Method for operating enhanced multi-link single radio, communication device, multi-link device and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR), a communication device, a multi-link device (MLD), a chip, a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, and a computer program.SOLUTION: The method includes the first station determining a time duration. The duration covers at least a first duration in which the first station has lost medium synchronization, the first station is associated with a MLD operating in an EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of multiple EMLSR links of the MLD. The method also includes the first station determining whether to start a media synchronization delay timer based on the duration or determining whether to update a time value of the media synchronization delay timer based on a previous media synchronization delay timer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to communication mechanisms, and more particularly to enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) methods of operation, communication devices, multi-link devices (MLDs), chips, computer-readable storage media, computer program products, and computer programs. [Background technology]

[0002] IEEE 802.11 be draft 1.3 specifies enhanced multi-link single radio operation, including the following main steps:

[0003] In step 1, a non-access point (non-AP) multi-link device (MLD) associates non-AP MLD associated non-AP stations (STAs) with EMLSR links in the awake state so that these EMLSR links should be able to listen. The listening operations performed by the MLD include clear channel assessment (CCA) and reception of the initial control frame of the frame exchange sequence initiated by the AP MLD.

[0004] In step 2, when an AP associated with an AP MLD initiates frame exchange with a non-AP MLD on one of these EMLSR links, it should initiate the frame exchange by transmitting an initial control frame to the non-AP MLD with the above-specified restrictions.

[0005] In step 3, after receiving the initial control frame of the frame exchange sequence, the non-AP MLD can transmit or receive frames on the link on which it received the initial control frame and cannot transmit or receive frames on the other EMLSR link(s) until the frame exchange sequence ends. Depending on its spatial stream capabilities, operating mode, and link switching delay, the non-AP MLD should be able to receive presentation protocol data units (PPDUs) transmitted using multiple spatial streams on the link on which the initial control frame was received in the short interval frame space (SIFS) after the response frame transmission requested by the initial control frame ends. During the frame exchange sequence, the AP MLD must not transmit frames to the non-AP MLD on the other EMLSR link(s). The non-AP MLD switches back to listening operation on the active link(s) immediately after the frame exchange sequence ends.

[0006] However, the following issues must be addressed for EMLSR: (1) When a non-AP station (STA) with non-AP MLD exchanges frames with an AP with AP MLD on one of these EMLSR links, other non-AP STAs on these EMLSR links are blinded. This is similar to the blinding issue of non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) non-AP MLD operation. Also, when a non-AP MLD performs listening operation, its synchronization to the medium may be limited because it can only decode orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) PPDUs and non-high throughput (HT) PPDU formats.

[0007] (2) In EMLSR mode, a non-AP STA in a non-AP MLD may lose medium synchronization during a frame exchange sequence with another non-AP STA associated with the same MLD. Therefore, in EMLSR mode, a medium access recovery procedure is also required for a non-AP STA in an MLD, but this is not clearly defined in the current IEEE 802.11 be draft 1.3. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, the present invention relates to an enhanced multi-link single radio operating method, a communication device, an MLD, a chip, a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, and a computer program, for solving the above technical problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one or more example embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an enhanced multilink single radio, the method including: a first station determining a duration, the duration covering at least a first duration during which the first station lost medium synchronization, wherein the first station is associated with an MLD operating in an EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and determining, based on the duration, whether to start a medium synchronization delay timer or whether to update a time value of the medium synchronization delay timer based on a previous medium synchronization delay timer.

[0010] According to one or more example embodiments of the present invention, a method of operating an enhanced multilink single radio is provided, the method including: a first station starting a media synchronization delay timer if it determines that the duration exceeds a medium synchronization threshold, or updating a time value of the media synchronization delay timer if it determines that a previous media synchronization delay timer has not timed out, the first station being associated with an MLD operating in an EMLSR mode, the first station operating on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and the first station determining, based on the media synchronization delay timer, whether to transmit an initial frame of a transmission opportunity (TXOP) obtained by the first station.

[0011] According to one or more example embodiments of the present invention, a communication device is provided, comprising: a determination module configured to determine a duration, where the duration covers at least a first duration during which a first station has lost medium synchronization, where the first station is associated with an MLD operating in an EMLSR mode, and where the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD, and to determine, based on the duration, whether to start a medium synchronization delay timer or, based on a previous medium synchronization delay timer, whether to update a time value of the medium synchronization delay timer.

[0012] According to one or more example embodiments of the present invention, a communications device is provided, the communications device comprising: a determination module, the determination module configured to: if the first station determines that the duration exceeds a media synchronization threshold, start a media synchronization delay timer; or if the first station determines that a previous media synchronization delay timer has not timed out, update a time value of the media synchronization delay timer; the first station is associated with an MLD operating in an EMLSR mode, the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and determine whether to transmit an initial frame of a TXOP acquired by the first station based on the media synchronization delay timer.

[0013] According to one or more example embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an MLD comprising a memory and a processor, the memory configured to store instructions, and the processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions to cause the MLD to perform the enhanced multi-link single radio operating method described above.

[0014] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a chip is provided, the chip being configured to implement the enhanced multi-link single radio operating method described above.

[0015] According to one or more example embodiments of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having stored thereon program code for causing a computer to perform the above-described enhanced multi-link single radio operating method.

[0016] According to one or more example embodiments of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including computer program instructions for causing a computer to perform the enhanced multi-link single radio operating method described above.

[0017] According to one or more example embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the enhanced multi-link single radio operating method set forth above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 4 is a flowchart of an enhanced multi-link single radio method of operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 4 is another flowchart of an enhanced multi-link single radio method of operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a first variant of the sixth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a second variant of the sixth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11]FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a third variant of the sixth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram of a communication device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a block diagram of a multi-link device (MLD) according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0021] IEEE 802.11 be draft 1.3 specifies "35.3.16 Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio Operation." The important contents of EMLSR are as follows:

[0022] If the non-AP MLD operates in EMLSR mode and the AP MLD supports EMLSR mode, the following applies:

[0023] (1) Non-AP MLD should associate its associated non-AP STAs with EMLSR links in the awake state so that these EMLSR links can listen. The listening operation includes receiving CCA and initial control frames of the frame exchange sequence initiated by the AP MLD.

[0024] (2) The initial control frame of a frame exchange sequence should be transmitted in the format of an OFDM PPDU or a non-HT duplicated PPDU using a rate of 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, or 24 Mbps.

[0025] (3) The initial control frame should be a multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) trigger frame or a buffer status report poll (BSRP) trigger frame. Reception of the MU-RTS trigger frame and the BSRP trigger frame is mandatory. The number of spatial streams for responding to the BSRP trigger frame is limited to one.

[0026] (4) A non-AP MLD should indicate the length of the delay time in the EMLSR Delay subfield of the EML Capability subfield in the Common Information field of the Basic Multilink Element.

[0027] (5) When an AP associated with an AP MLD initiates a frame exchange with a non-AP MLD on one of these EMLSR links, it should initiate the frame exchange by transmitting an initial control frame to the non-AP MLD with the restrictions specified above.

[0028] (6) After receiving the initial control frame of a frame exchange sequence, a non-AP MLD can transmit or receive frames on the link on which it received the initial control frame and cannot transmit or receive frames on one or more other EMLSR links until the frame exchange sequence ends. The non-AP MLD should be able to receive PPDUs transmitted using multiple spatial streams on the link on which it received the initial control frame SIFS after the response frame transmission requested by the initial control frame ends, depending on the spatial stream capabilities, operating mode, and link switching delay of the non-AP MLD. During the frame exchange sequence, the AP MLD must not transmit frames to the non-AP MLD on one or more other EMLSR links. The non-AP MLD switches back to listening operation on the active link immediately after the frame exchange sequence ends.

[0029] (7) Only one non-AP STA associated with a non-AP MLD operating on one of these EMLSR links can initiate frame exchange with the AP MLD. In one embodiment, a non-AP STA associated with a non-AP MLD operating in EMLSR mode does not need to transmit an initial control frame to initiate frame exchange with the AP MLD.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, when a non-AP MLD operates in EMLSR mode, a non-AP STA associated with the non-AP MLD operating on one of these EMLSR links is unable to listen on the corresponding link, and if one of the other non-AP STAs operating on one or more other EMLSR links associated with the same non-AP MLD exchanges frames while the non-AP MLD is not listening on these EMLSR links, the non-AP STA is deemed to have lost medium synchronization. Listening includes receiving CCA and initial control frames of a frame exchange sequence initiated by the AP MLD.

[0031] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an enhanced multi-link single radio operating method, which will be described in detail below.

[0032] 1 shows a flowchart of an enhanced multi-link single radio operating method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method of this embodiment can be performed by a first station 110. In this embodiment of the present invention, the first station 110 is one of the non-AP STAs associated with a non-AP MLD 10 operating in EMLSR mode. In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 has multiple EMLSR links, and the first station 110 operates on a first EMLSR link L1 of the multiple EMLSR links of the non-AP MLD 10.

[0033] In step S110, the first station 110 determines a duration T0. In an embodiment of the present invention, the duration T0 at least covers a first duration D1 during which the first station 110 lost media synchronization. In one embodiment, the duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1. In one embodiment, the duration T0 includes the first duration D1, which means that the first duration D1 is a part of the duration T0, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In various embodiments, the duration T0 and the first duration D1 can be implemented in different manners, which will be described in the following embodiments.

[0034] In step S120, the first station 110 determines whether to start the media synchronization delay timer based on the duration T0, or determines whether to update the time value of the media synchronization delay timer based on the previous media synchronization delay timer.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first duration D1 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization covers at least the second duration D2, which is the time from when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from listening to frame exchange operations on the EMLSR link L2 to when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from frame exchange operations back to listening, where the frame exchange operations are performed on the second EMLSR link L2 on which the second station 120 operates. In one embodiment, the second duration D2 may be equal to the first duration D1. In one embodiment, the first duration D1 includes the second duration D2, meaning that the second duration D2 is a portion of the first duration D1. In one embodiment, the duration T0, the first duration D1, and the second duration D2 are the same as each other, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0036] In another embodiment, the first duration D1 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization covers at least the third duration D3, and the third duration D3 is between the first event and the second event. In one embodiment, the first event is the non-AP MLD 10 switching from listening operation to frame exchange operation. In one embodiment, the second event is the non-AP MLD 10 switching from frame exchange operation to listening operation. In one embodiment, the third duration D3 may be equal to the first duration D1. In one embodiment, the first duration D1 includes the third duration D3, which means that the third duration D3 is a part of the first duration D1. In one embodiment, the duration T0, the first duration D1, and the third duration D3 are the same as each other, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0037] In one embodiment, the listening operation is performed on the EMLSR link. In some embodiments, the frame exchange operation is performed on a second EMLSR link L2 on which the second station 120 operates. In one embodiment, the second station 120 is another non-AP STA associated with the non-AP MLD 10 operating in EMLSR mode, and the second EMLSR link L2 is one EMLSR link of multiple EMLSR links of the non-AP MLD 10.

[0038] In the following examples, it is assumed that the second station 120 is a non-AP STA that performs a frame exchange while the non-AP MLD 10 is in frame exchange operation.

[0039] In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 can be used to communicate with an AP MLD 20 that includes multiple AP STAs. In one embodiment, the AP STAs of the AP MLD 20 include a first AP STA 210 and a second AP STA 220, where the first AP STA 210 can correspond to the first station 110 and the second AP STA 220 can correspond to the second station 120. Specifically, the first station 110 communicates with the first AP STA 210 in the AP MLD 20 via a first EMLSR link L1, and the second station 120 communicates with the second AP STA 220 in the AP MLD 20 via a second EMLSR link L2.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first station 110 can determine whether the non-AP MLD 110 is performing a listening operation. In one embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that the non-AP MLD 110 is performing a listening operation, the first station 110 can determine whether the first station 110 has lost medium synchronization due to a frame exchange initiated between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. In one embodiment, the first station 110 cannot listen to the first EMLSR link L1 while the second station 120 is performing a frame exchange with the second AP STA 220.

[0041] In one embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that it has lost medium synchronization, the first station 110 may determine that the non-AP MLD 10 should switch from listening operation to frame exchange operation. In one embodiment, if the non-AP MLD 10 determines that it should switch back to listening operation based on the completion of a frame exchange, the first station 110 may determine that the non-AP MLD 10 should switch from frame exchange operation back to listening operation.

[0042] As mentioned above, the first duration D1 can be realized in various ways, and further details are provided below.

[0043] FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2A, a first duration D1 is the sum of a duration D21 from when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation until the frame exchange ends and a conversion delay D22 of the non-AP MLD 10. In one embodiment, the conversion delay is the time required for the non-AP MLD 10 to switch from exchanging frames on one EMLSR link among multiple EMLSR links to listening operation on the multiple EMLSR links. Although FIG. 2A shows the conversion delay in the EMLSR Conversion Delay subfield of the EML Capability subfield of the Basic Multilink Element, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0044] 2A, when the non-AP MLD 10 operates in EMLSR mode in a situation where the AP MLD 20 supports EMLSR mode, the non-AP MLD 10 can switch from listening operation to frame exchange operation after the second station 120 receives the initial control frame of the frame exchange. In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 can switch back to listening operation after an (EMLSR) conversion delay D22 after the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 is completed.

[0045] In FIG. 2A, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 may include, for example, (1) an MU-RTS frame from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120, (2) a CTS (clear to send) frame from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220, (3) a data frame from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120, and (4) a block acknowledgment (BA) from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] In the scenario of FIG. 2A, for one of the other non-AP STAs operating on the other EMLSR link, the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1 in FIG. 2A. If the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (due to a frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is longer than the medium synchronization threshold (denoted as aMedium-SyncThreshold in FIG. 2A and other figures), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (denoted as a MediumSyncDelay timer in FIG. 2A and other figures) immediately after the non-AP MLD returns to listening operation.

[0047] 2B shows another schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2B, the first duration D1 is the sum of a duration D21 from when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation until the frame exchange ends, and a conversion delay D22 of the non-AP MLD 10.

[0048] In FIG. 2B, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 may include, for example, (1) an MU-RTS frame from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120, and (2) a CTS frame from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220.

[0049] 2B, the end of the frame exchange between the second AP STA 220 and the second station 120 can be determined by adding a wait time to the end of the CTS frame. In one embodiment, the wait time can be the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) time (denoted as aSIFSTime in FIG. 2B and other figures), a slot time (denoted as aSlotTime in FIG. 2B and other figures), and a receive physical start delay (denoted as aRxPHYStartDelay in FIG. 2B and other figures), where the definitions / values ​​of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay can refer to relevant communication standards such as IEEE 802.11b.

[0050] In the scenario of FIG. 2B , for one non-AP STA among the other non-AP STAs operating on the other EMLSR link, the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1 in FIG. 2B . If the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization (due to a frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is longer than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization is equal to or less than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation.

[0051] In a first embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that the previous media sync delay timer has not timed out, the first station 110 updates the time value of the media sync delay timer. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to the time value of the previous media sync delay timer, although the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] 3, when the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode and the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode, when the second station 120 associated with the non-AP MLD 10 operating on the second EMLSR link L2 starts a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 in a first transmission opportunity (TXOP) or TXOP, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to start frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 begins to switch from listening operation to frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. If the transmission of an MPDU in the initial PPDU of the TXOP fails, the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation after an EMLSR conversion delay when the second station 220 confirms that the transmission of an MPDU in the initial PPDU of the TXOP failed.

[0054] In the scenario of Figure 3, the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization covers at least a first duration D1. For example, duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1 of Figure 3. In a second embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of a conversion delay D32 and a duration D31 between a first timing point TP1 and a second timing point TP2, where the first timing point TP1 is the timing point at which the non-AP MLD 10 switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation, and the second timing point TP2 is the timing point at which the non-AP MLD 10 determines that transmission of a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) in the initial PPDU of the first TXOP has failed.

[0055] 3, the second timing point TP2 can be determined by adding a waiting time to the end of the PPDU. In one embodiment, the waiting time may be the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0056] In the second embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization (due to a frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is longer than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization is equal to or less than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation.

[0057] In a second embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that the previous media sync delay timer has not timed out, the first station 110 updates the time value of the media sync delay timer. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to the time value of the previous media sync delay timer, although the present invention is not limited in this respect.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] 4, when the non-AP MLD 10 operates in EMLSR mode in a situation where the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode, when the second station 120 associated with the non-AP MLD 10 operating on the second EMLSR link L2 starts a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 using a first TXOP, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to start a frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 begins to switch from listening operation to frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In a third embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 switches to listening operation after the end of the frame exchange or an EMLSR conversion delay after the end of the first TXOP.

[0060] In FIG. 4, the transmission sequence between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 may include, for example, (1) a PPDU 411 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220, and (2) a BA 412 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120.

[0061] In the scenario of Figure 4, the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1 of Figure 4. In a third embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) conversion delay D42 and the duration D41 between the first timing point TP1 and the third timing point TP3, where the first timing point TP1 is the timing point at which the non-AP MLD 10 switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation, and the third timing point TP3 is the timing point at which the frame exchange ends (e.g., the end of BA412) or the first TXOP ends.

[0062] In the third embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization (due to a frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is longer than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization is equal to or less than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation.

[0063] In a third embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that the previous media sync delay timer has not timed out, the first station 110 updates the time value of the media sync delay timer. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to the time value of the previous media sync delay timer, although the present invention is not limited in this respect.

[0064] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] 5, the non-AP MLD 10 operates in EMLSR mode, and the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode. In a fourth embodiment, when the second station 120 determines that it has received a first TXOP with the second AP STA 220, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to initiate a frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Thus, the non-AP MLD 10 begins to switch from listening operation to frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In the fourth embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to listening operation after the end of the frame exchange (e.g., the end time of BA 512) or after an EMLSR conversion delay after the end of the first TXOP.

[0066] In FIG. 5, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 may include, for example, (1) a PPDU 511 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220, and (2) a BA 512 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120.

[0067] In the scenario of Figure 5, the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1 in Figure 5. In the fourth embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) conversion delay D52 and the duration D51 between the first timing point TP1 and the third timing point TP3, where the first timing point TP1 is the timing point at which the non-AP MLD 10 switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation, and the third timing point TP3 is the timing point at which the frame exchange ends or the first TXOP ends.

[0068] In the fourth embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization (due to a frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is longer than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization is equal to or less than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation.

[0069] In a fourth embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that the previous media sync delay timer has not timed out, the first station 110 updates the time value of the media sync delay timer. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to the time value of the previous media sync delay timer, although the present invention is not limited in this respect.

[0070] 6 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the non-AP MLD 10 operates in EMLSR mode, and the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode. In the fifth embodiment, the second station 120 may transmit an RTS frame 611 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 220 may transmit a CTS frame 612 to the second station 120 in response to the RTS frame 611. The CTS frame 612 may be used to notify the second station 120 that the second station 120 has acquired a TXOP with the second AP STA 220, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0071] In the fifth embodiment, when the second station 120 determines that it has acquired a TXOP with the second AP STA 220, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to start frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 begins to switch from listening operation to frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In the fifth embodiment, if a non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 613) of the TXOP fails, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to listening operation after an EMLSR conversion delay. Furthermore, the second station 120 can perform backoff during the TXOP.

[0072] In the scenario of Figure 6, the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1 of Figure 6. In the fifth embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) conversion delay D62 and the duration D61 between the first timing point TP1 and the fourth timing point TP4, where the first timing point TP1 is the timing point at which the non-AP MLD 10 switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation, and the fourth timing point TP4 is the timing point at which the second station 120 determines that a non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 613) of a TXOP has failed.

[0073] 6, the fourth timing point TP4 can be determined by adding a wait time to the end of PPDU 613. In one embodiment, the wait time can be the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0074] In the fifth embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization (due to a frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is longer than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization is equal to or less than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation.

[0075] Furthermore, after the second station 120 performs the backoff, the second station 120 can transmit another PPDU 614 to the second AP STA 220. Thus, the non-AP MLD 10 switches again from listening to frame exchange operation, causing the first station 110 to again lose medium synchronization in the TXOP. In one embodiment, the second AP STA 220 can transmit a BA 615 to the second station 120 in response to the PPDU 614.

[0076] In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 can switch back to listening operation again in response to BA 615, and another duration during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization for the second time can cover at least the first duration D1'. For example, the another duration may be equal to the first duration D1' in Figure 6. In one embodiment, the manner of determining the first duration D1' can refer to the description of determining the first duration D1 in Figures 4 and / or 5, and will not be described again here.

[0077] In a fifth embodiment, if the first station 110 loses medium synchronization for another duration longer than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 may start a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation again.

[0078] In a fifth embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that the previous media sync delay timer has not timed out, the first station 110 updates the time value of the media sync delay timer. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the media sync delay timer to the time value of the previous media sync delay timer, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0079] FIG. 7 shows another schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] 7, the non-AP MLD 10 operates in EMLSR mode, and the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode. In the fifth embodiment, the second station 120 can transmit an RTS frame 711 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 220 can transmit a CTS frame 712 to the second station 120 in response to the RTS frame 711. Here, the CTS frame 712 can be used to notify the second station 120 that the second station 120 has acquired a TXOP with the second AP STA 220, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0081] In the fifth embodiment, when the second station 120 determines that it has acquired a TXOP with the second AP STA 220, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to initiate frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Thus, the non-AP MLD 110 begins to switch from listening operation to frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In the fifth embodiment, if a non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 713) of the TXOP fails, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to listening operation after an EMLSR conversion delay. Furthermore, the second station 120 can perform a backoff on the TXOP.

[0082] In the scenario of Figure 7, the duration T0 during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1 of Figure 7. In the fifth embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) conversion delay D72 and the duration D71 between the first timing point TP1 and the fourth timing point TP4, where the first timing point TP1 is the timing point at which the non-AP MLD 10 switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation, and the fourth timing point TP4 is the timing point at which the second station 120 determines that a non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 713) of a TXOP has failed.

[0083] 7, the fourth timing point TP4 can be determined by adding a wait time to the end of the PPDU 713. In one embodiment, the wait time can be the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0084] In the fifth embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (due to a frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is longer than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation.

[0085] 7, after the second station 120 performs backoff, the first station 110 can transmit an RTS frame 714 to the first AP STA 210, and the first AP STA 210 can transmit a CTS frame 715 to the first station 110 in response to the RTS frame 714. A frame exchange can then be initiated between the first AP STA 210 and the first station 110, where the frame exchange can include, for example, (1) a PPDU 716 transmitted from the first station 110 to the first AP STA 210, and (2) a BA 717 transmitted from the first AP STA 210 to the first station 110, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0086] 7, the non-AP MLD 10 decides to start a frame exchange between the first station 110 and the first AP STA 210. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 begins to switch from listening operation to frame exchange operation. Furthermore, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the second station 120) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In the fifth embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to listening operation after an EMLSR conversion delay following the end of the frame exchange (e.g., the end time of BA717), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0087] In a fifth embodiment, the second station 120 may determine a corresponding duration for which the second station 120 lost medium synchronization (due to frame exchanges by the first station 110 on the first EMLSR link L1). In one embodiment, if the corresponding duration for the second station 120 is longer than a medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the second station 120 may start a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., a MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to listening operation, although the invention is not limited thereto.

[0088] In other embodiments, the non-AP MLD 10 may perform further actions based on the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer, a detailed description of which is provided below.

[0089] 8 shows a flowchart of an enhanced multi-link single radio operation method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method of this embodiment can also be performed by the first station 110. The introduction of the first station 110 can be referred to above, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] In step S810, if the first station 110 determines that the duration T0 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), it starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer), or if it determines that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not timed out, it updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. For details of step S810, please refer to the above description, and the description will not be repeated here.

[0091] In step S820, the first station 110 determines whether to send the initial frame of the TXOP acquired by the first station 110 based on the media synchronization delay timer. Details regarding step S820 will be introduced in the following example.

[0092] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a first variant of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second station 120 can initiate a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 over the second EMLSR link L2. In FIG. 9, the transmission sequence may include, for example, (1) a PPDU 911 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220, (2) a BA 912 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120, (3) a PPDU 913 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220, and (4) a BA 914 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. As described above, the first station 110 will lose medium synchronization, and the first station 110 can acquire a duration T0 (duration T0 covering at least the first duration D1) during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization. For example, duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1 in FIG. 9. For the introduction of the first duration D1, please refer to the above example, and the description will not be repeated here.

[0094] In FIG. 9, assuming the first station 110 determines that duration T0 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold (ie, aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (ie, MediumSyncDelay timer).

[0095] In one embodiment, the first station 110 may determine whether the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value. In one embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station 110 prohibits the first station 110 from transmitting the RTS frame 915 as the initial frame of the TXOP acquired by the first station 110.

[0096] In one embodiment, if the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station 110 performs CCA. Furthermore, if the first station 110 determines that the media synchronization delay timer has timed out, it can begin transmitting when it obtains another TXOP.

[0097] In another embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that the media synchronization delay timer does not have a non-zero value, the first station 110 allows the first station 110 to transmit the RTS frame 915 as the initial frame of the TXOP acquired by the first station 110.

[0098] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a second variant of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] In this embodiment, the second station 120 may initiate a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 over the second EMLSR link L2. In FIG. 10 , the transmission sequence may include (1) a PPDU 1011 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220, (2) a BA 1012 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120, (3) a PPDU 1013 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220, and (4) a BA 1014 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. As described above, the first station 110 will lose medium synchronization, and the first station 110 may acquire a duration T0 (duration T0 covering at least the first duration D1) during which the first station 110 lost medium synchronization. For example, duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1 in FIG. 10 . For the introduction of the first duration D1, please refer to the above example, and the description will not be repeated here.

[0100] In FIG. 10, assuming the first station 110 determines that duration T0 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold (ie, aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (ie, MediumSyncDelay timer).

[0101] In one embodiment, the first station 110 can determine whether the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and whether the accumulated time length of the first station 110 exceeds the media synchronization threshold. In one embodiment, the accumulated time length of the first station 110 is the sum of the above-mentioned waiting time (i.e., the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay), the (EMLSR) conversion delay, and the PPDU length of the RTS frame.

[0102] In one embodiment, if the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and the first station 110 determines that the accumulated time length exceeds the media synchronization threshold, the first station 110 prohibits the first station 110 from transmitting an RTS frame as the initial frame of a TXOP acquired by the first station 110.

[0103] In the scenario of FIG. 10, if the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and the first station 110 determines that the accumulated time length is less than or equal to the media synchronization threshold, the first station 110 can allow the first station 110 to transmit the RTS frame 1015 as the initial frame of the TXOP.

[0104] In FIG. 10, after the first station 110 transmits an RTS frame 1015 to the first AP STA 210, the second station 120 will lose medium synchronization in response.

[0105] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a third variant of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] In this embodiment, the second station 120 may transmit an RTS frame 1111 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 120 may transmit a CTS frame 1112 in response to the RTS frame 1111, where the CTS frame 1112 may be used to notify the second station 120 that the second station 120 has acquired the TXOP. The second station 120 may then transmit a PPDU 1113 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 120 may transmit a BA 1114 to the second station 120. As described above, the first station 110 will lose medium synchronization, and the first station 110 may acquire a duration T0 (duration T0 covers at least the first duration D1) during which the first station 110 has lost medium synchronization. The introduction of the first duration D1 may refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0107] In FIG. 11, assuming the first station 110 determines that duration T0 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold (ie, aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (ie, MediumSyncDelay timer).

[0108] In one embodiment, the first station 110 may determine whether the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value. In one embodiment, if the first station 110 determines that the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station 110 allows the first station 110 to transmit the RTS frame 1116 as the initial frame of the TXOP, and does not allow the first station 110 to switch to receive or transmit operation using multiple spatial streams unless the first station 110 obtains the TXOP.

[0109] 11, because the second AP STA 210 has not sent a CTS frame back to the first station 110, the first station 110 can send another RTS frame 1116 to the second AP STA 210 to attempt to acquire a TXOP. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can wait the above-mentioned waiting time after the RTS frame 1115 ends before sending the RTS frame 1116. In this case, the first station 110 is not allowed to switch to receive or transmit operation using multiple spatial streams before successfully acquiring a TXOP, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0110] The above mainly introduces the solutions of the embodiments of the present invention from the perspective of the execution process of the method. It can be understood that, to realize the above functions, each STA / MLD includes a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that the present invention can be realized in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software based on the example modules and algorithm steps described in the embodiments provided herein. Whether a function is implemented by hardware or hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals can realize the described functions using different methods for each specific application, but such realization should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0111] In accordance with the above-described exemplary method, the embodiments of the present invention can divide the functional modules of the MLD. For example, each functional module can be divided according to its function, or two or more functions can be integrated into a single processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in the form of a hardware or software functional module. Note that the module division in the embodiments of the present invention is merely an example and represents a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used.

[0112] 12 is a block diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, the communication device 1200, which is applied to the non-AP MLD (e.g., the non-AP MLD 10) and / or the STA associated with the non-AP MLD (e.g., the first station 110), may include a determination module 1210.

[0113] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 determines a duration, where the duration covers at least a first duration during which a first station lost media synchronization, where the first station is associated with an MLD operating in EMLSR mode, and where the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of multiple EMLSR links of the MLD. The determination module 1210 determines whether to start a media synchronization delay timer based on the duration, or whether to update the time value of the media synchronization delay timer based on a previous media synchronization delay timer.

[0114] In one embodiment, the first duration during which the first station lost medium synchronization covers at least the second duration, the second duration being the time from when the MLD switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation to when the MLD switches from frame exchange operation back to listening operation.

[0115] In one embodiment, a second station performs frame switching while the MLD is in frame switching operation, the second station being associated with the MLD, and the frame switching being performed on a second EMLSR link on which the second station operates.

[0116] In one embodiment, the MLD is a non-AP MLD.

[0117] In one embodiment, the first duration during which the first station lost medium synchronization covers at least a third duration, the third duration being the time between the first event and a second event, where the first event is the MLD switching from listening operation to frame switching operation and the second event is the MLD switching from frame switching operation back to listening operation.

[0118] In one embodiment, a first station communicates with a first AP STA in the AP MLD via a first EMLSR link, and a second station communicates with a second AP STA in the AP MLD via a second EMLSR link.

[0119] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs the following: if the MLD is performing a listening operation, the first station determines whether the first station has lost medium synchronization due to a frame exchange initiated between the second station and the second AP STA; and if the first station determines that the first station has lost medium synchronization, the first station determines that the MLD switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation.

[0120] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 executes the first station determining that the MLD will switch back to listening operation from frame exchange operation if the determination module 1210 determines that the MLD will switch back to listening operation based on the completion of the frame exchange.

[0121] In one embodiment, the first duration is the sum of the duration from when the MLD switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation until the frame exchange ends, and the conversion delay of the MLD.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first station is not able to listen on the first EMLSR link while the second station is performing a frame exchange.

[0123] In one embodiment, if the determination module 1210 determines that the second station initiates a transmission sequence with the second AP STA at the first transmission opportunity (TXOP), the MLD executes determining that a frame exchange is initiated between the second station and the second AP STA.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first duration is the sum of the conversion delay and the duration between the first timing point and the second timing point, where the first timing point is the timing point at which the MLD switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation, and the second timing point is the timing point at which the MLD determines that transmission of a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) in an initial presentation protocol data unit (PPDU) of the first TXOP has failed.

[0125] In one embodiment, the first duration is the sum of the conversion delay and the duration between the first timing point and the third timing point, where the first timing point is the timing point at which the MLD switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation, and the third timing point is the timing point at which the frame exchange ends or the first TXOP ends.

[0126] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs the following: if the second station determines that the second AP STA has obtained a first TXOP with the second AP STA, the MLD determines to initiate a frame exchange between the second station and the second AP STA.

[0127] In one embodiment, the first duration is the sum of the conversion delay and the duration between the first timing point and the third timing point, where the first timing point is the timing point at which the MLD switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation, and the third timing point is the timing point at which the frame exchange ends or the first TXOP ends.

[0128] In one embodiment, the first duration is the sum of the conversion delay and the duration between the first timing point and the fourth timing point, where the first timing point is the timing point at which the MLD switches from listening operation to frame exchange operation, and the fourth timing point is the timing point at which the second station determines that the non-initial PPDU of the first TXOP has failed.

[0129] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs the following: if the duration exceeds the media synchronization threshold, the first station starts a media synchronization delay timer; or if the previous media synchronization delay timer has not timed out, the first station updates the time value of the media synchronization delay timer.

[0130] In one embodiment, after starting the media synchronization delay timer, the determination module 1210 performs determining whether to transmit the initial frame of the TXOP acquired by the first station based on the media synchronization delay timer.

[0131] In one embodiment, if the determination module 1210 determines that the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station performs the following: prohibiting the first station from sending a request to send (RTS) frame as the initial frame of a TXOP acquired by the first station.

[0132] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 further performs the following: if the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station performs a clear channel assessment (CCA); and if the media synchronization delay timer is determined to have timed out, the first station starts transmitting when it obtains another TXOP.

[0133] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs the following: prohibiting the first station from sending an RTS frame as the initial frame of a TXOP acquired by the first station if the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and determines that the accumulated time length of the first station exceeds the media synchronization threshold; and allowing the first station to send an RTS frame as the initial frame of a TXOP if the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and determines that the accumulated time length of the first station is equal to or less than the media synchronization threshold.

[0134] In one embodiment, the cumulative time length for the first station is the sum of a Short Interframe Space (SIFS) time, a slot time, a receive physical start delay, a conversion delay, and a PPDU length of an RTS frame.

[0135] In one embodiment, if the determination module 1210 determines that the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the determination module 1210 performs allowing the first station to send an RTS frame as the initial frame of a TXOP, and not allowing the first station to switch to receive or transmit operation using multiple spatial streams unless the first station obtains the TXOP.

[0136] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs the first station not starting the media synchronization delay timer if it determines that the duration is less than or equal to the media synchronization threshold.

[0137] The user device described in the embodiments of the present invention is represented in the form of a functional module. The term "module" used in this specification should be understood in the broadest possible sense. The object used to realize the function described by each "module" may be, for example, one or more integrated circuits (ASICs) for executing software or firmware, a single circuit or chip, a programmable processor (shared processor, dedicated processor, or chipset) and memory, a complex logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the above-mentioned functionality.

[0138] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a multi-link device 1300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, the multi-link device 1300 applied to the non-AP MLD described above may include one or more transceivers 1310, one or more memories 1320, and one or more processors 1330. Program code is stored in the memory 1320 and executed by the processor 1330. When the program code is executed by the processor, it causes the processor to implement the steps of the communication method described in any one of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8. The transceiver 1310 communicates with other electronic devices via a wireless network (e.g., WLAN) and typically operates in accordance with an IEEE standard (e.g., IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ay, IEEE 802.11be, etc.). One transceiver 1310 can establish multiple EMLSR links (e.g., a first EMLSR link L1 and a second EMLSR link L2). The multilink device 1300 may be any type of device, including, but not limited to, a subscriber device, a wireless transmitter / receiver unit (WTRU), a mobile station, an advanced mobile station (AMS), a telephone device, a customer premise equipment (CPE), a wireless sensor, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless radio modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, etc.

[0139] The program code stored in the multi-link device 1300 adopts all the technical solutions of the above embodiments when executed by the processor 1330, so the program code has at least all the advantageous effects brought by all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0140] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention further provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon program code for causing a computer to perform the communication method described in any one of Figures 1 and 8.

[0141] The program code stored in the computer-readable storage medium adopts all the technical solutions of the above embodiments when executed by the processor, so the program code has at least all the advantageous effects brought by all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0142] For ease of explanation, the above method embodiments are described as a combination of a series of operations. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the application is not limited to the described order of operations, because certain steps may be performed in a different order or simultaneously, according to the present invention. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also understand that all of the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and that the associated operations and modules are not necessarily required for the application.

[0143] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment is focused on its own. For parts not described in detail in one embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0144] In some embodiments provided herein, it should be understood that the disclosed devices may be implemented in other ways. For example, the above device embodiments are merely illustrative. For example, the division of modules is merely a logical division of functions. In actual implementation, other division methods may exist. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some functions may be ignored or not implemented. Furthermore, the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be indirect couplings or communication connections via some interfaces, devices, or modules, and the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be electrical or other forms.

[0145] The modules described as individual components may or may not be physically separated, the components represented as modules may or may not be physical units, and the components represented as modules may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Depending on actual needs, some or all of the modules may be selected to achieve the objectives of the technical solutions in this embodiment.

[0146] Furthermore, the functional modules in each embodiment of the present invention may be integrated into one processing module, or each module may exist physically separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into one module. The above-mentioned integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or a software program module.

[0147] When the integrated module is realized in the form of a software program module and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated module can be stored in a computer-readable memory. Based on this understanding, an essential part of the technical solution of the present invention or a part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product stored in a memory, and the software product includes some instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of the present invention. The above-mentioned memory includes a flash disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a removable hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and other media that can store program code.

[0148] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a chip, the chip including a processor, which can implement the method in the embodiment of the present invention by calling and executing a computer program from a memory.

[0149] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory, and the processor may implement the method in the embodiment of the present invention by calling and executing a computer program from the memory.

[0150] The memory may be a separate device independent of the processor, or the memory may be integrated into the processor.

[0151] Optionally, the chip may further include an input interface, and the processor may control the input interface to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, the processor may obtain information or data transmitted by other devices or chips.

[0152] Optionally, the chip may further include an output interface, which the processor may control to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, the processor may output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0153] Optionally, the chip may be applied to the network equipment in the embodiments of the present invention, and the chip may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network equipment in various ways in the embodiments of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, relevant details are omitted.

[0154] Optionally, the chip may be applied to a mobile terminal / terminal device in an embodiment of the present invention, and the chip may implement the corresponding process implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal device in an embodiment of the present invention in various ways. For the sake of brevity, relevant details are omitted.

[0155] It should be understood that the chips referred to in the embodiments of the present invention may also be referred to as system level chips, system chips, systems of chips, or systems on chips.

[0156] It should be understood that the above-described memories are exemplary and not limiting. For example, memories in embodiments of the invention may be static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synch link DRAM (SLDRAM), direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM), etc. Thus, memories in embodiments of the invention are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0157] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a computer program product including computer program instructions.

[0158] Optionally, a computer program product may be applied to the communication device in the embodiments of the present invention, and the computer program instructions cause a computer to execute corresponding processes implemented by the communication device in each method of the embodiments of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, relevant details are omitted.

[0159] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer program.

[0160] Optionally, the computer program may be applied to the communication device in the embodiment of the present invention. When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer executes corresponding processes implemented by the communication device in each method of the embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, relevant details are omitted.

[0161] In summary, embodiments of the present invention provide an enhanced multi-link single radio operation method. EMLSR operation is a key feature specified in the next generation Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11 be. Some solutions described in this invention are suitable for application to the 802.11 be standard and are suitable for adoption in Wi-Fi APs and STAs.

[0162] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A method of operating an Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR), comprising: a first station determining a duration, the duration covering at least a first duration during which the first station lost medium synchronization, the first station being associated with a multi-link device (MLD) operating in an EMLSR mode, the first station operating on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; the first station determining whether to start a media synchronization delay timer based on the duration and a media synchronization delay timer threshold; The method for operating an enhanced multi-link single radio, wherein the MLD is a non-access point (non-AP) MLD.

2. determining whether to start a media synchronization delay timer based on the duration and a media synchronization delay timer threshold, if the duration that the first station has lost the medium synchronization exceeds a medium synchronization delay timer threshold, the first station starts the medium synchronization delay timer immediately after the non-AP MLD returns to listening operation; or if the duration that the first station lost the medium synchronization is less than or equal to a medium synchronization delay timer threshold, the first station does not start the medium synchronization delay timer after the non-AP MLD returns to listening operation.

2. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 1.

3. The first duration during which the first station lost the medium synchronization covers at least a second duration, and the second duration is a duration from when the MLD switches from a listening operation to a frame exchange operation to when the MLD switches from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation.

2. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 1.

4. a second station performs frame switching while the MLD is in the frame switching operation, the second station being associated with the MLD, and the frame switching being performed on a second EMLSR link on which the second station operates; 4. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 3.

5. the first duration does not start with a multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) trigger frame (TF); 4. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 3.

6. The MU-RTS TF is an Initial Control Frame (ICF); 6. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 5.

7. The first duration during which the first station lost the medium synchronization covers at least a third duration, the third duration being the duration between a first event and a second event, the first event being the MLD switching from a listening operation to a frame exchange operation, the second event being the MLD switching from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation, and the third duration including the duration from the first event to the end of the frame exchange and the duration from the end of the frame exchange to the second event.

2. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 1.

8. the first station communicates with a first AP station in an AP MLD via the first EMLSR link, and the second station communicates with a second AP station in the AP MLD via the second EMLSR link; 5. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 4.

9. The method for operating the enhanced multi-link single radio includes: If the MLD determines that the listening operation is being performed, the first station determines whether the first station has lost the medium synchronization due to the frame exchange initiated between the second station and the second AP station; if the first station determines that it has lost the medium synchronization, the first station determines that the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation.

9. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 8.

10. The method for operating the enhanced multi-link single radio includes: If the MLD determines to switch back to the listening operation based on the completion of the frame exchange, the first station further includes determining that the MLD switches from the frame exchange operation to the listening operation.

10. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 9.

11. The first duration is the sum of the duration from when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation until the frame exchange ends and the conversion delay of the MLD.

11. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 10.

12. the medium synchronization delay timer threshold is a threshold value for the medium synchronization delay timer, aMediumSyncThreshold; 2. The method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio according to claim 1.

13. a first station, a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor coupled to said memory, said processor executing said instructions causing said first station to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 12.

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