A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and device for indicating energy consumption mode information of a multi-link, and relates to the technical field of wireless communication. In the method, a first multi-link communication device determines first information, the first information indicating energy consumption mode information of K links of the multi-link communication device, K being greater than or equal to 2. The energy consumption mode information includes energy consumption mode without switching or energy consumption mode with switching. The first multi-link communication device transmits the first information. Based on the above scheme, the first multi-link communication device can indicate the energy consumption mode information of the K links to a second multi-link communication device through the first information, thereby saving time and resources compared with the mode shown in Wi-Fi 7.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In the Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) System 7 protocol, Wi-Fi devices can indicate their power consumption mode through a power management field. For example, a value of 0 in the power management field indicates that the Wi-Fi device is in active mode, while a value of 1 indicates that the Wi-Fi device is in power-save mode.

[0003] However, when applying the above method to a multi-link device (MLD), the MLD needs to send an energy management field on each link to indicate the energy consumption pattern of each link. This method is not only wasteful of resources but also wastes time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for indicating energy consumption mode information of multiple links.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first multi-link communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first multi-link communication device" in this application can refer to a first multi-link device (e.g., a non-AP MLD, AP MLD), a component within the first multi-link device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first multi-link device. In this method, the first multi-link communication device determines first information, which indicates energy consumption mode information for K links of the multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2. The energy consumption mode information includes whether the energy consumption mode has not switched or has switched. The first multi-link communication device then transmits the first information.

[0006] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second multi-link communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second multi-link communication device" in this application can refer to a second multi-link device (e.g., a non-AP MLD, AP MLD), a component within the second multi-link device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second multi-link device. In this method, the second multi-link communication device receives first information. The first information indicates energy consumption mode information for K links of the multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2. The energy consumption mode information includes whether the energy consumption mode has not switched or has switched. The second multi-link communication device determines the energy consumption mode information for the K links.

[0007] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, including a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit is configured to determine first information, which indicates power consumption mode information of K links in a multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2. The power consumption mode information includes either no power consumption mode switching or a power consumption mode switching. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit the first information.

[0008] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, including a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive first information. The first information indicates power consumption mode information of K links in a multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2. The power consumption mode information includes either no power consumption mode switching or a power consumption mode switching. The processing unit is configured to determine the power consumption mode information of the K links.

[0009] Based on the above-mentioned solutions, the first multi-link communication device can indicate the energy consumption mode information of K links to the second multi-link communication device through the first information, which saves time and resources compared to the method shown in Wi-Fi 7.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, the energy consumption mode switching includes switching the energy consumption mode from an active mode to an energy-saving mode, or the energy consumption mode switching includes switching the energy consumption mode from an energy-saving mode to an active mode.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the first multi-link communication device can indicate to the second multi-link communication device the link whose energy consumption mode has been switched among the K links through the first information, and can also indicate the energy consumption mode after the switch to the second multi-link communication device. The second multi-link communication device does not need to combine the state of each link before the switch to determine the energy consumption mode after the switch, which can save the processing delay of the second multi-link communication device.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, the first information includes one or more second pieces of information. The second information indicates the energy consumption mode information of the nth group of links among the K links, where n is an integer greater than 0 and less than K. The energy consumption mode information includes no energy consumption mode switching, energy consumption mode switching from active mode to energy-saving mode, or energy consumption mode switching from energy-saving mode to active mode.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, by grouping the K links and indicating the energy consumption mode information of each group of links with one or more second information, bits can be saved.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, the mapping relationship between the second information and the energy consumption mode information is predefined. Specifically, the value of the second information in the mapping relationship is a first value indicating a first energy consumption mode, and the first energy consumption mode characterizes the energy consumption mode information of each link in the nth group of links. Based on the above scheme, a different method is provided to indicate the energy consumption mode information of K links.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, the first information further includes third information. Wherein, when the third information takes the value of a second value, the first information includes one or more pieces of second information. When the third information takes the value of a third value, the first information includes fourth information, which indicates at least one of the following: links among the K links whose energy consumption mode has switched from active mode to energy-saving mode, or links whose energy consumption mode has switched from energy-saving mode to active mode. Based on the above scheme, a different method is provided to indicate the energy consumption mode information of the K links.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, the first information may include first indication information, which may indicate the energy consumption mode of the link sending the first information, such as active mode or energy-saving mode. The first information may also include second indication information, which may indicate the state with the most links among the three states: no energy consumption mode switching, energy consumption mode switching from active mode to energy-saving mode, and energy consumption mode switching from energy-saving mode to active mode. The first information may also include third indication information, such as a bitmap, which may indicate the links in the state indicated by the second indication information. The first information may also include fourth indication information, which may indicate the energy consumption mode information of the remaining links among the K links.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the first information can indicate the energy consumption mode information of K links in the first multi-link communication device, and the number of bits required is relatively small, which can save bits.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, the first information may be carried in a data frame, a management frame, or a control frame. For example, the first information may be carried in a Multi-Link Power Saving Mode Control subfield (MLPScontrol subfield).

[0019] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device may be a first multi-link communication device as described in the first aspect, or a device comprising the first multi-link communication device, or a device included in the first multi-link communication device, such as a chip; or, the communication device may be a second multi-link communication device as described in the second aspect, or a device comprising the second multi-link communication device, or a device included in the second multi-link communication device. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the methods described above, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0020] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the method described in any of the preceding aspects to be executed. The communication device may be a first multi-link communication device as described in the first aspect, or a device comprising the first multi-link communication device, or a device included in the first multi-link communication device, such as a chip; or, the communication device may be a second multi-link communication device as described in the second aspect, or a device comprising the second multi-link communication device, or a device included in the second multi-link communication device.

[0021] A seventh aspect provides a communication device comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to implement the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or may be independent of the processor. The communication device may be a first multi-link communication device as described in the first aspect, or a device comprising the first multi-link communication device, or a device included in the first multi-link communication device, such as a chip; or, the communication device may be a second multi-link communication device as described in the second aspect, or a device comprising the second multi-link communication device, or a device included in the second multi-link communication device.

[0022] Eighthly, this application provides a communication system that may include a first multi-link communication device that performs the method described in the first aspect and a second multi-link communication device that performs the method described in the second aspect.

[0023] Ninthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0024] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0025] In one aspect, this application provides a chip for reading a computer program stored in a memory to execute the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of a field indicating a multi-link energy consumption mode is provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of a field indicating a multi-link energy consumption mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3C A schematic diagram of a field indicating a multi-link energy consumption mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first type of information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating yet another type of first information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating yet another type of first information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 8A A schematic diagram illustrating yet another type of first information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 8B A schematic diagram illustrating yet another type of first information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating yet another type of first information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of yet another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of yet another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The technical solutions in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems such as New Radio (NR) systems, and future evolutionary communication systems such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems. Of course, the technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as Vehicle to Everything (V2X) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems.

[0044] This application's embodiments can also be applied to WLAN scenarios, for example, to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, or Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11bf, and next-generation standards of 802.11be, such as 802.11bn, UHR, Wi-Fi 8, or even later standards. Alternatively, this application's embodiments can also be applied to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, this application's embodiments can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5G communication systems, and future communication systems.

[0045] This application supports IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW, IEEE 802.15 / UWB, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing; this application may also support Spark Link / NearLink standard protocols.

[0046] The following examples illustrate the application of this application to WLAN scenarios. It should be understood that WLAN standards, starting with 802.11a / g, have evolved through 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and the currently discussed 802.11bn. 802.11n can also be referred to as high throughput (HT); 802.11ac as very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax as high efficiency (HE) or Wi-Fi 6; 802.11be as EHT or Wi-Fi 7; and 802.11bn as UHR or Wi-Fi 8. Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, can be collectively referred to as non-high throughput (Non-HT).

[0047] See Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a network architecture diagram of a WLAN to which embodiments of this application apply. Figure 1 This WLAN includes wireless access points (APs) and stations (STAs). A STA associated with an AP can receive wireless frames sent by the AP and can also send wireless frames to the AP. Furthermore, the embodiments of this application are also applicable to communication between APs, for example, APs can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS), and the embodiments of this application are also applicable to communication between STAs. It should be understood that... Figure 1 The number of APs and STAs listed is just an example; there could be more or fewer.

[0048] Access points, which are the points through which terminal devices (such as mobile phones) access wired (or wireless) networks, are primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. They can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, access points can be terminal devices (such as mobile phones) or network devices (such as routers) with Wi-Fi chips, or wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals with access point functionality. Access points can be devices that support the 802.11be standard. Access points can also be devices that support various wireless local area networks (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, including 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and next-generation standards.

[0049] A site can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, a site can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, etc. Optionally, the site can support the 802.11be standard. The site can also support various wireless local area network (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, including 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and next-generation standards.

[0050] For example, access points and sites can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0051] The AP and STA involved in the embodiments of this application can be APs and STAs that conform to the IEEE 802.11 system standard. An AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STA. The AP can serve as the hub of the communication system and is typically a network-side product that supports the 802.11 system standard's media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY). Examples include base stations, routers, gateways, repeaters, communication servers, switches, or bridges. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as APs. STAs are typically terminal products that support the 802.11 system standard's media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY), such as mobile phones and laptops.

[0052] In some embodiments, the aforementioned AP and STA can be multi-link devices (MLDs). If the MLD is an AP, it can contain one or more APs; if the MLD is a STA, it can contain one or more non-AP STAs. One or more non-AP STAs can establish associations with one or more APs and then communicate, such as... Figure 2As shown.

[0053] In the Wi-Fi 7 protocol, Wi-Fi devices can indicate their power consumption mode through a power management field. For example, a value of 0 in the power management field indicates that the Wi-Fi device is in active mode, while a value of 1 indicates that the Wi-Fi device is in power save mode.

[0054] However, when applying the above method to MLD, MLD needs to send an energy management field on each link to indicate the energy consumption mode corresponding to the non-AP STA of each link. This method is not only wasteful of resources but also wastes time.

[0055] In some embodiments, a multi-link power save (MLPS) field is defined to indicate energy consumption patterns on different links. For example, see [link to documentation]. Figure 3A MLPS can indicate energy consumption modes, and the MLPS link bitmap can indicate the links in that energy consumption mode. For example, an MLPS value of 0 indicates a switch from active mode to energy-saving mode, and the MLPS link bitmap can indicate the links that have switched from active mode to energy-saving mode. Similarly, an MLPS value of 1 indicates a switch from energy-saving mode to active mode, and the MLPS link bitmap can indicate the links that have switched from energy-saving mode to active mode.

[0056] In other embodiments, to save bits, a link bitmapsize field is defined, which is applied to multi-link devices with different numbers of links to indicate the energy consumption patterns on different links. For example, see [link to documentation]. Figure 3B When the value of the Link Bitmap Size field is 0, it indicates that the number of links in the multi-link device is less than or equal to 8. Therefore, the MLPS Link Bitmap field only needs 8 bits to indicate the links of the multi-link device. As another example, when the value of the Link Bitmap Size field is 1, it indicates that the number of links in the multi-link device is 16 (or 15). Therefore, the MLPS Link Bitmap field needs 16 bits to indicate the links of the multi-link device. Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the relevant descriptions of the MLPS field and the MLPS link bitmap field can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3A The relevant description in the document.

[0057] In some embodiments, an MLPS mode field is defined. When the MLPS mode field is set to 0, it can indicate the power consumption patterns of a greater number of links. For details regarding the link bitmap size field, MLPS field, and MLPS bitmap field, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 3B The illustrated embodiment will not be described again here. However, in the above method, at least two transmissions are required. Figure 3A , Figure 3B or Figure 3C Only with the information shown can the receiving end determine the link where the power consumption mode has changed.

[0058] When the MLPS mode field is set to 1, the MPLS link bitmap power mode (PM) 0 field indicates whether the 8 links have switched to PM0 state, and the MLPS link bitmap PM1 field indicates whether the 8 links have switched to PM1 state. PM0 state represents active mode, and PM1 state represents energy-saving mode. This method is only suitable for multi-link devices with fewer than 8 links.

[0059] Therefore, this application provides a communication method. This method can be applied to multi-link communication devices, such as AP MLDs or non-AP MLDs. In this method, the multi-link communication device can send first information. The first information can indicate the energy consumption mode information of K links of the multi-link communication device. This energy consumption mode information can include no energy consumption mode switching or energy consumption mode switching, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Based on the above scheme, the multi-link communication device can use the first information to inform the receiving end which links have switched energy consumption modes, thereby allowing the receiving end to understand the links whose energy consumption modes have switched and communicate with the multi-link communication device through the switched energy consumption mode. Optionally, the receiving end can also configure communication parameters for the links whose energy consumption modes have switched. In this application embodiment, the energy consumption mode can also be referred to as the power management mode.

[0060] See Figure 4 The following is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which may include the following operations. Figure 4 In this example, we will use a non-AP MLD as the multi-link communication device and an AP MLD as the receiving end. In actual communication scenarios, the multi-link communication device can also be an AP MLD, and the receiving end can be a non-AP MLD, which will not be repeated below.

[0061] S401: non-AP MLD determines the first information.

[0062] The first information can indicate the energy consumption pattern information of K links in the non-AP MLD, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the first information can indicate the energy consumption pattern information of each link in the non-AP MLD.

[0063] In S401, the energy consumption mode information can include either "unchanged" or "changed." For example, "unchanged" could mean that the link remains in active mode or in energy-saving mode. Conversely, "changed" could mean that the link changes from active mode to energy-saving mode, or vice versa.

[0064] For example, the first piece of information may be called the Multi-Link Power Management (MLPS) control subfield, or the Multi-Link Power Management (MLPM) control subfield, or other names.

[0065] S402: Non-AP MLD sends the first message.

[0066] Accordingly, the AP MLD receives the first information.

[0067] In S402, a non-AP MLD can send the first message on any of the K links.

[0068] Based on the above scheme, the first information AP MLD can determine the links in the non-AP MLD whose power consumption mode has switched and the links whose power consumption mode has not switched among the K links. This is different from the method defined by the Wi-Fi 7 protocol. Figures 3A to 3C The method shown saves both time and resources.

[0069] Optionally, the AP MLD can communicate with the non-AP MLD using the switched power consumption mode. The AP MLD can also configure communication parameters, such as bandwidth, coding and modulation methods, for the K links of the non-AP MLD where the power consumption mode has been switched.

[0070] The first information in the embodiments of this application will be described below under different circumstances.

[0071] Case 1: The first information indicates the link among the K links where the energy consumption mode has switched.

[0072] For example, the first information can be implemented using a bitmap. In the bitmap, a value of 0 indicates no energy consumption mode switching, and a value of 1 indicates a switching of the energy consumption mode. Conversely, a value of 1 indicates no energy consumption mode switching, and a value of 0 indicates a switching of the energy consumption mode. In this scheme, K bits can indicate the energy consumption mode information of K links.

[0073] See Figure 5 Assume that in the bit diagram, a value of 0 indicates no energy consumption mode switching, and a value of 1 indicates that energy consumption mode switching has occurred, and assume that K = 16. Then... Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, only 16 bits are needed to indicate which links in the non-AP MLD have switched power consumption modes and which links have not switched power consumption modes.

[0074] The AP MLD can determine the current energy consumption mode of each link based on the previous status of each link and the aforementioned first information. Specifically, for links where the energy consumption mode has switched, if the previous energy consumption mode was PM0, then the new energy consumption mode is PM1; if the previous energy consumption mode was PM1, then the new energy consumption mode is PM0. Optionally, the AP MLD can ignore links where the energy consumption mode has not switched, because determining the energy consumption mode requires processing latency; ignoring links where the energy consumption mode has not switched can reduce the AP MLD's processing latency.

[0075] Based on the above scheme, the non-AP MLD can indicate the energy consumption mode information of each link to the AP MLD through the first information. Thus, the AP MLD can know the energy consumption mode of each link of the non-AP MLD with just one first information. The AP MLD only needs to focus on the link that has been indicated to have changed, and reverse its original state (such as PM0→PM1 or PM1→PM0) to obtain the updated state.

[0076] Scenario 2: The first information indicates which of the K links has switched energy consumption modes and which has not switched energy consumption modes.

[0077] In scenario 2, the energy consumption mode information for each link in the non-AP MLD can include three states. For example, energy consumption mode unchanged, energy consumption mode changed from PM0 to PM1, and energy consumption mode changed from PM1 to PM0. That is, two bits are sufficient to represent the energy consumption mode information for each link. For instance, the three states can be indicated by a combination of four bits: "00", "01", "10", and "11", representing energy consumption mode unchanged, energy consumption mode changed from PM0 to PM1, and energy consumption mode changed from PM1 to PM0, respectively. Exemplarily, 00 corresponds to energy consumption mode unchanged, 01 corresponds to energy consumption mode changed from PM0 to PM1, and 10 corresponds to energy consumption mode changed from PM1 to PM0. In actual communication scenarios, other correspondences are also possible; the four bit combinations "00", "01", "10", and "11" can correspond one-to-one with the three states, which will not be elaborated upon in this application.

[0078] In this approach, when K is less than or equal to 8, 16 bits are needed to indicate the energy consumption mode information for each link. When K is less than or equal to 16, 32 bits are needed to indicate the energy consumption mode information for each link.

[0079] For example, assuming K=8, and the value of the first information is "0001001000011000", it can be understood that the energy consumption mode of the first, third, fifth and eighth links of the non-AP MLD does not switch, the energy consumption mode of the second and sixth links switches from PM0 to PM1, and the energy consumption mode of the fourth and seventh links switches from PM1 to PM0.

[0080] Based on the above scheme, the AP MLD can not only know which links of the non-AP MLD have switched energy consumption modes through the first information, but also know the energy consumption mode of the link before and after the energy consumption mode switch. Compared with the scheme shown in Case 1, it can reduce the processing latency of the AP MLD.

[0081] To save bits, in Case 2, the K links can be divided into multiple groups, and the energy consumption mode information of each link in each group can be indicated with fewer bits.

[0082] In some embodiments, see Figure 6The K links can be grouped into groups of three. Assuming K=15, there are a total of 5 groups. Each link has three states, resulting in 27 states for each group. These 27 states can be indicated using 5 bits. That is, assuming K=15, only 5 bits are needed to indicate the energy consumption mode information of each link, saving bits compared to the previously described method. In the above embodiment, the first information may include multiple second pieces of information, each corresponding one-to-one with the energy consumption mode information of a group of links.

[0083] In one possible scenario, the protocol described above can predefine the mapping relationship between the second information and the energy consumption mode information. For example, when the value of the second information is a first value, it indicates a first energy consumption mode, which represents the energy consumption mode information of each link in the nth group of links. For instance, when the value of the second information is "00001", the first energy consumption mode represents the energy consumption mode information of each link included in the nth group of links. For example, the energy consumption mode information of the first link in the nth group of links is no handover, the energy consumption mode information of the second link is handover from PM0 to PM1, and the energy consumption mode information of the third link is handover from PM0 to PM1.

[0084] In another possible scenario, the AP MLD can convert binary numbers into ternary numbers. For example, a 5-bit binary number can be converted into a 3-bit ternary number. Each ternary digit can then correspond to the state of a link in the nth group of links. In this case, it is necessary to define the mapping relationship between the ternary numbers "0", "1", and "2" and the three states: no power consumption mode switching, power consumption mode switching from PM0 to PM1, and power consumption mode switching from PM1 to PM0. For example, no power consumption mode switching corresponds to 0, power consumption mode switching from PM0 to PM1 corresponds to 1, and power consumption mode switching from PM1 to PM0 corresponds to 2. In actual communication scenarios, there can be other mapping methods; the four bit combinations "0", "1", and "2" can correspond one-to-one with the three states, which will not be described in detail in this application.

[0085] For example, when the value of the second information is "00001", it is converted to the ternary number "001". Therefore, this second information can indicate that the energy consumption mode information of the first and second links in the nth group of links is no handover, and the energy consumption mode information of the third link is switched from PM0 to PM1. In this case, the energy consumption mode information of K links can be indicated without a mapping relationship.

[0086] In other embodiments, see Figure 7The K links can be grouped into groups of 5. Assuming K=15, there are 3 groups. Each link has three states, resulting in 243 states for each group. These 243 states can be indicated using 8 bits. That is, assuming K=15, only 24 bits are needed to indicate the energy consumption mode information of each link, saving bits compared to the previously described method. Similarly, in this embodiment, the first information can include multiple second pieces of information, each corresponding one-to-one with the energy consumption mode information of a group of links.

[0087] In this embodiment, the protocol can predefine the mapping relationship between the second information and the energy consumption mode information, or APMLD can convert binary numbers into ternary numbers, which will not be elaborated here.

[0088] It should be noted that the above Figure 6 and Figure 7 The embodiments shown illustrate examples with groups of 3 links and groups of 5 links, respectively. In actual communication scenarios, those skilled in the art can also group the K links into groups of 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, or more links.

[0089] For example, if each pair of links is grouped together, there are three possible states for each link, resulting in a total of nine states for a group of links. These nine states can be indicated using four bits. Alternatively, if each group of four links is grouped together, there are three possible states for each link, resulting in a total of 81 states for a group of links, which can be indicated using seven bits.

[0090] Based on the above scheme, by grouping K links and indicating the energy consumption mode information of the links contained in each group, the AP MLD can obtain the energy consumption mode information of each link while saving bits.

[0091] In one possible implementation of scenario 2, the first information may further include third information. Specifically, when the value of the third information is a second value, the first information may include the aforementioned... Figure 6 or Figure 7 The multiple pieces of second information shown can include fourth information when the third information takes the third value. In this implementation, the fourth information can indicate the link among K links whose energy consumption mode has switched from PM1 to PM0 (e.g., Figure 8A The MLPS link bit diagram shown is PM0), or the link in the K links whose energy consumption mode switches from PM0 to PM1 (e.g., Figure 8A At least one of the MLPS link bit diagrams (PM1) shown.

[0092] For example, the third information can serve as a flag indicating the energy consumption mode, such as being called MLPS mode or other names; this application does not impose any specific limitations. For instance, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8A When the value of the third information is 1, it can indicate that the number of links in the non-AP MLD is greater than or equal to X1 (e.g., 8). The energy consumption pattern information of the K links can be indicated using the method shown in Case 2, such as through... Figure 6 or Figure 7 The first piece of information shown indicates the energy consumption pattern information of K links. A value of 0 for the third piece of information indicates that the number of links in the non-AP MLD is less than or equal to X2 (e.g., 8), which can be determined by... Figures 3A-3C The method shown indicates the energy consumption pattern information of the K links, such as... Figure 8A The MPLS link bit diagram PM0 indicates the link switched to PM0, and the MLPS link bit diagram PM1 indicates the link switched to PM1.

[0093] It should be noted that the number of bits for the third information can be 1, 2, or more bits. Figure 8B The illustrated embodiment uses a single bit for the third information. Exemplarily, the third information can also have two bits. One bit, A1, can be used to indicate the energy consumption mode flag, as shown in the MLPS mode function above. Another bit, A2, can indicate the energy consumption mode; for example, a value of 0 for A2 indicates switching to PM0, and a value of 1 for A2 indicates switching to PM1, and vice versa. The first information may also include a bitmap, which can indicate links with the energy consumption mode indicated by A2, see reference [reference needed]. Figure 3A As shown.

[0094] Based on the above scheme, the third information can save bits when the number of links is less than or equal to X1, and can also indicate the energy consumption mode information of the links when the number of links is greater than X1.

[0095] Case 3: The first information is divided into levels to indicate the energy consumption mode information of K links.

[0096] In case 3, see [reference] Figure 9The first information may include first indication information, which may indicate the energy consumption mode of the link sending the first information, such as PM0 or PM1. The first information may also include second indication information, which may indicate the state with the most links among the three states: no energy consumption mode switching, energy consumption mode switching from PM0 to PM1, and energy consumption mode switching from PM1 to PM0. For example, assuming K=15, where the number of links in the energy consumption mode switching from PM0 to PM1 is the largest, then the second indication information may indicate the state of energy consumption mode switching from PM0 to PM1. The first information may also include third indication information, such as a bitmap, which may indicate the links in the state indicated by the second indication information.

[0097] In this scenario, the first information may further include a fourth indication, which indicates the energy consumption mode information of the remaining links out of the K links. For example, the fourth indication can indicate the energy consumption mode information of each of the remaining links. For instance, the fourth indication can be implemented using a bitmap, where "0" and "1" correspond to the other two states besides those indicated by the second indication. For example, bit "0" corresponds to no energy consumption mode switching, and bit "1" corresponds to a switch from PM1 to PM0. Thus, the fourth indication can indicate the energy consumption mode information of the remaining links.

[0098] It should be noted that in the above situations, the mapping relationship can be predefined through the protocol. For example, this mapping relationship can indicate that when the second indication information indicates no energy consumption mode switching, the bits "0" and "1" in the fourth indication information are mapped to the energy consumption mode switching from PM1 to PM0, and the energy consumption mode switching from PM0 to PM1. As another example, this mapping relationship can indicate that when the second indication information indicates a switch from PM0 to PM1, the bits "0" and "1" in the fourth indication information are mapped to the energy consumption mode switching from PM1 to PM0, and the energy consumption mode not switching. As yet another example, this mapping relationship can indicate that when the second indication information indicates a switch from PM1 to PM0, the bits "0" and "1" in the fourth indication information are mapped to the energy consumption mode switching from PM0 to PM1, and the energy consumption mode not switching.

[0099] Based on the above scheme, the first information can indicate the energy consumption mode information of K links in the non-AP MLD, and the number of bits required in case 3 is relatively small, which can save bits.

[0100] In this embodiment, the aforementioned first information can be carried in a data frame, management frame, or control frame, such as a control wrapper frame, a quality of service (QoS) data frame, or a QoS null frame. For example, the first information can be carried in an MLPS control subfield, such as the control information subfield within an MLPS control subfield. Specifically, the first information can be carried in a control wrapper frame, a QoS data frame, the A-control subfield of a QoS null frame, or control subfield variants of the A-control subfield.

[0101] It should be noted that this application Figures 5-9 The number of bits for each field and the name of each field in the illustrated embodiment are shown as examples. In actual communication, those skilled in the art can design the number of bits for each field, the name of each field, and other information as needed.

[0102] The following embodiments illustrate the communication device provided in this application. Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the non-AP MLD and AP MLD in the various method embodiments described above. The communication device may include a processing unit 1010 and a transceiver unit 1020. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing unit 1010 and the transceiver unit 1020 can be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing unit 1010 can read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The aforementioned units can be set independently or partially or completely integrated.

[0103] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1020 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit may be used to perform all transmitting operations performed by the communication device 1000, and the receiving unit may be used to perform all receiving operations performed by the communication device 1000.

[0104] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the non-APMLD in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1000 can be a transmitter or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the non-AP MLD. The transceiver unit 1020 can be used to perform... Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment represents all receive or transmit operations performed by the non-AP MLD. The processing unit 1010 is used to perform operations such as... Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment includes all operations performed by non-APMLD except for send and receive operations.

[0105] For example, processing unit 1010 is used to determine first information, which indicates the power consumption mode information of K links in a multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2. The power consumption mode information includes whether the power consumption mode has not been switched or has been switched. Transceiver unit 1020 is used to transmit the first information.

[0106] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the AP MLD in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1000 can be an AP MLD, or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the AP MLD. The transceiver unit 1020 can be used to perform... Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment shows all receive or transmit operations performed by the AP MLD. The processing unit 1010 is used to perform operations such as... Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment includes all operations performed by the AP MLD except for send and receive operations.

[0107] For example, transceiver unit 1020 is used to receive first information. The first information indicates the power consumption mode information of K links in the multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2. The power consumption mode information includes whether the power consumption mode has not switched or has switched. Processing unit 1010 is used to determine the power consumption mode information of the K links.

[0108] For details regarding the operations performed by the processing unit 1010 and the transceiver unit 1020, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0109] It should be understood that the processing unit 1010 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver unit 1020 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components or a communication interface.

[0110] Based on the same concept, such as Figure 11As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a communication device 1100. The communication device 1100 includes a processor 1110. Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1120 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1110, or storing input data required by the processor 1110 to execute the instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1110 executes the instructions. The processor 1110 can implement the method shown in the above method embodiment through the instructions stored in the memory 1120.

[0111] Based on the same concept, such as Figure 12 As shown, this application embodiment provides a communication device 1200, which may be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in this application embodiment, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0112] The communication device 1200 may include at least one processor 1210 coupled to a memory, which may optionally be located within or outside the device. For example, the communication device 1200 may also include at least one memory 1220. The memory 1220 stores computer programs, configuration information, computer programs or instructions, and / or data necessary for implementing any of the above embodiments; the processor 1210 may execute the computer programs stored in the memory 1220 to perform the methods in any of the above embodiments.

[0113] The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1210 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1220. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1230, processor 1210, and memory 1220.

[0114] The communication device 1200 may also include a transceiver 1230, through which the communication device 1200 can exchange information with other devices. The transceiver 1230 can be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver unit, or any other device that can be used for information exchange, or a signal transceiver unit. Figure 12 As shown, the transceiver 1230 includes a transmitter 1231, a receiver 1232, and an antenna 1233. Furthermore, when the communication device 1200 is a chip-based device or circuit, the transceiver in the communication device 1200 can also be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, capable of inputting data (or receiving data) and outputting data (or transmitting data). The processor is an integrated processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit, and the processor can determine the output data based on the input data.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1200 can be applied to a non-AP MLD. Specifically, the communication device 1200 can be a non-AP MLD, or it can be a device capable of supporting the non-AP MLD to achieve the functions of any of the above-mentioned embodiments of the non-AP MLD. The memory 1220 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data for implementing the functions of the communication device in any of the above embodiments. The processor 1210 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1220 to complete the method executed by the transmitting end in any of the above embodiments.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1200 can be applied to an AP MLD. Specifically, the communication device 1200 can be an AP MLD or a device capable of supporting the AP MLD to implement the functions of the AP MLD in any of the above embodiments. The memory 1220 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data for implementing the functions of the receiving end in any of the above embodiments. The processor 1210 can execute the computer programs stored in the memory 1220 to complete the methods executed by the receiving end in any of the above embodiments.

[0117] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0118] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). The memory can also be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store computer programs, computer program or instruction and / or data.

[0119] Based on the above embodiments, see Figure 13This application embodiment also provides another communication device 1300, including: an input / output interface 1310 and a logic circuit 1320; the input / output interface 1310 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the logic circuit 1320; the logic circuit 1320 is used to run the code instructions to execute the methods executed by non-AP MLD and AP MLD in any of the above embodiments.

[0120] Optionally, the input / output interface 1310 can be an on-chip interface, and the logic circuit 1320 can be one or more processors. Optionally, the one or more processors can be located inside or outside the device.

[0121] The following is a detailed description of the operations performed by this communication device on non-AP MLD and AP MLD.

[0122] In an optional implementation, the communication device 1300 can be applied to a non-AP MLD to execute the methods described above for non-AP MLDs, specifically as described in the preceding examples. Figure 4 The method performed by the non-AP MLD in the illustrated embodiment.

[0123] For example, logic circuit 1320 is used to determine first information, which indicates the power consumption mode information of K links in a multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2. The power consumption mode information includes whether the power consumption mode has not switched or has switched. Input / output interface 1310 is used to transmit the first information.

[0124] Since the communication device 1300 provided in this embodiment can be applied to non-AP MLD to complete the above-described method for executing non-AP MLD, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above-described method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0125] In an optional implementation, the communication device 1300 can be applied to an AP MLD to execute the methods performed by the AP MLD, specifically as described above. Figure 4 The method performed by AP MLD in the illustrated embodiment.

[0126] For example, input / output interface 1310 is used to receive first information. The first information indicates the power consumption mode information of K links in the multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2. The power consumption mode information includes whether the power consumption mode has not switched or has switched. Logic circuit 1320 is used to determine the power consumption mode information of the K links.

[0127] Since the communication device 1300 provided in this embodiment can be applied to AP MLD to complete the above-described AP MLD execution method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above-described method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0128] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication system. This communication system includes at least one communication device for a non-AP MLD and at least one communication device for an AP MLD. The technical effects obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0129] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a system. This communication system includes at least one non-AP MLD and at least one AP MLD.

[0130] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When the instructions are executed, the method executed by the sending end in any of the above embodiments is implemented, and the method executed by non-AP MLD, AP MLD, or second non-AP MLD STA is implemented. The computer-readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, portable hard drive, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0131] To achieve the above Figures 10-13 In addition to the functions of the communication device, this application also provides a chip, including a processor, for supporting the communication device in implementing the functions involved in the non-AP MLD and AP MLD in the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the chip is connected to a memory or the chip includes a memory for storing the computer programs or instructions and data necessary for the communication device.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0133] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by a computer program or instructions. Such computer programs or instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0134] These computer programs or instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0135] These computer programs or instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0136] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, if these modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applications in multi-link communication devices, including: First information is determined, which indicates the energy consumption mode information of K links of the multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2; wherein, the energy consumption mode information includes no energy consumption mode switching or energy consumption mode switching. Send the first message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy consumption mode switching includes switching the energy consumption mode from active mode to energy saving mode, or the energy consumption mode switching includes switching the energy consumption mode from energy saving mode to active mode.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information indicates the energy consumption pattern information of the K links, including: The first information includes one or more pieces of second information; The second information indicates the energy consumption mode information of the nth group of links in the K links, where n is an integer greater than 0 and less than K; the energy consumption mode information includes no energy consumption mode switching, energy consumption mode switching from active mode to energy saving mode, or energy consumption mode switching from energy saving mode to active mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mapping relationship between the second information and the energy consumption mode information is predefined; In the mapping relationship, the value of the second information is a first value indicating a first energy consumption mode, and the first energy consumption mode represents the energy consumption mode information of each link in the nth group of links.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first information also includes third information; Wherein, when the value of the third information is a second value, the first information includes the one or more of the second information; When the value of the third information is a third value, the first information includes the fourth information, and the fourth information indicates at least one of the following: the link whose energy consumption mode has switched from active mode to energy saving mode among the K links, or the link whose energy consumption mode has switched from energy saving mode to active mode.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, Applications in multi-link communication devices, including: Receive first information; wherein the first information indicates the energy consumption mode information of K links of the multi-link communication device, where K is greater than or equal to 2; wherein the energy consumption mode information includes no energy consumption mode switching or energy consumption mode switching. Determine the energy consumption mode information of the K links.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The energy consumption mode switching includes switching the energy consumption mode from active mode to energy saving mode, or the energy consumption mode switching includes switching the energy consumption mode from energy saving mode to active mode.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first information indicates the energy consumption pattern information of the K links, including: The first information includes one or more pieces of second information; The second information indicates the energy consumption mode information of the nth group of links in the K links, where n is an integer greater than 0 and less than K; the energy consumption mode information includes no energy consumption mode switching, energy consumption mode switching from active mode to energy saving mode, or energy consumption mode switching from energy saving mode to active mode.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mapping relationship between the second information and the energy consumption mode information is predefined; In the mapping relationship, the value of the second information is a first value indicating a first energy consumption mode, and the first energy consumption mode represents the energy consumption mode information of each link in the nth group of links.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first information also includes third information; Wherein, when the value of the third information is a second value, the first information includes the one or more of the second information; When the value of the third information is a third value, the first information includes the fourth information, and the fourth information indicates at least one of the following: the link whose energy consumption mode has switched from active mode to energy saving mode among the K links, or the link whose energy consumption mode has switched from energy saving mode to active mode.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

13. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes: Communication interface; At least one processor is configured to invoke and execute the instructions via the communication interface, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer execution instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or cause the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when invoked by an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or cause the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

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