Multi-link communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A multilink communication method and apparatus is provided that improves the time efficiency of channel access by a station (STA) that transitions from a sleep state to a wake state within a station multilink device (STA MLD). The method includes receiving, by AP1 in the access point (AP) MLD, an information frame on a first link corresponding to STA1 from SAT1 in the STA MLD. The information frame indicates a second link corresponding to STA2 in the STA MLD, where STA2 has lost channel state information on the second link and has an uplink service to transmit on the second link. The method also includes transmitting, by AP2 in the AP MLD, a synchronization frame on the second link to STA2, where the synchronization frame assists STA2 in transmitting the uplink service.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010177787.4, entitled "MULTI-LINK COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on March 13, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to a multi-link communication method and apparatus. [Background technology]

[0003] During the development of 802.11ax in 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened up a new free frequency band, 5925-7125 MHz, hereafter referred to as 6 GHz. Therefore, the 802.11ax standards workers are proposing in the 802.11ax Project Authorization Request (PAR) to extend the operating range of 802.11ax devices from 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

[0004] The next-generation Wi-Fi ultra-high throughput (EHT) protocol of IEEE802.11ax not only uses a contiguous ultra-large bandwidth in the new 6 GHz frequency band, but also uses multi-link cooperation technology to aggregate discontinuous multi-links to form an ultra-large bandwidth. Accordingly, multi-link devices (MLDs) have emerged, and the frequency bands that multi-link devices operate in include sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, all or part of 6 GHz, and the high-frequency 60 GHz.

[0005] For various reasons, channel state information for some links of a multi-link device is lacking. After a station (STA) or access point (AP) on a link with lacking channel state information changes from a sleep state to an awake state, the station or AP needs to wait a NAVSyncDelay period before preempting the channel. Alternatively, the STA or AP changing from a sleep state to an awake state needs to receive a data packet containing NAV information, and waits for the NAV information to expire before starting to preempt the channel. In this way, the delay in data transmission by the STA or AP is relatively large, resulting in wasted power consumption by the STA or AP. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-link communication method and apparatus. STAs in a STA MLD transmit information frames on links corresponding to the stations, and the information frames are used to indicate awake STAs in the STA MLD. The AP MLD receives the information frames and transmits downlink message frames on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the awake STAs in the STA MLD to assist some or all of the stations in fast channel access without waiting for the NAVSyncDelay period. This improves the time efficiency of channel access by awake STAs and reduces the power consumption of the awake STAs.

[0007] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-link communication method, the method including: a station in a station multi-link device transmitting an information frame on a link corresponding to the station, the information frame being used to indicate one or more stations in a wake state in the station multi-link device; and some or all of the stations in the wake state of the station multi-link device receiving a downlink message frame transmitted by an access point multi-link device on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the stations.

[0008] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-link communication method, the method including: an access point multi-link device receiving an information frame on a link corresponding to a station; using the information frame to indicate that one or more stations in the station multi-link device are awake; and the access point multi-link device transmitting a downlink message frame on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the awake stations in the station multi-link device.

[0009] According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-link communication method, the method including: a station in a transmitting state in a station multi-link device transmits an information frame on a link corresponding to the station, the information frame is used to indicate stations to which the station multi-link device is to switch for sending data, or the information frame is used to indicate a link to which the station multi-link device should switch to transmit data, and all or some of the stations indicated by the information frame receive a synchronization frame transmitted by an access point multi-link device on the corresponding link, and the synchronization frame is used to assist all or some of the stations in transmitting uplink services.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multilink communication method, the method including: an access point multilink device receives, on a link, an information frame transmitted by a station in a transmitting state within a station multilink device, the information frame being used to indicate a station to which the station multilink device should switch to transmit data, or the information frame being used to indicate a link to which the station multilink device should switch to transmit data; the access point multilink device transmitting a synchronization frame on some or all of the links indicated by the information frame, or on some or all of the stations indicated by the information frame, the synchronization frame being used to assist all or some of the stations in transmitting uplink services.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-link communication method, the method including: a single wireless station transmitting an information frame on a transmission link, the information frame being used to indicate a target link and a switching delay of the single wireless station, the target link indicating a link to which the single wireless station should switch, the switching delay indicating how long the single wireless station needs to wait before it can operate on the switched target link, the single wireless station receiving a synchronization frame on the target link after the switching delay, the synchronization frame being used to assist stations within the single wireless station in fast accessing a channel on the target link, and the station being a station corresponding to the target link.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-link communication method, the method including: an access point multi-link device receiving an information frame transmitted by a single-wireless station on a link; the information frame being used to indicate a target link and a switching delay of the single-wireless station; the target link indicating the link to which the single-wireless station should switch; the switching delay indicating how long the single-wireless station needs to wait before it can operate on the switched target link; the access point multi-link device transmitting a synchronization frame on the target link after the switching delay; the synchronization frame being used to assist a station within the single-wireless station in quickly accessing a channel on the target link; and the station being a station corresponding to the target link.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer readable storage medium configured to store a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions used to carry out any of the first to sixth aspects.

[0014] According to an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer program comprising: The computer program comprises instructions for use in any of the first to sixth aspects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a Wi-Fi wireless communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a communication system for communication between multi-link devices MLD. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a multi-link communication method of STA MLD in the power saving mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a multi-link communication method of STA MLD that does not support simultaneous transmission and reception. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a multi-link communication method for a single wireless station. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following describes the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] (i)

[0018] First, terms and abbreviations that may be used in the embodiments of the present invention will be described. Please refer to the following table for terms and abbreviations used in the embodiments of the present invention. [Table 1]

[0019] (II)

[0020] Next, communication systems to which embodiments of the present invention can be applied are described, such as a Wi-Fi wireless communication system, a global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, other future evolution systems, and various other wireless communication systems using radio access technologies.

[0021] A communication system includes a network device and at least one terminal device located in the coverage area of ​​the network device. The network device provides communication coverage for a specific geographic area and can communicate with the terminal device located within the coverage area. The network device may be an access point (AP) in a Wi-Fi wireless communication system, a base transceiver station (BTS) in a GSM system or a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a Node B (NB) in a WCDMA system, an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN), a relay station, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a network side device in a future network, etc. The terminal device may be mobile or fixed, and may be a station STA, an access terminal, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, a user equipment, etc.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a Wi-Fi wireless communication system. As shown in Fig. 1, a network device is an access point (AP), a terminal device is a station (STA), and communications in the Wi-Fi wireless communication system include uplink communications, downlink communications, D2D communications, etc.

[0023] With the introduction of multi-link cooperation technology, both AP and STA of the Wi-Fi wireless communication system are upgraded to multi-link devices. The multi-link device will be explained below.

[0024] As the name suggests, a communication device that operates on multiple links is called a multi-link device, and multiple frequency bands or channels are collectively called a multi-link. For example, multiple frequency bands may include all or part of the sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz high frequencies. For example, multiple channels may be channels divided based on any frequency band, such as 160 MHz channels, 80 MHz channels, 40 MHz channels, and 20 MHz channels in the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0025] (III)

[0026] 2 is a diagram of a communication system in which communication is performed between multilink devices MLDs. In FIG. 2, only a communication system including an AP multilink device (AP MLD) and a STA multilink device (STA MLD) is used. It should be understood that the communication system including the multilink device MLD is not limited to this. For example, the communication system including the multilink device MLD may be a communication system including an AP multilink device 1 (AP MLD1) and an AP multilink device 2 (AP MLD2), or a communication system including a STA multilink device 1 (STA MLD1) and a STA multilink device 2 (STA MLD2).

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the AP MLD includes one or more APs (AP 1, AP 2, ..., AP N), the STA MLD includes one or more STAs (a STA 1, a STA 2, ..., a STA N), and there are multiple links (link 1, link 2, ..., link N) between the AP MLD and the STA MLD, where the communication link between AP 1 and STA 1 is link 1; the communication link between AP 2 and STA 2 is link 2; ...; the communication link between AP N and STA N is link N.

[0028] (IV)

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention will be described using an example of Fig. 2. It should be understood that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the MLD communication system shown in Fig. 2, but can also be applied to various other MLD communication systems.

[0030] 1. STA MLD in energy saving mode

[0031] One or more STAs in a STA MLD may be in energy-save mode, and STAs operating on different links in the STA MLD cannot always listen to channel state information. Therefore, STAs that do not listen to channel state information will lose the channel state information of the STA's link. When a STA changes from a sleep state to a wake state, the STA must wait the NAVSyncDelay period before it starts preempting the channel, or the STA receives a frame that allows it to set its NAV, and it can preempt the channel only after the NAV expires.

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention provide multi-link communication methods 1.1 and 1.2. STAs in a STA MLD transmit information frames on links corresponding to the stations, and the information frames are used to indicate awake STAs in the STA MLD. The AP MLD receives the information frames and transmits downlink message frames on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the awake STAs in the STA MLD to assist some or all of the stations in fast access to the channel without waiting for the NAVSyncDelay period or receiving frames that can set the NAVs of some or all of the stations. In this way, channel access by the waking STAs is made more time-efficient and power consumption of the waking STAs is reduced.

[0033] 1.1. A multi-link communication method comprising the steps of:

[0034] S110: A station in the station multi-link device transmits an information frame on a link corresponding to the station, and uses the information frame to indicate one or more stations in a wake state in the station multi-link device.

[0035] In step S110, the stations in the awake state of the station multilink device include stations that change from a sleep state to a wake state.

[0036] In step S110, the information frame carries an association identifier (AID) of the awake station, or carries a link identifier bitmap corresponding to the awake station, or the information frame carries a link identifier corresponding to the awake station to indicate the awake station in the station multilink device. Each bit in the link identifier bitmap corresponds to a link or a station on a link. When the bit is set to a first value, e.g., 1, it indicates that the station on the corresponding link is awake. When the bit is set to a second value, e.g., 0, it indicates that the station on the corresponding link is not awake. The link identifier may be an identification number, an operation set and channel number, a station's MAC address, or a combination thereof. The link identifier is formed as follows: For example, when an AP multilink device establishes a BSS, a management frame, e.g., a beacon frame, transmitted by the AP multilink device carries an element including multiple link identification fields, and each link identification field includes a link identifier and one or more of a MAC address, an operation set, and a channel number. Alternatively, during the multilink establishment process, the AP multilink device and the station multilink device negotiate multiple link identification fields. In subsequent communications, the AP multilink device or the station multilink device represents the station or logical station within the multilink device using a link identifier that includes one or more of the station's MAC address attributes, an operating operation set, and a channel number. The MAC address can be replaced with the association identifier of the AP multilink device associated with the station.

[0037] The information frame may be a PS-Poll frame or a QoS null data frame. For example, in an APSD (Automatic Power Save Delivery) energy saving mechanism, which includes unscheduled APSD and scheduled APSD, the information frame may further carry a link identification bitmap in a trigger frame (a QoS null data frame in the mechanism) to indicate one or more stations in a wake state in a station multilink device.

[0038] In step S110, optionally, the information frame does not indicate whether the awake station has an uplink service or a downlink service.

[0039] In step S110, the information frame may optionally further carry an uplink / downlink indication field, which is used to indicate whether an awake station has an uplink service or a downlink service. For example, if the information frame indicates that STA2 and STA3 in the STA MLD are awake, the information frame may further carry an uplink / downlink indication field corresponding to STA2. The uplink / downlink indication field may be 1 bit. If the uplink / downlink indication field corresponding to STA2 is set to a first value, e.g., 1, it indicates that STA2 has an uplink service to transmit. If the uplink / downlink indication field corresponding to STA2 is set to a second value, e.g., 0, it indicates that STA2 has a downlink service to receive. If STA2 has both uplink and downlink services, the uplink / downlink indication field is preferably set to the second value, or may certainly be set to the first value. The uplink / downlink indication field may be 2 bits. In addition to the first two cases above, a third value may be added. If the uplink / downlink indication field corresponding to STA2 is set to a third value, it indicates that STA2 has both a downlink service to receive and an uplink service to transmit.

[0040] S111: Some or all of the stations in the awake state of the station multilink device receive a downlink message frame transmitted by the access point multilink device on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the stations. Some or all of the stations in the multilink device can also be represented as one or more stations in the awake state in the multilink device.

[0041] Method 1: The information frame of S110 does not indicate whether the awake station is in uplink service or downlink service.

[0042] In step S111, if the access point multilink device has a downlink service for the awake stations of the station multilink device, the access point multilink device transmits a downlink service, such as a downlink data frame or a downlink management frame, on the corresponding link; if the access point multilink device does not have a downlink service for the awake stations in the station multilink device, the access point multilink device transmits a synchronization frame on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the stations. Method 2: The S110 information frame further carries an uplink / downlink indication field.

[0043] In step S111, if the uplink / downlink indication field indicates that one or more stations have downlink services, the access point multilink device transmits downlink services on the corresponding links; if the uplink / downlink indication field indicates that one or more stations have uplink services, the access point multilink device transmits synchronization frames on the links corresponding to the one or more stations; if the uplink / downlink indication field indicates that one or more stations have both uplink and downlink services, the access point multilink device first transmits downlink services on the corresponding links, or the access point multilink device first transmits synchronization frames on the corresponding links to assist one or more stations in transmitting uplink services on the corresponding links.

[0044] In step S111, a synchronization frame is used to assist the awake station in transmitting the uplink service. The synchronization frame transmission method complies with existing transmission mechanisms, such as the preemption mechanism of the EDCA channel. For example, an 802.11ax trigger frame is used to directly schedule the awake station to transmit the uplink service. Other examples include a data frame (including a QoS Null frame), a CTS (Clear to Send) frame, a CTS to Self frame, a RTS (Request to Send) frame, and a CF-End frame, where the value of the Duration field of the QoS Null frame, CTS frame, and CTS to Self frame is 0, and the length of the Duration field of the RTS frame is the sum of the transmission times of the SIFS and the CTS frame. For example, a STA in the STA MLD notifies the AP MLD that STA2 in the STA MLD has changed from a sleep state to a wake state, and AP2 in the AP MLD transmits a synchronization frame to link 2, where the synchronization frame is a trigger frame and link 2 is used to directly schedule STA2 to transmit an uplink service. This scheduling can be single-user uplink transmission scheduling or multi-user uplink transmission scheduling (e.g., OFDMA and MU-MIMO, where STA2 is included in the multi-user object). After a SIFS time interval, STA2 in the STA MLD transmits an uplink service on the frequency resource indicated by the trigger frame. As another example, a STA in the STA MLD notifies the AP MLD that STA2 in the STA MLD is awake, and AP2 in the AP MLD transmits a synchronization frame to STA2 on link 2, where the synchronization frame is an RTS frame. STA2 in the STA MLD responds to the CTS frame after a SIFS interval and transmits an uplink service.As another example, a STA in the STA MLD notifies the AP MLD that STA2 in the STA MLD is awake, and AP2 in the AP MLD sends a synchronization frame to STA2 on link 2, where the synchronization frame is a CF-End frame. After receiving the CF-End frame, STA2 in the STA MLD obtains a channel transmission opportunity through channel contention and transmits an uplink service.

[0045] Note that if the AP MLD detects that the channel is busy and the busy period exceeds NAVSyncDelay before transmitting a synchronization frame on the link on which the awake station operates, the AP MLD does not need to transmit the synchronization frame. Specifically, in FIG. 3, the channel busy period refers to the period from when the AP MLD receives a PS-Poll frame or another frame with the same function sent by STA 1 to when the AP MLD has a chance to transmit a synchronization frame. Alternatively, the channel busy period refers to the period from when the AP MLD transmits a response confirmation frame to when the AP MLD has a chance to transmit a synchronization frame, where the response confirmation frame is from the AP MLD in response to the received PS-Poll frame or another received frame with the same function.

[0046] Alternatively, the channel busy period refers to the period from the time when the AP MLD transmits the acknowledgement frame to the time when the AP MLD obtains a transmission opportunity for link 2 after the AP MLD detects that link 2 is idle.

[0047] It should be noted that, after receiving the information frame, the multilink device of the access point can transmit downlink services on the corresponding links or transmit synchronization frames on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the stations. The multilink device of the access point can transmit the downlink service frame / downlink management frame and the synchronization frame in two separate procedures or in two parts of one procedure.

[0048] Taking Figure 3 as an example, after the AP MLD receives the information frame PS-Poll frame on link 1, where the information frame PS-Poll indicates that STA2 in the STA MLD is in a wake state, for example, indicates that STA2 changes from a sleep state to a wake state, and if AP2 in the AP MLD has a downlink service for STA2, AP2 in the AP MLD will send the downlink service to STA2 on link 2.

[0049] Taking Figure 3 as an example, after the AP MLD receives the information frame PS-Poll on link 1, where the information frame PS-Poll indicates that STA2 in the STA MLD is in a wake state, for example, indicates that STA2 changes from a sleep state to a wake state, if the AP2 in the AP MLD does not have a downlink service for STA2, the AP2 in the AP MLD will send a synchronization frame to STA2 on link 2, and STA2 will send an uplink service on link 2 based on the synchronization frame.

[0050] When AP2 of the AP MLD has both a downlink service and an uplink service to STA2, after the AP MLD receives the information frame PS-Poll on link 1, AP2 of the AP MLD can first transmit the downlink service to STA2 on link 2. Alternatively, AP2 can first transmit a synchronization frame to STA2, and STA2 can transmit the uplink service on link 2 based on the synchronization frame.

[0051] It should be understood that in order to save power, all STAs in the STA MLD do not need to periodically wake up to receive beacon frames, and the AP MLD can select one or more STAs in the STA MLD to periodically receive beacon frames. The TIM element of the beacon frame not only indicates whether the STA on the link through which the beacon frame is transmitted has downlink service, but also whether the STA on another link has downlink service. The specific indication method is not limited by the present invention.

[0052] Up to this point, the invention has been described from the perspective of a station multilink device, and from here on, it will be described from the perspective of an access point multilink device.

[0053] 1.2. A multi-link communication method comprising the steps of:

[0054] S120: The multi-link device of the access point receives an information frame on a link corresponding to the station, and the information frame is used to indicate one or more stations in a wake state in the station multi-link device.

[0055] S121: The access point multilink device transmits a downlink message frame on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the awake stations in the station multilink device.

[0056] It should be understood that for all technical details of Method 1.2, reference is made to all technical details recorded in Method 1.1, and the details are not repeated here.

[0057] 2. STA MLD that does not support simultaneous transmission and reception

[0058] In the case of a STA MLD that does not support simultaneous transmission and reception, when a STA in the STA MLD transmits data, other STAs cannot receive channel state information, resulting in the loss of channel state information (e.g., NAV information) on the link corresponding to the other STA.

[0059] If congestion occurs when a STA MLD transmits data on a transmission link, the STA MLD must switch to another station and transmit data on the other station's link. In this case, the other station does not know the channel state information of the link. Therefore, the other station must wait the NAVSyncDelay period before starting to preempt the channel, or receive a frame that can set the NAV for the other station and wait for the NAV to expire before starting to preempt the channel. In this way, a relatively large delay occurs in data transmission by a STA that has lost channel state information, and the STA's power consumption is wasted.

[0060] MLDs that do not support simultaneous transmission and reception include MLDs in which all stations cannot transmit and receive simultaneously, and MLDs in which only some stations can transmit and receive simultaneously.

[0061] In consideration of this, one embodiment of the present application provides a multi-link communication method 2.1. A STA MLD that does not support simultaneous transmission and reception transmits an information frame on a transmission link. The information frame is used to indicate the link to which the STA MLD should switch for data transmission, or the STA that the STA MLD will perform switching for data transmission. After receiving the information frame, the AP MLD transmits a synchronization frame on the indicated link to assist the STA on the indicated link in fast accessing the channel for data transmission.

[0062] 2.1. A multi-link communication method comprising the steps of:

[0063] S210: A station in a transmitting state in the station multilink device transmits an information frame on the link corresponding to the station, and the information frame is used to indicate the station to which the station multilink device switches for data transmission, or the information frame is used to indicate the link to which the station multilink device switches for data transmission.

[0064] S211: The station indicated by the information frame receives a synchronization frame transmitted by the access point multilink device on the corresponding link, and the synchronization frame is used to assist all or some of the stations in transmitting uplink services.

[0065] Method 2.1 will be explained below using FIG. 4 as an example.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, STA 1 in the STA MLD is in a transmit state, and STA 1 transmits an information frame (denoted by Q in Figure 4) to the AP MLD on link 1. The information frame indicates the STA to which the STA MLD should switch for sending the data, and the information frame can indicate the STA by carrying the STA's identifier. Alternatively, the information frame is used to indicate the link to which the STA MLD should switch for data transmission, and the information frame can indicate the link or a station on the link by carrying a link identifier or a link identifier bitmap. The information frame can be a QoS null data frame or a QoS data frame.

[0067] The AP MLD receives the information frame on link 1, learns the link to which the STA or STA MLD should switch, and transmits a synchronization frame (denoted by S in FIG. 4) on the link indicated by the information frame or via the station indicated by the information frame. The synchronization frame is used to assist some or all of the stations in transmitting uplink services. For a description of the synchronization frame, please refer to the description of the synchronization frame in Method 1.1 above. It should be understood that all descriptions of the synchronization frame in 1.1 also apply to the synchronization frame in Method 2.1. Details of the synchronization frame will not be described again here.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, in a specific embodiment, STA1 in the STA MLD is in a transmit state, and STA1 transmits an information frame (denoted by Q in FIG. 4) to the AP MLD on link 1. The information frame indicates STA2 and STA3 to which the STA MLD should switch for data transmission, or the information frame indicates link 2 or STA2 to which the STA MLD should switch for data transmission. After receiving the information frame, the AP MLD learns that the STA MLD should switch to STA2 / link 2 for data transmission, and AP2 in the AP MLD transmits a synchronization frame on link 2 to STA2 to assist STA2 in transmitting an uplink service. For the synchronization frame, please refer to the full description of the synchronization frame in 1.1. Details will not be described here. After receiving the synchronization frame, STA2 transmits an uplink service on link 2. If STA2 transmits an uplink service on link 2, please refer to the corresponding part in 1.1. Details will not be described here.

[0069] Up to this point, we have described the solution on the station multilink device side. From here on, we will describe the solution on the access point multilink device side.

[0070] 2.2. A multi-link communication method comprising the steps of:

[0071] S220: The access point multilink device receives an information frame transmitted by a station in the station multilink device on a link, and the information frame is used to indicate the station to which the station multilink device should switch for data transmission, or the information frame is used to indicate the link to which the station multilink device should switch for data transmission.

[0072] S221: The access point multilink device transmits a synchronization frame on a link indicated by the information frame or to a station indicated by the information frame, where the synchronization frame assists the station in transmitting an uplink service.

[0073] It should be understood that for all technical details of Method 2.2, please refer to all technical details recorded in Method 2.1, and the details will not be repeated here. For the method of transmitting a synchronization frame, please refer to all technical details recorded in Method 1.1, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0074] 3. Single Radio Station

[0075] A single-radio station can only send and receive data on one link and cannot hear channel state information for another link. In this case, when a single-radio station needs to switch to another link for data transmission, due to the lack of channel state information, the single-radio station must wait the NAVSyncDelay period before transmitting data on the other link, even if the channel is idle.

[0076] A single radio station contains multiple logical stations. Each logical station operates on a link, but multiple logical stations share the same transmitter. That is, only one logical station can operate at a time. A single radio station can be a single radio station where all logical stations share a transmitter, or a single radio station where some logical stations share a transmitter.

[0077] Taking this into consideration, one embodiment of the present application provides multi-link communication methods 3.1 and 3.2. The single-wireless station uses an association request frame or other management frame to notify the AP MLD of the target link and the single-wireless station's switching delay, where the target link indicates the link to which the single-wireless station should be switched, and the switching delay indicates how long the single-wireless station must wait before it can operate on the switched target link. After the AP MLD receives the single-wireless station's link switching request, the AP MLD transmits a synchronization frame to the single-wireless station on the target link after the switching delay, which is used to assist the single-wireless station in quickly accessing a channel on the target link. After receiving the synchronization frame, the single-wireless station transmits data on the target link.

[0078] 3.1. A multi-link communication method comprising the steps of:

[0079] S310: The single wireless station transmits an information frame on the transmission link, the information frame is used to indicate a target link for the single wireless station and optionally includes a switching delay, the target link indicates the link to which the single wireless station should switch, and the switching delay indicates how long the single wireless station needs to wait before it can operate on the switched target link.

[0080] S311: The single-wireless station receives a synchronization frame on the target link after a switching delay, the synchronization frame being used to assist stations within the single-wireless station in fast accessing a channel on the target link, and the station is a station corresponding to the target link.

[0081] Method 3.1 will be explained below using FIG. 5 as an example.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5, during the association phase or another phase, a single-wireless station uses a frame, such as a management frame, to notify the AP multilink device of a transition delay value or negotiate with the AP multilink device regarding the value of the transition delay. The transition delay is used to indicate the time required for a single-wireless station to switch from one link to another link in order to operate, or the time required for a single-wireless station to switch from one logical station to another logical station in order to operate. The single-wireless station transmits an information frame (denoted by Q in FIG. 5) on link 1, and the information frame indicates link 2. Link 2 is the link to which the single-wireless station should switch, and the single-wireless station can operate on link 2 after the transition delay. The AP MLD receives the information frame on link 1, learns that the single-wireless station will switch to link 2, and can operate on link 2 after the transition delay. AP2 in the AP MLD transmits a synchronization frame on link 2 after the transition delay, and the synchronization frame is used to assist the STAs in the single-wireless station in quickly accessing the channel on link 2. For a description of the synchronization frame, please refer to the description of the synchronization frame in Method 1.1 above. It should be understood that all descriptions of the synchronization frame in 1.1 apply to the synchronization frame in Method 32.1. Details of the synchronization frame will not be described again here. The single-wireless station receives the synchronization frame on Link 2 and transmits an uplink service on Link 2 based on the synchronization frame. For details of transmitting an uplink service on Link 2 based on the synchronization frame, please refer to the description of Method 1.1 above. Details will not be described here.

[0083] Up to this point, we have described the solution on the single wireless station side. From here on, we will describe the solution on the access point multilink device side.

[0084] 3.2. A multi-link communication method comprising the steps of:

[0085] S320: The access point multilink device receives an information frame transmitted by a single-wireless station on a link, the information frame being used to indicate a target link for the single-wireless station and optionally including a switching delay, the target link indicating the link to which the single-wireless station should switch, and the switching delay indicating how long the single-wireless station must wait before it can operate on the switched target link. The target link can be indicated using a link identifier. The link identifier can be an identification number, an operation set and channel number, a MAC address of the logical station, or a combination thereof. The link identifier is formed as follows: For example, when the AP multilink device establishes a BSS, a management frame, such as a beacon frame, transmitted by the AP multilink device carries an element including multiple link identification fields, each of which includes a link identifier and one or more of a MAC address, an operation set, and a channel number. Alternatively, during the multilink establishment process, the AP multilink device and the station multilink device negotiate multiple link identification fields. In subsequent communications, the AP multilink device or station multilink device represents the station or logical station within the multilink device using a link identifier that includes one or more of the station's MAC address attributes, an operating operation set, and a channel number. The MAC address can be replaced with the association identifier of the AP multilink device associated with the station.

[0086] S321: The access point multi-link device transmits a synchronization frame on a target link after a switching delay, the synchronization frame is used to assist a station in a single wireless station in fast accessing a channel on the target link, and the station is a station corresponding to the target link.

[0087] It should be understood that for all technical details of Method 3.2, please refer to all technical details recorded in Method 3.1, and the details will not be repeated here. For the method of transmitting a synchronization frame, please refer to all technical details recorded in Method 1.1, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0088] The above describes the multi-link communication method in the embodiment of the present application. The following describes the product in the embodiment of the present application, which includes a station multi-link device, an access point multi-link device, and a single wireless station.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 2, a station multilink device includes one or more stations, and an access point multilink device includes one or more access points, and one station and one access point form a link.

[0090] The following provides a detailed description of the station multilink device, the access point multilink device, and the single-wireless station provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0091] One embodiment of the present application provides a station multilink device, which includes one or more stations, wherein the stations in the station multilink device transmit information frames on links corresponding to the stations, and the information frames are used to indicate one or more stations in the station multilink device that are in a awake state, and some or all of the stations in the station multilink device receive downlink message frames transmitted by the access point multilink device on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the stations.

[0092] It should be understood that the station multilink device has any of the functions of the station multilink device in Method 1.1 above. For all technical details of the station multilink device, please refer to Method 1.1. Details will not be provided here.

[0093] An embodiment of the present application further provides an access point multilink device, the access point multilink device comprising one or more access points, wherein the access points in the access point multilink device receive information frames on links corresponding to the access points, the information frames being used to indicate one or more stations in an awake state in the station multilink device, and the access point multilink device transmits downlink message frames on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the awake stations in the station multilink device.

[0094] It should be understood that the station multilink device has any of the functions of the station multilink device in Method 1.2 above. For all technical details of the station multilink device, please refer to Method 1.2. Details will not be described here.

[0095] One embodiment of the present application provides a station multilink device, which includes one or more stations, and a station in a transmitting state in the station multilink device transmits an information frame on a link corresponding to the station, and the information frame is used to indicate a station to which the station multilink device should switch for data transmission, or the information frame is used to indicate a link to which the station multilink device should switch for data transmission, and all or some of the stations indicated by the information frame in the station multilink device receive a synchronization frame transmitted by an access point multilink device on the corresponding link, and the synchronization frame is used to assist all or some of the stations in transmitting uplink services.

[0096] It should be understood that the station multilink device has any of the functions of the station multilink device in Method 2.1 above. For all technical details of the station multilink device, please refer to Method 2.1. Details will not be described here.

[0097] An embodiment of the present application further provides an access point multilink device, the access point multilink device comprising one or more access points, the access point multilink device receiving information frames transmitted by stations in a transmitting state within the station multilink device on links, the information frames being used to indicate stations to which the station multilink device should switch for data transmission, or the information frames being used to indicate links to which the station multilink device should switch for data transmission, the access point multilink device transmitting synchronization frames on some or all of the links indicated by the information frames, or on some or all of the stations indicated by the information frames, and the synchronization frames being used to assist all or some of the stations in transmitting uplink services.

[0098] It should be understood that the station multilink device has any of the functions of the station multilink device in Method 2.2 above. For all technical details of the station multilink device, please refer to Method 2.2. Details will not be described here.

[0099] One embodiment of the present application provides a single-wireless station, wherein the single-wireless station includes one or more stations, wherein the single-wireless station transmits an information frame on a transmission link, wherein the single-wireless station transmits an information frame on the transmission link, the information frame is used to indicate a target link and a switching delay of the single-wireless station, the target link indicates a link to which the single-wireless station should switch, the switching delay indicates how long the single-wireless station needs to wait before it can operate on the switched target link, wherein the single-wireless station receives a synchronization frame on the target link after the switching delay, and the synchronization frame is used to assist stations within the single-wireless station in quickly accessing a channel on the target link, and the station is a station corresponding to the target link.

[0100] It should be understood that the station multilink device has any of the functions of the station multilink device in Method 2.1 above. For all technical details of the station multilink device, please refer to Method 2.1. Details will not be described here.

[0101] An embodiment of the present application further provides an access point multilink device, the access point multilink device comprising one or more access points, the access point multilink device receiving information frames transmitted by single-wireless stations on a link, the information frames being used to indicate a target link and a switching delay of the single-wireless station, the target link indicating the link to which the single-wireless station should switch, the switching delay indicating how long the single-wireless station needs to wait before it can operate on the switched target link, the access point multilink device transmitting a synchronization frame on the target link after the switching delay, the synchronization frame being used to assist stations within the single-wireless stations in fast accessing a channel on the target link, and the station being a station corresponding to the target link.

[0102] It should be understood that the station multilink device has any of the functions of the station multilink device in Method 3.2 above. For all technical details of the station multilink device, please refer to Method 3.2. Details will not be described here.

[0103] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this specification only describes an association relationship for describing associated objects, and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent three cases: when only A exists, when both A and B exist, and when only B exists. Furthermore, in this specification, the symbol " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between associated objects.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method steps and units described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. To clearly describe the compatibility of hardware and software, the above description generally describes the steps and configurations of each embodiment based on functionality. Whether a function is performed by hardware or software depends on the design constraints of a specific application and technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present invention.

[0105] It can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the detailed work processes of the above-mentioned systems, devices and units refer to the corresponding processes in the above-mentioned method embodiments for the sake of convenience and concise description, and the details will not be described again here.

[0106] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a division of logical functions, and actual implementation may result in other divisions. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some functions may be ignored or not performed. Furthermore, mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be implemented using some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in an electrical, mechanical, or other form.

[0107] Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separated, and parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., located in one location or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0108] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, each unit may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0109] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution in the present invention may be essentially implemented in the form of a software product, or a part or all of the technical solution or a part of the part contributing to the prior art may be implemented in the form of a software product. The software product is stored in a storage medium and includes some instructions for instructing a computer device (such as a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method in the embodiments of the present application. The above-mentioned storage medium includes a medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0110] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any equivalent modifications or replacements that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

[0111] [Appendix A1] A multi-link communication method, comprising: transmitting, by a station in a station multilink device, an information frame on a link corresponding to the station, the information frame being used to indicate one or more stations in the station multilink device that are in a awake state; receiving, by some or all of the awake stations in the station multilink device, a downlink message frame transmitted by the access point multilink device over one or more links corresponding to some or all of the stations. method. [Appendix A2] A multi-link communication method, comprising: receiving, by the access point multilink device, an information frame on a link corresponding to a station, the information frame being used to indicate one or more stations in a awake state within the station multilink device; transmitting, by the access point multilink device, a downlink message frame on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the awake stations in the station multilink device; method. [Appendix A3] The information frame does not indicate whether the awake station has an uplink service or a downlink service. The method according to appendix A1 or A2. [Appendix A4] The information frame may further carry an uplink / downlink indication field; The uplink / downlink indication field is used to indicate whether the awake station has an uplink service or a downlink service; The method according to appendix A1 or A2. [Appendix A5] The information frame is a PS-Poll frame or a QoS null data frame. 1. The method according to any one of Appendices A1 to A4. [Appendix A6] the downlink message frame comprises a downlink service; The method described in Appendix A1 or A2. [Appendix A7] the downlink message frame includes a synchronization frame; using the synchronization frame to assist the awake station in transmitting uplink services; The method described in Appendix A1 or A2. [Appendix A8] The synchronization frame is a trigger frame, a data frame (including a QoS null frame), a CTS (clear to send) frame, a CTS to self frame, an RTS (Request To Send) frame, or a CF-End frame. Method described in Appendix A7. [Appendix A9] A station multilink device including one or more stations, a station in the station multilink device transmitting an information frame on a link corresponding to the station; The information frame is used to indicate one or more stations in the station multilink device that are in a awake state; some or all of the awake stations in the station multilink device receive downlink message frames transmitted by the access point multilink device on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the stations; Multilink device. [Appendix A10] An access point multilink device comprising one or more access points, an access point in the access point multi-link device receives an information frame on a link corresponding to the access point; The information frame is used to indicate one or more stations in a station multilink device that are in a awake state; the access point multilink device transmitting a downlink message frame on one or more links corresponding to some or all of the awake stations in the station multilink device; Multilink device. [Appendix A11] The information frame does not indicate whether the awake station has an uplink service or a downlink service. A multi-link device as described in Appendix A9 or A10. [Appendix A12] The information frame may further carry an uplink / downlink indication field; The uplink / downlink indication field is used to indicate whether the awake station has an uplink service or a downlink service; A multi-link device as described in Appendix A9 or A10. [Appendix A13] The information frame is a PS-Poll frame or a QoS null data frame. 10. The multilink device according to any one of appendices A9 to A12. [Appendix A14] the downlink message frame includes a downlink service; A multi-link device as described in Appendix A9 or A10. [Appendix A15] the downlink message frame includes a synchronization frame; the synchronization frame is used to assist the awake station in transmitting uplink services; A multi-link device as described in Appendix A9 or A10. [Appendix A16] The synchronization frame is a trigger frame, a data frame (including a QoS null frame), a CTS (clear to send) frame, a CTS to self frame, an RTS (Request To Send) frame, or a CF-End frame. Multilink devices as described in Appendix A15. [Appendix A17] 10. A computer-readable storage medium configured to store a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions used to carry out a method according to any one of appendices A1 to A8. [Appendix A18] A computer program comprising instructions for use in a method according to any one of appendices A1 to A8. [Appendix B1] A multi-link communication method, comprising: receiving, by a first access point in an access point multilink device (AP MLD), an information frame from a first station in a station multilink device (STA MLD) on a first link corresponding to the first station, the information frame indicating a second link corresponding to a second station in the STA MLD, the second station having lost channel state information on the second link and having an uplink service transmitting on the second link; transmitting, by a second access point in the AP MLD, a synchronization frame on the second link to the second station, the synchronization frame configured to assist the second station in transmitting the uplink service; receiving, by the second access point, the uplink service over the second link; A method comprising: [Appendix B2] the synchronization frame is a trigger frame; Method described in Appendix B1. [Appendix B3] the first station and the second station do not support simultaneous transmission and reception; The method described in Appendix B1 or B2. [Appendix B4] The STA MLD is a single wireless station; The method described in Appendix B1 or B2. [Appendix B5] The STA MLD is in energy saving mode; The method described in Appendix B1 or B2. [Appendix B6] The information frame comprises an association identifier of a second association. The method described in Appendix B1 or B2. [Appendix B7] 1. An access point multilink device (AP MLD) having a first access point and a second access point, The first access point is configured to receive an information frame from a first station in a station multilink device (STA MLD) on a first link corresponding to the first station, the information frame indicating a second link corresponding to a second station in the STA MLD, the second station having lost channel state information on the second link and having an uplink service transmitting on the second link; the second access point is configured to transmit a synchronization frame on the second link to the second station, the synchronization frame being configured to assist the second station in transmitting the uplink service, and the second access point is further configured to receive the uplink service on the second link. Access Point Multilink Device. [Appendix B8] the synchronization frame is a trigger frame; An access point multilink device as described in Appendix B7. [Appendix B9] the first station and the second station do not support simultaneous transmission and reception; 1. An access point multilink device as described in Appendix B7 or B8. [Appendix B10] The STA MLD is a single wireless station; 1. An access point multilink device as described in Appendix B7 or B8. [Appendix B11] The STA MLD is in energy saving mode; 1. An access point multilink device as described in Appendix B7 or B8. [Appendix B12] the information frame comprises an association identifier of a second association; 1. An access point multilink device as described in Appendix B7 or B8. [Appendix B13] A computer-readable storage medium configured to store a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions used to perform the method according to any one of claims B1 to B6. A computer-readable storage medium.

Claims

1. An access point multi-link device (AP MLD), comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory for storing instructions; The instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the AP MLD to: receiving, by a first access point in an AP MLD, an information frame on a first link corresponding to a first station in a Station Multilink Device (STA MLD), the information frame indicating a second link corresponding to a second station in the STA MLD, the second station having lost channel state information on the second link and having an uplink service transmitting on the second link; transmitting, by a second access point in the AP MLD, a synchronization frame on the second link to the second station, the synchronization frame configured to assist the second station in transmitting the uplink service; receiving, by the second access point, the uplink service on the second link. AP MLD.

2. The AP MLD of claim 1 , wherein the synchronization frame is a trigger frame.

3. The AP MLD according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first station and the second station do not support simultaneous transmission and reception.

4. The AP MLD according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the STA MLD is a single-wireless station.

5. The AP MLD according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the STA MLD is in an energy saving mode.

6. The AP MLD according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information frame comprises a link identifier of the second link.

7. Addressed by Station Multilink Device (STA MLD), at least one processor; at least one memory for storing instructions; The instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the STA MLD to: transmitting, by a first station in a STA MLD, an information frame on a first link corresponding to the first station to a first access point in an Access Point Multilink Device (AP MLD), the information frame indicating a second link corresponding to a second station in the STA MLD, the second station having lost channel state information on the second link and having an uplink service transmitting on the second link; receiving, by the second station, a synchronization frame from a second access point in an AP MLD on a second link, the synchronization frame assisting the second station in transmitting the uplink service; and transmitting, by the second station, the uplink service on the second link based on the synchronization frame.

8. The STA MLD of claim 7 , wherein the synchronization frame is a trigger frame.

9. The STA MLD according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first station and the second station do not support simultaneous transmission and reception.

10. The STA MLD according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the STA MLD is a single-radio station.

11. The STA MLD according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the STA MLD is in an energy saving mode.

12. 9. The STA MLD according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the information frame comprises a link identifier of a second link.

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