Link selection method and apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a link selection method and apparatus, as well as a computer-readable storage medium, that improves link selection reliability and further improves the reliability of transmitting service data from a station (STA) to an access point (AP). [Solution] In a link communication system, the STA transmits a link selection indicator to the AP. The STA is associated with the AP, and there are multiple links between the STA and the AP. The multiple links are separate on multiple different channels. The link selection indicator shows the target link corresponding to the target service type. The target link includes at least one of the multiple links. The STA can select the appropriate link from multiple links for transmitting the corresponding service data for different service types so that different QoS guarantees are obtained for different service types of services and to increase the reliability of service operation within the WLAN.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and more particularly, to a link selection method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 20201,050,5315.7, titled "LINK SELECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM", filed on June 5, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] A wireless local area network (WLAN) includes an access point (AP) and a station (STA). The AP is a bridge between the WLAN and another type of network (e.g., a wired network). The STA is a wireless terminal configured with a WLAN access function, such as a smartphone or a laptop.

[0004] Currently, when there are multiple links between an AP and a STA, how to select an appropriate link from the multiple links between the AP and the STA for the transmission of service data is a problem to be solved.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a link selection method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0006] According to a first embodiment, a link selection method is provided that is applied to a wireless local area network. This method includes: The STA transmits a link selection indicator to the AP. The STA is associated with the AP, and there are multiple links between the STA and the AP. The multiple links are separately on multiple different channels. The link selection indicator indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type. The target link includes at least one of the multiple links.

[0007] In this application, STA can select the appropriate link from multiple links for transmitting corresponding service data for different service types, thereby increasing the reliability of service operation within the WLAN, by obtaining different QoS guarantees for different service types.

[0008] Optionally, after sending a link selection indicator to the AP, the STA receives a scheduling frame sent by the AP on the target link. Subsequently, the STA sends service data of the target service type to the AP on the target link based on the scheduling frame.

[0009] In this application, the AP schedules services of the corresponding service type on a link selected by the STA to increase the reliability of service operation within the WLAN, by obtaining different QoS guarantees for services of different service types.

[0010] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes a display for the target service type.

[0011] Optionally, the STA receives a link selection request sent by the AP, and this link selection request asks the STA to send a link selection indicator.

[0012] In this application, the STA passively performs link selection triggered by a link selection request transmitted by the AP.

[0013] Optionally, the link selection request includes the service type identifier of the target service type and / or the link identifier of the recommended link.

[0014] In this application, the service type identifier of the target service type is included in the link selection request so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. The link identifier of the recommended link is also included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that link selection should be performed on the recommended link or a preferred recommended link. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of the STA transmitting service data to the AP.

[0015] Optionally, the link selection request is included in the buffer status report poll (BSRP) frame sent by the AP to the STA.

[0016] In this application, the link selection request is included in the BSRP frame; that is, the BSRP frame is reused without sending the link selection request separately. This saves transmission resources.

[0017] Optionally, the link selection display is located within the buffer status report (BSR) field sent by the STA to the AP.

[0018] In this application, the link selection indicator is included in the BSR field; that is, the BSR field is reused without transmitting the link selection indicator separately. This saves transmission resources.

[0019] Optionally, the target link is determined based on the link quality information and target service type of multiple links, where the link quality information includes at least one of bandwidth, transmission delay, or packet loss rate.

[0020] According to a second embodiment, a link selection method is provided that is applied to a wireless local area network. This method includes: an AP receives a link selection indication transmitted by an STA; the STA is associated with the AP; there are multiple links between the STA and the AP; the multiple links are separately on multiple different channels; the link selection indication indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type; the target link includes at least one of the multiple links.

[0021] Optionally, after receiving a link selection indicator sent by the STA, the AP sends a scheduling frame to the STA on the target link.

[0022] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes a display for the target service type.

[0023] Optionally, the AP sends a link selection request to the STA, which in turn requests the STA to send a link selection display.

[0024] Optionally, the link selection request includes the service type identifier of the target service type and / or the link identifier of the recommended link.

[0025] Optionally, the link selection request is included in the BSRP frame sent by the AP to the STA.

[0026] The link selection display is optional and is located within the BSR field sent to the AP by the STA.

[0027] According to a third aspect, a link selection device is provided. This device includes a plurality of functional modules. The plurality of functional modules interact with each other to implement the method according to the first aspect and the implementation of the first aspect. The plurality of functional modules may be implemented based on software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, and the plurality of functional modules may be randomly combined or divided based on a specific implementation.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, a link selection device is provided. This device includes a plurality of functional modules. The plurality of functional modules interact with each other to implement the method and the implementation in the second aspect. The plurality of functional modules may be implemented based on software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, and the plurality of functional modules may be randomly combined or divided based on a specific implementation.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect, a STA including a processor and a transceiver is provided. The transceiver operates on a plurality of different channels.

[0030] The transceiver is configured to perform reception actions and transmission actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor to implement the link selection method according to any implementation of the first aspect.

[0031] Optionally, the transceiver includes a plurality of radio frequency circuits, and the plurality of radio frequency circuits operate separately on a plurality of different channels.

[0032] According to a sixth aspect, an AP including a processor and a transceiver is provided. The transceiver operates on a plurality of different channels.

[0033] The transceiver is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor in order to implement a link selection method according to any implementation of the second embodiment.

[0034] Optionally, the transceiver includes multiple radio frequency circuits, each operating independently on multiple different channels.

[0035] According to the seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor of a computer device, a link selection method according to the first or second aspect is performed.

[0036] According to the eighth aspect, a WLAN is provided that includes an STA and an AP. The STA is associated with the AP. There are multiple links between the STA and the AP. The multiple links are separately on multiple different channels. The STA includes a link selection device according to the third aspect, or is an STA according to the fifth aspect. The AP includes a link selection device according to the fourth aspect, or is an AP according to the sixth aspect.

[0037] According to the ninth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions. When the chip is operational, the method in the first aspect and the implementation of the first or second aspect and the implementation of the second aspect are carried out.

[0038] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions provided in this application include at least the following:

[0039] In this application, there are multiple links between the STA and the AP. The STA can select the appropriate link from the multiple links for transmitting the corresponding service data for different service types, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, increasing the reliability of service operation within the WLAN. Furthermore, the service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request sent by the AP to the STA so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. The link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that link selection should be performed on the recommended link or a preferred recommended link. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of the STA transmitting service data to the AP. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a WLAN according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the connection between AP and STA according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This is a schematic flowchart of a link selection method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the trigger frame structure as defined in the IEEE 802.11ax draft. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a trigger-dependent common information field according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another trigger-dependent common information field according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a TLM information field according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of another TLM information field according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extended BSR field according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a link selection device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another link selection device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram of a link selection device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] To further clarify the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, the implementation of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a WLAN according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the WLAN includes AP101 and STA102A to 102C (collectively referred to as STA102). STA102 is associated with AP101. The association of STA102 with AP101 means that STA102 is wirelessly connected to AP101, i.e., STA102 can communicate wirelessly with AP101. AP101 provides STA102 with WLAN protocol-based wireless access services. The numbers of APs and STAs in the figure are illustrative examples only and are not intended to limit the link selection system provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0043] The multilink network architecture is provided in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11be draft (the next-generation protocol to the IEEE 802.11ax draft). Both APs and STAs include multiple radio frequency units (RFUs). A radio frequency unit is an electronic component of radio signals between transceiver devices and is sometimes called a radio frequency circuit or radio frequency module. Different RFUs operate on different frequency bands or on different channels in the same frequency band. One RFU of an AP can separately establish connections to multiple RFUs of multiple STAs, and one RFU of an STA can establish a connection to one RFU of an AP. Connections can be established between multiple RFUs of an AP and multiple RFUs of an STA, i.e., multiple links can be established between APs and STAs on multiple channels. In this embodiment of the present application, there are multiple links between AP101 and STA102. The multiple links are separately on multiple different channels. A channel is a full WLAN channel, for example, a 20 megahertz (MHz) WLAN channel, or a WLAN channel with a larger bandwidth (for example, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz). If the channel bandwidth is greater than 20 MHz, the channel may include a primary channel and a secondary channel.

[0044] The radio frequency ranges used by the WLAN are the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band. The 2.4 GHz frequency band includes 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz, and the 5 GHz frequency band includes 5.150 GHz to 5.350 GHz and 5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz. Multiple links between AP101 and STA102 are separately on multiple different channels within the 2.4 GHz frequency band and / or 5 GHz frequency band. For example, there are two links between AP101 and STA102: one link is in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the other is in the 5 GHz frequency band. Or, there are two links in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, one link on channel 1 in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the other link on channel 11 in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Or, there are two links on different channels within the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0045] For example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection between an AP and an STA according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, AP101 includes RFU11 operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band and RFU12 operating in the 5GHz frequency band. STA102 includes RFU21 operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band and RFU22 operating in the 5GHz frequency band. RFU11 in AP101 is connected to RFU21 in STA102, and RFU12 in AP101 is connected to RFU22 in STA102. In other words, there is a link 1 in the 2.4GHz frequency band and a link 2 in the 5GHz frequency band between the AP and the STA.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a link selection method according to one embodiment of the present application. This method is applied to the WLAN illustrated in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 3, the method includes the following steps.

[0047] Step 301: The AP sends a link selection request to the STA.

[0048] A link selection request requests the STA to send a link selection indicator. Optionally, a link selection request includes the service type identifier of the target service type and / or the link identifier of the recommended link. When a link selection request includes the service type identifier of the target service type, the link selection request requests the STA to send a link selection indicator for the target service type. In other words, the link selection request requests the STA to perform a link selection for the target service type. When a link selection request includes the link identifier of the recommended link, the link selection request indicates to the STA that the link selection be performed on the recommended link or the preferred recommended link. When a link selection request includes the service type identifier of the target service type and the link identifier of the recommended link, the link selection request requests the STA to perform a link selection on the recommended link for transmitting service data of the target service type, or the preferred recommended link for transmitting service data of the target service type.

[0049] Optionally, the AP determines at least one preferred link from among several links based on the actual load of multiple links between the AP and the STA and / or the quantity of STA associated with those links. For example, the AP might use a less busy link and / or a link associated with a smaller quantity of STA across the multiple links as the preferred link. The STA associated with a link is the STA associated with the AP on that link.

[0050] In this embodiment of the present application, the AP triggers the STA to perform a link selection by sending a link selection request to the STA. A service type identifier for the target service type is included in the link selection request so that the AP triggers the STA to perform a link selection for the target service type. A link identifier for the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that the link selection should be performed on the recommended link or a preferred recommended link. This can improve the reliability of the link selection and further improve the reliability of the STA transmitting service data to the AP.

[0051] Services within a WLAN are classified into four access categories (ACs) in descending order of priority: voice (VO), video (VI), best effort (BE), and background (BK). Each AC has two traffic identities (TIDs). Therefore, four ACs have eight TIDs. In wired networks, the eight TIDs correspond to the eight differentiated service code point (DSCP) priorities of quality of service (QoS). In wireless networks, the eight TIDs are used to distinguish service flow types.

[0052] Optionally, the service type identifier in this embodiment of the present application is represented as TID and / or AC.

[0053] Step 302: The STA sends a link selection notification to the AP.

[0054] The link selection display shows the target link corresponding to the target service type. In other words, the link selection display indicates that the STA intends to send service data of the target service type to the AP on the target link. The target link includes at least one of multiple links between the STA and the AP.

[0055] Optionally, the target link is determined based on the link quality information of multiple links between the STA and the AP, and the target service type. The link quality information includes at least one of bandwidth, transmission delay, or packet loss rate. The STA obtains the link quality information of multiple links between the STA and the AP, and then, based on the link quality information of the multiple links and the target service type, determines the target link from among the multiple links for transmitting service data of the target service type. Alternatively, the target link may be determined based on other factors. For example, considering that the penetration of electromagnetic waves in the 2.4 GHz frequency band is stronger than that of electromagnetic waves in the 5 GHz frequency band, a channel in the 2.4 GHz frequency band may be selected for transmitting a high-priority service if the link quality is nearly the same. The following describes how the STA makes link selection for a target service type, using an example where the link quality information includes bandwidth and / or transmission delay.

[0056] In a first possible implementation, the STA determines the target link from among multiple links based on the bandwidth of multiple links between the STA and the AP and the required bandwidth corresponding to the target service type. The required bandwidth corresponding to a service type may be determined based on the buffer size of the service data for that service type within the STA. For example, a larger buffer for the service data for a service type within the STA indicates a larger required bandwidth corresponding to that service type. Optionally, the STA determines the transmission link corresponding to each service type in an average allocation manner based on the buffer size of the service data for each service type within the STA. There may be one or more transmission links corresponding to a single service type.

[0057] For example, suppose there are two links between the STA and the AP, namely Link 1 and Link 2, and the bandwidth of Link 1 is the same as the bandwidth of Link 2. The STA has three service types, namely TID0, TID1, and TID2. Assuming that the sum of the required bandwidth for TID0 and the required bandwidth for TID1 is equal to the required bandwidth for TID2, the STA decides to transmit TID0 and TID1 service data on Link 1 and TID2 service data on Link 2, or the STA decides to transmit TID0 and TID1 service data on Link 2 and TID2 service data on Link 1.

[0058] In this embodiment of the present application, the STA determines the transmission link corresponding to the service type in the first possible implementation described above. This achieves load balancing across all links between the STA and the AP.

[0059] In a second possible implementation, the STA determines the target link from among several links based on the transmission delays of the multiple links between the STA and the AP, and the service priority of the target service type. Optionally, the STA assigns service types with higher service priority to links with lower transmission delays for the transmission of the corresponding service data.

[0060] For example, there are two links between the STA and the AP, namely Link 1 and Link 2. The transmission delay history of Link 1 is smaller than that of Link 2. The STA has three service types, which are TID0, TID1, and TID2 in descending order of service priority. Since the transmission delay history of Link 1 is lower than that of Link 2, the STA decides to transmit TID0 service data over Link 1 and TID1 and TID2 service data over either Link 1 or Link 2.

[0061] In this embodiment of the present application, the STA determines the transmission link corresponding to the service type in the second possible implementation described above. This ensures, to some extent, the reliability of transmitting high-priority service data.

[0062] In a third possible implementation, the STA determines the target link from among multiple links based on the bandwidth of the multiple links between the STA and the AP, the required bandwidth corresponding to the target service type, the transmission delay of the multiple links, and the service priority of the target service type.

[0063] Referring to the examples in the first and second possible implementations, the STA may decide to transmit service data for TID0 and TID1 over link 1 and service data for TID2 over link 2.

[0064] In this embodiment of the present application, after receiving a link selection request transmitted by the AP, the STA may transmit a link selection indication to the AP. In other words, the STA passively performs link selection triggered by a link selection request transmitted by the AP. Alternatively, the STA may actively perform link selection. For example, when the STA has service data to be transmitted for a new service type, the STA transmits a link selection indication for the new service type to the AP. In this case, step 301 may not be performed.

[0065] Optionally, after receiving a link selection indicator sent by the STA, the AP performs the following step 303.

[0066] Step 303: The AP sends a scheduling frame to the STA on the target link.

[0067] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes an indication of the target service type. In other words, the scheduling frame is used to schedule the STA to transmit service data of the target service type to the AP on the target link. Alternatively, the scheduling frame does not need to include an indication of the target service type. In this case, the scheduling frame is used to schedule the STA to transmit all of the uplink service data that will be transmitted by the STA to the AP on the target link. Optionally, when there are multiple target links, the AP sends a scheduling frame to the STA on each target link.

[0068] The scheduling frame may be a trigger frame as defined in the IEEE 802.11ax draft. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a trigger frame as defined in the IEEE 802.11ax draft. As shown in Figure 4, the trigger frame includes a frame control field, a duration field, a receiver address (RA) field, a transmitter address (TA) field, a common info field, a user info list field, a padding field (optional), and a frame check sequence (FCS) field. The frame control field, duration field, RA field, and TA field constitute the frame header. The common info field includes the trigger type. The fields within the trigger frame are not described one by one in this embodiment of the present application.

[0069] As defined in the IEEE 802.11ax draft, the value range for trigger types in the common information field is from 0 to 15. Currently, the IEEE 802.11ax draft specifies trigger types with values ​​from 0 to 7, but not for values ​​from 8 to 15. For example, when the trigger type value is 0, the trigger frame is specified to trigger the STA to transmit an uplink physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). When the trigger type value is 1, the trigger frame is specified as a beamforming report poll (BFRP) frame. When the trigger type value is 4, the trigger frame is specified as a BSRP frame. When the trigger type value is 6, the trigger frame is specified as a bandwidth query report poll (BQRP) frame. In this embodiment of the present application, the scheduling frame transmitted by the AP to the STA on the target link may be a trigger frame with a trigger type value of 0, 1, 4, or 6, or a newly specified trigger frame with a trigger type value greater than 7.

[0070] Optionally, after receiving a scheduling frame transmitted by the AP on the target link, the STA performs the following step 304.

[0071] Step 304: The STA sends service data of the target service type to the AP over the target link.

[0072] Optionally, after receiving a scheduling frame, the STA first determines, based on the scheduling frame, which channel resources are on the target link and assigned to the STA, and then sends service data of the target service type to the AP on the channel resources.

[0073] In this embodiment of the present application, there are multiple links between the STA and the AP. The STA can select the appropriate link from the multiple links for transmitting the corresponding service data for different service types, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, increasing the reliability of service operation within the WLAN.

[0074] Optionally, the link selection request is contained within a BSRP frame sent by the AP to the STA. In this embodiment of the present application, the link selection request is contained within the BSRP frame, i.e., the BSRP frame is reused without sending the link selection request separately. This saves transmission resources. Alternatively, the link selection request may be contained within a customized trigger frame, which is sent separately by the AP to the STA. The trigger type in the customized trigger frame may be any value from 8 to 15.

[0075] Optionally, a link selection request includes a service type identifier and / or a link identifier for the recommended link. The common information field of a trigger frame as defined in the IEEE 802.11ax draft includes a variable trigger-dependent common info field. In this embodiment of the present application, the service type identifier and / or the link identifier for the recommended link may be included in the trigger-dependent common info field within the common information field of the BSRP frame or a customized trigger frame. For example, when a link selection request indicates a correspondence between at least one group of service types and a recommended link, one or more mapping information fields (hereinafter referred to as TLM information) between the service type identifier and the link identifier may be defined within the trigger-dependent common info field.

[0076] Optionally, Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams of the structure of a trigger-dependent common information field according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the trigger-dependent common information field includes a quantity indicator field and a TLM information field. The quantity indicator field indicates the quantity of the service type in the TLM information field for which link selection is required. Alternatively, the trigger-dependent common information field may not include a quantity indicator field. The TLM information field includes a service type field and a link indicator field. The service type field indicates the service type for which link selection is required. The link indicator field indicates the recommended link. The length (in bits) of the link indicator field is greater than or equal to the number of links between the STA and AP. Each link between the STA and AP corresponds to one bit in the link indicator field.

[0077] For example, there are four links between STA and AP, namely links 1 through 4. The link indicator field is 4 bits long, corresponding sequentially to links 1 through 4 from left to right. When the value of a bit is 1, it indicates that the link corresponding to that bit is the recommended link. For example, if the value of the link indicator field is "0110", it indicates that links 2 and 3 are the recommended links, or if the value of the link indicator field is "1000", it indicates that link 1 is the recommended link.

[0078] Refer to Figure 5 (optional). The TLM information field includes one service type field and n link display fields. Refer to Figure 6. The TLM information field includes n service type fields and n link display fields. n is the number of service types for which link selection is required. n is a positive integer less than or equal to the total number of service types.

[0079] Optionally, the service type identifier is represented as TID. The maximum value of n is 8, indicating that there are up to 8 service types. The length of the service type field is 8 bits, with each bit corresponding to one service priority. For example, the 8 bits of the service type field correspond sequentially from left to right to 8 service types with service priorities from 0 to 7. Alternatively, the service type identifier is represented as AC. The maximum value of n is 4, indicating that there are up to 4 service types. The length of the service type field is 4 bits, with each bit corresponding to one priority access category. For example, the 4 bits of the service type field correspond sequentially from left to right to 4 priority access categories, namely BE, BK, VI, and VO.

[0080] In this embodiment of the present application, it may be specified that the value of a bit in the service type field is 1, indicating that link selection is required for the service type corresponding to the bit.

[0081] In the TLM information field illustrated in Figure 5, the value of one or more bits in the service type field may be 1, and the quantity in the link display field is equal to the number of bits in the service type field that have a value of 1. Link display field i corresponds from left to right to bit i in the service type field that has a value of 1 from left to right, where i is a positive integer.

[0082] For example, the length of the service type field is 8 bits. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a TLM information field according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, the TLM information field includes a service type field and link indicator fields 1 to 3. When the value of the service type field is "01001010", it indicates that link selection is requested for service types with service priorities of 1, 4, and 6. When the value of link indicator field 1 is "1000", it indicates that the recommended link corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 1 is link 1. When the value of link indicator field 2 is "0110", it indicates that the recommended links corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 4 are links 2 and 3. When the value of link indicator field 3 is "0011", it indicates that the recommended link corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 6 is link 3 or link 4.

[0083] In the TLM information field illustrated in Figure 6, the bit value in each service type field is 1, and the link display field shows the recommended link corresponding to the service type requesting link selection, which is indicated by the service type field to the left of the TLM information field.

[0084] For example, the length of the service type field is 8 bits. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another TLM information field according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the TLM information field includes service type fields 1 to 3 and link indicator fields 1 to 3. If the value of service type field 1 is "01000000", it indicates that link selection is requested for a service type with a service priority of 1. If the value of link indicator field 1 is "1000", it indicates that the recommended link corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 1 is link 1. If the value of service type field 2 is "00001000", it indicates that link selection is requested for a service type with a service priority of 4. If the value of link indicator field 2 is "0110", it indicates that the recommended links corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 4 are link 2 and link 3. If the value of service type field 3 is "00000010", it indicates that link selection is requested for a service type with a service priority of 6. If the value of Link Display Field 3 is "0011", it indicates that the recommended links for a service type with a service priority of 6 are Link 3 and Link 4.

[0085] In this embodiment of the present application, when the AP needs to request the STA to perform link selection for multiple service types, the AP may send multiple link selection requests to the STA, each requesting the STA to perform link selection for one service type, or the AP may send one link selection request to the STA, which requests the STA to perform link selection for multiple service types. The format of the link selection requests may be illustrated in Figure 5 or Figure 6. Alternatively, multiple common information fields may be extended within a trigger frame, with trigger-dependent common information fields within each common information field carrying the request to perform link selection for one service type.

[0086] Optionally, the link selection indicator is contained within a BSR field transmitted to the AP by the STA. The BSR field may be a field within a null frame or a data frame. In this embodiment of the present application, the link selection indicator is contained within the BSR field, i.e., the BSR field is reused without transmitting the link selection indicator separately. This saves transmission resources.

[0087] In this embodiment of the present application, the link indication field is extended within the BSR field. Combined with the access category indication (ACI) bitmap and Delta TID within the BSR field, the link indication field provides an indication for link selection to the STA.

[0088] For example, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extended BSR field according to one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the BSR field includes an ACI bitmap field, a delta TID field, an ACI high field, a scaling factor field, a queue size high field (indicating the data traffic of the AC shown in the ACI high parameter), a queue size all field (indicating the total amount of data of the AC shown in the ACI bitmap parameter), and a link indicator field. For the structure and definition of the link indicator field, see the related description of the link indicator field in the TLM information field. Descriptions of the other fields in the BSR field are not given individually in this embodiment of this application.

[0089] Alternatively, the link selection display may be contained within a customized frame and transmitted separately to the AP by the STA. For the format of the link selection display within the customized frame, see the format of the TLM information field illustrated in Figure 5 or Figure 6. Further details are not described in this embodiment of the present application herein.

[0090] The sequence of steps of the link selection method provided in this embodiment of the present application may be appropriately adjusted, or steps may be added or deleted accordingly as needed. Any modifications that are within the scope of the art disclosed in this application and readily understood by those skilled in the art shall be within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, further details are not described.

[0091] In conclusion, the link selection method provided in this embodiment of the present application involves multiple links between the STA and the AP. The STA can select an appropriate link from the multiple links for the transmission of corresponding service data for different service types, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, increasing the reliability of service operation within the WLAN. Furthermore, the service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request sent by the AP to the STA so that the AP triggers the STA to perform a link selection for the target service type. The link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that the link selection should be performed on the recommended link or that the recommended link should be preferred. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of the STA transmitting service data to the AP.

[0092] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a link selection device according to one embodiment of this application. This device may be used in STA102 within the WLAN shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 10, the device 100 is A transmitting module 1001 configured to send a link selection indicator to an AP, wherein the STA is associated with the AP, there are multiple links between the STA and the AP, the multiple links are separately on multiple different channels, and the link selection indicator shows a target link corresponding to a target service type, and the target link includes at least one of the multiple links. Includes.

[0093] Optionally, please refer to Figure 10. The device 100 further includes a receiving module 1002.

[0094] Optionally, the receiving module 1002 is configured to receive scheduling frames transmitted by the AP over the target link. The transmitting module 1001 is further configured to transmit service data of a target service type to the AP over the target link based on the scheduling frames.

[0095] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes a display for the target service type.

[0096] Optionally, the receiving module 1002 is configured to receive a link selection request sent by the AP, which requests the STA to send a link selection indicator.

[0097] Optionally, the link selection request includes the service type identifier of the target service type and / or the link identifier of the recommended link.

[0098] Optionally, the link selection request is included in the BSRP frame sent by the AP to the STA.

[0099] The link selection display is optional and is located within the BSR field sent to the AP by the STA.

[0100] Optionally, the target link is determined based on the link quality information and target service type of multiple links, where the link quality information includes at least one of bandwidth, transmission delay, or packet loss rate.

[0101] In conclusion, the link selection device provided in this embodiment of the present application has multiple links between the STA and the AP. The STA can select an appropriate link from the multiple links for the transmission of corresponding service data for different service types, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, increasing the reliability of service operation within the WLAN. Furthermore, the service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request sent by the AP to the STA so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. The link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that link selection should be performed on the recommended link or that the recommended link should be preferred. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of the STA transmitting service data to the AP.

[0102] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another link selection device according to one embodiment of the present application. This device may be used in AP101 in the WLAN shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 11, the device 110 is A receiving module 1101 configured to receive a link selection indicator transmitted by an STA, wherein the STA is associated with an AP, there are multiple links between the STA and the AP, the multiple links are separately on multiple different channels, the link selection indicator indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type, and the target link includes at least one of the multiple links. Includes.

[0103] Optionally, please refer to Figure 11. The device 100 further includes a transmission module 1102.

[0104] Optionally, the transmission module 1102 is configured to transmit scheduling frames to the STA over the target link.

[0105] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes a display for the target service type.

[0106] Optionally, the transmitting module 1102 is configured to send a link selection request to the STA, which requests the STA to send a link selection indicator.

[0107] Optionally, the link selection request includes the service type identifier of the target service type and / or the link identifier of the recommended link.

[0108] Optionally, the link selection request is included in the BSRP frame sent by the AP to the STA.

[0109] The link selection display is optional and is located within the BSR field sent to the AP by the STA.

[0110] In conclusion, the link selection device provided in this embodiment of the present application has multiple links between the STA and the AP. The STA can select an appropriate link from the multiple links for the transmission of corresponding service data for different service types, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, increasing the reliability of service operation within the WLAN. Furthermore, the service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request sent by the AP to the STA so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. The link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that link selection should be performed on the recommended link or that the recommended link should be preferred. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of the STA transmitting service data to the AP.

[0111] With respect to the apparatus in the embodiments described above, the specific modes in which each module performs its operation are described in detail in the embodiments relating to the method. Further details are not described herein.

[0112] One embodiment of this application provides an STA including a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver operates on multiple different channels. The transceiver is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor in order to perform actions performed by the STA in the method embodiment described above. Optionally, the transceiver includes multiple radio frequency circuits, which operate separately on multiple different channels.

[0113] One embodiment of this application provides an AP including a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver operates on multiple different channels. The transceiver is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor in order to perform actions performed by the AP in the method embodiment described above. Optionally, the transceiver includes multiple radio frequency circuits, which operate separately on multiple different channels.

[0114] For example, Figure 12 is a block diagram of a link selection device according to one embodiment of the present application. This device may be an STA or an AP. As shown in Figure 12, the device 120 includes a processor 1201 and a transceiver 1202. The transceiver 1202 operates on multiple different channels.

[0115] The transceiver 1202 is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor 1201 in order to carry out actions performed by the AP or STA in the method embodiment described above.

[0116] Optionally, the transceiver 1202 includes multiple radio frequency circuits, which operate separately on multiple different channels. See, for example, Figure 2. The AP101 transceiver includes RFU11 and RFU12, with RFU11 and RFU12 operating on different channels. The STA102 transceiver includes RFU21 and RFU22, with RFU21 and RFU22 operating on different channels.

[0117] Optionally, the device 120 further includes a memory 1203, a communication bus 1204, and a communication interface 1205.

[0118] Memory 1203 is configured to store a computer program, which includes program instructions.

[0119] The processor 1201 is configured to call computer programs stored in memory 1203 to control the transceiver 1202 to perform receive and transmit actions. The processor 1201 includes one or more processing cores and performs data processing by executing various functional applications and running computer programs.

[0120] Optionally, memory 1203 may store an operating system and an application program unit for at least one function. The operating system may be a Real Time eXecutive (RTX), LINUX, UNIX®, WINDOWS®, or OS X.

[0121] There may be multiple communication interfaces 1205 for communication with other devices. For example, in this embodiment of the present application, the STA's communication interface 1205 may be configured to send a link selection indicator to the AP.

[0122] The transceiver 1202, memory 1203, and communication interface 1205 are all connected to the processor 1201 via the communication bus 1204.

[0123] One embodiment of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions. When an instruction is executed by the processor of a computer device, an action performed by the AP or STA in the method embodiment described above is carried out.

[0124] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps of the embodiment may be performed by hardware or by a program that instructs the relevant hardware. The program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as read-only memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0125] In the embodiments of this application, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as an indication or implication of relative importance. The term “at least one” refers to one or more, and “at least one group” refers to one or more groups, and so on.

[0126] In this application, the term "and / or" merely describes the relationship of association in order to describe the related subjects, and expresses that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can express the following three cases: A exists only, both A and B exist, and B exists only. Furthermore, the letter " / " in this specification generally expresses an "or" relationship between related subjects.

[0127] The foregoing description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit it. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the concepts and principles of this application should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A link selection method applicable to a wireless local area network, wherein the method is: A step of transmitting a link selection indicator to an access point (AP) by a station (STA), wherein the STA is associated with the AP, there are multiple links between the STA and the AP, the multiple links are separately on multiple different channels, the link selection indicator indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type, and the target link includes at least one of the multiple links. Methods that include...

2. After the STA transmits the link selection display to the AP, the method The steps include: receiving a scheduling frame transmitted by the AP via the STA on the target link; The STA on the target link transmits service data of the target service type to the AP based on the scheduling frame. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the scheduling frame includes a representation for the target service type.

4. The aforementioned method, A step in which the STA receives a link selection request transmitted by the AP, wherein the link selection request requests the STA to transmit the link selection display. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the link selection request includes a service type identifier for the target service type and / or a link identifier for the recommended link.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the link selection request is contained within a buffer status report polling (BSRP) frame transmitted by the AP to the STA.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the link selection display is located in the buffer status report (BSR) field transmitted to the AP by the STA.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the target link is determined based on the link quality information of the plurality of links and the target service type, and the link quality information includes at least one of bandwidth, transmission delay, or packet loss rate.

9. A link selection method applicable to a wireless local area network, wherein the method is: A step of receiving a link selection indicator transmitted by a station (STA) by an access point (AP), wherein the STA is associated with the AP, there are multiple links between the STA and the AP, the multiple links are separately on multiple different channels, the link selection indicator indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type, and the target link includes at least one of the multiple links. Methods that include...

10. After the AP receives the link selection display transmitted by the STA, the method The AP on the target link transmits a scheduling frame to the STA. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the scheduling frame includes a representation for the target service type.

12. The aforementioned method, A step in which the AP transmits a link selection request to the STA, wherein the link selection request requests the STA to transmit the link selection display. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising:

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the link selection request includes a service type identifier for the target service type and / or a link identifier for the recommended link.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the link selection request is contained within a buffer status report polling (BSRP) frame transmitted by the AP to the STA.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the link selection display is located in the buffer status report (BSR) field transmitted to the AP by the STA.

16. A link selection device used within a station (STA) in a wireless local area network, wherein the device is A transmit module configured to transmit a link selection indicator to an access point (AP), wherein the STA is associated with the AP, there are multiple links between the STA and the AP, the multiple links are separately on multiple different channels, the link selection indicator indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type, and the target link includes at least one of the multiple links. A link selection device equipped with the following features.

17. The aforementioned device is A receiving module configured to receive scheduling frames transmitted by the AP on the target link. Furthermore, The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the transmitting module is further configured to transmit service data of the target service type to the AP on the target link based on the scheduling frame.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the scheduling frame includes a representation for the target service type.

19. The aforementioned device is The receiving module is configured to receive a link selection request transmitted by the AP, wherein the link selection request requests the STA to transmit the link selection display. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising:

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the link selection request includes a service type identifier for the target service type and / or a link identifier for the recommended link.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the link selection request is contained within a buffer status report polling (BSRP) frame transmitted by the AP to the STA.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the link selection display is located in the buffer status report (BSR) field transmitted to the AP by the STA.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the target link is determined based on the link quality information of the plurality of links and the target service type, and the link quality information includes at least one of bandwidth, transmission delay, or packet loss rate.

24. A link selection device used within an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network, wherein the device is A receiving module configured to receive a link selection indicator transmitted by a station (STA) via an access point (AP), wherein the STA is associated with the AP, there are multiple links between the STA and the AP, the multiple links are separately on multiple different channels, the link selection indicator indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type, and the target link includes at least one of the multiple links. A link selection device equipped with the following features.

25. The aforementioned device is A transmitting module configured to send scheduling frames to the STA on the target link. The apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising:

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the scheduling frame includes a representation for the target service type.

27. The aforementioned device is A transmission module configured to send a link selection request to the STA, wherein the link selection request requests the STA to send the link selection display. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 26, further comprising:

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the link selection request includes a service type identifier for the target service type and / or a link identifier for the recommended link.

29. The apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the link selection request is contained within a buffer status report polling (BSRP) frame transmitted by the AP to the STA.

30. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the link selection display is located in the buffer status report (BSR) field transmitted to the AP by the STA.

31. A station (STA) comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver operates on multiple different channels, A station (STA) wherein the transceiver is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor in order to carry out the link selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

32. The STA according to claim 31, wherein the transceiver comprises a plurality of radio frequency circuits, and the plurality of radio frequency circuits operate separately on the plurality of different channels.

33. An access point (AP) comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver operates on multiple different channels, An access point (AP) wherein the transceiver is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor in order to implement the link selection method described in any one of claims 9 to 15.

34. The AP according to claim 33, wherein the transceiver comprises a plurality of radio frequency circuits, and the plurality of radio frequency circuits operate separately on the plurality of different channels.

35. A computer-readable storage medium wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor of a computer device, the link selection method described in any one of claims 1 to 15 is performed.

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