shortest observation period. Figure 17 The diagram illustrates the expected operation of NAV signaling when the NAV on an unused link is longer than the inter-frame interval 30 (e.g., SIFS), ACK response 13, and handover delay 20, i.e., the time required for the radio to switch to partial operating mode on a previously unused link.

[0090] Here, "NAV for Link 1" 31 can be signaled within data frame 12, for example, as part of a PPDU header, as a frame, as a subframe, or as part of an MPDU header (e.g., a control subfield). Furthermore, Figure 17 This shows the minimum time span of the NAV for Link 1 when the non-AP MLD does not use the minimum observation period. In other words, if the signaling NAV is shorter than the minimum time span indicated by "Minimum NAV Time for Link 1" 32, the non-AP MLD should consider the minimum observation period 26, such as... Figure 16 As shown.

[0091] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the non-AP MLD listens for allocation information on the second link, which indicates the allocation period (e.g., NAV) during which the first link is allocated to the third communication device for data communication. Thus, the allocation period can be longer than the handover delay or a predetermined time period.

[0092] A handover request may need to be sent from an AP STA to a peer non-AP STA. Such signaling can be part of an RTS frame as described above. Similarly, this signaling can also be part of a CTS frame or a CTS-to-self indication, and in any data frame. Since each non-AP MLD has a specific link handover delay unknown to the AP, each non-AP MLD should announce its handover delay to the AP MLD, for example, during the setup phase, such as in an association request.

[0093] Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 18C A schematic diagram of different channel access protection mechanisms in WLAN is shown. Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 18C The different protection mechanisms are explained in detail, including no protection ( Figure 18A CTS-to-self ( Figure 18B ), and RTS-CTS ( Figure 18C ).exist Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 18C In any of the three cases shown, the first frame transmitted by STA 1 is transmitted so that STA 2, which is in partial operating mode, can understand it.

[0094] In the first case ( Figure 18A The data TX section 12 can be divided into two parts: the first part uses a transmitter setting that can be received in partial operation mode, and the second part uses a transmitter setting that can be received in full operation mode, as described above. In the second case ( Figure 18B), transmit CTS frame 11, making it receivable in partial mode. It can also be padded (similar to the RTS or MU-RTS padding described above) and / or, if needed, subsequently segmented into data frames. Third case ( Figure 18C The use of RTS frame 10 and CTS frame 11 is already the baseline of the operational embodiments explained above. The operational handover response transmitted from a non-AP MLD to an AP MLD can be included in a frame, such as a CTS frame.

[0095] Alternatively, implicit signaling can be used. Non-AP MLDs use their currently supported TX parameters for any transmission, even if they may not be needed. Figure 19 The diagram illustrates an embodiment of the use of implicit signaling according to this disclosure. Figure 19 and Figure 10 Similar, but the operation is shown in more detail.

[0096] AP-MLD requests to initiate a transmission on Link 2 and transmits an indication to initiate the transmission (e.g., RTS). Assuming the TX parameter is 1x1 MIMO in partial operating mode and 2x2 MIMO in full operating mode, both spatial streams are generated by... Figure 19 The SS1 and SS2 instructions.

[0097] AP-MLD transmits RTS frames 10 and 10' in repetitive mode, meaning that the information on spatial streams SS1 and SS2 is essentially repetitive, but the receiver PHY settings may differ slightly to distinguish the streams. Since the non-AP MLD is in partial operating mode at a point in the transmission time of CTS frame 11, it can use only one spatial stream, for example... Figure 19 SS1 is shown in the example. Other spatial streams are left empty, as shown in 27. The AP MLD detects the emptiness and concludes that the non-AP MLD is in a partial operating mode. Therefore, it transmits subsequent data frames 31, 31' in a duplicate manner so that the non-AP MLD can demodulate them.

[0098] Once the non-AP MLD responds (e.g., using an ACK frame) and is in full operational mode, it transmits a response frame on both spatial streams, either in duplicate mode (e.g., ACK frames 32, 32') or wideband mode (ACK frame 32''), i.e., using both spatial streams in combination. The AP MLD detects the use of the second spatial stream and concludes that the non-AP MLD is in full operational mode at the point in the transmission time. Next, both the AP MLD and non-AP MLD use either spatial stream or wideband operation for the remaining transmission opportunities, i.e., to transmit data 12 until the last frame (second ACK frame 13) has been transmitted.

[0099] In other words, even if 2x2 MIMO is not required, non-AP MLDs transmit using 2x2 MIMO as long as they are in full operating mode. This means that spatial duplication may be required (e.g., for the first ACK frame 32, 32'), i.e., duplication of the same information on spatial resources. By analyzing the type of received PPDU, such as applying one or two transmit antennas, the AP-MLD detects the supported operating modes.

[0100] Therefore, according to this embodiment, if the operating mode is a partial operating mode, the operating mode is implicitly signaled to the second communication device after receiving the handover request frame by transmitting a frame in partial operating mode or by transmitting a frame in full operating mode. If the operating mode is full operating mode, the information contained in the frame is copied or not copied on the RF chains of both links.

[0101] According to this disclosure, in a multi-link environment with non-negligible link handover delays, the operating rules for a single radio STA are provided by one or more of the following: transmissions during partial operation, rules for transitioning to full operating mode, control frame stuffing, predicted link handover, early link handover, and minimum observation period. Furthermore, options for implicit and explicit signaling are provided. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to provide efficient use or compensation for handover delays, specifically to avoid time loss while waiting for the handover delay to pass, or to avoid any loss of information in communication between communicating devices.

[0102] Therefore, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes only exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will understand, the invention may be practiced in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be illustrative but does not limit the scope of this disclosure and the other claims. This disclosure, including any readily identifiable variations of the teachings herein, partially defines the scope of the foregoing claims, such that no inventive subject matter is intended for public consumption.

[0103] In claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit can perform the function of several items listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be advantageous.

[0104] With respect to embodiments of this disclosure, which have been described as being implemented at least in part by a data processing device controlled by software, it should be understood that non-transitory machine-readable media carrying such software, such as optical discs, magnetic disks, semiconductor memories, etc., are also considered to represent embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, such software may also be distributed in other forms, for example via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0105] The components of the disclosed devices, apparatuses, and systems can be implemented by corresponding hardware and / or software components, such as appropriate loops or circuits. A circuit is a structural combination of electronic components, including conventional circuit elements, integrated circuits including application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), standard integrated circuits, application-specific standard products, and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Furthermore, a circuit includes a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, and a microprocessor programmed or configured according to software code. While a circuit includes the aforementioned hardware executing software, it does not include pure software. A loop or circuit system can be implemented by a single device or unit, multiple devices or units, chipsets, or processors.

[0106] It follows a list of further embodiments of the disclosed subject matter: 1. A first communication device configured to communicate with a second communication device via two links, the first communication device including circuitry configured to: - Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. In the complete operating mode, the first of the two links is disabled, and the second of the two links typically uses the RF chain of both links to communicate with the second communication device. In the aforementioned partial operating mode, each link uses its RF chain to communicate with the second communication device; and - Taking into account the switching delay, control the switching time between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode, and / or control the time of accessing the second link in the full operating mode, wherein the switching delay indicates the delay between the start and completion of the switching between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode.

[0107] 2. The first communication device as defined in Embodiment 1, The circuit is configured to control the timing of switching between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode, and / or control the timing of accessing the second link in the full operating mode, based on the length of the switching delay.

[0108] 3. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The circuit is configured to delay the switch to the full operating mode on the second link until the transmission of the frame currently in progress at the end of the switch delay has been completed.

[0109] 4. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The circuit is configured to transmit and / or receive a first portion of the frame exchange in the partial operation mode before the switching time or before the switching from the partial operation mode to the full operation mode is completed, and to transmit and / or receive a second portion of the frame exchange in the full operation mode after the switching from the partial operation mode to the full operation mode is completed.

[0110] 5. The first communication device as defined in Example 4, The circuit is configured to receive a first portion of the data unit in the partial operation mode before the switching time or before the switching from the partial operation mode to the full operation mode is completed, and to receive a second portion of the data unit in the full operation mode after the switching from the partial operation mode to the full operation mode is completed.

[0111] 6. The first communication device as defined in Embodiment 4 or 5, The circuit is configured to transmit allocation information before and / or after the transmission or reception of the first part of the frame exchange, the allocation information indicating the allocation period in which the second link is allocated to the first communication device and the second communication device for data communication.

[0112] 7. The first communication device as defined in Embodiment 6, It also includes two antennas, each antenna comprising one or more antenna elements, wherein the first antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive with a first linear combination of a first polarization and a second polarization, and the second antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive with a second linear combination of a first polarization and a second polarization different from the first linear combination.

[0113] 8. The first communication device as defined in any of embodiments 4 to 7, The circuit is configured to receive a bandwidth change request frame or prepare to send an RTS frame in full operating mode after completing the first part of the frame exchange, and to transmit a bandwidth change confirmation frame or clear the transmission CTS frame in full operating mode after receiving the bandwidth change request frame or the RTS frame.

[0114] 9. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The circuit is configured as follows: - Receive a handover request frame in the partial operating mode, the handover request frame indicating that the first communication device is about to switch to the full operating mode. - Initiate switching to the full operating mode. - Before switching to the full operating mode is complete, receive the fill data in the partial operating mode, and -After the switch to the full operating mode has been completed, a handover confirmation frame is transmitted in the full operating mode. 10. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The circuit is configured as follows: After receiving allocation time information regarding the first link, the second link is switched to full operation mode, wherein the allocation time information indicates that the first link has been allocated to a third communication device for data communication. The first link is switched to a partial operating mode in advance of the end of the allocated period, the advance period corresponding to the switching delay or a longer period.

[0115] 11. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The circuit is configured to switch to the partial operation mode on the second link after data reception on the second link is completed, and to transmit an acknowledgment message confirming receipt of the data on the second link in the partial operation mode.

[0116] 12. The first communication device as defined in Embodiment 11, The circuit is configured to transmit acknowledgment information at a lower coding rate and / or a more robust modulation than the data rate and modulation used to receive the data.

[0117] 13. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The circuit is configured to, after switching from a full operating mode to a partial operating mode, listen for allocation information transmitted by a third communication device on a link that was disabled when the first communication device was in the previous full operating mode, and then access the link for data transmission. The allocation information indicates a time period during which the link is allocated to the third communication device for data communication.

[0118] 14. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The circuit is configured to listen for allocation information on the second link, the allocation information indicating the allocation period during which the first link is assigned to a third communication device for data communication. 15. The first communication device as defined in Embodiment 14, Wherein, the allocation period is longer than the switching delay or the predetermined time period.

[0119] 16. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The circuit is configured to explicitly signal the switching delay to the second communication device and / or receive confirmation from the second communication device to apply the full operating mode.

[0120] 17. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The circuit is configured to implicitly signal its operating mode to the second communication device upon receiving a handover request frame, by transmitting: - Frames in partial operation mode, if the operation mode is partial operation mode, or - A frame in full operating mode, wherein if the operating mode is full operating mode, the information contained in the frame is either copied or not copied on the RF chain of both links.

[0121] 18. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, In the full operating mode, the first link is disabled and the second link typically uses the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of both links to communicate with the second communication device. In the partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the spatial flow and / or bandwidth of the two links to communicate with the second communication device.

[0122] 19. The first communication device as defined in any of the foregoing embodiments, The first communication device is configured to communicate with the second communication device via three or more links. In the complete operation mode, all links of the three or more links except the second link are disabled, and the second link of the three or more links typically uses an RF chain of two or more links to communicate with the second communication device.

[0123] 20. A second communication device configured to communicate with a first communication device via two links, the second communication device including circuitry configured to: - Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. In the full operating mode, the first of the two links is disabled or used for a third communication device, and the second of the two links uses at least the same number of RF chains as used in the partial operating mode to communicate with the first communication device. In one of the aforementioned operating modes, the first link is disabled or used for a third communication device, and the second link uses one or more RF chains to communicate with the first communication device; and - Taking into account the switching delay of the first communication device, control is applied to the transmission of data and / or control information to the first communication device, wherein the switching delay indicates the delay between the initiation of the switching and the completion of the switching between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode.

[0124] 21. The second communication device as defined in Embodiment 20, The circuit is configured to transmit and / or receive a first portion of the frame exchange in the partial operation mode before the switching time or before the switching from the partial operation mode to the full operation mode is completed, and to transmit and / or receive a second portion of the frame exchange in the full operation mode after the switching from the partial operation mode to the full operation mode is completed.

[0125] 22. The second communication device as defined in any of embodiments 20 to 21, It also includes two antennas, each antenna comprising one or more antenna elements, wherein the first antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive with a first linear combination of a first polarization and a second polarization, and the second antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive with a second linear combination of a first polarization and a second polarization different from the first linear combination.

[0126] 23. The second communication device as defined in Embodiment 21, The circuit is configured as follows: After the first part of the frame exchange is completed, transmit a bandwidth change request frame or prepare to send an RTS frame in full operating mode. After transmitting the bandwidth change request frame or RTS frame, receive a bandwidth change confirmation frame or clear the CTS frame in full operating mode, and, After receiving a bandwidth change acknowledgment frame or a CTS frame, a frame is transmitted in full operating mode only if the bandwidth change acknowledgment frame or CTS frame has been received in full operating mode; otherwise, frames are transmitted in partial operating mode.

[0127] 24. The second communication device as defined in any of embodiments 20 to 23, The circuit is configured as follows: - A handover request frame is transmitted in the partial operating mode, the handover request frame indicating that the first communication device is about to switch to the full operating mode. -Before the first communication device completes switching to the full operation mode, filler data is transmitted in the partial operation mode, and - After the switch to full operating mode is complete, receive a switch confirmation frame in full operating mode.

[0128] 25. The second communication device as defined in Example 24, The circuit is configured to transmit the padding data as part of the switching request frame.

[0129] 26. The second communication device as defined in Embodiment 24 or 25, The circuit is configured to set the length of the padding data such that the length at least covers the switching delay plus the short inter-frame space.

[0130] 27. The second communication device as defined in any of embodiments 20 to 26, The circuit is configured to transmit allocation information on the second link, the allocation information indicating the allocation period during which the first link is allocated to one or more third communication devices for data communication.

[0131] 28. The second communication device as defined in any of embodiments 20 to 27, The circuit is configured to receive explicit signaling from the first communication device that signals the handover delay.

[0132] 29. The second communication device as defined in any of embodiments 20 to 28, The circuit is configured to receive implicit signaling that signals the operating mode of the first communication device by receiving the following: - A frame in a partial operation mode to indicate that the operation mode is a partial operation mode, or via - A frame in full operating mode, wherein the information contained in the frame is either copied or not copied on the RF chains of both links to indicate that the operating mode is full operating mode.

[0133] 30. A first communication method for a first communication device, the first communication device being configured to communicate with a second communication device via two links, the first communication method comprising: - Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. In the complete operating mode, the first of the two links is disabled, and the second of the two links typically uses the RF chain of both links to communicate with the second communication device. In one of the aforementioned operating modes, each link uses its RF chain to communicate with the second communication device; and - Taking into account the switching delay, control the switching time between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode, and / or control the time of accessing the second link in the full operating mode, wherein the switching delay indicates the delay between the start and completion of the switching between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode.

[0134] 31. A second communication method for a second communication device, the second communication device being configured to communicate with a first communication device via two links, the second communication method comprising: - Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. In the full operating mode, the first of the two links is disabled or used for a third communication device, and the second of the two links uses at least the same number of RF chains as used in the partial operating mode to communicate with the first communication device. In one of the aforementioned operating modes, the first link is disabled or used for a third communication device, and the second link uses one or more RF chains to communicate with the first communication device; and - Taking into account the switching delay of the first communication device, control is applied to the transmission of data and / or control information to the first communication device, wherein the switching delay indicates the delay between the initiation of the switching and the completion of the switching between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode.

[0135] 32. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program product that, when executed by a processor, causes the method according to embodiment 30 or 31 to be performed.

[0136] 33. A computer program, including program code means, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the steps of the method according to embodiment 30 or 31.

Claims

1. A first circuit of a first communication device (100, 200) is configured to communicate with a second communication device (300, 400) via at least two links, wherein the first circuit is configured to: - Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. in, In the complete operating mode, the first link of the at least two links is not used for communication between the second communication device and the first communication device, and the second link of the at least two links uses the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication between the second communication device and the first communication device. In the aforementioned partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the bandwidth and / or spatial stream of the at least two links to communicate with the first communication device; and - Receive a handover request frame (18), the handover request frame indicating that the first communication device should switch to the full operating mode, the handover request frame (18) including padding data (18b) to extend the handover request frame to compensate for the handover delay of the second communication device.

2. The first circuit of the first communication device (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The circuit is configured to control the timing of switching between the full operating mode and the partial operating mode based on the length of the switching delay, and / or control the timing of accessing the second link in the full operating mode.

3. The first circuit of the first communication device (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The circuit is configured to delay switching to the full operating mode on the second link until the transmission of the frame currently in progress at the end of the switching delay has been completed.

4. The first circuit of the first communication device (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The circuit is configured to transmit and / or receive a first portion of a frame exchange, preferably a first portion of a data unit, in the partial operation mode before the switching time or before the completion of the switch from the partial operation mode to the full operation mode, and to transmit and / or receive a second portion of the frame exchange, preferably a second portion of a data unit, in the full operation mode after the completion of the switch from the partial operation mode to the full operation mode, and / or to send allocation information before and / or after the transmission or reception of the first portion of the frame exchange, the allocation information indicating an allocation period in which the second link is allocated to the first communication device and the second communication device for data communication.

5. The first circuit of the first communication device (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The circuit is configured to: - Receive a handover request frame in the partial operating mode, the handover request frame indicating that the first communication device should switch to the full operating mode. - Initiate switching to the full operating mode. - Before switching to the full operating mode is complete, the fill data is received in the partial operating mode, and - After the switch to the full operating mode has been completed, a switch confirmation frame is sent in the full operating mode. and / or The circuit is configured as follows: After receiving allocation time information regarding the first link, the second link is switched to the full operating mode, wherein the allocation time information indicates that the first link has been allocated to a third communication device for data communication. The first link is switched to the partial operation mode in advance of the end of the allocated period, the advance period corresponding to the switching delay or a longer period.

6. The first circuit of the first communication device (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The circuit is configured to switch to the partial operating mode on the second link after data reception on the second link is completed, and to send an acknowledgment message on the second link in the partial operating mode to confirm receipt of the data, wherein the acknowledgment message is preferably transmitted at a lower coding rate and / or a more robust modulation than the data rate and modulation used to receive the data.

7. The first circuit of the first communication device (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The circuit is configured to, after switching from the full operating mode to the partial operating mode, listen for allocation information sent by the third communication device on a link that was disabled when the first communication device was in the previous full operating mode, and then access the link for data transmission, the allocation information indicating a time period during which the link was allocated to the third communication device for data communication, and / or listen for allocation information on the second link, the allocation information indicating a time period during which the first link was allocated to the third communication device for data communication. Preferably, the allocation period is longer than the switching delay or the predetermined time period.

8. The first circuit of the first communication device (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The circuit is configured to explicitly signal the handover delay to the second communication device and / or receive an acknowledgment from the second communication device to apply the full operating mode by transmitting the following, or implicitly signal the operating mode of the first communication device to the second communication device upon receiving a handover request frame: - A frame in a partial operation mode, if the operation mode is the partial operation mode, or - A frame in full operating mode, wherein, if the operating mode is the full operating mode, the information contained in the frame is copied or not copied over the bandwidth and spatial stream of the two links.

9. A second circuit of the second communication device (300, 400) is configured to communicate with the first communication device (100, 200) via at least two links, wherein the second circuit is configured to: - Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. in, In the complete operating mode, the first link of the at least two links is not used for communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the second link of the at least two links uses the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication between the first communication device and the second communication device. In the aforementioned partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the spatial flow and / or bandwidth of the at least two links to communicate with the second communication device; and -Based on the padding data (18b) that is extended and sent to the second communication device to compensate for the handover delay, control the timing of switching between the full operation mode and the partial operation mode and / or the timing of accessing the second link in the full operation mode.

10. The second circuit of the second communication device (300, 400) according to claim 9, in, The circuit is configured to: After the first part of frame switching is completed, a bandwidth change request frame or an RTS frame is transmitted in the full operating mode. After transmitting the bandwidth change request frame or RTS frame, receive a bandwidth change confirmation frame or clear the transmission CTS frame in the full operating mode, and, After receiving the bandwidth change acknowledgment frame or the CTS frame, a frame is transmitted in the full operating mode only if the bandwidth change acknowledgment frame or the CTS frame has been received in the full operating mode; otherwise, the frame is transmitted in the partial operating mode.

11. The second circuit of the second communication device (300, 400) according to claim 9 or 10, in, The circuit is configured to: - Transmit a handover request frame in the partial operating mode, the handover request frame indicating that the first communication device should switch to the full operating mode. - Before switching the first communication device to the full operating mode is completed, the padding data is sent in the partial operating mode, and - After the switch to the full operating mode has been completed, receive a switch confirmation frame in the full operating mode.

12. The second circuit of the second communication device (300, 400) according to claim 11, in, The circuit is configured to transmit the padding data as part of the handover request frame and / or set the length of the padding data such that the length at least covers the handover delay plus the short inter-frame space.

13. A first communication method for a first communication device, the first communication device being configured to communicate with a second communication device via at least two links, the first communication method comprising: - Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. In the complete operating mode, the first link of the at least two links is not used for communication between the second communication device and the first communication device, and the second link of the at least two links uses the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication between the second communication device and the first communication device. In the aforementioned partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the bandwidth and / or spatial stream of the at least two links to communicate with the first communication device; and - Receive a handover request frame (18), the handover request frame indicating that the first communication device should switch to the full operating mode, the handover request frame (18) including padding data (18b) to extend the handover request frame to compensate for the handover delay of the second communication device.

14. A second communication method for a second communication device (300, 400), the second communication device being configured to communicate with a first communication device (100, 200) via at least two links, the second communication method comprising: - Switch between full operation mode and partial operation mode. In the complete operating mode, the first link of the at least two links is not used for communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the second link of the at least two links uses the bandwidth and / or spatial flow of the at least two links for communication between the first communication device and the second communication device. In the aforementioned partial operating mode, each link uses a corresponding subset of the spatial flow and / or bandwidth of the at least two links to communicate with the second communication device; and -Based on the padding data (18b) that is extended and sent to the second communication device to compensate for the handover delay, control the timing of switching between the full operation mode and the partial operation mode and / or the timing of accessing the second link in the full operation mode.

15. A computer program comprising program code methods that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to claim 13 or 14.

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