Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The value of a specific element of a first AP (or a second AP) is reused in a management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs in a multi-BSSID set to which the first AP (or the second AP) belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements in a multi-BSSID set. This reduces redundant data in the management frame, avoids unnecessary overhead, and improves communication efficiency. The present application is applied to a wireless local area network system supporting IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocols, for example, 802.11 series protocols such as 802.11be or EHT.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202110957217.1, titled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 19, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical Field] This application relates to the field of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus.

Background Art

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

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

[0005] However, in the above implementation process, the management frame needs to carry the corresponding specific elements for each AP. As a result, the management frame sent by the AP has some repeated redundant data, which may cause unnecessary overhead and affect the communication efficiency.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus. The value of a specific element of the first AP (or the second AP) is reused in a management frame to indicate the specific elements of a plurality of APs within the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP (or the second AP) belongs. The management frame does not need to carry a plurality of the same specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and communication efficiency is improved.

[0007] The first aspect of this application provides a communication method applicable to WLAN communication. This method is executed by a first AP, or the method is executed by some components (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the first AP. In the first aspect and possible implementation forms of the first aspect, an example where the method is executed by the first AP is used for illustration. In this method, the first AP generates a management frame, the management frame includes a specific element of the first AP, the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP, and the first AP transmits the management frame.

[0008] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the first AP includes specific elements of the first AP. The first AP is an AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP. In this way, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. When the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the first AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple same specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0009] The second aspect of this application provides a communication method. This method is executed by a STA, or the method is executed by some components within the STA (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system). In the second aspect and possible implementation forms of the second aspect, an example where the method is executed by a STA is used for the sake of explanation. In this method, the STA receives a management frame, the management frame includes specific elements of a first access point (AP), the first AP is an AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP, and the STA determines, based on the management frame, the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, or the value of the specific element of the first AP.

[0010] Optionally, the determination by the STA, based on the management frame, of the value of a specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, or of the value of a specific element of the first AP, may be expressed as the determination by the STA, based on the management frame, of the value of a specific element of the AP associated with the STA.

[0011] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame received by the STA includes specific elements of the first AP, where the first AP is the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP. Thus, when the STA is the STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific element of the first AP carried in the management frame, and when the STA is the STA associated with the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific element of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the first AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

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

[0013] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the transceiver unit includes specific elements of the first AP. The first AP is an AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within a multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP. In this way, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. When the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific elements of the first AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0014] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device applicable to WLAN communication. This device is a STA, or the device is some components within a STA (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system). The transceiver unit within the device is configured to receive a management frame, and the management frame includes specific elements of a first access point (AP), where the first AP is the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within a multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP. The processing unit within the device is configured to determine, based on the management frame, the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, or the value of the specific element of the first AP.

[0015] Optionally, the fact that the processing unit is configured to determine, based on the management frame, the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, or the value of the specific element of the first AP, may be expressed as the processing unit being configured to determine, based on the management frame, the value of the specific element of the AP associated with the STA.

[0016] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame received by the transceiver unit includes specific elements of a first AP. The first AP is the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP. Thus, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. When the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with a non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific elements of the first AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0017] In any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, the fact that the value of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the specific elements of the first AP may be expressed as the value of the specific elements of another AP other than the first AP within the multi-BSSID set being the same as the value of the specific elements of the first AP, or may be expressed as the values of the specific elements of all APs within the multi-BSSID set being the same, or may be expressed as the values of the specific elements of all APs within the multi-BSSID set being the same in pairs (every two), or may be expressed as the common specific elements of all APs within the multi-BSSID set being the same. It should be noted that the multi-BSSID set included in the management frame does not include the common specific elements of all APs within the multi-BSSID set.

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

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, the multi-BSSID element in the management frame does not include a specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID. In other words, the specific element of the first AP also indicates the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID. Therefore, the specific element of the first AP is reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the first AP and the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID). Thereby, redundant data carried in the management frame is avoided, the overhead is reduced, and the communication efficiency is improved.

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

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

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

[0023] The fifth aspect of this application provides a communication method applicable to WLAN communication. This method is executed by a first AP, or the method is executed by some components (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system) within the first AP. In the fifth aspect and possible implementation forms of the fifth aspect, an example where the method is executed by the first AP is used for illustration. In this method, the first AP generates a management frame, the management frame includes specific elements of a second AP, the first AP is an AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP belongs to a second multi-BSSID set, the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, and the first AP transmits the management frame.

[0024] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the first AP includes specific elements of the second AP. The first AP is the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP is the BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set. The value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. Thus, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific element of the second AP carried in the management frame. When the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific element of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs within the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry the same specific elements of multiple APs within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0025] A sixth aspect of the present application provides a communication method. This method is executed by an STA, or the method is executed by some components within the STA (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system). In the sixth aspect and possible implementation forms of the sixth aspect, an example where the method is executed by the STA is used for illustration. In this method, the STA receives a management frame from a first access point (AP), the management frame includes specific elements of a second AP, the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID within a first multi-BSSID set, the second AP belongs to a second multi-BSSID set, the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, and the STA determines the value of the specific element of the second AP or the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set based on the management frame.

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

[0027] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the STA includes specific elements of the second AP. The first AP is the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is the BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. Thus, when the STA is an STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific element of the second AP carried in the management frame. When the STA is an STA associated with another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific element of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs within the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0028] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device applicable to WLAN communication. This device is the first AP, or the device is some components within the first AP (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system). The processing unit within the device is configured to generate a management frame, and the management frame includes specific elements of the second AP. The first AP is the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, and the first AP is the AP within the first access point multi-link device (access point multi-link device , AP MLD), and the second AP belongs to the second multi-BSSID set. The value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. The transceiver unit within the device is configured to transmit the management frame.

[0029] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the transceiver unit includes specific elements of a second AP. The first AP is the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is the BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. Thus, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific element of the second AP carried in the management frame. When the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific element of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs within the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0030] The eighth aspect of the present application provides a communication device applicable to WLAN communication. This device is a STA, or the device is some components within the STA (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system). The transceiver unit within the device is configured to receive a management frame from a first access point (AP). The management frame includes specific elements of a second AP. The first AP is the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set. The first AP is the first access point multi-link device (access point multi-link deviceis an AP within the AP MLD, and the second AP belongs to the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of a specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. The processing unit within the device is configured to determine the value of a specific element of the second AP or the value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set based on the management frame.

[0031] Optionally, the fact that the processing unit is configured to determine the value of a specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set or the value of a specific element of the first AP based on the management frame may be expressed as the processing unit being configured to determine the value of a specific element of the AP associated with the STA based on the management frame.

[0032] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the transceiver unit includes a specific element of the second AP. The first AP is the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is the BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. Thus, when the receiving side of the management frame is the STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific element of the second AP carried in the management frame. When the receiving side of the management frame is the STA associated with another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific element of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs within the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple same specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

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

[0034] In any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the fact that the value of a specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the values of the specific elements of all APs within the second multi-BSSID set being the same, or it should be noted that it may be expressed as the values of the specific elements of all APs within the second multi-BSSID set being the same in pairs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0041] Optionally, the fact that the second AP includes an AP within the second AP MLD and the second AP is not an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the second AP including another AP within the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, or may be expressed as the second AP including another AP within the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set.

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

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

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

[0045] Based on the foregoing technical solution, when the first AP sends a management frame, the first AP may carry related information about the AP MLD where the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set is located by using the multi-BSSID element of the management frame. In other words, a specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame. The first AP MLD to which the first AP belongs is different from the second AP MLD to which the second AP belongs. When the first AP sends a management frame, the management frame includes a specific element for indicating an AP located in an AP MLD different from the first AP. The specific element indicates specific elements of a plurality of APs within the multi-BSSID set where the AP in a different AP MLD is located.

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

[0047] Optionally, the first non-transmitted BSSID profile is the first part of the non-transmitted BSSID profiles within at least one non-transmitted BSSID profile.

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

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

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

[0051] Based on the foregoing technical solution, in at least one non-transmission BSSID profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame, another non-transmission BSSID profile other than the first non-transmission BSSID profile containing the specific element does not contain the specific element. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP also indicates the value of the specific element of the AP with the BSSID corresponding to another non-transmission BSSID profile. Therefore, the specific element of the first AP is reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and the AP with the BSSID corresponding to another non-transmission BSSID profile). Thereby, redundant data carried in the management frame is avoided, overhead is reduced, and communication efficiency is improved.

[0052] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth aspect to the eighth aspect, the specific element is located in the multi-link element (referred to as the Multi-Link Element or ML element) of the management frame.

[0053] Optionally, the second AP is another AP other than the first AP within the first AP MLD, and the specific element is located in the multi-link element of the management frame.

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

[0055] The fact that the second AP is another AP other than the first AP within the first AP MLD may also be expressed as the first AP and the second AP being affiliated with the same AP MLD.

[0056] In addition, the first AP can be an AP within the first AP MLD, and the second AP can be another AP within the first AP MLD. When the first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame includes a specific element for indicating another AP located in the same AP MLD as the first AP. The specific element indicates the specific elements of a plurality of APs within a multi-BSSID set where another AP within the same AP MLD is located.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] Optionally, when the local information field includes a local MAC address, the value of the local MAC address within the local information field may be the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0074] Based on the foregoing technical solutions, the management frame further includes a multi-BSSID element for indicating information regarding a first multi-BSSID set, and the multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set does not include specific elements of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. In other words, since the value of the specific element of the second AP also indicates the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, the specific element of the second AP is reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) within the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) within the second AP MLD). Thereby, redundant data carried in the management frame is avoided, the overhead is reduced, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0075] In a possible implementation form of any one of the fifth aspect to the eighth aspect, the management frame further includes a first field, and the first field satisfies at least one of the following: The first field indicates that at least an STA within a non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD needs to receive the multi-link element (specific element of the second AP therein) of the first AP MLD; The first field indicates that at least an STA within a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD needs to receive the multi-link element (specific element of the second AP therein) of the first AP MLD; The first field indicates that at least an STA associated with the first AP needs to receive the multi-link element (specific element of the second AP therein) of the first AP MLD; The first field indicates that at least an STA within a non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD needs to receive the multi-BSSID element (specific element of the second AP therein) corresponding to the second multi-BSSID set; or The first field indicates that at least the STA in the non - AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD needs to receive the first non - transmission BSSID profile (a specific element of the second AP within the multi - BSSID element corresponding to the second multi - BSSID set).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0082] A tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes the method in any one of the first aspect or a possible implementation form of the first aspect, or the processor executes the method in any one of the second aspect or a possible implementation form of the second aspect, or the processor executes the method in any one of the fifth aspect or a possible implementation form of the fifth aspect, or the processor executes the method in any one of the sixth aspect or a possible implementation form of the sixth aspect.

[0083] An eleventh aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product (or referred to as a computer program) storing one or more computers. When the computer program product is executed by a processor, the processor executes the method in any one of the first aspect or a possible implementation form of the first aspect, or the processor executes the method in any one of the second aspect or a possible implementation form of the second aspect, or the processor executes the method in any one of the fifth aspect or a possible implementation form of the fifth aspect, or the processor executes the method in any one of the sixth aspect or a possible implementation form of the sixth aspect.

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

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

[0086] A thirteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes the communication device in the third aspect and the communication device in the fourth aspect, and / or the communication system includes the communication device in the seventh aspect and the communication device in the eighth aspect, and / or the communication system includes the communication device in the ninth aspect.

[0087] For the technical effects brought about by any design from the ninth aspect to the thirteenth aspect, reference may be made to the technical effects brought about by different implementation forms from the first aspect to the eighth aspect. Details are not described again here.

[0088] As can be seen from the foregoing technical solutions, in some embodiments, the value of a specific element of the first AP (or the second AP) is reused by the first AP in the management frame to indicate specific elements of a plurality of APs within the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP (or the second AP) belongs. The management frame does not need to carry the same specific elements of a plurality within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0089]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0090] In the present application, unless otherwise specified, for the same or similar parts of the embodiments, they refer to each other. In the embodiments of the present application and the implementation forms / implementation methods in the embodiments, unless otherwise specified or there is no logical contradiction, the terms and / or descriptions are consistent and can be cross-referenced between different embodiments and between the implementation forms / implementation methods in the embodiments. The technical features in different embodiments and the implementation forms / implementation methods in the embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments, implementation forms, or implementation methods according to their internal logical relationships. The following description is an embodiment of the present application, but is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application.

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

[0092] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the term "a plurality of" means two or more. The expression "at least one of the following items (parts)" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any single item (part) or any combination of multiple items (parts). For example, at least one item (part) of a, b, or c may represent a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

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

[0094] To facilitate the understanding of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the system architecture of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. It can be understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of this application is intended to more clearly explain the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application and does not constitute any limitation to the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0095] The technical solution provided in this application is applicable to the WLAN scenario, for example, to the standards of the IEEE802.11 system, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, or the next generation of 802.11ax, such as 802.11be, or further future standards.

[0096] Embodiments of this application are mainly described by using examples of deployed WLAN networks, especially networks that apply the standards of the IEEE802.11 system. However, those skilled in the art can easily understand that the aspects of this application can be extended to other networks that use various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (which is a wireless standard similar to the IEEE802.11 standard and is mainly used in Europe), wide area communication network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), or other networks that may be known or developed in the future. Therefore, the various aspects provided in this application are applicable to any suitable wireless network regardless of the coverage and wireless access protocol.

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

[0098] The foregoing communication systems used in the present application are merely examples for illustration and are not limited thereto. A unified description is provided in this specification and details will not be described again below.

[0099] The foregoing content briefly describes the system architecture in the embodiments of the present application. To better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the content related to the embodiments of the present application will be described below.

[0100] 1. Multi-link device

[0101] The wireless communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application can be a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The multicast service transmission method can be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system, or a chip or a processor in the communication device. The communication device can be a wireless communication device that supports simultaneous transmission executed on a plurality of links. For example, the communication device can be called a Multi-link device or a multi-band device. Compared with a device that only supports single-link transmission, a multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput.

[0102] A multi-link device includes one or more affiliated Stations (STAs). An affiliated STA is a logical station and can operate on one link. The affiliated STA can be an access point (AP) or a non-Access Point Station (non-AP STA). For ease of explanation, in the present application, a multi-link device whose affiliated STA is an AP may be called a multi-link AP, a multi-link AP device, or an AP multi-link device (AP MLD). A multi-link device whose affiliated STA is a non-AP STA may be called a multi-link STA, a multi-link STA device, or an STA multi-link device (STA MLD). For ease of explanation, in the embodiments of the present application, "a multi-link device includes an affiliated STA" is also simply described as "a multi-link device includes an STA".

[0103] It should be noted that a multi-link device includes a plurality of logical stations, and each of the logical stations operates on a single link, but it is possible for a plurality of logical stations to operate on the same link.

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

[0105] For example, the multi-link device in this embodiment of the present application may be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, the multi-link device may be a device having more than two antennas. The number of antennas included in the multi-link device is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment of the present application, the multi-link device may enable the same type of access traffic to be transmitted on different links, or may even enable the same data packet to be transmitted on different links. Alternatively, the multi-link device may not enable the same type of access traffic to be transmitted on different links, but may enable different types of access traffic to be transmitted on different links.

[0106] For example, a multi-link device is a device having a wireless communication function. The device may be a device of the entire system, or may be a chip, a processing system, etc. installed in a device of the entire system. The device in which the chip or the processing system is installed can be controlled by the chip or the processing system in order to implement the methods and functions in the embodiments of this application. For example, the STA MLD in the embodiments of this application has a wireless transceiver function, can support the 802.11 series protocols, and can communicate with an AP MLD, another STA MLD, or a single-link device. For example, the STA MLD is any user communication device that enables a user to communicate with an AP and further communicate with a WLAN. For example, the STA MLD may be a user device that can be connected 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), or a mobile phone, or may be an Internet of Things node in the Internet of Things, or may be an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles. The STA MLD may alternatively be a chip and a processing system within the aforementioned terminal.

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

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

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

[0110] 2. Multi-link cooperation technology

[0111] To significantly improve the service transmission speed of the WLAN system, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax standard further uses the orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technology based on the existing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology. The OFDMA technology supports multiple nodes to simultaneously transmit and receive data to achieve multi-hop diversity gain. In addition, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a new available frequency band of 5925 - 7125 MHz. Hereinafter, this frequency band is simply referred to as 6 GHz. Therefore, the operating range of 802.11ax devices is extended from 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc.

[0112] The IEEE802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocol - extremely high throughput (EHT) devices are backward compatible. Therefore, the devices also support the operating spectrum of 802.11ax devices, namely, the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. The IEEE802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocol - EHT devices perform channel splitting based on the newly released free 6GHz band. The supported bandwidth, for example, 320MHz, exceeds the maximum bandwidth of 160MHz supported at 5GHz.

[0113] The peak throughput of IEEE802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi - EHT devices can be increased by using extremely large bandwidths, by using a larger number of streams, for example, increasing the number of streams to 16, through the cooperation of multiple bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz), or in other ways. In the same frequency band, the peak throughput can be further increased through the coordination of multiple channels or in other ways. This reduces the service transmission delay. In this specification, multiple frequency bands or multiple channels are collectively referred to as multiple links.

[0114] IEEE802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi - EHT devices use multi-link cooperation technology to aggregate multiple discontinuous links to form an extremely large bandwidth. In addition to aggregating higher bandwidths, the multi-link cooperation technology can also be used to simultaneously transmit data packets of the same service to the same station.

[0115] WLAN can operate on low - frequency bands including sub - 1 gigahertz (GHz), 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc. In 802.11ax (Wi - Fi 6) and previous multi - band Wi - Fi, multiple links are configured. Generally, different basic service sets (BSSs) are established for each of the multiple links. At a certain moment, only one link can be used for a station within the BSS to which the link belongs to communicate, and the operations on each link lack sufficient coordination.

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

[0117] The non-AP MLD can perform a multi-link set-up operation on one link that is simultaneously associated with multiple links of the AP MLD. The link that executes the multi-link association request / response frame exchange is called the transmitted link. Correspondingly, another link is called the nontransmitted link. The multi-link association request / response frame carries information about multiple links (e.g., multi-link elements) to implement the simultaneous association of multiple links.

[0118] 3. Link Identifier

[0119] The link identifier represents one station operating on one link. In other words, if there are two or more stations on one link, two or more link identifiers represent two or more stations. The link mentioned below may also represent the station operating on the link.

[0120] During data transmission, the AP MLD and the STA MLD can use the link identifier to identify the link or the station on the link. Before communication, the AP MLD and the STA MLD can first negotiate or communicate with each other about the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link. Therefore, during data transmission, the link identifier is carried without transmitting a large amount of signaling information to indicate the link or the station on the link. This reduces the signaling overhead and improves the transmission efficiency.

[0121] In one example, when establishing a basic service set (BSS), management frames transmitted by an AP MLD, such as beacon frames, carry one element, and the element includes a plurality of link identifier information fields. The link identifier information field may indicate the correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on the link corresponding to this link identifier. The link identifier information field includes a link identifier and one or more of the information such as a MAC address, an operating class, and a channel number. One or more of the MAC address, the operating class, and the channel number may indicate one link. In the case of an AP, the MAC address of the AP is the BSSID (basic service set identifier) of the AP.

[0122] In another example, in a multi-link device association process, the AP MLD and the STA multi-link device negotiate a plurality of link identifier information fields. Multi-link device association means one association between one AP of the AP MLD and one STA of the STA MLD. The association may facilitate each association between a plurality of STAs of the STA MLD and a plurality of APs of the AP MLD, and one STA is associated with one AP.

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

[0124] Optionally, when multiple stations operate on a single link, the link identifier (a numerical ID) represents the operation class of the link and the channel number, and also represents the identifier of the stations operating on the link, for example, the MAC address of the station or the association identifier (AID) of the station.

[0125] Embodiments of the present application mainly describe examples where an IEEE 802.11 network is deployed. However, those skilled in the art can easily understand that various aspects of the present application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard and mainly used in Europe), wide area communication network (WAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), personal area network (PAN), or any other known or later-developed network. Therefore, the various aspects provided in the present application are applicable to any suitable wireless network regardless of coverage and wireless access protocol.

[0126] In FIG. 2a, a wireless local area network is used as an example for explaining a communication system 100 to which an embodiment of the present application is applied. The communication system 100 includes a station 101 and a station 102. The station 101 can communicate with the station 102 via a plurality of links in order to improve throughput. The station 101 can be a multi-link device, and the station 102 can be a single-link device, a multi-link device, or the like. In a certain scenario, the station 101 is an AP MLD, and the station 102 is a STA MLD or a station (for example, a single-link station). In another scenario, the station 101 is a STA MLD, and the station 102 is an AP (for example, a single-link AP) or an AP MLD. In yet another scenario, the station 101 is an AP MLD, and the station 102 is an AP MLD or an AP. In yet another scenario, the station 101 is a STA MLD, and the station 102 is a STA MLD or a STA (for example, a single-link station). Of course, the wireless local area network may further include other devices. The quantity and type of devices shown in FIG. 2a are merely examples.

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

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

[0129] Figure 2c shows a scenario where AP MLD601 communicates with STA MLD602, STA MLD603, and STA604. AP MLD601 includes related APs 601-1 to 601-3. STA MLD602 includes three related STAs, namely STA602-1, STA602-2, and STA602-3. STA MLD603 includes two related STAs, namely STA603-1 and STA603-2. STA604-1 and STA604 are single-link devices. AP MLD601 can separately use Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3 to communicate with STA MLD602, use Link 2 and Link 3 to communicate with STA MLD603, and use Link 1 to communicate with STA604. In one example, STA604 operates on the 2.4 GHz band. In STA MLD603, STA603-1 operates on the 5 GHz band and STA603-2 operates on the 6 GHz band. In STA MLD602, STA602-1 operates on the 2.4 GHz band, STA602-2 operates on the 5 GHz band, and STA602-3 operates on the 6 GHz band. The AP601-1 operating on the 2.4 GHz band within AP MLD601 can perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA604 and STA602-2 of STA MLD602 on Link 1. The AP601-2 operating on the 5 GHz band within AP MLD601 can perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA603-1 operating on the 5 GHz band within STA MLD602 on Link 2, and can further perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA602-2 operating on the 5 GHz band within STA MLD602 on Link 2. The AP601-3 operating on the 6 GHz band within AP MLD601 can perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA602-3 operating on the 6 GHz band within STA MLD602 on Link 3, and can further perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA603-2 within STA MLD on Link 3.

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

[0131] 4. Multi-Link Element

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

[0133] The MLD common information part 310 is configured to carry related information of MLD. The subsequent per-STA profile x field 307 and per-STA profile y field (if present) 308 are optional sub-elements 320 representing the per-STA profile.

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

[0135] Optionally, the multi-link element further includes a link information part, and the link information part includes one or more "per-STA profiles". The per-STA profile x field 307 includes a Subelement ID 317, a Length 327, and a Content 337. The Content 337 includes a Per-STA control field 3371, a STA information field 3372, and a STA profile field 3373. The Per-STA control field 3371 includes a Link ID 33711 and a STA MAC Address present 33712. The STA information field 3372 includes a Length 33721, a STA MAC Address 33722, etc. The STA profile field 3373 includes a Field x 33731, ···, an Element Y 33732, ···, and a Non-Inheritance element (if present) 33733.

[0136] The MLD MAC address field in FIG. 3 and Another field may be further included between the Field k 306, and it can be understood that it is not shown in this specification. The STA information field 3372 further includes another field, and the STA profile field3373 further includes other fields or elements such as field 1, field 2, ···, element 1, element 2, ···, and the non-inherited element 33733 is the last element.

[0137] 5. Multi-BSSID Set

[0138] A Multiple BSSID set (which may also be referred to as a multi-BSSID set) can be understood as a set of several cooperative APs. All cooperative APs use the same operating class, the same channel number, and the same antenna interface. In a multi-BSSID set, there is only one Transmitted BSSID AP, and the other APs are Nontransmitted BSSID APs. Information about the multi-BSSID set (i.e., multi-BSSID elements) is carried in beacon frames, probe response frames, or neighbor reports transmitted by the Transmitted BSSID AP. Information about the BSSID of a Nontransmitted BSSID AP is derived by the station based on the multi-BSSID elements in beacon frames, probe response frames, or neighbor reports. The BSSID of a Nontransmitted BSSID AP is calculated by using the BSSID of the Transmitted BSSID AP and the BSSID index field in the multi-BSSID index element within the Nontransmitted BSSID profile of the Transmitted BSSID AP. For the specific method, refer to the Draft 802.11REVmd_D3.0 protocol.

[0139] A multi-BSSID set can be understood as including multiple APs. Each AP manages one BSS, and different APs may have different SSIDs and permissions, such as security mechanisms or transmission opportunities.

[0140] In a multi-BSSID set, only the AP whose BSSID is the transmission BSSID can send beacon frames and Probe Response frames, and the non-transmission BSSID APs do not send beacon frames. Therefore, when a Probe Request frame sent by a STA is sent to an AP whose BSSID is a non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, the AP whose BSSID is the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set helps to respond by sending a Probe Response frame.

[0141] The BSSID of one of the multiple APs within the multi-BSSID set is configured as the Transmitted BSSID, and the transmitted BSSID AP may be called the transmitted AP. The BSSID of another AP is configured as the Nontransmitted BSSID, and the non-transmitted BSSID AP may be called the non-transmitted AP.

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

[0143] The maximum number of APs permitted within a multi - BSSID set is 2^(n), where n is the value indicated by the maximum BSSID indicator field within the multi - BSSID element shown in FIG. 4. Thus, bits 1 to 2^(n)-1 of the service indication virtual bitmap field can be respectively allocated to non - transmission BSSID APs within the multi - BSSID set to indicate whether non - transmission BSSID APs with NonTxBSS ID (identifier) from 1 to 2n - 1 have a group - cast service. The value of NonTxBSS ID is equal to the value of the BSSID index field within the BSSID index element within the non - transmission BSSID profile within the multi - BSSID element. The non - transmission BSSID profile is within an optional sub - element field.

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

[0145] 6. Channel Switching - Related Elements

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

[0147] A schematic diagram of the frame format of the channel switching notification element is shown in Fig. 5(a). The channel switching notification element may include an element ID (which may also be called an element identifier) field, a Length field, a channel switching mode field, a new channel number field, and a channel switch count field.

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

[0149] The channel switch count field indicates the quantity of the remaining target beacon transmission time (TBTT) when the station that transmits the channel switching notification element or the extended channel switching notification element switches to a new channel or a new operating class and a new channel. For example, the channel switch count field is set to 1, indicating that the switch occurs immediately before the next TBTT. The channel switch count field is set to 0, indicating that the switch occurs at any time after the frame is transmitted. The new channel number field indicates the channel number after the channel switch. The new operating class field indicates the operating class after the channel switch.

[0150] Note that the time fields of each channel switching related element may refer to the beacon frame transmission time and the beacon frame interval of the AP where the channel switch is being performed.

[0151] A schematic diagram of the frame format of the maximum channel switching time element is shown in FIG. 6. The maximum channel switching time element may include an element identifier field, a length field, an Element ID Extension field, and a Switch Time field.

[0152] 7. Quiet Channel Related Elements

[0153] Generally, the quiet channel related elements may include one or more of a Quiet element and a Quiet Channel element.

[0154] A schematic diagram of the frame format of the Quiet element is shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the Quiet element includes an element ID (which may also be called the element identifier) field, a Length field, a Quiet Count field, a Quiet Period field, a Quiet Duration field, and a Quiet Offset field.

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

[0156] After the Quiet element becomes effective, the AP no longer communicates with the STA, and the STA maintains the quiet state. Therefore, it can be understood that the STA can perform other operations.

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

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

[0159] Optionally, for a detailed description of the elements in FIGS. 5-8, refer to the 802.11-2020 standard protocol.

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

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

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

[0163] The above method for a station to determine whether a PPDU is an Intra-BSS PPDU or an Inter-BSS PPDU is just an example. For details, refer to the 802.11ax-2021 protocol.

[0164] For a station, when the station receives an Inter PPDU, the station may start another transmission on the same channel based on the Inter PPDU. The other transmission is based on the spatial reuse method recorded in the 802.11ax-2021 protocol.

[0165] For a station, when the station receives an Inter PPDU, the station may not parse the Inter PPDU any further (see the 802.11ax-2021 protocol) in order to save power.

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

[0167] However, in the above-mentioned implementation process, the management frame needs to carry the corresponding specific elements for each AP. As a result, the management frame sent by the AP has some repeated redundant data, which may cause unnecessary overhead and affect the communication efficiency.

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

[0169] This application relates to management frames for WLAN communication. For ease of understanding, first, the implementation process of management frames will be described below.

[0170] In the WLAN communication process, when communication parameters related to the AP's channel switching (e.g., operating class or channel number) change, the AP may need to send channel-switching related elements to the associated STAs to indicate the relevant communication parameters. In addition, when the AP detects a DFS channel or performs channel measurement, etc., the AP may need to send quiet-channel related elements to the associated STAs to indicate the relevant communication parameters. Generally, these elements can be carried in management frames.

[0171] With the development of WLAN technology, the characteristics of multi-BSSID sets have been introduced into WLAN communication networks, and the above-mentioned receiving and transmitting processes of management frames can be further applied to communication networks with multi-BSSID sets. In the same multi-BSSID set, when the communication parameters of multiple APs change, the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the same multi-BSSID set may need to send the AP's channel-switching related elements and / or quiet-channel related elements to the STAs associated with each AP.

[0172] Below, multiple implementation examples will be used for illustration. In the following implementation examples, an example where the AP whose communication parameters change is the second AP within the AP MLD (the second AP is used as an example) is used for illustration.

[0173] 1. In a possible implementation process of sending a management frame

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

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

[0176] Optionally, the channel switch related element and / or quiet channel related element or both of the second AP are carried in the per STA profile field corresponding to the second AP within the multi-link element of the management frame transmitted by the first AP (the multi-link element corresponding to the MLD of the second AP, in other words, the multi-link element carries the MLD MAC element of the MLD of the second AP), for example, carried in the STA profile field of the per STA profile field (referred to as STA profile or station profile). For example, when the multi-link element of the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 3, the channel switch related element and / or quiet channel related element of the second AP can be carried in the "STA profile field 3373".

[0177] Optionally, the time fields (for example, channel switch count field, switch time field, or quiet duration field) within the channel switch related element and / or quiet channel related element of the second AP refer to the beacon frame transmission time and beacon frame interval of the second AP.

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

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

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

[0181] 2. In another possible implementation process of transmitting a management frame

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

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

[0184] Here, the example where the AP transmitting the management frame is the first AP is still used. The first AP is an AP within the first AP MLD. When transmitting a management frame, the first AP shall carry the channel switching - related element and / or quiet channel - related element of the second AP.

[0185] The second AP is an AP within the second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is the AP MLD where the AP corresponding to the non - transmitting BSSID within the multi - BSSID set of the first AP is located. The second AP is not an AP within the multi - BSSID set of the first AP.

[0186] For example, when a first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame carries a multi-BSSID element as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, either or both of the channel switching related element and / or the quiet channel related element of the second AP are located in the "optional sub-element" within the multi-BSSID element shown in FIG. 4. The "optional sub-element" within the multi-BSSID element indicates the related elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set of the first AP.

[0187] Optionally, when the multi-BSSID element within the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 4, the "optional sub-element" may further include the "multi-link element" shown in FIG. 3, and the "multi-link element" within the "optional sub-element" is configured to indicate the related elements of another AP within the AP MLD where the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set of the first AP is located. The channel switching related element and / or the quiet channel related element of the second AP may be located within the "multi-link element" within the "optional sub-element".

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

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

[0190] (1) Before the channel targeting time, when each of the other APs within the same AP MLD as the second AP transmits beacon frames and probe response frames, the operating class and channel number fields of the second AP within the reduced neighbor report (RNR) element that needs to be carried are composed of the operating class and channel number operating before that time (i.e., before the switch). When each of the other APs within the same AP MLD as the second AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID, the RNR element that needs to be carried when the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the same multi-BSSID set transmits beacon frames and probe response frames is configured in the same way.

[0191] (2) After the channel targeting time, when each of the other APs within the same AP MLD as the second AP transmits beacon frames and probe response frames, the operating class and channel number fields of the second AP within the RNR element that needs to be carried are carried with the operating class and channel number operating after that time (i.e., after the switch). When each of the other APs within the same AP MLD as the second AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID, the RNR element that needs to be carried when the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the same multi-BSSID set transmits beacon frames and probe response frames is configured in the same way.

[0192] 3. In an implementation process capable of receiving management frames

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

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

[0195] For example, STA1 within a non-AP MLD receives a management frame transmitted by AP1 within an AP MLD, and the management frame carries a channel switching notification element transmitted by AP2 within the AP MLD. In this case, STA2 within the non-AP MLD knows the channel switching notification element transmitted by AP2 and can obtain information such as the switched operation class and channel number of AP2.

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

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

[0198] In the following, implementation examples are used to explain possible implementation forms of the repeated redundant data.

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

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

[0201] Specifically, in the case of a multi-BSSID set, since the APs corresponding to each BSSID need to operate on the same channel, all APs within the multi-BSSID set need to have the same operation for channel switching. In a multi-BSSID set, only the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID can transmit the management frame. When all APs within the multi-BSSID set switch channels, the beacon frame transmitted by the transmission BSSID AP includes channel switching related elements of the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID, and further includes a multi-BSSID element. The non-transmission profile corresponding to each non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID element carries channel switching related elements of the corresponding non-transmission BSSID. Therefore, the beacon frame has a certain redundancy and the air interface efficiency is reduced. The channel switching related elements include at least one of a channel switching notification element, an extended channel switching notification element, and a maximum channel switching time element.

[0202] In addition, regarding the quiet channel related elements, since the quiet channel related elements are used to avoid the STA from performing dynamic frequency selection (DFS) on the quiet channel or to avoid the STA from performing channel measurement on the quiet channel, all APs within the same multi-BSSID set must have the same operation with respect to the quiet channel. Similar to the aforementioned channel switching, the AP with the transmission BSSID needs to include the quiet channel related elements of the AP's transmission BSSID in the management frame, and also needs to include the quiet channel related elements corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID in the non-transmission profile corresponding to each non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID element in the beacon frame. This also causes the redundancy problem of the beacon frame.

[0203] Optionally, the multi-BSSID element used to carry the channel switching related elements and / or the quiet channel related elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID can be implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 4. The "optional sub-element" in FIG. 4 can further include the "multi-link element" shown in FIG. 3, and the "multi-link element" within the "optional sub-element" is configured to indicate the related elements of another AP within the AP MLD where the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set of the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID is located. The channel switching related elements and / or the quiet channel related elements of the second AP can be located in the "multi-link element" within the "optional sub-element".

[0204] In other words, when the management frame transmitted by the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 9, the "transmission BSSID related element" needs to carry the channel switching related element and / or the quiet channel related element of the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID, and the "multi-BSSID element" needs to carry the channel switching related element and / or the quiet channel related element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID. Since the channel switching related element and / or the quiet channel related element of the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID are the same as those of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID, the management frame has redundant data, causes unnecessary overhead, and may affect the communication efficiency.

[0205] When the AP that transmits the management frame (i.e., the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID) and the AP whose communication parameters change (i.e., the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID) are located in the same multi-BSSID set, in order to solve the problem that the management frame transmitted by the AP may need to carry a plurality of channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements. The problem is solved in the implementation form shown in FIG. 10 below.

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

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

[0208] In this embodiment, the first AP generates a management frame in step S101. The management frame includes specific elements of the first access point (AP). The first AP is the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0217] Specifically, the multi - BSSID element in the management frame does not include the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non - transmission BSSID. In other words, the specific element of the first AP also indicates the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non - transmission BSSID. Therefore, the specific element of the first AP is reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the first AP and the AP corresponding to the non - transmission BSSID). Thereby, redundant data carried in the management frame is avoided, the overhead is reduced, and the communication efficiency is improved.

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

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

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

[0221] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the first AP in step S102 includes specific elements of the first AP. The first AP is an AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP. In this way, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, in step S103, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. When the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, in step S103, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific elements of the first AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry a plurality of the same specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0222] In addition, according to the foregoing technical solution, when the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 9, the frame format of the management frame shown in FIG. 9 may be represented as an implementation example shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b. In the implementation examples shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b, an example where the AP that generates (or transmits) the management frame is the first AP, and the AP that executes the related operations of the specific elements (for example, channel switching or channel quieting) is the second AP is used for the purpose of explanation.

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

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

[0225] Since the first AP and the second AP belong to the same multi-BSSID set, the value of the specific element of the first AP is the same as the value of the specific element of the second AP. In this way, multiple STAs (including the STA associated with the first AP and the STA associated with the second AP) can receive the "related elements of the transmission BSSID" in the management frame and obtain the value of the specific element of the first AP included in the "related elements of the transmission BSSID" in S103. Multiple STAs can determine the value of the specific element of the AP associated with each STA based on the value of the specific element of the first AP. The "multi-BSSID element" in the management frame does not need to carry the specific element of the second AP. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

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

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

[0228] The application scenario of the following implementation example can be that the AP (for example, the first AP) that transmits the management frame and the AP (for example, the second AP) whose communication parameters change are located in different multi-BSSID sets. The first AP is an AP within the first AP MLD. The second AP is an AP within the second AP MLD. The second AP MLD is an AP MLD where the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set of the first AP is located. The second AP is not an AP within the multi-BSSID set of the first AP.

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

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

[0231] Optionally, when the first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame carries a multi-BSSID element as shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, the channel switching related element and / or the quiet channel related element or both of the second AP are located in the "optional sub-element" within the multi-BSSID element shown in FIG. 4. The "optional sub-element" within the multi-BSSID element indicates the related elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set of the first AP. The channel switching related element and / or the quiet channel related element of the second AP may be located in the "optional sub-element".

[0232] Additionally, when the multi-BSSID element in the management frame transmitted by the first AP is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 4, the "optional sub-element" may further include the "multi-link element" shown in FIG. 3, and the "multi-link element" within the "optional sub-element" is configured to indicate the related elements of another AP within the AP MLD where the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set of the first AP is located. The channel switching related element and / or the quiet channel related element of the second AP may be located in the "multi-link element" within the "optional sub-element".

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

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

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

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

[0237] For example, an AP ending with the number "x" is the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID, and an AP ending with another number (e.g., "y" or "z") is the AP corresponding to the non - transmission BSSID. Specifically, the multi - BSSID set 1 on link 1 includes the transmission BSSID BSSID - 1x, and the non - transmission BSSIDs BSSID - 1z and BSSID - 1y. The multi - BSSID set 2 on link 2 includes the transmission BSSID BSSID - 2x, and the non - transmission BSSIDs BSSID - 2z and BSSID - 2y. Link 3 includes BSSID - 3 (which may not be considered to belong to a multi - BSSID set and thus does not need to be distinguished between a transmission BSSID and a non - transmission BSSID). The multi - BSSID set 4 on link 4 includes the transmission BSSID BSSID - 4x, and the non - transmission BSSIDs BSSID - 4z and BSSID - 4y.

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

[0239] In the scenario shown in FIG. 13, when an AP (e.g., AP - 1y) within the multi - BSSID set 1 on link 1 executes the above - mentioned process of the channel - switching - related element and / or the quiet - channel - related element, management frames transmitted by another AP located in the same MLD as AP - 1y, such as AP - 2z and AP - 4y, also need to carry the corresponding elements. Since AP - 2z is an AP corresponding to a non - transmission BSSID, the corresponding element needs to be transmitted by the transmission BSSID of AP - 2z (i.e., AP - 2x) and is located in the multi - link element within the non - transmission BSSID profile corresponding to AP - 2z in the multi - BSSID element of the management frame.

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

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

[0242] In conclusion, when the management frame transmitted by an AP carries a plurality of channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements, the plurality of elements may indicate elements corresponding to the same BSSID set (where the "same BSSID set" may not be the BSSID set where the AP is located). Since different APs within the same multi-BSSID set correspond to the same elements, the management frame transmitted by the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID may have some redundant data, causing unnecessary overhead and potentially affecting communication efficiency.

[0243] In other words, when an AP (including AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y) on Link 1 in the scenario of FIG. 13 starts to execute (or executes after a preset duration or is executing) the related operations (such as channel switching or channel quieting) of a specific element, the following conditions are satisfied.

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

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

[0246] Since the channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y are the same, the management frame has redundant data, which may cause unnecessary overhead and affect communication efficiency.

[0247] When the AP that sends the management frame (i.e., the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID) and the AP whose communication parameters change (i.e., the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID) are located in different multi-BSSID sets, in order to solve the problem that the management frame sent by the AP may need to carry a plurality of channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements. The problem is solved in the implementation form shown in FIG. 14 below.

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

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

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

[0251] Specifically, in step S201, when the second AP starts to execute the related operation of the specific element (for example, channel switching or channel quieting) (or executes after a preset duration, or is executing), that is, when the beacon frame sent by the second AP carries any one of the specific elements, the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in the management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific elements of a plurality of APs.

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

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

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

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

[0256] In a possible implementation form, the second AP is an AP within the second AP MLD, the second AP is not an AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is the AP MLD where the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set is located.

[0257] Optionally, the fact that the second AP is an AP within the second AP MLD and the second AP is not an AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the second AP being another AP within the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, or may be expressed as the second AP being another AP within the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set.

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

[0259] Optionally, the fact that the second AP includes an AP within the second AP MLD and the second AP is not an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the second AP including another AP within the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, or may be expressed as the second AP including another AP within the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0266] Note that the fact that the value of a specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of a specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the values of specific elements of all APs within the second multi-BSSID set being the same, or may be expressed as the values of specific elements of all APs within the second multi-BSSID set being the same in pairs.

[0267] Optionally, the fact that the second AP includes (or is) another AP within the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set may be expressed as the second AP including (or being) another AP within the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set.

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

[0269] Note that the AP MLD (for example, the first AP MLD or the second AP MLD) mentioned in this embodiment and subsequent embodiments includes one or more APs. When the AP MLD mentioned in this embodiment and subsequent embodiments includes one AP, the AP MLD may also be called a single-link device.

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

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

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

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

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

[0275] In a possible implementation form, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a specific element of the second AP may be located at different positions in the management frame. For example, a specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame. In another example, a specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-link element of the management frame. The following provides descriptions in a plurality of implementation forms.

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

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

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

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

[0280] Specifically, in implementation form 1, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, the specific element of the second AP exists in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame. The multi-BSSID element may include at least one non-transmission BSSID profile. The non-transmission BSSID profiles within at least one non-transmission BSSID profile other than the first non-transmission BSSID profile do not include the specific element.

[0281] Specifically, in at least one non-transmission BSSID profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame, another non-transmission BSSID profile other than the first non-transmission BSSID profile containing the specific element does not contain the specific element. In other words, since the value of the specific element of the second AP also indicates the value of the specific element of the BSSID AP corresponding to another non-transmission BSSID profile, the specific element of the second AP is reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) within the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) within the second AP MLD). Thereby, redundant data carried in the management frame is avoided, overhead is reduced, and communication efficiency is improved.

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

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

[0284] Hereinafter, Implementation Form 1 will be described by using an example with reference to the scenario shown in FIG. 13.

[0285] Specifically, in Implementation Form 1, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a specific element exists in the multi-link element in the non-transmission profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame (each non-transmission BSSID corresponds to a non-transmission profile), and does not exist in the multi-link element in another non-transmission profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

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

[0287] In FIG. 13, for example, the first AP (i.e., the AP that generates the management frame) is AP-2x. When the first AP belongs to the multi-BSSID set 2, the first AP is the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set 2.

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

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

[0290] In this case, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, in order to indicate specific elements of a plurality of APs, only the specific elements of the second AP need to be carried in the multi-link element within the non-transmission BSSID profile corresponding to one non-transmission AP. It is not necessary to repeat the specific elements of another AP.

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

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

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

[0294] As can be seen from the foregoing description, in the implementation process of Implementation Form 1, when an AP (including AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y) on Link 1 in the scenario of FIG. 13 starts to execute (or executes after a preset duration, or is executing) related operations of specific elements (for example, channel switching or channel quieting), for example, the second AP is AP-1x.

[0295] When the management frame transmitted by AP-2x is implemented by using the frame format shown in FIG. 12, the frame format of the management frame shown in FIG. 12 may also be represented as implementation examples shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b. In the implementation examples shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, an example where the AP that generates (or transmits) the management frame is the first AP and the AP that executes related operations of specific elements (for example, channel switching or channel quieting) is the second AP is used for illustration.

[0296] In one implementation example, FIG. 15a shows an implementation example of a management frame before Implementation Form 1 in the communication method shown in FIG. 14 is applied. The management frame includes a multi-BSSID element. The multi-BSSID element carries a plurality of specific elements. The plurality of specific elements are located in a plurality of non-transmission BSSID profiles (multi-link elements) corresponding to non-transmission BSSIDs within the multi-BSSID set where the first AP is located. The management frame further includes multi-link information. The multi-link information carries specific elements of the second AP within the MLD where the first AP is located. The specific elements of the second AP are located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP.

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

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

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

[0300] In another implementation form of step S201, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, the specific elements of the second AP are located in the multi-link element (Multi-Link Element, or called multi-link element) of the management frame. The second AP is another AP within the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is the AP MLD where the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set is located. For the convenience of the following description, this implementation form is denoted as implementation form 2.

[0301] Specifically, in step S201, when the second AP starts to execute (or executes after a preset duration or is executing) a related operation of a specific element (for example, channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in a management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs. The specific element of the second AP may be located in the multi-link element of the management frame, and the multi-link element of the management frame includes a plurality of fields, and the specific element of the second AP may be located in one of the plurality of fields.

[0302] Optionally, the specific element of the second AP is within the multi-link element of the management frame and may be located in the per-STA profile field indicating the second AP.

[0303] In implementation form 2, the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201 further includes a multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set, and each non-transmission BSSID profile of the multi-BSSID element corresponding to the first multi-BSSID set does not include the specific element of the AP within the MLD (that is, the second AP MLD) where the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID in the second multi-BSSID set is located. Specifically, since the value of the specific element of the second AP also indicates the value of the specific element of the AP within the second AP MLD in the second multi-BSSID set, the specific element of the second AP is reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). Thereby, redundant data carried in the management frame is avoided, the overhead is reduced, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0304] In Embodiment 2, the specific element of the second AP is within the multi-link element of the management frame and may be located in the per-STA profile field indicating the second AP. The first AP is the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is the BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set.

[0305] Optionally, in Embodiment 2, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, the specific element does not exist in the multi-link element in the non-transmission profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame (each non-transmission BSSID corresponds to a non-transmission profile), but exists in the per-STA profile field within the multi-link element of the management frame.

[0306] Specifically, in step S201, when the second AP starts to execute (or executes after a preset duration or is executing) the related operation of the specific element (for example, channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in the management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs. The specific element of the second AP is within the multi-link element of the management frame and may be located in the per-STA profile field indicating the second AP.

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

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

[0309] In addition, the specific element is located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP within the multi-link element. The multi-link element may include a plurality of per-STA profile fields to indicate that the specific element of the second AP may be specifically located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP within the multi-link element.

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

[0311] In one implementation:

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

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

[0314] In another implementation:

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

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

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

[0318] For example, when the second AP is a non-transmission BSSID, the BSSID index field has the same indication meaning as the BSSID index field in the multi-BSSID index element in the non-transmission BSSID profile field within the optional sub-element within the multi-BSSID element of FIG. 4, and indicates the sequence number of the non-transmission BSSID.

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

[0320] In another implementation:

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

[0322] Optionally, when the local information field includes a transmission BSSID field, the value of the local MAC address within the local information field may be the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set.

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

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

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

[0326] Hereinafter, Implementation Mode 2 will be described by using an example with reference to the scenario shown in FIG. 13.

[0327] Specifically, in Implementation Mode 2, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a specific element does not exist in the multi-link element in the non-transmission profile within the multi-BSSID element of the management frame (each non-transmission BSSID corresponds to a non-transmission profile), and exists in the per-STA profile field within the multi-link element of the management frame.

[0328] In FIG. 13, for example, the first AP (i.e., the AP that generates the management frame) is AP-2x. When the first AP belongs to the multi-BSSID set 2, the first AP is the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set 2.

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

[0330] In FIG. 13, for example, the first AP (i.e., the AP that generates the management frame) is AP-2x within AP MLD2, and the second AP is AP-1z within AP MLD2. The first AP belongs to multi-BSSID set 2, and the first AP is the transmission BSSID within multi-BSSID set 2. The second AP is an AP within multi-BSSID set 1, and the second AP is an AP (e.g., AP-1z) within AP MLD2. In this case, the first AP needs to indicate, based on the management frame, specific elements of AP-1z within AP MLD2, and also needs to indicate, based on the management frame, specific elements of AP-1x within AP MLD1 and specific elements of AP-1y within AP MLD3. In this case, when the first AP generates the management frame in step S201, the multi-link element of the first AP needs to carry the specific elements of AP-1z of the first AP MLD in order to indicate specific elements of multiple APs. It is not necessary to repeat the specific elements of another AP within multi-BSSID set 1 where the second AP is located.

[0331] Optionally, the specific elements of the second AP are carried in the per-STA profile field within the multi-link element corresponding to the MLD to which the first AP belongs, for example, in the STA profile field of the per-STA profile field within the multi-link element of the management frame.

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

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

[0334] Optionally, the STA MAC address presence field within the STA information field may be set to the MAC address of the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, or may be directly set to the MAC address of a second AP belonging to the same MLD as the first AP.

[0335] As can be seen from the above description, in the implementation process of implementation form 2, when the AP (including AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y) on link 1 in the scenario of FIG. 13 starts to execute (or executes after a preset duration, or is executing) the related operation of a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quiescence), for example, the second AP is AP-1x. The frame format of the management frame shown in FIG. 12 may be represented as an implementation example shown in FIGS. 15a and 15c. In the implementation examples shown in FIGS. 15a and 15c, an example where the AP that generates (or transmits) the management frame is the first AP and the AP that executes the related operation of a specific element (e.g., channel switching or channel quiescence) is the second AP is used for the purpose of explanation.

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

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

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

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

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

[0341] Since the specific elements of AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y are the same, the per-STA profile field in the "Multi-Link Element" of the management frame carries the specific elements of the second AP, and the "Multi-BSSID Element" of the management frame does not need to carry the specific elements in the non-transmission BSSID profile. In other words, the specific elements of the second AP carried in the "Multi-Link Element" of the management frame are reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) in the second multi-BSSID set, or including the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) in the second AP MLD). Thereby, redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and communication efficiency is improved.

[0342] In another implementation form of step S201, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, the specific elements of the second AP are located in the multi-link element (Multi-Link Element, or called multi-link element) of the management frame. The second AP includes another AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or the second AP includes another AP in the second AP MLD other than the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is the AP MLD where the non-transmission BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set is located. For the sake of facilitating the following description, this implementation form is denoted as implementation form 3.

[0343] Specifically, in step S201, when the second AP starts to execute (or executes after a preset duration or is executing) the related operation of a specific element (for example, channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in the management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs.

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

[0345] Optionally, in implementation form 3, the specific element of the second AP may be located in a per-STA profile field within the multi-link element of the management frame (and does not indicate the second AP). The first AP is the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is the BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set. For the sake of facilitating the following description, this implementation form is represented as implementation form 3.

[0346] Specifically, in implementation form 3, in step S201, when the second AP starts to execute (or executes after a preset duration or is executing) the related operation of a specific element (for example, channel switching or channel quieting), the specific element of the second AP needs to be carried in a management frame in step S201 to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs. The specific element of the second AP may be located in the per-STA profile field within the multi-link element of the management frame.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0353] In another implementation, the per-STA profile field further includes a transmission BSSID presence field (a station medium access control (MAC) address presence field not within the reused ML element) located in the station control field, and the value of the transmission BSSID presence field indicates that the station information field includes a transmission BSSID field.

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

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

[0356] Optionally, when a specific element is located in the per-STA profile field within the multi-link element of the management frame, the per-STA profile field further includes a transmission BSSID field within the local information field, and the value of the transmission BSSID field is the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set. Therefore, the value of the transmission BSSID field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of all APs corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the transmission BSSID field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of any AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the transmission BSSID field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of all APs corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, or the value of the transmission BSSID field indicates that the value of the specific element is the value of the specific element of any AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of all APs corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set are the same.

[0357] Optionally, for each STA profile field, it further includes a multi - BSSID set information presence field located in the local control field, and the value of the multi - BSSID set information presence field indicates that the local information field includes the multi - BSSID set information presence field.

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

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

[0360] Hereinafter, Implementation Form 3 will be described by using an example with reference to the scenario shown in FIG. 13.

[0361] Specifically, in Implementation Form 3, in the management frame generated by the first AP in step S201, a specific element does not exist in the multi - link element in the non - transmission profile within the multi - BSSID element of the management frame (each non - transmission BSSID corresponds to a non - transmission profile), and exists in the multi - link element of the management frame.

[0362] In FIG. 13, for example, the first AP (i.e., the AP that generates the management frame) is AP - 2x. When the first AP belongs to the multi - BSSID set 2, the first AP is the transmission BSSID within the multi - BSSID set 2.

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

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

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

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

[0367] Optionally, the link identifier within the STA control field within the per-STA profile field of the multi-link element is set to a special link ID, e.g., a value of 15.

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

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

[0370] Optionally, the STA MAC address presence field within the STA control field in the per-STA profile field of the multi-link element is set to "present", e.g., a value of 1.

[0371] Optionally, the STA MAC address field within the STA information field in the per-STA profile field of the multi-link element is set to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set where the second AP is located.

[0372] Optionally, to indicate a specific element of multiple APs, the specific element is carried in the per-STA profile field. In other words, the specific element carried in the per-STA profile field is useful for STAs associated with the AP MLD where the non-AP MLD or the AP (i.e., the first AP) transmitting the multi-link element is located, and is also useful for stations associated with the AP MLD (one or more second AP MLDS) where the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the same multi-BSSID set as the non-AP MLD or the AP transmitting the multi-link element is located.

[0373] Optionally, generally, only non-AP MLDs (or STAs) associated with the AP MLD where the AP that transmits the multi-link element is located analyze the information regarding the multi-link element, and non-AP MLDs associated with another AP MLD ignore that information. Therefore, in Implementation Form 3, it is proposed that a field (i.e., the first field) be added to the management frame. For example, the first field is called ML for multi-BSSID, and indicates that the AP MLD associated with the AP located at the non-transmission BSSID corresponding to the same multi-BSSID set as the AP that transmits the management frame also needs to receive the multi-link element. For the implementation process of the first field, refer to the aforementioned implementation process. Details will not be described again here.

[0374] Therefore, since AP-1y belongs to the multi-BSSID set, specific elements of AP-1x and AP1z belonging to the multi-BSSID set also need to be carried in the beacon frame and probe response frame transmitted by the same first AP (AP-2x). However, in Implementation Form 3, it is not necessary for the specific elements to be executed repeatedly. Thereafter, STAs within the non-AP MLDs of AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3 can directly read the MLD element corresponding to AP MLD2 where the first AP is located in order to obtain the specific elements.

[0375] As can be seen from the foregoing description, in the implementation process of Implementation Form 3, when the APs (including AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y) on Link 1 in the scenario of FIG. 13 start to execute (or execute after a preset duration or are executing) the related operations of specific elements (such as channel switching or channel quieting), for example, the second AP is AP-1x.

[0376] The frame format of the management frame shown in FIG. 12 may be represented as an implementation example shown in FIGS. 15a and 15d. In the implementation examples shown in FIGS. 15a and 15d, an example is used for explanation in which the AP that generates (or transmits) the management frame is the first AP, and the AP that executes related operations of specific elements (for example, channel switching or channel quieting) is the second AP.

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

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

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

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

[0381] Since the channel switching related elements and / or quiet channel related elements of AP-1x, AP-1z, and AP-1y are the same, the special per-STA profile field within the "multi-link element" of the management frame carries the specific elements of the second AP, and the "multi-BSSID element" of the management frame does not need to carry the specific elements within the non-transmission BSSID profile. In other words, the specific elements of the second AP carried in the "multi-link element" of the management frame are reused to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) within the second multi-BSSID set, or the second AP and another AP (located within the second multi-BSSID set) within the second AP MLD). Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0382] Based on the foregoing technical solutions, the management frame transmitted by the first AP in step S201 includes specific elements of the second AP. The first AP is the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP is the BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set. The value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. In this way, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific element of the second AP carried in the management frame. When the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific element of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs (including the second AP and another AP (other than the second AP) within the second multi-BSSID set, or the second AP and another AP (located in the second multi-BSSID set) within the second AP MLD) within the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple same specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0383] In the foregoing multiple implementation forms (multiple embodiments, multiple implementation forms, or multiple implementation methods), the name of the mentioned field (or element) is only one of the names, and the name of the field (or element) may alternatively be another name. This is not limited in this application.

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

[0385] However, when the first AP transmits a management frame, the management frame also needs to carry information about the third AP, and the third AP and the first AP are from the same AP MLD. The information about the third AP is carried in the per-STA profile field of the ML element transmitted by the first AP. When the third AP is located in the third multi-BSSID set, after knowing that the management frame has been received, the station associated with the non-AP MLD can know the information about the third AP, but cannot know the information about the third multi-BSSID set. As a result, in the non-AP MLD, the station located on the same link as the third AP cannot determine whether the received PPDU (PHY protocol data unit) is an inter-PPDU or an intra-PPDU based on the BSSIDs of each AP in the third multi-BSSID set where the third AP is located. Consequently, in accordance with the 802.11ax-2021 protocol, power saving, spatial reuse transmission, etc. cannot be executed.

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

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

[0388] In this embodiment, the management frame can be a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an association response frame. The management frame includes a multi-link element.

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

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

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

[0392] In an implementation form of Method 1:

[0393] Optionally, the per-STA profile field corresponding to the third AP further includes a local MAC address presence field located in the local control field, and the value of the local MAC address presence field indicates that the local information field includes a local MAC address. Optionally, when the local information field includes a local MAC address field, the value of the local MAC address in the local information field can be the MAC address of the third AP.

[0394] Optionally, for each STA profile field, it further includes a multi - BSSID set information presence field located in the local control field, and the value of the multi - BSSID set information presence field indicates that the local information field includes the multi - BSSID set information presence field.

[0395] Optionally, when the local information field includes a multi - BSSID set information field, the BSSID value of each AP within the multi - BSSID set is provided. The multi - BSSID set information field includes a BSSID index field corresponding to the third AP and a maximum BSSID indicator field. When the third AP is a non - transmitting BSSID, the BSSID index field has the same indication meaning as the BSSID index field within the multi - BSSID index element in the non - transmitting BSSID profile field within the optional sub - element within the multi - BSSID element in FIG. 4 and indicates the sequence number of the non - transmitting BSSID. When the third AP is a transmitting BSSID, the BSSID index field is set to 0. The maximum BSSID indicator field has the same indication meaning as the maximum BSSID indicator field within the multi - BSSID element in FIG. 4 and indicates the maximum quantity 2^(n) of BSSIDs included in the multi - BSSID set, where n is the value indicated by the maximum BSSID indicator field.

[0396] In another implementation form of Method 1:

[0397] Optionally, for each STA profile field corresponding to the third AP, it further includes a transmitting BSSID presence field located in the local control field, and the value of the transmitting BSSID presence field indicates that the local information field includes the transmitting BSSID field.

[0398] Optionally, when the local information field includes a transmitting BSSID field, the value of the local MAC address within the local information field can be the transmitting BSSID within the third multi - BSSID set.

[0399] Optionally, for each STA profile field, it further includes a multi-BSSID set information presence field located in the station control field, and the value of the multi-BSSID set information presence field indicates that the station information field includes the multi-BSSID set information presence field.

[0400] Optionally, when the station information field includes a multi-BSSID set information field, the BSSID value of each AP within the multi-BSSID set is provided. The multi-BSSID set information field includes a maximum BSSID indicator field. The maximum BSSID indicator field has the same indication meaning as the maximum BSSID indicator field within the multi-BSSID element in FIG. 4, and indicates the maximum quantity 2^(n) of BSSIDs included in the multi-BSSID set, where n is the value indicated by the maximum BSSID indicator field.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0408] In another method, the per-STA profile field further includes a transmission BSSID presence field (a medium access control (MAC) address presence field not within the reused ML element) located in the local control field, and the value of the transmission BSSID presence field indicates that the local information field includes a transmission BSSID field. Specifically, the per-STA profile field further includes a transmission BSSID presence field located in the local control field, and the value of the transmission BSSID presence field indicates that the local information field includes a transmission BSSID field, whereby the receiving side of the management frame determines that the local information field includes a transmission BSSID field. The BSSID field indicates the MAC address of the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set.

[0409] Furthermore, the per-STA profile field further includes a local information field, the local information field includes a transmission BSSID field (a local MAC address field not within the reused ML element), and the value of the transmission BSSID field is the transmission BSSID within the third multi-BSSID set. The per-STA profile field further includes a transmission BSSID field within the local information field, and the value of the transmission BSSID field is the transmission BSSID within the third multi-BSSID set.

[0410] Optionally, the per-STA profile field further includes a multi-BSSID set information presence field located in the local control field, and the value of the multi-BSSID set information presence field indicates that the local information field includes a multi-BSSID set information presence field.

[0411] Optionally, when the local information field includes a multi-BSSID set information field, the BSSID value of each AP within the multi-BSSID set is provided. The multi-BSSID set information field includes a maximum BSSID indicator field. The maximum BSSID indicator field has the same indication meaning as the maximum BSSID indicator field within the multi-BSSID element of FIG. 4, and indicates the maximum quantity 2^(n) of BSSIDs included in the multi-BSSID set, where n is the value indicated by the maximum BSSID indicator field.

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

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

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

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

[0416] S303: Based on the received management frame, know the BSSIDs within the multi-BSSID set.

[0417] In step S303, the stations associated with the non-AP MLD know information about the multi-BSSID set on another link and know the BSSID values of each AP within the multi-BSSID set based on the received management frame.

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

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

[0420] Optionally, the stations associated with the non-AP MLD obtain at least one of the following based on the received management frame: The transmission BSSID within the third multi-BSSID set, the maximum BSSID indicator (MaxBSSID Indicator) field within the third multi-BSSID set, and the BSSID index field corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the third multi-BSSID set.

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

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

[0423] Optionally, when the PPDU is an inter-PPDU, the station may start another transmission on the same channel based on the inter-PPDU. The other transmission is based on the spatial reuse method recorded in the 802.11ax-2021 protocol.

[0424] Optionally, when the PPDU is an inter-PPDU, the station may not further receive or analyze the inter-PPDU in order to perform power saving (in accordance with the 802.11ax-2021 protocol).

[0425] The above has described the present application from the perspective of the method. In the following, the present application will be further described from the perspective of the device.

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

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

[0428] The processing unit 1601 is configured to generate a management frame. The management frame includes specific elements of the first AP. The first AP is an AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP.

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

[0430] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the transceiver unit 1602 includes specific elements of the first AP, where the first AP is the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP. In this way, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame; when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the first AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple identical specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

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

[0432] The transceiver unit 1602 is configured to receive a management frame, the management frame includes specific elements of a first access point (AP), the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID in the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP.

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

[0434] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame received by the transceiver unit 1602 includes specific elements of the first AP, the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID in a multi-BSSID set, and the values of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID in the multi-BSSID set are the same as the values of the specific elements of the first AP. Thus, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the first AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame; when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with a non-transmission BSSID in the multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the first AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID in the multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry a plurality of the same specific elements in the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

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

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

[0437] In a possible implementation form, A specific element includes at least one of the following: Channel switching notification element, extended channel switching notification element, quiet element, quiet channel element, and maximum channel switching time element.

[0438] In one implementation form, the communication device 1600 may specifically be the first AP within the first AP MLD, and is configured to implement the communication method in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14. Correspondingly, the processing unit 1601 and the transceiver unit 1602 may be configured to execute the following processes.

[0439] The processing unit 1601 is configured to generate a management frame, the management frame includes specific elements of a second AP, the first AP is an AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP belongs to the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set.

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

[0441] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the transceiver unit 1602 includes specific elements of the second AP, where the first AP is the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP is the BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. Thus, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific element of the second AP carried in the management frame; when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific element of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs within the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple same specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, the redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and the communication efficiency is improved.

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

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

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

[0445] Based on the foregoing technical solution, the management frame transmitted by the transceiver unit 1602 includes specific elements of the second AP, the first AP being the transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, the second AP being the BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP being the same as the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set. Thus, when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with the second AP, the corresponding value can be determined by using the specific elements of the second AP carried in the management frame, and when the receiving side of the management frame is a STA associated with another AP other than the second AP within the second multi-BSSID set, the corresponding value can also be determined by using the specific elements of the first AP carried in the management frame. In other words, the value of the specific element of the second AP is reused in the management frame to indicate the specific elements of multiple APs within the multi-BSSID set to which the second AP belongs. The management frame does not need to carry multiple same specific elements within the multi-BSSID set. Thereby, redundant data of the management frame is reduced, unnecessary overhead is avoided, and communication efficiency is improved.

[0446] In a possible implementation form, the first AP belongs to a first Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD).

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

[0448] In a possible implementation form, the second AP is an AP within a second AP MLD, the second AP is not an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP MLD is an AP MLD where the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set is located.

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

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

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

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

[0453] Optionally, the first non-transmitted BSSID profile is the first part of the non-transmitted BSSID profiles within at least one non-transmitted BSSID profile.

[0454] In a possible implementation form, another non-transmitted BSSID profile other than the first non-transmitted BSSID profile within at least one non-transmitted BSSID profile does not include the specific element.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0461] In a possible implementation form, when a specific element is located in the multi-link element of the management frame, each STA profile field further includes a local medium access control (MAC) address presence field located in the local control field, and the value of the local MAC address presence field indicates that the local information field includes a local MAC address.

[0462] In a possible implementation form, when a specific element is located in the multi-link element of the management frame, each STA profile field further includes a local information field, the local information field includes a local MAC address field, and the value of the local MAC address field is the transmission BSSID within the second multi-BSSID set.

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

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

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

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

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

[0468] Note that the communication device 1600 can execute an implementation process corresponding to any of the foregoing method embodiments and can be further configured to achieve corresponding beneficial effects. For details, refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments. The details will not be described again here.

[0469] In the above, the AP (i.e., the first AP or the first AP in the first AP MLD) and the STA in the embodiments of the present application have been described. In the following, possible product forms of the AP and the STA will be described. It should be understood that the following description is only an example, and the product forms of the AP and the STA in the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0479] In any one of the foregoing designs, the processor 1701 may store instructions. The instructions may be a computer program. The computer program is executed on the processor 1701 so that the communication device 1700 can execute the methods described in the foregoing method embodiments. The computer program may be fixed within the processor 1701. In this case, the processor 1701 may be implemented by hardware.

[0480] In one implementation, the communication device 1700 may include a circuit, and the circuit may implement the transmitter function, receiver function, or communication function in any one of the foregoing embodiments. The processor and communication interface described in this application may be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a mixed-signal IC, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, or the like. The processor and communication interface may be manufactured using various IC technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-type Metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS), Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT), BiCMOS, silicon germanium (SiGe), and gallium arsenide (GaAs).

[0481] The scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device is not limited by FIG. 17. The communication device may be an independent device or a part of a large device. For example, the communication device may be the following: (1) An independent integrated circuit (IC), chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) A set including one or more ICs, where optionally, the set of ICs may further include a storage component configured to store data and computer programs; (3) An ASIC such as a modem; (4) A module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) A receiver, terminal, intelligent terminal, mobile phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, in-vehicle device, network device, cloud device, population intelligence device, etc.; or (6) Others.

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

[0483] It should be understood that the communication devices in the various product forms described above have any of the functions of the AP or STA in any one of the foregoing embodiments. Details are not described again here.

[0484] One embodiment of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code. When the processor executes the computer program code, the electronic device executes the method in any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0485] One embodiment of this application further provides a computer program product. When the computer program product operates on a computer, the computer can execute the method in any one of the foregoing embodiments.

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

[0487] One embodiment of the present application further provides a wireless communication system including an AP and an STA. The AP and the STA may execute the method in any one of the foregoing embodiments.

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

[0489] One skilled in the art should recognize that in one or more of the foregoing examples, the functions described in this application can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When the functions are implemented by software, the foregoing functions may be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes within the computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium includes a computer-readable storage medium and a communication medium. The communication medium includes any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one location to another. The storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0490] In the foregoing specific implementation forms, the object, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application are further described in detail. It should be understood that the foregoing description is only a specific implementation form of this application and does not limit the protection scope of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made based on the technical solution of this application shall fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: generating, by a first access point (AP), a management frame, wherein the management frame includes a specific element of the first AP and a multi-basic service set identifier (BSSID) element, the specific element is a channel switching related element or a quiet channel related element, the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID within a first multi-BSSID set, the multi-BSSID element does not include the specific element of the AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID, and values of specific elements of APs corresponding to non-transmission BSSIDs within the multi-BSSID set are the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP; transmitting, by the first AP, the management frame; and a method including the above.

2. The management frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame, The method according to claim 1.

3. The specific element includes at least one of a channel switching notification element, an extended channel switching notification element, a quiet element, a quiet channel element, and a maximum channel switching time element The method according to claim 1.

4. The management frame further includes a specific element of a second AP, the first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP multi-link device (MLD), or the second AP and a third AP belong to the same AP MLD, and the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs, The method according to claim 1.

5. The second AP is an AP within a second multi-BSSID set, and values of specific elements of the second AP are the same as values of specific elements of another AP within the second multi-BSSID set other than the second AP, The method according to claim 4.

6. When the second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD, and the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs, the specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame,

7. The multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmission BSSID profile, and the specific element of the second AP is located in one non-transmission BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmission BSSID profile. The method according to claim 6.

8. One non-transmission BSSID profile within the at least one non-transmission BSSID profile is a non-transmission BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP, and the specific element of the second AP is located in the per-STA profile field of the multi-link element within the non-transmission BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP. The method according to claim 7.

9. When the first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP MLD, the specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-link element of the management frame. The method according to claim 4.

10. The specific element of the second AP is located in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP within the multi-link element. The method according to claim 9.

11. The per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP includes a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is the link identifier of the second AP. The method according to claim 10.

12. A communication method, a step of receiving, by a station (STA), a management frame, where the management frame includes a specific element of a first access point (AP) and a multi-basic service set identifier (BSSID) element, the specific element is a channel switching related element or a quiet channel related element, the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID within a first multi-BSSID set, the multi-BSSID element does not include the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID, and a value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the multi-BSSID set is the same as the value of the specific element of the first AP; a step of determining, by the STA, based on the management frame, the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, or the value of the specific element of the first AP; A method including.

13. The specific element is Channel switching notification element, extended channel switching notification element, quiet element, quiet channel element, and maximum channel switching time element The method according to claim 12, comprising at least one of the above.

14. The management frame further includes specific elements of a second AP, wherein the first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP multi-link device (MLD), or the second AP and a third AP belong to the same AP MLD, and the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs. The method according to claim 12.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the second AP is an AP within a second multi-BSSID set, and the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of another AP within the second multi-BSSID set other than the second AP.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein when the second AP and the third AP belong to the same AP MLD and the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set to which the first AP belongs, the specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-BSSID element of the management frame.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmission BSSID profile, and the specific element of the second AP is located in one of the at least one non-transmission BSSID profiles.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein one of the at least one non-transmission BSSID profiles within the at least one non-transmission BSSID profile is a non-transmission BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP, and the specific element of the second AP is located in the per-STA profile field of the multi-link element within the non-transmission BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein when the first AP and the second AP belong to the same AP MLD, the specific element of the second AP is located in the multi-link element of the management frame.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the specific element of the second AP is located in a per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP within the multi-link element.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the per-STA profile field corresponding to the second AP includes a link identifier field, and the link identifier field is a link identifier of the second AP.

22. A communication method, comprising: generating, by a first access point (AP) of a first access point device (AP MLD), a first management frame, the first management frame including a specific element of a second AP, the specific element being a channel switching related element or a quiet channel related element, and the specific element of the second AP being located in a multi-basic service set identifier (BSSID) element of the first management frame; wherein the first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID within a first multi-BSSID set, a third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID within the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP and the third AP belong to a second AP MLD; transmitting, by the first AP, the first management frame; A method comprising the above steps.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmission BSSID profile, and the specific element is located in one non-transmission BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP within the at least one non-transmission BSSID profile.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein the second AP is an AP that performs a channel switching operation or a channel quieting operation corresponding to the specific element.

25. The method according to claim 22, wherein the second AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID, and the specific element of the second AP included in the first management frame corresponds to the specific element of the second AP included in a second management frame transmitted by the second AP before the first AP transmits the first management frame.

26. The second AP is an AP corresponding to a non - transmission BSSID within a second multi - BSSID set, and specific elements of the second AP are indicated by a third management frame transmitted by an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID within the same multi - BSSID set as the second AP. The value of the specific elements of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific elements of the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID within the same multi - BSSID set as the second AP. The specific elements of the second AP included in the first management frame correspond to the specific elements of the second AP indicated in the third management frame. The method according to claim 22.

27. The second AP switches from a first operation class and a first channel to a second operation class and a second channel at a target time. The first management frame includes a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element. The method includes: When the first management frame is transmitted before the target time, the RNR element includes the first operation class and the first channel, or When the first management frame is transmitted after the target time, the RNR element includes the second operation class and the second channel. The method according to claim 22, further including this.

28. The time field of the specific elements of the second AP refers to the beacon transmission time and the beacon interval of the second AP. The method according to claim 22.

29. The specific elements are at least one of a channel switching notification element, an extended channel switching notification element, a quiet element, a quiet channel element, and a maximum channel switching time element. The method according to claim 22, including this.

30. A communication method, including: A step of receiving, by a station (STA), a first management frame from a first access point (AP) of a first access point device (AP MLD). The first management frame includes specific elements of a second AP. The specific elements are channel switching - related elements or quiet channel - related elements. The specific elements of the second AP are located in the multi - basic service set identifier (BSSID) element of the first management frame. The first AP is an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, the third AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID in the first multi-BSSID set, and the second AP and the third AP belong to a second AP MLD, step; The step of the STA determining the value of the specific element of the second AP or the value of the specific element of another AP other than the second AP in the second multi-BSSID set based on the first management frame; A method comprising.

31. The multi-BSSID element includes at least one non-transmission BSSID profile, and the specific element is located in one non-transmission BSSID profile corresponding to the third AP in the at least one non-transmission BSSID profile; The method according to claim 30.

32. The non-transmission BSSID profiles in the at least one non-transmission BSSID profile other than the one non-transmission BSSID profile do not include the specific element; The method according to claim 31.

33. The method according to claim 30, wherein the second AP is an AP that performs a channel switching operation or a channel quieting operation corresponding to the specific element.

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

35. The method according to claim 30, wherein the second AP is an AP corresponding to a non-transmission BSSID in a second multi-BSSID set, the specific element of the second AP is indicated by a third management frame transmitted by an AP corresponding to a transmission BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set as the second AP, the value of the specific element of the second AP is the same as the value of the specific element of the AP corresponding to the transmission BSSID in the same multi-BSSID set as the second AP, and the specific element of the second AP included in the first management frame corresponds to the specific element of the second AP indicated in the third management frame.

36. The second AP switches from the first operation class and the first channel to the second operation class and the second channel at a target time, the first management frame includes a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element, and the method when the first management frame is transmitted before the target time, the RNR element includes the first operation class and the first channel, or when the first management frame is transmitted after the target time, the RNR element includes the second operation class and the second channel The method according to claim 30, further comprising.

37. The method according to claim 30, wherein a time field of the specific element of the second AP refers to a beacon transmission time and a beacon interval of the second AP.

38. The method according to claim 30, wherein the first management frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

39. The specific element is a channel switching notification element, an extended channel switching notification element, a quiet element, a quiet channel element, and a maximum channel switching time element The method according to claim 30, comprising at least one of.

40. A communication device, the device comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit, the device being configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 39.

41. A communication device comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory, the memory being configured to store a program or instructions, the at least one processor being configured to execute the program or the instructions such that the device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 39. Communication device.

42. A computer program comprising instructions, which when executed on a computer enable the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 39.

43. A computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 39 is executed.

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