Method and related device for managing critical BSS parameters applicable to multiple links

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a critical BSS parameter management method applied to multilink and related devices applied to wireless local area networks supporting the 802.11be standard. The method includes: a first AP in a first AP MLD generates and transmits a first frame, the first frame indicating critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs in the first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which non-transmitting APs in a multi-BSSID set including the first AP belong. This helps some APs or all APs in some AP MLDs to notify STAs managed by the APs whether critical BSS parameters of BSSs managed by the APs have been updated, helping STAs receive the latest critical BSS parameters.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010821468.2, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on August 14, 2020, entitled "CRITICAL BSS PARAMETER MANAGEMENT METHOD APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE LINK AND RELATED APPARATUS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] [Technical field] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and more particularly to a method and related apparatus for managing critical BSS parameters applicable to multiple links. [Background technology]

[0003] In order to significantly improve the service transmission rate of wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax standard based on the existing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology further uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple access (OFDMA) technology. OFDMA technology supports multiple nodes to transmit and receive data simultaneously, which realizes multi-station diversity gain.

[0004] The next generation Wi-Fi standard, IEEE802.11be, is called extremely high throughput (EHT) or Wi-Fi7, and its most important technical goal is to significantly improve peak throughput. IEEE802.11be-compliant WLAN devices can improve peak throughput and reduce service transmission delay through the use of multiple streams (up to 16 spatial streams), multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands), and cooperation of multiple channels in the same frequency band. Multiple frequency bands or multiple channels are sometimes collectively referred to as multiple links. A next generation IEEE802.11-compliant station device that supports multiple links simultaneously is referred to here as a multi-link device (MLD).

[0005] When the BSS of the AP in the access point multilink device (AP MLD) is updated, some multilink devices or stations may not be able to obtain the latest information of the BSS managed by these APs, so these multilink devices or stations usually cannot communicate with these special APs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiment of the present application provides a method and related devices for managing critical BSS parameters applicable to multiple links, and some or all APs in some AP MLDs notify STAs managed by the APs whether the critical BSS parameters of the APs are updated, and help the STAs receive the latest critical BSS parameters. Therefore, the STAs can also communicate with the APs normally after the critical BSS parameters of the APs are updated.

[0007] In the following, the present application will be described from various aspects. It should be understood that the following implementations and the beneficial effects of different aspects can be cross-referenced.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a BSS parameter management method applicable to multiple links, which is applied to a first AP MLD, where the first AP is any reporting AP in the first AP MLD. The BSS parameter management method applicable to multiple links includes: a first AP in the first AP MLD generates a first frame, and transmits the first frame on a link on which the first AP operates. The first frame indicates critical basic service set BSS parameter update information respectively corresponding to multiple APs in the first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information respectively corresponding to multiple APs in a second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs among a multiple basic service set identifier BSSID set including the first AP, and one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP is used to determine whether a critical BSS parameter of a BSS managed by the AP is updated.

[0009] Optionally, the critical BSS parameter update information includes a critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0010] Optionally, when one or more of the critical BSS parameters change, the critical BSS parameter update count value is incremented by one.

[0011] In this solution, by using the first frame, not only the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to the multiple APs in the first AP MLD, but also the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to the multiple APs in the second AP MLD are indicated. This is to help an AP indicate the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to the multiple APs in another AP MLD, so that the STA can compare the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value with the last received critical BSS parameter update count value to check whether the critical BSS parameters have been updated. Thus, the STA can be assisted in receiving the latest critical BSS parameters, and the Non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD can listen on the link on which the non-transmitting AP in the second AP MLD operates and can also operate normally. That is, in the case of the Non-AP MLD, there may be more channels to listen to for selection. In 802.11be, all or some APs in the AP MLD may be non-transmitting APs. Therefore, the solution provided in this embodiment of the present application can solve the problem that some non-transmitting APs cannot transmit management frames notifying that the critical BSS parameters have been updated. This improves the completeness and diversity of critical BSS parameter update instructions.

[0012] Referring to the first aspect, after the first AP in the first AP MLD sends the first frame, the method further includes: the first AP in the first AP MLD generates a second frame, where the second frame indicates certain critical BSS parameters of the multiple APs in the first AP MLD and certain critical BSS parameters of the multiple APs in the second AP MLD, and sends the second frame on a link on which the first AP operates.

[0013] This solution not only helps some APs in another AP MLD to indicate whether their critical BSS parameters have been updated, but also helps some APs in another AP MLD to indicate the latest specific critical BSS parameters. The specific critical BSS parameters include elements related to channel changes. This helps Non-AP MLD to learn the operating channel switching status of all APs in the AP MLD when Non-AP MLD listens to one or more links (not all links), so that Non-AP MLD can work normally.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a BSS parameter management method applicable to multiple links, where the method is applied to a first STA. The first STA may be a single-link STA or an STA in a Non-AP MLD. The first STA and the first AP operate on one link. The BSS parameter management method applicable to multiple links includes: A first STA in a Non-AP MLD receives a first frame of a link on which the first STA operates, and determines whether critical BSS parameters of multiple BSSs managed by multiple APs in an AP MLD associated with the first STA are updated based on the first frame. The first frame indicates critical BSS parameter update information respectively corresponding to multiple APs in the first AP MLD and primary BSS parameter update information respectively corresponding to multiple APs in a second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multi-BSSID set including the first AP belongs. The critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP is used to determine whether critical BSS parameters in a BSS managed by the AP are updated.

[0015] It can be understood that if the first STA is a STA in a Non-AP MLD, the AP MLD associated with the first STA may be an AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD that includes the first STA.

[0016] Optionally, the critical BSS parameter update information includes a critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0017] Optionally, when one or more of the critical BSS parameters change, the critical BSS parameter update count value is incremented by one.

[0018] Referring to the second aspect, in a possible implementation, after the first STA in the Non-AP MLD receives the first frame, the method further includes: the first STA in the Non-AP MLD receives a second frame on a link on which the first STA operates, the second frame indicating specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the first AP MLD and specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the second AP MLD, and parses the second frame to obtain specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a first AP MLD or a chip in the first AP MLD, such as a Wi-Fi chip, or may be a first AP or a chip in the first AP in the first AP MLD, including: a processing unit configured to generate a first frame, the first frame indicating critical basic service set BSS parameter update information respectively corresponding to a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information respectively corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multi-basic service set identifier BSSID set including the first AP belongs, and the one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP is used to determine whether a critical BSS parameter in a BSS managed by the AP is updated; A transceiver unit configured to transmit a first frame over a link over which the communication device operates.

[0020] Optionally, the critical BSS parameter update information includes a critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0021] Optionally, when one or more of the critical BSS parameters change, the critical BSS parameter update count value is incremented by one.

[0022] With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to generate a second frame, the second frame indicating the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the first AP MLD and the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the second AP MLD, and the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the second frame on a link over which the communication device operates.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a first STA or a chip in the first STA, for example a Wi-Fi chip. The first STA may be a single-link STA or a STA in a Non-AP MLD. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first frame on a link on which the communication device operates, the first frame indicating critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which non-transmitting APs in a multi-BSSID set including the first AP belong, and to determine whether a critical BSS parameter in a BSS managed by the AP is updated using one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP; A processing unit configured to determine, based on the first frame, whether critical BSS parameters of a plurality of BSSs managed by a plurality of APs in an AP MLD associated with the communication device are updated.

[0024] Optionally, the critical BSS parameter update information includes a critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0025] Optionally, when one or more of the critical BSS parameters change, the critical BSS parameter update count value is incremented by one.

[0026] With reference to the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second frame on a link over which the communication device operates, the second frame indicating the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the first AP MLD and the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the second AP MLD, and the processing unit is configured to analyze the second frame to obtain the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD.

[0027] In an implementation of any of the above aspects, the first frame includes a link identifier field and a multilink device MLD identifier field, the link identifier field indicates a reported AP, and the MLD identifier field indicates an AP MLD that includes the reported AP.

[0028] Optionally, the first frame further includes a critical BSS parameter count field, where the critical BSS parameter update count value field indicates a critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0029] In an implementation of any one of the above aspects, the Critical BSS Parameter Update Count Value field, the Link Identifier field, and the MLD Identifier field are carried in a Simplified Neighbor Report (RNR) element of the first frame.

[0030] It is understood that the three fields, Critical BSS Parameter Update Count Value field, Link Identifier field, and MLD Identifier field, are independent and may or may not all be carried in an RNR element, i.e. an RNR element may carry some of the three fields.

[0031] In an implementation of any one of the above aspects, one target beacon transmission time TBTT information field in the RNR element carries one critical BSS parameter update count value, one link identifier field, and one MLD identifier field. One TBTT information field corresponds to one AP.

[0032] In an implementation of any one of the above aspects, the value of the short service set identifier SSID field of the AP in the RNR element is obtained based on the SSID of the MLD that includes the AP.

[0033] In an implementation of any one of the above aspects, one particular critical BSS parameter of one AP in the second frame includes one or more of the following: inclusion of a channel switch announcement element, inclusion of an extended channel switch announcement element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, and inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element.

[0034] In an implementation of any one of the above aspects, certain of the critical BSS parameters discussed above are carried in a multilink ML element.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, the present application provides a method for updating critical BSS parameters, which is applied to a first AP MLD, where the second AP is any AP in the first AP MLD. The method for updating critical BSS parameters includes: the second AP in the first AP MLD generates a second frame, and transmits the second frame on a link on which the second AP operates. The second frame indicates certain critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the first AP MLD and / or certain critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which non-transmitting APs in a multi-BSSID set including the second AP belong.

[0036] Optionally, one particular critical BSS parameter of one AP in the second frame includes one or more of the following: inclusion of a channel switch announcement element, inclusion of an extended channel switch announcement element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, and inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element.

[0037] Optionally, certain critical BSS parameters are carried in the Multilink ML element.

[0038] According to a sixth aspect, the present application provides a method for updating a critical BSS parameter applied to a second STA, where the second STA may be a single-link STA or a STA in a Non-AP MLD. The second STA and the second AP operate on one link. The method for updating the critical BSS parameter includes: the second STA receives a second frame on the link on which the second STA operates, and analyzes the second frame to obtain specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in an AP MLD associated with the second STA. The second frame indicates specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in a first AP MLD and / or specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in a second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multi-BSSID set including the second AP belongs.

[0039] It can be understood that if the second STA is a STA in a Non-AP MLD, the AP MLD associated with the second STA may be an AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD that includes the second STA.

[0040] Optionally, one particular critical BSS parameter of one AP in the second frame includes one or more of the following: inclusion of a channel switch announcement element, inclusion of an extended channel switch announcement element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, and inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element.

[0041] Optionally, certain critical BSS parameters are carried in the Multilink ML element.

[0042] According to a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a first AP MLD or a chip in the first AP MLD, for example a Wi-Fi chip, or may be a second AP in the first AP MLD or a chip in the second AP, including: A processing unit configured to generate a second frame, the second frame indicating certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and / or certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multi-BSSID set including the second AP MLD belongs; The transceiver unit is configured to transmit a second frame over a link over which the communication device operates.

[0043] Optionally, one particular critical BSS parameter of one AP in the second frame includes one or more of the following: inclusion of a channel switch announcement element, inclusion of an extended channel switch announcement element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, and inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element.

[0044] Optionally, certain critical BSS parameters are carried in the Multilink ML element.

[0045] According to an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a second STA or a chip in the second STA, for example a Wi-Fi chip. The first STA may be a single-link STA or a STA in a Non-AP MLD. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive a second frame on a link over which the communication device operates, the second frame indicating certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and / or certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs in a multi-BSSID set that includes the second AP; A processing unit configured to analyze the second frame to obtain certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in the AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD.

[0046] Optionally, one particular critical BSS parameter of one AP in the second frame includes one or more of the following: inclusion of a channel switch announcement element, inclusion of an extended channel switch announcement element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, and inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element.

[0047] Optionally, certain critical BSS parameters are carried in the Multilink ML element.

[0048] According to a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is specifically a first AP MLD or a first AP in the first AP MLD, and includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to support the first AP MLD in executing corresponding functions of the method of the first aspect. The transceiver is configured to support communication between the first AP MLD and a non-access point multilink device (also called a station multilink device), and transmit information, frames, data packets, instructions, etc. in the aforementioned method to the station multilink device. The first AP MLD may further include a memory. The memory is configured to be coupled to the processor, and the memory stores program instructions and data required for the first AP MLD.

[0049] Specifically, the processor is configured to generate a first frame, the first frame indicating critical basic service set BSS parameter update information corresponding to each of a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to each of a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs among a multiple basic service set identifier BSSID set including the first AP, and one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP is used to determine whether a critical BSS parameter of a BSS managed by the AP is updated. The transceiver is configured to transmit the first frame on a link on which the communication device operates.

[0050] According to a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is specifically a first AP including a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to support a first STA in performing corresponding functions of the method of the second aspect. The transceiver is configured to support communication between the first STA and a first AP MLD, and to receive information, frames, data packets, instructions, etc. in the aforementioned method from the first AP MLD. 1 The STA may further include a memory. The memory is configured to be coupled to the processor, the memory being configured to: 1Stores program instructions and data required for the STA.

[0051] Specifically, the transceiver is configured to receive a first frame on a link on which the communication device operates, the first frame indicating critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs among a multi-BSSID set including the first AP, and one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP is used to determine whether a critical BSS parameter of a BSS managed by the AP is updated. The processor is configured to determine whether a critical BSS parameter of a plurality of BSSs managed by a plurality of APs in the AP MLD associated with the first STA is updated based on the first frame.

[0052] According to an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is specifically a first AP MLD or a second AP in the first AP MLD, and includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to support the first AP MLD in performing corresponding functions of the method of the fifth aspect. The transceiver is configured to support communication between the first AP MLD and a non-access point multilink device (also called a station multilink device), and transmit information, frames, data packets, instructions, etc. in the aforementioned method to the station multilink device. The first AP MLD may further include a memory. The memory is configured to be coupled to the processor, and the memory stores program instructions and data required for the first AP MLD.

[0053] Specifically, the processor is configured to generate a second frame, the second frame indicating a particular critical BSS parameter of a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and / or a particular critical BSS parameter of a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multi-BSSID set that includes the second AP belongs, and the transceiver is configured to transmit the second frame on a link over which the communication device operates.

[0054] According to a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is specifically a second STA including a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to support the second STA in performing corresponding functions of the method of the sixth aspect. The transceiver is configured to support communication between the second STA and the first AP MLD and to receive information, frames, data packets, instructions, etc. in the aforementioned method from the first AP MLD. The second STA may further include a memory. The memory is configured to be coupled to the processor, and the memory stores necessary program instructions and data for the second STA.

[0055] Specifically, the transceiver is configured to receive a second frame on a link over which the communication device operates, the second frame indicating the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in a first AP MLD and / or the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multi-BSSID set that includes the second AP belongs. The processor is configured to parse the second frame to obtain the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the AP MLD associated with the second STA.

[0056] According to a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip or chip system including an input / output interface and a processing circuit. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to generate a first frame, the first frame indicating critical basic service set BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs among a plurality of basic service set identifiers BSSID sets including the first AP, and one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP is used to determine whether a critical BSS parameter of a BSS managed by the AP is updated. The input / output interface is configured to transmit the first frame on a link on which the chip or chip system operates.

[0057] In a possible design, the input / output interface is configured to receive a first frame on a link on which the chip or chip system operates, the first frame indicating critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs among a multi-BSSID set including the first AP, and the one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP is used to determine whether the critical BSS parameters of the BSSs managed by the AP are updated. The processing circuit is configured to determine whether the critical BSS parameters of the BSSs managed by the plurality of APs in the AP MLD associated with the first STA are updated based on the first frame.

[0058] According to a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip or chip system including an input / output interface and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to generate a second frame, the second frame indicating a certain critical BSS parameter of a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and / or a certain critical BSS parameter of a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multi-BSSID set including the second AP belongs. The input / output interface is configured to transmit the second frame on a link on which the chip or chip system operates.

[0059]

[0059] In a possible design, the input / output interface is configured to receive a second frame on a link over which the chip or chip system operates, the second frame indicating the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the first AP MLD and / or the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which non-transmitting APs in a multi-BSSID set that includes the second AP belong. The processing circuitry is configured to parse the second frame to obtain the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the AP MLD associated with the second STA.

[0060] According to a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform a critical BSS parameter management method applicable to multiple links according to the first or second aspect.

[0061] According to a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform a method for updating a critical BSS parameter according to the fifth or sixth aspect.

[0062] According to a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for managing critical BSS parameters applicable to a multi-link according to the first or second aspect.

[0063] According to an eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for updating critical BSS parameters according to the fifth or sixth aspect.

[0064] The embodiment of the present application may be useful for some APs or all APs in some AP MLDs to inform the STAs that the APs manage whether the critical BSS parameters (managed BSSs) of the APs are updated, and to help the STAs receive the latest critical BSS parameters. Therefore, after the critical BSS parameters of the APs are updated, the STAs can also communicate with the APs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0065] To more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings used to describe the embodiments.

[0066] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an AP MLD structure and a Non-AP MLD structure according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0067] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a Multiple BSSID element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 200 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0070] [Figure 3C] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 300 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic architecture diagram of a Multiple BSSID set according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a TIM frame according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0073] [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a management frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic flowchart of a method for managing critical BSS parameters applicable to multi-link according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of an RNR element according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0076] [Figure 8B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a TBTT information field of an RNR element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] [Figure 9] 4 is a schematic flowchart of a method for updating critical BSS parameters according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of an ML element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first part of a frame structure of an ML element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for inclusion of a channel switching announcement element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for inclusion of an extended channel switching announcement element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] [Figure 11C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for inclusion of a wide-bandwidth channel switching element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] [Figure 11D] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a Quiet element according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0084] [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a non-inherited element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0086] [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 2 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0087] [Figure 15] 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 3 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0088] [Figure 16] 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 4 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0090] The following is to clarify the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. Theory Reveal.

[0091] In order to better understand the critical BSS parameter management method applicable to multiple links and related devices disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, the related concepts in the embodiments of the present application are first described.

[0092] 1. Multi-link device

[0093] The wireless communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The unicast service indication method may be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system or a chip or processor in the communication device. The communication device may be a wireless communication device that supports simultaneous transmission on multiple links. For example, the communication device is called a multi-link device or a multi-band device. Compared with a device that only supports single-link transmission, the multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput.

[0094] The multilink device includes one or more affiliated stations (affiliated STAs). An affiliated station is a logical station and may operate on one link. An affiliated station may be an access point (AP) or a non-access point (Non-AP STA). For ease of explanation, in this application, a multilink device that has an AP as an affiliated station may be called a multilink AP, a multilink AP device, or an AP multilink device (AP MLD), and a multilink device that has a Non-AP STA as an affiliated station may be called a multilink Non-AP, a multilink Non-AP device, or a Non-AP multilink device (Non-AP MLD). For ease of explanation, in the embodiment of this application, "the multilink device includes an affiliated station" may also be simply written as "the multilink device includes a station".

[0095] A multilink system may contain one or more affiliated stations (STAs). That is, a multilink system may contain multiple logical stations. Each logical station operates on one link, but multiple logical stations may operate on the same link.

[0096] A multilink device can implement wireless communication according to the 802.11 family of standards. For example, a station that is extremely high throughput (EHT) compliant or is 802.11be compliant or compatible with 802.11be-supporting stations implements communication with another device. Of course, the other device may or may not be a multilink device.

[0097] For example, the multi-link device in the embodiment of the present application may be a single antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, the multi-link device may be a device having two or more antennas. The number of antennas included in the multi-link device is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment of the present application, the multi-link device may enable services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, and may also enable the same data packet to be transmitted on different links. Alternatively, the multi-link device may not allow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, but may allow services of different access types to be transmitted on different links.

[0098] For example, a multi-link device is a device having a wireless communication function. The device may be a system-wide device, or a chip, a processing system, etc., mounted on the system-wide device. The device in which the chip or processing system is installed may be controlled by the chip or processing system to implement the method and function in the embodiment of the present application. For example, a Non-AP MLD in the embodiment of the present application has a wireless transceiver function, can support 802.11 series protocols, and can communicate with an AP MLD, another Non-AP MLD, or a single-link device. For example, a Non-AP MLD is any user communication device in which a user can communicate with an AP and further communicate with a WLAN. For example, a Non-AP MLD may be a user device that can connect to a network, such as a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, an Ultra-mobile Personal Computer (UMPC), a handheld computer, a netbook, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, etc., an Internet of Things node in the Internet of Things, or an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles. The Non-AP MLD may alternatively be a chip and processing system within the terminal described above.

[0099] The AP MLD in the embodiment of the present application is a device that provides services to the Non-AP MLD and may support 802.11 series protocols. For example, the AP MLD may be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, a bridge, or the AP MLD may include various forms such as a macro base station, a micro base station, and a relay station. Of course, the AP MLD may alternatively be a chip and a processing system in various forms of devices to implement the methods and functions in the embodiment of the present application. In addition, the multi-link device may support high-speed and low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of wireless local area network application scenarios, the multi-link device may be used in more scenarios. For example, the Multilink device serves as a sensor node in a smart city (e.g., a smart water meter, a smart electric meter, or a smart air detection node), a smart device in a smart home (e.g., a smart camera, a projector, a display screen, a television, a stereo, a refrigerator, or a washing machine), a node in an Internet of Things, an entertainment terminal (e.g., an AR, VR, or other wearable device), a smart device in a smart office (e.g., a printer or a projector), an Internet of Vehicles device in an Internet of Vehicles, or an infrastructure in a daily life scenario (e.g., a vending machine, a self-service navigation console, a self-checkout, a self-service food machine). The specific format of the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application and is merely an example for the purpose of explanation herein. The 802.11 protocol may be a protocol that supports 802.11be or is compatible with 802.11be.

[0100] The frequency bands in which the Multilink device operates include, but are not limited to, sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and high frequency 60 GHz.

[0101] For example, the multi-link device in the embodiment of the present application may be a single antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, the multi-link device in the embodiment of the present application may be a device having at least two antennas. The number of antennas included in the multi-link device is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of AP MLD and the structure of Non-AP MLD according to the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of AP MLD with multiple antennas and the structure of Non-AP MLD with a single antenna. The 802.11 standard focuses on the physical layer (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layer parts of AP MLD and Non-AP MLD.

[0102] 2. Link Identifier

[0103] A link identifier represents one station operating on a link. That is, if there are multiple logical stations on a link, multiple link identifiers represent multiple stations. A link referred to below may sometimes represent a station operating on that link.

[0104] During data transmission, AP MLD and Non-AP MLD may use link identifiers to identify links or stations on links. Before communication, AP MLD and Non-AP MLD may first negotiate or communicate with each other about the correspondence between link identifiers and links or stations on links. Therefore, during data transmission, link identifiers are carried to indicate links or stations on links, and there is no need to transmit a large amount of signaling information to indicate links or stations on links. This reduces signaling overhead and improves transmission efficiency.

[0105] In an example, a management frame, such as a beacon frame, transmitted by an AP MLD when establishing a basic service set (BSS) carries one element, which includes multiple link identification fields. The link identification information field can indicate the correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on a link corresponding to the link identifier. The link identification field includes not only the link identification but also one or more of the following information: a Medium Access Control (MAC) address, an operation class, and a channel number. One or more of the MAC address, the operation class, and the channel number can indicate a link. For an AP, the MAC address of the AP is also the BSSID (basic service set identifier) ​​of the AP. In another example, in the process of multi-link device association, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD negotiate multiple link identification fields. Multi-link device association means that an AP in the AP MLD is associated with a STA in the Non-AP MLD only once. This association helps multiple STAs in the Non-AP MLD to associate individually with multiple APs in the AP MLD, and one STA is associated with one AP.

[0106] In subsequent communications, the AP MLD or Non-AP MLD uses a link identifier to represent the station in the Non-AP MLD, which may further represent one or more attributes of the MAC address, the operating class, or the channel number of the station. The MAC address may be replaced by the association identifier of the AP MLD after association. Optionally, when multiple stations operate on one link, the meaning identified by the link identifier (which is a numeric ID) includes not only the operating class and channel number that includes the link, but also the identifiers of the stations operating on the link, e.g., the MAC addresses or the association identifiers (AIDs) of the stations.

[0107] 3. Multiple BSSID set

[0108] A Multiple BSSID set (also called a Multi-BSSID set) can be understood as a set of several cooperating APs. All cooperating APs use the same operating class, channel number, and antenna interface. In a Multi-BSSID set, there is only one AP that transmits the BSSID, and all other APs are Non-transmitted BSSID APs. Information about a Multi-BSSID set (i.e., a Multi-BSSID element) is carried in a Beacon frame, Probe Response frame, or Neighbor Report transmitted by an AP with a Transmitted BSSID. Information about the BSSIDs of APs with Non-transmitted BSSIDs is derived by a station using the Multi-BSSID elements of Beacon frames, Probe Response frames, Neighbor Reports, etc. The BSSIDs of APs with Non-transmitted BSSIDs are calculated based on the BSSIDs of APs that transmit the BSSIDs and the BSSID Index field of the Multi-BSSID-index element of the Non-transmitted BSSID profile. For more information, see Draft 802.11 REmd_D3.0.

[0109] A multi-BSSID set can also be understood to include multiple APs, where each AP manages one BSS, and different APs have different SSIDs and permissions, such as security mechanisms or transmission opportunities.

[0110] In a multi-BSSID set, only APs whose BSSID is a Transmitted BSSID can transmit beacon frames and probe response frames, and APs whose BSSID is a Non-transmitted BSSID do not transmit beacon frames. Therefore, when a probe request frame (Probe Request) sent from a STA is sent to an AP whose BSSID is a Non-transmitted BSSID in a Multiple BSSID set, in this case, the AP whose BSSID is a Transmitted BSSID in the Multiple BSSID set is more likely to respond to the transmission of a probe response frame.

[0111] For multiple APs in a Multiple BSSID set, the BSSID of one AP is configured as a Transmitted BSSID and the AP with the Transmitted BSSID may be referred to as a Transmitted AP, and the BSSID of the other AP is configured as a Non-transmitted BSSID and may be referred to as a Non-transmitted AP.

[0112] A beacon frame transmitted by a Transmitted AP may include a Multi-BSSID element. The frame format of the Multiple BSSID element is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a Multiple BSSID element according to an embodiment of the present application. The Multi-BSSID element includes an Element ID field, a Length field, a Maximum BSSID Indicator field, and an optional sub-element field. The Maximum BSSID Indicator field indicates the maximum number N of BSSIDs included in the Multiple BSSID set, and the optional sub-element field includes information about the BSSIDs of APs that have Non-transmitted BSSIDs.

[0113] The maximum number of APs allowed in a multi-BSSID set is 2n, where n is the value indicated in the MaxBSSID Indicator field in the multi-BSSID element shown in FIG. 2, and N=2n. Thus, bits 1 to 2n-1 in the service indication virtual bitmap field are assigned to APs in the Non-transmitted BSSIDs in the multi-BSSID set, respectively, and can indicate whether the APs in the Non-transmitted BSSIDs with NonTxBSSID (identifier) ​​of 1 to 2n-1 have a multicast service. The value of NonTxBSSID is equal to the value of the BSSID Index field of the Multiple BSSID-Index element in the Non-transmitted BSSID profile in the multi-BSSID element. The Non-transmitted BSSID profile is in the optional subelement field.

[0114] 4. Critical BSS Parameters

[0115] For example, critical BSS parameters include: Inclusion of a Channel Switch Announcement element, Inclusion of an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, Modification of the enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters element, Inclusion of a Quiet element, Modification of the DSSS Parameter Set, Modification of the CF Parameter Set element, Modification of the HT Operation element, Inclusion of a Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element, Inclusion of a Channel Switch Wrapper element, Inclusion of an Operating Mode Notification element, Inclusion of a Quiet Channel element, Modification of the VHT Operation element, Modification of the HS ... Modification of the HE Operation element Insertion of a Broadcast TWT element Inclusion of the BSS Color Change announcement elementThe link may include one or more of the following: Announcement element, Modification of the MUEDCA Parameter Set element, Modification of the Spatial Reuse Parameter Set element. One or more of the above critical BSS parameters may also be listed as critical parameters for the link.

[0116] 5. Specific Critical BSS Parameters

[0117] The specific critical BSS parameters may refer to parameters related to a channel change of the critical BSS parameters, specifically, the specific critical BSS parameters include one or more of an Inclusion of a Channel Switch Announcement element, an Inclusion of an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, an Inclusion of a Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element, and an Inclusion of a Channel Switch Wrapper element.

[0118] Although the embodiments of the present application are described primarily in terms of IEEE 802.11 deployed networks, one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that various aspects of the present application can be extended to other networks using different standards or protocols, such as, for example, BLUETOOTH, high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard and used primarily in Europe), wide area network (WAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), personal area network (PAN), or other known or later developed networks. Thus, various aspects provided herein can be applied to any suitable wireless network, regardless of coverage or wireless access protocol.

[0119] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 3A, a wireless local area network is taken as an example to describe the communication system 100 to which the embodiment of the present application is applied. The communication system 100 includes a station 101 and a STA 120. The station 101 can communicate with the station 102 through multiple links to improve throughput. The station 101 may be a multi-link device, and the station 102 may be a single-link device, a multi-link device, etc. In a scenario, the station 101 is an AP MLD and the station 102 is a Non-AP MLD or station (e.g., a single-link station). In another scenario, the station 101 is a Non-AP MLD and the station 102 is an AP (e.g., a single-link AP) or an AP MLD. In yet another scenario, the station 101 is an AP MLD and the station 102 is an AP MLD or an AP. In yet another scenario, station 101 is a Non-AP MLD and station 102 is a Non-AP MLD or station (e.g., a single-link station). Of course, the wireless local area network may include additional devices. The number and types of devices shown in Figure 3A are merely examples.

[0120] FIG 3B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG 3C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 300 according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG 3B and FIG 3C respectively show schematic diagrams of the structure of the communication system 200 and the communication system 300. In the communication system 200 and the communication system 300, for example, a multi-link device of a wireless local area network communicates with other devices via multiple links.

[0121] Specifically, the scenario in which AP MLD and Non-AP MLD communicate with each other is shown in Figure 3B. AP MLD includes subordinate AP1 and subordinate AP2, and Non-AP MLD includes STA1 and STA2 to which Non-AP MLD belongs. AP MLD and Non-AP MLD communicate in parallel through Link 1 and Link 2.

[0122] FIG. 3C illustrates a scenario in which an AP MLD 601 communicates with a Non-AP MLD 602, a Non-AP MLD 603, and a STA 604. The AP MLD 601 includes subordinate APs 601-1 to 601-3. The Non-AP MLD 602 ​​includes three subordinate STAs, STA 602-1, STA 602-2, and STA 602-3. The Non-AP MLD 603 includes two subordinate STAs, STA 603-1 and STA 603-2. The STA 604-1 and STA 604 are single-link devices. The AP MLD 601 can individually communicate with the Non-AP MLD 602 ​​via link 1, link 2, and link 3, communicate with the Non-AP MLD 603 via link 2 and link 3, and communicate with the STA 604 via link 1. For example, the STA 604 operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. In Non-AP MLD 603, STA 603-1 operates in the 5 GHz frequency band, and STA 603-2 operates in the 6 GHz frequency band. In Non-AP MLD 602, STA 602-1 operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, STA 602-2 operates in the 5 GHz frequency band, and STA 602-3 operates in the 6 GHz frequency band. AP 601-1, which is included in AP MLD 601 and operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, can transmit uplink or downlink data to STA 604 and STA 602-1 of Non-AP MLD 602 ​​via link 1. The AP 601-2 included in the AP MLD 601 and operating in the 5 GHz frequency band can transmit uplink or downlink data to the STA 603-1 included in the Non-AP MLD 603 and operating in the 5 GHz frequency band via link 2, and can also transmit uplink or downlink data to the STA 602-2 included in the Non-AP MLD 602 ​​and operating in the 5 GHz frequency band via link 2. The AP 601-3 included in the AP MLD 601 and operating in the 6 GHz frequency band can transmit uplink or downlink data to the STA 602-3 included in the Non-AP MLD 602 ​​and operating in the 6 GHz frequency band via link 3, and can also transmit uplink or downlink data to the STA 603-2 of the Non-AP MLD via link 2.

[0123] It can be seen that FIG. 3B only shows that AP MLD supports two frequency bands, and FIG. 3C only shows that AP MLD 601 supports three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). Each frequency band corresponds to one link. For example, AP MLD 601 can operate on one or more links, such as link 1, link 2, or link 3. On the AP side or STA side, a link here can also be understood as a station operating on a link. In practical application, AP MLD and Non-AP MLD may further support more or fewer frequency bands. That is, AP MLD and Non-AP MLD may operate on more or fewer links. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0124] 4 is a schematic architecture diagram of a Multiple BSSID set according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the MLD of each AP shown in FIG. 4 is a collocated AP MLD set.

[0125] BSSID-1x, BSSID-1y, BSSID-2x, BSSID-2y, BSSID-2z, BSSID-4x, BSSID-4y, BSSID-4z, BSSID-3, and BSSID-5 are MAC address identifiers used to identify the corresponding APs. APs whose MAC address identifiers end with x are Transmitted BSSID APs, APs whose MAC address identifiers end with y or z are Non-transmitted BSSID APs, and APs whose MAC address identifiers end with numbers only are general APs, and general APs represent APs that do not belong to a multiple BSSID set. For example, a Transmitted BSSID AP in Multiple BSSID set 1 is AP1x whose MAC address identifier is BSSID_1x. A Non-transmitted BSSID AP in Multiple BSSID set 1 is AP1y whose MAC address identifier is BSSID_1y. A Transmitted BSSID AP in Multiple BSSID set 2 is AP2x whose MAC address identifier is BSSID_2x. Non-transmitted BSSID APs in Multiple BSSID set 2 include AP2y with a MAC address identifier of BSSID_2y and AP2z with a MAC address identifier of BSSID_2z.

[0126] The AP MLD set that shares the same location with the reporting AP includes the following APs, where the reporting AP represents the AP that transmits management frames. The management frames carry information of multiple APs below, where the management frames are beacon frames, probe response frames, etc. The reporting AP includes Transmitted APs and general APs in the multi-BSSID set. The MLD set of APs that share the same location with the reporting AP includes the following APs:

[0127] (1) All APs that belong to the same AP MLD as the reporting AP, or all APs in the AP MLD that contains the reporting AP.

[0128] (2) All APs in the AP MLD to which a Non-transmitted AP (or Transmitted AP) in the same multi-BSSID set as the reporting AP belongs, or all APs in the AP MLD to which a Non-transmitted AP in the multi-BSSID set to which the reporting AP (or Transmitted AP) belongs.

[0129] (3) All APs in the AP MLD that satisfy the following two conditions: (1) at least one AP in the AP MLD is in the same multi-BSSID set as one AP in the AP MLD to which the reporting AP belongs, and (2) no AP in the AP MLD operates on the same link as the reporting AP.

[0130] Optionally, in an implementation, an AP MLD contains only one AP.

[0131] Optionally, the reporting AP may be a general AP of the AP MLD (e.g., in FIG. 4, AP3 with MAC address identifier BSSID_3 and AP5 with MAC address identifier BSSID_5) or a Transmitted AP of a multi-BSSID set and may transmit unicast service indication information as described in this application.

[0132] For example, AP1x in Figure 4 is used as a reporting AP, and the AP MLD set that shares location with AP1x includes the following APs:

[0133] (1) All APs in the same AP MLD1 as AP1x, i.e., AP1x, AP2y, and AP3.

[0134] (2) All APs in AP MLD3 that include a non-transmitted AP (i.e., AP1y) in the same multi-BSSID set 1 as AP1x are AP1y, AP2z, and AP4y, respectively.

[0135] (3) In Figure 4, the AP MLD that satisfies the above conditions (1) and (2) is AP MLD2, that is, it includes AP2x and AP4x, and AP2x in AP MLD2 and AP2y in AP MLD1 are in the same multiple-BSSID set 2, and the AP in AP MLD2 is not on the same link as AP1x.

[0136] In the 802.11 protocol, a STA generally has two operating modes: non-power-save mode and power-save mode. When a STA is operating in non-power-save mode, it is in the active state (also called awake state) regardless of whether the STA has data to transmit. When a STA is operating in power-save mode, the STA may be in the active state when transmitting data with the AP. When no data transmission occurs between the STA and the AP, the STA may be in the doze state to reduce power consumption. A STA may transmit a frame to the AP to inform it whether it is in power-save mode. If the power-save bit in the frame control field in the MAC header of the frame is set to 1, the AP is informed that the STA is in power-save mode. If the power-save bit in the frame control field in the MAC header of the frame is set to 0, the AP is informed that the STA is in non-power-save mode.

[0137] The terms "data transmission" and "transmitted data" referred to herein may be understood to generally refer to communications. "Data" generally refers to communication information, and is not limited to data information, and may include signaling information, etc.

[0138] In a wireless network management (WM) based energy saving mechanism or a target wake up time (TWT) based energy saving mechanism, a STA may communicate with an AP about the wake up period. The AP transmits a broadcast traffic indication map (TIM) frame to multiple corresponding STAs at the beginning of each wake up period. The TIM frame is much shorter than a beacon frame. The TIM element included in the TIM frame is used to inform multiple STAs whether there is a corresponding downlink service indication. Since the TIM frame is much shorter than a beacon frame, the STA can obtain a power saving effect. In the WNM energy saving mechanism, the TIM broadcast interval field of the TIM request frame sent by the STA or the TIM response returned by the AP indicates the wake up period. Alternatively, in the TWT energy saving mechanism, the wake up period corresponds to the TWT wake up interval of the TWT energy saving mechanism, and the TWT wake up interval is calculated based on the TWT wake up period decimal field and the TWT wake up interval index field of the TWT element. Specifically, TWT wake interval = TWT wake period decimal * 2 (TWT wake interval index).

[0139] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a TIM frame according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, a frame carrier in a TIM frame may include at least one of a type field, an unprotected WNM action field, a timestamp field, a beacon frame Beacon check field, a TIM element field, and a link identity field. The unprotected WNM action field indicates different action values. The timestamp field indicates clock information. The TIM element field indicates whether the STA or Non-AP MLD identified by the AID has a downlink service. The link identity field indicates a specific link. The beacon frame Beacon check field is used to indicate whether the link indicated by the link identity field exists or whether the critical BSS parameters of the AP indicated by the link identity field have been updated. Alternatively, the beacon frame Beacon check field indicates whether the critical parameters of the link indicated by the link identity field have been updated.

[0140] For example, when a critical BSS parameter of a BSS to which a link indicated by the link identification field belongs is updated, or when a critical parameter of a link indicated by the link identification field is updated, the value of the beacon check field is increased by 1. The BSS parameter may also be understood as a link parameter. Similarly, the critical BSS parameter may also be understood as a critical link parameter.

[0141] For example, the Non-AP MLD stores the value of the last received Beacon check field corresponding to each link every time. If the recently received Beacon check field corresponding to the link is different from the value of the last received Beacon check field corresponding to the link, the Non-AP MLD receives the Beacon frame sent by the AP MLD on the link. Alternatively, the Non-AP MLD may send a probe request frame on any link, where the probe request frame is used to request the latest critical BSS parameters of one or more APs. The probe request frame includes a link identifier corresponding to one or more APs. Optionally, the probe request frame further includes an MLD identifier of the MLD including the AP, for example, an MLD MAC address or an MLD sequence number of the AP MLD. After receiving the probe request frame, the AP MLD returns an acknowledgement frame and sends a probe response frame to the Non-AP MLD. The probe response frame includes the latest critical BSS parameters of one or more APs requested by the Non-AP MLD. After receiving the frame, the Non-AP MLD returns an acknowledgement frame. In a probe response frame, the value of the Beacon check field corresponding to one or more APs changes. It can be seen that the beacon frame carries the latest critical BSS parameters of the link.

[0142] Since the TIM frame contains a link identification field, it can be understood that when using TIM frames, a BSS only needs one AID, even if the Non-AP MLD contains multiple STAs. The link identification and AID can be combined to determine the stations that operate on the link indicated by the link identification field and have downlink service.

[0143] It can further be understood that the Beacon check field and the link identification field included in the TIM frame may alternatively be placed in another management frame. The multiple fields (here representing the Beacon check field and the link identification field) can be used separately to notify whether the critical BSS parameters of the BSS in which the link indicated by the link identification field exists have been changed / updated. The above method can also be used to determine whether the critical BSS parameters of multiple BSSs in which multiple links exist have been changed / updated. For example, the management frame includes a number of links, n Beacon check fields, and n link identification fields, where n is indicated by the number of links field. As another example, the management frame includes a link identifier bitmap and n Beacon check fields, and optionally includes a length field of the link identifier bitmap, where n is the number of first values ​​(e.g., 1) in the link identifier bitmap. The value of one or more Beacon check fields is initialized to 0. In an implementation, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a management frame according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6, the frame carrier of the management frame includes a type field, an unprotected WNM operation field, a link number field, a Beacon check field, a TIM element field, and a link identification field. If the link number field indicates multiple links, there is one Beacon check field, one TIM element field, and one link identification field for each link. Optionally, the frame carrier of the management frame may further include one or more timestamp fields. The management frame shown in Figure 6 may indicate whether multiple stations operating on the links indicated by each link identification field have downlink services.

[0144] In conclusion, as shown in Figure 4, some APs (e.g., Non-transmitted APs in the same multi-BSSID set) cannot transmit management frames. Therefore, these APs cannot inform their associated STA / Non-AP MLDs whether the critical BSS parameters of the BSSs managed by these APs have been updated by transmitting management frames such as beacon frames and probe response frames. Therefore, the STA / Non-AP MLDs associated with these APs and listening on the operational links of these APs cannot know that the critical BSS parameters of these APs have been updated. As a result, the STA / Non-AP MLDs associated with these APs cannot operate normally or communicate with these APs after the critical BSS parameters are updated by the updates of these APs.

[0145] Therefore, this embodiment of the present application provides a critical BSS parameter management method applicable to multiple links. In order to solve the problem that some APs cannot notify that the critical BSS parameters are updated, an AP MLD may help another AP MLD to notify whether the critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the other AP MLD are updated. A STA can assist in receiving the latest critical BSS parameters, so that a Non-AP MLD associated with the other AP MLD can still operate normally after multiple APs in the other AP MLD update their critical BSS parameters. The following further describes the technical solution of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0146] EMBODIMENT 1 The first embodiment of the present application describes a critical BSS parameter management method applicable to multi-links, and specifically, relates to an update instruction of a critical BSS parameter applicable to multi-links. It may display not only the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​of multiple APs in the first AP MLD (this value is in the Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) element), but also the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​of multiple APs in the second AP MLD. Therefore, the Non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD can listen on the link where the Non-transmitted AP in the second AP MLD operates, and can also operate normally. That is, there may be more listening channel options for the Non-AP MLD.

[0147] Each reporting AP of the first AP MLD needs to transmit critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs of the first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs of the second AP MLD to the Non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD or surrounding stations (surrounding stations include stations managed by the reporting AP and stations not associated with the first AP MLD). For simplicity of explanation, the reporting AP of the first AP MLD is used in the embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0148] FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of a critical BSS parameter management method applicable to a multi-link according to an embodiment of the present application. An AP MLD includes one or more APs, and a first AP is any reporting AP in the AP MLD. Optionally, the reporting AP is not a Non-transmitted AP in the multi-BSSID set. The first STA may be a single-link STA or may be a STA in a Non-AP MLD. For ease of explanation, the following uses the first STA in a Non-AP MLD as an example. The first AP and the first STA work on the same link. As shown in FIG. 7, an association method applicable to a multi-link device includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0149] S101: A first AP in a first AP MLD generates a first frame, the first frame indicating critical BSS parameter update information respectively corresponding to a plurality of APs in the first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitted AP in a multi-BSSID set including the first AP belongs, and determining whether a critical BSS parameter in a BSS managed by the AP is updated using one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to one AP.

[0150] The first AP may be any reporting AP within the first AP MLD, and the reporting AP may be an AP that transmits a management frame (e.g., a beacon frame or a probe response frame). The critical BSS parameter update information includes a critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0151] The first frame may be a management frame, such as a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or another management frame. The first frame may indicate critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD (wherein the plurality of APs is all APs in the first AP MLD, or all APs in the first AP MLD except the first AP, or a portion of APs) and critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD (wherein the plurality of APs is all APs, or a portion of APs in the second AP MLD). The second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which non-transmitted APs in the multi-BSSID set in which the first AP is located belong. Optionally, when one or more parameters of the critical BSS parameters change, the critical BSS parameter update count value is increased by one.

[0152] One critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to one AP can be used to determine whether the critical BSS parameters in the BSS managed by the AP are updated. The critical BSS parameter update count value may be a natural number, and the critical BSS parameter update count value is initialized to 0. When the critical BSS parameters of the BSS managed by the AP are changed, the critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to the AP is increased by one. Since there are multiple critical BSS parameter update count values ​​of APs, each critical BSS parameter update count value has a one-to-one correspondence with the identifier of the AP. The identifier of the AP may be the MAC address of the AP, the link identifier of the AP, or a combination of the operation class, channel number, and BSSID of the AP. The critical BSS parameter update count value may be carried in a Reduced Neighbor Report Element (RNR element) of the first frame. The following describes the Reduced Neighbor Report Element.

[0153] Optionally, in addition to the critical BSS parameter update count value field, the RNR element in this embodiment of the present application can further include a link identifier field and an AP MLD identifier field (e.g., MLD ID field). The link identifier field indicates the AP or station on which a particular link operates. It can be understood that the link identifier field may be called a link identifier information field or a link identifier bitmap field (used to indicate one bitmap of link identifiers corresponding to multiple APs). This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The critical BSS parameter update count value indicates a critical BSS parameter update count value. It can be understood that the critical BSS parameter update count value field may be called a critical BSS parameter update field. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The AP MLD identifier field can be used to identify a particular AP MLD. It can be understood that the AP MLD identifier field can be an MLD ID field, an MLD index field, an MLD sequence number field, etc., and the name of the identifier field is not limited.

[0154] The RNR element contains a link identifier field and an AP MLD identifier field (e.g., MLD ID field), so that when the RNR element is used, each AP MLD has an identifier, even if each AP MLD contains multiple APs. The link identifier information and the AP MLD identifier information can be combined to determine the AP that operates on the link indicated by the link identifier field and for which critical BSS parameters are updated.

[0155] It can be understood that in order to associate with an AP, a station must first perform a scan to announce the presence of the AP. There are two types of scan: active scan and passive scan.

[0156] Passive scanning means that the station receives management frames transmitted from the AP on a channel, such as a beacon frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, an authentication frame, or a probe response frame. For example, the station transitions between different channels to search for a beacon frame transmitted from the AP. Once the station obtains the admission control information of the AP using the beacon frame, the station can further obtain other additional information from the AP by exchanging Probe Request and Probe Response frames.

[0157] Active scanning means that if a station does not detect a beacon frame, the station actively sends a broadcast probe request frame, and when certain conditions are met, the AP that receives the probe request frame may initiate random channel access to respond with a probe response frame.

[0158] In the scanning process, to assist stations in fast scanning, the AP includes a simplified neighbor report element in management frames such as beacon frames and probe response frames to prevent stations from performing continuous channel scanning, thereby reducing the scanning time of stations.

[0159] An AP carries the simple neighbor report element in a management frame, such as a beacon frame or a probe response frame. During scanning, a station receives the management frame transmitted from the AP, obtains information about surrounding APs based on the simple neighbor report element in the management frame, and selects to associate with an appropriate AP.

[0160] Specifically, a simple neighbor report element generally carries one or more Neighbor AP information fields, which are used to describe one or more neighbor APs and information about the BSS to which the neighbor APs belong. Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of an RNR element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8A, a simple neighbor report element may include some or all of the following fields: a target beacon transmission time (TBTT) information Header field, an operating class field, a channel number field, and one or more TBTT information set fields. The TBTT information set field includes one or more TBTT information fields, and one TBTT information field corresponds to one neighbor AP.

[0161] The TBTT Information header field carries at least one of the following information: A TBTT information field type field indicating the type of TBTT information. This field is used together with the TBTT information length field to indicate the format of the TBTT information field. A filtered neighbor AP field that indicates whether the SSIDs of all BSSs carried in the neighbor AP information field match the SSID of the probe request frame. Reserved field: 1 bit. A TBTT information count field indicating the number of TBTT information fields contained in the TBTT information set. A TBTT information length field indicating the length of each TBTT information field. Table 1 below shows the format of the specific information carried for different lengths. [Table 1]

[0162] The specific format of the TBTT information field when the TBTT information length is 12 bytes is shown below.

[0163] Neighbor AP TBTT offset field: Indicates the offset in Beacon transmission time between the neighbor AP and the reporting AP. BSSID (BSS Identifier) ​​field: Indicates the BSS identifier corresponding to the neighboring AP. Short SSID (Short Service Set Identifier) ​​field: Indicates the service set identifier to which the neighboring AP belongs. BSS Parameter field: indicates the relevant parameters of the neighboring AP.

[0164] Optionally, in addition to the Neighbor APTBTT Offset field, the BSSID field, the Short SSID field, and the BSS Parameter field, the TBTT information field of one of the RNR elements of the embodiment of the present application includes at least one of a Critical BSS Parameter Update Count Value field, a Link Identifier (link ID) field, and a Multi-Link Device Identifier (MLD ID) field.

[0165] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a TBTT information field of an RNR element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8B, one TBTT information field of an RNR element includes at least one of a neighbor AP TBTT offset field, a BSSID field, a Short SSID field, a BSS parameter field, a critical BSS parameter update count value field, a link ID field, and a multi-link device identifier (MLD ID) field. It can be understood that Figure 8B is merely an example, and the sequence of the critical BSS parameter update count value field, the link ID field, and the MLD ID field included in the TBTT information field, and whether there is another field between the critical BSS parameter update count value field, the link ID field, and the MLD ID field are not limited.

[0166] It is understood that the three fields, Critical BSS Parameter Update Count Value field, Link Identifier field, and MLD Identifier field, are independent and may or may not all be carried in an RNR element, i.e. an RNR element may carry some of the three fields.

[0167] The critical BSS parameter update count value indicates the critical BSS parameter update count value. The link identifier field indicates a specific link. The MLD ID field indicates a specific AP MLD. It can be understood that one TBTT information field corresponds to one AP, one AP manages one BSS, and each TBTT information field carries an MLD ID field and a link identifier field. Therefore, when using the first frame, even if the AP MLD includes multiple APs in one BSS, different APs in the AP MLD may be distinguished by the link indicated by the link identifier field and the MLD indicated by the MLD ID field. That is, the AP may be uniquely identified by combining the link identifier field and the MLD ID field.

[0168] The BSS Parameter field indicates the related parameters of the neighboring AP. Specifically, the related parameters of the neighboring AP include the following information: OCT recommended (recommended on-channel tunneling mechanism) field: indicates that the neighboring AP expects to use the OCT mechanism to exchange management type MPDUs with the reporting AP. Same SSID field: Indicates whether the neighboring AP and the reporting AP have the same SSID. The Multiple BSSID (Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​field indicates whether the neighboring AP is part of a multiple BSSID set. Transmitted BSSID (Transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​field: indicates whether the neighboring AP is a Transmitted BSSID or a Non-transmitted BSSID if the neighboring AP is part of a multi-BSSID set. Member Of ESS With 2.4 / 5GHz Co-Located AP field: Indicates whether the neighboring AP is a member of an extended service set with a 2.4 / 5GHz co-located AP (i.e., whether the neighboring AP is a 6GHz-only AP). Unsolicited Probe Response Active field: Indicates whether the neighboring AP enables active probe responses. Co-located AP field: Indicates whether the neighbor AP and the reporting AP are co-located.

[0169] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, an AP described in a Neighbor Report element or a reduced Neighbor Report element is a reported AP (reported access point (AP): An AP that is described in an element such as a Neighbor Report element or a Reduced Neighbor Report element.), and the neighboring APs mentioned hereinafter can be understood as a reported AP. An AP that is transmitting an element, such as a neighbor report element or a reduced neighbor report element, describing a reported AP (reporting access point (AP): An AP that is transmitting an element, such as a neighbor report element or a reduced neighbor report element, describing a reported AP).

[0170] The RNR element was explained above. The following describes the secondary AP MLD.

[0171] Optionally, the second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitted AP belongs in the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs.

[0172] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, suppose AP1x is the first AP. The first AP transmits a management frame, such as a beacon frame or a probe response frame, and carries an RNR element. The RNR element carries critical BSS parameter update count values ​​of multiple APs in the first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update count values ​​of multiple APs in the second AP MLD. AP MLD1 is the first AP MLD, and AP MLD3 is the second AP MLD. Thus, the first frame includes critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs in AP MLD1, for example, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2y and a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP3. The first frame further includes critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs in AP MLD3, for example, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2z, and a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y. Optionally, the management frame transmitted from the first AP further includes a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1x. The critical BSS parameter update count value of AP1x is in the MLD common information or EHT operation element of the multi-link (ML) element. The MLD common information field in the ML element or the EHT operation element further carries the link identifier of the first AP, i.e., AP1x.

[0173] As another example, as shown in FIG. 4, assume that AP2x is the first AP, AP MLD2 is the first AP MLD, and both AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 are the second AP MLD. Thus, the first frame includes critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs of AP MLD2, for example, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4x. The first frame further includes critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs of AP MLD1, for example, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1x, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2y, and a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP3. The first frame further includes critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs of AP MLD3, for example, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2z, and a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y. Optionally, the management frame transmitted from the first AP further includes a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2x. The Critical BSS Parameter Update Count value of AP2x is in the ML element common MLD common information or EHT operation element. The MLD common information field in the ML element or the EHT operation element further carries the link identifier of the first AP, i.e. AP2x.

[0174] As another example, as shown in FIG. 4, assume that AP4x is the first AP, AP MLD2 is the first AP MLD, and both AP MLD3 and AP MLD4 are the second AP MLD. Thus, the first frame includes critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs of AP MLD2, for example, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2x. The first frame further includes critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs of AP MLD3, for example, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2z, and a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y. The first frame further includes critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs of AP MLD1, for example, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4z and a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP5. Optionally, the management frame transmitted from the first AP further includes a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4x. The critical BSS parameter update count value of AP4x is in the ML element common MLD common information or EHT operation element. The MLD common information field in the ML element or the EHT operation element further carries the link identifier of the first AP, i.e. AP4x.

[0175] As another example, as shown in Fig. 4, assume that AP3 is the first AP, AP MLD1 is the first AP MLD, and there is no second AP MLD. Thus, the first frame includes critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs in AP MLD1, for example, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1x and a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2y. Optionally, the management frame sent from the first AP further includes a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP3. The BSS parameter update count value of AP3 is in the MLD common information field of the ML element or the EHT operation element. The MLD common information field in the ML element or the EHT operation element further carries a link identifier of the first AP, i.e., AP3.

[0176] S102: A first AP in the first AP MLD transmits a first frame on a link on which the first AP operates.

[0177] Specifically, the first AP of the first AP MLD needs to transmit the first frame to the first AP MLD or the Non-AP MLD associated with the stations around the first AP on the link where the first AP MLD operates. The stations around the first AP include the stations managed by the first AP and the stations not associated with it. In the following, the critical BSS parameter management method applicable to multiple links in this embodiment of the present application is described by taking the station managed by the AP as an example. It can be understood that the first frame may be transmitted in a broadcast or multicast manner.

[0178] Furthermore, the Non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD in this embodiment of the present application can be understood to have two meanings: (1) All Non-AP MLDs that establish a multi-link association with the first AP MLD. The Non-AP MLD can establish an association with some APs of the first AP MLD, or can also establish an association with all APs. (2) There is a Non-AP MLD associated with the first AP of the first AP MLD. The Non-AP MLD can establish an association with some APs of the first AP MLD, or can also establish an association with all APs, but some APs or all APs must include the first AP. The first AP is a reporting AP.

[0179] S103: A first STA in the Non-AP MLD receives a first frame on the link on which the first STA operates.

[0180] The first STA may be a station managed by the first AP or a station in the vicinity of the first AP, and may learn whether the critical BSS parameters of the BSS to which the first STA belongs have been updated. The first STA and the first AP operate on the same link / same frequency band / same channel.

[0181] S104: The first STA of the Non-AP MLD determines, based on the first frame, whether critical BSS parameters of multiple BSSs managed by multiple APs in the AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD have been updated.

[0182] Specifically, after receiving the first frame, the first STA of the Non-AP MLD can analyze the first frame to obtain critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs in the first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to multiple APs in the second AP MLD. The Non-AP MLD analyzes M critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to M APs in the AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD from the first frame (the M APs have an association relationship with the Non-AP MLD). For each AP in the M APs, the Non-AP MLD compares the value relationship between the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value and the last received critical BSS parameter update count value, or compares whether the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value is the same as the last received critical BSS parameter update count value. If the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value is different from the last received critical BSS parameter update count value, the Non-AP MLD determines that the critical BSS parameters of the BSS managed by the AP have been updated. Optionally, if the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value is different from the last received critical BSS parameter update count value, the Non-AP MLD may listen for a beacon frame on the link on which the AP operates. The beacon frame carries the latest critical BSS parameters of the AP. Alternatively, the STA in the Non-AP MLD can obtain the latest critical BSS parameters of the AP by sending a probe request frame with reference to the above description.

[0183] If the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value is the same as the last received critical BSS parameter update count value, this indicates that the BSS managed by the AP has not updated its critical BSS parameters, and Non-AP MLD may not perform any processing.

[0184] Optionally, the Non-AP MLD records the critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to each link last received every time.

[0185] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, assume that the first AP is AP1x, AP MLD1 is the first AP MLD, and AP MLD3 is the second AP MLD. Assume that Non-AP MLD1 is associated with AP1y, AP2z, and AP4y in AP MLD3, M is equal to 3, and APs associated with Non-AP MLD1 are AP1y, AP2z, and AP4y. The first frame includes a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1x in AP MLD1, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2y, and a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP3. The first frame further includes a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y in AP MLD3, a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2z, and a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y. That is, N is equal to 6. From the first frame, Non-AP MLD1 analyzes three critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to AP1y, AP2z, and AP4y of AP MLD3 associated with Non-AP MLD1. For AP1y, Non-AP MLD2 compares whether the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y is the same as the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y. If the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y is different from the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y, it indicates that the critical BSS parameters of the BSS managed by AP1y have been updated. Non-AP MLD1 may listen to a beacon frame carrying the latest critical BSS parameters on link 1 where AP1y is present. For AP2z, Non-AP MLD1 compares whether the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2z is the same as the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2z.If the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2z is different from the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP2z, it indicates that the critical BSS parameters of the BSS managed by AP2z have been updated. Non-AP MLD1 may listen to a beacon frame carrying the latest critical BSS parameters on link 2 where AP2z exists. For AP4y, Non-AP MLD1 compares whether the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y is the same as the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y. If the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y is different from the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y, it indicates that the critical BSS parameters of the BSS managed by AP4y have been updated. Non-AP MLD1 may listen to a beacon frame carrying the latest critical BSS parameters on link 4 where AP4y exists.

[0186] As another example, assume that Non-AP MLD2 is associated with AP1y and AP4y in AP MLD3. In this case, M is equal to 2, and APs associated with Non-AP MLD2 are AP1y and AP4y. Therefore, for AP1y, Non-AP MLD2 compares whether the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y is the same as the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y. If the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y is different from the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP1y, it indicates that the critical BSS parameters of the BSS managed by AP1y have been updated. Non-AP MLD2 may listen for a beacon frame carrying the latest critical BSS parameters on link 1 where AP1y is present. For AP4y, Non-AP MLD2 compares whether the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y is the same as the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y. If the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y is different from the last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to AP4y, it indicates that the critical BSS parameters of the BSS managed by AP4y have been updated. Non-AP MLD2 may listen for a beacon frame carrying the latest critical BSS parameters on link 4 where AP4y exists.

[0187] It can be understood that if the first STA is a single-link STA, when the first STA switches and operates from one link to another, the first STA may use the method of this embodiment of the present application to obtain the critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0188] In this embodiment of the present application, the first frame transmitted by the first AP is used to indicate not only the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to the multiple APs in the first AP MLD, but also the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to the multiple APs in the second AP MLD. This is to help an AP indicate the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to the multiple APs in another AP MLD, so that the STA can compare the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value with the last received critical BSS parameter update count value to check whether the critical BSS parameters are updated. Thus, the STA can be assisted in receiving the latest critical BSS parameters, and the Non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD can listen on the link where the non-transmitting AP in the second AP MLD operates and can also operate normally. That is, in the case of the Non-AP MLD, there may be more channels to listen to for selection. In 802.11be, all or some APs in the AP MLD may be non-transmitting APs. Therefore, the solution provided in this embodiment of the present application can solve the problem that some non-transmitting APs cannot transmit management frames notifying that critical BSS parameters have been updated, thereby improving the completeness and diversity of critical BSS parameter update instructions.

[0189] In an optional embodiment, the method for each Non-AP MLD to obtain the initial values ​​of the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​of the APs in the AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD is as follows.

[0190] 1. In the association phase, an association response frame sent from one AP in the AP MLD carries the current critical BSS parameter update count values ​​of multiple APs in the AP MLD.

[0191] 2. When a STA in a Non-AP MLD requests to switch to another link, the channel switch signaling implicitly requests the critical BSS parameter update count value of the AP operating on the link from the AP MLD. The response frame that the associated AP MLD responds to on the link corresponding to the STA must carry the latest critical BSS parameter update count value of the AP operating on the other link at this time.

[0192] The channel switch signaling includes a link identifier corresponding to the AP to which the STA needs to switch. For example, as shown in Figure 4, assume that STA1 in Non-AP MLD1 requests to switch from link 1 to link 2, and the channel switch signaling includes the link identifier of link 2. Assume that Non-AP MLD1 is associated with an AP MLD. The channel switch signaling implicitly indicates a request from AP MLD1 for the critical BSS parameter update count value of AP2y operating on link 2. The response frame returned by AP MLD1 on link 1 corresponding to STA1 should carry the latest critical BSS parameter update count value of AP2y operating on link 2 at this time.

[0193] If the received critical BSS parameter update count value sent from the AP is different from the last received critical BSS parameter update count value, in addition to obtaining the latest critical BSS parameters by receiving a beacon frame and sending a probe request, the locally stored critical BSS parameter update count value needs to be updated to the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0194] In another optional embodiment, there is a common SSID in one AP MLD, and optionally each AP has a separate SSID. In the MLD discovery phase of neighbor APs or APs, Non-AP MLD can discover the best AP MLD for association as soon as possible, including discovering the preferred SSID. For the reported APs (i.e., neighbor APs) of an AP MLD, the Short SSID field of each reported AP (i.e., neighbor AP) in the RNR element of the embodiment of this application includes a Short SSID calculated based on the SSID of the AP MLD in which the reported AP (i.e., neighbor AP) is located. For details on how to calculate the Short SSID, please refer to the 802.11-2016 protocol.

[0195] It can be understood that this embodiment of the present application may be implemented separately or with reference to the method shown in Fig. 7, which is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0196] It can be seen that, compared with the case where the short SSID of the reported AP is directly carried in the RNR element, in the Non-AP MLD of this embodiment of the present application, by using the short SSID of the AP MLD to which the reported AP belongs, the optimal AP MLD for association can be quickly selected in the discovery phase, thereby improving association efficiency.

[0197] In yet another optional embodiment, the first frame can be further used to indicate certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in the first AP MLD and certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in the second AP MLD. The certain critical BSS parameters are BSS parameters related to a channel change. The certain critical BSS parameters may include one or more of the following: inclusion of a channel switch announcement element, inclusion of an extended channel switch announcement element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, and inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element.

[0198] EMBODIMENT 2 In the present application, the method for updating critical BSS parameters is described, which is applied to a multi-link device. In practical application, it can be understood that the embodiment 2 of the present application can be implemented separately or can be implemented with reference to the embodiment 1. This is not limited in the present application.

[0199] FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a method for updating critical BSS parameters according to an embodiment of the present application. The AP MLD includes one or more APs, and the second AP is any AP in the AP MLD, and the second AP may be a reporting AP or may not be a reporting AP. The second STA may be a single-link STA or any STA in the Non-AP MLD. For ease of explanation, the following uses the second STA in the Non-AP MLD as an example. The second AP and the second STA work on the same link. As shown in FIG. 9, the method for updating critical BSS parameters includes, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0200] S201: A second AP in a first AP MLD generates a second frame, the second frame indicating specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the first AP MLD and / or specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which non-transmitted APs in a multi-BSSID set including the second AP belong.

[0201] The second frame may be a management frame such as a beacon frame, or may be another frame. The second frame and the first frame in embodiment 1 may be one frame, or may be different frames. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The second frame may indicate specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the first AP MLD (wherein the multiple APs are all APs in the first AP MLD, or all APs or some APs in the first AP MLD except the first AP), and / or specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the second AP MLD (wherein the multiple APs are all or some APs in the second AP MLD).

[0202] The specific critical BSS parameters may include one or more of the following: Inclusion of a Channel Switch Announcement element, Inclusion of an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, Inclusion of a Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element, and Inclusion of a Channel Switch Wrapper element. If all or some of the aforementioned four elements are changed / updated, but the station does not learn of the change / update in time (possibly because the station does not receive the updated elements), the station cannot find the corresponding AP in the AP MLD. As a result, the terminal cannot communicate with the corresponding AP in the AP MLD. Therefore, it is necessary to convey the specific critical BSS parameters.

[0203] Optionally, the specific critical BSS parameters may further include one or more of: Inclusion of a Quiet element and Inclusion of a Quiet Channel element. Optionally, the specific critical BSS parameters may further include one or more of: a change in an EDCA parameter element, a change in a DSSS parameter set, a change in a CF parameter set element, a change in an HT operation element, an inclusion of an operational mode notification element, a change in a VHT operation element, a change in an HE operation element, an inclusion of a broadcast TWT element, an inclusion of a BSS color change announcement element, a change in a MUEDCA parameter set element, and a change in a spatial reuse parameter set element. One or more of the aforementioned specific critical BSS parameters may also be listed as critical parameters of a link.

[0204] Optionally, the specific critical BSS parameters may be carried in the AP information of a multi-link (ML) element of the second frame. The specific critical BSS parameters for each AP are carried in the AP information of each of the ML elements.

[0205] Next, the multilink element will be described.

[0206] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of an ML element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10A, the ML element includes a common control field, an MLD common information, and one or more optional sub-elements. Optionally, the MLD common information includes an MLD MAC address field, and optionally includes an authentication algorithm field and a link ID field. The MLD MAC address field indicates the address of the MLD, and the address is used to identify the MLD. Optionally, the address of the MLD is the MAC address of the MLD. That is, the MAC address is used to identify the AP MLD management entity. The MAC address of the AP MLD may be the same as the MAC address of one of the n APs included in the AP MLD, or may be different from all the MAC addresses of the n APs. For example, the MAC address of the AP MLD is a public MAC address, which can identify the AP MLD.

[0207] Optionally, the control field includes an MLD MAC address present field (or referred to as an MLD MAC address present field or an MLD MAC address present identifier) ​​used to indicate whether an MLD MAC address field is present in the MLD common information. Optionally, the common control field further includes an authentication algorithm present field to indicate whether an authentication algorithm field is present in the MLD common information. Optionally, the "presence field" may include 1 bit. A first value indicates that the corresponding field is present, and a second value indicates that the corresponding field is not present. For example, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0. Optionally, the common control field further includes a link ID present field used to indicate whether a link ID field is present in the MLD common information.

[0208] Optionally, an ML element further includes one or more sub-elements, each of which describes information about an AP in an AP MLD. The content of each sub-element includes a link identifier of the AP. Optionally, each sub-element further includes fields related to the AP, such as an SSID field, a timestamp field, a beacon interval field, and an AP element, such as a BSS load element, an EHT capability element, or an EHT operation element.

[0209] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of a first part of a frame structure of an ML element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10B, FIG. 10B illustrates a first part of an ML element that does not include a sub-element of AP information of AP MLD. The first part of the ML element includes a common control field and an MLD common information. The common control field includes one or more or all of an MLD MAC address present field, a link ID present field, an MLD sequence number present field, and a sub-element present field. Optionally, an authentication algorithm present field is included. The MLD MAC address present field indicates whether the MLD common information includes an MLD MAC address field. The link ID present field is used to indicate whether the MLD public information includes a link ID field. The MLD sequence number present field indicates whether the MLD common information includes an MLD sequence number field. The aforementioned fields may be indicated separately using one bit. For example, 1 indicates that the field is present, and 0 indicates that the field is not present. Alternatively, two values ​​for a field may be used separately for indication, the first value indicating that the field is present and the second value indicating that the field is not present.

[0210] Optionally, the first part of the ML element shown in FIG. 10A (here representing the common control field and MLD common information shown in FIG. 10A) may alternatively be the first part of the ML element shown in FIG. 10B (here representing the common control field and MLD common information shown in FIG. 10B). The AP MLD can be used to provide further detailed information of the station Non-AP MLD placed in, for example, a probe response frame or an association response frame. Optionally, the common control field includes an MLD common information present field, which is used to indicate whether MLD common information is present or whether fields other than the MLD MAC address or the MLD sequence number in the MLD common information are present, and helps to further reduce repetitive information (Non-AP MLD is assumed to have learned the authentication algorithm and the link identifier). In the beacon frame, to avoid redundant content in the beacon frame and to avoid repetition of information about each AP in the RNR element, the beacon frame only needs to carry the MLD common information in the ML element or some fields in the MLD common information. In this case, the common control field includes a sub-element present field, which means that there is no sub-element used to indicate specific information of multiple APs within the ML element, as shown in FIG. 10B.

[0211] If the reporting AP belongs to a multi-BSSID set, the reporting AP should further transmit multiple BSSID elements including a non-transmitted profile to indicate information about one or more non-transmitted APs. If one non-transmitted AP is from one AP MLD, the first part of the ML element shown in Figure 10B or the complete part of the ML element shown in Figure 10A may be further placed in the information about the non-transmitted AP.

[0212] The following describes some of the elements that are included in certain critical BSS parameters.

[0213] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of the inclusion of a channel switch announcement element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11A, the inclusion of the channel switch announcement element includes a Channel Switch Mode field, a New Channel Number field, and a Channel Switch Count field. The Channel Switch Mode field indicates any restrictions on transmission until a channel switch. The New Channel Number field is set to the number of the channel to which the STA is moving. The Channel Switch Count field indicates the number of TBTTs (beacon frame target transmission times) required by the station to switch channels to transmit the element. If the Channel Switch Count field is set to 0, it indicates that the switch will occur before the next TBTT.A Channel Switch Count field set to 1 indicates that the switch may occur any time after the element is transmitted. (The Channel Switch Count field indicates the number of target beacon transmission times (TBTTs) until the STA sending the Channel Switch Count field switches to the new channel. A Channel Switch Count field set to 1 indicates that the switch occurs immediately before the next TBTT. A Channel Switch Count field set to 0 indicates that the switch occurs any time after the frame containing the Channel Switch Count field is transmitted.)

[0214] FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of the inclusion of an extended channel switch announcement element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11B, the inclusion of the extended channel switch announcement element includes a Channel Switch Mode field, a New Operating Class field, a New Channel Number field, and a Channel Switch Count field. The Channel Switch Mode field indicates a transmission restriction before a channel switch. The New Operating Class field indicates an operating set to which the station is switched (The New Operating Class field is set to the number of the operating class after the channel switch). The New Channel Number field indicates the number of the channel to which the station should be switched. The Channel Switch Count field indicates the number of TBTTs required for the station to switch to the channel after transmitting the element. If the Channel Switch Count field is set to 0, it indicates that the switch will occur before the next TBTT. If the Channel Switch Count field is set to 1, it indicates that the switch may occur after the element is transmitted.

[0215] Figure 11C is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of the inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switching element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11C, the inclusion of the wide bandwidth channel switching element includes a New Channel Width field, a New Channel Center Frequency Segment 0 field, and a New Channel Center Frequency Segment 1 field. The New Channel Width define BSS bandwidth field. The New Channel Center Frequency Segment 0 defines a channel center frequency for a 20, 40, 80, 160, or 80+80 MHz BSS. New Channel Center Frequency Segment 1 Defines a channel center frequency for a 160, or 80+80 MHz BSS bandwidth.

[0216] FIG. 11D is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a Quiet element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11D, the Quiet element includes a Quiet Count field, a Quiet Period field, a Quiet Duration field, and a Quiet Offset field. The Quiet Count field is set to the number of TBTTs until the beacon interval during which the next quiet interval starts. The Quiet Period field is set to the number of beacon frame intervals between the start of the regularly scheduled quiet intervals defined by the Quiet element. The Quiet Period field is set to the number of beacon intervals between the start of regularly scheduled quiet intervals defined by this Quiet element. A Quiet Period field set to 0 indicates that no periodic quiet interval is defined. The Quiet Duration field is set to the duration of the quiet interval, expressed in TUs. The Quiet Offset field is set to the offset of the start of the quiet interval from the TBTT specified in the Quiet Count field, in TUs.The Quiet Offset field is set to the offset of the start of the quiet interval from the TBTT specified by the Quiet Count field, expressed in TUs. The value of the Quiet Offset field is less than one beacon interval.

[0217] After the quiet factor is enabled, the AP will no longer communicate with the STA, and the STA will remain in the quiet state, allowing the STA to perform other operations.

[0218] Optionally, the second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitted AP belongs in a multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. Specifically, for the meaning of the second AP MLD, see the relevant description in the above embodiment 1.

[0219] S202: A second AP in the first AP MLD transmits a second frame on the link on which the second AP operates.

[0220] The second AP of the first AP MLD needs to transmit the second frame to the first AP MLD or to a Non-AP MLD associated with stations around the second AP on the link on which the second AP MLD operates. The stations around the second AP include stations that are not associated with stations managed by the second AP. It can be understood that the second frame may be transmitted in a broadcast, multicast, or unicast manner.

[0221] S203: A second STA in the Non-AP MLD receives a second frame on the link on which the second STA operates.

[0222] The second STA may be a station managed by the second AP or a station in the vicinity of the second AP, and may learn certain critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the AP MLD associated with the MLD that includes the first STA. The second STA and the second AP operate on the same link / same frequency band / same channel.

[0223] S204: A second STA in the Non-AP MLD analyzes the second frame to obtain certain critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD.

[0224] Specifically, after receiving the second frame, the second STA of the Non-AP MLD analyzes the second frame and obtains, from the ML element of the second frame, the specific critical BSS parameters of K APs in the AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD (the K APs have an association relationship with the Non-AP MLD, and K is a positive integer). For the specific critical BSS parameters of each AP among the K APs, the Non-AP MLD can adjust the channel information of the STA corresponding to each AP according to the indication of the specific critical BSS parameters of each AP.

[0225] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, assume that AP2x is the second AP, AP MLD2 is the first AP MLD, and both AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 are the second AP MLD. Assume that Non-AP MLD1 is associated with AP1x and AP2y in AP MLD1, K is equal to 2, and APs having an association relationship with Non-AP MLD1 are AP1x and AP2y. The second frame carries specific critical BSS parameters of multiple APs (all APs or some APs) in AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3 individually. For example, the second frame carries specific critical BSS parameters of all APs in AP MLD1, and also carries specific critical parameters of all APs in AP MLD2 and AP MLD3. Thus, for AP1x of AP MLD1, the specific critical BSS parameters of AP1x indicate that the channel number to which the station switches is 9, and Non-AP MLD1 switches the STA corresponding to AP1x to the channel to which channel number 9 is arranged for communication based on the instruction of the specific critical BSS parameters of AP1x. For AP2y of AP MLD1, the specific critical BSS parameters of AP2y indicate that the operating class to which the station switches is A, and Non-AP MLD1 changes the STA corresponding to AP2y from the current operating class to the operating class identified by operating class A based on the instruction of the specific critical BSS parameters of AP2y.

[0226] It can be understood that in the second embodiment of the present application, the AP of the AP MLD is used as an example for explanation. In practical application, each AP of the AP MLD may execute step S201 to step S202 shown in FIG.

[0227] It can be understood that the second STA may be a single-link STA or a STA in a Non-AP MLD. If the second STA is a single-link STA, when the second STA switches from one link to another link, the second STA may use the method of this embodiment of the present application to obtain certain critical BSS parameters.

[0228] In this embodiment of the present application, the second frame transmitted by the AP in the AP MLD not only explicitly carries the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the AP MLD, but also explicitly carries the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in another AP MLD. The specific critical BSS parameters include elements related to channel change. This helps the Non-AP MLD to learn the operating channel switching status of all APs in the AP MLD when the Non-AP MLD listens to one or more links (but not all links), so that the Non-AP MLD can operate normally.

[0229] In an optional embodiment, when a STA in a Non-AP MLD requests to switch to another link, the channel switch signaling implicitly indicates that it requests specific critical BSS parameters of the AP operating on the link from the AP MLD. Alternatively, specific signaling is explicitly carried to indicate the critical BSS parameters specifically required. For example, one or more element IDs are used. Optionally, one or more element ID extensions are further carried. Alternatively, the non-inherited elements of the 802.11-2016 protocol are directly reused to obtain the parameters of the corresponding elements in the non-inherited elements. The response frame in which the associated AP MLD responds on the link corresponding to the STA must carry the latest specific unique BSS parameters of the AP operating on the other link at this time.

[0230] Optionally, the channel switch signaling further includes an identifier of the AP, such as a link identifier, and an identifier of the MLD that includes the AP, such as a sequence number of the MLD or a MAC address of the MLD.

[0231] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a non-inherited element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 12, a non-inherited element includes an element ID, a length, an element ID extension, one or more element IDs, and one or more element ID extensions. The element ID and element ID extensions are used to indicate that the element is a non-inherited element. The length indicates the length after the element length field. Optionally, one or more element IDs and one or more element ID extensions are used to indicate the content of one or more specific elements requested. The element ID extension number is also only present if the value of the element ID is 255. Otherwise, the element ID may indicate an element independently.

[0232] The above has described in detail the method provided in the present application. In order to better implement the above solution in the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application further provide a corresponding device or apparatus.

[0233] In the embodiment of the present application, the functional modules in the multilink device may be defined based on the above-mentioned method example. For example, each functional module may be defined in correspondence with each function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware, or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the division into modules is an example, and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, another division method may be used. Hereinafter, the communication device in the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 13 to 17. The communication device is an access point in an access point multilink device, or a station in a non-access point multilink device. In addition, the communication device may be a device in an AP MLD, or may be a device in a Non-AP MLD.

[0234] When using an integrated unit, Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1 may be a first AP MLD or a chip in the first AP MLD, such as a Wi-Fi chip, or may be a first AP or a chip in the first AP in the first AP MLD. The first AP is a reporting AP and belongs to the first AP MLD. As shown in Fig. 13, the communication device 1 includes a processing unit 11 and a transceiver unit 12.

[0235] The processing unit 11 is configured to generate a first frame, where the first frame indicates critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to each of a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to each of a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs among a multi-BSSID set including the first AP, and one piece of critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP is used to determine whether a critical BSS parameter of a BSS managed by the AP is updated. The transceiver unit 12 is configured to transmit the first frame on a link on which the communication device 1 operates.

[0236] Optionally, the critical BSS parameter update information includes a critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0237] In the communication device 1, the first frame generated by the processing unit 11 can not only indicate the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to the multiple APs in the first AP MLD, but also indicate the critical BSS parameter update count values ​​corresponding to the multiple APs in the second AP MLD. This is because an AP can help the multiple APs in another AP MLD to indicate the corresponding critical BSS parameter update count values, so that the STA can compare the currently received critical BSS parameter update count value with the last received critical BSS parameter update count value to check whether the critical BSS parameters are updated. Thus, the STA can be helped to receive the latest critical BSS parameters, and the Non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD can listen on the link on which the non-transmitting AP in the second AP MLD operates, and can also operate normally.

[0238] Optionally, the processing unit 11 is further configured to generate a second frame, the second frame indicating the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the first AP MLD and the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the second AP MLD. The transceiver unit 12 is further configured to transmit the second frame on a link over which the communication device operates.

[0239] It should be noted that the communication device 1 can implement embodiment 1 accordingly, and the above operations or functions of the units in the communication device 1 are separately used to realize the corresponding operations of the first AP in the first AP MLD of embodiment 1. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0240] 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 2 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 2 may be a first STA or a chip in the first STA, for example a Wi-Fi chip. The first STA may be a single-link STA or a STA in a Non-AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 14, the communication device 2 includes a transceiver unit 21 and a processing unit 22.

[0241] The transceiver unit 21 is configured to receive a first frame on a link on which the communication device 2 operates, the first frame indicating critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs among a multi-BSSID set including the first AP, and one piece of critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP is used to determine whether the critical BSS parameters of the BSSs managed by the AP are updated. The processing unit 22 is configured to determine whether the critical BSS parameters of the BSSs managed by the plurality of APs in the AP MLD associated with the communication device 2 are updated based on the first frame.

[0242] Optionally, the critical BSS parameter update information includes a critical BSS parameter update count value.

[0243] In the communication device 2, the processing unit 22 learns whether the BSS to which the processing unit 22 belongs has been updated with critical BSS parameters based on the critical BSS parameter update count value indicated by the first frame, thereby ensuring that the processing unit 22 receives the latest critical BSS parameters.

[0244] Optionally, the transceiver unit 21 is further configured to receive a second frame on the link on which the communication device 2 operates, the second frame indicating the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the first AP MLD and the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the second AP MLD. The processing unit 22 is configured to analyze the second frame to obtain the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the AP MLD associated with the communication device 2.

[0245] It should be noted that the communication device 2 can implement embodiment 1 accordingly, and the above operations or functions of the units in the communication device 2 are separately used to realize the corresponding operations of the first STA in Non-AP MLD in embodiment 1. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0246] 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 3 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 3 may be a first AP MLD or a chip in the first AP MLD, such as a Wi-Fi chip, or may be a second AP or a chip in the second AP in the first AP MLD. The second AP is any AP in the first AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 15, the communication device 3 includes a processing unit 31 and a transceiver unit 32.

[0247] The processing unit 31 is configured to generate a second frame, the second frame indicating certain critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the first AP MLD and / or certain critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which non-transmitting APs in a multi-BSSID set including the second AP belong. The transceiver unit 32 is configured to transmit the second frame on a link over which the communication device 3 operates.

[0248] In the communication device 3, the second frame generated by the processing unit 31 not only explicitly carries the specific critical BSS parameters of the multiple APs in the AP MLD, but also explicitly carries the specific critical BSS parameters of the multiple APs in another AP MLD. The specific critical BSS parameters include elements related to channel change. This helps the Non-AP MLD to learn the operating channel switching status of all APs in the AP MLD when the Non-AP MLD listens to one or more links (but not all links), so that the Non-AP MLD can operate normally.

[0249] It should be noted that the communication device 3 described in this embodiment of the present application can implement embodiment 2 accordingly, and the above operations or functions of the units in the communication device 3 are separately used to realize the corresponding operations of the second AP in the first AP MLD of embodiment 2. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0250] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 4 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 4 may be a second STA or a chip in the second STA, for example a Wi-Fi chip. The second STA may be a single-link STA or a STA in Non-AP MLD. As shown in Fig. 16, the communication device 4 includes a transceiver unit 41 and a processing unit 42.

[0251] The transceiver unit 41 is further configured to receive a second frame on the link over which the communication device 4 operates, the second frame indicating the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the first AP MLD and / or the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the second AP MLD, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which the non-transmitting APs in the multi-BSSID set including the second AP belong. The processing unit 42 is configured to analyze the second frame to obtain the specific critical BSS parameters of the APs in the AP MLD associated with the second STA.

[0252] It can be seen that in the communication device 4, the processing unit 42 can analyze the second frame to learn the latest critical BSS parameters of multiple APs in the AP MLD associated with the MLD in which the processing unit 42 is located, and perform corresponding processing based on the received latest critical BSS parameters to ensure normal communication.

[0253] It should be noted that the communication device 4 described in this embodiment of the present application can implement embodiment 2 accordingly, and the above operations or functions of the units in the communication device 4 are separately used to realize the corresponding operations of the second STA of Non-AP MLD in embodiment 2. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0254] The above describes the AP MLD and STA in the embodiment of the present application. The following describes possible product forms of the AP MLD and STA. It should be understood that the product form having the function of the AP MLD in FIG. 13 or FIG. 15 and the product form having the function of the STA in FIG. 14 or FIG. 16 are included in the scope of protection of the embodiment of the present application. It should be further understood that the following description is merely an example, and the product form of the AP MLD and STA in the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0255] As a possible product type, the AP MLD and STA described in the embodiments of this application may be implemented using a general-purpose bus architecture.

[0256] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1000 may be an AP MLD, a STA, or a device in an AP MLD or a STA. As shown in FIG. 17, the communication device 1000 includes a processor 1001 and a transceiver 1002 internally connected to the processor and communicating with the processor. The processor 1001 is a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, etc. For example, the processor may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be configured to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be configured to control a communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal, a terminal chip, a DU, or a CU) to execute a computer program and process data of the computer program. The transceiver 1002 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, etc., and is configured to implement a transceiver function. The transceiver 1002 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver machine, a receiving circuit, etc., and is configured to implement a receiving function. The transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter, a transmission circuit, etc., and is configured to implement a transmission function. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include an antenna 1003 and / or a radio frequency unit (not shown in the figure). The antenna 1003 and / or the radio frequency unit may be located inside the communication device 1000 or may be separate from the communication device 1000. That is, the antenna 1003 and / or the radio frequency unit may be located remotely or in a distributed manner.

[0257] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may include one or more memories 1004. The memory 1004 may store instructions. The instructions may be computer programs. The computer programs may be executed on the communication device 1000, such that the communication device 1000 performs the methods described in the method embodiments above. Optionally, the memory 1004 may further store data. The communication device 1000 and the memory 1004 may be located separately or may be integrated.

[0258] The processor 1001, the transceiver 1002, and the memory 1004 may be coupled to each other via a communication bus.

[0259] In design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the function of the first AP of the first AP MLD in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S101 of FIG. 7 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S102 of FIG. 7 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0260] In design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform a function of the first STA of the Non-AP MLD of embodiment 1. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S104 of FIG. 7 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S103 of FIG. 7 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0261] In design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform a function of the second AP of the first AP MLD of embodiment 2. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S201 of FIG 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S202 of FIG 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0262] In design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the function of a STA of Non-AP MLD in embodiment 2. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S204 of FIG 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S203 of FIG 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0263] In any of the above designs, the processor 1001 may include a transceiver configured to implement the receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit configured to implement the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit may be configured to read and write code / data. Alternatively, the transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit may be configured to transmit or forward a signal.

[0264] In any of the above designs, the processor 1001 may store instructions. The instructions may be computer programs. The computer programs execute on the processor 1001, such that the communication device 1000 can perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer programs may be fixed to the processor 1001, in which case the processor 1001 may be implemented by hardware.

[0265] In implementation, the communication device 1000 may include circuitry that may implement the transmit, receive, or communicate functions in any of the embodiments of the method described above. The processors and transceivers described herein may be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), analog IC, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), mixed signal IC, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or printed circuit board (PCB), electronic device, etc. The processors and transceivers may be fabricated using various IC technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), nMetal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), p-channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), and gallium arsenide (GaAs).

[0266] The scope of the communication device described herein is not limited in this respect, and the structure of the communication device may not be limited by FIG. 17. The communication device may be a separate device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) An independent integrated circuit IC, chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a set including one or more integrated circuits, optionally the set of integrated circuits further including a storage component configured to store data and computer programs; (3) ASICs, such as modems, (4) A module that can be incorporated into other devices; (5) Receivers, terminals, intelligent terminals, mobile phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, in-vehicle devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc., or (6) Other devices, etc.

[0267] In a possible product form, the AP MLD and the STA in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by a general-purpose processor.

[0268] A general-purpose processor implementing the AP MLD includes a processing circuit and an input / output interface interconnected to and in communication with the processing circuit.

[0269] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP of the first AP MLD in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform step S101 of FIG 7 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S102 of FIG 7 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0270] In another design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the second AP of the first AP MLD in the above-mentioned embodiment 2. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform step S201 of FIG 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S202 of FIG 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0271] A general-purpose processor that implements Non-AP MLD includes a processing circuit and an input / output interface interconnected to and in communication with the processing circuit.

[0272] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the first STA of the Non-AP MLD in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform step S104 of FIG 7 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S103 of FIG 7 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0273] In another design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the second STA of the Non-AP MLD in the above-mentioned embodiment 2. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform step S204 of FIG 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S203 of FIG 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0274] In possible product forms, the AP MLD or STA described in the embodiments of this application may alternatively be implemented using one or more of the following components: one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuitry, or any combination of circuitry capable of performing the various functions described herein.

[0275] It should be understood that the communication devices in the above various product forms have the function of either AP MLD or STA in the embodiment of the method, and the details are not described again here.

[0276] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium storing computer program code, which when executed by a processor causes the electronic device to perform the method in any of the above embodiments.

[0277] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0278] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The device may be in the product form of a chip. The structure of the device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with another device through the interface circuit and enable the communication device to perform the method in any of the previous embodiments.

[0279] The embodiment of the present application further provides a wireless communication system, including a first AP MLD and a STA. The first AP MLD and the STA can perform the method in any of the above embodiments.

[0280] The method or algorithm steps described in connection with the contents disclosed herein may be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions may include corresponding software modules. The software modules may be stored in a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable-Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable hard disk, a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. For example, the storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from or write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC. Furthermore, the ASIC may be located in the core network interface device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may reside in the core network interface device as separate components.

[0281] Those skilled in the art should recognize that in one or more of the above examples, the functions described herein may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If the functions are implemented by software, the functions described above may be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storage media and communication media, and further include any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0282] In the above specific implementation, the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present application are further described in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation of the present application, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements or improvements made based on the technical solutions of the present application should be encompassed within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. 1. A method for managing critical basic service set (BSS) parameters applicable to multiple links, comprising: generating a first frame by a first access point (AP) in a first access point multi-link device (AP MLD), the first frame indicating critical basic service set (BSS) parameter update information respectively corresponding to a plurality of APs in the first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information respectively corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to an AP being used to determine whether a critical BSS parameter in a BSS managed by the AP has been updated; transmitting, by the first AP in the first AP MLD, the first frame on a link on which the first AP operates; Including, The second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs in a multi-basic service set identifier (BSSID) set including the first AP; An AP MLD that satisfies the following two conditions: (1) at least one AP in the AP MLD is in the same multi-BSSID set as an AP in the first AP MLD, and (2) no AP in the AP MLD operates on the same link as the first AP. A method comprising:

2. 1. A method for managing critical BSS parameters applicable to multiple links, comprising: receiving a first frame by a first station (STA) in a first non-AP multilink device (Non-AP MLD) on a link on which the first STA operates, the first frame indicating critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a first AP MLD and critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to a plurality of APs in a second AP MLD, the one critical BSS parameter update information corresponding to the AP being used to determine whether a critical BSS parameter in a BSS managed by the AP is updated; determining, by a first STA in the first Non-AP MLD, whether critical BSS parameters of a plurality of BSSs managed by a plurality of APs in an AP MLD associated with the first STA are updated based on the first frame; Including, The second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs in a multi-basic service set identifier (BSSID) set including the first AP; An AP MLD that satisfies the following two conditions: (1) at least one AP in the AP MLD is in the same multi-BSSID set as an AP in the first AP MLD, and (2) no AP in the AP MLD operates on the same link as the first AP. A method comprising:

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the critical BSS parameter update information includes a critical BSS parameter update count value, and the first Non-AP MLD records a last received critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to each link.

4. the critical BSS parameter update information includes the critical BSS parameter update count value; The method comprises:

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, further comprising: receiving a beacon frame of the second AP by a station associated with the second AP in the first Non-AP MLD when a critical BSS parameter update count value received by the first STA in the first Non-AP MLD corresponding to the second AP in an AP MLD associated with the first Non-AP MLD is different from a critical BSS parameter update count value of the second AP last received by the first Non-AP MLD, the beacon frame carrying the latest critical BSS parameters of the second AP.

5. the critical BSS parameter update information includes a critical BSS parameter update count value; The method comprises:

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, further comprising: when a critical BSS parameter update count value received by the first STA in the first Non-AP MLD corresponding to a second AP in an AP MLD associated with the first Non-AP MLD is different from a critical BSS parameter update count value of the second AP last received by the first Non-AP MLD, acquiring the latest critical BSS parameters of the second AP by transmitting a probe request frame by a STA in the first Non-AP MLD.

6. The method comprises:

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: if a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to an AP in the first AP MLD and indicated by the first frame is different from a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to the AP and last received by the first Non-AP MLD, updating, by the first Non-AP MLD, a locally stored critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to the AP to a critical BSS parameter update count value corresponding to the AP and indicated by the first frame.

7. The method of claim 3 , wherein the critical BSS parameter update count value is incremented by one when one of the critical BSS parameters changes.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first frame includes a link identifier field and a multi-link device (MLD) identifier field, the link identifier field indicating a reported AP, and the MLD identifier field indicating an AP MLD including the reported AP.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the field carrying the critical BSS parameter update count value, the link identifier field, and the MLD identifier field are carried in a Rapid Neighbor Report (RNR) element of the first frame.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein one target beacon transmission time (TBTT) information field in the RNR element carries one of the critical BSS parameter update count values, one of the link identifier fields, and one of the MLD identifier fields, and one of the TBTT information fields corresponds to one AP.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein a value of a Short Service Set Identifier (SSID) field of an AP in the RNR element is obtained based on an SSID of an MLD that includes the AP.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first frame is one of a beacon frame, a probe response frame, and an association response frame.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein an association response frame sent by an AP in the first AP MLD carries current critical BSS parameter update count values ​​of a plurality of APs.

14. The method comprises: generating a second frame by the first AP in the first AP MLD, the second frame indicating certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in the first AP MLD and certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in the second AP MLD; transmitting, by the first AP in the first AP MLD, the second frame on a link on which the first AP operates; The method of any one of claims 1, 7 to 13, further comprising:

15. The method comprises: receiving, by the first STA, a second frame on a link on which the first STA operates, the second frame indicating certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in the first AP MLD and certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in the second AP MLD; analyzing, by the first STA, the second frame to obtain certain critical BSS parameters of a plurality of APs in an AP MLD associated with the Non-AP MLD; The method according to any one of claims 2 to 13, further comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein a particular critical BSS parameter of an AP in the second frame includes one or more of the following: inclusion of a channel switch announcement element, inclusion of an extended channel switch announcement element, inclusion of a wide-bandwidth channel switch element, and inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element.

17. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein one particular critical BSS parameter of the AP in the second frame further comprises one or more of the following: inclusion of a quiet element and inclusion of a quiet channel element.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the particular critical BSS parameters are conveyed in a multi-link (ML) element.

19. A communications device comprising a processor and a transceiver, said transceiver and said processor configured to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A first access point multi-link device (AP MLD), comprising a first AP and a second AP, the first AP comprising a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver and the processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1, 7-14, 16-18.

21. A first Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), comprising a first station (STA) and a second STA, the first STA comprising a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver and the processor configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 2 to 12 and 15 to 18.

22. A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1, 7-14, 16-18 by a first access point (AP) in a first access point multi-link device (AP MLD), or enable the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 2-12, 15-18 by a first station (STA) in a first non-access point multi-link device (Non-AP MLD).

23. A chip or chip system, comprising an input / output interface and a processing circuit, the input / output interface being configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processing circuit, the processing circuit executing the code instructions to enable a first access point (AP) in a first access point multi-link device (AP MLD) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1, 7 to 14, 16 to 18, or a first station (STA) in a first non-access point multi-link device (Non-AP MLD). A chip or chip system configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 2 to 12, 15 to 18.

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