Communication method and device

Abstract

To provide a communication method and device that can improve communication efficiency by reducing redundant data in management frames and avoiding unnecessary overhead.SOLUTION: In a communication system, the value of a specific element of a first AP or a second AP is reused in a management frame to indicate specific elements of multiple APs in a multi-BSSID set to which the first AP or the second AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in the multi-BSSID set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110957217.1 entitled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 19, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical field] This application relates to the field of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, and in particular to communication methods and devices. [Background technology]

[0003] In a WLAN communication process, when a communication parameter of an access point (AP) changes, the AP may need to send some specific elements to associated stations (STAs) to indicate the relevant communication parameters. Generally, these specific elements may be carried in a management frame.

[0004] Currently, a management frame transmitted by an AP may need to carry multiple specific elements to indicate relevant communication parameters of multiple APs. Generally, among the multiple specific elements carried in a management frame, different specific elements indicate specific elements of corresponding different APs.

[0005] However, in the above implementation process, the management frame needs to carry specific elements corresponding to each AP, so that the management frame sent by the AP may contain some repeated redundant data, which may cause unnecessary overhead and affect communication efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The value of a specific element of a first AP (or a second AP) is reused in a management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs in a multi-BSSID set to which the first AP (or the second AP) belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0007] A first aspect of the present application provides a communication method applied to WLAN communication. The method is executed by a first AP or by some components (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the first AP. In the first aspect and possible implementations of the first aspect, an example in which the method is executed by the first AP is used for explanation. In this method, the first AP generates a management frame, the management frame includes a specific element of the first AP, the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, the value of the specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP, and the first AP transmits the management frame.

[0008] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame transmitted by a first AP includes a first AP specific element, where the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and the value of the AP specific element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the first AP specific element. In this way, when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the first AP specific element carried in the management frame. When the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP specific element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the first AP specific element is reused in the management frame to indicate the AP specific element corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0009] A second aspect of the present application provides a communication method. The method is performed by a STA, or by several components (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the STA. In the second aspect and possible implementations of the second aspect, an example in which the method is performed by the STA is used for explanation. In this method, the STA receives a management frame, the management frame includes a specific element of a first access point (AP), the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP, and the STA determines the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set or the value of the specific element of the first AP based on the management frame.

[0010] Optionally, the STA determining, based on the management frame, the value of a particular element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, or the value of a particular element of a first AP, may be expressed as the STA determining, based on the management frame, the value of a particular element of an AP associated with the STA.

[0011] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame received by a STA includes a first AP specific element, where the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and the value of the AP specific element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the first AP specific element. In this way, when the STA is associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the first AP specific element carried in the management frame, and when the STA is associated with a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP specific element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the first AP specific element is reused in the management frame to indicate the AP specific element corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0012] A third aspect of the present application provides a communication device applicable to WLAN communication. The device is a first AP, or the device is some component (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the first AP. A processing unit within the device is configured to generate a management frame, the management frame including a specific element of the first AP, the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and a value of the specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set being the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP. A transceiver unit within the device is configured to transmit the management frame.

[0013] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame transmitted by a transceiver unit includes a first AP identification element, where the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and the value of the AP identification element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the first AP identification element. In this way, when a receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. When a receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the first AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate the AP identification element corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical identification elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present application provides a communication device applicable to WLAN communication. The device may be a station (STA) or some components (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the station. A transceiver unit within the device is configured to receive a management frame, the management frame including a specific element of a first access point (AP), the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and a value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set being the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP. A processing unit within the device is configured to determine, based on the management frame, the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set or the value of the specific element of the first AP.

[0015] Optionally, the processing unit being configured to determine, based on the management frame, the value of a particular element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, or the value of a particular element of the first AP, may also be expressed as the processing unit being configured to determine, based on the management frame, the value of a particular element of an AP associated with the STA.

[0016] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame received by a transceiver unit includes a first AP identification element, where the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and the value of the AP identification element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the first AP identification element. In this way, when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. When the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the first AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate the AP identification element corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical identification elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0017] In any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the value of a specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of a specific element of the first AP, this may be expressed as the value of a specific element of another AP other than the first AP in the multi-BSSID set being the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP, or the values ​​of the specific elements of all APs in the multi-BSSID set being the same, or every two of the values ​​of the specific elements of all APs in the multi-BSSID set being the same, or the common specific element of all APs in the multi-BSSID set being the same. Note that the multi-BSSID set included in the management frame does not include the common specific element of all APs in the multi-BSSID set.

[0018] In a possible implementation form of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the management frame further includes a multi-BSSID element, and the multi-BSSID element does not include a specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, the multi-BSSID element in the management frame does not include an AP-specific element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID. In other words, the first AP-specific element also indicates an AP-specific element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID. Therefore, the first AP-specific element is reused to indicate multiple AP-specific elements (including the first AP and APs corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID). This avoids redundant data being carried in the management frame, reduces overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0020] In a possible implementation form of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the management frame is a beacon frame, or the management frame is a probe response frame.

[0021] In a possible implementation form of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the specific element includes at least one of a Channel Switch Announcement element, an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, a Quiet element, a Quiet Channel element, and a Max Channel Switch Time element.

[0022] Based on the aforementioned technical solutions, a specific element carried in a management frame may include at least one of the aforementioned items to indicate channel switching related information and / or quiet related information.

[0023] A fifth aspect of the present application provides a communication method applied to WLAN communication. The method is executed by a first AP or by some components (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the first AP. In the fifth aspect and possible implementations of the fifth aspect, an example in which the method is executed by the first AP is used for explanation. In this method, the first AP generates a management frame, the management frame includes a specific element of a second AP, the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID in a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP belongs to the second multi-BSSID set, the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, and the first AP transmits the management frame.

[0024] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame transmitted by a first AP includes a second AP identification element, where the first AP is a transmitting BSSID in a first multi-BSSID set and the second AP is a BSSID in a second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the second AP identification element is the same as the value of a second AP identification element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. In this way, when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the second AP identification element carried in the management frame. When the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with an AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the second AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate the second AP identification element of multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. Management frames do not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in a multi-BSSID set, which reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0025] A sixth aspect of the present application provides a communication method. The method is performed by a STA, or the method is performed by several components (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the STA. In the sixth aspect and possible implementations of the sixth aspect, an example in which the method is performed by the STA is used for explanation. In this method, the STA receives a management frame from a first access point (AP), the management frame includes a specific element of a second AP, the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP belongs to the second multi-BSSID set, the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, and the STA determines the value of the specific element of the second AP or the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set based on the management frame.

[0026] Optionally, the STA determining, based on the management frame, the value of a particular element of the second AP or the value of a particular element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the STA determining, based on the management frame, the value of the particular element of the AP associated with the STA.

[0027] Based on the above technical solution, a management frame transmitted by a STA includes a second AP identification element, where the first AP is a transmitting BSSID in a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is a BSSID in a second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the second AP identification element is the same as the value of a second AP identification element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. In this way, when the STA is associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the second AP identification element carried in the management frame, and when the STA is associated with an AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the second AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate multiple AP identification elements in the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical identification elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0028] A seventh aspect of the present application provides a communication device applicable to WLAN communication. The device may be a first AP or some components (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the first AP. A processing unit within the device is configured to generate a management frame, the management frame including a specific element of a second AP, the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID within a first multi-BSSID set, the first AP being an AP within a first access point multi-link device (AP MLD), the second AP belonging to the second multi-BSSID set, and a value of the specific element of the second AP being the same as a value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. A transceiver unit within the device is configured to transmit the management frame.

[0029] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame transmitted by a transceiver unit includes a second AP identification element, where the first AP is a transmitting BSSID in a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is a BSSID in a second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the second AP identification element is the same as the value of an AP identification element other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. In this way, when a receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the second AP identification element carried in the management frame. When a receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with an AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the second AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate an AP identification element of multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. Management frames do not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in a multi-BSSID set, which reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0030] An eighth aspect of the present application provides a communication device applicable to WLAN communication. The device may be a STA or some components (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the STA. A transceiver unit within the device is configured to receive a management frame from a first access point (AP), the management frame including a specific element of a second AP, the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID within a first multi-BSSID set, the first AP being an AP within a first access point multi-link device (AP MLD), the second AP belonging to the second multi-BSSID set, and a value of the specific element of the second AP being the same as a value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. A processing unit within the device is configured to determine, based on the management frame, the value of the specific element of the second AP or the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set.

[0031] Optionally, the processing unit being configured to determine, based on the management frame, the value of a particular element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, or the value of a particular element of the first AP, may also be expressed as the processing unit being configured to determine, based on the management frame, the value of a particular element of an AP associated with the STA.

[0032] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame transmitted by a transceiver unit includes a second AP identification element, where the first AP is a transmitting BSSID in a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is a BSSID in a second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the second AP identification element is the same as the value of an AP identification element other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. In this way, when a receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the second AP identification element carried in the management frame. When a receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with an AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the second AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate an AP identification element of multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. Management frames do not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in a multi-BSSID set, which reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0033] It should be noted that in any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the STA that receives the management frame may be a STA in a non-AP MLD. The non-AP MLD includes one or more STAs. For example, when the non-AP MLD includes only the STA that receives the management frame, the non-AP MLD may also be referred to as a single-link device, or the non-AP MLD may further include another STA other than the STA that receives the management frame.

[0034] It should be noted that in any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, when the value of a particular element of the second AP is the same as the value of a particular element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, this may be expressed as the values ​​of the particular element of all APs in the second multi-BSSID set being the same, or as every two values ​​of the particular element of all APs in the second multi-BSSID set being the same.

[0035] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the first AP belongs to a first access point multilink device (AP MLD).

[0036] Optionally, the first AP MLD includes one or more APs. For example, if the first AP MLD includes only the first AP, the first AP MLD may also be referred to as a single-link device, or the first AP MLD may further include another AP other than the first AP.

[0037] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the second AP is another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD.

[0038] In a possible implementation of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, The second AP is an AP in the second AP MLD, the second AP is not an AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is the AP MLD in which the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0039] Optionally, the second AP being an AP in the second AP MLD and not being an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the second AP being another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, or the second AP being another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set.

[0040] In a possible implementation of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, The second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or The second AP includes an AP in the second AP MLD, where the second AP is not an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is an AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0041] Optionally, the second AP including an AP in the second AP MLD and the second AP not being an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the second AP including another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, or may be expressed as the second AP including another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set.

[0042] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the specific element is located in a multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

[0043] Optionally, the second AP is an AP in the second AP MLD, the second AP is not an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP MLD is an AP MLD in which the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located, the specific element is located in a multi-BSSID element of the management frame, and the second AP MLD is an AP MLD in which the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0044] Optionally, the second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD (or the second AP includes an AP in the second AP MLD, the second AP is not an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is an AP MLD in which an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located). The specific element is located in a multi-BSSID element of the management frame, and the second AP MLD is an AP MLD in which a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0045] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, when a first AP transmits a management frame, the first AP may use a multi-BSSID element of the management frame to convey relevant information about the AP MLD in which a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located. In other words, a specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame. The first AP MLD to which the first AP belongs is different from the second AP MLD to which the second AP belongs. When the first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame includes a specific element for indicating an AP located in an AP MLD different from the first AP. The specific element indicates a specific element of multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set in which an AP in a different AP MLD is located.

[0046] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, when a specific element is located in a multi-BSSID element of a management frame, the multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmitted basic service set identifier profile (Nontransmitted BSSID profile, simply referred to as a non-transmitted BSSID profile), and the specific element is located in a first non-transmitted BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmitted BSSID profile.

[0047] Optionally, the first non-transmitting BSSID profile is a first portion of non-transmitting BSSID profiles in the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile.

[0048] Based on the above technical solution, the multi-BSSID element of the management frame transmitted by the first AP includes at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile. In other words, the first multi-BSSID set includes at least one non-transmitting BSSID. To help the receiving end of the management frame receive a specific element of the second AP, the specific element can be located in the first non-transmitting BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile.

[0049] Optionally, the particular element is located in any non-transmitting BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile (e.g., the second possible non-transmitting BSSID profile, the third possible non-transmitting BSSID profile, ..., or the last possible non-transmitting BSSID profile).

[0050] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, another non-transmission BSSID profile other than the first non-transmission BSSID profile in the at least one non-transmission BSSID profile does not include a specific element.

[0051] Based on the above technical solution, in at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile in a multi-BSSID element of a management frame, other non-transmitting BSSID profiles than a first non-transmitting BSSID profile that includes a specific element do not include the specific element. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP also indicates the value of the specific element of the AP of the BSSID corresponding to the other non-transmitting BSSID profile. Therefore, the specific element of the first AP is reused to indicate the specific element of multiple APs (including the second AP and the AP of the BSSID corresponding to the other non-transmitting BSSID profile). This avoids redundant data being carried in the management frame, reduces overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0052] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the specific element is located in a Multi-Link Element (also called an ML element) of the management frame.

[0053] Optionally, the second AP is another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, and the particular element is located in a multilink element of the management frame.

[0054] Based on the above technical solution, when the first AP is located in the AP MLD, the management frame may carry a multilink element when the first AP transmits the management frame. When the first AP and the second AP are affiliated with the same AP MLD, the specific element of the second AP may be carried in the multilink element of the management frame.

[0055] The second AP being another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD may be expressed as the first AP and the second AP being associated with the same AP MLD.

[0056] In addition, the first AP may be an AP in the first AP MLD, and the second AP is another AP in the first AP MLD. When the first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame includes a specific element to indicate another AP located in the same AP MLD as the first AP. The specific element indicates a specific element of multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set in which the other AP in the same AP MLD is located.

[0057] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, when a specific element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, the specific element is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to a second AP within the multilink element.

[0058] Based on the above technical solution, the multi-link element may include multiple per-STA profile fields to indicate that a specific element of the second AP may be specifically located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP within the multi-link element.

[0059] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, when a particular element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, a per-STA profile field corresponding to a second AP includes a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is a link identifier of the second AP.

[0060] Based on the above technical solution, when a specific element of a second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in a multi-link element, the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP may further include a link identifier field, where the link identifier field is a link identifier of the second AP, and the link identifier indicates to the receiving end of the management frame that the per-STA profile field is the link on which the second AP is located.

[0061] Optionally, when a specific element of a second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in a multilink element, the per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field does not include a station MAC address.

[0062] Optionally, when a specific element of a second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in a multilink element, the per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field includes a station MAC address.

[0063] Optionally, when the station information field includes a station MAC address, the value of the station MAC address in the station information field may be the MAC address of the second AP.

[0064] Optionally, when the station information field includes a station MAC address, the value of the station MAC address in the station information field may be a transmit BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set.

[0065] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, when a specific element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, one STA-specific profile field in the multilink element includes a link identifier field, and the value of the link identifier field is a special value.

[0066] Optionally, the second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or the second AP includes another AP other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set in the second AP MLD, and the specific element is located in a multi-link element of the management frame. One per-STA profile field in the multi-link element includes a link identifier field, and the value of the link identifier field is a special value.

[0067] Optionally, the special value is a reserved value for the link identifier field value specified in the current standard, for example, the special value is 15.

[0068] Based on the above technical solution, when a specific element is located in a multi-link element of a management frame, the value of the link identifier field included in the per-STA profile field in the multi-link element is a special value, and by using the special value, conflicts with the link identifiers of existing APs are avoided.

[0069] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, when a particular element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a station medium access control (MAC) address presence field located in the station control field, and the value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field includes a station MAC address.

[0070] Based on the above technical solution, when a specific element is located in the per-STA profile field in the second multi-link element of the management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address presence field located in the station control field, and the value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field includes the station MAC address, and the receiving side of the management frame determines that the station information field includes the station MAC address and receives the station MAC address in the station MAC address field.

[0071] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, when a specific element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a station information field, the station information field includes a station MAC address field, and the value of the station MAC address field is a transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set.

[0072] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, when the specific element is located in the per-STA profile field in the second multi-link element of the management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address field in the station information field, where the value of the station MAC address field is a transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set. Thus, the value of the station MAC address field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of all APs corresponding to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the station MAC address field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of any AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the station MAC address field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of all APs corresponding to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the station MAC address field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of any AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of all APs corresponding to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set is the same.

[0073] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the management frame further includes a multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set, and the multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set does not include a specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set.

[0074] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, the management frame further includes a multi-BSSID element for indicating information about the first multi-BSSID set, and the multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set does not include a specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP also indicates the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, so the specific element of the second AP is reused to indicate specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). This avoids redundant data being carried in the management frame, reduces overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0075] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the management frame further includes a first field, wherein the first field satisfies at least one of the following: The first field indicates that at least the STAs in the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD must receive the multilink elements of the first AP MLD (the specific elements of the second AP therein); The first field indicates that at least the STAs in the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD must receive the multilink element of the first AP MLD (a specific element of the second AP therein); The first field indicates that at least the STA associated with the first AP must receive the multilink element of the first AP MLD (a specific element of the second AP therein); The first field indicates that at least a STA in the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD must receive a multi-BSSID element (a specific element of the second AP in the multi-BSSID set) corresponding to the second multi-BSSID set; or The first field indicates that at least STAs in the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD must receive the first non-transmitting BSSID profile (a specific element of the second AP in) in the multi-BSSID element corresponding to the second multi-BSSID set.

[0076] Optionally, the above-mentioned STA is a STA associated with an AP operating on the same link as the first AP, or a STA associated with the first AP.

[0077] In a possible implementation of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, The first field is located in the Capabilities Info field; The first field is located in the nontransmitted profile field; The first field is located in the nontransmitted BSSID Capabilities element of the nontransmitted profile field; The first field is located in the Multi-Link Element (ML element) of the nontransmitted profile field; the first field is located in a multilink control field of a multilink element in a nontransmitted profile field; or The first field is located in the common information field of the multilink element in the nontransmitted profile field.

[0078] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the management frame is a beacon frame, or the management frame is a probe response frame.

[0079] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the specific element includes at least one of a Channel Switch Announcement element, an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, a Quiet element, a Quiet Channel element, and a Max Channel Switch Time element.

[0080] Based on the aforementioned technical solutions, the specific element carried in the management frame may include at least one of the aforementioned items to indicate channel switching related information and / or quiet related information.

[0081] A ninth aspect of the present application provides a communication device including at least one processor. The at least one processor is coupled to a memory. The memory is configured to store a program or instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the program or instructions, such that the device implements the method of the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, or the method of the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, or the method of the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect, or the method of the sixth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the sixth aspect.

[0082] A tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, or the method of the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, or the method of the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect, or the method of the sixth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the sixth aspect.

[0083] An eleventh aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product (also referred to as a computer program) storing one or more computers, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method of the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, or the method of the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, or the method of the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect, or the method of the sixth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the sixth aspect.

[0084] A twelfth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, the chip system including at least one processor configured to support a communication device in implementing functions of the first aspect or any one of possible implementations of the first aspect, or configured to support a communication device in implementing functions of the second aspect or any one of possible implementations of the second aspect, or configured to support a communication device in implementing functions of the fifth aspect or any one of possible implementations of the fifth aspect, or configured to support a communication device in implementing functions of the sixth aspect or any one of possible implementations of the sixth aspect.

[0085] In a possible design, the chip system further includes a memory configured to store program instructions and data required for the communication device. The chip system may include a chip or may include a chip and other discrete components. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit, the interface circuit providing the program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0086] A thirteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, the communication system including the communication device according to the third aspect and the communication device according to the fourth aspect, and / or the communication system including the communication device according to the seventh aspect and the communication device according to the eighth aspect, and / or the communication system including the communication device according to the ninth aspect.

[0087] For the technical effects brought about by any design in the ninth to thirteenth aspects, please refer to the technical effects brought about by different implementation forms in the first to eighth aspects, and the details will not be described again here.

[0088] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, in some embodiments, the value of a specific element of a first AP (or a second AP) is reused in a management frame by the first AP (or a second AP) to indicate specific elements of multiple APs in a multi-BSSID set to which the first AP (or a second AP) belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0089] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to the present application; [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a communication system according to the present application. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a communication system according to the present application. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a communication system according to the present application. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a radio frame according to the present application; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a radio frame according to the present application; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a radio frame according to the present application; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a radio frame according to the present application; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a radio frame according to the present application; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a radio frame according to the present application; [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame according to the present application; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to the present application; [Figure 11a] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame according to the present application. [Figure 11b] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame according to the present application. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame according to the present application. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a communication system according to the present application. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a communication method according to the present application. [Figure 15a] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame according to the present application. [Figure 15b] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame according to the present application. [Figure 15c] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame according to the present application. [Figure 15d] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame according to the present application. [Figure 15e] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of a communication method according to the present application. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to the present application; [Figure 17] 2 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0090] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts of the embodiments will be referenced to each other. In the embodiments and implementation forms / implementation methods of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or unless a logical contradiction occurs, the terms and / or descriptions are consistent and may be cross-referenced between different embodiments and between implementation forms / implementation methods of the embodiments. The technical features of different embodiments and implementation forms / implementation methods of the embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments, implementation forms, or implementation methods according to their internal logical relationships. The following description is an implementation form of the present application, but is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0091] It can be understood that in some scenarios, some optional features in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented independently to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects, without relying on other features, for example, on the solutions on which the optional features are currently based. Alternatively, in some scenarios, optional features are combined with other features based on requirements. Correspondingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of the present application can also implement these features or functions accordingly. Details will not be described here.

[0092] In the description of this application, the term "a plurality of" means two or more unless otherwise specified. "At least one of the following items (moieties)" or similar expressions means any combination of those items, including any combination of singular items (moieties) or plural items (moieties). For example, at least one of a, b, or c can refer to a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0093] In addition, to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of the present application to distinguish between identical or similar items that basically provide the same function or purpose. Those skilled in the art can understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate clear differences. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, expressions such as "example" or "for example" are used to represent providing an example, illustration, or explanation. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be described as being preferred or having more advantages than another embodiment or design scheme. Rather, the use of expressions such as "example" and "for example" is intended to present relative concepts in a specific way for ease of understanding.

[0094] In order to facilitate understanding of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the following describes the system architecture of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application. It can be understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of the present application is intended to more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, and does not constitute any limitations on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0095] The technical solutions provided in this application are applicable to WLAN scenarios, for example, to standards of the IEEE 802.11 system, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, or the next generation of 802.11ax, such as 802.11be, or further next generation standards.

[0096] Although embodiments of the present application are primarily described using examples of deployed WLAN networks, particularly networks applying the IEEE 802.11 system standard, those skilled in the art will readily understand that aspects of the present application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth®), high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (which is a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard and is used primarily in Europe), wide area networks (WANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other networks now known or developed in the future. Thus, various aspects provided in the present application are applicable to any suitable wireless network, regardless of coverage and wireless access protocol.

[0097] Alternatively, embodiments of the present application may be applied to wireless local area network systems, such as internet of things (IoT) or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks. Of course, embodiments of the present application are applicable to other possible communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth generation (5G) communication systems, and future sixth generation (6G) communication systems.

[0098] The above-mentioned communication systems used in this application are only examples for explanation and are not limited thereto. A unified description is provided in this specification, and the details will not be described again below.

[0099] The above briefly describes the system architecture in the embodiments of the present application. In order to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following describes the relevant contents of the embodiments of the present application.

[0100] 1. Multilink Device

[0101] A wireless communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The multicast service transmission method may be implemented 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 performed on multiple links. For example, the communication device is called a multi-link device or a multi-band device. Compared with a device that only supports single-link transmission, a multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput.

[0102] A multilink device includes one or more affiliated stations (STAs). An affiliated STA is a logical station and can operate on one link. 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 multilink device whose affiliated station is an AP may be referred to as a multilink AP, a multilink AP device, or an AP multilink device (AP MLD). A multilink device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA may be referred to as a multilink STA, a multilink STA device, or an STA multilink device (STA MLD). For ease of explanation, in the embodiments of this application, "a multilink device includes an affiliated STA" may also be simply referred to as "a multilink device includes an STA."

[0103] It should be noted that a multi-link device includes multiple logical stations, each of which operates on a single link, although multiple logical stations can operate on the same link.

[0104] A multi-link device may implement wireless communications according to the 802.11 family of standards. For example, a station supporting extremely high throughput (EHT), or a station supporting 802.11be, or a station supporting a standard similar to 802.11be, may communicate with another device. Of course, the other device may or may not be a multi-link device.

[0105] 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 more than two antennas. The number of antennas included in the multilink device is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment of the present application, the multilink device may allow traffic of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, or may even allow the same data packet to be transmitted on different links. Alternatively, the multilink device may not allow traffic of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, but may allow traffic of different access types to be transmitted on different links.

[0106] For example, a multi-link device is a device with wireless communication capabilities. The device may be a system-wide device, or a chip, processing system, or the like installed in the system-wide device. The device in which the chip or processing system is installed may be controlled by the chip or processing system to implement the methods and functions in the embodiments of this application. For example, the STA MLD in the embodiments of this application may have wireless transceiver capabilities, support 802.11 series protocols, and communicate with an AP MLD, another STA MLD, or a single-link device. For example, the STA MLD is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and further with a WLAN. For example, the STA MLD may be user equipment that can connect to a network, such as a tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), handheld computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), or mobile phone, or it may be an Internet of Things node in the Internet of Things or an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles. Alternatively, the STA MLD may be a chip and processing system in the aforementioned terminal.

[0107] The AP MLD in the embodiment of the present application is a device that serves the STA MLD and may support the 802.11 series protocol. For example, the AP MLD may be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, or a bridge, and may include various types of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Of course, the AP MLD may alternatively be a chip and processing system within various types of devices. In this way, the methods and functions in the embodiment of the present application are implemented. In addition, the multi-link device may support high-rate and low-latency transmission. With the continuous development of wireless local area network application scenarios, multi-link devices can be further applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, stereos, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (e.g., wearable devices such as AR and VR), smart devices in smart offices (e.g., printers or projectors), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, and some infrastructure in everyday life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, self-service navigation consoles in supermarkets, self-service cash registers, and self-service ordering machines). The specific forms of STA MLD and AP MLD are not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application and are merely examples for the purposes of description herein. The 802.11 protocol can be a protocol that supports 802.11be or is compatible with 802.11be.

[0108] The frequency bands in which a multi-link device operates may include, but are not limited to, sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and high frequency 60 GHz.

[0109] For example, the multi-link device in this embodiment of the present application may be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, the multi-link device in this embodiment of the present application may be a device having at least two antennas. The number of antennas included in the multi-link device is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the AP MLD has multiple antennas and the STA MLD has a single antenna. The 802.11 standard focuses on the physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layer parts in the AP MLD and the STA MLD.

[0110] 2. Multi-link Coordination Technology

[0111] To significantly improve the service transmission speed of WLAN systems, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax standard further incorporates orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technology, based on the existing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology. OFDMA technology allows multiple nodes to simultaneously transmit and receive data, achieving multi-station diversity gain. In addition, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a new open frequency band between 5925 and 7125 MHz. This frequency band will be referred to as 6 GHz for simplicity's sake. Therefore, the operating range of 802.11ax devices will be extended from 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc.

[0112] IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocol - extremely high throughput (EHT) devices are forward compatible. Therefore, the devices also support the operating spectrum of 802.11ax devices, i.e., the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocol - EHT devices implement channel division based on the newly released free 6 GHz band. The supported bandwidth, for example, 320 MHz, exceeds the maximum bandwidth of 160 MHz supported by 5 GHz.

[0113] The peak throughput of IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi-EHT devices can be increased by using ultra-large bandwidth, by using a larger number of streams, for example, increasing the number of streams to 16, through cooperation of multiple bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), or in other ways. Peak throughput can be further increased through cooperation of multiple channels in the same frequency band, or in other ways, thereby reducing service transmission delay. In this specification, multiple frequency bands or multiple channels are collectively referred to as multiple links.

[0114] IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi-EHT devices use multi-link cooperation technology to aggregate multiple discontinuous links to form ultra-large bandwidth. In addition to aggregating higher bandwidth, multi-link cooperation technology can also be used to simultaneously transmit data packets of the same service to the same station.

[0115] WLANs can operate on low frequency bands, including sub-1 gigahertz (GHz), 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc. In 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and previous multi-band Wi-Fi, multiple links are configured, but typically a different basic service set (BSS) is established for each of the multiple links, and at any given moment, only one link can be used to communicate with stations in the BSS to which that link belongs, and operation on each link lacks sufficient coordination.

[0116] The IEEE 802.11 next-generation Wi-Fi extreme high throughput (EHT) protocol can transmit information packets using an extremely large bandwidth on the new 6 GHz band, and can also aggregate multiple discontinuous links to form an extremely large bandwidth by using multi-link cooperation technology. Multi-link cooperation technology can aggregate larger bandwidths. In addition, the MAC layer can also be shared over multiple links to flexibly transmit message packets or to simultaneously transmit message packets of the same service to the same station. A device capable of implementing multi-link cooperation technology is hereinafter referred to as a multi-link device. AP multi-link devices and station multi-link devices can be associated on one link so that multiple links can be quickly associated.

[0117] Non-AP MLD may perform a multi-link setup operation for one link that is simultaneously associated with multiple AP MLD links. The link that performs the multi-link association request / response frame exchange is called a transmitted link. Correspondingly, the other link is called a non-transmitted link. The multi-link association request / response frame carries information about multiple links (e.g., multi-link elements) to implement simultaneous association of multiple links.

[0118] 3. Link Identifier

[0119] A link identifier represents a station operating on a link. In other words, if there are two or more stations on a link, two or more link identifiers represent two or more stations. A link referred to below may also represent a station operating on a link.

[0120] During data transmission, the AP MLD and the STA MLD may use the link identifier to identify the link or the station on the link. Before communication, the AP MLD and the STA MLD may first negotiate or communicate with each other about the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link. Therefore, during data transmission, the link identifier is conveyed 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.

[0121] In one example, a management frame, e.g., a beacon frame, transmitted by an AP MLD when establishing a basic service set (BSS) carries one element, which includes multiple link identifier information fields. The link identifier information field may indicate a correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on a link corresponding to the link identifier. The link identifier information field includes a link identifier and includes one or more of the following information: 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 indicate a link. In the case of an AP, the MAC address of the AP is the BSSID (basic service set identifier) ​​of the AP.

[0122] In another example, in a multilink device association process, the AP MLD and the STA multilink device negotiate multiple link identifier information fields. A multilink device association refers to one association between one AP in the AP MLD and one STA in the STA MLD. The association may facilitate respective associations between multiple STAs in the STA MLD and multiple APs in the AP MLD, with one STA associated with one AP.

[0123] In subsequent communications, the link identifier is used by the AP MLD or STA MLD to represent the station of the STA multi-link device, and the link identifier may further represent one or more attributes of the station's MAC address, operating class, and channel number. The MAC address may be replaced with the association identifier of the AP MLD after association.

[0124] Optionally, when multiple stations operate on one link, the link identifier (which is a numeric ID) represents the operating class and channel number of the link, and also represents the identifier of the station operating on the link, for example the station's MAC address or the station's association identifier (AID).

[0125] Although the embodiments of the present application primarily describe examples in which an IEEE 802.11 network is deployed, those skilled in the art will readily understand that various aspects of the present application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard and used primarily in Europe), wide area networks (WANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other known or later-developed networks. Thus, various aspects provided in the present application are applicable to any suitable wireless network, regardless of coverage and wireless access protocol.

[0126] 2a, a wireless local area network is used as an example to describe a communication system 100 to which an embodiment of the present application is applied. The communication system 100 includes a station 101 and a station 102. The station 101 may communicate with the station 102 via multiple links to improve throughput. The station 101 may be a multi-link device, and the station 102 may be a single-link device, a multi-link device, etc. In one scenario, the station 101 is an AP MLD, and the station 102 is an STA MLD or station (e.g., a single-link station). In another scenario, the station 101 is an STA MLD, and the station 102 is an AP (e.g., a single-link AP) or an AP MLD. In yet another scenario, the station 101 is an AP MLD, and the station 102 is an AP MLD or an AP. In yet another scenario, the station 101 is an STA MLD, and the station 102 is an STA MLD or STA (e.g., a single-link station). Of course, the wireless local area network may further include other devices. The numbers and types of devices shown in Figure 2a are merely examples.

[0127] 2b and 2c respectively show schematic diagrams of the structure of communication system 200 and communication system 300. In communication system 200 and communication system 300, for example, a multi-link device in a wireless local area network communicates with another device via multiple links.

[0128] 2b shows a scenario in which the AP MLD communicates with the STA MLD. The AP MLD includes associated AP1 and associated AP2. The STA MLD includes associated STA1 and associated STA2. The AP MLD and the STA MLD communicate in parallel over Link 1 and Link 2.

[0129] 2c illustrates a scenario in which an AP MLD 601 communicates with a STA MLD 602, a STA MLD 603, and a STA 604. The AP MLD 601 includes associated APs 601-1 to 601-3. The STA MLD 602 ​​includes three associated STAs, STA 602-1, STA 602-2, and STA 602-3. The STA MLD 603 includes two associated STAs, STA 603-1 and STA 603-2. The STAs 604-1 and 604 are single-link devices. The AP MLD 601 may use Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3 separately to communicate with the STA MLD 602, Link 2 and Link 3 to communicate with the STA MLD 603, and Link 1 to communicate with the STA 604. In one example, the STA 604 operates on the 2.4 GHz band. In STA MLD 603, STA 603-1 operates in the 5 GHz band, and STA 603-2 operates in the 6 GHz band. In STA MLD 602, STA 602-1 operates in the 2.4 GHz band, STA 602-2 operates in the 5 GHz band, and STA 602-3 operates in the 6 GHz band. AP 601-1 operating in the 2.4 GHz band in AP MLD 601 may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA 604 and STA 602-2 of STA MLD 602 ​​on link 1. AP 601-2 operating on the 5 GHz band in AP MLD 601 may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA 603-1 operating on the 5 GHz band in STA MLD 602 ​​on link 2, and may further perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA 602-2 operating on the 5 GHz band in STA MLD 603 on link 2. AP601-3, operating on the 6 GHz band in AP MLD601, may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA602-3, operating on the 6 GHz band in STA MLD602, on link 3, and may further perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA603-2 in the STA MLD on link 3.

[0130] It should be noted that FIG. 2b only shows that the AP MLD supports two frequency bands, and FIG. 2c only shows that the AP MLD 601 supports three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). Each frequency band corresponds to one link. For example, the AP MLD 601 may operate on one or more links among link 1, link 2, or link 3. On the AP side or the STA side, a link in this specification may also be understood as a station operating on a link. In practical applications, the AP MLD and the STA MLD may further support more or fewer frequency bands. In other words, the AP MLD and the STA MLD may operate on more or fewer links. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0131] 4. Multi-link elements

[0132] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a Multilink element format 300. As shown in Figure 3, the Multilink element includes an Element Identifier field 301, a Length field 302, an Element ID Extension field 303, a Multi-Link Control field 304, and a Common Information field. The Common Information field includes a Length field 305, a Field k 306 such as an MLD MAC address field, ..., a Capability field, a Per-STA Profile x field 307, and a Per-STA Profile y field (if present) 308.

[0133] The MLD common information portion 310 is configured to carry information related to MLD. The following Per-STA Profile x field 307 and Per-STA Profile y field (if present) 308 are optional sub-elements 320 that represent per-STA profiles.

[0134] Additionally, the multilink control field 304 includes a Type 314, a field k present 324, and a Reserved 334. For example, the Type 314 may be a basic type or a probe request type.

[0135] Optionally, the multilink element further includes a link information portion, which includes one or more "per-STA profiles." The per-STA profile x field 307 includes a subelement ID 317, a length 327, and a content 337, which includes a per-STA control field 3371, a STA information field 3372, and a STA profile field 3373. The per-STA control field 3371 includes a link ID 33711 and a STA MAC address present 33712. The STA information field 3372 includes a length 33721, a STA MAC address 33722, etc. The STA profile field 3373 includes fields x 33731, ···, element Y 33732, ···, and non-inheritance element (if present) 33733.

[0136] It may be understood that other fields may be further included between the MLD MAC address field and field k306 in Figure 3 and are not shown herein. The STA information field 3372 further includes other fields, and the STA profile field 3373 further includes other fields or elements such as field 1, field 2, ..., element 1, element 2, ..., with the non-inherited element 33733 being the last element.

[0137] 5. Multi-BSSID Set

[0138] A multiple basic service set identifier set (also called a multi-BSSID set) can be understood as a set of several cooperating APs. All cooperating APs use the same operating class, the same channel number, and the same antenna interface. In a multi-BSSID set, there is only one transmitting BSSID AP, and the other APs are non-transmitting BSSID APs. Information about the multi-BSSID set (i.e., the multi-BSSID element) is carried in the beacon frame, probe response frame, or neighbor report sent by the transmitting BSSID AP. Information about the BSSID of the non-transmitting BSSID AP is derived by the station based on the multi-BSSID element in the beacon frame, probe response frame, or neighbor report. The BSSID of the non-transmitting BSSID AP is calculated by using the BSSID of the transmitting BSSID AP and the BSSID index field in the multi-BSSID index element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile of the transmitting BSSID AP. For specific methods, please refer to the Draft 802.11REVmd_D3.0 protocol.

[0139] A multi-BSSID set may be understood to include multiple APs, each managing one BSS, and different APs may have different SSIDs and permissions, e.g., security mechanisms or transmission opportunities.

[0140] In a multi-BSSID set, only APs whose BSSID is a transmission BSSID can send beacon frames and probe response frames, and non-transmission BSSID APs do not send beacon frames. Therefore, when a probe request frame sent by a STA is sent to an AP whose BSSID is a non-transmission BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the AP whose BSSID is a transmission BSSID in the multi-BSSID set will respond by sending a probe response frame.

[0141] The BSSID of one AP among the multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set is configured as a Transmitted BSSID, and the Transmitted BSSID AP is sometimes referred to as a Transmitted AP. The BSSID of another AP is configured as a Nontransmitted BSSID, and the Nontransmitted BSSID AP is sometimes referred to as a Nontransmitted AP.

[0142] A beacon frame transmitted by an AP corresponding to a transmit BSSID may include a multi-BSSID element. The frame format of the multi-BSSID element is shown in Figure 4. The multi-BSSID element includes an element ID field, a length field, a maximum BSSID indicator field, and an optional sub-element field. The maximum BSSID indicator field indicates the maximum number of BSSIDs (2^(n)) included in the multi-BSSID set. The optional sub-element field includes a nontransmitted profile field corresponding to one or more non-transmitted BSSIDs.

[0143] The maximum number of APs allowed in a multi-BSSID set is 2^(n), where n is the value indicated by the Max BSSID Indicator field in the Multi-BSSID element shown in Figure 4. Therefore, bits 1 through 2^(n)-1 of the Service Indication Virtual Bitmap field can be assigned to non-transmitting BSSID APs in a multi-BSSID set, respectively, to indicate whether the non-transmitting BSSID APs with Non-TxBSS IDs (identifiers) 1 through 2n-1 have groupcast service. The value of Non-TxBSS ID is equal to the value of the BSSID Index field in the Multi-BSSID Index element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile in the Multi-BSSID element. The non-transmitting BSSID profile is in the Optional subelement field.

[0144] For example, compared with multiple independent APs, one AP supporting multiple BSSIDs has the advantage that multiple types of traffic users can be supported in a small area. When different APs are used in a small area, each AP tries to find a clean channel and cannot avoid channel interference between APs. Therefore, a solution is used in which one AP is virtualized into multiple APs to serve STAs of different traffic types or different customer types.

[0145] 6. Channel switching related elements

[0146] In general, the channel switch related elements may include one or more of a Channel Switch Announcement element, an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, and a Max Channel Switch Time element.

[0147] A schematic diagram of the frame format of the channel switch announcement element is shown in Figure 5(a). The channel switch announcement element may include an element ID (sometimes called an element identifier) ​​field, a length field, a channel switch mode field, a new channel number field, and a channel switch count field.

[0148] A schematic diagram of the frame format of the extended channel switch announcement element is shown in Figure 5(b). The extended channel switch announcement element may include an element identifier field, a length field, a channel switch mode field, a new operating class field, a new channel number field, and a channel switch count field.

[0149] The Channel Switch Count field indicates the amount of target beacon transmission time (TBTT) remaining when the station transmitting the Channel Switch Announcement element or Extended Channel Switch Announcement element switches to a new channel or new operating class and new channel. For example, the Channel Switch Count field is set to 1, indicating that the switch will occur immediately before the next TBTT. The Channel Switch Count field is set to 0, indicating that the switch will occur any time after the frame is transmitted. The New Channel Number field indicates the channel number after the channel switch. The New Operating Class field indicates the operating class after the channel switch.

[0150] It should be noted that the time field of each channel switch associated element may refer to the beacon frame transmission time and beacon frame interval of the AP for which the channel switch is being performed.

[0151] A schematic diagram of the frame format of the Maximum Channel Switching Time element is shown in Figure 6. The Maximum Channel Switching Time element may include an Element Identifier field, a Length field, an Element ID Extension field, and a Switch Time field.

[0152] 7. Quiet Channel Related Elements

[0153] In general, the quiet channel related elements may include one or more of a quiet element and a quiet channel element.

[0154] A schematic diagram of the frame format of a quiet element is shown in Figure 7. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 7, the quiet element includes an element ID (sometimes called an element identifier) ​​field, a length field, a quiet count field, a quiet period field, a quiet duration field, and a quiet offset field.

[0155] The Quiet Count field is set to the number of TBTTs until the beacon interval during which the next quiet interval starts. The Quiet Period field is set to the number of beacon frame intervals between the start of regularly scheduled quiet intervals defined by this Quiet element. A Quiet Period field set to 0 indicates that no periodic quiet interval is defined. The Quiet Duration field is set to the duration of the quiet interval, expressed in TUs. The Quiet Offset field is set to the offset of the start of the quiet interval from the TBTT specified by the Quiet Count field, expressed in TUs.The Quiet Offset field value is set to the offset of the start of the quiet interval from the TBTT specified by the Quiet Count field, expressed in TUs. The Quiet Offset field value is less than one beacon interval.

[0156] It can be understood that after the quiet element is enabled, the AP no longer communicates with the STA and the STA remains in the quiet state, so the STA may perform other actions.

[0157] A schematic diagram of a frame format of a Quiet Channel element is shown in Figure 8. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 8, the Quiet Channel element includes an element ID (sometimes referred to as an element identifier) ​​field, a Length field, an AP Quiet Mode, a Quiet Count field (this field is an optional field), a Quiet Period field (this field is an optional field), a Quiet Duration field (this field is an optional field), and a Quiet Offset field (this field is an optional field).

[0158] Compared with the implementation example of the quiet element shown in FIG. 7, the quiet channel element shown in FIG. 8 further includes an AP Quiet Mode field.

[0159] Optionally, for specific descriptions of the elements in Figures 5 to 8, please refer to the 802.11-2020 standard protocol.

[0160] 8. Intra-BSS PPDUs and Inter-BSS PPDUs

[0161] For a station, if the BSS to which the PPDU monitored by the station belongs is the same as the BSS associated with the station, or if the receiver / transmitter of the PPDU monitored by the station and the station belong to the same BSS, or if the BSS to which the PPDU monitored by the station belongs is a PPDU from (any AP in) the same multi-BSSID set of the AP associated with the station, the PPDU is an intra-BSS PPDU (or called an intra-PPDU). For example, if the BSS color / BSSID in the PPDU monitored by the station is the same as the BSS color / BSSID of the BSS associated with the station, the PPDU is an intra-BSS PPDU.

[0162] For a station, if the BSS to which the PPDU monitored by the station belongs is not the same as the BSS associated with the station, or if the receiver / transmitter of the PPDU monitored by the station and the station do not belong to the same BSS, or if the BSS to which the PPDU monitored by the station belongs is not a PPDU from the same multi-BSSID set (any AP in the set) of the AP associated with the station, the PPDU is an inter-BSS PPDU (or called an inter-PPDU). For example, if the BSS color / BSS ID of the PPDU monitored by the station is different from the BSS color / BSS ID of the BSS associated with the station, the PPDU is an inter-BSS PPDU.

[0163] The above-described methods for a station to determine whether a PPDU is an intra-BSS PPDU or an inter-BSS PPDU are merely examples, and for more details, please refer to the 802.11ax-2021 protocol.

[0164] For a station, if the station receives an inter-PPDU, the station may initiate another transmission on the same channel based on the inter-PPDU, which is based on the spatial reuse method specified in the 802.11ax-2021 protocol.

[0165] For a station, if the station receives an Inter PPDU, the station may not receive or parse any more Inter PPDUs to save power (see 802.11ax-2021 protocol).

[0166] In a WLAN communication process, when a communication parameter of an access point (AP) changes, the AP may need to transmit some specific elements to associated stations (STAs) to indicate the relevant communication parameters. Generally, these specific elements may be carried in a management frame. Currently, a management frame transmitted by an AP may need to carry multiple specific elements to indicate the relevant communication parameters of multiple APs. Generally, among the multiple specific elements carried in a management frame, different specific elements indicate the specific elements of different APs, respectively.

[0167] However, in the above implementation process, the management frame needs to carry specific elements corresponding to each AP, so that the management frame sent by the AP may contain some repeated redundant data, which may cause unnecessary overhead and affect communication efficiency.

[0168] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application provides a communication method and a communication device. The value of a specific element of a first AP (or a second AP) is reused in a management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs in a multi-BSSID set to which the first AP (or the second AP) belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0169] TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to a management frame for WLAN communication. For ease of understanding, the following first describes the implementation process of the management frame.

[0170] In a WLAN communication process, when a communication parameter (e.g., an operating class or a channel number) related to a channel switch of an AP changes, the AP may need to send a channel switch-related element to an associated STA to indicate the related communication parameter. In addition, when the AP detects a DFS channel or performs channel measurement, etc., the AP may need to send a quiet channel-related element to an associated STA to indicate the related communication parameter. Generally, these elements may be carried in a management frame.

[0171] With the development of WLAN technology, the feature of multi-BSSID sets is introduced into WLAN communication networks, and the above-mentioned receiving and transmitting process of management frames can be further applied to communication networks with multi-BSSID sets. When communication parameters of multiple APs in the same multi-BSSID set change, the APs corresponding to the transmitting BSSIDs in the same multi-BSSID set may need to transmit channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements of the APs to STAs associated with each AP.

[0172] In the following, several implementation examples are used for explanation. In the following implementation examples, an example in which the AP whose communication parameters change is an AP in the AP MLD (the second AP is used as an example) is used for explanation.

[0173] 1. Possible implementation process for sending management frames

[0174] When transmitting a management frame (e.g., a beacon frame or a probe response frame), a second AP in the AP MLD carries any one of the following channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of the second AP: Channel Switch Announcement element, Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, Max Channel Switch Time element, Quiet element, Quiet Channel element.

[0175] In this case, when another AP (each AP) located in the same AP MLD as the second AP transmits a management frame (here, for example, the AP transmitting the management frame is the first AP), the AP needs to carry the channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of the second AP.

[0176] Optionally, the channel switching-related element or the quiet channel-related element, or both, of the second AP are carried in a per STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in a multilink element (a multilink element corresponding to the MLD of the second AP; in other words, the multilink element carries the MLD MAC element of the MLD of the second AP) of the management frame transmitted by the first AP, for example, carried in a STA profile (also called a station profile) field of the per STA profile field. For example, when the multilink element of the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 3, the channel switching-related element and / or the quiet channel-related element of the second AP may be carried in the “STA profile field 3373.”

[0177] Optionally, a time field (e.g., a channel switch count field, a switch time field, or a quiet duration field) in the channel switch related element and / or quiet channel related element of the second AP refers to the beacon frame transmission time and beacon frame interval of the second AP.

[0178] Generally, when transmitting a management frame, the first AP may carry only the first half of the multi-link (ML) element. In other words, the multi-link element includes an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a multi-link control field, a common information field, etc. For example, when the multi-link element of the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 3, only the "MLD common information part 310" in the first half of FIG. 3 may be carried, and the "optional sub-element 320" in the second half of FIG. 3 is not carried.

[0179] In a special case, if a beacon frame transmitted by another AP (other than the first AP) in the AP MLD carries any one of the aforementioned channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements, when the first AP in the AP MLD transmits a management frame, the multilink element of the management frame needs to further carry a per-STA profile field. The per-STA profile field contains the same channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements as those of the other AP (i.e., the second AP), and is carried in the STA profile field. For example, when the multilink element of the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 3, the “MLD common information part 310” in the first half of FIG. 3 may be carried, and the “optional sub-element 320” in the second half of FIG. 3 may also be carried. The channel switching-related elements or quiet channel-related elements, or both, of the second AP are carried in the “STA profile field 3373” in the “optional sub-element 320.”

[0180] In other words, when transmitting a management frame, a first AP in an AP MLD needs to carry channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of another AP (e.g., a second AP) in the same AP MLD.

[0181] 2. Another possible implementation process for sending management frames

[0182] If the second AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, a management frame (e.g., a beacon frame or a probe response frame) transmitted by an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set as the second AP carries any one of the following channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of the previous AP: Channel Switch Announcement element, Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, Max Channel Switch Time element, Quiet element, Quiet Channel element.

[0183] In this case, when another AP located in the same AP MLD as the second AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID, when an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID located in the same multi-BSSID set as the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID transmits a management frame (here, for example, the AP transmitting the management frame is the first AP), the channel switching related elements or quiet channel related elements or both of the second AP need to be conveyed.

[0184] Here, the example is still used in which the AP that transmits the management frame is the first AP. The first AP is an AP in the first AP MLD. When transmitting the management frame, the first AP needs to carry the channel switching related element and / or the quiet channel related element of the second AP.

[0185] The second AP is an AP in the second AP MLD, which is the AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP is located, and the second AP is not an AP in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP.

[0186] For example, when the first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame carries the multi-BSSID element shown in Figure 4. In addition, the channel switching related element or the quiet channel related element, or both, of the second AP are located in the "optional sub-element" in the multi-BSSID element shown in Figure 4. The "optional sub-element" in the multi-BSSID element indicates the related element of the AP that corresponds to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP.

[0187] Optionally, when the multi-BSSID element in the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in Figure 4, the "optional sub-element" may further include the "multilink element" shown in Figure 3, such that the "multilink element" in the "optional sub-element" indicates an associate element of another AP in the AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP is located. A channel switching associate element and / or a quiet channel associate element of the second AP may be located in the "multilink element" in the "optional sub-element".

[0188] In other words, when transmitting a management frame, the first AP in the first AP MLD must carry the channel switching related element and / or quiet channel related element of the second AP in the second AP MLD. The second AP is an AP in the second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is the AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP is located. The second AP is not an AP in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP.

[0189] Optionally, when the second AP switches to a new operating class and a new channel number towards the target time point, the following conditions are met:

[0190] (1) Before the channel target time point, when (each of) the other APs in the same AP MLD as the second AP transmits beacon frames and probe response frames, the operation class and channel number fields of the second AP in the reduced neighbor report element (abbreviated as RNR) element that needs to be carried are configured with the operation class and channel number operating before that time point (i.e., before the switch). If (each of) the other APs in the same AP MLD as the second AP are APs that support a non-transmitting BSSID, the RNR element that needs to be carried when the APs that support a transmitting BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set transmit beacon frames and probe response frames is configured in the same way.

[0191] (2) After the channel target time point, when (each of) the other APs in the same AP MLD as the second AP transmits beacon frames and probe response frames, the operation class and channel number fields of the second AP in the RNR element that need to be carried are carried with the operation class and channel number that will operate after that time point (i.e., after the switch). If (each of) the other APs in the same AP MLD as the second AP are APs that correspond to non-transmitting BSSIDs, the RNR elements that need to be carried when APs that correspond to transmitting BSSIDs in the same multi-BSSID set transmit beacon frames and probe response frames are configured in the same manner.

[0192] 3. Possible implementation process for receiving management frames

[0193] The STA receives the management frame. Here, an example in which the STA is a STA in a non-AP MLD is used for explanation (the STA receiving the management frame may also be a single-link device, this is just an example).

[0194] When a STA in a non-AP MLD receives a management frame (e.g., a beacon frame or a probe response frame) transmitted by a first AP, and the management frame includes channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of a second AP (different from the management frame transmitting AP) in the same AP MLD as the management frame transmitting AP, the STA associated with the second AP in the non-AP MLD receives the parameters of the second AP.

[0195] For example, STA1 in the non-AP MLD receives a management frame transmitted by AP1 in the AP MLD, and the management frame carries a channel switch announcement element transmitted by AP2 in the AP MLD. In this case, STA2 in the non-AP MLD can learn the channel switch announcement element transmitted by AP2 and obtain information such as the switched operating class and channel number of AP2.

[0196] In this case, it should be noted that STA2 in the non-AP MLD may not actually receive the aforementioned elements, but receives them by using another STA (e.g., STA1) in the same MLD.

[0197] As can be seen from the above implementation process of the management frame, the management frame transmitted by the AP may need to carry multiple channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements, and the multiple elements may respectively indicate elements corresponding to multiple APs in the same multi-BSSID set. Because different APs in the same multi-BSSID set correspond to the same specific element, the management frame transmitted by the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID may have some repeated redundant data.

[0198] In the following, an example implementation is used to illustrate possible implementations of repeated redundant data.

[0199] An application scenario of the following implementation example may be that the AP transmitting the management frame (i.e., the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID) and the AP whose communication parameters change (i.e., the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID) are located in the same multi-BSSID set.

[0200] For example, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame. In Figure 9, the management frame includes a transmit BSSID association element and is used to carry a channel switching association element and / or a quiet channel association element of the transmit BSSID. The management frame further includes a multi-BSSID element. The multi-BSSID element includes one or more non-transmit BSSID profiles, and each non-transmit BSSID profile carries a non-transmit BSSID AP information element or field corresponding to the non-transmit BSSID profile.

[0201] Specifically, in the case of a multi-BSSID set, APs corresponding to each BSSID must operate on the same channel, so all APs in the multi-BSSID set must have the same channel switching behavior. In a multi-BSSID set, only the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID can transmit management frames. When all APs in the multi-BSSID set switch channels, the beacon frame transmitted by the transmitting BSSID AP includes a channel switching related element for the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID and also includes a multi-BSSID element. The non-transmitting profile corresponding to each non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID element carries the channel switching related element for the corresponding non-transmitting BSSID. Therefore, the beacon frame has a certain amount of redundancy, reducing air interface efficiency. The channel switching related element includes at least one of a channel switching announcement element, an extended channel switching announcement element, and a maximum channel switching time element.

[0202] In addition, with regard to the quiet channel association element, since the quiet channel association element is used to prevent STAs from performing dynamic frequency selection (DFS) on the quiet channel or from performing channel measurements on the quiet channel, all APs in the same multi-BSSID set must have the same behavior on the quiet channel. Similar to the channel switching described above, the AP of the transmitting BSSID must include the quiet channel association element of the AP's transmitting BSSID in the management frame, and must also include the quiet channel association element corresponding to each non-transmitting BSSID in the non-transmitting profile corresponding to each non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID element in the beacon frame. This also causes a redundancy problem in the beacon frame.

[0203] Optionally, the multi-BSSID element used to carry the channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID may be implemented by using the frame format shown in Figure 4. The "optional sub-element" in Figure 4 may further include the "multilink element" shown in Figure 3, such that the "multilink element" in the "optional sub-element" indicates the related elements of another AP in the AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the AP corresponding to the transmit BSSID is located. The channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of the second AP may be located in the "multilink element" in the "optional sub-element".

[0204] In other words, when a management frame transmitted by an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 9, the "transmitting BSSID association element" must carry the channel switching association element and / or quiet channel association element of the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID, and the "multi-BSSID element" must carry the channel switching association element and / or quiet channel association element of the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID. Because the channel switching association element and / or quiet channel association element of the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID are the same as the channel switching association element and / or quiet channel association element of the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID, the management frame may contain redundant data, causing unnecessary overhead and affecting communication efficiency.

[0205] To solve the problem that when an AP transmitting a management frame (i.e., an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID) and an AP whose communication parameters change (i.e., an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID) are located in the same multi-BSSID set, the management frame transmitted by the AP may need to carry multiple channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements. The problem is solved in the following implementation shown in FIG. 10.

[0206] 10 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0207] S101: A first AP generates a management frame.

[0208] In this embodiment, a first AP generates a management frame in step S101, the management frame includes a specific element of a first access point (AP), the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP.

[0209] S102: The first AP transmits a management frame.

[0210] In this embodiment, the first AP transmits a management frame in step S102. In response, the STA receives the management frame in step S102.

[0211] Optionally, the first AP may perform pre-transmission processing on the management frame and transmit the processing result obtained through the pre-transmission processing in step S102. For example, the pre-transmission processing may include encryption and scrambling. Correspondingly, the STA may receive the processing result (obtained by the first AP performing pre-transmission processing on the management frame) and perform pre-reception processing on the processing result in step S102 to obtain the management frame. For example, the pre-reception processing may include decryption and descrambling.

[0212] S103: The STA determines, based on the management frame, the value of the specific element of the first AP or the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set.

[0213] In this embodiment, when the STA is associated with a first AP, the STA determines the value of a specific element of the first AP based on the management frame in step S103; or when the STA is associated with a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the STA determines the value of a specific element of an AP associated with the STA that corresponds to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set based on the management frame in step S103. In other words, the STA determines the specific element of the AP associated with the STA based on the management frame in step S103.

[0214] Specifically, in step S101, when a first AP starts to perform (or performs after a preset duration, or is performing) an associated operation of a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the first AP needs to be carried in a management frame in step S101 to indicate the specific elements of the multiple APs.

[0215] Optionally, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S101, the value of a specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set being the same as the value of a specific element of the first AP may be expressed as the value of a specific element of another AP other than the first AP in the multi-BSSID set being the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP, or the values ​​of the specific elements of all APs in the multi-BSSID set being the same, or the values ​​of the specific elements of all APs in the multi-BSSID set being the same two by two, or the common specific element of all APs in the multi-BSSID set being the same, and the multi-BSSID set included in the management frame does not include the common specific element of all APs in the multi-BSSID set.

[0216] In a first possible implementation form, the management frame generated by the first AP in step S101 further includes a multi-BSSID element, and the multi-BSSID element does not include a specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID.

[0217] Specifically, the multi-BSSID element in the management frame does not include an AP-specific element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID. In other words, the first AP-specific element also indicates an AP-specific element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID. Therefore, the first AP-specific element is reused to indicate multiple AP-specific elements (including the first AP and APs corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSIDs). This avoids redundant data being carried in the management frame, reduces overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0218] In a possible implementation, the management frame sent by the first AP in step S101 is a beacon frame, or the management frame is a probe response frame.

[0219] In a possible implementation, the specific elements include at least one of a Channel Switch Announcement element, an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, a Quiet element, a Quiet Channel element, and a Max Channel Switch Time element.

[0220] Based on the above technical solutions, the specific element carried in the management frame may include at least one of the above items. In other words, the specific element includes a channel switching related element and / or a quiet channel related element to indicate channel switching related information and / or quiet channel related information.

[0221] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the first AP in step S102 includes a first AP identification element, where the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, and the value of the AP identification element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the first AP identification element. Thus, when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined in step S103 by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. When the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined in step S103 by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the first AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate the AP identification element corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry the same identification element multiple times in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0222] In addition, according to the aforementioned technical solution, when the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in Fig. 9, the frame format of the management frame shown in Fig. 9 may be represented as an implementation example shown in Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b. In the implementation example shown in Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b, an example is used for explanation in which the AP that generates (or transmits) the management frame is the first AP, and the AP that performs the related operation of a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting) is the second AP.

[0223] In one implementation example, Figure 11a shows an implementation example of a management frame before the communication method shown in Figure 10 is applied. The management frame includes a transmit BSSID association element, which carries a specific element of an AP (i.e., a first AP) corresponding to the transmit BSSID. The management frame further includes a multi-BSSID element, which carries a specific element of an AP (i.e., a second AP) corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID.

[0224] In one implementation, Figure 11b shows an implementation example of a management frame after the communication method shown in Figure 10 is applied. The management frame includes a transmit BSSID association element, which carries a specific element of the AP corresponding to the transmit BSSID (i.e., the first AP). The management frame further includes a multi-BSSID element, which does not carry a specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmit BSSID (i.e., the second AP).

[0225] Because the first AP and the second AP belong to the same multi-BSSID set, the value of the specific element of the first AP is the same as the value of the specific element of the second AP. In this way, multiple STAs (including STAs associated with the first AP and STAs associated with the second AP) receive the "associated element of the transmission BSSID" in the management frame and, in S103, may obtain the value of the specific element of the first AP included in the "associated element of the transmission BSSID." The multiple STAs may determine the value of the specific element of the AP associated with each STA based on the value of the specific element of the first AP. The "multi-BSSID element" in the management frame does not need to carry the specific element of the second AP. This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0226] As can be seen from the above implementation process of the management frame, the management frame transmitted by the AP may need to carry multiple channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements, and the multiple elements may respectively indicate elements corresponding to multiple APs in the same multi-BSSID set. Because different APs in the same multi-BSSID set correspond to the same specific element, the management frame transmitted by the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID may have some repeated redundant data.

[0227] In the following, another implementation example is used to illustrate possible implementations of repeated redundant data.

[0228] An application scenario of the following implementation example may be that an AP (e.g., a first AP) that transmits a management frame and an AP (e.g., a second AP) whose communication parameters change are located in different multi-BSSID sets. The first AP is an AP in the first AP MLD. The second AP is an AP in the second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is an AP MLD in which an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP is located. The second AP is not an AP in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP.

[0229] For example, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a management frame.

[0230] In FIG. 12, the management frame includes a multi-BSSID element, which includes one or more non-transmitting BSSID profiles, and each non-transmitting BSSID profile carries an information element or field for the non-transmitting BSSID AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID profile.

[0231] Optionally, when the first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame carries a multi-BSSID element shown in Figure 4. In addition, a channel switching-related element or a quiet channel-related element, or both, of the second AP are located in the "optional sub-element" within the multi-BSSID element shown in Figure 4. The "optional sub-element" within the multi-BSSID element indicates the associated element of the AP that corresponds to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP. The channel switching-related element and / or the quiet channel-related element of the second AP may be located in the "optional sub-element."

[0232] In addition, when the multi-BSSID element in the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in Figure 4, the "optional sub-element" may further include the "multilink element" shown in Figure 3, such that the "multilink element" in the "optional sub-element" indicates an associate element of another AP in the AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP is located. A channel switching associate element and / or a quiet channel associate element of the second AP may be located in the "multilink element" in the "optional sub-element".

[0233] 12, the management frame further includes a multilink element, which includes one or more per-STA profiles and is used to carry elements and fields of corresponding STAs (including AP and non-AP STAs).

[0234] Optionally, when the multilink element of the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in Figure 3, the "MLD common information part 310" in the first half of Figure 3 may be carried, and the "optional sub-element 320" in the second half of Figure 3 may be further carried. The channel switching related elements or quiet channel related elements or both of the second AP are carried in the "STA profile field 3373" in the "optional sub-element 320".

[0235] Here, an example in which the first AP is an AP in the AP MLD is used for explanation. The first AP may also be a single-link device. Here, only an example in which the first AP is an AP in the AP MLD is used. The first AP MLD is indicated as the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, and the maximum number of first AP MLDs is 1. The second AP MLD is the AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the first AP is located. The number of second AP MLDs can be 0, 1, or more. The AP MLD includes one or more APs.

[0236] For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 13, four AP MLDs are included. AP MLD1 includes an AP numbered BSSID-1x (corresponding to link L1), an AP numbered BSSID-2y (corresponding to link L2), and an AP numbered BSSID-3 (corresponding to link L3). AP MLD2 includes an AP numbered BSSID-1z (corresponding to link L1), an AP numbered BSSID-2x (corresponding to link L2), and an AP numbered BSSID-4y (corresponding to link L4). AP MLD3 includes an AP numbered BSSID-1y (corresponding to link L1), an AP numbered BSSID-2z (corresponding to link L2), and an AP numbered BSSID-4x (corresponding to link L4). AP MLD4 includes an AP numbered BSSID-4z (corresponding to link L4). Note that link numbers and link identifiers in the figure are not the same concept. The link identifier represents a grouping of an AP's operating class, channel number, and MAC address (or BSSID) to identify a particular AP.

[0237] For example, an AP ending with the digit "x" is an AP that corresponds to a transmitting BSSID, and an AP ending with another digit (e.g., "y" or "z") is an AP that corresponds to a non-transmitting BSSID. Specifically, multi-BSSID set 1 on link 1 includes transmit BSSID BSSID-1x and non-transmit BSSIDs BSSID-1z and BSSID-1y, multi-BSSID set 2 on link 2 includes transmit BSSID BSSID-2x and non-transmit BSSIDs BSSID-2z and BSSID-2y, link 3 includes BSSID-3 (which can be considered not to belong to a multi-BSSID set, so there is no need to distinguish between a transmitting and non-transmitting BSSID), and multi-BSSID set 4 on link 4 includes transmit BSSID BSSID-4x and non-transmitting BSSIDs BSSID-4z and BSSID-4y.

[0238] For ease of explanation, "AP corresponding to BSSID-n" will be simply referred to as "AP-n" hereinafter. In the scenario shown in Figure 13, n can be 1x, 1y, 1z, 2x, 2y, 2z, 3, 4x, 4y, 4z, etc.

[0239] In the scenario shown in Figure 13, when an AP (e.g., AP-1y) in multi-BSSID set 1 on link 1 performs the above-described process of channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements, management frames transmitted by other APs located in the same MLD as AP-1y, e.g., AP-2z and AP-4y, also need to carry corresponding elements. Because AP-2z is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID, the corresponding element needs to be transmitted by AP-2z's transmit BSSID (i.e., AP-2x) and is located in the multi-link element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to AP-2z in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

[0240] Similarly, since all APs in the multi-BSSID set perform the same operations for the channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements described above, AP-1z and AP-1x also perform the same operations. In this case, other APs corresponding to AP MLD2 and AP MLD1 must also carry corresponding elements when transmitting management frames. For example, AP-2x in AP MLD2 must carry the corresponding elements of AP-1z, and AP-2y in AP MLD1 must carry the corresponding elements of AP-1x, which are located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to AP-1z in the multi-link element of the management frame. In addition, since AP-2y is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID, the corresponding elements are transmitted by the transmitting BSSID (i.e., AP-2x) in the multi-BSSID set in which AP-2y is located, and are located in the multi-link element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to AP-2y in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame transmitted by AP-2x.

[0241] Therefore, for the processing of channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements performed by APs in the multi-BSSID set in which AP-1y is located, AP-2x needs to carry three channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements when transmitting a management frame (e.g., a beacon frame or a probe response frame), one carried in the corresponding element (for indicating the specific element corresponding to BSSID-1z) of AP-1z carried in the multi-link element of the management frame, and the other two carried in the multi-link element (for indicating the specific element corresponding to BSSID-1y) in the non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to AP-2z in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame and the multi-link element (for indicating the specific element corresponding to BSSID-1x) in the non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to AP-2y in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame, respectively.

[0242] In conclusion, when a management frame transmitted by an AP carries multiple channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements, the multiple elements may indicate elements corresponding to the same BSSID set (here, the "same BSSID set" may not be the BSSID set where the AP is located). Because different APs in the same multi-BSSID set correspond to the same elements, the management frame transmitted by the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID may have some redundant data, which may cause unnecessary overhead and affect communication efficiency.

[0243] In other words, when the APs on link 1 (including AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y) in the scenario of FIG. 13 begin to perform (or perform after a preset duration, or are performing) the relevant operation of a particular element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), the following conditions are met:

[0244] When the management frame transmitted by AP-2x is implemented by using the frame format shown in Figure 12, the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame needs to carry the associate elements of APs (including AP-2y and AP-2z) corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSIDs. The associate elements of AP-2y include channel switching associate elements and / or quiet channel associate elements located in the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1x) as AP-2y. The associate elements of AP-2z include channel switching associate elements and / or quiet channel associate elements located in the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1y) as AP-2z.

[0245] In addition, when the management frame transmitted by AP-2x is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 12, the “multilink element” of the management frame needs to carry channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements located in the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1z) as AP-2x.

[0246] Since the channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y are the same, the management frames may have redundant data, causing unnecessary overhead and affecting communication efficiency.

[0247] To solve the problem that when an AP transmitting a management frame (i.e., an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID) and an AP whose communication parameters change (i.e., an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID) are located in different multi-BSSID sets, the management frame transmitted by the AP may need to carry multiple channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements. The problem is solved in the following implementation shown in FIG. 14.

[0248] 14 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0249] S201: A first AP generates a management frame.

[0250] In this embodiment, the first AP generates a management frame in step S201, where the management frame includes specific elements of the second AP.

[0251] Specifically, in step S201, when the second AP starts to perform (or performs after a preset duration, or is performing) an operation related to a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting) (i.e., when the beacon frame transmitted by the second AP carries any one of the specific elements), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in the management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific element of the multiple APs.

[0252] The first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID in a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP belongs to a second multi-BSSID set, and the value of a specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set.

[0253] In a possible implementation, the first AP belongs to a first access point multi-link device (AP MLD).

[0254] Optionally, the first AP MLD includes one or more APs. For example, if the first AP MLD includes only the first AP, the first AP MLD may also be referred to as a single-link device, or the first AP MLD may further include another AP other than the first AP.

[0255] In a possible implementation, the second AP is another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD.

[0256] In a possible implementation, the second AP is an AP in the second AP MLD, the second AP is not an AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is the AP MLD in which the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0257] Optionally, the second AP being an AP in the second AP MLD and not being an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the second AP being another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, or the second AP being another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set.

[0258] In a possible implementation, the second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or the second AP includes an AP in the second AP MLD, where the second AP is not an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is an AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0259] Optionally, the second AP including an AP in the second AP MLD and the second AP not being an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the second AP including another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, or may be expressed as the second AP including another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set.

[0260] S202: The first AP transmits a management frame.

[0261] In this embodiment, the first AP transmits a management frame in step S202, and the STA correspondingly receives the management frame in step S102.

[0262] Optionally, the first AP may perform pre-transmission processing on the management frame and transmit the processing result obtained through the pre-transmission processing in step S202. For example, the pre-transmission processing may include encryption and scrambling. Correspondingly, the STA may receive the processing result (obtained by the first AP performing pre-transmission processing on the management frame) and perform pre-reception processing on the processing result in step S202 to obtain the management frame. For example, the pre-reception processing may include decryption and descrambling.

[0263] S203: The STA determines, based on the management frame, a value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set or a value of a specific element of the second AP.

[0264] In this embodiment, when the non-AP MLD to which the STA is associated is a non-AP MLD associated with the MLD in which the second AP is located, the non-AP MLD to which the STA is associated (any STA or all STAs within) determines the value of a specific element of the second AP based on the management frame in step S203.

[0265] Optionally, the STA that receives the management frame may be a STA in a non-AP MLD. The non-AP MLD includes one or more STAs. For example, when the non-AP MLD includes only the STA that receives the management frame, the non-AP MLD may also be referred to as a single-link device, or the non-AP MLD may further include another STA other than the STA that receives the management frame.

[0266] Note that when the value of a particular element of the second AP is the same as the value of a particular element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, this may be expressed as the values ​​of the particular element of all APs in the second multi-BSSID set being the same, or as every two values ​​of the particular element of all APs in the second multi-BSSID set being the same.

[0267] Optionally, the second AP including another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set (or the second AP being another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set) may also be expressed as the second AP including another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set (or the second AP being another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set).

[0268] In addition, the first AP in step S201 may be an AP in the first AP MLD, and the second AP is another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or the second AP is another AP in the second AP MLD other than a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set. The first AP MLD and the second AP MLD are different AP MLDs.

[0269] It should be noted that the AP MLD (e.g., the first AP MLD or the second AP MLD) referred to in this embodiment and subsequent embodiments includes one or more APs. When the AP MLD referred to in this embodiment and subsequent embodiments includes one AP, the AP MLD may also be referred to as a single-link device.

[0270] In a possible implementation, the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201 further includes a first field, and the first field satisfies at least one of the following: The first field indicates that at least the STAs in the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD must receive the multilink elements of the first AP MLD (the specific elements of the second AP therein); The first field indicates that at least the STAs in the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD must receive the multilink element of the first AP MLD (a specific element of the second AP therein); The first field indicates that at least the STA associated with the first AP must receive the multilink element of the first AP MLD (a specific element of the second AP therein); The first field indicates that at least a STA in the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD must receive a multi-BSSID element (a specific element of the second AP in the multi-BSSID set) corresponding to the second multi-BSSID set; or The first field indicates that at least STAs in the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD must receive the first non-transmitting BSSID profile (a specific element of the second AP in) in the multi-BSSID element corresponding to the second multi-BSSID set.

[0271] Optionally, the above-mentioned STA is a STA associated with an AP operating on the same link as the first AP, or a STA associated with the first AP.

[0272] Furthermore, the first field is located in the capability information field, the first field is located in the non-transmitting profile field, the first field is located in the non-transmitting BSSID capability element of the non-transmitting profile field, the first field is located in the multilink element of the non-transmitting profile field, the first field is located in the multilink control field of the multilink element of the non-transmitting profile field, or the first field is located in the common information field of the multilink element of the non-transmitting profile field.

[0273] In possible implementations, the management frame is a beacon frame or the management frame is a probe response frame.

[0274] In a possible implementation, the specific element includes at least one of a Channel Switch Announcement element, an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, a Quiet element, a Quiet Channel element, and a Max Channel Switch Time element. Specifically, the specific element carried in the management frame may include at least one of the aforementioned items. In other words, the specific element includes a channel switch-related element and / or a quiet channel-related element to indicate channel switch-related information and / or quiet channel-related information.

[0275] In a possible implementation, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, the specific element of the second AP may be located in a different position of the management frame. For example, the specific element of the second AP may be located in a multi-BSSID element of the management frame. In another example, the specific element of the second AP may be located in a multi-link element of the management frame. The following provides a description of several implementations.

[0276] In one implementation of step S201, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, the specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame. The first AP is a transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is a BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. For ease of explanation, this implementation is referred to as Implementation 1.

[0277] Specifically, in step S201, when the second AP starts to perform (or performs after a preset duration, or is performing) an operation related to a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in the management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific elements of the multiple APs. Specifically, the specific element of the second AP is located in a multi-BSSID element and indicates the non-transmitting BSSID profile of the second AP.

[0278] Optionally, in implementation form 1, the second AP is another AP in a second AP MLD other than a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP MLD is an AP MLD in which the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located, and the specific element is located in a multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

[0279] Optionally, in implementation form 1, the second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or the second AP includes another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP MLD is the AP MLD in which the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located, and the specific element is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

[0280] Specifically, in implementation form 1, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, the specific element of the second AP is present in a multi-BSSID element of the management frame. The multi-BSSID element may include at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile. The non-transmitting BSSID profile in the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile other than the first non-transmitting BSSID profile does not include the specific element.

[0281] Specifically, in at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame, other non-transmitting BSSID profiles other than the first non-transmitting BSSID profile that includes the specific element do not include the specific element. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP also indicates the value of the specific element of the BSSID AP corresponding to the other non-transmitting BSSID profile, so the specific element of the second AP is reused to indicate the specific element of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). This avoids redundant data being carried in the management frame, reduces overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0282] Optionally, a multi-BSSID element corresponding to a first multi-BSSID set of a management frame transmitted by the first AP includes at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile. In other words, the first multi-BSSID set includes at least one non-transmitting BSSID. To help a receiving end of the management frame receive a specific element of the second AP, the specific element may be located in the first non-transmitting BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile.

[0283] Optionally, the particular element is located in any non-transmitting BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile (e.g., the second possible non-transmitting BSSID profile, the third possible non-transmitting BSSID profile, ..., or the last possible non-transmitting BSSID profile).

[0284] In the following, implementation 1 will be described by using an example with reference to the scenario shown in FIG.

[0285] Specifically, in implementation form 1, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a particular element is present in a multi-link element in a non-transmission profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame (each non-transmission BSSID corresponds to a non-transmission profile), and is not present in a multi-link element in another non-transmission profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

[0286] Optionally, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a specific element does not exist in the per-STA profile of the multilink element of the management frame.

[0287] 13, for example, the first AP (i.e., the AP that generates the management frame) is AP-2x. If the first AP belongs to multi-BSSID set 2, the first AP is the transmitting BSSID in multi-BSSID set 2.

[0288] Optionally, the first AP and the second AP may be located in different AP MLDs, and the second AP is another AP in the second AP MLD other than a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set. In other words, the first AP does not need to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of the second AP that belongs to the same MLD as the first AP (e.g., non-existent AP-1z), but does need to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of another AP that does not belong to the same MLD as the first AP (e.g., AP-1x and AP-1y).

[0289] Optionally, the first AP and the second AP may be located in the same AP MLD or different AP MLDs. The second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or the second AP includes another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set. In other words, the first AP needs to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of the second AP (e.g., AP-1z) that belongs to the same MLD as the first AP, and also needs to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of another AP (e.g., AP-1x and AP-1y) that does not belong to the same MLD as the first AP.

[0290] In this case, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, to indicate the specific elements of the multiple APs, only the specific elements of the second AP need to be carried in the multilink element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to one non-transmitting AP, and the specific elements of another AP do not need to be repeated.

[0291] Optionally, the link identifier in the STA control field in the per-STA profile field of the multi-link element is set to the link ID of any AP in the multi-BSSID set of the second AP.

[0292] Optionally, a field (denoted as a first field) is added to the management frame, for example, called ML for multiple BSSID, and set to a first value. For the implementation of the first field, please refer to the above description. The details will not be described again here.

[0293] Optionally, the non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to the second AP is located in a first position within a multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

[0294] As can be seen from the above description, in the implementation process of implementation form 1, when the APs (including AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y) on link 1 in the scenario of Figure 13 begin to perform (or perform after a preset duration, or are performing) the related operation of a particular element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), for example, the second AP is AP-1x.

[0295] When the management frame transmitted by AP-2x is implemented by using the frame format shown in Figure 12, the frame format of the management frame shown in Figure 12 may also be represented as an implementation example shown in Figures 15a and 15b. In the implementation example shown in Figures 15a and 15b, an example is used for explanation in which the AP that generates (or transmits) the management frame is the first AP, and the AP that performs the related operation of a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting) is the second AP.

[0296] In one implementation example, Figure 15a shows an implementation example of a management frame before implementation form 1 in the communication method shown in Figure 14 is applied. The management frame includes a multi-BSSID element. The multi-BSSID element carries multiple specific elements. The multiple specific elements are located in (multilink elements of) multiple non-transmitting BSSID profiles corresponding to non-transmitting BSSIDs in the multi-BSSID set in which the first AP is located. The management frame further includes multilink information. The multilink information carries a specific element of a second AP in the MLD in which the first AP is located. The specific element of the second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP.

[0297] In one implementation example, Figure 15b shows an implementation example of a management frame after implementation form 1 in the communication method shown in Figure 14 is applied. The management frame includes a multi-BSSID element. In the multi-BSSID set in which the first AP is located, (the multilink element of) a non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID carries a specific element of the second AP, and (the multilink element of) another non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID does not carry a specific element of the second AP. The management frame further includes multilink information, and the multilink information does not carry a specific element.

[0298] In other words, when AP-2x shown in Figure 13 transmits a management frame (as shown in Figure 15b), only AP-2y's associated element in the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame includes a specific element in the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1x) as AP-2y, and AP-2z's associated element in the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame does not need to carry a specific element in the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1y) as AP-2z. Optionally, when the management frame transmitted by AP-2x is implemented by using the frame format shown in Figure 15b, the "multilink element" of the management frame no longer needs to carry a specific element in the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1z) as AP-2x, even if AP-1z is present.

[0299] Because the specific elements of AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y are the same, the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame carries the specific element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile, and the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame does not need to carry the specific element in another non-transmitting BSSID profile (optionally, the multilink element of the management frame does not need to carry the specific element either). In other words, the specific element carried in the non-transmitting BSSID profile in the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame is reused to indicate the specific element of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0300] In another implementation of step S201, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a specific element of the second AP is located in a multi-link element (also referred to as a multi-link element) of the management frame. The second AP is another AP in a second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is the AP MLD in which the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located. For ease of explanation below, this implementation is referred to as implementation 2.

[0301] Specifically, in step S201, when the second AP starts to perform (or performs after a preset duration, or is performing) an operation related to a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in the management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific elements of the multiple APs. The specific element of the second AP may be located in a multilink element of the management frame, and the multilink element of the management frame may include multiple fields, and the specific element of the second AP may be located in one of the multiple fields.

[0302] Optionally, the specific element of the second AP may be located in a per-STA profile field that is within a multilink element of the management frame and indicates the second AP.

[0303] In implementation form 2, the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201 further includes a multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set, and each non-transmitting BSSID profile of the multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set does not include a specific element of an AP in the second multi-BSSID set (in the MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID is located (i.e., the second AP MLD)). Specifically, since the value of the specific element of the second AP also indicates the value of the specific element of the AP in the second AP MLD in the second multi-BSSID set, the specific element of the second AP is reused to indicate specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). This avoids redundant data being carried in the management frame, reduces overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0304] In implementation 2, the specific element of the second AP may be located in a multilink element of the management frame and in a per-STA profile field indicating the second AP, where the first AP is a transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is a BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set.

[0305] Optionally, in implementation form 2, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a particular element is not present in a multi-link element in a non-transmission profile within a multi-BSSID element of the management frame (each non-transmission BSSID corresponds to a non-transmission profile), but is present in a per-STA profile field within the multi-link element of the management frame.

[0306] Specifically, in step S201, when the second AP starts to perform (or performs after a preset duration, or is performing) an operation related to a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in the management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific element of the multiple APs. The specific element of the second AP may be located in a multilink element of the management frame and in a per-STA profile field indicating the second AP.

[0307] Specifically, the first AP may be an AP in the AP MLD, and the second AP may be another AP in the AP MLD. In other words, the first AP and the second AP are associated with the same AP MLD (e.g., the first AP MLD). In the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, the management frame includes a specific element for indicating the second AP located in the same AP MLD as the first AP. The specific element indicates a specific element of multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set in which another AP in the same AP MLD is located.

[0308] The specific element may be located in a multilink element of the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201. When the first AP is located in the AP MLD, when the first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame may carry a multilink element to indicate the specific element of multiple APs. When the first AP and the second AP are associated with the same AP MLD, the specific element of the second AP may be carried in the multilink element of the management frame.

[0309] Additionally, a particular element is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to a second AP in a multilink element. A multilink element may include multiple per-STA profile fields to indicate that a particular element of the second AP may be specifically located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in a multilink element.

[0310] Furthermore, the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP includes a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is a link identifier of the second AP. When a specific element of the second AP is located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in the multi-link element, the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP may further include a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is a link identifier of the second AP, and the link identifier indicates to the receiving end of the management frame that the per-STA profile field is a link corresponding to the second AP.

[0311] In one implementation:

[0312] Optionally, when a specific element of a second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in a multilink element, the per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field does not include a station MAC address.

[0313] Optionally, when a specific element of the second AP is located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in the multilink element, the per-STA profile field further includes a transmit BSSID presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the transmit BSSID presence field indicates that the station information field does not include a transmit BSSID field.

[0314] In another implementation:

[0315] Optionally, when a specific element of the second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in the multilink element, the per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field includes a station MAC address. Optionally, when the station information field includes a station MAC address field, the value of the station MAC address in the station information field may be the MAC address of the second AP.

[0316] Optionally, when a specific element of the second AP is located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in the multi-link element, the per-STA profile field further includes a multi-BSSID set information presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the multi-BSSID set information presence field indicates that the station information field includes the multi-BSSID set information presence field.

[0317] Optionally, when the station information field includes a multi-BSSID set information field, a BSSID value of each AP in the multi-BSSID set is provided. The multi-BSSID set information field includes a BSSID index field corresponding to the second AP and a maximum BSSID indicator field.

[0318] For example, if the second AP is a non-transmitting BSSID, the BSSID index field has the same indication meaning as the BSSID index field in the multi-BSSID index element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile field in the optional sub-element in the multi-BSSID element in Figure 4, indicating the sequence number of the non-transmitting BSSID.

[0319] In another example, if the second AP is the transmitting BSSID, the BSSID index field of the second AP is set to 0. The MaxBSSID Indicator field has the same indication meaning as the MaxBSSID Indicator field in the Multi-BSSID element of Figure 4, and indicates the maximum number of BSSIDs included in the multi-BSSID set, 2^(n), where n is the value indicated by the MaxBSSID Indicator field.

[0320] In another implementation:

[0321] Optionally, when a specific element of a second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in a multilink element, the per-STA profile field further includes a transmit BSSID presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the transmit BSSID presence field indicates that the station information field includes the transmit BSSID field.

[0322] Optionally, when the station information field includes a transmit BSSID field, the value of the station MAC address in the station information field may be a transmit BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set.

[0323] Optionally, when a specific element of the second AP is located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in the multi-link element, the per-STA profile field further includes a multi-BSSID set information presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the multi-BSSID set information presence field indicates that the station information field includes the multi-BSSID set information presence field.

[0324] Optionally, when the Station Information field includes a Multi-BSSID Set Information field, the BSSID value of each AP in the multi-BSSID set is provided. The Multi-BSSID Set Information field includes a Max BSSID Indicator field. The Max BSSID Indicator field has the same indication meaning as the Max BSSID Indicator field in the Multi-BSSID element of Figure 4, and indicates the maximum number of BSSIDs included in the multi-BSSID set, 2^(n), where n is the value indicated by the Max BSSID Indicator field.

[0325] Optionally, the multi-BSSID set information field includes a BSSID index field, and the BSSID index field is set to 0.

[0326] In the following, implementation 2 will be described by using an example with reference to the scenario shown in FIG.

[0327] Specifically, in implementation form 2, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a particular element is not present in the multi-link element in the non-transmission profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame (each non-transmission BSSID corresponds to a non-transmission profile), but is present in the per-STA profile field within the multi-link element of the management frame.

[0328] 13, for example, the first AP (i.e., the AP that generates the management frame) is AP-2x. If the first AP belongs to multi-BSSID set 2, the first AP is the transmitting BSSID in multi-BSSID set 2.

[0329] Optionally, the first AP and the second AP may be located in the same AP MLD. In other words, the first AP needs to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of the second AP (e.g., AP-1z) that belongs to the same MLD as the first AP, and also needs to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of another AP (e.g., AP-1x and AP-1y) that does not belong to the same MLD as the first AP.

[0330] 13, for example, the first AP (i.e., the AP generating the management frame) is AP-2x in AP MLD2, and the second AP is AP-1z in AP MLD2. The first AP belongs to multi-BSSID set 2, and the first AP is a transmitting BSSID in multi-BSSID set 2. The second AP is an AP in multi-BSSID set 1, and the second AP is an AP (e.g., AP-1z) in AP MLD2. In this case, the first AP needs to indicate a specific element of AP-1z in AP MLD2 based on the management frame, and also needs to indicate a specific element of AP-1x in AP MLD1 and a specific element of AP-1y in AP MLD3 based on the management frame. In this case, when the first AP generates the management frame in step S201, the multilink element of the first AP needs to carry a specific element of AP-1z in the first AP MLD to indicate a specific element of multiple APs. There is no need to repeat the specific elements of another AP in multi-BSSID set 1 in which the second AP is located.

[0331] Optionally, the specific element of the second AP is carried in a per-STA profile field in a multilink element corresponding to the MLD to which the first AP belongs, for example, in the STA profile field of the per-STA profile field in the multilink element of the management frame.

[0332] Optionally, the link identifier in the STA control field in the per-STA profile field of the multilink element is set to the link ID of a second AP that belongs to the same MLD as the first AP.

[0333] Optionally, a field (i.e., a first field) is added to the management frame, for example, called a Multilink for Multiple BSSID (ML for Multiple BSSID) field, and set to a first value (e.g., 0, 1, or another value).

[0334] Optionally, the STA MAC Address Present field in the STA Information field may be set to the MAC address of the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or may be set directly to the MAC address of a second AP belonging to the same MLD as the first AP.

[0335] As can be seen from the above description, in the implementation process of implementation form 2, when APs (including AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y) on link 1 in the scenario of FIG. 13 start to perform (or perform after a preset duration, or are performing) an operation related to a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), for example, the second AP is AP-1x. The frame format of the management frame shown in FIG. 12 may be expressed as an implementation example shown in FIG. 15a and FIG. 15c. In the implementation example shown in FIG. 15a and FIG. 15c, an example in which the AP that generates (or transmits) the management frame is the first AP and the AP that performs the operation related to a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting) is the second AP is used for description.

[0336] In one implementation example, Figure 15a shows an implementation example of a management frame before implementation form 2 in the communication method shown in Figure 14 is applied. The management frame includes a multi-BSSID element. The multi-BSSID element carries multiple specific elements. The multiple specific elements are located in (multilink elements of) multiple non-transmitting BSSID profiles corresponding to non-transmitting BSSIDs in the multi-BSSID set in which the first AP is located. The management frame further includes multilink information. The multilink information carries a specific element of a second AP in the MLD in which the first AP is located. The specific element of the second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP.

[0337] In one implementation example, Figure 15c shows an implementation example of a management frame after implementation form 2 in the communication method shown in Figure 14 is applied. The management frame includes a multi-BSSID element. (Multilink elements of) (one or more) non-transmitting BSSID profiles corresponding to non-transmitting BSSIDs in the multi-BSSID set in which the first AP is located do not carry a specific element of the second AP. The management frame further includes multilink information, which carries a specific element of the second AP, and the specific element is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP in the multilink information.

[0338] In other words, when AP-2x shown in Figure 13 transmits a management frame (as shown in Figure 15c), the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame needs to carry the association elements of the APs (including AP-2y and AP-2z) that correspond to the non-transmitting BSSIDs. The association elements of AP-2y in the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame do not need to carry specific elements within the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1x) as AP-2y, and the association elements of AP-2z in the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame do not need to carry specific elements within the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1y) as AP-2z.

[0339] When the management frame transmitted by AP-2x is implemented by using the frame format shown in Figure 12, the "multilink element" of the management frame needs to carry specific elements of the second AP in the per-STA profile field.

[0340] Optionally, the per-STA profile field is a per-STA profile field corresponding to AP-1z.

[0341] Because the specific elements of AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y are the same, the per-STA profile field in the "multilink element" of the management frame carries the specific element of the second AP, and the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame does not need to carry the specific element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile. In other words, the specific element of the second AP carried in the "multilink element" of the management frame is reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0342] In another implementation of step S201, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a specific element of the second AP is located in a multi-link element (also referred to as a multi-link element) of the management frame. The second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or the second AP includes another AP other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set in the second AP MLD, and the second AP MLD is the AP MLD in which the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located. For ease of description below, this implementation is referred to as implementation 3.

[0343] Specifically, in step S201, when the second AP starts to perform (or performs after a preset duration, or is performing) an associated operation of a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in the management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific element of the multiple APs.

[0344] In implementation form 3, the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201 further includes a multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set, and the multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set does not include a specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. Specifically, the value of the specific element of the second AP also indicates the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, and the specific element of the second AP is reused to indicate specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and other APs other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set). This avoids redundant data being carried in the management frame, reduces overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0345] Optionally, in implementation 3, the specific element of the second AP may be located in another per-STA profile field within the multilink element of the management frame (and not indicating the second AP). The first AP is a transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is a BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. For ease of description below, this implementation is referred to as implementation 3.

[0346] Specifically, in implementation 3, in step S201, when the second AP starts to perform (or performs after a preset duration, or is performing) an associated operation of a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in the management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific elements of the multiple APs. The specific element of the second AP may be located in a separate per-STA profile field in the multilink element of the management frame.

[0347] Optionally, in implementation form 3, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a particular element is not present in a multi-link element in a non-transmission profile within a multi-BSSID element of the management frame (each non-transmission BSSID corresponds to a non-transmission profile), but is present in a per-STA profile field within the multi-link element of the management frame.

[0348] Specifically, the specific element is located in the multilink element of the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201. When the first AP is located in the AP MLD and transmits a management frame, the management frame may carry the multilink element to indicate specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). The first AP may carry the specific element by using the multilink element.

[0349] One per-STA profile field in a multi-link element includes a link identifier field, and the value of the link identifier field is a special value. In other words, when a specific element is located in a multi-link element of a management frame, the value of the link identifier field included in the per-STA profile field in the multi-link element is a special value, and by using the special value, conflicts with the link identifiers of existing APs are avoided.

[0350] Optionally, the special value is a reserved value for the link identifier field value specified in the current standard, for example, the special value is 15.

[0351] In addition, the per-STA profile field further includes a station medium access control (MAC) address presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field includes a station MAC address. Specifically, when a specific element is located in the per-STA profile field in the multilink element of the management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field includes a station MAC address. The receiver of the management frame determines that the station information field includes a station MAC address and receives the station MAC address in the station MAC address field.

[0352] Furthermore, the per-STA profile field further includes a station information field, the station information field includes a station MAC address field, and the value of the station MAC address field is a transmit BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set. When the specific element is located in the per-STA profile field in the multi-link element of the management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address field within the station information field, and the value of the station MAC address field is a transmit BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set. Thus, the value of the Station MAC Address field indicates that the value of a particular element is the value of the particular element for all APs that correspond to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the Station MAC Address field indicates that the value of a particular element is the value of the particular element for any AP that corresponds to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the Station MAC Address field indicates that the value of a particular element is the value of the particular element for all APs that correspond to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the Station MAC Address field indicates that the value of a particular element is the value of the particular element for any AP that corresponds to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the particular element for all APs that correspond to the transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set is the same.

[0353] In another implementation, the Per-STA Profile field further includes a Transmit BSSID Present field (a station medium access control (MAC) address present field that is not within a reuse ML element) located in the Station Control field, and the value of the Transmit BSSID Present field indicates that the Station Information field includes the Transmit BSSID field.

[0354] Specifically, when a specific element is located in the per-STA profile field in the multi-link element of the management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a transmit BSSID presence field located in the station control field, and the value of the transmit BSSID presence field indicates that the station information field includes the transmit BSSID field, so that the receiver of the management frame determines that the station information field includes the transmit BSSID field. The BSSID field indicates the MAC address of the AP corresponding to the transmit BSSID in the multi-BSSID set.

[0355] Furthermore, the per-STA profile field further includes a station information field, which includes a transmit BSSID field (a station MAC address field that is not in the reuse ML element), and the value of the transmit BSSID field is a transmit BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set.

[0356] Optionally, when the specific element is located in a Per-STA Profile field in a Multilink element of the management frame, the Per-STA Profile field further includes a Transmit BSSID field in the Station Information field, and a value of the Transmit BSSID field is a transmit BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set. Thus, the value of the Transmit BSSID field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of all APs corresponding to the transmit BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the Transmit BSSID field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of any AP corresponding to the transmit BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the Transmit BSSID field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of all APs corresponding to the transmit BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the Transmit BSSID field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of any AP corresponding to the transmit BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, and the values ​​of the specific elements of all APs corresponding to the transmit BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set are the same.

[0357] Optionally, the Per-STA Profile field further includes a Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field located in the Station Control field, where a value of the Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field indicates that the Station Information field includes the Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field.

[0358] Optionally, when the Station Information field includes a Multi-BSSID Set Information field, the BSSID value of each AP in the multi-BSSID set is provided. The Multi-BSSID Set Information field includes a Max BSSID Indicator field. The Max BSSID Indicator field has the same indication meaning as the Max BSSID Indicator field in the Multi-BSSID element of Figure 4, and indicates the maximum number of BSSIDs included in the multi-BSSID set, 2^(n), where n is the value indicated by the Max BSSID Indicator field.

[0359] Optionally, the multi-BSSID set information field includes a BSSID index field, and the BSSID index field is set to 0.

[0360] In the following, implementation 3 will be described by using an example with reference to the scenario shown in FIG.

[0361] Specifically, in implementation form 3, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a particular element is not present in a multi-link element in a non-transmission profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame (each non-transmission BSSID corresponds to a non-transmission profile), but is present in the multi-link element of the management frame.

[0362] 13, for example, the first AP (i.e., the AP that generates the management frame) is AP-2x. If the first AP belongs to multi-BSSID set 2, the first AP is the transmitting BSSID in multi-BSSID set 2.

[0363] For example, assume that the first AP is AP-2x in FIG. 13, the second AP includes AP-1y in FIG. 13, and AP-1y is executing an implementation process related to a specific element. In this case, the transmitting BSSID corresponding to AP-1y (i.e., AP-1x) needs to indicate the specific element of the multiple APs by using the specific element of the second AP carried in the management frame. Specifically, the specific element of the second AP is carried in the per-STA profile field in the multilink element corresponding to the MLD to which the first AP belongs, for example, in the STA profile field of the per-STA profile field in the multilink element of the management frame. In addition, the second AP belongs to a multi-BSSID set different from multi-BSSID set 2 (this specification uses an example in which the second AP is located in multi-BSSID set 1 in FIG. 13 for explanation). There are two cases:

[0364] Case 1: The first AP and the second AP may be located in different AP MLDs, and the second AP is another AP in the second AP MLD other than a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set. In other words, the first AP does not need to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of the second AP that belongs to the same MLD as the first AP (e.g., non-existent AP-1z), but does need to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of another AP that does not belong to the same MLD as the first AP (e.g., AP-1x and AP-1y).

[0365] Case 2: The first AP and the second AP may be located in the same AP MLD or different AP MLDs. The second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or the second AP includes another AP other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set in the second AP MLD. In other words, the first AP needs to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of the second AP (e.g., AP-1z) that belongs to the same MLD as the first AP, and also needs to indicate, based on the management frame, a specific element of another AP (e.g., AP-1x and AP-1y) that does not belong to the same MLD as the first AP.

[0366] In this case, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, the second AP specific element in the management frame needs to indicate the specific elements of the multiple APs. Specifically, the second AP specific element does not need to be carried in the per-STA profile field in the multilink element in the non-transmission profile in the multi-BSSID element, but the second AP specific element is carried in the STA profile field of the per-STA profile field in the multilink element of the management frame.

[0367] Optionally, the link identifier in the STA control field in the per-STA profile field of the multilink element is set to a special link ID, for example, a value of 15.

[0368] Optionally, if there is a second AP located in the same MLD as the first AP, the link identifier may alternatively be set to the link identifier corresponding to the second AP located in the same MLD as the first AP.

[0369] Optionally, the STA MAC address field in the STA information field in the per-STA profile field of the multilink element is set to a transmit BSSID in the multi-BSSID set of the second AP (i.e., the MAC address of AP-1x).

[0370] Optionally, the STA MAC address present field in the STA control field in the per-STA profile field of the multilink element is set to a value of "present", eg, one.

[0371] Optionally, the STA MAC address field in the STA information field in the per-STA profile field of the multilink element is set to a transmit BSSID in the multi-BSSID set in which the second AP is located.

[0372] Optionally, a specific element is carried in the Per-STA Profile field to indicate a specific element of multiple APs. In other words, the specific element carried in the Per-STA Profile field is useful to STAs associated with the AP MLD in which the AP transmitting the non-AP MLD or multilink element (i.e., the first AP) is located, and is also useful to stations associated with the AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set as the AP transmitting the non-AP MLD or multilink element is located (one or more second AP MLDs).

[0373] Optionally, generally, only a non-AP MLD (or STA) associated with the AP MLD in which the AP transmitting the multilink element is located analyzes information about the multilink element, and a non-AP MLD associated with another AP MLD ignores the information. Therefore, in implementation form 3, it is proposed that a field (i.e., a first field) be added to the management frame. For example, the first field is called a multi-BSSID ML, and indicates that AP MLDs associated with the AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set as the AP transmitting the management frame is located should also receive the multilink element. For the implementation process of the first field, please refer to the implementation process described above. The details will not be described again here.

[0374] Therefore, because AP-1y belongs to the multi-BSSID set, the specific elements of AP-1x and AP-1z that belong to the multi-BSSID set also need to be carried in the beacon frames and probe response frames transmitted by the same first AP (AP-2x). However, in implementation 3, the specific elements do not need to be repeated. Then, STAs in the non-AP MLDs of AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3 can directly read the MLD elements corresponding to AP MLD2 where the first AP is located to obtain the specific elements.

[0375] As can be seen from the above description, in the implementation process of implementation form 3, when the APs (including AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y) on link 1 in the scenario of Figure 13 begin to perform (or perform after a preset duration, or are performing) the related operation of a particular element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting), for example, the second AP is AP-1x.

[0376] The frame format of the management frame shown in Fig. 12 may be expressed as an implementation example shown in Fig. 15a and Fig. 15d. In the implementation example shown in Fig. 15a and Fig. 15d, an example is used for explanation in which the AP that generates (or transmits) the management frame is the first AP, and the AP that performs the related operation of a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quieting) is the second AP.

[0377] In one implementation example, Figure 15a shows an implementation example of a management frame before implementation form 3 in the communication method shown in Figure 14 is applied. The management frame includes a multi-BSSID element. The multi-BSSID element carries multiple specific elements. The multiple specific elements are located in (multilink elements of) multiple non-transmitting BSSID profiles corresponding to non-transmitting BSSIDs in the multi-BSSID set in which the first AP is located. The management frame further includes multilink information. The multilink information carries a specific element of a second AP in the MLD in which the first AP is located. The specific element of the second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP.

[0378] In one implementation example, Figure 15d shows an implementation example of a management frame after implementation form 3 of the communication method shown in Figure 14 is applied. The management frame includes a multi-BSSID element. (Multilink elements of) (one or more) non-transmitting BSSID profiles corresponding to non-transmitting BSSIDs in the multi-BSSID set in which the first AP is located do not carry a specific element of the second AP. The management frame further includes multilink information, which carries a specific element of the second AP, and the specific element is located in a special per-STA profile field in the multilink information.

[0379] In other words, when AP-2x shown in Figure 13 transmits a management frame (as shown in Figure 15d), the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame needs to carry the association elements of the APs (including AP-2y and AP-2z) that correspond to the non-transmitting BSSIDs. The association elements of AP-2y in the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame do not need to carry specific elements within the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1x) as AP-2y, and the association elements of AP-2z in the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame do not need to carry specific elements within the same AP MLD (including at least AP-1y) as AP-2z.

[0380] When the management frame transmitted by AP-2x is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 12, a special per-STA profile field in the “multilink element” of the management frame needs to carry the specific elements of the second AP and reuse the specific elements of the second AP.

[0381] Because the channel switching-related elements and / or quiet channel-related elements of AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y are the same, a special per-STA profile field in the "multilink element" of the management frame carries the specific elements of the second AP, and the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame does not need to carry the specific elements in the non-transmitting BSSID profile. In other words, the specific elements of the second AP carried in the "multilink element" of the management frame are reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0382] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the first AP in step S201 includes a second AP specific element, where the first AP is a transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is a BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the second AP specific element is the same as the value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. In this way, when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the second AP specific element carried in the management frame, and when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP specific element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0383] In the above-mentioned implementations (embodiments, implementations, or implementation methods), the name of the mentioned field (or element) is just one of the names, and the name of the field (or element) may alternatively be another name, which is not limited in this application.

[0384] In one implementation, when a first AP transmits a management frame, such as a beacon frame or a probe response frame, if the first AP belongs to a multi-BSSID set, the first AP needs to carry the multi-BSSID element in FIG. 4. On the station side, after receiving the multi-BSSID element, the station can know that the multi-BSSID set includes the BSSID of each AP. After the station associates with an AP in the multi-BSSID set, the station can determine whether a received PHY protocol data unit (PPDU) is an inter-PPDU or an intra-PPDU based on the previously known BSSID of each AP in the BSSID set, thereby enabling the station to perform power saving, spatial reuse transmission, etc. in accordance with the 802.11ax-2021 protocol.

[0385] However, when the first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame must also carry information about a third AP, and the third AP and the first AP are from the same AP MLD. The information about the third AP is carried in the per-STA profile field of the MLD element transmitted by the first AP. When the third AP is located in the third multi-BSSID set, after noticing that a management frame has been received, a station associated with a non-AP MLD can learn information about the third AP but cannot learn information about the third multi-BSSID set. As a result, in the non-AP MLD, a station located on the same link as the third AP cannot determine whether a received PPDU (PHY Protocol Data Unit) is an inter-PPDU or intra-PPDU based on the BSSID of each AP in the third multi-BSSID set in which the third AP is located. As a result, power saving, spatial reuse transmission, and the like cannot be performed in accordance with the 802.11ax-2021 protocol.

[0386] 15e is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0387] S301: A first AP generates a management frame.

[0388] In this embodiment, the management frame may be a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an association response frame. The management frame includes a multilink element.

[0389] Method 1: When the third AP and the first AP are associated with the same AP MLD (first AP MLD), the third AP is located in a third multi-BSSID set.

[0390] The management frame includes a multilink element, which is used to describe information about the first AP MLD and includes information about the third AP.

[0391] The per-STA profile field corresponding to the third AP includes a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is a link identifier of the third AP. The per-STA profile field corresponding to the third AP may further include a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is a link identifier of the third AP, and the link identifier indicates to the receiving end of the management frame that the per-STA profile field is a link corresponding to the third AP.

[0392] In one implementation of Method 1:

[0393] Optionally, the Per-STA Profile field corresponding to the third AP further includes a Station MAC Address Presence field located in the Station Control field, and a value of the Station MAC Address Presence field indicates that the Station Information field includes a Station MAC Address. Optionally, when the Station Information field includes a Station MAC Address field, the value of the Station MAC Address in the Station Information field may be the MAC address of the third AP.

[0394] Optionally, the Per-STA Profile field further includes a Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field located in the Station Control field, where a value of the Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field indicates that the Station Information field includes the Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field.

[0395] Optionally, when the Station Information field includes a Multi-BSSID Set Information field, the BSSID value of each AP in the multi-BSSID set is provided. The Multi-BSSID Set Information field includes a BSSID Index field corresponding to the third AP and a Maximum BSSID Indicator field. If the third AP is a non-transmitting BSSID, the BSSID Index field has the same indication as the BSSID Index field in the Multi-BSSID Index element in the Non-Transmitting BSSID Profile field in the Optional subelement in the Multi-BSSID element of FIG. 4, indicating the sequence number of the non-transmitting BSSID. If the third AP is a transmitting BSSID, the BSSID Index field is set to 0. The Maximum BSSID Indicator field has the same indication as the Maximum BSSID Indicator field in the Multi-BSSID element of FIG. 4, indicating the maximum number of BSSIDs, 2^(n), included in the multi-BSSID set, where n is the value indicated by the Maximum BSSID Indicator field.

[0396] In another implementation of Method 1:

[0397] Optionally, the per-STA profile field corresponding to the third AP further includes a transmit BSSID presence field located in the station control field, and the value of the transmit BSSID presence field indicates that the station information field includes a transmit BSSID field.

[0398] Optionally, when the station information field includes a transmit BSSID field, the value of the station MAC address in the station information field may be a transmit BSSID in the third multi-BSSID set.

[0399] Optionally, the Per-STA Profile field further includes a Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field located in the Station Control field, where a value of the Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field indicates that the Station Information field includes the Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field.

[0400] Optionally, when the Station Information field includes a Multi-BSSID Set Information field, the BSSID value of each AP in the multi-BSSID set is provided. The Multi-BSSID Set Information field includes a Max BSSID Indicator field. The Max BSSID Indicator field has the same indication meaning as the Max BSSID Indicator field in the Multi-BSSID element of Figure 4, and indicates the maximum number of BSSIDs included in the multi-BSSID set, 2^(n), where n is the value indicated by the Max BSSID Indicator field.

[0401] Optionally, the multi-BSSID set information field includes a BSSID index field, and the BSSID index field is set to 0.

[0402] Method 2: When the third AP and the first AP are associated with the same AP MLD, the third AP is located in a third multi-BSSID set.

[0403] Alternatively, the third AP is located in a third AP MLD, the third AP is located in a third multi-BSSID set, the first AP is located in the first multi-BSSID set, and the third AP MLD is an AP MLD in which another AP in the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0404] One per-STA profile field in the multi-link element includes a link identifier field, and the value of the link identifier field is a special value. In other words, the value of the link identifier field included in the per-STA profile field in the multi-link element is a special value, and by using the special value, conflicts with the link identifiers of existing APs are avoided.

[0405] Optionally, the special value is a reserved value for the link identifier field value specified in the current standard, for example, the special value is 15.

[0406] In addition, the per-STA profile field further includes a station medium access control (MAC) address presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field includes the station MAC address. Specifically, the per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address presence field located in the station control field, and a value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field includes the station MAC address, and the receiver of the management frame determines that the station information field includes the station MAC address and receives the station MAC address in the station MAC address field.

[0407] Furthermore, the per-STA profile field further includes a station information field, the station information field includes a station MAC address field, and the value of the station MAC address field is a transmission BSSID within the third multi-BSSID set. The per-STA profile field further includes a station MAC address field within the station information field, and the value of the station MAC address field is a transmission BSSID within the third multi-BSSID set.

[0408] In another scheme, the per-STA profile field further includes a transmit BSSID presence field (a station medium access control (MAC) address presence field not in a reuse ML element) located in the station control field, and the value of the transmit BSSID presence field indicates that the station information field includes the transmit BSSID field. Specifically, the per-STA profile field further includes a transmit BSSID presence field located in the station control field, and the value of the transmit BSSID presence field indicates that the station information field includes the transmit BSSID field, thereby allowing the receiver of the management frame to determine that the station information field includes the transmit BSSID field. The BSSID field indicates the MAC address of the AP corresponding to the transmit BSSID in the multi-BSSID set.

[0409] Furthermore, the per-STA profile field further includes a station information field, which includes a transmit BSSID field (a station MAC address field that is not in a reuse ML element), and the value of the transmit BSSID field is a transmit BSSID in the third multi-BSSID set. The per-STA profile field further includes a transmit BSSID field within the station information field, and the value of the transmit BSSID field is a transmit BSSID in the third multi-BSSID set.

[0410] Optionally, the Per-STA Profile field further includes a Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field located in the Station Control field, where a value of the Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field indicates that the Station Information field includes the Multi-BSSID Set Information Present field.

[0411] Optionally, when the Station Information field includes a Multi-BSSID Set Information field, the BSSID value of each AP in the multi-BSSID set is provided. The Multi-BSSID Set Information field includes a Max BSSID Indicator field. The Max BSSID Indicator field has the same indication meaning as the Max BSSID Indicator field in the Multi-BSSID element of Figure 4, and indicates the maximum number of BSSIDs included in the multi-BSSID set, 2^(n), where n is the value indicated by the Max BSSID Indicator field.

[0412] Optionally, the multi-BSSID set information field includes a BSSID index field, and the BSSID index field is set to 0.

[0413] S302: The first AP transmits a management frame.

[0414] In this embodiment, the first AP transmits a management frame in step S102. In response, the STA receives the management frame in step S102.

[0415] Optionally, the first AP may perform pre-transmission processing on the management frame and transmit the processing result obtained through the pre-transmission processing in step S102. For example, the pre-transmission processing may include encryption and scrambling. Correspondingly, the STA may receive the processing result (obtained by the first AP performing pre-transmission processing on the management frame) and perform pre-reception processing on the processing result in step S102 to obtain the management frame. For example, the pre-reception processing may include decryption and descrambling.

[0416] S303: Based on the received management frame, learn the BSSID in the multi-BSSID set.

[0417] In step S303, a station associated with the non-AP MLD learns information about a multi-BSSID set on another link based on the received management frame, and learns the BSSID value of each AP in the multi-BSSID set.

[0418] In this embodiment, in non-AP MLD, a station located on the same link as the third AP determines whether the received PPDU (PHY Protocol Data Unit) is an inter-PPDU or intra-PPDU based on the BSSID of each AP in the third BSSID set where the third AP is located, and can then perform power saving, spatial reuse transmission, etc. in accordance with the 802.11ax-2021 protocol or a new design protocol.

[0419] Optionally, a station associated with the non-AP MLD obtains, based on the received management frame, at least one of the following: the MAC address of the third AP, a BSSID index field corresponding to the third AP, and a maximum BSSID indicator field in the third multi-BSSID set.

[0420] Optionally, a station associated with the non-AP MLD obtains, based on the received management frame, at least one of the following: a transmit BSSID within the third multi-BSSID set, a MaxBSSID Indicator field within the third multi-BSSID set, and a BSSID index field corresponding to the transmit BSSID within the third multi-BSSID set.

[0421] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a station associated with the non-AP MLD can know (or determine) all BSSIDs in the third multi-BSSID set based on the received management frame.

[0422] For a station, when the station receives a PPDU, whether the PPDU is an inter-PPDU or an intra-PPDU is determined based on all BSSIDs in the third multi-BSSID set.

[0423] Optionally, if the PPDU is an inter-PPDU, the station may initiate another transmission on the same channel based on the inter-PPDU, which is based on the spatial reuse method specified in the 802.11ax-2021 protocol.

[0424] Optionally, if the PPDU is an inter PPDU, the station may not receive or parse the inter PPDU any more in order to perform power savings (in accordance with the 802.11ax-2021 protocol).

[0425] The present application has been described above from a method perspective, and the present application will be further described below from an apparatus perspective.

[0426] 16 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1600 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1600 includes a processing unit 1601 and a transceiver unit 1602.

[0427] In one implementation, the communication device 1600 may specifically be a first AP and is configured to implement the communication method in the embodiment shown in Figure 10. Correspondingly, the processing unit 1601 and the transceiver unit 1602 may be configured to perform the following process.

[0428] The processing unit 1601 is configured to generate a management frame, the management frame including a specific element of a first AP, the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, and a value of the specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set being the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP.

[0429] The transceiver unit 1602 is configured to transmit management frames.

[0430] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the transceiver unit 1602 includes a first AP identification element, where the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, and the value of the AP identification element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the first AP identification element. In this way, when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame, and when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the first AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate the AP identification element corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical identification elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0431] In one implementation, the communication device 1600 may specifically be a STA (i.e., a receiver of a management frame transmitted by a first AP) and is configured to implement the communication method in the embodiment shown in Figure 10. Correspondingly, the processing unit 1601 and the transceiver unit 1602 may be configured to perform the following process.

[0432] The transceiver unit 1602 is configured to receive a management frame, the management frame including a specific element of a first access point (AP), the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, and a value of the specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set being the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP.

[0433] The processing unit 1601 is configured to determine, based on the management frame, a value of a specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, or a value of a specific element of a first AP.

[0434] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame received by the transceiver unit 1602 includes a first AP identification element, where the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, and the value of the AP identification element corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the first AP identification element. In this way, when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. When the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the first AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate the AP identification element corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical identification elements in the multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0435] In a possible implementation, the management frame further includes a multi-BSSID element, which does not include AP-specific elements corresponding to non-transmitting BSSIDs.

[0436] In a possible implementation, The management frame is a beacon frame or the management frame is a probe response frame.

[0437] In a possible implementation, Specific elements include at least one of the following: A channel switch announcement element, an extended channel switch announcement element, a quiet element, a quiet channel element, and a maximum channel switch time element.

[0438] In one implementation, the communication device 1600 may specifically be a first AP in a first AP MLD and is configured to implement the communication method in the embodiment shown in Figure 14. Correspondingly, the processing unit 1601 and the transceiver unit 1602 may be configured to perform the following process.

[0439] The processing unit 1601 is configured to generate a management frame, the management frame including a specific element of a second AP, the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP belonging to a second multi-BSSID set, and a value of the specific element of the second AP being the same as a value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set.

[0440] The transceiver unit 1602 is configured to transmit management frames.

[0441] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame transmitted by the transceiver unit 1602 includes a second AP identification element, where the first AP is a transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is a BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the second AP identification element is the same as the value of an AP identification element other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. In this way, when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the second AP identification element carried in the management frame. When the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with an AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the second AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate an AP identification element of multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. Management frames do not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in a multi-BSSID set, which reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0442] In one implementation, the communication device 1600 may specifically be a STA (i.e., a receiver of a management frame transmitted by a first AP in a first AP MLD) and is configured to implement the communication method in the embodiment shown in Figure 14. Correspondingly, the processing unit 1601 and the transceiver unit 1602 may be configured to perform the following process.

[0443] The transceiver unit 1602 is configured to receive a management frame from a first access point (AP), the management frame including a specific element of a second AP, the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP belonging to a second multi-BSSID set, and a value of the specific element of the second AP being the same as a value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set.

[0444] The processing unit 1601 is configured to determine, based on the management frame, a value of the particular element of the second AP or a value of the particular element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set.

[0445] Based on the aforementioned technical solution, a management frame transmitted by the transceiver unit 1602 includes a second AP identification element, where the first AP is a transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is a BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the second AP identification element is the same as the value of an AP identification element other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. In this way, when the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the second AP identification element carried in the management frame. When the receiver of the management frame is a STA associated with an AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the first AP identification element carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the second AP identification element is reused in the management frame to indicate an AP identification element of multiple APs in the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. Management frames do not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in a multi-BSSID set, which reduces redundant data in management frames, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency.

[0446] In a possible implementation, the first AP belongs to a first access point multi-link device (AP MLD).

[0447] In a possible implementation, the second AP is another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD.

[0448] In a possible implementation, The second AP is an AP in the second AP MLD, the second AP is not an AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is the AP MLD in which the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0449] In a possible implementation, The second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or The second AP includes an AP in the second AP MLD, where the second AP is not an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is an AP MLD in which the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0450] In a possible implementation, the second AP is another AP in the second AP MLD other than a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the specific element is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

[0451] In a possible implementation, when a particular element is located in a multi-BSSID element of a management frame, the second AP is another AP in the second AP MLD other than a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set.

[0452] In a possible implementation, when a specific element is located in a multi-BSSID element of a management frame, the multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmitted basic service set identifier profile (Nontransmitted BSSID profile, simply referred to as a non-transmitted BSSID profile), and the specific element is located in a first non-transmitted BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmitted BSSID profile.

[0453] Optionally, the first non-transmitting BSSID profile is a first portion of non-transmitting BSSID profiles in the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile.

[0454] In a possible implementation, other non-transmitting BSSID profiles than the first non-transmitting BSSID profile in the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile do not include the specific element.

[0455] In a possible implementation, the second AP is another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, and the specific element is located in the multilink element of the management frame.

[0456] In a possible implementation, when a specific element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, the second AP is another AP other than the first AP within the first AP MLD.

[0457] In a possible implementation, when the specific element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, the specific element is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP within the multilink element.

[0458] In a possible implementation, when a particular element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP includes a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is the link identifier of the second AP.

[0459] In a possible implementation, the second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or the second AP includes another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set. One per-STA profile field in the multi-link element includes a link identifier field, and the value of the link identifier field is a special value.

[0460] In a possible implementation, the management frame further includes a multi-BSSID element, where the multi-BSSID element does not include a specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set.

[0461] In a possible implementation, when a particular element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a station medium access control (MAC) address presence field located in the station control field, and the value of the station MAC address presence field indicates that the station information field contains the station MAC address.

[0462] In a possible implementation, when a particular element is located in a multilink element of a management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a station information field, which includes a station MAC address field, and the value of the station MAC address field is a transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set.

[0463] In a possible implementation, the management frame further includes a first field, and the first field satisfies at least one of the following: The first field indicates that at least the STAs in the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD must receive the multilink elements of the first AP MLD (the specific elements of the second AP therein); The first field indicates that at least the STAs in the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD must receive the multilink element of the first AP MLD (a specific element of the second AP therein); The first field indicates that at least the STA associated with the first AP must receive the multilink element of the first AP MLD (a specific element of the second AP therein); The first field indicates that at least a STA in the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD must receive a multi-BSSID element (a specific element of the second AP in the multi-BSSID set) corresponding to the second multi-BSSID set; or The first field indicates that at least STAs in the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD must receive the first non-transmitting BSSID profile (a specific element of the second AP in) in the multi-BSSID element corresponding to the second multi-BSSID set.

[0464] Optionally, the above-mentioned STA is a STA associated with an AP operating on the same link as the first AP, or a STA associated with the first AP.

[0465] In a possible implementation, The first field is located in the Capabilities Info field; The first field is located in the nontransmitted profile field; The first field is located in the nontransmitted BSSID Capabilities element of the nontransmitted profile field; The first field is located in the Multi-Link Element (ML element) of the nontransmitted profile field; the first field is located in a multilink control field of a multilink element in a nontransmitted profile field; or The first field is located in the common information field of the multilink element in the nontransmitted profile field.

[0466] In possible implementations, the management frame is a beacon frame or the management frame is a probe response frame.

[0467] In a possible implementation, the specific elements include at least one of a Channel Switch Announcement element, an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, a Quiet element, a Quiet Channel element, and a Max Channel Switch Time element.

[0468] It should be noted that the communication device 1600 can be further configured to execute the implementation process corresponding to any of the above-mentioned method embodiments and achieve corresponding beneficial effects. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above-mentioned embodiments. The details will not be described again here.

[0469] The above describes the AP (i.e., the first AP or the first AP in the first AP MLD) and the STA in the embodiment of the present application. The following describes possible product forms of the AP and the STA. It should be understood that the following description is merely an example, and the product forms of the AP and the STA in the embodiment of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0470] In a possible product form, the AP and STA in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by using a common bus architecture.

[0471] For ease of explanation, Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1700 according to one embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1700 may be an AP or a STA, or a chip within an AP or a STA. Fig. 17 shows only the main components of the communication device 1700. The communication device 1700 includes at least an input / output port 1702 and a processor 1701.

[0472] Optionally, the input / output port 1702 may alternatively be referred to as a communication port, a communication interface, or the like.

[0473] Optionally, the communications device 1700 may further include a memory 1703 .

[0474] Optionally, a bus 1704 may be further added to the device 1700, and the bus 1704 is configured to establish a connection between the input / output port 1702 and / or the memory 1703 and the processor 1701.

[0475] The processor 1701 is primarily configured to process communication protocols and communication data, control communication devices, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. The memory 1703 is primarily configured to store software programs and data. The input / output port 1702 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is primarily configured to convert between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and process the radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of radio waves. For example, the input / output port 1702 may be a touchscreen, a display, or a keyboard, and is primarily configured to receive data input by a user and output data to a user.

[0476] After the communication device 1700 is powered on, the processor 1701 can read the software program in the memory 1703, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process data from the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1701 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and then outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal in the form of radio waves via an antenna. When transmitting data to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal via the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal to a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1701. The processor 1701 converts the baseband signal to data and processes the data.

[0477] Optionally, the memory 1703 may be located in the processor 1701 .

[0478] In any one of the aforementioned designs, the processor 1701 may include a communication interface for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit configured to implement the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit may be configured to read or write code / data. Alternatively, the transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit may be configured to transmit or forward signals.

[0479] In any one of the above designs, the processor 1701 may store instructions. The instructions may be a computer program. The computer program executes on the processor 1701 to enable the communication device 1700 to perform the method described in the above method embodiments. The computer program may be fixed within the processor 1701. In this case, the processor 1701 may be implemented by hardware.

[0480] In one implementation, the communication device 1700 may include circuitry, which may implement the transmitting, receiving, or communication functions in any one of the preceding embodiments. The processors and communication interfaces described herein may be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a mixed-signal IC, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, or the like. The processors and communication interfaces may be fabricated using various IC technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS), P-channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), and gallium arsenide (GaAs).

[0481] The scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited in this respect, and the structure of the communication device is not limited by Figure 17. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) A stand-alone integrated circuit (IC), chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a set including one or more ICs, where, optionally, the set of ICs may further include a storage component configured to store data and computer programs; (3) ASICs such as modems; (4) modules that can be embedded into other devices; (5) Receivers, terminals, intelligent terminals, mobile phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, in-vehicle devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.; or (6)Others.

[0482] In a possible product form, the AP and STA in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by a general-purpose processor.

[0483] It should be understood that the communication device in the various product forms described above has any function of the AP or STA in any one of the above embodiments, and the details will not be described again here.

[0484] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer program code, and when a processor executes the computer program code, the electronic device performs the method in any one of the previous embodiments.

[0485] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to perform the method in any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0486] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The device may exist in the form of a chip product. The structure of the device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with another device via the interface circuit to enable the device to perform the method in any one of the previous embodiments.

[0487] An embodiment of the present application further provides a wireless communication system, including an AP and a STA, wherein the AP and the STA can perform the method in any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0488] The method or algorithm steps described in connection with the contents disclosed in this application may be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions may include corresponding software modules. The software modules may be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable hard disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. For example, a storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may be components of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC.

[0489] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the functions described in this application in one or more of the foregoing examples 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 code in a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer-readable 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.

[0490] The above specific implementation forms further describe the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present application. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation form of the present application and does not 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.

Claims

1. 1. A communication method comprising: generating, by a first access point (AP), a management frame including a specific element of the first AP and a multiple basic service set identifier (BSSID) element, the specific element being a channel switching related element or a quiet channel related element, the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a first multiple BSSID set, and the multiple BSSID element not including the specific element of the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID; transmitting, by the first AP, the management frame; A method comprising:

2. a value of a specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as a value of the specific element of the first AP; The method of claim 1.

3. The management frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame. The method of claim 1.

4. The specific elements are: Channel Switch Announcement Element, Extended Channel Switch Announcement Element, Quiet Element, Quiet Channel Element, and Maximum Channel Switch Time Element The method of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

5. The management frame further includes a specific element of the second AP; The first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP Multi-Link Device (MLD), or The second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD, and the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The method of claim 1.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second AP is an AP in a second multi-BSSID set, and a value of a particular element of the second AP is the same as a value of a particular element of another AP in the second multi-BSSID set other than the second AP.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein when the second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD and the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs, the specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile, and the particular element of the second AP is located in one non-transmitting BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein one non-transmitting BSSID profile among the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile is a non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP, and the specific element of the second AP is located in a per-STA profile field of a multilink element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP.

10. The method of claim 5 , wherein when the first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP MLD, the specific element of the second AP is located in a multilink element of the management frame.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the particular element for the second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP within the multilink element.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP includes a link identifier field, the link identifier field being a link identifier of the second AP.

13. 1. A communication method comprising: receiving, by a station (STA), a management frame, the management frame including a first access point (AP) identification element and a multiple basic service set identifier (BSSID) element, the identification element being a channel switching related element or a quiet channel related element, the first AP being an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a first multiple BSSID set, and the multiple BSSID element not including the identification element of the AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID; determining, by the STA, based on the management frame, a value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, or the value of the specific element of the first AP; A method comprising:

14. a value of a specific element of an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the multi-BSSID set is the same as a value of the specific element of the first AP; The method of claim 13.

15. The specific elements are: Channel Switch Announcement Element, Extended Channel Switch Announcement Element, Quiet Element, Quiet Channel Element, and Maximum Channel Switch Time Element The method of claim 13 , comprising at least one of:

16. The management frame further includes a specific element of the second AP; The first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP Multi-Link Device (MLD), or The second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD, and the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The method of claim 13.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second AP is an AP in a second multi-BSSID set, and a value of a particular element of the second AP is the same as a value of a particular element of another AP in the second multi-BSSID set other than the second AP.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein when the second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD and the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs, the specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile, and the particular element of the second AP is located in one non-transmitting BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein one non-transmitting BSSID profile among the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile is a non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP, and the specific element of the second AP is located in a per-STA profile field of a multilink element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP.

21. The method of claim 16 , wherein when the first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP MLD, the specific element of the second AP is located in a multilink element of the management frame.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the particular element for the second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP within the multilink element.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP includes a link identifier field, the link identifier field being a link identifier of the second AP.

24. 1. A communication method comprising: generating a first management frame by a first access point (AP), the first management frame including a specific element of a second AP, the specific element being a channel switching related element or a quiet channel related element; The first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP Multi-Link Device (MLD), or the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a first multiple basic service set identifier (BSSID) set, the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multiple BSSID set, and the second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD; transmitting, by the first AP, the first management frame; A method comprising:

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein when the first AP corresponds to a transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the third AP is an AP that corresponds to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD, and the specific element is located in a multi-BSSID element of the first management frame.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile, and the particular element is located in one non-transmitting BSSID profile that corresponds to the third AP in the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile.

27. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein when the first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP MLD, the specific element is located in a Per-STA Profile field corresponding to the second AP in a Multilink element of the first management frame.

28. The per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP includes a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is a link identifier of the second AP.

28. The method of claim 27.

29. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the second AP is an AP performing a channel switching operation or a channel quieting operation corresponding to a particular element.

30. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the second AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID, and the specific element of the second AP included in the first management frame corresponds to the specific element of the second AP included in a second management frame transmitted by the second AP before the first AP transmits the first management frame.

31. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the second AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in a second multi-BSSID set, a specific element of the second AP is indicated by a third management frame transmitted by an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set as the second AP, a value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as a value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set as the second AP, and the specific element of the second AP included in the first management frame corresponds to the specific element of the second AP indicated in the third management frame.

32. The second AP switches from a first operating class and a first channel to a second operating class and a second channel at a target time, and the first management frame includes a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element, and the method further comprises: when the first management frame is transmitted before the target time, the RNR element includes the first operating class and the first channel; or When the first management frame is transmitted after the target time, the RNR element includes the second operating class and the second channel.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

33. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the time field of the particular element of the second AP refers to a beacon transmission time and a beacon interval of the second AP.

34. The specific elements are: Channel Switch Announcement Element, Extended Channel Switch Announcement Element, Quiet Element, Quiet Channel Element, and Maximum Channel Switch Time Element 25. The method of claim 24, comprising at least one of:

35. 1. A communication method comprising: receiving, by a station (STA), a first management frame from a first access point (AP), the first management frame including a specific element of a second AP, the specific element being a channel switching related element or a quiet channel related element; The first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP Multi-Link Device (MLD), or the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in a first multiple basic service set identifier (BSSID) set, the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multiple BSSID set, and the second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD; determining, by the STA, based on the first management frame, a value of the particular element of the second AP or the value of the particular element of another AP other than the second AP in a second multi-BSSID set; A method comprising:

36. When the first AP corresponds to a transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD, and the specific element is located in a multi-BSSID element of the first management frame.

36. The method of claim 35.

37. the multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile, and the specific element is located in one non-transmitting BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP among the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile; 37. The method of claim 36.

38. a non-transmitting BSSID profile in the at least one non-transmitting BSSID profile other than the one non-transmitting BSSID profile does not include the specific element; 38. The method of claim 37.

39. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein when the first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP MLD, the specific element is located in a Per-STA Profile field corresponding to the second AP in a Multilink element of the first management frame.

40. The per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP includes a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is a link identifier of the second AP.

40. The method of claim 39.

41. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the second AP is an AP performing a channel switching operation or a channel quieting operation corresponding to a particular element.

42. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the second AP is an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID, and the specific element of the second AP included in the first management frame corresponds to the specific element of the second AP included in a second management frame transmitted by the second AP before the first AP transmits the first management frame.

43. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the second AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID in a second multi-BSSID set, a specific element of the second AP is indicated by a third management frame transmitted by an AP corresponding to a transmitting BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set as the second AP, a value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as a value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set as the second AP, and the specific element of the second AP included in the first management frame corresponds to the specific element of the second AP indicated in the third management frame.

44. The second AP switches from a first operating class and a first channel to a second operating class and a second channel at a target time, and the first management frame includes a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element, and the method further comprises: when the first management frame is transmitted before the target time, the RNR element includes the first operating class and the first channel; or When the first management frame is transmitted after the target time, the RNR element includes the second operating class and the second channel.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising:

45. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the time field of the particular element of the second AP refers to a beacon transmission time and a beacon interval of the second AP.

46. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the first management frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

47. The specific elements are: Channel Switch Announcement Element, Extended Channel Switch Announcement Element, Quiet Element, Quiet Channel Element, and Maximum Channel Switch Time Element 36. The method of claim 35, comprising at least one of:

48. A communications device, said device comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit, said device being configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 47.

49. 1. A communications device comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory, the memory is configured to store programs or instructions; The at least one processor is configured to execute the program or instructions such that the device performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 47. Communication equipment.

50. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 47.

51. 48. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions that, when executed, perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 47.

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