CONFIGURE AP WITH MBSSID AND ENABLED MLO

Abstract

A method for configuring an AP with MLO and MBSSID enabled is provided. The method includes determining a first MBSSID set on a first link of an AP, and the first MBSSID set includes a first virtual AP belonging to a first AP MLD of a plurality of AP MLDs. The method further includes determining a second MBSSID set on a second link of the AP, wherein the second MBSSID set includes a second virtual AP belonging to a second AP MLD, and the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set include virtual APs belonging to the same AP MLD. The method further includes determining the first virtual AP as the TX VAP of the first MBSSID set. Furthermore, the method includes determining the second virtual AP as the TX VAP of the second MBSSID set. In this way, the stability of the network can be improved.

Description

background

[0001] In Wi-Fi networks, a Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID) refers to a feature that allows a single access point (AP) to support multiple virtual access points (VAPs) within the same physical AP hardware. Each VAP is associated with a unique Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) and typically corresponds to a separate network or SSID (Service Set Identifier). An MBSSID-transmitted (TX) VAP can transmit multiple BSSIDs (non-TX BSSIDs) by using a single beacon / probe response frame instead of multiple beacon frames or probe response frames.

[0002] Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is a Wi-Fi technology that allows devices connected to an access point to simultaneously send and / or receive data over different frequency bands and channels. MLO technology is one of the core features of Wi-Fi 7, helping to improve the user experience by more efficiently managing wireless connections. Brief description of the drawings

[0003] Implementations of the present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In accordance with standard industry practice, various features are not drawn to scale. Indeed, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily exaggerated or reduced for clarity of discussion. Some examples of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures. Fig. shows an example environment in which example implementations of the present disclosure may be implemented; Fig. is a flowchart illustrating a method for configuring an AP with MLO and MBSSID enabled according to implementations of the present disclosure; Fig. is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration with an MBSSID on a link of an AP according to implementations of the present disclosure; Fig. are schematic diagrams showing an example configuration with multiple MBSSID sets on multiple links of an AP according to implementations of the present disclosure; Fig. is a schematic diagram showing another example configuration with multiple MBSSID sets on multiple links of an AP according to implementations of the present disclosure; Fig. is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration with beacon fragments according to implementations of the present disclosure; Fig. is a schematic diagram showing a beacon frame format of a TX VAP according to implementations of the present disclosure; Fig. is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration with four AP MLDs and four links according to implementations of the present disclosure; Fig. is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary customized configuration with four AP MLDs and four links according to implementations of the present disclosure; and Fig. is a diagram showing an example AP according to implementations of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0004] With the advent of Wi-Fi 7, APs can support both MLO and MBSSID functionality. In an AP device with both MLO and MBSSID enabled, the AP can span multiple VAPs, and the multiple virtual APs are organized into two dimensions: MBSSID set and AP multiple-link device (MLD). Each MBSSID set includes a TX VAP and one or more non-TX VAPs. According to the protocol, a beacon frame from a TX VAP in an MBSSID set can carry information about all VAPs, including both the TX VAP and the non-TX VAPs, in that MBSSID set. Furthermore, a beacon frame from a VAP in an AP MLD can also carry information about all VAPs belonging to that AP MLD on multiple links. Therefore, the TX VAPs on the multiple links can carry information about all VAPs in multiple MBSSID sets that have VAPs in the same AP MLD.

[0005] In traditional systems, a VAP belonging to an AP MLD can be selected as the TX VAP of an MBSSID set. However, if that transmit AP is enabled / disabled or the configuration changes, all non-TX VAPs in that MBSSID may also be unavailable for a period of time, potentially causing problems with client connections.

[0006] Therefore, implementations of the present disclosure provide a scheme for configuring an AP with MLO and MBSSID enabled. The scheme of the present invention may determine a first MBSSID set on a first link of the AP and a second MBSSID set on a second link of the AP, where the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set have virtual APs belonging to the same AP MLD. Then, the scheme may select a first VAP belonging to a first AP MLD as a TX VAP of the first MBSSID set and select a second VAP belonging to a second AP MLD different from the first AP MLD as a TX VAP of the second MBSSID set.

[0007] This way, if the first VAP fails, other VAPs in the first MBSSID set can continue operating, because a beacon frame from the second VAP can contain information from all VAPs in the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set. Furthermore, if the first AP MLD fails, the second VAP can continuously send beacon frames containing information about all VAPs in the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set. This can improve the stability of the AP device.

[0008] Fig. shows an example environment 100 in which example implementations of the present disclosure may be implemented. As in Fig. As shown, the environment 100 includes an AP 102, and the AP 102 supports both MLO and MBSSID functionalities. The AP 102 includes multiple links (or radios), ie, link 1, link 2, ..., and link N. Each of the multiple links includes multiple VAPs. As shown in Fig. As shown, the VAP-11, the VAP-12, ..., and the VAP-1N operate on connection 1; the VAP-21, the VAP-22, ..., and the VAP-2N operate on connection 2; the VAP-N1, the VAP-N2, ..., and the VAP-NN operate on connection N. In addition, the AP 102 also includes multiple AP MLDs, ie, the AP MLD 1, the AP MLD 2, ..., the AP MLD N. Each of the multiple AP MLDs also includes multiple VAPs. As shown in Fig. As shown, the VAP-11, the VAP-21, ..., and the VAP N1 belong to AP MLD 1; the VAP-12, the VAP 22, ..., and the VAP N2 belong to AP MLD 2; the VAP-1N, the VAP-2N, ..., and the VAP NN belong to AP MLD N.

[0009] In some implementations, because the MBSSID feature is enabled, MBSSID sets may be configured on the multiple links of AP 102, and each of the MBSSID sets has a TX VAP and one or more non-TX VAPs. For example, in environment 100, VAP-11 and VAP-12 on link 1 may be included in a first MBSSID set, where VAP-11 may be a TX VAP and VAP-12 may be a non-TX VAP. Therefore, a beacon frame of VAP-11 may contain information about VAP-11 and information about VAP-12. Since a beacon frame of a VAP in an AP MLD may also carry information of all VAPs belonging to that AP MLD across multiple links, the beacon frame of VAP-11 may also contain information of VAP-21.

[0010] Additionally, the VAP-21 and the VAP-22 can be included in a second MBSSID set, where the VAP-22 can be a TX VAP and the VAP-21 a non-TX VAP. Therefore, a beacon frame of the VAP-22 can contain information of the VAP-21 and information of the VAP-22. Since the VAP-21 and the VAP-11 belong to the same AP MLD (i.e., AP MLD 1), the information of the VAP-21 can contain the information of the VAP-11. Therefore, the beacon frame of the VAP-22 can contain the information of the VAP-11, the VAP-12, the VAP-21, and the VAP-22. Since the VAP-12 and the VAP-22 belong to the same AP MLD (i.e., AP MLD 2), the information of the VAP-12 can also contain the information of the VAP-22. Thus, the beacon frame of the VAP-11 can also contain the information of the VAP-11, the VAP-12, the VAP-21 and the VAP-22.

[0011] If one of the TX VAPs (i.e., VAP-11 and VAP-22) fails, the beacon frame sent by another TX VAP can contain information about all VAPs in both the first and second MBSSID sets. This allows the other VAPs to continue operating. Furthermore, the TX VAP can continue operating on another AP MLD if one of AP MLD 1 or AP MLD 2 fails. This can improve network stability.

[0012] Fig. is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for configuring an AP with MLO and MBSSID enabled, according to implementations of the present disclosure. The method 200 may be performed, for example, by the AP 102 in Fig. be implemented. As in Fig. As shown, the method 200 in block 202 may determine a first MBSSID set on a first connection of an AP, wherein the AP comprises a plurality of AP MLDs and the first MBSSID set comprises a first VAP associated with a first AP MLD of the plurality of AP MLDs. In the Fig. For example, in the environment 100 illustrated, the AP 102 may include AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, ..., and AP MLD N. In addition, the AP 102 may also include link 1, link 2, ..., and link N. The AP 102 may determine a first MBSSID set on link 1, where the first MBSSID set may include VAP-11 (also referred to as the first VAP) associated with AP MLD 1 (also referred to as the first AP MLD) and VAP-12 associated with AP MLD 2.

[0013] In block 204, the method 200 may determine a second MBSSID set on a second link of the AP, wherein the second MBSSID set includes a second VAP belonging to a second AP MLD, wherein the second AP MLD is different from the first AP MLD, and the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set include VAPs belonging to a same AP MLD. As in Fig. For example, as shown, AP 102 in environment 100 may determine a second MBSSID set on link 2, where the second MBSSID set may include VAP-21 belonging to AP MLD 1 and VAP-22 (also referred to as the second VAP) belonging to AP MLD 2 (also referred to as the second AP MLD). In this configuration, VAP-11 in the first MBSSID set and VAP-21 in the second MBSSID set belong to the same AP MLD (i.e., AP MLD 1).

[0014] In block 206, the method 200 may determine the first VAP as a TX VAP of the first MBSSID set. For example, the AP 102 in the Fig. In the environment shown, the VAP-11 is designated as a TX VAP of the first MBSSID set. Therefore, the VAP-11 beacon frame can contain information from the VAP-11, the VAP-12, the VAP-21, and the VAP-22.

[0015] In block 208, the method 200 may determine the second VAP as a TX VAP of the second MBSSID set. For example, the AP 102 in the Fig. In the environment shown, the VAP-11 is identified as a TX VAP of the first MBSSID set. Therefore, the VAP-11 beacon frame can also contain information from the VAP-11, VAP-12, VAP-21, and VAP-22.

[0016] If one of the TX VAPs (e.g., VAP-11 and VAP-22) fails, the beacon transmitted by another TX VAP can contain information about all VAPs in both the first and second MBSSID sets. This allows the other VAPs to continue operating. Furthermore, the TX VAP can continue operating on another AP MLD if one of the first or second AP MLDs (e.g., AP MLD 1 or AP MLD 2) fails. This can improve the stability of the AP.

[0017] Fig. is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration 300 with an MBSSID on a link of an AP according to implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown, configuration 300 includes three links, three AP MLDs, and nine VAPs. The VAP-11, VAP-12, and VAP-13 operate on link 1; the VAP-21, VAP-22, and VAP-23 operate on link 2; the VAP-31, VAP-32, and VAP-33 operate on link 3. In addition, VAP-11, VAP-21, and VAP-31 belong to AP MLD 1; VAP-12, VAP-22, and VAP-32 belong to AP MLD 2; VAP-13, VAP-23, and VAP-33 belong to AP MLD 3.

[0018] In configuration 300, the VAP-11, VAP-12, and VAP-13 operating on link 1 are included in an MBSSID set 302, with the VAP-11 configured as the TX VAP. Therefore, the beacon frame of the VAP-11 can contain the information of the VAP-12 and VAP-13, since these three VAPs are included in the MBSSID group 302. Furthermore, the beacon frame of the VAP-11 can also contain the information of the VAP-21 and VAP-31, since these three VAPs belong to a common AP MLD.

[0019] However, in configuration 300, VAPs outside the MBSSID set 302 may transmit beacon frames themselves, which may increase the number of frames in the air. Furthermore, the beacon frames of these VAPs outside the MBSSID set 302 carry less information about other VAPs, which may reduce network stability.

[0020] In some implementations, MBSSID sets can be configured on each link of the AP to improve network stability and reduce the number of frames in the air. Fig. are schematic diagrams illustrating an example configuration 400 with multiple MBSSID sets on multiple links of an AP according to implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown, the configuration 400 comprises three links, three AP-MLDs and nine VAPs, which are identical to those in Fig. are identical to the configuration 300 shown. However, each connection in configuration 400 includes an MBSSID set. An MBSSID set 402 on connection 1 includes the VAP-11, the VAP-12, and the VAP-13, where the VAP-11 is a TX VAP and the VAP-12 and VAP-13 are non-TX VAPs. An MBSSID set 404 on connection 2 includes the VAP-21, the VAP-22, and the VAP-23, where the VAP-21 is a TX VAP and the VAP-22 and VAP-23 are non-TX VAPs. An MBSSID set 406 on link 3 includes VAP-31, VAP-32, and VAP-33, where VAP-31 is a TX VAP and VAP-32 and VAP-33 are non-TX VAPs.

[0021] In configuration 400, a beacon frame of the VAP-11 may contain information about the VAP-12 and the VAP-13, since these VAPs are included in the MBSSID set 402. In addition, the beacon frame of the VAP-11 may contain information about the VAP-21 and the VAP-31, since these VAPs belong to the AP MLD 1. Furthermore, a beacon frame of the VAP-21 may contain information about the VAP-22 and the VAP-23, since these VAPs are included in the MBSSID set 404, and a beacon frame of the VAP-31 may contain information about the VAP-32 and the VAP-33, since these VAPs are included in the MBSSID set 406. Therefore, the beacon frame of the VAP-11 may contain information about all nine VAPs in configuration 400. Similarly, the beacon frames of VAP-21 and VAP-31 can also contain the information of all nine VAPs in configuration 400.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown, all VAPs are included in a VAP group 408, and a beacon frame from each of the TX VAPs (i.e., VAP-11, VAP-21, VAP-31) can contain the information of all VAPs in the VAP group 408. In this way, if the VAP-11 fails, the VAP-12 and VAP-13 can continue to operate because the beacon frames transmitted by the VAP-21 and VAP-31 also contain the information of the VAP-12 and VAP-13. This can improve the stability of the network. Furthermore, in configuration 400, only three TX VAPs transmit beacon frames, so the number of frames in the air can be reduced. This can improve the performance of the network.

[0023] In configuration 400, if AP MLD 1 fails, all TX VAPs may be inoperative, resulting in no beacon frames being transmitted. In some implementations, the VAPs belonging to different AP MLDs may be designated as the TX VAPs of the MBSSID sets on the multi-link connections. Fig. is a schematic diagram showing another example configuration 500 with multiple MBSSID sets on multiple links of an AP according to implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown, the configuration 500 comprises three links, three AP-MLDs and nine VAPs, which are identical to those in Fig. are identical to the configuration 400 shown. However, in configuration 500, an MBSSID set 502 includes the VAP-11, the VAP-12, and the VAP-13, where the VAP-11 is a TX VAP and the VAP-12 and VAP-13 are non-TX VAPs. An MBSSID set 504 includes the VAP-21, the VAP-22, and the VAP-23, where the VAP-22 is a TX VAP and the VAP-22 and VAP-23 are non-TX VAPs. An MBSSID set 506 includes the VAP-31, the VAP-32, and the VAP-33, where the VAP-33 is a TX VAP and the VAP-31 and VAP-32 are non-TX VAPs.

[0024] In configuration 500, the beacon frame of the VAP-11 may include the information of the VAP-12 and the VAP-13, since these VAPs are included in the MBSSID group 502. In addition, the beacon frame of the VAP-11 may also include the information of the VAP-21 and the VAP-31, since these VAPs belong to AP MLD 1. In addition, the information of the VAP-12 may include the information of the VAP-22 and the VAP-32, since these VAPs belong to AP MLD 2, and the information of the VAP-13 may include the information of the VAP-23 and the VAP-33, since these VAPs belong to AP MLD 3. Therefore, the beacon frame of the VAP-11 may also include the information of the VAP-22, the VAP-32, the VAP 23, and the VAP-33. Consequently, the VAP-11 can contain the information of all VAPs in configuration 500. Similarly, the beacon frames of the VAP-22 and VAP-33 can also include all VAPs in configuration 500.

[0025] This way, the VAP-11 cannot function if the AP MLD 1 fails, resulting in the inability to transmit beacon frames. However, if the VAP-22 and VAP-33 are still available, all VAPs can continue to operate, as the beacon frames of the VAP-22 and VAP-33 contain information about all VAPs in the 500 configuration. This can improve network stability.

[0026] In some situations, the size of the TX VAP's beacon frame may be large; in this case, the beacon frame may be split into multiple beacon fragments. The profile periodicity (PP) specifies the minimum number of beacon frames a wireless device must receive to detect all active non-TX BSSIDs in an MBSSID set. With 16 VAPs, the default PP value might be 3, and the PP value can increase to 6 in the worst case. This results in clients requiring more time to obtain the desired BSS information. Consequently, clients also require more time to receive broadcast / multicast delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) and broadcast target wake time (TWT) information from the beacon frames. In some implementations, the AP may generate a first beacon fragment and a second beacon fragment based on a first beacon information from the first VAP.Furthermore, the AP may generate a third beacon fragment and a fourth beacon fragment based on second beacon information from the second VAP, wherein the third beacon fragment corresponds to the first beacon fragment and the fourth beacon frame corresponds to the second beacon frame. Furthermore, the second VAP may transmit the fourth beacon fragment in response to the first VAP transmitting the first beacon fragment.

[0027] Fig. is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration with beacon fragments according to implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown, configuration 600 includes three links, three AP MLDs, nine VAPs and three MBSSID sets, which are the same as in configuration 500, as shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. As shown, a beacon frame 610 of the VAP-11, a beacon frame 620 of the VAP-22, and a beacon frame 630 of the VAP-33 can contain information about all VAPs in the configuration 600. However, since the sizes of these beacon frames are too large, the AP can generate beacon fragments 612, 614, and 616 based on the beacon frame 610, beacon fragments 622, 624, and 626 based on the beacon frame 610, and beacon fragments 632, 634, and 636 based on the beacon frame 630. The beacon fragments 612, 622, and 632 can have similar content; for example, each of them can contain the information of the VAP-11, the VAP-12, and the VAP-13. Beacon fragments 614, 624, and 634 may have similar content, e.g., each of them may contain the information of VAP-21, VAP-22, and VAP-23. Beacon fragments 616, 626, and 636 may have similar content, e.g., each of them may contain the information of VAP-31, VAP-32, and VAP-33.

[0028] A client must collect three beacon fragments to obtain complete information about the nine VAPs. If the VAP-11, VAP-22, and VAP-33 transmit beacon fragments 612, 622, and 632 simultaneously, then transmit beacon fragments 614, 624, and 634 simultaneously, and then transmit beacon fragments 616, 626, and 636 simultaneously, the client can collect complete information about the nine VAPs after two beacon intervals (e.g., 200 time units (TUs)). In configuration 600, the VAP-11, the VAP-22, and the VAP-33 can be configured to transmit beacon fragments 612, 624, and 636 simultaneously, then transmit beacon fragments 614, 626, and 632 simultaneously, and then transmit beacon fragments 616, 622, and 634 simultaneously, so that the client can acquire the complete information of the nine VAPs within one beacon transmission duration (e.g., 20 UE).

[0029] In this way, the time required for the client to collect complete beacon information can be reduced, which can improve network performance.

[0030] For an AP with MLO and MBSSID enabled, the size of beacon frames can be large. To reduce beacon fragmentation, the size of a beacon frame can be controlled with a size limit (e.g., 1500 bytes). Fig. is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary beacon frame format of a TX VAP according to implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown, a beacon frame 702 may include TX VAP information elements (IEs) 704, MBSSID IE 706, RNR IE 708, and MLE IE 710. The TX VAP IEs 704 may contain the information of the TX VAP transmitting the beacon frame 702. The MBSSID IE 706 may include non-TX BSSID profiles corresponding to the non-TX VAPs in the MBSSID group. In the Fig. In the example shown, the MBSSID set includes one TX VAP and two non-TX VAPs. Therefore, the MBSSID IE 706 includes two non-TX BSSID profile IEs 712 and 714. Each of the non-TX BSSID profile IEs 712 and 714 includes fields such as the sub-element ID and data.

[0031] In addition, the MLE IE 710 can include STA profiles that correspond to the VAPs in an AP MLD. Fig. In the example shown, the AP MLD includes two VAPs in the same AP MLD as the current TX VAP. Therefore, the MLE IE 710 includes two per-STA profile IEs 716 and 718. Each of the per-STA profile IEs 716 and 718 includes fields such as sub-element ID and data. In addition, the RNR IE 708 may contain information about the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) of the neighboring VAPs. It can be observed that in an AP with MLO and MBSSID enabled, the information of all VAPs can be transmitted in a single beacon frame. This means that the beacon frame can advertise IEs corresponding to the BSSs belonging to the same MBSSID set and AP MLD. This results in a large beacon frame size and beacon fragmentation.

[0032] To reduce beacon fragments, the AP may dynamically adjust the configuration. In some implementations, the AP may determine a first VAP count from VAPs in the first MBSSID set. In response to the first VAP count being greater than a first threshold, the AP may perform AP configuration adjustment operations. In some implementations, the AP may determine a second VAP count from VAPs belonging to the first AP MLD. In response to the second VAP count being greater than a second threshold, the AP may perform configuration adjustment operations. In some implementations, the AP may determine a third VAP count from VAPs belonging to the first AP MLD and the first MBSSID set. In response to the third VAP count being greater than a third threshold, the AP may perform configuration adjustment operations.

[0033] In some implementations, the AP may determine a number of beacon frames transmitted by a VAP within a TBTT and a number of TX VAPs on a radio of the AP. In addition, the AP may determine a maximum number of virtual APs on the AP's radio. In response to the beacon frame number, the TX VAP count, and the maximum count meeting a predefined condition, the AP may perform configuration adjustment operations. In some implementations, the predefined condition is that the beacon frame number times the TX VAP count is greater than the maximum number. In some implementations, to determine the number of beacon frames transmitted by the VAP within the TBTT, the AP may determine a first duration for the transmission of a beacon frame and a second duration for the transmission of a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) frame.Then the AP can determine the number of beacon frames transmitted by the VAP within the TBTT based on the first duration and the second duration.

[0034] Fig. is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration 800 with four AP MLDs and four links according to implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown, configuration 800 includes AP MLDs 1, 2, 3, and 4, links 1, 2, 3, and 4, and twelve VAPs, where VAP-11 is a TX VAP of MBSSID set 802. Assume there are X VAPs in an MBSSID set and Y VAPs (which can be treated as the number of VAP slot resources, with each MLD link occupying one VAP slot) in an MLD. The VAP BSS information includes the same IEs, but no RNR IEs. The RNR IEs can be considered X or Y, depending on the manufacturer's implementation. The AP can adjust the configuration if X and Y do not satisfy at least one of the following equations. 1 <X&Y≤MAX VAP NUMMBSSID und MLD 1 <X≤MAX VAP NUMMBSSID 1 <Y≤MAX VAP NUMMLD NUMavg Beacon×NUMMBSSID≤MAX VAPs on radio

[0035] Where X&Y denote the number of VAPs that belong to the same MBSSID group and AP MLD. MAX VAP NUM MBSSIDund MLD specifies a maximum limit for the value of X&Y. MAX VAP NUM MBSSID Specifies an upper limit for the number of VAPs in an MBSSID group. MAX VAP NUM MLD Specifies a maximum limit for the number of VAPs in an AP MLD. NUM avg Beacon denotes the number of beacon frames sent by a VAP within a TBTT, where FILS frames are considered part of a beacon frame. NUM MBSSIDindicates the number of TX APs on an AP radio (or the number of MBSSID sets on an AP radio). MAX VAPs on Radio indicates the maximum number of VAPs on the AP radio when MBSSID features are disabled. MAX VAPs on Radio can indicate the maximum transmit time occupied by transmitting beacon frames by each individual VAP on the same radio.

[0036] In the example of configuration 800, as shown in Fig. shown, MAX VAP NUM MBSSID und MLD can be 5, MAX VAP NUM MBSSID can be 4, MAX VAP NUM MLD can be 4, and Max VAPs on Radio 16. As in Fig. As shown, the VAP number in MBSSID set 802 (i.e., X) is 4, including VAP-11, VAP-12, VAP-13, and VAP-14, which satisfies equation (2). The VAP number in AP MLD 1 (i.e., Y) is 4, including VAP-11, VAP-21, VAP-31, and VAP-41, which satisfies equation (3). In this case, the value of X&Y is 7, including VAP-11, VAP-12, VAP-13, VAP-14, VAP-21, VAP-31, and VAP-41. Taking into account MAX VAP NUM MBSSID und MLD 5, configuration 800 also does not satisfy equation (1).

[0037] To determine the value of NUM avg BeaconTo determine the number of beacon frames and FILS frames transmitted on the radio within a TBTT, the AP must determine the number of beacon frames and FILS frames transmitted on the radio. The AP can transmit 1 beacon frame followed by 4 FILS frames (the period for transmitting FILS frames is 20 TU) within a TBTT (100 TU). In addition, the size of FILS frames is smaller than the size of beacon frames. Assuming that 2 FILS frames can transmit all the information of a single beacon frame, a TX-VAP can transmit 3 beacon frames within a TBTT (NUM avg bBacon = 1 + 4 ÷ 2 = 3) . Furthermore, in configuration 800, link 1 includes an MBSSID set (MBSSID set 802). Thus, there is a TX VAP (VAP-11) on link 1 that satisfies equation (4). In summary, configuration 800 satisfies equations (2)-(4), but not equation (1). Therefore, the AP can perform operations to decrease the value of X&Y.

[0038] This allows the AP to determine whether the beacon frame is likely to be fragmented based on the current configuration. Therefore, by adjusting the configuration in a timely manner, the occurrence of beacon fragmentation can be reduced, which can improve network performance and reduce latency.

[0039] In some implementations, the AP configuration adjustment operations may include moving a third VAP in the first MBSSID set to a third MBSSID set on the AP's first link. In some implementations, the AP configuration adjustment operations may include removing the VAP from the third MLD in response to all MBSSID sets running out of space on the AP's first link. In some implementations, the AP configuration adjustment operations may include disabling an MBSSID feature on the first link.

[0040] Fig. is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary customized configuration 900 with four AP MLDs and four links according to implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. shown, the VAP-13 and VAP-14 are extracted from the original MBSSID set (i.e., MBSSID set 802 in Fig. ) is moved to a new MBSSID set 904, and VAP-13 becomes the TX VAP of MBSSID set 904. Consequently, MBSSID set 902 now only includes VAP-11 and VAP-12. In the adapted configuration 900, the number of VAPs in MBSSID set 902 is 2 (i.e., X = 2), the number of VAPs belonging to AP MLD 1 is 4 (i.e., Y = 4), and the number of VAPs in MBSSID set 902 or belonging to AP MLD 1 is 5 (i.e., X&Y = 5). Furthermore, the number of VAPs in MBSSID group 904 is 2 (i.e., X = 2), the number of VAPs belonging to AP MLD 3 is 4 (i.e., Y = 4), and the number of VAPs in MBSSID group 904 or belonging to AP MLD 3 is 5 (i.e., X&Y = 5). Thus, the adapted configuration 900 satisfies equations (1) - (3).

[0041] In addition, in the customized configuration 900, connection 1 includes two TX-VAPs (i.e., VAP-11 and VAP-13) corresponding to two MBSSID sets, so that the value of NUM MBSSID 2. Since the value of NUM avg Beacon3, the value of NUM avg Beacon × NUM MBSSID 6, which is smaller than MAX VAPs on radio. Therefore, the adapted configuration 900 satisfies equations (1) - (4), which can reduce beacon fragmentation.

[0042] In some implementations, if there is no space to create the new MBSSID set 904, the AP may remove some of the VAP-11, VAP-21, VAP-31, and VAP-41 from the AP MLD 1 or disable the MBSSID function on link 1 so that the configuration can also satisfy equations (1) - (4).

[0043] In this way, reducing the beacon frame size of the TX VAPs can minimize beacon fragmentation. Consequently, the transmission delay of the beacon frames can be reduced, which is crucial for applications or services that require timely responses, such as real-time audio and video streaming.

[0044] Fig. is a diagram showing an example of an AP 1000 according to implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown, the AP 1000 includes at least one processor 1010 and a memory 1020 coupled to the at least one processor 1010. The memory 1020 stores instructions 1022, 1024, 1026, and 1028 to cause the processor 1010 to perform actions according to the example implementations of the present disclosure.

[0045] As in Fig.As shown, memory 1020 stores instructions 1022 to determine a first MBSSID set on a first link of an AP, wherein the AP includes a plurality of AP MLDs, and the first MBSSID set includes a first VAP associated with a first AP MLD of the plurality of AP MLDs. Memory 1020 further stores instructions 1024 to determine a second MBSSID set on a second link of the AP, wherein the second MBSSID set includes a second VAP associated with a second AP MLD, wherein the second AP MLD is different from the first AP MLD, and the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set include VAPs associated with a same AP MLD. Memory 1020 further stores instructions 1026 to determine the first VAP as a TX VAP of the first MBSSID set. In addition, the memory 1020 also stores instructions 1028 to designate the second VAP as a TX VAP of the second MBSSID set.

[0046] The stored instructions and the functions the instructions can perform can be understood with reference to the implementations described above. For brevity, the details of instructions 1022, 1024, 1026, and 1028 are not discussed here.

[0047] Program codes or instructions for performing methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes or instructions may be supplied to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program codes perform the functions / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. The program code or instructions may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on the machine, as a standalone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server.

[0048] Program codes or instructions for performing methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes or instructions may be supplied to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program codes perform the functions / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. The program code or instructions may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on the machine, as a standalone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server.

[0049] In the context of this disclosure, a machine-readable medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. A machine-readable medium may be, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.More specific examples of a machine-readable storage medium would be an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0050] Although the operations are presented in a particular order, this does not imply that these operations must be performed in the order shown, or in sequential order, or that all of the operations shown must be performed to achieve the desired results. Multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous under certain circumstances. Certain features described in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations, separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0051] In the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure, and in which is shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be carried out. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is understood that other examples may be utilized and that process, electrical, and / or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Procedure comprising: Determining a first Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID) set on a first link of an access point (AP), the AP comprising a plurality of AP Multiple Link Devices (MLDs), the first MBSSID set comprising a first virtual AP corresponding to a first AP MLD of the plurality of AP MLDs; Determining a second MBSSID set on a second link of the AP, wherein the second MBSSID set comprises a second virtual AP belonging to a second AP MLD, wherein the second AP MLD is different from the first AP MLD and the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set comprise virtual APs belonging to a same AP MLD; Determining the first virtual AP as the transmitted virtual AP of the first MBSSID set; and Determine the second virtual AP as the broadcast virtual AP of the second MBSSID set. [2] The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a first beacon fragment and a second beacon fragment based on first beacon information of the first virtual AP; generating a third beacon fragment and a fourth beacon fragment based on second beacon information of the second virtual AP, wherein the third beacon fragment corresponds to the first beacon fragment and the fourth beacon frame corresponds to the second beacon frame; in response to the transmission of the first beacon fragment by the first virtual AP, transmission of the fourth beacon fragment by the second virtual AP. [3] The method of claim 1, further comprising: Determining a first virtual AP number of virtual APs in the first MBSSID group; and in response to the first virtual AP number being greater than a first threshold, performing operations to adjust an AP configuration. [4] The method of claim 3, further comprising: Determining a second virtual AP number from virtual APs belonging to the first AP MLD; and in response to the second virtual AP number being greater than a second threshold, performing the operations to adjust the AP configuration. [5] The method of claim 4, further comprising: Determining a third virtual AP number from virtual APs belonging to the first AP MLD and the first MBSSID set; and in response to the third virtual AP number being greater than a third threshold, performing the operations to adjust the AP configuration. [6] The method of claim 5, further comprising: Determining a number of beacon frames transmitted by a virtual AP within a target beacon transmission time (TBTT); Determining a number of transmitted virtual APs on a radio of the AP; Determining a maximum number of virtual APs on the AP's radio; and in response to the number of beacon frames, the number of transmitted virtual APs and the maximum number that meet a predefined condition, perform AP configuration adjustment operations. [7] The method of claim 6, wherein the predefined condition is that the number of beacon frames times the transmitted virtual AP number is greater than the maximum number. [8] The method of claim 6, wherein determining the number of beacon frames transmitted by the virtual AP within the TBTT comprises: Determining a first duration for the transmission of a beacon frame; Determining a second duration for the transmission of a fast initial connection setup (FILS); and Determining the number of beacon frames transmitted by the virtual AP within the TBTT based on the first duration and the second duration. [9] The method of claim 3, wherein the operations for adjusting the AP configuration comprise: Move a third virtual AP in the first MBSSID set to a third MBSSID set on the AP's first link. [10] The method of claim 9, wherein the third virtual AP belongs to a third MLD and the operations for adapting the AP configuration further comprise: In response to all MBSSID sets running out of space on the AP's first link, the virtual AP is removed from the third MLD. [11] The method of claim 3, wherein the operations for adjusting the AP configuration further comprise: Disabling an MBSSID function on the first link. [12] Access Point (AP), comprising: at least one processor; and a memory connected to the at least one processor, the memory storing instructions to cause the at least one processor to: Determining a first Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID) set on a first link of the AP, wherein the AP comprises a plurality of AP Multiple Link Devices (MLDs), and the first MBSSID set comprises a first virtual AP corresponding to a first AP MLD of the plurality of AP MLDs; Determining a second MBSSID set on a second link of the AP, wherein the second MBSSID set comprises a second virtual AP belonging to a second AP MLD, wherein the second AP MLD is different from the first AP MLD and the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set comprise virtual APs belonging to a same AP MLD; to designate the first virtual AP as a broadcast virtual AP of the first MBSSID set; and designate the second virtual AP as the broadcast virtual AP of the second MBSSID set. [13] The AP of claim 12, wherein the memory further stores instructions that cause the at least one processor to: generate a first beacon fragment and a second beacon fragment based on first beacon information of the first virtual AP; generating a third beacon fragment and a fourth beacon fragment based on second beacon information of the second virtual AP, wherein the third beacon fragment corresponds to the first beacon fragment and the fourth beacon frame corresponds to the second beacon frame; in response to the transmission of the first beacon fragment by the first virtual AP, transmit the fourth beacon fragment by the second virtual AP. [14] The AP of claim 12, wherein the memory further stores instructions that cause the at least one processor to: Determining a first virtual AP number of virtual APs in the first MBSSID group; and in response to the first virtual AP number being greater than a first threshold, perform operations to adjust an AP configuration. [15] The AP of claim 14, wherein the memory further stores instructions that cause the at least one processor to: Determining a second virtual AP number of virtual APs belonging to the first AP MLD; and in response to the second virtual AP number being greater than a second threshold, perform AP configuration adjustment operations. [16] The AP of claim 15, wherein the memory further stores instructions that cause the at least one processor to: Determining a third virtual AP number from virtual APs belonging to the first AP MLD and the first MBSSID set; and in response to the third virtual AP number being greater than a third threshold, perform AP configuration adjustment operations. [17] The AP of claim 16, wherein the memory further stores instructions that cause the at least one processor to: determine a number of beacon frames transmitted by a virtual AP within a target beacon transmission time (TBTT); determine a number of transmitted virtual APs on a radio of the AP; Determining a maximum number of virtual APs on the AP's radio; and in response to the number of beacon frames, the number of transmitted virtual APs and the maximum number meeting a predefined condition, perform the AP configuration adjustment operations. [18] The AP of claim 17, wherein the predefined condition is that the number of beacon frames times the transmitted virtual AP number is greater than the maximum number. [19] The AP of claim 17, wherein the instructions for determining the number of beacon frames sent by the virtual AP within the TBTT comprise instructions for: to determine an initial duration for the transmission of a beacon frame; Determining a second duration for the transmission of a fast initial connection setup (FILS); and determine the number of beacon frames transmitted by the virtual AP within the TBTT based on the first duration and the second duration. [20] Non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions stored thereon that, when executed by an access point (AP), cause the AP to: Determining a first Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID) set on a first link of an access point (AP), the AP comprising a plurality of AP Multiple Link Devices (MLDs), the first MBSSID set comprising a first virtual AP corresponding to a first AP MLD of the plurality of AP MLDs; Determining a second MBSSID set on a second link of the AP, wherein the second MBSSID set comprises a second virtual AP belonging to a second AP MLD, wherein the second AP MLD is different from the first AP MLD and the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set comprise virtual APs belonging to a same AP MLD; to designate the first virtual AP as a broadcast virtual AP of the first MBSSID set; and designate the second virtual AP as the broadcast virtual AP of the second MBSSID set.

Images