Request and response method for probing MLD, station, and access point

Abstract

To effectively execute an association with between a station and a multi-link device (MLD), or establish a multi-link transmission.SOLUTION: In a radio local area network, a communication device contains a processor for generating a probe request frame. The probe request frame is used for requesting a communication parameter of an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) where a first AP is arranged so as to be fed back to the first AP, and the first AP is a non-transmission basic service set identifier nontransmitted BSSID AP. The communication parameter of the AP MLD, contains a communication device as a communication parameter of a plurality of links to be supported by the AP MLD, or a transmission device for transmitting the probe request frame to the first AP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a request and response method, station, and access point for searching MLD in a wireless local area network. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to significantly increase the service transmission speed of wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax standard further uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology based on the existing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology. OFDMA technology supports multiple nodes to transmit and receive data simultaneously, thereby achieving multi-station diversity gain. In 2017, when the 802.11ax standard was finalized, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened up a new free frequency band of 5925-7125MHz, hereinafter referred to as 6GHz. In this case, 802.11ax standards workers will extend the operating range of 802.11ax compliant devices from 2.4GHz and 5GHz to 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz in 802.11ax Project Authorization Requests (PARs).

[0003] Devices of IEEE 802.11 next-generation Wi-Fi protocol (extremely high throughput, EHT) need to be forward compatible. Therefore, they also support the operating spectrum of 802.11ax compliant devices, i.e., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. Channel division is based on the newly opened free 6 GHz frequency band, and the supportable bandwidth may exceed the maximum bandwidth of 160 MHz supported in 5 GHz, for example, it may be 320 MHz. In the IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi extremely high throughput protocol, in addition to using ultra-high bandwidth, the peak throughput may also be increased by using more streams, for example, increasing the number of streams to 16, cooperating with multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), or in other ways. In the same frequency band, the peak throughput may be further increased by cooperation of multiple channels, or in other ways. This reduces the service transmission delay. In the following, multiple frequency bands or multiple channels are collectively referred to as multiple links. Although multiple links are configured for 802.11ax Wi-Fi and previous Wi-Fi that have the same operating frequency band, typically a different basic service set (BSS) is established for each of the multiple links, and communication with stations in the BSS to which the link belongs can only be performed on one link at a time.

[0004] The main function of 802.11ax and previous multiple basic service set identifier (BSSID) technologies is to virtualize one physical AP into multiple logical APs, i.e., to form multiple virtual networks. Each virtual network is used to manage different stations. Similar to AP products in current Wi-Fi scenarios, APs can be virtualized into home APs and guest APs.

[0005] When the multiple BSSID technology is applied to a multi-link device (MLD), how to perform search and association between a non-access point station (non-AP STA) MLD and an access point station (AP STA) MLD is a technical problem being studied by engineers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application disclose a request method for discovering multi-link devices in a WLAN, a response method for discovering multi-link devices, and related apparatuses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present application is a station in a wireless local area network WLAN, comprising: A processor configured to generate a probe request frame, the probe request frame is used to request a first AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD; a transceiver configured to transmit a probe request frame to a first AP; The present invention provides stations, including

[0008] A second aspect of the present application is a request method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being executed by a station in a wireless local area network WLAN, the method comprising: generating a probe request frame, the probe request frame is used to request a first AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD; sending a probe request frame to a first AP; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0009] In the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, the search request frame carries first instruction information, and the first instruction information instructs the station to feed back communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the first AP is located.

[0010] According to the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, the first indication information is carried in any one of the following elements: a multi-link element, a request MLD element, and a known MLD element.

[0011] The station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect comprises: receiving a probe response frame from a second AP, the probe response frame carrying communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located; Further includes:

[0012] In one embodiment, the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the first AP is located include communication parameters corresponding to all or a part of the links corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0013] In one embodiment, the probe request frame further carries a field indicating a link identifier of an AP MLD, and the field indicating the link identifier of the AP MLD indicates that the first AP feeds back communication parameters of the corresponding link in the AP MLD in which the first AP is located.

[0014] In one embodiment, the field indicating the link identifier in the AP MLD is a link component or a link index bitmap.

[0015] According to the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, the discovery response frame carries communication parameters of the first AP by using a multiple BSSID element, and carries communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD of the first AP in a multilink element of a non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP.

[0016] According to the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, the non-inherited element of the search request frame further carries indication information indicating to request some information elements of the AP MLD.

[0017] In the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, any one of the multi-link element, the request MLD element, and the known MLD element further carries indication information indicating to request some information elements of the AP MLD.

[0018] During the implementation of the station in the first aspect or the method in the second aspect of the present application, if a non-AP STA wants to request communication parameters of AP MLD, the non-AP STA may send a probe request frame to the logical AP of AP MLD. Even if the logical AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, other transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MSSID set may respond to the probe request frame with communication parameters of AP MLD. This can solve the technical problem in the prior art that communication parameters of AP MLD on other links cannot be obtained by sending a probe request frame.

[0019] A third aspect of the present application is a station in a wireless local area network WLAN, comprising: A processor configured to generate a probe request frame, the probe request frame being used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters associated with the second AP, the communication parameters being of an AP MLD, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of a plurality of links supported by the AP MLD; a transceiver configured to transmit a probe request frame to a second AP; The present invention provides stations, including

[0020] A second aspect of the present application is a request method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being executed by a station in a wireless local area network WLAN, the method comprising: generating a probe request frame, the probe request frame being used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters related to the second AP, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD; sending a probe request frame to a second AP; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0021] In a station according to a third aspect or a method according to a fourth aspect of the present application, the search request frame carries second instruction information, which is of AP MLD and instructs the second AP to feed back communication parameters related to the second AP.

[0022] In the station according to the third aspect or the method according to the fourth aspect of the present application, the communication parameters of the AP MLD and related to the second AP are the following: communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located; communication parameters of the AP MLD where other APs belonging to the same multi-transmission basic service set identifier MBSSID set as the second AP are located; or The communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP and other co-located APs are located Includes at least one of the following:

[0023] According to the station of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect of the present application, the second instruction information is carried in the search request frame, the second instruction information indicates an MLD identifier or an MLD address, and the MLD identifier or the MLD address instructs the second AP to feed back communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or the MLD address.

[0024] According to the station of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect of the present application, the second indication information is carried in the search request frame, and the second indication information indicates the AP MLD related to the requested second AP in a bitmap manner. The step of indicating the requested AP MLD in a bitmap manner can be a step of indicating by using a BSSID identifier bitmap field.

[0025] In the station according to the third aspect or the method according to the fourth aspect of the present application, the second indication information carries any one of the following elements: a multi-link element, a request MLD element, and a known MLD element.

[0026] During the implementation of this embodiment of the present application, when a non-AP STA wants to request communication parameters of AP MLD, the non-AP STA may send a probe request frame to an AP configured as a transmitted BSSID AP. The transmitted BSSID AP may return communication parameters of MLD in which other APs belonging to the same MSSID set are arranged and / or communication parameters of MLD in which other APs co-located with the transmitted BSSID AP are arranged. Thus, the technical problem in the prior art that MLD communication parameters of other APs cannot be obtained by sending a probe request frame is solved.

[0027] A fifth aspect of the present application is a first access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the first AP being a nontransmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the first AP comprising: A transceiver configured to receive a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being used to request the first AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the first AP. The first AP includes:

[0028] The transceiver is further configured to request a second AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to assist the first AP in feeding back a probe response frame to the station, where the probe response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0029] A sixth aspect of the present application is a response method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a first access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the first AP being a nontransmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the method comprising: receiving a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being used to request the first AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the first AP; requesting a second AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to assist the first AP in feeding back a probe response frame to the station, the probe response frame carrying communication parameters of AP MLD; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0030] A seventh aspect of the present application is a second access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the second AP comprising: A transceiver configured to receive a probe request frame from a first AP, the probe request frame being used to request the second AP to assist the first AP in feeding back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the second AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP and belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD; a processor configured to generate a probe response frame, the probe response frame carrying communication parameters of an AP MLD; The second AP includes:

[0031] An eighth aspect of the present application is a response method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a second access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the method comprising: receiving a probe request frame from a first AP, the probe request frame being used to request the second AP to assist the first AP in feeding back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the second AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP and belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD; generating a probe response frame, the probe response frame carrying AP MLD communication parameters; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0032] According to the access point provided in the seventh aspect of the present application or the method provided in the eighth aspect, the search response frame is of the AP MLD and carries several information elements in communication parameters related to the second AP.

[0033] During implementation of the access point provided in the seventh aspect or the method provided in the eighth aspect, the nontransmitted BSSID AP may feed back communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the nontransmitted BSSID AP is located to a non-AP STA by using other APs collocated with the nontransmitted BSSID AP or other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the non-AP AP.

[0034] A ninth aspect of the present application is a second access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the second AP comprising: a transceiver configured to receive a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being of an AP MLD and used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters related to the second AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of a plurality of links supported by the AP MLD; a processor configured to generate a probe response frame, the probe response frame being of an AP MLD and carrying communication parameters associated with the second AP; a transceiver configured to transmit a probe response frame to a station; The second AP includes:

[0035] A tenth aspect of the present application is a response method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a second access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the method comprising: receiving a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being of an AP MLD and used to request the second AP to feed back communication parameters related to the second AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of a plurality of links supported by the AP MLD; generating a probe response frame, the probe response frame being of AP MLD and carrying communication parameters associated with the second AP; transmitting a probe response frame to the station; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0036] According to the access point provided in the ninth aspect or the method provided in the tenth aspect of the present application, the communication parameters of the AP MLD and related to the second AP are the following, namely: communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located; communication parameters of the AP MLD where other APs belonging to the same multi-transmission basic service set identifier MBSSID set as the second AP are located; or The communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP and other co-located APs are located Includes at least one of the following:

[0037] According to the access point provided in a ninth aspect or the method provided in a tenth aspect of the present application, when the probe request frame carries second indication information and the second indication information indicates an MLD identifier or an MLD address, the probe response frame carries communication parameters of an AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address of the probe request frame.

[0038] According to the access point provided in the ninth aspect of the present application or the method provided in the tenth aspect, the probe request frame carries second indication information. When the second indication information indicates the AP MLD requested by the probe request frame in a bitmap manner, the communication parameters of the AP MLD indicated in the bitmap manner are carried in the probe response frame. The requested AP MLD indicated in the bitmap manner may be a BSSID identifier bitmap field. Each bit in the BSSID identifier bitmap represents a corresponding AP MLD.

[0039] According to the access point provided in a ninth aspect or the method provided in a tenth aspect of the present application, the search response frame carries communication parameters of an AP MLD in which a first AP associated with a second AP is located, the first AP being a first AP belonging to the same MSSID set as the second AP and / or a first AP co-located with the second AP.

[0040] According to the access point provided in a ninth aspect or the method provided in a tenth aspect of the present application, the discovery response frame carries communication parameters of the first AP by using a multiple BSSID element, and carries communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD of the first AP in a multi-link element of a Nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP.

[0041] According to the access point provided in the ninth aspect of the present application or the method provided in the tenth aspect, the search response frame is of the AP MLD and carries several information elements in communication parameters related to the second AP.

[0042] The station of the first aspect, the station of the third aspect, the first access point provided in the fifth aspect, the second access point provided in the seventh aspect, and the second access point provided in the ninth aspect may be a chip. The processing unit may be a processing circuit of the chip. The transceiver unit may be an input / output interface circuit. The processing circuit may be configured to process signaling or data information provided by the input / output interface circuit. The input / output interface circuit may be configured to input and output data or signaling information for the chip.

[0043] According to an eleventh aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program code. When the computer program is executed on a processor, the processor is enabled to perform the method of any one of the second aspect, the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect, the eighth aspect, the tenth aspect, and corresponding possible implementations.

[0044] According to a twelfth aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is provided. The program product stores a computer program (instructions) to be executed by the aforementioned processor. When the computer program is executed on the processor, the processor is enabled to perform any one of the methods of the second aspect, the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect, the eighth aspect, the tenth aspect, and corresponding possible implementations.

[0045] According to a thirteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication device is provided. The device includes a processor and may further include a transceiver and a memory. The transceiver is configured to transmit and receive information or communicate with other network elements. The memory is configured to store a computer program (instructions). The processor is configured to execute the computer program to support the communication device to perform any one of the methods of the second aspect, the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect, the eighth aspect, the tenth aspect, and corresponding possible implementations.

[0046] According to a fourteenth aspect of the embodiment of the present application, a communication device is provided. The device may exist in a product form of a chip. The structure of the device includes a processor and may further include a memory. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to store programs (instructions) and data required for the device. The processor is configured to execute a computer program stored in the memory to support the communication device to perform the method of any one of the second aspect, the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect, the eighth aspect, the tenth aspect, and corresponding possible implementations. Optionally, the memory may be located within the processor and is an internal storage device. Alternatively, the processor may be located outside the processor and is coupled to the processor and is an external storage device.

[0047] The accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of the present application will now be described. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2b] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2c] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of yet another multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of multi-link communication according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another multi-link communication according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of forming an MBSSID set by multiple multi-link devices in a WLAN according to an embodiment of the present application; [Diagram 5]2 is a schematic flowchart of a multi-link device discovery method in a WLAN according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 6] 4 is another schematic flowchart of a multi-link device discovery method in a WLAN according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7a] 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a multi-link element according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7b] 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a multi-link element according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7c] 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a multi-link element according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7d] 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a multi-link element according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of sub-elements within a multi-link element according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9a] 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multi-link elements according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9b] 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multi-link elements according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9c] 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multi-link elements according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9d] 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multi-link elements according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9e] 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multi-link elements according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-BSSID element according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 11a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a Request MLD element according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 11b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a Request MLD element according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 12a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a known MLD element according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12b]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a known MLD element according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12c] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a known MLD element according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a search element according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] In the following, firstly, the related art of the present application will be described, and then, the embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method applied to a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The method may be performed by a communication device in the wireless communication system, or a chip or processor in the communication device. The communication device may be a wireless communication device that supports simultaneous transmission on multiple links. For example, the communication device is called a multi-link device or a multi-band device. For example, in a wireless local area network, the communication device supports communication by using an IEEE 802.11 series protocol, which includes 802.11be, 802.11ax, or 802.11a / b / g / n / ac.

[0051] 1. Multi-link device MLD is also called a multi-band device. A multi-link device MLD includes one or more affiliated stations, and an affiliated station is a logical station. "A multi-link device includes an affiliated station" is also simply described as "A multi-link device includes a station" in the embodiment of this application. An affiliated station can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For ease of explanation, in this application, a multi-link device whose affiliated station is an AP may be called a multi-link AP, a multi-link AP device, or an AP multi-link device, and a multi-link device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA may be called a multi-link STA, a multi-link STA device, or an STA multi-link device.

[0052] The multilink device MLD may perform wireless communication according to an 802.11 series protocol, for example, according to an Extremely High Throughput (EHT) protocol, or according to an 802.11be-based or 802.11be-compatible protocol, thereby performing communication with other devices, which may or may not be multilink devices.

[0053] Each logical station may operate on one link, and multiple logical stations may operate on the same link. A link identifier, which will be described later, identifies or represents one station operating on one link. In other words, when there are two or more logical stations on one link, two or more link identifiers are required to identify or represent the logical stations. A link, which will be described later, may indicate a station operating on the link. When data transmission is performed between a multilink device and another multilink device, before communication, the multilink device and the other multilink device may first negotiate or communicate with each other about the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link, or the AP multilink device indicates the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link via a broadcast management frame, for example, a beacon frame. Thus, during data transmission, the link identifier is carried without transmitting a large amount of signaling information to indicate the link or the station on the link. This reduces signaling overhead and improves transmission efficiency.

[0054] In the following, for the purpose of explanation, an example is used in which the aforementioned one multi-link device is an AP multi-link device, and the aforementioned other multi-link device is a STA multi-link device.

[0055] For example, when an AP multilink device establishes a BSS, a management frame, such as a beacon frame, transmitted by the AP multilink device carries an element including multiple link identifier information fields. Each link identifier information field may indicate a correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on the link. Each link identifier information field includes a link identifier and further includes one or more of a MAC address, an operating class, and a channel number. One or more of the MAC address, the operating class, and the channel number may identify a link. As another example, in a multilink association establishment process, the AP multilink device and the STA multilink device negotiate multiple link identifier information fields. In subsequent communications, the AP multilink device or the STA multilink device identifies or represents a station in the multilink device by using a link identifier. The link identifier may further represent one or more attributes of the station's MAC address, operating set, and channel number. Alternatively, the MAC address may be the association identifier of the associated AP multilink device. Optionally, when multiple stations operate on one link, the meaning identified by the link identifier (link ID) includes not only the operating set and channel number on which the link is located, but also the identifiers of the stations operating on the link, for example the station's MAC address or association identifier (AID association identifier).

[0056] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application by using a wireless local area network as an example. The application scenario includes a first station 101, a second station 102, a third station 201, and a fourth station 202. The first station 101 may communicate with the second station 102 by using multiple links, and the first station 201 may communicate with the second station 202 by using multiple links, thereby improving throughput. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the first station 101 is a multi-link AP device, the second station 102 is a multi-link STA device, the third station 201 is a multi-link AP device, and the fourth station 202 is a multi-link STA device. Indeed, the second station 102 and / or the fourth station 202 may alternatively be single-link STA devices. Moreover, in a scenario, the first station 101 is an AP multilink device, and the second station 102 is a STA multilink device or station (e.g., a single-link station). In another scenario, the first station 101 is a STA multilink device, and the second station 102 is an AP (e.g., a single-link AP) or an AP multilink device. In yet another scenario, the first station 101 is an AP multilink device, and the second station 102 is an AP multilink device or an AP. In yet another scenario, the first station 101 is a STA multilink device, and the second station 102 is a STA multilink device or a STA. Of course, the wireless local area network may further include other devices. The number and types of devices shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples.

[0057] 2a and 2b are schematic diagrams of the structure of AP multi-link device and STA multi-link device involved in communication. 802.11 standard focuses on 802.11 physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layer part of AP multi-link device and STA multi-link device (such as mobile phone and notebook computer).

[0058] As shown in Fig. 2a, multiple APs included in the AP multi-link device are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and the PHY layer, and are also independent of each other in the high MAC layer. Multiple STAs included in the STA multi-link device are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and the PHY layer, and are also independent of each other in the high MAC layer.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 2b, multiple APs included in the AP multilink device are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and the PHY layer, and share a high MAC layer. Multiple STAs included in the STA multilink device are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and the PHY layer, and share a high MAC layer.

[0060] Indeed, the STA multilink device may use a structure in which the high MAC layers are independent of each other, and the AP multilink device may use a structure in which the high MAC layers are shared. Alternatively, the STA multilink device may use a structure in which the high MAC layers are shared, and the AP multilink device may use a structure in which the high MAC layers are independent of each other. For example, the high MAC layer or the low MAC layer may be implemented by one processor in the chip system of the multilink device, or may be implemented by different processing modules in the chip system.

[0061] For example, the multilink device in this embodiment of the present application may be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, the multilink device may be a device with three or more antennas. In the embodiment of the present application, the number of antennas included in the multilink device is not limited. For example, in FIG. 2c, the AP multilink device is a multi-antenna device, and the STA multilink device is a single-antenna device. In this embodiment of the present application, the multilink device may allow the same access type of service to be transmitted on different links, or even allow the same data packet to be transmitted on different links. Alternatively, the multilink device may not allow the same access type of service to be transmitted on different links, but may allow different access type of service to be transmitted on different links.

[0062] The frequency bands in which the multilink device operates may include, but are not limited to, sub 1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and high frequency 60 GHz. Figures 3a and 3b are two schematic diagrams of communication between a multilink device and other devices in a wireless local area network via multiple links.

[0063] 3a shows a scenario in which an AP multilink device 101 communicates with a STA multilink device 102. The AP multilink device 101 includes an AP group 101-1 and an AP group 101-2, the STA multilink device 102 includes an STA group 102-1 and an STA group 102-2, and the AP multilink device 101 communicates with the STA multilink device 102 in parallel on link 1 and link 2.

[0064] FIG. 3b shows a scenario in which an AP multilink device 101 communicates with a STA multilink device 102, a STA multilink device 103, and a STA 104. The AP multilink device 101 includes an array AP101-1 to an array AP101-3. The STA multilink device 102 includes two arrays STA, namely, STA102-1 and STA102-2. The STA multilink device 103 includes two arrays STA, namely, STA103-1 and STA103-2. The STA103-3 and STA104 are single-link devices. The AP multilink device may separately communicate with the STA multilink device 102 on link 1 and link 3, communicate with the STA multilink device 103 on link 2 and link 3, and communicate with the STA 104 on link 1. For example, the STA 104 operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The STA multilink device 103 includes STA 103-1 and STA 103-2, where STA 103-1 operates in the 5 GHz frequency band and STA 103-2 operates in the 6 GHz frequency band. The STA multilink device 102 includes STA 102-1 and STA 102-2, where STA 102-1 operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and STA 102-2 operates in the 6 GHz frequency band. The AP 101-1 operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band in the AP multilink device may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with the STA 104 and STA 102-2 in the STA multilink device 102 on link 1. The AP 101-2 operating in the 5 GHz frequency band in the AP multilink device may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with the STA 103-1 operating in the 5 GHz frequency band in the STA multilink device 103 on link 2. AP 101-3 operating in the 6 GHz frequency band in the AP multilink device 101 may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA 102-2 operating in the 6 GHz frequency band in the STA multilink device 102 over link 3, and may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA 103-2 in the STA multilink device over link 3.

[0065] It should be noted that FIG. 3a shows that the AP multilink 101 device only supports two frequency bands, and FIG. 3b only uses an example in which the AP multilink device 101 supports three frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz), each frequency band corresponds to one link, and the AP multilink device 101 can operate on one or more of link 1, link 2, and link 3 for illustration. On the AP side or STA side, a link in this specification can be further understood as a station operating on a link. In practical applications, the AP multilink device and the STA multilink device may further support more or less frequency bands, and the value of the frequency band is not limited to 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc. In other words, the AP multilink device and the STA multilink device can operate on more or less links. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0066] For example, a multi-link device is a device having a wireless communication function, and the device may be a device, or a chip or processing system installed in the device, etc. A device in which a chip or processing system is installed may implement the method and function of the present embodiment of the present application under the control of the chip or processing system. For example, a multi-link STA in an embodiment of the present application may have a wireless transceiver function, support 802.11 series protocols, and communicate with a multi-link AP, other multi-link STAs, or a single-link device. For example, a multi-link STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and then communicate with a WLAN. For example, a multi-link STA may be a user equipment that can access a network, such as a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a handheld computer, a netbook, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a mobile phone, or may be an Internet of Things node in the Internet of Things, an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles, etc. Alternatively, a multi-link STA may be a chip or processing system in the aforementioned terminal. The multi-link AP in the embodiment of the present application is a device that provides services to the multi-link STA and can support 802.11 series protocols. For example, the multi-link AP can be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, or a network bridge, or the multi-link AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Indeed, the multi-link AP can also be various forms of device chips and processing systems to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the multi-link device can support high-rate and low-latency transmission.With the continuous development of wireless local area network application scenarios, the multi-link device can be further applied to more scenarios, such as serving as a sensor node (e.g., smart water meter, smart electricity meter, or smart air detection node) in a smart city, a smart device (e.g., smart camera, projector, display screen, TV, stereo, refrigerator, or washing machine) in a smart home, a node in the Internet of Things, an entertainment terminal (e.g., AR, VR, or other wearable device), a smart device (e.g., printer, projector) in a smart office, an Internet of Vehicles device in the Internet of Vehicles, or an infrastructure (e.g., vending machine, self-service navigation console, self-checkout device, or self-service food machine) in daily life scenarios. The specific forms of the multi-link STA and the multi-link AP are not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application, and are merely examples for the description herein. The 802.11 series protocols may include 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc.

[0067] 2. Multiple basic service set identifier (BSSID) mode A multiple BSSID (MBSSID) set is a combination of several cooperating or cooperative APs, where all cooperating APs share one operating class, one channel number, and one antenna port. In a multiple BSSID set, there is only one transmitted BSSID AP, and the other APs are nontransmitted BSSID APs. Information about the multiple BSSID set (i.e., the multiple BSSID element) is carried in the beacon frame, discovery response frame, or neighbor report transmitted by the transmitted BSSID AP. Information about the BSSID of the nontransmitted BSSID AP is derived based on the multiple BSSID element in the received beacon frame, discovery response frame, neighbor report, etc., as described above.

[0068] In the multiple BSSID technique, one physical AP may be virtualized into multiple logical APs to form a multiple BSSID set. Each virtualized AP manages one BSS, and different logical APs generally have different SSIDs and permissions, such as security mechanisms or transmission opportunities. In a multiple BSSID set, the BSSID of an AP is configured as a transmitted BSSID, called a transmitted AP, and the BSSID of other APs is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, called a non-transmitted AP. In general, multiple APs in multiple BSSIDs may also be understood as multiple cooperating AP devices obtained by virtualizing one AP device. Only APs whose BSSID is a transmitted BSSID can transmit management frames, such as beacon frames and probe response frames. A beacon frame transmitted by an AP whose BSSID is a transmitted BSSID includes multiple BSSID elements, and an AP whose BSSID is a non-transmitted BSSID cannot transmit a beacon frame. Association identifiers (AID association identifiers) assigned by multiple virtual APs to stations managed by multiple virtual APs share a single space, i.e., AIDs assigned to stations managed by multiple virtual BSSs cannot be the same.

[0069] For simplicity, in the following description, an AP in a BSS identified by a transmitted BSSID in a Multiple BSS set is referred to as a transmitted BSSID AP, and an AP in a BSS identified by a non-transmitted BSSID is referred to as a non-transmitted BSSID AP.

[0070] In one example, as shown in Table 1, the multipleBSSID element includes an element ID, a length, a maximum BSSID indicator, and a sub-element. The maximum BSSID indicator indicates that the maximum number of BSSIDs included in the aforementioned Multiple BSSID set is n, and the optional sub-element includes information about each non-transmitted BSSID. The receiving end may calculate the value of each BSSID in the multiple BSSID set based on the reference BSSID, the maximum BSSID indicator, and the BSSID identifier. Each BSSID includes 48 bits. The value of the most significant (48-n) bits of each BSSID in the multiple BSSID set is the same as the value of the most significant (48-n) bits of the reference BSSID, and the value of the least significant n bits of each BSSID in the multiple BSSID set is obtained by performing a modulo operation with 2n on the sum of the value of the least significant n bits of the reference BSSID and the value of the BSSID identifier x. The reference BSSID (i.e., the Transmitted BSSID) is carried in the BSSID field in the MAC header of the frame (e.g., the beacon frame) that includes the Multiple BSSID element. For specific calculation methods, please refer to the 802.11-2016 standard.

[0071] [Table 1]

[0072] Table 2 may indicate the "optional sub-elements" of Table 1.

[0073] [Table 2]

[0074] In Table 2, the Nontransmitted BSSID profile includes one or more elements of one or more APs or DMG STAs having a Nontransmitted BSSID, and the Nontransmitted BSSID profile includes, but is not limited to, the following elements:

[0075] 1. A Nontransmitted BSSID capability related element and several other elements in the beacon that must be included for each Nontransmitted BSSID.

[0076] 2. SSID element and Multiple BSSID-Index element.

[0077] 3. An FMS Descriptor element that is further included if a Multiple BSSID element is carried within the beacon.

[0078] 4. None of the following elements are present: The Timestamp and Beacon Interval fields, DSSS Parameter Set, IBSS Parameter Set, Country, Channel Switch Announcement, Extended Channel Switch Announcement, Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch, Transmit Power Envelope, Supported Operating Class, IBSS DFS, ERP Information, HT Capabilities, HT Operation, VHT Capabilities, VHT Operation, S1G Beacon Compatibility, Short Beacon Interval, S1G Capabilities, SIG Operation (11ah), etc. These elements typically have the same element values ​​as the AP corresponding to the transmitted BSSID.

[0079] 5. Optional NonInheritance Element: This element is the last element of the Nontransmitted BSSID profile. The non-inheritance element contains the IDs and element ID extensions of a set of elements in the Nontransmitted BSSID that cannot be inherited from the transmitted BSSID. Note that the specific contents of the elements are omitted here. Specifically, as shown in Table 3, the non-inheritance element contains an element ID, a length, an element ID extension, an element ID list, and an element ID extension list. The element ID extension number is present only when the element ID value is 255.

[0080] [Table 3]

[0081] 3. Search Requests and Responses In a single-link scenario, a non-AP STA may initiate an active scan to discover an AP, so that the STA can select a suitable AP with which to associate.

[0082] Specifically, a non-AP STA may send a probe request frame. After receiving the probe request frame, the AP may respond with a probe response frame. The probe response frame carries relevant information of the AP, so that the non-AP STA can probe the AP and obtain various communication parameters of the AP.

[0083] The probe request frame may be broadcast, i.e., after receiving the probe request frame, all APs respond with a probe response frame, or the probe request frame may be unicast, i.e., the probe request frame is sent to a specific AP, and only the specific AP replies with a probe response frame after receiving the probe request frame.

[0084] In a scenario where a non-AP STA supports single-link or non-AP STA MLD and an AP MLD supports single-link, a logical non-AP STA (hereinafter referred to as a non-AP STA) of a non-AP STA or a non-AP STA MLD establishes a multi-link transmission channel with an AP MLD, which can also be implemented by active scanning.

[0085] For devices that support both multilink and MBSSID, there can be an MBSSID set for each link. APs that belong to the same MBSSID set are classified as APs with nontransmitted BSSIDs and APs with transmitted BSSIDs. APs with transmitted BSSIDs in different MBSSID sets are not necessarily placed in the same AP MLD.

[0086] For example, as shown in FIG.

[0087] AP MLD1 includes three logical APs, designated AP11, AP21, and AP31, which operate on link 1, link 2, and link 3, respectively. AP MLD2 includes two logical APs, designated AP12 and AP22, which operate on link 1 and link 2, respectively. AP MLD3 includes two logical APs, designated AP23 and AP33, which operate on link 2 and link 3, respectively.

[0088] AP MLD1 is used as an example. The MAC addresses of AP21 and AP31 are BSSID_11, BSSID_21, and BSSID_31, respectively (pre-802.11ax, the BSSID of the BSS established by the AP is the MAC address of the AP, which may change later. For ease of explanation in this specification, the MAC address of the AP is used as the BSSID of the BSS established by the AP).

[0089] AP11 is a member of Multiple BSSID set 1, which further includes AP12 with a MAC address of BSSID_12 in AP MLD2.

[0090] AP21 is a member of Multiple BSSID set 2, which further includes AP22, whose MAC address in AP MLD2 is BSSID_22, and AP23, whose MAC address in AP MLD3 is BSSID_23.

[0091] AP31 is a member of Multiple BSSID set 3, which further includes AP33, whose MAC address in AP MLD3 is BSSID_33.

[0092] In one configuration scheme, AP11 in MSSID set 1 is configured as a transmitted BSSID and AP12 is configured as a nontransmitted BSSID. In MSSID set 2, AP21 is configured as a transmitted BSSID and AP22 and AP23 are configured as nontransmitted BSSIDs. In MSSID set 3, AP33 is configured as a transmitted BSSID and AP31 is configured as a nontransmitted BSSID. AP33, AP11, and AP21, configured as transmitted BSSIDs, know that they do not belong to the same AP MLD.

[0093] This embodiment of the present application further relates to a co-located AP MLD or a co-located AP, which means that a virtual AP belonging to the same physical AP forms a co-located AP, or a virtual AP MLD forms a co-located AP MLD.

[0094] For example, AP11 and AP23 do not belong to the same MBSSID set, but AP11 and AP23 physically belong to the same physical AP. AP11 and AP23 are considered to be co-located, and AP MLD1 where AP11 is located and AP MLD3 where AP23 is located are co-located. As shown in the figure, all APs, or AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3 may be co-located.

[0095] In this embodiment of the present application, a discovery and response mechanism between non-AP STAs and one or more AP MLDs is proposed. The logical APs in the multiple AP MLDs may belong to the same MSSID or different MSSIDs.

[0096] In the first case, when a non-AP STA wants to obtain communication parameters of an AP MLD in which an AP with a nontransmitted BSSID is located, the non-AP STA may send a probe request frame to an AP with a nontransmitted BSSID in the MBSSID set, in which the AP with a transmitted BSSID in the MBSSID set must reply with a probe response frame.

[0097] In other words, when a non-transmitted BSSID AP in the MBSSID set receives a probe request frame from a non-AP STA or a non-AP STA MLD, the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP can be sent back to the non-AP STA or the non-AP STA MLD using the transmitted BSSID AP. The non-transmitted BSSID AP and the transmitted BSSID AP can belong to different AP MLDs.

[0098] In the second case, if a non-AP STA wants to search multiple AP MLDs at once, the non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD can send a search request frame to the AP of the transmitted BSSID to request the AP of the transmitted BSSID to reply with the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP. The AP of the non-transmitted BSSID and the AP of the transmitted BSSID can belong to different AP MLDs. If there are multiple APs of the non-transmitted BSSID, the APs of the multiple non-transmitted BSSIDs can also belong to different AP MLDs.

[0099] In other words, when a transmitted BSSID AP receives a probe request frame from a non-AP STA or a non-AP STA MLD, the transmitted BSSID AP may reply with the communication parameters of the other non-transmitted BSSID APs in the multiple BSSID set together with or separately using a probe response frame to the non-AP STA. Alternatively, the transmitted BSSID AP may reply with the communication parameters of the other non-transmitted BSSID APs in the multiple BSSID set and the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the other APs are located together with or separately using a probe response frame to the non-AP STA, where the other APs are collocated with the transmitted BSSID AP.

[0100] In the above two cases, the non-AP STA may carry indication information in the probe request frame to indicate the communication parameters that the non-AP STA expects to receive from the AP MLD, or may request the AP MLD to reply with all communication parameters by default.

[0101] 4. AP MLD communication parameters In this embodiment, the communication parameters of the AP MLD are information used by non-AP STAs or non-AP STA MLDs to subsequently associate with the AP MLD, or information used to establish multi-link communication. The communication parameters of the AP MLD in this embodiment of the present application may be communication parameters corresponding to all links supported by the AP MLD, or may be communication parameters corresponding to some links supported by the AP MLD.

[0102] In this embodiment, the communication parameters of the AP MLD are also called the association parameters of the AP MLD or the complete information of the AP MLD, and refer to the complete information of multiple links included in the MLD. For each link, the complete information of the link is information that should be carried only when a probe response frame is sent on the link.

[0103] Specifically, the communication parameters may include capability information elements, operation information elements, and other information elements, such as enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter set, high high throughput capabilities (HT capabilities), HT operation, very high throughput capabilities (VHT capabilities), VHT operation, high efficiency capabilities (HE capabilities), high efficiency operation (HE operation), extremely high throughput (EHT capabilities), and EHT operation.

[0104] If the frequency band in which the link is located is 6 GHz, the communications parameters may not include high high throughput capabilities (HT capabilities), HT operation, very high throughput capabilities (VHT capabilities), or VHT operation.

[0105] Optionally, the communication parameters include: Elements such as timestamp and Beacon frame interval fields, DSSS parameter set, IBSS parameter set, Country, channel switch announcement, extended channel switch announcement, wide bandwidth channel switch, transmit power envelope, supported operating classes, IBSS DFS, ERP information, S1G beacon compatibility, short beacon interval, S1G capabilities, and S1G operation (11ah). Further includes:

[0106] In an optional embodiment, for the communication parameters of MLD carried in the probe response frame, only the communication parameters of the links supported by non-AP MLD may be carried, and for the links not supported by non-AP MLD, the corresponding communication parameters may not be carried. Non-AP can pre-negotiate with AP MLD for the supported and unsupported links.

[0107] By default, the probe response frame must carry communication parameters for all links supported by the AP MLD. Indeed, in some implementations, the probe response frame may carry communication parameters for only some links supported by the AP MLD.

[0108] In this embodiment of the present application, the communication parameters of the link of the AP MLD may also be referred to as the communication parameters of the AP corresponding to the link.

[0109] The following describes the implementation process of the present application in detail using embodiments.

[0110] EMBODIMENT 1 Figure 5 shows a search method based on multi-link device and MBSSID according to an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied between stations, between access points and stations, and between access points. For ease of explanation, this embodiment of the present application uses the communication between an access point and a station as an example. There are multiple links between an access point and a station.

[0111] First, a scenario of this embodiment is described. In the scenario, multiple AP MLDs are included, for example, a first AP MLD and a second AP MLD. The logical AP of the first AP MLD is the first AP and is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID. The logical AP of the second AP MLD is called the second AP and is configured as a transmitted BSSID. The first AP and the second AP may operate on the same link and belong to the same MBSSID set. In this scenario, a non-AP STA (which may be a single-link non-AP STA or a logical non-AP STA in the non-AP STA MLD, and is not limited in this application) obtains communication parameters of the first AP MLD using the non-transmitted BSSID AP to establish a multilink channel with the first AP MLD. In addition, multiple APs or multiple AP MLDs in this scenario may be collocated.

[0112] The communication parameters of AP MLD have been described in detail in the fourth point above, and the details will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0113] The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0114] Step S101: A non-AP STA transmits a probe request frame to a first AP via a first link among a plurality of links between the non-AP STA and a first AP MLD.

[0115] In the explicit indication scheme, the probe request frame carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to request communication parameters of the first AP MLD.

[0116] In the implicit indication manner, the probe request frame does not carry the first indication information, in other words, the communication parameters of the first AP MLD are requested by default in the implicit indication manner.

[0117] Since the first AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, i.e., the first AP is a non-transmitted BSSID AP, the first AP cannot directly reply to the non-AP STA with a probe request response frame. Therefore, the second AP configured as a transmitted BSSID and belonging to the same MBSSID set can help the first AP to respond to the probe request frame.

[0118] Step S102: The second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame, and the probe response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP MLD. Specifically, in the case of the above-mentioned explicit indication method or implicit indication method, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame, and the probe response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP MLD.

[0119] During the implementation of this embodiment of the present application, when a non-AP STA wants to request communication parameters of AP MLD, the non-AP STA can send a probe request frame to the logical AP of AP MLD. Even if the logical AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, other transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MSSID set can respond to the probe request frame and reply with communication parameters of AP MLD. This can solve the technical problem in the prior art that communication parameters of AP MLD on other links cannot be obtained by sending a probe request frame.

[0120] For example, in FIG. 4, the non-AP STA wants to know the communication parameters of the AP MLD2 to establish a multi-link communication connection with the AP MLD2. Specifically, the non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters corresponding to the link 1 and the communication parameters corresponding to the link 2 of the AP MLD2. The non-AP STA sends a probe request frame to the AP12, and the probe request frame requests the AP12 to reply with the communication parameters of the AP MLD2 in which the AP12 is located by default. Alternatively, the first instruction information is carried in the probe request frame, and the first instruction information instructs the AP12 to reply with the communication parameters of the AP MLD2 in which the AP12 is located.

[0121] Because the BSSID of AP12 is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, AP12 cannot reply directly to non-AP STAs. Therefore, AP12 responds to the probe request frame using AP11, which belongs to the same MSSID set 1 as AP12. (The BSSID of AP11 is configured as a transmitted BSSID.)

[0122] In the probe response frame returned to the non-AP STA, the AP 11 carries communication parameters of the multiple links supported by the AP MLD2. Here, the multiple links supported by the AP MLD2 may be all the links supported by the AP MLD2, for example, the link 1 and the link 2, or may be a part of the links supported by the AP MLD2.

[0123] EMBODIMENT 2 Figure 6 shows a search method based on multi-link device and MBSSID according to an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied between stations, between access points and stations, and between access points. For ease of explanation, this embodiment of the present application uses the communication between an access point and a station as an example. There are multiple links between an access point and a station.

[0124] First, the implementation scenario of this embodiment is similar to that of embodiment 1, and the details are not described again here. The difference with embodiment 1 is that in embodiment 2, non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of one or more AP MLDs using transmitted BSSID AP, so as to separately establish multilink channels with one or more MLDs.

[0125] For the communication parameters of AP MLD in embodiment 2, please refer to the above fourth point. Details will not be described again in this embodiment.

[0126] The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0127] Step S201: A non-AP STA sends a probe request frame to a second AP through a first link among a plurality of links between the non-AP STA and a first AP MLD. The probe request frame is used to request the second AP to carry communication parameters of the MLD in a probe response frame.

[0128] Since the second AP is configured as a transmitted BSSID, ie, the second AP is a transmitted BSSID AP, the second AP may directly reply to the non-AP STA with a probe request response frame.

[0129] In the implicit indication mode, the default function of the search request frame may be as follows.

[0130] (1) The default function of the probe request frame is to request communication parameters of the target of receiving the probe request frame, i.e., communication parameters of the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located. By default, the second AP considers that the probe request frame is used to request communication parameters of the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located.

[0131] (2) A second default function of the probe request frame is that the probe request frame is used to request communication parameters of an MLD other than the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located.

[0132] (3) A third default function of the probe request frame is that the probe request frame is used to request communication parameters of the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located and communication parameters of other MLDs.

[0133] Which of the above three functions is used by default by the probe request frame may be agreed upon in the protocol or between the non-AP STA and the requested AP.

[0134] In another explicit indication scheme, the probe request frame may further carry second indication information, which is used to request communication parameters on multiple links included in the MLD corresponding to the second indication information, i.e., to request the second AP to carry the communication parameters of multiple links included in the MLD in the probe request response frame returned to the non-AP STA. Similar to the above-mentioned implicit indication scheme, when the second indication information can be used to request communication parameters of the AP MLD, the following three cases are also included: The communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located are requested; Communication parameters of other AP MLDs than the AP MLD in which the second AP is located are requested; and The communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located and the communication parameters of the other AP MLDs are requested.

[0135] It should be noted that the "other AP MLD" included in the above-mentioned implicit and / or explicit indication scheme refers to an AP MLD other than the AP MLD in which the AP is located, or an AP MLD other than the MLD in which the local AP is located, for example, an AP MLD in which other APs belonging to the same MBSSID as the second AP are located, and / or an AP MLD in which other APs sharing the same address as the second AP are located.

[0136] In one embodiment, the "other MLDs" may be the AP MLD in which the second AP is located and other AP MLDs in the same MBSSID set to which the second AP belongs.

[0137] In one embodiment, the "other MLDs" may be AP MLDs collocated with the second AP, other than the AP MLD in which the second AP is located.

[0138] In one embodiment, the "other MLD" may be other AP MLDs, excluding the AP MLD in which the second AP is located, the AP MLD in which other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and the AP MLD collocated with the second AP.

[0139] The second indication information requests communication parameters of other AP MLDs. The second indication information may be set to 1 bit to indicate that communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located and the other AP MLDs are requested. The second indication information may be expressed as a field "all MLD required".

[0140] The "other MLD" here may be an MLD in which other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, or it may be an AP MLD in which other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0141] The second indication information may be set to 1 bit to indicate that the communication parameters of the other AP MLD are requested. The second indication information may be expressed as a field "other MLD required."

[0142] In another embodiment, the "other MLD" may be an MLD in which other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set configured as the second AP are located. The second indication information may be set to 1 bit to indicate that communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the non-transmitted BSSID APs are located are requested. The second indication information may be expressed as a field "all nontransmitted MLD required".

[0143] In yet another embodiment, the "other MLDs" may be one or more specific MLDs. In this case, the second indication information is carried in a probe request frame, and the second indication information indicates an identifier (ID) or an MLD address of one or more MLDs. Here, the MLD identifier may be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index.

[0144] Note that the MLD MAC Address represents the MAC SAP address of the MLD, which is typically 48 bits. The length of the MLD ID is short, less than 48 bits, e.g., 8 bits or 4 bits. The BSSID-index represents the sequence number of the virtual AP in the MBSSID set in which the second AP is located.

[0145] In yet another embodiment, the non-AP STA may set the second indication information carried in the probe request frame to a different value to request communication parameters of a different AP MLD.

[0146] For example, the second indication information is set to a first value to indicate that only the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located are requested. For example, the second AP is AP21, and the AP MLD in which the AP21 is located is AP MLD1.

[0147] In another example, the second indication information is set to a second value, and the second value indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located and the AP MLD in which the non-transmitted BSSID AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located are requested. For example, the second AP is AP21, and AP21, AP22, and AP23 belong to the same MBSSID set 2, and AP22 and AP23 are configured as nontransmitted BSSID. Therefore, the second value represents that the communication parameters of the AP MLD1 in which AP21 is located, the AP MLD2 in which AP 22 is located, and the AP MLD3 in which AP23 is located are requested.

[0148] In another example, the second indication information is set to a third value, and the third value indicates to request communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located, and communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the non-transmitted BSSID AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP is located, and / or to request communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the AP collocated with the second AP is located. For example, the second AP is AP21, and all the AP MLDs are AP MLDs in which the AP21, and the AP22 and AP23 belonging to the same MBSSID set 2 as the AP21 are located, respectively, that is, AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located, AP MLD2 in which the AP22 is located, and AP MLD3 in which the AP23 is located. All the AP MLDs further include an AP MLD (not shown) in which the AP (not shown) that does not belong to the same MBSSID set as the AP21 and is collocated with the AP21 is located.

[0149] The second indication information may alternatively be set to another value to indicate the status of the AP MLD requested communication parameter.

[0150] Step S202: The second AP replies with a probe response frame to the non-AP STA, where the probe response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0151] In the above-mentioned implicit indication method, when the second AP receives a probe request frame, that is, when the function of the probe request frame is one of the above-mentioned three default functions, the second AP will reply to the probe response frame based on the protocol agreement or the agreement with the non-AP STA. The details are as follows:

[0152] (1) In the case of the first default function, the second AP may reply to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame to carry communication parameters of the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located.

[0153] (2) In the case of the second default function, the second AP may reply to the non-AP STA by default with a probe response frame to carry communication parameters of an MLD other than the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located.

[0154] (3) The second AP may reply with a probe response frame by default to the non-AP STA to carry communication parameters of the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located and communication parameters of other MLDs.

[0155] In the aforementioned explicit indication scheme, upon receiving a probe request frame carrying second indication information, the second AP replies with a corresponding probe response frame based on the indication of the second indication information.

[0156] Specifically, the second AP receives the second instruction information, parses the MLD identifier carried in the second instruction information, and returns communication parameters corresponding to the MLD identifier to the non-AP STA in a discovery response frame.

[0157] In one embodiment, for the communication parameters of the MLD of all other APs requested using the second indication information, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA in a probe response frame, where the probe response frame carries the communication parameters of the MLD of all other APs.

[0158] In another embodiment, if the second instruction information requests communication parameters of the MLD in which the other non-transmitted BSSID AP is located, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA in a probe response frame, where the probe response frame carries the communication parameters of the MLD in which the other non-transmitted BSSID AP is located.

[0159] In yet another embodiment, if the second instruction information requests one or more specific MLDs, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA in a probe response frame, where the probe response frame carries communication parameters of the MLDs corresponding to the MLD identifiers indicated by the second instruction information.

[0160] In yet another embodiment, the second instruction information may also be set to a different value to instruct the second AP to reply to the non-AP STA in a probe response frame when communication parameters of a different AP MLD are requested, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the MLD requested by the second instruction information.

[0161] For example, when the second indication information is set to a first value, the second AP uses the probe response frame to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located. For example, the second AP is AP21, and AP21 feeds back the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the AP21 is located, that is, AP MLD1.

[0162] As another example, when the second indication information is set to a second value, the second AP uses the search response frame to feed back the AP MLD in which the second AP is located and the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the non-transmitted BSSID AP belonging to the same MBSSID as the second AP is located. For example, the second AP is AP21, and AP21, AP22, and AP23 belong to the same MBSSID set 2, and AP22 and AP23 are configured as nontransmitted BSSID. Therefore, AP21 feeds back the communication parameters of AP MLD1 in which AP21 is located, AP MLD2 in which AP22 is located, and AP MLD3 in which AP23 is located.

[0163] In another example, the second indication information is set to a third value, and the second AP uses the search response frame to feed back the communication parameters of all AP MLDs. For example, the second AP is AP21, and all AP MLDs are AP MLDs in which AP21, AP22, and AP23, which belong to the same MBSSID set 2 as AP21, are located. That is, AP21 feeds back the communication parameters of AP MLD1 in which AP23 is located, AP MLD2 in which AP22 is located, and AP MLD3 in which AP23 is located.

[0164] During the implementation of this embodiment of the present application, when a non-AP STA wants to request communication parameters of AP MLD, the non-AP STA may send a probe request frame to an AP configured as a transmitted BSSID AP. The transmitted BSSID AP may return communication parameters of MLD where other APs belonging to the same MSSID set are located and / or communication parameters of MLD where other APs co-located with the transmitted BSSID AP are located. Thus, the technical problem in the prior art that MLD communication parameters of other APs cannot be obtained by sending a probe request frame is solved.

[0165] Similarly, in FIG. 4, for example, a non-AP STA desires to know communication parameters of one or more AP MLDs to establish a multi-link communication connection. For example, AP21 in MSSID set 2 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, and AP22 and AP23 are configured as nontransmitted BSSIDs.

[0166] In the first case, when a non-AP STA wants to obtain communication parameters of the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located, the non-AP STA transmits a probe request frame to the AP21, and the probe request frame is used to request communication parameters of the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located by default, or carries second indication information indicating that the communication parameters of the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located are requested. Since the BSSID of the AP21 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, the AP21 may directly reply with a probe response frame and carry the communication parameters of the AP MLD1 in the probe response frame. Specifically, the communication parameters of the AP MLD1 may be the communication parameters of the link 1, link 2, and link 3 supported by the AP MLD1, or may be the communication parameters of all or some of the links supported by the non-AP STA.

[0167] In the second case, the non-AP STA attempts to obtain communication parameters of an AP MLD other than the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located, for example, the communication parameters of the AP MLD2 and / or the AP MLD3. The non-AP STA transmits a probe request frame to the AP21, and the probe request frame is used to request communication parameters of an MLD other than the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located by default, or carries second indication information to instruct the AP21 to request communication parameters of an MLD other than the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located. Since the BSSID of the AP21 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, the AP21 may directly reply with a probe response frame and carry communication parameters of an MLD other than the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located in the probe response frame. For example, the MLD identifiers indicated by the second indication information are the AP MLD2 and the AP MLD3. Alternatively, if the second indication information is "all MLD required", the AP21 carries communication parameters of the AP MLD2 and the AP MLD3 in the probe request response frame. In another example, if the second indication information is "all non-transmitted MLD required", the AP21 carries communication parameters of AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 in the probe request response frame. In another example, if the MLD identifier indicated by the second indication information is AP MLD2, the AP21 carries communication parameters of AP MLD2 in the probe request response frame.

[0168] In the third case, the non-AP STA attempts to obtain communication parameters of the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located, and the other AP MLDs, for example, attempt to obtain communication parameters of all or some of the MLDs, such as AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3. The non-AP STA transmits a probe request frame to the AP21, and the probe request frame is used to request communication parameters of the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located and other MLDs by default, or carries second indication information to indicate that the AP21 requests communication parameters of the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located and other MLDs. Since the BSSID of the AP21 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, the AP21 may directly reply with a probe response frame, and in the probe response frame, carry the communication parameters of the AP MLD1 in which the AP21 is located and other MLDs. Specifically, similar to the above description, the AP21 may carry the communication parameters of the AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and / or AP MLD3 in the probe response frame based on the indication of the second indication information.

[0169] The AP 21 conveys communication parameters of multiple links supported by one or multiple AP MLDs in a probe response frame returned to the non-AP STA.

[0170] EMBODIMENT 3 This embodiment of the present application further describes some elements in a probe request frame that are used to implement an AP MLD probe request. The elements may carry first indication information in embodiment 1, and may carry second indication information in embodiment 2. Embodiment 3 further describes elements in a probe response frame that are used to carry communication parameters of AP MLD.

[0171] The probe request frame in this embodiment includes the following types of fields:

[0172] [Table 4]

[0173] In the explicit indication scheme in the above embodiment, the first indication information and the second indication information may be implemented in various forms. For example, the first indication information and the second indication information may be carried in the probe request frame as separate elements, such as a multi-link element and a requested MLD element. Alternatively, a known MLD element may be carried in the probe request frame in the form of an MLD address, an MLD identifier, or a BSSID index bitmap for indication. This will be described in detail below.

[0174] (1) First, a specific implementation of the signaling structure of the multi-link element is described. The multi-link element can be used in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 and embodiment 2.

[0175] According to the flexible signaling structure provided in this embodiment, a probe request frame transmitted by a non-AP STA carries a multi-link element to request communication parameters of an AP MLD. Alternatively, one or more multi-link elements are carried in a probe request frame transmitted by a non-AP STA to request communication parameters of multiple AP MLDs. Specifically, one indication information may be carried in one multi-link element to request communication parameters of multiple AP MLDs, or multiple indication information may be carried in multiple multi-link elements to request communication parameters of multiple AP MLDs, respectively. In other embodiments, one multi-link element (not carrying indication information) may be used to request communication parameters of multiple AP MLDs, and multiple multi-link elements (not carrying indication information) may be used to request communication parameters of multiple AP MLDs.

[0176] 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link element. The multi-link element includes an element identifier, a length, an element identifier extension field, a common control field, an MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The common control field includes a virtual MLD field and a special MLD field. Optionally, the common control field further includes an MLD address present field. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field. Optionally, the common control field further includes an authentication algorithm present field to indicate whether there is an authentication algorithm field in the MLD common information field.

[0177] 7b is a schematic diagram of the structure of another multi-link element. The multi-link element includes an element identifier, a length, an element identifier extension field, a common control field, an MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The common control field includes an MLD type indication. Optionally, the MLD common control field further includes an MLD address present field. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field. Optionally, the common control field further includes an authentication algorithm present field to indicate whether there is an authentication algorithm field in the MLD common information field.

[0178] 7c is a schematic diagram of the structure of yet another multi-link element. The multi-link element includes an element identifier, a length, an element identifier extension field, a common control field, an MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The common control field includes an MLD address present field. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field. Optionally, the common control field further includes an authentication algorithm present field to indicate whether there is an authentication algorithm field in the MLD common information field.

[0179] 7d is a schematic diagram of the structure of yet another multi-link element. The multi-link element includes an element identifier, a length, an element identifier extension field, a common control field, an MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field.

[0180] Each of the above four possible structures of the multi-link element includes one or more optional subelements, where one optional subelement describes information about one AP in the AP MLD. The optional subelements may be referred to as link profile elements or link profile subelements, which carry communication parameters of the AP. Alternatively, the link profile subelements or link profile elements carry communication parameters of the link.

[0181] In this embodiment of the present application, the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the probe request frame indicates the communication parameters of the AP or the link for which the AP MLD is requested, and the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the probe response frame is used to carry the AP MLD or the communication parameters of the AP of the link.

[0182] If the multi-link element does not carry a link profile subelement or a link profile element, then by default it indicates that communication parameters of all APs or all links in the entire AP MLD are requested or responded to.

[0183] It should be understood that the above four structures of the multi-link element are merely examples. Fields or sub-fields in the multi-link element may be deleted or added, and the name of the multi-link element may be other synonymous names. In the standard formulation or technology development process, other structures may further exist. This is not limited in this application.

[0184] As shown in Figure 8, the content of each optional sub-element includes a link identifier of an AP. Optionally, each optional sub-element further includes an AP-related field, such as an SSID field, a timestamp field, a beacon interval field, and an AP element. The AP element is, for example, a BSS load element, an EHT capability element, or an EHT operation element.

[0185] In embodiment 1, an explicit indication method is used. When a non-AP STA wants to request communication parameters of the first AP MLD, the non-AP STA may transmit a probe request frame to a logical AP of the first AP MLD, where the logical AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID. The non-AP STA may carry first indication information in the probe request frame, and the first indication information is used to request communication parameters of the first AP MLD. The first indication information may be a "MLD complete info required in probe response" field.

[0186] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 9a, the multi-link element includes fields such as element ID, length, element ID extension, control, and MLD common info, and a link profile subelement. The multi-link device common info fields include a "MLD complete info required in probe response" field. It should be noted that the field names herein are only examples and other names may be used during standard formulations or product implementations.

[0187] "MLD complete info required in probe response" may be indicated using one bit, e.g., 1 indicates that a request has been made and 0 indicates that a request has not been made.

[0188] In this embodiment, an example in which the field may be carried in the MLD common information field of the multi-link element is used for illustration. In other implementations, the field may alternatively be carried in other fields, such as the control field. Details will not be described here.

[0189] In addition, in other implementations, the MLD complete info required in probe response field may be further carried in any of the multi-link elements shown in 7a to 7d. The function of the multi-link element is similar to that of 9a, and the details are not described again here.

[0190] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9b, the multi-link element includes fields such as element ID, length, element ID extension, control, and MLD common info, and a link profile subelement. The multi-link device common info field includes an "MLD address or MLD identifier" field. It should be noted that the field names in this specification are only examples and other names may be used during standard formulation or product implementation.

[0191] The "MLD address or MLD identifier" indicates the AP MLD requested by the non-AP STA, and the link profile subelement indicates the link of the requested AP MLD. The AP responsible for responding to the probe request frame replies to the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address or MLD identifier" and with the communication parameters of the link corresponding to the link profile subelement.

[0192] In the second embodiment, an explicit instruction method is used.

[0193] In one case, when a non-AP STA requests only the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located, the probe request frame carries the second indication information, and the second indication information may be carried in the multi-link element shown in Figures 7a to 7c. Specifically, the MLD address in the multi-link element may be set to the address of the AP MLD where the second AP is located, and the second indication information indicates to request the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located.

[0194] In yet other cases, the non-AP STA requests communication parameters of an AP MLD other than the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located, and the search request frame may carry second indication information, specifically a multi-link element.

[0195] The multi-link element may be shown in FIG. 9c. The "other MLD required" field included in the multi-link element indicates whether to request communication parameters of other MLDs other than the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located. The second AP that receives the probe request frame feeds back communication parameters of AP MLDs other than the AP MLD in which the second AP is located to the non-AP MLD by default. In this way, the other AP MLD includes the AP MLD in which other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and / or the AP MLD in which other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0196] In the "other MLD required" field, one bit may be used to indicate whether a request was made, e.g., 1 indicates that a request was made and 0 indicates that a request was not made.

[0197] Alternatively, the multi-link element may be shown in FIG. 9d. The "all non-transmitted MLD required" field included in the multi-link element indicates that, by default, communication parameters of AP MLDs in which other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBBID set as the second AP are located are requested in addition to the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located. The second AP that receives the search request frame feeds back, by default, communication parameters of non-transmitted BSSID AP MLDs other than the AP MLD in which the second AP is located to the non-AP MLD. In the "all non-transmitted MLD required" field, 1 bit may be used to indicate whether a request has been made. For example, 1 indicates that a request has been made, and 0 indicates that a request has not been made.

[0198] In still another case, the non-AP STA requests communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and other AP MLDs. The probe request frame may carry second indication information, specifically a multi-link element. The multi-link element may be shown in FIG. 9e. The "all MLD required" field included in the multi-link element indicates that the communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and other AP MLDs are requested by default. The second AP that receives the probe request frame feeds back the communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and other AP MLDs to the non-AP MLD by default.

[0199] In one scheme, the "all MLD required" request includes communication parameters between the second AP and the AP MLD where other non-transmitted BSSID APs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located.

[0200] In another scheme, the "all MLD required" request includes communication parameters between the second AP and the AP MLD where the other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0201] In yet another scheme, the "all MLD required" request includes AP MLDs where the second AP and other non-transmitted BSSID APs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and AP MLDs where other APs that are co-located with the second AP are located.

[0202] Similarly, "all MLD required" may be indicated using one bit, eg, 1 indicates that a request has been made and 0 indicates that a request has not been made.

[0203] When a non-AP STA requests communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and communication parameters of other MLDs, the "other MLD required" field shown in Fig. 9c can be further used, and this is realized by setting the MLD address or MLD identifier in the multi-link element of the probe request frame to the address or identifier of the second AP.

[0204] The above uses a specific field to indicate the requested AP MLD, and the multi-link element may carry an MLD address or MLD identifier, where the MLD address or MLD identifier indicates the address of the MLD in which the second AP that received the probe request frame is located.

[0205] In other cases, the non-AP STA attempts to obtain communication parameters of one or more specific AP MLDs using a probe request frame. In this embodiment, the one or more AP MLDs may be the AP MLD in which the second AP is located, or one or more AP MLDs in which other APs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, or one or more AP MLDs in which other APs that are co-located with the second AP are located.

[0206] In one embodiment, the second indication information is an MLD identifier or an MLD address, and the MLD identifier or the MLD address indicates one or more MLDs, where the MLD identifier or the MLD address may specifically be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index.

[0207] For example, the MLD identifier or MLD address is carried in the probe request frame (in this case, the multi-link element does not need to be carried).

[0208] In another example, the MLD identifier or MLD address is carried in a multi-link element in the probe request frame.

[0209] In the above two schemes, the non-AP STA's desire to use a probe request frame to obtain communication parameters of an AP MLD can be implemented by using a probe request frame or a multi-link element in the probe request frame. Specifically, the MLD address or MLD identifier in the probe request frame or the multi-link element in the probe request frame is set to the address or identifier of the AP MLD that the probe request frame needs to request.

[0210] A non-AP STA may wish to obtain communication parameters of multiple AP MLDs using a probe request frame by carrying multiple MLD addresses or identifiers in the probe request frame, or by carrying multiple MLD addresses or identifiers in one multi-link element in the probe request frame, or by carrying multiple MLD addresses or identifiers in multiple multi-link elements, respectively, in the probe request frame.

[0211] In another embodiment, the second indication information is a BSSID index bitmap, and each bit of the BSSID index bitmap corresponds to one AP MLD. The corresponding bit is set to 0 or 1 to indicate whether to request communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the corresponding bit.

[0212] For example, the BSSID index bitmap may be carried in the probe request frame (in this case, the multi-link element does not need to be carried).

[0213] In yet another example, the BSSID index bitmap is carried in a multi-link element in the probe request frame.

[0214] In the above two examples, the non-AP STA's desire to use a probe request frame to obtain communication parameters of the AP MLD may be implemented using the probe request frame or the multi-link element in the probe request frame. Specifically, the corresponding bit in the BSSID index bitmap in the probe request frame or the multi-link element in the probe request frame is set to 1 to indicate the AP MLD to be requested.

[0215] (2) The following describes a specific implementation of the signaling structure of the requested MLD element. The requested MLD element can be used in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 and embodiment 2.

[0216] In this embodiment, one or more requested MLD elements are carried in a probe request frame sent by a non-AP STA to request communication parameters of an AP MLD.

[0217] As shown in Fig. 11a, the requested MLD element includes fields such as "element ID", "length", "element ID extension", "common information", "request MLD configuration", etc. The "common information" field includes a "request type" subfield.

[0218] In one embodiment, the "request MLD config" indicates the requested communication parameters of a different AP MLD, in which case the "request type field" may alternatively not be present.

[0219] Specifically, the "requested MLD configuration" includes an "MLD address" field. The "MLD address" indicates the requested address of the AP MLD. The "MLD address" may correspond to an "MLD identifier." The MLD identifier indicates one or more MLDs. Here, the "MLD address" and the "MLD identifier" may be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index.

[0220] In other embodiments, the "request type field" indicates the requested communication parameters of a different AP MLD, in which case the "MLD configuration request" field is not required or the number of "MLD configuration request" fields is zero.

[0221] Specifically, the "request type" in the requested MLD element may be set to different values ​​to indicate that different AP MLD communication parameters are requested. Using the first indication information of embodiment 1 as an example, the request type may be set to 1 bit.

[0222] Scheme 1: The value of 1 bit is 1, which indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the first AP is located are requested, and 0 indicates that only the communication parameters of the first AP are requested.

[0223] Using the second indication information of embodiment 2 as an example, the request type may be set to 1 bit or multiple bits.

[0224] (1) When the request type is indicated by 1 bit:

[0225] Scheme 1: When the value of 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located are requested, and when the value of 1 bit is 0, it indicates that only the communication parameters of the second AP are requested.

[0226] Scheme 2: When the value of 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located and the communication parameters of other AP MLDs in which other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located are requested, and 0 indicates that only the communication parameters of the second AP are requested.

[0227] Scheme 3: When the value of 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located and the communication parameters of the other AP MLD are requested, and 0 indicates that only the communication parameters of the second AP are requested. Here, the "other AP MLD" includes the AP MLD in which other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and / or the AP MLD in which other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0228] Scheme 4: When the value of 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the AP MLD in which the second AP is located is requested, and 0 indicates that the communication parameters of other AP MLDs in the same MBSSID set as the second AP (excluding the AP MLD in which the second AP is located) are requested.

[0229] Scheme 5: When the value of 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the AP MLD where the second AP is located is requested, and 0 indicates that the communication parameters of the other AP MLD are requested. Here, the "other AP MLD" includes the AP MLD where the other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and the AP MLD where the other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0230] Scheme 6: When the value of 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the AP MLD in which the second AP is located is requested, and 0 indicates that the communication parameters of the other AP MLD are requested. Here, the "other AP MLD" includes the AP MLD in which the other AP co-located with the second AP is located.

[0231] The above are merely examples. Alternatively, in the case of an instruction using 1 bit, the above variations or combinations may be used.

[0232] (2) When the request type is indicated using multiple bits, for example 3 bits, the request type can have a total of eight values.

[0233] The first value indicates that only the communication parameters of the second AP are requested.

[0234] The second value indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located are requested.

[0235] The third value indicates communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the second AP is located and communication parameters of other AP MLDs in which other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located.

[0236] The fourth value indicates that communication parameters of another AP MLD in which another AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP is located are requested in addition to the AP MLD in which the second AP is located.

[0237] The fifth value indicates that communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located and communication parameters of other AP MLDs are requested, where the "other AP MLD" includes the AP MLD in which the other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0238] The sixth value indicates that communication parameters of other AP MLDs other than the AP MLD in which the second AP is located are requested, where "other AP MLDs" include AP MLDs in which other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0239] The seventh value indicates that communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located and communication parameters of other AP MLDs are requested, where "other AP MLDs" include AP MLDs in which other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located and AP MLDs in which other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0240] The eighth value indicates that communication parameters of other AP MLDs other than the AP MLD in which the second AP is located are requested, where "other AP MLDs" include AP MLDs in which other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and AP MLDs in which other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0241] Indeed, the first value and the eighth value may use only a part of the parameter, or 2 bits are used to indicate a part of the parameter.

[0242] In this embodiment, the example of the request type field being carried in the common information field of the requested MLD element is used for explanation. In other implementations, the request type field may be further carried in other fields, such as the control field. Details are not described here.

[0243] 11a is merely an example. In a standard formulation or technology evolution process, the name of the requested MLD element or the fields included in the requested MLD element may be alternatively implemented in other ways. This embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0244] 11b is a schematic diagram of another structure of the request MLD element. The structure of the request MLD element is similar to the structure of the request MLD element provided in FIG. 11a, with the following differences:

[0245] Specifically, the "request MLD configuration" includes a "BSSID index bitmap" field. Each bit in the bitmap corresponds to one AP MLD, and the bit is set to 0 or 1 to indicate whether to request the corresponding AP MLD. For example, the bit is set to 1 to indicate to request the AP to feed back communication parameters that are of the AP MLD and correspond to the bit. In one embodiment, the "request MLD configuration" indicates requested communication parameters of a different AP MLD. In this case, the "request type field" may alternatively not be present.

[0246] It should be understood that this embodiment of the present application does not exclude the “request MLD configuration” and “request type fields” of the above two request MLD elements being combined to indicate communication parameters of different AP MLDs.

[0247] The request MLD element in Figures 11a and 11b may further carry a link profile subelement field or a link profile element field.

[0248] The link profile subelement or the link profile element carries communication parameters of the AP, or the link profile subelement or the link profile element carries communication parameters of the link.

[0249] In this embodiment of the present application, the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the probe request frame indicates the communication parameters of the AP or the link for which the AP MLD is requested, and the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the probe response frame is used to carry the AP MLD or the communication parameters of the AP of the link.

[0250] If the request MLD element does not carry a link profile subelement or a link profile element, then by default it indicates that communication parameters for all APs or all links in the entire AP MLD are requested or responded to.

[0251] Alternatively, if the request MLD element carries a requested link indicated by a "link profile subelement", a field may be used to indicate whether to request all links or one link in the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address or MLD identifier". The field may be 1 bit. For example, if the 1 bit is set to 1, it indicates that all links in the corresponding AP MLD are known. If the 1 bit is set to 0, it indicates that the link is known. The link may be agreed upon according to the protocol.

[0252] 11b is merely an example. In a standard formulation or technology evolution process, the name of the requested MLD element or the fields included in the requested MLD element may be alternatively implemented in other ways. This embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0253] (3) The following describes a specific implementation of the signaling structure of the known MLD element. The known MLD element can be used in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 and embodiment 2.

[0254] In this embodiment, to request communication parameters of the AP MLD, one or more known MLD elements are carried in a probe request frame transmitted by a non-AP STA.

[0255] Figure 12a shows the structure of a known MLD element. A known MLD element includes fields such as "element ID", "length", "element ID extension", "common information", and "known MLD configuration", and the "common information" field optionally further includes a "request type" subfield. The "known MLD configuration" subfield may or may not be present. If the "known MLD configuration" subfield is present, the "MLD address" field is included.

[0256] The "MLD address" may be equivalent to an "MLD identifier", where the MLD identifier indicates one or more MLDs. Here, the "MLD address" and the "MLD identifier" may be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index. Similar to the request type of the requested MLD element described in (2), the request type of the known MLD element may use 1 to 3 bits to indicate that communication parameters of different AP MLDs are requested. For details, please refer to the description of (2), and the details will not be described again here.

[0257] The difference from (2) is that the known MLD profile carries communication parameters of the AP MLD that is already known by the non-AP STA, and the second AP does not need to carry corresponding communication parameters in the discovery response frame. In other words, the second AP carries, in the discovery response frame, communication parameters of the known AP MLD indicated by removing the MLD address of the known MLD profile from the AP MLD requested in the request type.

[0258] In this embodiment, an example in which the request type field is carried in the common information field of the known MLD element is used for explanation. In other embodiments, the request type field may be further carried in other fields, such as the control field. Details are not described here.

[0259] In other embodiments, the common information field of the known MLD element may not include a "request type", but may use one or more "known MLD configurations" to indicate that the AP responsible for responding to the probe request frame is requested to reply with communication parameters of other AP MLDs other than the corresponding AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address".

[0260] Figure 12b shows the structure of another known MLD element. The known MLD element includes fields such as "element ID", "length", "element ID extension", and "BSSID index bitmap". The "BSSID index bitmap" indicates the status of the communication parameters of the AP MLDs known by the non-AP STA that initiated the discovery request frame. The AP responsible for sending the discovery response frame replies with the communication parameters of the AP MLDs other than the known AP MLDs indicated by the BSSID index bitmap in all AP MLDs.

[0261] The "all AP MLD" in the above embodiment may be a known or agreed AP MLD in which other APs in the MBSSID set belonging to the same MBSSID as the AP are located, and / or an AP MLD in which other APs co-located with the AP are located.

[0262] Figure 12c shows the structure of another known MLD element. The known MLD element includes fields such as "element ID", "length", "element ID extension", and "multilink element". The "multilink element" carries "MLD common information" and "link profile sub-element". The "MLD common information" may carry "MLD address or MLD identifier", and the "link profile sub-element" indicates a known link among multiple links in the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address or MLD identifier".

[0263] An AP responding to the probe request frame returns communication parameters of a link other than the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address or MLD identifier" and other than the known link indicated by the "link profile subelement".

[0264] The scheme of known links indicated by the "Link Profile sub-element" may be to carry an identifier or index number of the known link, or it may be to carry a link index bitmap that is used to indicate which links are known.

[0265] The "Link Profile Subelement" indicates the type of known link. Alternatively, the field may be used to indicate whether all links of the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD Address or MLD Identifier" or one link are known. The field may be 1 bit. For example, if the 1 bit is set to 1, it indicates that all links of the corresponding AP MLD are known. If the 1 bit is set to 0, it indicates that the link is known. The link may be agreed upon according to the protocol.

[0266] In this embodiment, the "link profile sub-element" may be carried directly within a known MLD element, or may be carried using a multi-link element within a known MLD element.

[0267] The multi-link element, known MLD element, and request MLD element described in the above embodiments may be combined according to circumstances and carried in the probe request frame to implement different functions of detecting communication parameters of AP MLD and multiple links of AP MLD.

[0268] The following describes an embodiment of the probe response frame.

[0269] In embodiment 1, regardless of whether a non-AP STA transmits a search request frame using the implicit or explicit indication method, if the logical AP receiving the search request frame is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, the search response frame is replied to using another transmitted BSSID AP belonging to the same MSSID set.

[0270] When the transmitted BSSID AP replies to the non-AP STA in the discovery response frame, the transmitted BSSID AP carries information about the non-transmitted BSSID AP in the multiple BSSID element of the discovery response frame. As shown in FIG. 10, the transmitted BSSID AP carries a non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP in the multiple BSSID element to carry the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP, and carries the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD in which the non-transmitted BSSID AP is located in the multi-link element included in the Non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP. Specifically, the communication parameters of the other APs are carried in a link profile subelement. There may be multiple link profile subelements to accommodate communication parameters of multiple APs.

[0271] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, AP11 carries communication parameters of multiple links supported by AP MLD2 in a discovery response frame returned to a non-AP STA. Specifically, the communication parameters may be carried in a multiple BSSID element, i.e., the multiple BSSID element carries a nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP12 to carry information about AP12. The multi-link element is carried in a nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP22 to carry information about AP12.

[0272] Correspondingly, in embodiment 2, regardless of whether a non-AP STA sends a search request frame in an implicit or explicit indication manner, if the logical AP receiving the search request frame is a transmitted BSSID AP, the logical AP may directly reply to the non-AP STA with a search response frame.

[0273] When replying to a non-AP STA in a probe response frame, the transmitted BSSID AP may carry information about the non-transmitted BSSID APs in the multiple BSSID element of the probe response frame.

[0274] As shown in FIG. 10, the transmitted BSSID AP carries a nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP in a multiple BSSID element to carry communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP, and carries communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD in which the non-transmitted BSSID AP is located in a multi-link element included in the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP.

[0275] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, AP21 is a transmitted BSSID AP, and after AP21 receives a discovery request frame, AP21 carries, in a discovery response frame sent back to a non-AP STA, communication parameters of one or more links supported by one or more AP MLDs in AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3 in which AP21 is located, i.e., communication parameters of one or more APs in AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3.

[0276] Specifically, when the probe request frame requests communication parameters of AP MLD1 in which AP21 is located, the communication parameters of AP MLD1 are carried in a multi-link element in the probe response frame. Specifically, the communication parameters of AP11, AP21, and AP31 may be carried separately in three link profile subelements in the multi-link element.

[0277] If the AP MLD requested by the probe request frame further includes communication parameters of AP MLD2 and / or AP MLD3, the communication parameters of AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 may be carried in a multiple BSSID element in the probe response frame. Specifically, two nontransmitted BSSID profiles corresponding to AP21 are carried in a multiple BSSID element to carry communication parameters of AP22 and AP23, respectively. A link profile subelement of a multi-link element is carried in a nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP22 to carry information about AP12. A link profile subelement of a multi-link element is carried in a nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP23 to carry communication parameters of AP33.

[0278] In various implementations of embodiment 1, embodiment 2, and embodiment 3, when the non-AP MLD does not need to obtain the complete communication parameters of the AP in the AP MLD, but only needs to obtain some information elements of the AP, the non-AP MLD may carry an identifier list of information elements in the probe request frame to request the AP MLD to reply with the contents of the corresponding information elements. As shown in FIG. 13, the information element identifier list is carried using a probing element, for example, a "list of element IDs". Each element ID corresponds to a requested information element. In yet another implementation, the non-AP STA may directly carry a non-inheritance element in the probe request to carry some requested information elements.

[0279] Correspondingly, when the probe response frame includes communication parameters of multiple APs, the communication parameters of each AP include the contents of an information element corresponding to an element ID carried in the list of element IDs.

[0280] Alternatively, in the probe request frame, each AP may carry an identifier list of information elements, and information elements of different communication parameters may be requested for different APs. In this case, the probe response frame carries information elements of communication parameters corresponding to each AP.

[0281] The information elements described in this embodiment are partial information of the communication parameters of the AP described above.

[0282] According to this embodiment, some communication parameters of an AP can be flexibly requested, thereby reducing the request and feedback overhead.

[0283] The apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail.

[0284] In the embodiment of the present application, an access point AP (for example, an AP in an AP multilink device) or a station may be divided into functional modules based on the above-mentioned method example. For example, the functional modules may be obtained through division based on the corresponding functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware, or may be implemented in the form of a software function module. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the division into modules is an example, and is merely a logical division of functions. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used.

[0285] When an integrated unit is used, FIG. 14 is a possible schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1400. The communication device 1400 may be a multilink device, or a chip or a processing system in a multilink device. The communication device 1400 may perform the operations of the multilink device in the above-mentioned method embodiments. The communication device 1400 includes a processing unit 1401 and a transceiver unit 1402.

[0286] For example, the communications apparatus 1400 may be an access point AP (eg, an AP in an AP multilink device) or a station as previously described.

[0287] For example, the communications device 1400 is an access point or a chip within an access point.

[0288] The processing unit 1401 may be configured to control and manage the operation of the communication device 1400. For example, a probe request frame is generated. In another example, the operation of the transceiver unit 1402 is controlled. Optionally, if the communication device 1400 includes a storage unit, the processing unit 1401 may further execute a program or instruction stored in the storage unit, so that the communication device 1400 implements the method and function in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0289] For example, the processing unit 1401 can control the transceiver unit to perform step S101 of Fig. 5, S201 of Fig. 6, or other processes of the technology described herein. All relevant contents of the steps in the above-mentioned method embodiments can be cited in the functional description of the corresponding functional modules. Details will not be described again here.

[0290] For example, the processing unit 1401 may control the transceiver unit to perform step S102 in Fig. 5, S202 in Fig. 6, or other processes of the technology described herein. All relevant contents of the steps in the above-mentioned method embodiments may be cited in the functional description of the corresponding functional modules. Details will not be described again here.

[0291] For example, the transceiver unit 1402 may transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted on one link, or may transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted on multiple links. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1402 may be one transceiver module, or may include multiple transceiver modules. When the transceiver unit 1402 is one transceiver module, the transceiver module may transmit and receive data on multiple links. For example, when the first multi-link device operates on two links, when the transceiver unit 1402 includes two transceiver modules, one of the transceiver modules operates on one link, and the other transceiver module operates on the other link. For example, the transceiver unit 1402 may be configured to perform step S101 of FIG. 5, step S201 of FIG. 6, or other processes of the technology described herein. All relevant contents of the steps in the embodiments of the aforementioned method may be cited in the description of the functions of the corresponding functional modules. Details will not be described again here.

[0292] For example, the communication device 1400 may be the communication device shown in FIG. 15, the processing unit 1401 may be the processor 1501 of FIG. 11, and the transceiver unit 1402 may be the transceiver 1503 of FIG. 15. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a memory. The memory is configured to store corresponding program codes and data for the communication device 1400 to perform any of the aforementioned communication methods between multi-link devices. The description of all the relevant contents of the components of FIG. 15 may be cited in the functional description of the corresponding components of the communication device 1400, and the details will not be described again here.

[0293] For example, the communication device 1400 may alternatively be a chip or processor, the processing unit 1402 may be a processing circuit within the chip or processor, and the transceiver unit 1402 may be an input / output circuit within the chip or processor, which is an interface for intercommunication or data exchange between the chip or processor and other coupled components. It may be ensured that signaling or data information or program instructions are input to the chip or processor for processing, and the processed data or signaling is output to other coupled components, and the first multilink device in which the chip or processor is installed is controlled to perform a function.

[0294] In another example, the communications device 1400 is a station or a chip within a station.

[0295] The processing unit 1401 may be configured to control and manage the operation of the communication device 1400. For example, a probe request frame or a probe response frame is generated. In another example, the operation of the transceiver unit 1402 is controlled. Optionally, if the communication device 1400 includes a storage unit, the processing unit 1401 may further execute a program or instruction stored in the storage unit, so that the communication device 1400 implements the method and function in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0296] For example, the processing unit 1401 may be configured to generate a probe request frame or a probe response frame. All relevant contents of the steps in the above method embodiments may be cited in the functional description of the corresponding functional modules. Details are not described again here.

[0297] For example, the transceiver unit 1402 may transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted on one link, or may transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted on multiple links. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1402 may be one transceiver module, or may include multiple transceiver modules. When the transceiver unit 1402 is one transceiver module, the transceiver module may transmit and receive data on multiple links. For example, when the first station operates on two links, when the transceiver unit 1402 includes two transceiver modules, one of the transceiver modules operates on one link, and the other transceiver module operates on the other link. All the relevant contents of the steps in the above-mentioned method embodiments may be cited in the description of the functions of the corresponding functional modules. Details are not described again here.

[0298] For example, the communication device 1400 may be the communication device shown in FIG. 15, the processing unit 1401 may be the processor 1501 of FIG. 11, and the transceiver unit 1402 may be the transceiver 1503 of FIG. 15. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a memory. The memory is configured to store program codes and data for the communication device 1400 to perform any of the aforementioned embodiments. The description of all relevant contents of the components of FIG. 15 may be cited in the functional description of the corresponding components of the communication device 1400, and the details will not be described again here.

[0299] For example, the communication device 1400 may alternatively be a chip or processor, the processing unit 1402 may be a processing circuit within the chip or processor, and the transceiver unit 1402 may be an input / output circuit within the chip or processor, which is an interface for intercommunication or data exchange between the chip or processor and other coupled components. It may be ensured that signaling or data information or program instructions are input to the chip or processor for processing, and the processed data or signaling is output to other coupled components, and the first multilink device in which the chip or processor is installed is controlled to perform a function.

[0300] In the device embodiment part, it should be noted that for the structures of the search request frame and the search response frame, please refer to the description of the previous embodiment, and the details will not be described again here.

[0301] FIG. 15 shows a communication device 1500 according to an embodiment of the present application. The device may be an access point AP (e.g., an AP in an AP multilink device) or a station in the above-mentioned embodiment, or may be a processing system in an access point AP (e.g., an AP in an AP multilink device) or a chip or station, and may implement the method and function in any embodiment of the present application. Depending on the degree of integration, the communication device may include one or more of the components shown in FIG. 15. The components shown in FIG. 15 may include at least one processor 1501, a memory 1502, a transceiver 1503, and a communication bus 1504.

[0302] Each component of the communication device 1100 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0303] The processor 1501 is the control center of the communication device 1500 and may be a processor or may be a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1501 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement this embodiment of the present application, such as one or more microprocessors (digital signal processors (DSPs) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The processor 1501 may implement various functions of the communication device by executing or implementing software programs stored in the memory 1502 and by calling up data stored in the memory 1502. During a specific implementation, in one embodiment, the processor 1501 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG. 15.

[0304] During specific implementation, in one embodiment, the communication device 1500 may include multiple processors, such as the processor 1501 and the processor 1505 shown in FIG. 15. Each processor may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). A processor here may be one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0305] The memory 1502 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage and communication device capable of storing static information and instructions, or a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage and communication device capable of storing information and instructions. The memory may alternatively be, but is not limited to, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or other compact disc storage, an optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray optical discs, etc.), a magnetic disc storage medium or other magnetic storage and communication device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the anticipated program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that is accessible by a computer. The memory 1502 may exist independently or may be connected to the processor 1501 using a communication bus 1504. Alternatively, the memory 1502 may be integrated with the processor 1501. The memory 1502 is configured to store a software program for carrying out the solution of the present application, and the processor 1501 controls the execution of the software program.

[0306] The transceiver 1503 is configured to communicate with other devices (e.g., stations STA102 or STA202 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1). Indeed, the transceiver 1503 may be further configured to communicate with a communication network, such as an Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), or a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The transceiver 1503 may include a receiving unit for performing a receiving function and a transmitting unit for performing a transmitting function.

[0307] The communication bus 1504 may be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The buses may be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of representation, only one bold line is used to represent a bus in FIG. 15, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0308] For example, the communication device 1500 is a complete device. The communication device may include a processor 1501, a memory 1502, a transceiver 1503, and a communication bus 1504. Optionally, the communication device may further include other components, such as a display.

[0309] Optionally, the communication device 1500 is an access point AP (e.g., an AP in an AP multilink device) and may be configured to implement the method and function related to the AP in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the memory stores a computer program (instruction). When the processor starts the computer program, the above-mentioned method and function are implemented. For example, the processor is configured to generate a probe response frame, and the transceiver is configured to receive a probe request frame and transmit a probe response frame. For example, the processor is configured to control the transceiver to perform step S102. Of course, the process of generating a probe response frame in step S102 may be completed by the processor. In another example, the processor is configured to control the transceiver to perform step S202. Of course, the process of generating a probe response frame in step S202 may be completed by the processor.

[0310] In yet another embodiment, the communication device 1500 is a station and may be configured to implement the methods and functions of the station in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the memory stores a computer program. When the processor starts the computer program, the above-mentioned methods and functions are implemented. For example, the processor is configured to generate a signaling or frame (e.g., a search request frame), and the transceiver is configured to transmit the signaling or frame (e.g., transmit a search request frame and receive a search response frame). For example, the processor is configured to control the transceiver to transmit a search request frame in step S101, and then the processor may determine the structure of the multi-AP multilink device and information about each AP based on the search response frame, and further determine the associated AP. In another example, for example, the processor is configured to control the transceiver to transmit a search request frame in step S201, and control the transceiver to receive a search response frame fed back by the AP in S202. Then, the processor determines the structure of the multi-AP multilink device and information about each AP based on the search response frame, and further determine the associated AP.

[0311] As another example, the communication device 1500 is a chip system or a processing system in an access point AP, so that the device in which the chip system or the processing system is installed implements the method and function related to the AP in the above-mentioned embodiment. In this case, the communication device 1500 may include some components shown in FIG. 11. For example, the communication device 1500 includes a processor. The processor may be coupled to a memory and may call and execute instructions in the memory, so that the device configured or installed with the chip system or the processing system implements the method and function in the above-mentioned embodiment. Optionally, the memory may be a component in the chip system or the processing system, or may be an external coupled / connected component of the chip system or the processing system. For example, the chip system or the processing system is installed in an access point AP (e.g., a reporting AP in an AP multilink device), so that the access point AP may perform step S102 or step S202 in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0312] As another example, the communication device 1500 is a chip system or a processing system in a station, so that the device in which the chip system or the processing system is installed implements the methods and functions related to the station in the above-mentioned embodiment. In this case, the communication device 1500 may include some components shown in FIG. 15. For example, the communication device 1500 includes a processor. The processor may be coupled to a memory and may call and execute instructions in the memory, so that the device configured or installed with the chip system or the processing system implements the methods and functions in the above-mentioned embodiment. Optionally, the memory may be a component in the chip system or the processing system, or may be a component coupled / connected outside the chip system or the processing system. In one example, the chip system or the processing system is installed in a station, so that the station may perform step S101 or step S201 in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0313] The chip system or processing system may support communication based on 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, and 802.11ac. The chip system may be installed in a device in various scenarios that support WLAN transmission. The device in the WLAN transmission scenario is described at the beginning of this specification and will not be described in detail here.

[0314] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program code. When the processor executes the computer program code, the electronic device (e.g., AP or station) in which the processor is located is enabled to perform the method in any embodiment.

[0315] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the method in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0316] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The device may exist in a product form of a chip. The device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the receiving circuit to enable the device to perform the method of any embodiment.

[0317] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system. The communication system includes the access point AP (e.g., AP in an AP multilink device) and a station as described above. The access point AP (e.g., a reporting AP in an AP multilink device) and a station may perform the method in any one of the above embodiments (e.g., the method in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). The steps of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the contents disclosed in this application may be implemented by hardware or by a processor by executing software instructions. The software instructions may include corresponding software modules. The software modules may be stored in a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable hard disk, a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. For example, the storage medium is coupled to the processor, so that the processor can read information from the storage medium or write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may be components of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC may reside in a core network interface device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in the core network interface device.

[0318] Those skilled in the art should understand that in one or more of the above examples, the functions described in this application may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When the functions are implemented by software, the functions may be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes in a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Communication media include any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0319] The objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present application are further described in detail in the above specific embodiments. It should be understood that the above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made based on the technical solutions of the present application shall fall within the protection scope of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0320] 101 First Station (AP Multilink Device) 101-1, 101-2, 101-3 series AP 102 Second Station (STA Multilink Device) 102-1, 102-2 series STA 103 STA Multilink Device 103-1, 103-2 series STA 104 STA 201 Third Station 202 Fourth Game 1400 Communication Equipment 1401 Processing Unit 1402 Transmitter / Receiver Unit 1500 Communication Equipment 1501 Processor 1502 Memory 1503 Transmitter / Receiver 1504 Communication Bus 1505 Processor

Claims

1. A station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising: A processor configured to generate the probe request frame, the probe request frame being used to request a first AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of a plurality of links supported by the AP MLD; a transceiver configured to transmit the probe request frame to the first AP; Including, stations.

2. 1. A request method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being executed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising: generating the probe request frame, the probe request frame being used to request a first AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD; transmitting the probe request frame to the first AP; , including, ,a request method.

3. The station according to claim 1 or the method according to claim 2, wherein the search request frame carries first indication information, and the first indication information instructs the station to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the first AP is located.

4. The station or method according to claim 3, wherein the first indication information is carried in any one of the following elements: a multi-link element, a request MLD element, and a known MLD element.

5. receiving a probe response frame from a second AP, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the first AP is located; The station of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, further comprising:

6. 6. The station or method of claim 5, wherein the discovery response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP using a multiple BSSID element, and carries communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD of the first AP in a multilink element of a nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP.

7. The station according to claim 1 or the method according to claim 2, wherein the probe request frame carries indication information for instructing to request some information elements of the AP MLD using non-inherited elements.

8. The station or method according to claim 4, wherein any one of the multi-link element, the request MLD element, and the known MLD element further carries the indication information indicating to request the certain information elements of the AP MLD.

9. A station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising: a processor configured to generate the probe request frame, the probe request frame being used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD and related to the second AP, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of a plurality of links supported by the AP MLD; a transceiver configured to transmit the probe request frame to the second AP; Including, stations.

10. 1. A request method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being executed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising: generating the probe request frame, the probe request frame being used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters associated with the second AP, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of a plurality of links supported by the AP MLD; transmitting the probe request frame to the second AP; , including, ,a request method.

11. The station according to claim 9 or the method according to claim 10, wherein the search request frame carries second instruction information, and the second instruction information instructs the second AP to feed back the communication parameters related to the AP MLD and the second AP.

12. The communication parameters of the AP MLD and related to the second AP are the following: communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located; communication parameters of an AP MLD in which another AP belonging to the same multi-transmission basic service set identifier MBSSID set as the second AP is located; or A communication parameter of an AP MLD in which another AP co-located with the second AP is located 12. The station or method of claim 11, comprising at least one of:

13. The station according to claim 9 or the method according to claim 10, wherein the second instruction information is carried in the search request frame, and the second instruction information indicates an MLD identifier or an MLD address, and the MLD identifier or the MLD address instructs the second AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or the MLD address.

14. The station according to claim 9 or the method according to claim 10, wherein the second indication information carries any one of the following elements: a multi-link element, a request MLD element, and a known MLD element.

15. A first access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the first AP being a nontransmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the first AP comprising: A transceiver configured to receive a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being used to request the first AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the first AP. Including, The transceiver is further configured to request a second AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to assist the first AP in feeding back a search response frame to the station, the search response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD, a first access point AP.

16. 1. A response method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a first access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first AP being a nontransmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the method comprising: receiving a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being used to request the first AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the first AP; requesting a second AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to assist the first AP in feeding back a probe response frame to the station, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD; Response methods, including:

17. A second access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the second AP comprising: A transceiver configured to receive a probe request frame from a first AP, the probe request frame being used to request the second AP to assist the first AP in feeding back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP and belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD; a processor configured to generate a probe response frame, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD; A second access point AP including:

18. 1. A response method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the method comprising: receiving a probe request frame from a first AP, the probe request frame being used to request the second AP to assist the first AP in feeding back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP and belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD; generating a probe response frame, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD; Response methods, including:

19. The second AP according to claim 17 or the method according to claim 18, wherein the probe response frame is of the AP MLD and carries some information elements in the communication parameters related to the second AP.

20. A second access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the second AP comprising: a transceiver configured to receive a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being of an AP MLD and used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters related to the second AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of a plurality of links supported by the AP MLD; a processor configured to generate a probe response frame, the probe response frame being of the AP MLD and carrying the communication parameters associated with the second AP; a transceiver configured to transmit the probe response frame to the station; A second access point AP including:

21. 1. A response method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, the method comprising: receiving a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being of an AP MLD and used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters related to the second AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of a plurality of links supported by the AP MLD; generating a probe response frame, the probe response frame being of the AP MLD and carrying communication parameters associated with the second AP; transmitting the probe response frame to the station; Response methods, including:

22. The communication parameters of the AP MLD and related to the second AP are the following: communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the second AP is located; communication parameters of an AP MLD in which another AP belonging to the same multi-transmission basic service set identifier MBSSID set as the second AP is located; or A communication parameter of an AP MLD in which another AP co-located with the second AP is located The second AP according to claim 20 or the method according to claim 21, comprising at least one of:

23. The second AP of claim 20 or the method of claim 21, wherein when the probe request frame carries second indication information and the second indication information indicates an MLD identifier or an MLD address, the probe response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or the MLD address of the probe request frame.

24. The second AP of claim 20 or the method of claim 21, wherein the search response frame carries communication parameters of an AP MLD in which a first AP associated with the second AP is located, the first AP being a first AP belonging to the same MSSID set as the second AP and / or a first AP co-located with the second AP.

25. The second AP or method of claim 24, wherein the discovery response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP using a multiple BSSID element and carries communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD of the first AP in a multi-link element of a Nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP.

26. The second AP according to claim 20 or the method according to claim 21, wherein the probe response frame is of the AP MLD and carries some information elements in the communication parameters related to the second AP.

27. A station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising: A processor configured to generate a probe request frame, the probe request frame being used to request an AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP; a transceiver configured to transmit the probe request frame to the AP; Including, stations.

28. 1. A request method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being executed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising: generating a probe request frame, the probe request frame being used to request an AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP; transmitting the probe request frame to the AP; , including, ,a request method.

29. The station according to claim 27 or the method according to claim 28, wherein the station carries an identifier list of information elements in the probe request frame to request to acquire some information elements of the AP in the AP MLD.

30. 30. The station or method of claim 29, wherein the station receives a probe response frame, the probe response frame including communication parameters of a plurality of APs in the AP MLD, the communication parameters of each AP of the plurality of APs including contents of an information element corresponding to the list of identifiers of the information element.

31. The station according to claim 27 or the method according to claim 28, wherein the station carries in the probe request frame to each AP in the AP MLD a list of identifiers of information elements to request the contents of information elements of each AP in the AP MLD.

32. 32. The station or method of claim 31, wherein the station receives a probe response frame, the probe response frame including information elements of communication parameters corresponding to the list of identifiers of the information elements of each AP.

33. A station or method according to claim 29 or 31, wherein the list of identifiers of the information elements is carried in a multi-link element of the probe request frame.

34. 34. The station or method of any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the AP requested by the search request frame is a first AP, the first AP being a nontransmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP.

35. 35. The station or method of claim 34, wherein the station receives a probe response frame of a second AP, the probe response frame carrying communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located.

36. 34. The station or method of any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the AP requested by the search request frame is a second AP, the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP.

37. 37. The station or method of claim 36, wherein the station receives a probe response frame of the second AP, the probe response frame carrying communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the second AP is located.

38. An access point in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising: A transceiver configured to receive a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being used to request an access point (AP) to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP; A processor configured to generate a probe response frame or to request other APs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the AP to assist the processor in feeding back the probe response frame to the station, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD; Including, an access point.

39. 1. A response method for searching for an access point multilink device, the method being applied to an access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN, the method comprising: receiving a probe request frame from a station, the probe request frame being used to request an access point AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP; generating a probe response frame or requesting other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the AP to assist the other APs in feeding back the probe response frame to the station, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD; Response methods, including:

40. The access point according to claim 38 or the method according to claim 39, wherein the probe request frame carries an identifier list of information elements to request to acquire some information elements of the AP in the AP MLD.

41. 41. The access point or method of claim 40, wherein the discovery response frame includes communication parameters of a plurality of APs in the AP MLD, and the communication parameters of each AP of the plurality of APs include contents of an information element that corresponds to the list of identifiers of the information elements carried in the discovery request frame.

42. The access point of claim 38 or the method of claim 39, wherein the probe request frame carries, for each AP in the AP MLD, a list of identifiers of information elements to request the contents of information elements of each AP in the AP MLD.

43. 43. The access point or method of claim 42, wherein the discovery response frame includes information elements of communication parameters corresponding to each AP.

44. An access point or method according to claim 40 or 42, wherein the list of identifiers of the information elements is carried in a multi-link element of the probe request frame.

45. The access point of claim 38 or the method of claim 39, wherein the access point is a first AP, the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the first AP requests a second AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to assist the first AP in feeding back the discovery response frame to the station, and the second AP is a transmitted BSSID AP.

46. The access point of claim 38 or the method of claim 39, wherein the access point is a second AP, the second AP is a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, and the second AP generates and transmits the discovery response frame.

47. A chip coupled to a memory and configured to read and execute program instructions stored in the memory for performing a method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, any one of claims 10 to 14, any one of claims 16, any one of claims 18 and 19, any one of claims 21 to 26, any one of claims 28 to 37, or any one of claims 39 to 46.

48. A communications device configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, a method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, a method according to claim 16, a method according to any one of claims 18 and 19, a method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, a method according to any one of claims 28 to 37 or a method according to any one of claims 39 to 46.

49. 1. A computer program product comprising a computer program which, when run on a computer, performs the method of any one of claims 2 to 8, the method of any one of claims 10 to 14, the method of claim 16, the method of any one of claims 18 and 19, the method of any one of claims 21 to 26, the method of any one of claims 28 to 37, or the method of any one of claims 39 to 46.

50. A computer readable storage medium comprising a computer program or instructions which, when executed on a computer, performs the method of any one of claims 2 to 8, the method of any one of claims 10 to 14, the method of claim 16, the method of any one of claims 18 and 19, the method of any one of claims 21 to 26, the method of any one of claims 28 to 37, or the method of any one of claims 39 to 46.

51. A computer program which, when run on a computer, performs the method of any one of claims 2 to 8, the method of any one of claims 10 to 14, the method of claim 16, the method of any one of claims 18 and 19, the method of any one of claims 21 to 26, the method of any one of claims 28 to 37, or the method of any one of claims 39 to 46.

Images