Individually addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links and related apparatus

Abstract

To provide an individually addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links in a wireless local area network supporting an 802.11be standard, and a communication apparatus.SOLUTION: A first AP of a first AP MLD generates and sends individually addressed traffic indication information, where the individually addressed traffic indication information is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has a downlink individually addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has a downlink individually addressed traffic, and the second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitted AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to an individually addressed traffic indication method and related apparatus applicable to multiple links. [Background technology]

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010791117.1, entitled "INDIVIDUALLY ADDRESSED TRAFFIC INDICATION METHOD APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE LINKS AND RELATED APPARATUS," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on August 7, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] To significantly increase the service transmission speed of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11ax standard further incorporates Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology based on the existing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology. OFDMA technology supports multiple nodes in simultaneously transmitting and receiving data, achieving multi-station diversity gain.

[0004] The next-generation Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11be, is called Extremely High Throughput (EHT) or Wi-Fi 7 and has the primary technical goal of significantly increasing peak throughput. Wireless LAN devices supporting the IEEE 802.11be standard can increase peak throughput and reduce traffic transmission delays through multiple streams (up to 16 spatial streams), multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), and cooperation between multiple channels in the same frequency band. Multiple frequency bands or multiple channels are sometimes collectively referred to as multiple links. A next-generation IEEE 802.11 standard station device that simultaneously supports multiple links is sometimes called a multi-link device (MLD).

[0005] However, some dedicated access point multilink devices (e.g., an AP in which all access points (assess points, APs) included in the access point multilink device have a non-transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID)) cannot transmit beacon frames to indicate whether a station (STA) multilink device associated with the access point multilink device has downlink individual addressed traffic. As a result, the station multilink device associated with the access point multilink device cannot correctly receive the downlink individual addressed traffic. Thus, for some dedicated access point multilink devices (AP MLD), how to implement downlink individual addressed traffic indication has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide an individual addressed traffic indication method and related device applicable to multiple links, which can help some or all APs of some AP MLDs indicate whether station multilink devices associated with the AP MLDs have downlink individual addressed traffic, and help station multilink devices correctly receive the downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0007] In the following, the present application will be described from various aspects, it being understood that cross-references may be made to the following implementations and beneficial effects of the various aspects.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present application provides an individual-addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links. The method is applied to a first AP MLD, and the first AP is a reporting AP. The individual-addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links includes: a first AP of the first AP MLD generates individual-addressed traffic indication information and transmits the individual-addressed traffic indication information to a first link. The individual-addressed traffic indication information is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, where the second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located. The first link is the working link of the first AP.

[0009] Optionally, the reporting AP may be an AP that transmits a management frame, which carries information about multiple APs in the reporting AP's array AP MLD set. The management frame may be, for example, a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0010] The individual-addressed traffic indication information in this solution can not only indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, but also help a second AP MLD indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, where the second AP MLD is the AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in the multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs, thereby solving the problem that some or all APs in the AP MLD cannot indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, so that the non-AP MLD associated with the AP can successfully receive the downlink individual-addressed traffic.

[0011] In addition, since all APs in an AP MLD in 802.11be may be non-transmitting APs, this solution solves the problem that an AP MLD whose APs are all non-transmitting APs cannot send an individual-addressed traffic indication, thereby improving the completeness and diversity of downlink individual-addressed traffic indication.

[0012] Referring to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: a first AP of a first AP MLD generates and sends association identifier AID assignment information, the AID assignment information carries an AID assigned to a non-AP MLD, and the AID is different from the AID of a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD.

[0013] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0014] Optionally, the first AP MLD 1 Before the AP of the first AP sends the association response frame, the method further includes: the first AP of the first AP MLD receives an association request frame, which is used to request to establish a multilink association with the first AP MLD.

[0015] In this solution, it is considered that when an AID is assigned, the first AP MLD helps the second AP MLD to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic, so that the AID assigned by the first AP MLD to the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD, and therefore AID ambiguity can be avoided when downlink individual addressed traffic is indicated.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the present application provides an individual-addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links, which is applied to a non-AP MLD. The individual-addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links includes: a first STA of a non-AP MLD receives individual-addressed traffic indication information for a first link on which the first STA operates, and determines whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic according to the received individual-addressed traffic indication information. The individual-addressed traffic indication information is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, where the second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs.

[0017] Optionally, the reporting AP may be an AP that transmits a management frame, which carries information about multiple APs in the reporting AP's array AP MLD set. The management frame may be, for example, a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0018] Referring to the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: a first STA of a non-AP MLD receives AID assignment information, analyzes the received AID assignment information, and learns that the AID assignment information carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, which AID is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD.

[0019] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0020] Optionally, before the first STA of the non-AP MLD receives the association response frame, the method further includes: the first STA of the non-AP MLD generating and transmitting an association request frame, where the association request frame is used to request establishing a multilink association with the first AP MLD.

[0021] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a communications device, which may be a first AP MLD, or a chip in the first AP MLD such as a Wi-Fi chip, or may be a first AP of the first AP MLD, and includes: a processing unit configured to generate individual-addressed traffic indication information, the individual-addressed traffic indication information being used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs; and a transceiver unit configured to transmit the individual-addressed traffic indication information on a first link, the first link being an operational link of the first AP.

[0022] Optionally, the reporting AP may be an AP that transmits a management frame, which carries information about multiple APs in the reporting AP's array AP MLD set. The management frame may be, for example, a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0023] Referring to a third aspect, in a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to generate AID allocation information, where the AID allocation information carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, where the AID is different from an AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD, and the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the AID allocation information.

[0024] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0025] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive an association request frame, wherein the association request frame is used to request to establish a multi-link association with the first AP MLD.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a non-AP MLD, or a chip in the non-AP MLD such as a Wi-Fi chip, or may be a first STA of the non-AP MLD, and includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive individual-addressed traffic indication information on a first link on which the first STA operates, the individual-addressed traffic indication information being used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs; and the communication device further includes a processing unit configured to determine whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic according to the received individual-addressed traffic indication information.

[0027] Optionally, the reporting AP may be an AP that transmits a management frame, which carries information about multiple APs in the reporting AP's array AP MLD set. The management frame may be, for example, a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0028] Referring to a fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive AID assignment information, and the processing unit is further configured to analyze the received AID assignment information to find that the AID assignment information carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, where the AID is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD.

[0029] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0030] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to generate an association request frame, and the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the association request frame, wherein the association request frame is used to request establishing a multilink association with the first AP MLD.

[0031] In an implementation of any of the aforementioned aspects, one bit of the individual-addressed traffic indication information corresponds to one non-AP MLD, and the bit of the individual-addressed traffic indication information is used to indicate whether the corresponding non-AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, where the non-AP MLD includes a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP MLD and a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD.

[0032] In an implementation of any of the aforementioned aspects, one bit of the individual addressed traffic indication information corresponds to one association identifier AID, and the bit of the individual addressed traffic indication information is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD identified by the corresponding AID has downlink individual addressed traffic, where the non-AP MLD includes a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD and a non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD.

[0033] Optionally, the individually addressed traffic indication information is carried in a partial virtual bitmap field of a traffic indication map TIM element.

[0034] In this solution, some bits of the partial virtual bitmap field of the TIM element are used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the MLD in which the reporting AP is located has downlink individual addressed traffic, and whether a non-AP MLD associated with each second AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic. Without needing to change the frame format of the TIM element, one AP MLD can help another AP MLD indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the other AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic. This can improve the adaptability of notifying downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0035] In any implementation of the above-mentioned aspects, the association identifiers AID corresponding to the bits of the individual addressed traffic indication information are different from each other. If it is indicated whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic, AID ambiguity can be avoided.

[0036] In an implementation of any of the aforementioned aspects, the individual addressed traffic indication information includes a TIM block corresponding to a first AP MLD and a TIM block corresponding to one second AP MLD, where the TIM block corresponding to the first AP MLD is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic, and the TIM block corresponding to the one second AP MLD is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0037] Optionally, the individual addressed traffic indication information further includes an index of a second AP MLD, where the index of the second AP MLD has a one-to-one correspondence with a corresponding TIM block of the second AP MLD.

[0038] Optionally, one bit for one of the aforementioned TIM blocks corresponds to one non-AP MLD, and the bit of the TIM block is used to indicate whether the corresponding non-AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0039] Optionally, the association identifiers AID corresponding to the bits of the TIM blocks are different from each other.

[0040] Optionally, the AID space used by the first AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the first AP MLD and the AID space used by the second AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD are independent of each other, where the AID space may alternatively be a set of AIDs to be assigned.

[0041] In this solution, TIM indication is performed for different AP MLDs based on blocks, which can avoid ambiguity of AIDs of non-AP MLDs associated with different AP MLDs.

[0042] According to a fifth aspect, the present application provides a method for assigning an association identifier (AID) to a multilink device, which is applied to any AP in an AP MLD. The method for assigning an AID to a multilink device includes: i generates and transmits AID assignment information, the AID assignment information carrying an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, the AID being different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD i The target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP i The array of AP MLD sets is any AP MLD in the set group in which the AP MLD set is located.i is any AP in the AP MLD.

[0043] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0044] Optionally, the target AP MLD i If the AP MLD is any AP MLD in the array AP MLD set of i The target AP MLD belongs to the AP MLD set. i If the array AP MLD set is any AP MLD in the set group in which it is placed, then both the AP MLD and the target AP MLD are i The array of APs belonging to the set group in which the MLD set is placed, and this set group is i The array AP MLD set of AP i Array of APs in the MLD set i The array AP MLD set of any AP other than the AP.

[0045] Optionally, before the AP in the AP MLD sends the association response frame, the method further includes: i receives an association request frame, which is used to request to establish a multi-link association with the AP MLD.

[0046] In this solution, the AP i It is considered that the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD need to be unique, in other words, different from each other. If it is indicated whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individually addressed traffic, AID ambiguity can be avoided.

[0047] According to a sixth aspect, the present application provides a method for allocating an AID to a multilink device. This method is applicable to any STA of a non-AP MLD. The method for allocating an AID to a multilink device includes: a STA of a non-AP MLD receives AID allocation information, analyzes the AID allocation information, and finds that the AID allocation information carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, and this AID is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD; and the target AP MLD is associated with the AP i The target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP i The array of AP MLD sets is any AP MLD in the set group in which the AP MLD set is located. i is any AP in the AP MLD.

[0048] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0049] Optionally, the target AP MLD i If the AP MLD is any AP MLD in the array AP MLD set of i The target AP MLD belongs to the AP MLD set. i If the array AP MLD set is any AP MLD in the set group in which it is placed, then both the AP MLD and the target AP MLD are i The array of APs belonging to the set group in which the MLD set is placed, and this set group is i The array AP MLD set of AP i Array of APs in the MLD set i The array AP MLD set of any AP other than the AP.

[0050] Optionally, before the STA of the non-AP MLD receives the association response frame, the method further includes: the STA of the non-AP MLD generates and transmits an association request frame, which is used to request to establish a multilink association with the AP MLD.

[0051] According to a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be an AP MLD or a chip in the AP MLD, such as a Wi-Fi chip, and includes a processing unit configured to generate AID assignment information, the AID assignment information carrying an AID assigned to a non-AP MLD, the AID being different from an AID of a non-AP MLD associated with a target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD is configured to assign an AID to the AP MLD. i The target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP i The AP MLD set is any AP MLD in the set group in which the AP MLD set is located, and the communication device further includes a processing unit configured to transmit an association response frame. i is any AP in the AP MLD.

[0052] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0053] Optionally, the target AP MLD i If the AP MLD is any AP MLD in the array AP MLD set of i The target AP MLD belongs to the AP MLD set. i If the array AP MLD set is any AP MLD in the set group in which it is placed, then both the AP MLD and the target AP MLD are i The array of APs belonging to the set group in which the MLD set is placed, and this set group is iThe array AP MLD set of AP i Array of APs in the MLD set i The array AP MLD set of any AP other than the AP.

[0054] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive an association request frame, which is used to request to establish a multi-link association with the AP MLD.

[0055] According to an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a non-AP MLD or a chip in the non-AP MLD, such as a Wi-Fi chip, and includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive AID assignment information from an AP of an AP MLD; and a processing unit configured to analyze the received AID assignment information to find that the AID assignment information carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, where the AID is different from an AID of a non-AP MLD associated with a target AP MLD; i The target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP i The array of AP MLD sets is any AP MLD in the set group in which the AP MLD set is located. i is any AP in the AP MLD.

[0056] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0057] Optionally, the target AP MLD i If the AP MLD is any AP MLD in the array AP MLD set of i The target AP MLD belongs to the AP MLD set. iIf the array AP MLD set is any AP MLD in the set group in which it is placed, then both the AP MLD and the target AP MLD are i The array of APs belonging to the set group in which the MLD set is placed, and this set group is i The array AP MLD set of AP i Array of APs in the MLD set i The array AP MLD set of any AP other than the AP.

[0058] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to generate an association request frame, and the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the association request frame, which is used to request establishing a multi-link association with the AP MLD.

[0059] According to a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is specifically a first AP MLD or a first AP of the first AP MLD, and includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to support the first AP MLD in implementing corresponding functions in the aforementioned method of the first aspect. The transceiver is configured to support communication between the first AP MLD and a non-access point multilink device (also referred to as a station multilink device) and to transmit information, frames, data packets, instructions, etc. in the aforementioned method to the station multilink device. The first AP MLD may further include a memory. The memory is configured to be coupled to the processor, and the memory stores program instructions and data required for the first AP MLD.

[0060] Specifically, the processor is configured to generate individual-addressed traffic indication information, which is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs. The transceiver is configured to transmit the individual-addressed traffic indication information on a first link, which is an operational link of the first AP.

[0061] According to a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is specifically a non-access point multilink device (also referred to as a station multilink device) or a first STA of a non-AP MLD, and includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to support the station multilink device in implementing corresponding functions in the aforementioned method of the second aspect. The transceiver is configured to support communication between the station multilink device and the first AP MLD and to receive information, frames, data packets, instructions, etc. in the aforementioned method from the first AP MLD. The station multilink device may further include a memory. The memory is configured to be coupled to the processor, and the memory stores program instructions and data required for the station multilink device.

[0062] Specifically, the transceiver is configured to receive individual-addressed traffic indication information on a first link on which a first STA operates, the individual-addressed traffic indication information being used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs. The processor is configured to determine whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic according to the received individual-addressed traffic indication information.

[0063] According to an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is specifically an AP MLD or an AP of AP MLD. i The AP MLD may further include a memory. The memory is configured to be coupled to the processor, and the memory stores program instructions and data required for the AP MLD. The processor is configured to support the AP MLD in implementing corresponding functions in the aforementioned method in the fifth aspect. The transceiver is configured to support communication between the AP MLD and a non-access point multilink device (also referred to as a station multilink device), and to transmit information, frames, data packets, instructions, etc. to the station multilink device in the aforementioned method. The AP MLD may further include a memory. The memory is configured to be coupled to the processor, and the memory stores program instructions and data required for the AP MLD.

[0064] Specifically, the processor is configured to generate AID assignment information, the AID assignment information carrying an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, the AID being different from an AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD being associated with the AP iThe target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP i The AID assignment information is transmitted to any AP MLD in the set group in which the AP MLD set is located. The transceiver is configured to transmit the AID assignment information. The AID assignment information is carried in an association response frame. It may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames. i is any AP in the AP MLD.

[0065] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to receive an association request frame, which is used to request to establish a multi-link association with the AP MLD.

[0066] According to a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is specifically a non-access point multilink device (also referred to as a station multilink device) and includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to support the station multilink device in implementing corresponding functions in the method described above in the sixth aspect. The transceiver is configured to support communication between the station multilink device and the AP MLD and to receive information, frames, data packets, instructions, etc. in the method from the AP MLD. The station multilink device may further include a memory. The memory is configured to be coupled to the processor, and the memory stores program instructions and data required for the station multilink device.

[0067] Specifically, the transceiver is configured to receive AID assignment information, and the processor is configured to analyze the received AID assignment information to determine that the AID assignment information carries an AID assigned to a non-AP MLD, where the AID is different from an AID of a non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD is associated with the AP iThe target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP i The AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame. It may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames. i is any AP in the AP MLD.

[0068] Optionally, the processor is further configured to generate an association request frame, and the transceiver is further configured to transmit the association request frame, wherein the association request frame is used to request establishing a multi-link association with the AP MLD.

[0069] According to a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip or chip system including an input / output interface and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to generate individual-addressed traffic indication information, the individual-addressed traffic indication information being used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs. The input / output interface is configured to transmit the individual-addressed traffic indication information on a first link, the first link being an operational link of the first AP.

[0070] In a possible design, the input / output interface is configured to receive individual-addressed traffic indication information over a first link, the individual-addressed traffic indication information being used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs. The processing circuitry is configured to determine whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic according to the received individual-addressed traffic indication information.

[0071] According to a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip or chip system including an input / output interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to generate AID assignment information, the AID assignment information carrying an AID assigned to a non-AP MLD, the AID being different from an AID of a non-AP MLD associated with a target AP MLD, the target AP MLD being any AP MLD in an ordered AP MLD set of a reporting AP, or the target AP MLD being a non-AP MLD associated with an AP i The array AP MLD set is an arbitrary AP MLD in the set group in which the AP MLD set is located. The input / output interface is configured to transmit an association response frame.

[0072] In a possible design, the input / output interface is configured to receive AID assignment information, and the processing circuitry is configured to analyze the received AID assignment information to determine that the AID assignment information carries an AID assigned to a non-AP MLD, where the AID is different from an AID of a non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the reporting AP's array AP MLD set, or the target AP MLD is a non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD.i The array AP MLD set is placed in the set group of any AP MLD.

[0073] According to a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the aforementioned individually addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links according to the first or second aspect.

[0074] According to a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the aforementioned method for assigning association identifiers AIDs to multi-link devices according to the fifth or sixth aspect.

[0075] According to a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which when executed on a computer, enable the computer to implement the aforementioned individually addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links according to the first or second aspect.

[0076] According to an eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the aforementioned method for assigning association identifiers AIDs to multi-link devices according to the fifth or sixth aspect.

[0077] Embodiments of the present application can be implemented to help some or all APs of some AP MLDs indicate whether station multilink devices associated with the AP MLDs have downlink individual addressed traffic, thereby helping the station multilink devices to correctly receive the downlink individual addressed traffic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0078] To more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments.

[0079] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a TIM element according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a multiple BSSID element according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4a] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4b] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4c] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 300 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of multiple BSSID sets according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic flowchart of an individually addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a partial virtual bitmap field according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a partial frame format of a novel element according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic flowchart of a method for allocating AID to a non-AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10a] 1 is a schematic diagram of an array AP MLD set of APs according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10b] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram of an array AP MLD set of APs according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10c] FIG. 10 is yet another schematic diagram of an array AP MLD set of APs according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of an AID element according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 12] 4 is another schematic flowchart of an individually addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device 2 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device 3 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device 4 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0080] In the following, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly explained with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present application. Certainly explain.

[0081] To better understand the individually addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links and the related apparatus disclosed as an embodiment of the present application, the related concepts of the embodiment of the present application will be explained first.

[0082] 1. Multilink Device

[0083] The wireless communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network, and the individually addressed traffic indication method may be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system, or a chip or processor in the communication device. The communication device may be a wireless communication device that supports multiple links for parallel transmission, and is called, for example, a multi-link device (MLD) or a multi-band device. Compared with a device that only supports single-link transmission, a multi-link device has high transmission efficiency and high throughput.

[0084] A multilink device includes one or more affiliated stations (affiliated STAs). An affiliated station is a logical station that can operate on one link. An affiliated station may be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (Non-AP STA). For ease of explanation, in this application, a multilink device whose affiliated station is an AP may be referred to as a multilink AP, a multilink AP device, or an AP multilink device (AP multilink device, AP MLD). A multilink device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA may be referred to as a multilink non-AP, a multilink non-AP device, or a non-AP multilink device (Non-AP MLD). For ease of explanation, "a multilink device includes an affiliated station" may also be briefly described as "a multilink device includes a station" in the embodiments of this application.

[0085] A multilink device includes one or more affiliated stations (STAs). In other words, a multilink device may include multiple logical stations. Each logical station operates on a single link, but multiple logical stations are allowed to operate on the same link.

[0086] A multilink device can implement wireless communication according to the 802.11 family of standards. For example, a station that complies with extremely high throughput (EHT), or a station that complies with 802.11be, or a station that is compatible with 802.11be, can implement communication with another device. Indeed, the other device may or may not be a multilink device.

[0087] 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 device may be a device with 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 the embodiment of the present application, the multi-link device may allow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, and may even allow the same data packet to be transmitted on different links, or may not allow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, but may allow services of different access types to be transmitted on different links.

[0088] For example, if the multi-link device is a device with wireless communication capabilities, the device may be a complete device, or a chip or processing system attached to the complete device, and the device equipped with the chip or processing system may implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application under the control of the chip or processing system. For example, the non-AP MLD of the embodiments of the present application has a wireless transceiver function that may support 802.11 series protocols and may communicate with an AP MLD, another non-AP MLD, or a single-link device. For example, the STA MLD is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and further with a WLAN. For example, the non-AP MLD may be user equipment capable of connecting to the Internet, such as a tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), handheld computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), or mobile phone, or may be an Internet of Things node in the Internet of Things, an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles, etc. The non-AP MLD may alternatively be a chip and processing system within these terminals.

[0089] The AP MLD in the embodiments of the present application is a device that provides services to non-AP MLDs and can support 802.11 series protocols. For example, the AP MLD may be a communication entity such as a communication server, router, switch, or network bridge, or may include various types of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay nodes, etc. Indeed, the AP MLD may alternatively be chips and processing systems within these devices in various forms, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the multi-link device can support high-speed and low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of application scenarios of wireless local area networks, multi-link devices may alternatively be applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air detection nodes, etc.), smart devices in smart homes (smart cameras, projectors, display screens, televisions, stereos, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (AR, VR, and other wearable terminals, etc.), smart devices in smart offices (printers and projectors, etc.), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, and some infrastructures in daily life scenarios (vending machines, self-service navigation desks in supermarkets, self-service cash registers, self-service ordering machines, etc.). The specific forms of non-AP MLD and AP MLD are not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application and are merely examples for the purpose of explanation herein. The 802.11 protocol may be a protocol that supports 802.11be or is compatible with 802.11be.

[0090] The frequency bands in which a multi-link device operates may include, but are not limited to, sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and high frequency 60 GHz.

[0091] 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 the embodiment of the present application may be a device with two or more antennas. The number of antennas included in the multi-link device is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP MLD with multiple antennas and a non-AP MLD with a single antenna. The 802.11 standard focuses on a physical layer (PHY) part and a media access control (MAC) layer part in the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0092] 2. Link Identifier

[0093] A link identifier represents a station operating on a link. In other words, if there is more than one station on a link, more than one link identifier represents the station. A link referred to below may also represent a station operating on that link.

[0094] When data is transmitted between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, a link identifier may be used to identify the link or the station on the link. Prior to communication, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may negotiate or communicate the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link. Thus, during data transmission, the link identifier is carried without the need to transmit a large amount of signaling information to indicate the link or the station on the link. This reduces signaling overhead and improves transmission efficiency.

[0095] In an example, a management frame, such as a beacon frame, transmitted by an AP MLD when establishing a basic service set (BSS) carries an element, which includes a multiple link identification field. The link identification field may indicate a correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on the link corresponding to the link identifier. The link identification field includes not only the link identifier but also one or more of the following information: a Media Access Control (MAC) address, an operation set, and a channel number. One or more of the MAC address, operation set, and channel number may indicate a link. In an AP, the MAC address of the AP is also the AP's BSSID (basic service set identifier). In another example, during a multilink device association process, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD negotiate the multiple link identification field. Multi-link device association means that one AP in AP MLD is associated with one STA in non-AP MLD once, and this association may help multiple STAs in non-AP MLD to be associated with multiple APs in AP MLD respectively, and one STA is associated with one AP.

[0096] In subsequent communications, the AP MLD or non-AP MLD uses a link identifier to represent the non-AP MLD station, and the link identifier may further represent one or more attributes of the station's MAC address, operating operation set, and channel number. The MAC address may be replaced with the AP MLD association identifier after association. Optionally, when multiple stations are operating on one link, the link identifier (digital ID) will include not only the operating set and channel number on which the link is located, but also the identifiers of the stations operating on the link, such as the station's MAC address or the station's association identifier (AID).

[0097] 3. Traffic Indication Map Elements

[0098] A traffic indication map (TIM) beacon frame and a delivery traffic indication map (DTIM) beacon frame each carry a traffic indication map (TIM) element. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a TIM element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, the frame format of the TIM element field includes:

[0099] Element Identifier (ID) field: Used to identify the element shown in Figure 2 as a TIM element.

[0100] Length field: Used to indicate the length of the TIM element and to collect statistics in bytes about the total length of the fields, specifically after the DTIM Count, DTIM Period, Bitmap Control, and Partial Virtual Bitmap fields.

[0101] DTIM count field: Used to indicate how many TIM beacon frames appear from the current beacon frame carrying a TIM element before the next DTIM beacon frame arrives. In other words, the DTIM count field is a count value, and this count value is variable. If the value of the DTIM count field is 0, it indicates that the current beacon frame is a DTIM beacon frame. If the value of the DTIM count field is not 0, i.e., non-zero, it indicates that the current beacon frame is a TIM beacon frame.

[0102] DTIM Period field: Used to indicate the duration of a DTIM beacon frame, in other words, the interarrival time, in units of a TIM beacon frame period. For example, if the DTIM Period is set to 1, the DTIM Count in each TIM element field is equal to 0, in other words, each beacon frame is a DTIM beacon frame.

[0103] Bitmap control field: As shown in FIG. 2, bit 0 of the bitmap control field is used to indicate whether the access point AP will send group-addressed data traffic after sending a DTIM beacon frame; in other words, bit 0 of the bitmap control field in the DTIM beacon frame indicates whether the AP caches group-addressed traffic and whether the group-addressed traffic is not sent via the group-addressed AID; and bits 1 to 7 of the bitmap control field are used to indicate the offset of the partial virtual bitmap, where the offset is in bytes (i.e., 8 bits).

[0104] Partial Virtual Bitmap: Each bit in the Partial Virtual Bitmap field corresponds to one Association Identifier (AID) and is used to indicate whether the station corresponding to the AID has individual addressed traffic. Alternatively, each bit in the Partial Virtual Bitmap field corresponds to one Group Addressing AID and is used to indicate whether the group of stations corresponding to this Group Addressing AID has downlink individual addressed traffic. The Partial Virtual Bitmap field is a number of bits in the Traffic Indication Virtual Bitmap field, which is 251 bytes long and is used to indicate whether the stations corresponding to AID 0 through AID 2007 have downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0105] The Element ID field, Length field, DTIM Count field, DTIM Period field, and Bitmap Control field each occupy one byte.

[0106] 4. Multiple BSSID sets

[0107] A multiple basic service set identifier set (sometimes called a multiple BSSID set) can be understood as a set of several cooperating APs. All cooperating APs use the same operation set, channel number, and antenna interface. In a multiple BSSID set, there is only one AP with a transmitted BSSID, and the other APs have non-transmitted BSSIDs. Multiple BSSID set information (i.e., multiple BSSID elements) is carried in beacon frames, probe response frames, or neighbor reports sent by APs with transmitted BSSIDs. Information about the BSSIDs of APs with non-transmitted BSSIDs is derived by stations based on the multiple BSSID elements in beacon frames, probe response frames, or neighbor reports. The BSSIDs of APs with non-transmitted BSSIDs are calculated based on the BSSIDs of APs with transmitted BSSIDs and the BSSID Index field of the Multiple BSSID-Index element in the non-transmitted BSSID profile of the BSSIDs of APs with non-transmitted BSSIDs. For specific methods, please refer to the Draft 802.11REVmd_D3.0 protocol.

[0108] A multiple BSSID set may alternatively be understood to include multiple APs, each managing one BSS, where different APs may have different SSIDs and permissions, such as security mechanisms or transmission opportunities.

[0109] In a multiple BSSID set, only APs whose BSSID is a transmit BSSID can send beacon frames and probe response frames, while APs with non-transmit BSSIDs do not send beacon frames. Therefore, if a probe request frame sent by a STA is sent to an AP whose BSSID is a non-transmit BSSID in the multiple BSSID set, the AP whose BSSID is a transmit BSSID in the multiple BSSID set will help respond by sending a probe response frame.

[0110] One BSSID of multiple APs in a multiple BSSID set is configured as a Transmitted BSSID, and the AP with this Transmitted BSSID is sometimes called a Transmitted AP, while the BSSID of the other AP is configured as a Non-Transmitted BSSID, and the AP with this Non-Transmitted BSSID is sometimes called a Non-Transmitted AP.

[0111] A beacon frame transmitted by a transmitting AP may include a multiple BSSID element, and the frame format of this multiple BSSID element is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a multiple BSSID element according to an embodiment of the present application. The multiple 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 is used to indicate the maximum number N of BSSIDs included in the multiple BSSID set, and the optional sub-element field includes information about the BSSIDs of APs with non-transmitting BSSIDs.

[0112] The maximum number of APs allowed in a multiple BSSID set is 2n, where n is the value indicated by the MaxBSSID Indicator field in the multiple BSSID element shown in Figure 3, and N=2. nTherefore, bits 1 to 2 of the Traffic Indication Virtual Bitmap field n -1 is assigned to each AP with a non-transmitting BSSID in the multiplexed BSSID set, and NonTxBSS ID (identifier) ​​is 1 to 2. n Each may indicate whether an AP with a non-transmitting BSSID equal to -1 has group-addressed traffic. The value of NonTxBSS ID is equal to the value of the BSSID Index field in the Multiple BSSID-Index element in the non-transmitting BSSID profile in the Multiple BSSID element. The non-transmitting BSSID profile is in the optional sub-element field.

[0113] Although embodiments of the present application are primarily described using networks in which IEEE 802.11 is deployed as an example, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present application can be extended to other networks using different standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard and used primarily in Europe), wide area networks (WANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other networks now known or developed in the future. Thus, various aspects provided herein are applicable to any suitable wireless network, regardless of coverage and wireless access protocol.

[0114] FIG. 4a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 4a, a wireless local area network is used as an example to describe the communication system 100 applied to the embodiment of the present application. The communication system 100 includes a station 101 and a station 102. The station 101 and the station 102 may use multiple links for communication to achieve the effect of improving throughput. The station 101 may be a multi-link device, and the station 102 may be a single-link device, a multi-link device, etc. In one scenario, the station 101 is an AP MLD, and the station 102 is a non-AP MLD or station (such as a single-link station). In another scenario, the station 101 is a non-AP MLD, and the station 102 is an AP (such as a single-link AP) or an AP MLD. In yet another scenario, station 101 is an AP MLD and station 102 is an AP MLD or an AP, and in yet another scenario, station 101 is a non-AP MLD and station 102 is a non-AP MLD or an STA (such as a single-link station). Certainly, the wireless local area network may further include other devices. The quantity and types of devices shown in Figure 4a are merely examples.

[0115] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4c is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 300 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figures 4b and 4c are schematic diagrams of the structures of the communication system 200 and the communication system 300, respectively. The communication system 200 and the communication system 300 are described using an example in which a multi-link device in a wireless local area network communicates with other devices via multiple links.

[0116] Specifically, Figure 4b shows a scenario of communication between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, where the AP MLD includes an array AP1 and an array AP2, the non-AP MLD includes an array STA1 and an array STA2, and the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD communicate in parallel via link 1 and link 2.

[0117] 4c illustrates a scenario in which AP MLD 601 communicates with non-AP MLD 602, non-AP MLD 603, and STA 604. AP MLD 601 includes affiliated APs 601-1 through 601-3. Non-AP MLD 602 ​​includes three affiliated stations, namely, STA 602-1, STA 602-2, and STA 602-3. Non-AP MLD 603 includes two affiliated stations, namely, STA 603-1 and STA 603-2. STA 604-1 and STA 604 are single-link devices. AP MLD 601 may individually communicate with non-AP MLD 602 ​​via Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3, with non-AP MLD 603 via Link 2 and Link 3, and with STA 604 via Link 1. In the example, STA 604 operates in the 2.4 GHz band, STA 603-1 operates in the 5 GHz band and STA 603-2 operates in the 6 GHz band in non-AP MLD 603, and STA 602-1 operates in the 2.4 GHz band, STA 602-2 operates in the 5 GHz band, and STA 602-3 operates in the 6 GHz band in non-AP MLD 602. Uplink or downlink data may be transmitted over link 1 between AP 601-1 operating in the 2.4 GHz band in AP MLD 601 and STA 604 and STA 602-1 in non-AP MLD 602. Uplink data or downlink data may be transmitted via link 2 between AP 601-2 operating in the 5 GHz band in AP MLD 601 and STA 603-1 operating in the 5 GHz band in non-AP MLD 603, and uplink data or downlink data may further be transmitted via link 2 between AP 601-2 and STA 602-2 operating in the 5 GHz band in non-AP MLD 602.Uplink data or downlink data may be transmitted via link 3 between AP 601-3 operating in the 6 GHz band in AP MLD 601 and STA 602-3 operating in the 6 GHz band in non-AP MLD 602, and uplink data or downlink data may further be transmitted via link 3 between AP 601-3 and STA 603-2 in the non-AP MLD.

[0118] 4b only shows an example in which the AP MLD supports two frequency bands, and FIG. 4c only shows an example in which the AP MLD 601 supports three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). Each frequency band corresponds to one link, and it may be understood that the AP MLD 601 may operate on one or more links, i.e., link 1, link 2, or link 3. On the AP side or the STA side, a link may further be understood here as a station operating on the link. In practical applications, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD may further support more or fewer frequency bands, i.e., the AP MLD and non-AP MLD may operate on more or fewer links. This is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0119] 5 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of multiple BSSID sets according to an embodiment of the present application. In other words, the AP MLD shown in FIG. 5 is a collocated AP MLD set.

[0120] BSSID-1x, BSSID-1y, BSSID-2x, BSSID-2y, BSSID-2z, BSSID-4x, BSSID-4y, BSSID-4z, BSSID-3, and BSSID-5 are MAC address identifiers used to identify the corresponding APs. APs whose MAC address identifiers end with x are transmitting BSSID APs, APs whose MAC address identifiers end with y or z are non-transmitting BSSID APs, and APs whose MAC address identifiers end with numbers only are common APs. A common AP is an AP that does not belong to a multiple BSSID set. For example, the transmitting BSSID AP in multiple BSSID set 1 is AP 1x with a MAC address identifier of BSSID_1x, the non-transmitting BSSID AP in multiple BSSID set 1 is AP 1y with a MAC address identifier of BSSID_1y, the transmitting BSSID AP in multiple BSSID set 2 is AP 2x with a MAC address identifier of BSSID_2x, and the non-transmitting BSSID AP in multiple BSSID set 2 is AP 3x with a MAC address identifier of BSSID_3x. MAC It includes an AP 2y with an address identifier BSSID_2y and an AP 2z with a MAC address identifier BSSID_2z.

[0121] The reporting AP's Array AP MLD Set includes the following APs, where a reporting AP is an AP that transmits a management frame, and the management frame carries information about the following APs: The management frame is, for example, a beacon frame or a probe response frame. The reporting AP includes the transmitting APs and common APs in the BSSID set. The reporting AP's Array AP MLD Set includes the following APs: (1) All APs that belong to the same AP MLD as the reporting AP, or all APs in the AP MLD where the reporting AP is located, (2) All APs in the AP MLD in which non-transmitting APs in the same multiple BSSID set as the reporting AP (or transmitting AP) are located, or all APs in the AP MLD in which non-transmitting APs in the multiple BSSID set in which the reporting AP (or transmitting AP) is located are located, (3) All APs in the AP MLD that satisfy the following two conditions The two conditions are: 1) at least one AP in the AP MLD is in the same multiplex BSSID set as the AP in the AP MLD where the reporting AP is located, and 2) there is no AP in the AP MLD operating on the same link as the reporting AP.

[0122] Optionally, in an implementation, one AP MLD includes only one AP.

[0123] Optionally, the reporting AP may be a common AP in the AP MLD (such as AP 3 with MAC address identifier BSSID_3 and AP 5 with MAC address identifier BSSID_5 in FIG. 5 ) or a transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set, and may transmit the individually addressed traffic indication information described in this application.

[0124] For example, if AP 1x in Figure 5 is used as the reporting AP, then the APs included in the array AP MLD set of that AP 1x are: (1) All APs in the same AP MLD 1 as AP 1x, i.e., AP 1x, AP 2y, and AP 3; (2) All APs in AP MLD 3 in which the non-transmitting AP (i.e., AP 1y) is in the same multiplex BSSID set 1 as AP 1x, i.e., AP 1y, AP 2z, and AP 4y; (3) AP MLD that satisfies the above conditions 1) and 2) in Figure 5, i.e., AP 2x and AP 4x included in AP MLD 2. , where AP 2x in AP MLD 2 and AP 2y in AP MLD 1 are in the same multiple BSSID set 2, and the APs in AP MLD 2 are not on the same link as AP 1x.

[0125] In a multiple-BSSID set, only APs whose BSSIDs are transmit BSSIDs can transmit beacon frames and probe response frames, while APs with non-transmit BSSIDs do not transmit beacon frames. Therefore, if all APs in an AP MLD (e.g., AP MLD 3 in FIG. 5) are non-transmitting APs, the AP MLD cannot indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic because the TIM element is carried in the beacon frame. In addition, in another example, in AP MLD 1 in FIG. 5, AP 2y operating on link 2 is a non-transmitting AP. The non-AP MLD operating on link 2 cannot obtain downlink individual-addressed traffic notifications sent to the non-AP MLD by AP MLD 1 associated with the non-AP MLD.

[0126] Therefore, the embodiment of the present application provides an individual-addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links. The downlink individual-addressed traffic indication of the AP MLD to which the non-transmitting AP belongs is carried in the signaling sent by the reporting AP, which can help the AP MLD to which the non-transmitting AP belongs indicate whether the non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic. The technical solution provided in the present application will be described in detail below with reference to more accompanying drawings.

[0127] All one or more APs in an AP MLD are required to transmit buffer unit (BU) indication information to one or more non-AP MLDs associated with the APs, where one bit of the BU indication information corresponds to the AID of one non-AP MLD. If a bit of the BU indication information is set to "1", it indicates that the AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic for the non-AP MLD identified by the AID corresponding to that bit, or if a bit of the BU indication information is set to "0", it indicates that the AP MLD does not have downlink individual addressed traffic for the non-AP MLD identified by the AID corresponding to that bit.

[0128] Multilink Association Establishment

[0129] In the process of establishing a multilink association, the stations in the Station MLD and the APs in the AP MLD interact with each other via association request frames or association response frames to establish a multilink association. Specifically, each of the stations in the Station MLD establishes an association with each of the APs in the AP MLD. In the association response frame sent by the AP in the AP MLD, one AID is assigned to each Station MLD. In other words, the stations in the Station MLD have the same AID. The AP MLD and the Station MLD each have a unique MLD MAC address. The MLD MAC address is an index used in layers above MAC, such as IP data source and destination. In other words, data packets sent by each AP in the AP MLD to the same Station MLD are shared.

[0130] Embodiment 1 6 is a schematic flowchart of an individual-addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links according to an embodiment of the present application. The individual-addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links will be described using an example in which the method is implemented in a communication system including an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD. The AP MLD includes one or more APs, and the first AP is any reporting AP of the AP MLD. Optionally, the reporting AP is not a non-transmitting AP in the multiple BSSID set. The non-AP MLD includes one or more STAs, and the first STA is any STA of the non-AP MLD. As described above, a multi-link association may be established between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, and both the first AP and the first STA operate on the first link. As shown in FIG. 6, the individual-addressed traffic indication method applicable to multiple links includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0131] S101: A first AP of a first AP MLD generates individual addressed traffic indication information, which is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic, where the second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs.

[0132] The individual addressed traffic indication information may be referred to as an individual addressed traffic indication field, or an individual addressed traffic indication, or a buffer unit (BU) indication. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The individual addressed traffic indication information may be carried in a TIM element (e.g., the TIM element field shown in FIG. 2), and the individual addressed traffic indication information is carried in a partial virtual bitmap field.

[0133] Specifically, the first AP is a reporting AP in the multiple BSSID set, and the first AP belongs to the first AP MLD. Therefore, the first AP of the first AP MLD may generate individual-addressed traffic indication information, and this individual-addressed traffic indication information may include two parts of indication information: one part of the indication information is the individual-addressed traffic indication information of the first AP MLD, which is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic; and the other part of the indication information is the individual-addressed traffic indication information of the AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in the multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs (i.e., the second AP MLD), which is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic on the first link on which the first AP operates. In other words, the individual addressed traffic indication information carries not only the individual addressed traffic indication of the reporting AP (first AP), but also the individual addressed traffic indication of the AP MLD to which other non-transmitting APs belong in the multiple BSSID set in which the reporting AP is located. The individual addressed traffic indication information referred to in this application includes two parts of indication information, which does not mean that the two parts of the indication information are in separate fields, and it may be understood that the two parts of the indication information may be in the same field.

[0134] Optionally, the non-AP MLD associated with the MLD in which the reporting AP is located may be one of two possibilities: 1) all non-AP MLDs that establish a multilink association with the MLD in which the reporting AP is located, and this non-AP MLD may establish an association with some or all of the APs in the MLD in which the reporting AP is located, or 2) a non-AP MLD associated with the reporting AP of the MLD in which the reporting AP is located, and this non-AP MLD may establish an association with some or all of the APs in the MLD in which the reporting AP is located, provided that some or all of the APs include the reporting AP.

[0135] Optionally, the non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD to which the non-transmitting AP belongs in the multiple BSSID set in which the reporting AP is located also has two possibilities: 1) the non-AP MLD may indicate all non-AP MLDs that establish a multi-link association with the AP MLD to which the non-transmitting AP belongs, and this non-AP MLD may establish association with some or all of the APs in the AP MLD to which the non-transmitting AP belongs, or 2) the non-AP MLD may indicate non-AP MLDs associated with the non-transmitting APs in the AP MLD to which the non-transmitting AP belongs, and this non-AP MLD may establish association with some or all of the APs in the AP MLD to which the non-transmitting AP belongs, provided that some or all of the APs include non-transmitting APs.

[0136] 5, AP 1x, whose MAC address identifier is BSSID_1x, is used as the reporting AP; in other words, the first AP is AP 1x. In this case, AP MLD 1 in FIG. 5 is the first AP MLD, and the link on which AP 1x operates is link 1. The individual-addressed traffic indication information generated by AP 1x includes AP 1x's individual-addressed traffic indication for non-AP MLDs associated with the MLD in which AP 1x is located, and there are two possibilities: 1) The individual-addressed traffic indication information may indicate whether all non-AP MLDs that establish multilink associations with AP MLD 1 have downlink individual-addressed traffic, and this non-AP MLD may establish associations with some or all of the APs of AP MLD 1. Or, 2) the individual-addressed traffic indication information may indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with AP 1x of AP MLD 1 has downlink individual-addressed traffic, and this non-AP MLD may establish association with some or all of the APs of AP MLD 1, provided that some or all of the APs include AP 1x.

[0137] The individual-addressed traffic indication information generated by AP 1x further includes an individual-addressed traffic indication for a non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3 of AP MLD 3 to which a non-transmitting AP (i.e., AP 1y) in the multiple BSSID set 1 in which AP 1x is located belongs, and there are also two following possibilities: 1) the individual-addressed traffic indication information may indicate whether all non-AP MLDs associated with AP MLD 3 have downlink individual-addressed traffic, or 2) the individual-addressed traffic indication information may indicate whether a non-AP MLD of AP MLD 3 associated with AP 1y in the same multiple BSSID set as AP 1x has downlink individual-addressed traffic. For example, non-AP MLD 1 is associated with AP 1y of AP MLD 3 on link 1 and with AP 2z of AP MLD 3 on link 2, non-AP MLD 2 is associated with AP 1y of AP MLD 3 on link 1, with AP 2z of AP MLD 3 on link 2, and with AP 4y of AP MLD 3 on link 4, and non-AP MLD 3 is associated with AP 2z of AP MLD 3 on link 2 and with AP 4y of AP MLD 3 on link 4. In a first implementation, the individual addressed traffic indication of AP MLD 3 for the non-AP MLDs associated with AP MLD 3 includes indicating whether non-AP MLD 1, non-AP MLD 2, and non-AP MLD 3 have downlink individual addressed traffic. In a second implementation, the individual addressed traffic indication of AP MLD 3 to the non-AP MLDs associated with AP MLD 3 includes indicating whether non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2 have downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0138] In another example, AP 2x, whose MAC address identifier is BSSID_2x, is used as the reporting AP; in other words, the first AP is AP 2x. In this case, AP MLD 2 in Figure 5 is the first AP MLD, and the link on which AP 2x operates is link 2. The individual-addressed traffic indication information generated by AP 2x not only includes an individual-addressed traffic indication of AP 2x for a non-AP MLD associated with the MLD in which AP 2x is located, but also an individual-addressed traffic indication of AP MLD 1 for a non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1 to which AP 2y belongs, and an individual-addressed traffic indication of AP MLD 3 for a non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3 to which AP 2z belongs.

[0139] In an optional embodiment, the reporting AP may not be limited to the AP of the AP MLD here, and specifically, the reporting AP may be a single-link device here. The individual-addressed traffic indication information generated by the reporting AP carries an individual-addressed traffic indication of the reporting AP for the station associated with the reporting AP, which is used to indicate whether the STA associated with the reporting AP has downlink individual-addressed traffic, and may further carry an individual-addressed traffic indication of the AP MLD to which other non-transmitting APs in the multiple BSSID set of the current link belong, which is used to indicate whether the AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic for the non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD.

[0140] S102: A first AP of a first AP MLD sends individual addressing traffic indication information on a first link, where the first link is an operational link of the first AP.

[0141] In this embodiment of the present application, the individual addressed traffic indication information may be carried in a management frame such as a beacon frame or a TIM frame, or the individual addressed traffic indication information may alternatively be carried in other frames such as a data frame or a control frame.

[0142] S103: A first STA of a non-AP MLD receives individual addressed traffic indication information on a first link on which the first STA operates.

[0143] The first STA may be a station managed by the first AP or a peripheral station of the first AP. The peripheral stations of the first AP include stations managed by the first AP and unassociated stations. In the following, the individual-address traffic indication method described in this embodiment of the present application is described using a station managed by an AP as an example. Optionally, the first STA may be any station in a non-AP MLD, and may know whether the non-AP MLD to which the first STA belongs has downlink individual-addressed traffic. Optionally, both the first STA and the first AP operate on the first link.

[0144] S104: The first STA of the non-AP MLD determines whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic according to the individual addressed traffic indication information.

[0145] Specifically, a first STA of a non-AP MLD may analyze the received individual-addressed traffic indication information to determine whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic. If the individual-addressed traffic indication information indicates that the non-AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic to be received, the station of the non-AP MLD may wake up from a doze state, change to an active state, and send a PS-Poll (power save poll) frame to an AP associated with the station to notify the AP MLD in which the AP is located that the station is awake and can begin receiving downlink individual-addressed traffic. After receiving the PS-Poll frame, the AP may respond with an acknowledgment frame and then send downlink individual-addressed traffic to the STA, or may send downlink individual-addressed traffic directly to the STA after receiving the PS-Poll frame. If the individual addressed traffic indication information indicates that the non-AP MLD has no downlink individual addressed traffic, the station in the non-AP MLD can continue to doze or change from the active state to the doze state.

[0146] In the 802.11 protocol, a STA may be understood to typically have two operating modes: one is a non-power-save mode, and the other is a power-save mode. When a STA operates in a non-power-save mode, the STA is in an active state (also called an awake state) regardless of whether the STA has data to transmit. When a STA operates in a power-save mode, the STA may be in an active state when transmitting data with the AP. When there is no data transmission between the STA and the AP, the STA may be in a doze state to reduce power consumption. The STA may send a frame to the AP to notify whether the STA is in a power-save mode, in which case a power-save bit of 1 in the frame control field of the MAC header in the frame is used to indicate that the STA is in a power-save mode, and a power-save bit of 0 in the frame control field of the MAC header in the frame is used to indicate that the STA is in a non-power-save mode. Corresponding to non-AP MLD (or station MLD), a power save bit is set for each station in the non-AP MLD.

[0147] In this embodiment of the present application, the individual-addressed traffic indication information sent by the first AP of the AP MLD (i.e., the reporting AP) can not only indicate whether the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, but also help the second AP MLD indicate whether the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, and the second AP MLD can be known as the AP MLD to which the non-transmitting AP in the multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs. This can solve the problem that some or all APs in the AP MLD cannot indicate whether the non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic (note that the non-transmitting AP in the multiple BSSID set cannot transmit beacon frames or probe response frames, and as a result, cannot send downlink individual-addressed traffic indications), so that the non-AP MLD associated with the AP can successfully receive downlink individual-addressed traffic. Because all APs in an AP MLD in 802.11be may be non-transmitting APs, the solution provided in this embodiment of the present application solves the problem that an AP MLD whose APs are all non-transmitting APs cannot send an individual-addressed traffic indication, thereby improving the completeness and diversity of downlink individual-addressed traffic indication.

[0148] In an optional embodiment, before step S101 of FIG. 6, the method may further include the following steps: S105: The first AP of the first AP MLD generates AID allocation information, where the AID allocation information carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, and the AID is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD. S106: The first AP of the first AP MLD transmits the AID allocation information. In response, the first STA of the non-AP MLD receives the AID allocation information. S107: The first STA of the non-AP MLD analyzes the received AID allocation information and finds that the AID allocation information carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD. The AID allocation information may be carried in an association response frame. The AID space (or set of AIDs to be assigned) used by the first AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the first AP MLD is the same as the AID space (or set of AIDs to be assigned) used by the second AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD. Optionally, the AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in the multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs includes one or more AP MLDs.

[0149] Optionally, before step S105, the method further includes: a first STA in a non-AP MLD sends an association request frame to a first AP in a first AP MLD, where the association request frame is used to request establishing a multi-link association with the first AP MLD; and in response, the first AP in the first AP MLD receives the association request frame.

[0150] Optionally, steps S105 and S106 may alternatively be performed by a second AP in the first AP MLD, and step S107 may alternatively be performed by a second STA in the non-AP MLD. Specifically, the second AP in the first AP MLD generates AID assignment information, which carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, and which AID is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD, and the second AP in the first AP MLD transmits the AID assignment information. In response, the second STA in the non-AP MLD receives the AID assignment information. The second STA in the non-AP MLD analyzes the received AID assignment information and determines that the AID assignment information carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD. The second AP may be any AP in the first AP MLD, and the second STA may be any STA in the non-AP MLD.

[0151] Once the AIDs are assigned, it can be known that the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD, so that AID ambiguity can be avoided when individually addressed traffic for the non-AP MLD is indicated.

[0152] The above describes the individual addressing traffic indication method applicable to multiple links provided in this embodiment of the present application. A specific implementation of the aforementioned individual addressing traffic indication information will be described below with reference to the individual addressing traffic indication method shown in FIG.

[0153] (a) In a first embodiment, one bit of the individual-addressed traffic indication information corresponds to one non-AP MLD. The value of each bit is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD corresponding to that bit has downlink individual-addressed traffic. In other words, each bit indicates whether the non-AP MLD corresponding to that bit has downlink individual-addressed traffic. The non-AP MLDs here are the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD and the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD.

[0154] (b) In a second implementation, the individual-addressed traffic indication information is carried in the partial virtual bitmap field of the TIM element. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a partial virtual bitmap field according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7 illustrates each bit of the partial virtual bitmap field of FIG. 2. For example, the partial virtual bitmap field is 251 bytes, and each byte includes 8 bits. As shown in FIG. 7, byte 0 includes bits 0 to 7, byte 1 includes bits 8 to 15, and so on, and byte 250 includes bits 2000 to 2007. Each bit of the individual-addressed traffic indication information corresponds to the AID of one non-AP MLD, and each bit of the individual-addressed traffic indication information is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD identified by the AID corresponding to that bit has downlink individual-addressed traffic. The non-AP MLD may be understood here to be a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP MLD and a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD. Since each bit in the partial virtual bitmap field of the TIM element corresponds to one AID, AIDs need to be further assigned to non-AP MLDs. In addition, the AID space (or set of AIDs to be assigned) used by the first AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the first AP MLD is the same as the AID space (or set of AIDs to be assigned) used by the second AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD. Therefore, the association identifiers AIDs corresponding to the bits of the individual addressed traffic indication information need to be unique, in other words, different from each other.

[0155] 6 may be as follows: a first AP of a first AP MLD generates a TIM element, the TIM element including individual-addressed traffic indication information, the individual-addressed traffic indication information is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs; the first AP of the first AP MLD transmits the TIM element on a first link, the first link being an operating link of the first AP; a first STA of the non-AP MLD receives the TIM element on the first link on which the first STA operates; and the first STA of the non-AP MLD determines, based on the TIM element, whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic.

[0156] The TIM element may be carried in a beacon frame or may be carried in another management frame, such as a TIM frame.

[0157] Optionally, a beacon frame carrying a TIM element may further include a dedicated field, in which case there is a corresponding dedicated field for each non-AP MLD having downlink individual addressed traffic to be received (whether or not there is downlink individual addressed traffic indicated by the TIM element). The dedicated field may be a multilink identification bitmap field or a multilink identification information field, which is used to indicate one or more links for receiving downlink individual addressed traffic. One bit in the multilink identification bitmap field may correspond to one link. When the value of one or more bits is a first value, such as 1, it indicates that there is downlink individual addressed traffic on one or more links corresponding to the one or more bits, and when the value of one or more bits is a second value, such as 0, it indicates that there is no downlink individual addressed traffic on one or more links corresponding to the one or more bits. The multilink identification information field carries identification information for distinguishing different links. It may be understood that in the TIM element, one bit is still used to indicate whether one non-AP MLD has downlink individually addressed traffic.

[0158] Optionally, the dedicated field may alternatively be a traffic identifier (TID) bitmap field, which is used to indicate that the received downlink individual addressed traffic corresponds to one or more TIDs. Then, based on the TID-to-Link mapping negotiated between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD knows the stations operating on the particular link that will be used to receive the downlink individual addressed traffic notifications.

[0159] In this implementation, some bits of the partial virtual bitmap field of the beacon frame can be known to be used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the MLD in which the reporting AP is located has downlink individual addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic. Without needing to change the frame format of the TIM element, one AP MLD can help another AP MLD indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the other AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic. This can improve the adaptability of notifying downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0160] (c) Because one bit in the partial virtual bitmap field of the TIM element may indicate whether one non-AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic, if several non-AP MLDs associated with different AP MLDs in the same collocated AP MLD set have the same AID, after receiving a beacon frame, these non-AP MLDs cannot determine the specific STA or specific non-AP MLD to which the downlink individual addressed traffic indication and / or link bitmap indication / TID bitmap indication carried in the beacon frame belongs. For example, in Figure 5, it is assumed that the reporting AP is AP 1x, non-AP MLD 1 is associated with AP 1x and AP 2y of AP MLD 1 where AP 1x is located, and if the link on which AP 1x operates is link 1, then the non-transmitting AP on link 1 is AP 1y. If non-AP MLD 2 is associated with AP 1y, AP 2z, and AP 4y in AP MLD 3 in which AP 1y is located, and the AID of non-AP MLD 1 is the same as the AID of non-AP MLD 2, if the downlink individual addressed traffic indication for the non-AP MLD in the TIM element sent by AP 1x is 1, it can only indicate that at least one non-AP MLD in non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2 has downlink individual addressed traffic, and it is not possible to know which non-AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0161] Therefore, in the third embodiment, an indication of individual-addressed traffic indication information is implemented based on the AP MLD. Specifically, the second AP MLD arranged with the reporting AP corresponds to a separate TIM block, such as a partial virtual bitmap field, and the TIM block may constitute a new element. This new element may carry individual-addressed traffic indication information. The new element includes at least a TIM block corresponding to one second AP MLD (the TIM block is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic). Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a partial frame format of a new element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, an (ID) such as an MLD ID or an MLD MAC address may be included. Used is used to indicate that the TIM block is used to indicate whether a particular AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic for the non-AP MLD associated with that AP MLD. In each TIM block, one bit may still be used to indicate whether one non-AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic. Each bit in the TIM block may correspond to one AID, and therefore an AID needs to be further assigned to each non-AP MLD.

[0162] In another implementation, a separate TIM block corresponding to the second AP MLD may alternatively be a TIM element, and the structure of this TIM element is consistent with that of the existing TIM element. In this case, the TIM element does not include an identifier of the second AP MLD. The TIM element of the second AP MLD may be placed in a non-transmitting profile corresponding to a non-transmitting BSSID of a multiple BSSID element in the frame body of the management frame, where the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID belongs to the second AP MLD, and the AP corresponding to the non-transmitting BSSID and the reporting AP mentioned in the above paragraph are in the same multiple BSSID set.

[0163] Here, in the third implementation, the AIDs of all non-AP MLDs associated with the same AP MLD must be unique, in other words, different from each other, thereby avoiding AID ambiguity. Here, it may be understood that the identifiers of one or more AP MLDs in the new element sent by the reporting AP must be unique, in other words, different from each other. Alternatively, here, the identifiers of all AP MLDs in the array AP MLD set of the reporting AP must also be unique, in other words, different from each other. In other words, the AID space used by the first AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the first AP MLD and the AID space used by the second AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD are independent from each other. Specifically, the AID assigned by the first AP MLD to the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD may be the same as the AID assigned by the second AP MLD to the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD. 5, if AP 1x is the reporting AP, AP MLD 1 is the first AP MLD. It is assumed that non-AP MLD 2 is associated with AP MLD 1, and non-AP MLD 2 is associated with AP MLD 3 (one of the second AP MLDs). In this case, the AID assigned to non-AP MLD 1 by AP MLD 1 may be the same as the AID assigned to non-AP MLD 2 by AP MLD 3. It may be understood that the "AID space" referred to in this application may be a set of AIDs to be assigned.

[0164] Optionally, each TIM block may alternatively carry a link bitmap indication or a TID bitmap indication. Specifically, each TIM block may include a dedicated field, which may be a multiple link identification bitmap field or a multiple link identification information field, or may be a TID bitmap field.

[0165] Optionally, the new element may be carried in a beacon frame or in another management frame such as a TIM frame.

[0166] In this implementation of TIM indication, it can be seen that the ambiguity of the AIDs of non-AP MLDs associated with different AP MLDs can be avoided by distinguishing the traffic of different AP MLDs and using the ID of the AP MLD as the index of the TIM block.

[0167] To indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP (i.e., the reporting AP) has downlink individual addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic, the first AP of the first AP MLD is further required to assign an AID to each non-AP MLD before generating the individual addressed traffic indication information.

[0168] Embodiment 2 In embodiment 2 of the present application, a method for allocating an AID to a multi-link device is described, which is particularly a method for allocating an AID to a non-AP MLD.

[0169] An AID is an identifier (ID) assigned by an AP to an associated STA after the association is established, and may be understood to be considered as the ID of the associated STA. The AID may be used to identify and distinguish STAs associated with an AP, and may also be used as an index in a partial frame structure to point to a specific associated STA. If an AP can support multiple BSSIDs, or if a beacon frame or a probe response frame can carry multiple BSSID elements, the maximum number of BSSIDs that an AP can support is 2. nand the number of BSSIDs is in the range [1,2 n -1], and the range of AIDs that the AP assigns to STAs is [2 n , 2007], where n is the number of Max BSSID indicator ( M ax BSSID indicator) field. If the AP cannot support multiple BSSIDs, or if the beacon frame or probe response frame cannot carry the multiple BSSID element, the AID that the AP can assign to a STA is in the range [1,2007].

[0170] Within a small area, there may be multiple types of users or users supporting multiple types of services. When different APs are used within such a small area, it is impossible to avoid channel interference between different APs because each AP tries to find a channel that is free of interference or has relatively low interference. Taking this into consideration, IEEE 802.11ax provides a way to obtain multiple APs through virtualization by using one AP to be used for different traffic types or customer types. Therefore, one virtual AP may have one BSSID, or in other words, one actual AP has multiple BSSIDs. In other words, some APs can support multiple BSSIDs.

[0171] Multiple STAs included in one non-AP MLD may share the same AID, in other words, it may be further understood that one non-AP MLD has only one AID.

[0172] It may be understood that in practical application, the second embodiment of the present application may be implemented separately or in combination with the first embodiment, which is not limited in the present application. Specifically, the second embodiment of the present application may be implemented in combination with the second implementation of the individual addressing traffic indication information of the first embodiment.

[0173] As with the previously mentioned report AP array AP MLD set, any AP (for ease of explanation, AP i is used as an example), the sequence AP MLD set may be understood to include the following APs: (1)AP i All APs that belong to the same AP MLD as the AP, or i All APs in the AP MLD where (2)AP i All APs in the AP MLD that have non-transmitting APs in the same multiplexed BSSID set, or i All APs in the AP MLD in which the non-transmitting AP is located in the multiplexed BSSID set in which (3) The following two conditions are met: 1) At least one AP in the AP MLD is i 1) the AP is in the same multiplex BSSID as the AP in MLD, and 2) the AP i There is no AP in the AP MLD operating on the same link as,all APs in the AP MLD that satisfy,

[0174] 9 is a schematic flowchart of a method for allocating an AID to a non-AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9, the method for allocating an AID includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0175] S201:AP MLD AP i generates AID assignment information, the AID assignment information carrying an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, the AID being different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD i The collocated AP MLD set is any AP MLD in the collocated AP MLD set, or the target AP MLD is i The array AP MLD set is placed in the set group of any AP MLD.

[0176] S202:AP MLD AP i sends AID allocation information to the non-AP MLD STAs. In response, the non-AP MLD STAs receive the AID allocation information.

[0177] The AP MLD in the embodiment of the present application may be the first AP MLD or the second AP MLD in embodiment 1, or another AP MLD. i is any AP in the AP MLD.

[0178] Implementation A: Target AP MLD is i is any AP MLD in the array AP MLD set.

[0179] The "AP" referred to in this embodiment of the present application i In the "array AP MLD set", all AP MLDs (APs included in the AP MLD) are i Both AP MLD and target AP MLD are i The sequence belongs to the AP MLD set.

[0180] Specifically, the AID assignment information may carry an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, which AID is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD may be i The AID space used by the AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the AP MLD or the set of AIDs to be assigned is the same as the AID space used by the target AP MLD to assign AIDs to non-AP MLDs associated with the target AP MLD or the set of AIDs to be assigned. It may also be understood that the AIDs assigned to non-AP MLDs are different from the AIDs of the non-AP MLDs associated with the AP MLD.

[0181] Optionally, the non-AP MLDs associated with the AP MLD in this embodiment of the present application may be understood as: 1) all non-AP MLDs that establish multi-link association with the AP MLD, and the non-AP MLDs may establish association with some or all of the APs of the AP MLD; and 2) the APs of the AP MLD. i , and this non-AP MLD may establish associations with some or all of the APs in the AP MLD. i Here, AP i is the AP in the AP MLD to which the AID is assigned.

[0182] 10a is a schematic diagram of an array AP MLD set of APs according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. i is assumed to be AP 1x. In this case, the set of APs collocated with AP 1x includes AP 2y, AP 1y, AP 2x, AP 3y, and AP 4y. Thus, the collocated AP MLD set of AP 1x includes AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 3. Therefore, the AID carried in the AID assignment information and assigned to the non-AP MLD is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1 and is also different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3. In other words, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1 and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3 need to be unique, or in other words, different from each other.

[0183] 10b is another schematic diagram of an array AP MLD set of APs according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. iis assumed to be AP 1x. In this case, the set of APs collocated with AP 1x includes AP 2y, AP 3x, AP 1y, AP 2z, AP 4y, AP 2x, and AP 4x. Therefore, the collocated AP MLD set of AP 1x includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, and AP MLD 3. Therefore, the AID carried in the AID assignment information and assigned to the non-AP MLD is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, and different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3. In other words, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3 need to be unique, or in other words, different from each other.

[0184] 10c is yet another schematic diagram of an array AP MLD set of APs according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. i is assumed to be AP 3x. In this case, the set of APs collocated with AP 3x includes AP 1x, AP 2y, AP 2x, AP 4x, AP 1y, and AP 2z. Therefore, the collocated AP MLD set of AP 3x includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, and AP MLD 3. Therefore, the AID carried in the AID assignment information and assigned to the non-AP MLD is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, and different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3. In other words, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3 need to be unique, or in other words, different from each other.

[0185] Figure 5 is still used as an example. i is assumed to be AP 4x. In this case, the set of APs collocated with AP 4x includes AP 2x, AP 4y, AP 2z, AP 1y, AP 4z, AP 5, AP 1x, AP 2y, and AP 3. Therefore, the collocated AP MLD set of AP 4x includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, AP MLD 3, and AP MLD 4. Therefore, the AID carried in the AID assignment information and assigned to the non-AP MLD is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3, and different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 4. In other words, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3, and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 4 must be unique, in other words, different from each other.

[0186] Implementation B: Target AP MLD is i The array AP MLD set is placed in the set group of any AP MLD.

[0187] The "AP" referred to in this embodiment of the present application i The set group in which the AP MLD set is placed has several AP MLDs. i It is arranged with some other AP MLD i The collocated AP is collocated with other APs outside the MLD set. i The array AP MLD set of AP i Array of APs in the MLD set iThe AP MLD set and the AP MLD set of other APs constitute a set group. Here, both the AP MLD and the target AP MLD are i The array AP belongs to the set group in which the MLD set is placed.

[0188] Specifically, AP i The set group in which the AP MLD set is placed is i It is composed of all APs in the array AP MLD set of any AP in the array AP MLD set (this any AP is again i For example, as shown in Figure 5, i is assumed to be AP 1x. In this case, the array AP MLD set of AP 1x includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, and AP MLD 3. In addition, the array AP MLD set of AP 4x in the array AP MLD set of AP 1x includes AP MLD 2, AP MLD 3, and AP MLD 4, so the set group in which the array AP MLD set of AP 1x is placed includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, AP MLD 3, and AP MLD 4. Therefore, the AID assigned to the non-AP MLD by AP 1x, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3, and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 4 are different from one another.

[0189] As shown in Figure 10a, AP iis assumed to be AP 1x. In this case, the array AP MLD set of AP 1x includes AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 3. In addition, the array AP MLD set of AP 3y in the array AP MLD set of AP 1x includes AP MLD 2 and AP MLD 3, so the set group in which AP 1x's array AP MLD set is placed includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, and AP MLD 3. Therefore, the AID assigned to the non-AP MLD by AP 1x, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3 are different from one another.

[0190] As shown in Figure 10b, AP i is assumed to be AP 1x. In this case, the collocated AP MLD set of AP 1x includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, and AP MLD 3, and the set group in which the collocated AP MLD set of AP 1x is placed also includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, and AP MLD 3. Therefore, the AID assigned to the non-AP MLD by AP 1x, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3 are different from each other.

[0191] As shown in Figure 10c, AP iis assumed to be AP 3x. In this case, the collocated AP MLD set of AP 3x includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, and AP MLD 3, and the set group in which the collocated AP MLD set of AP 1x is placed also includes AP MLD 1, AP MLD 2, and AP MLD 3. Therefore, the AID assigned to the non-AP MLD by AP 1x, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 2, and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3 are different from each other.

[0192] As with implementation A, in implementation B, the AID assigned to the non-AP MLD is also different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD.

[0193] Optionally, AID assignment to single-link STAs requires the AP i AID (or AP ID) assigned to a single-link STA on the current link by i The AID of the single-link STA associated with the target AP MLD is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD. i The target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP i The array AP MLD set is placed in the set group of any AP MLD.

[0194] For example, as shown in Fig. 10a, AP iis AP 1x, and AP 1x is on Link 1. In this case, the AID of the single-link STA on Link 1 is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, and is also different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3. In other words, the AID of the single-link STA on Link 1, the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 1, and the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with AP MLD 3 must be unique, or in other words, different from each other. It may be further understood that, in addition to the AID of the associated single-link STA on Link 1, the AID of the associated single-link STA on Link 2 may be the same as the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD.

[0195] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10a, i Assume that AP 1x is AP 1x, and AP 1x is on link 1. In this case, the AID of the single-link STA on link 1 is different from each of the AIDs of the non-AP MLDs associated with AP MLD 1, the AID of the non-AP MLDs associated with AP MLD 2, and the AID of the non-AP MLDs associated with AP MLD 3.

[0196] In a wireless communication system, it may be understood that the identifier of an AP MLD is 0 by default, and multiple APs in an AP MLD share an identifier (i.e., identifier 0). However, multiple APs in an AP MLD may alternatively have different identifiers.

[0197] It may be further understood that the cross-link TIM indication can be implemented under the same AP MLD, specifically, when AP 1 and AP 2 belong to the same AP MLD, AP 1 can add the TIM information of AP 2 to the TIM indication to indicate whether AP 2 has traffic for a non-AP MLD associated with AP 2. Therefore, the AIDs of multiple non-AP MLDs associated with the same AP MLD are different from each other.

[0198] Therefore, when the same identifier system, such as the range [1,2007], is used, the identifiers of multiple APs in an AP MLD must be unique, in other words, different from each other, and the AIDs of multiple non-AP MLDs associated with the same AP MLD must also be unique, in other words, different from each other. In this embodiment of the present application, the "AID assigned to a non-AP MLD" is a value selected from the remaining space and must also be unique. The remaining space here refers to the set of remaining values ​​in the range [1,2007] other than those values ​​that are in use and are not allowed to be reused.

[0199] Optionally, the AID assignment information may be carried in an association response frame or may be carried in other frames. Specifically, the AID assigned to the non-AP MLD in the AID assignment information may be carried in the AID element of the association response frame. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of an AID element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11, the AID element includes a 1-byte element identifier field, a 1-byte length field, and a 2-byte AID field.

[0200] Optionally, the association response frame may alternatively carry information such as the link identifier of each AP. The association response frame is used to confirm that a multi-link association with the non-AP MLD has been established.

[0201] S203: The non-AP MLD STA parses the received association response frame to obtain the AID carried in the association response frame.

[0202] Optionally, before step S201, the method further includes the following steps: S204: The STA of the non-AP MLD generates an association request frame; S205: The STA of the non-AP MLD sends the association request frame to the AP of the AP MLD. i The association request frame is used to request the establishment of a multilink association with the AP MLD. i receives an association request frame. The association request frame may carry a link identifier for each STA in the non-AP MLD and information about each STA.

[0203] Optionally, after receiving an association request frame, the AP in AP MLD i may send an acknowledgement frame to the STA in the non-AP MLD, and the acknowledgement frame is sent to the AP in the AP MLD. i is used to acknowledge that the association request frame has been received.

[0204] In this embodiment of the present application, when an AID is assigned to a non-AP MLD, the solution described in embodiment 1 is taken into consideration. That is, the AP MLD helps another AP MLD indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with another AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic. Therefore, the AID is not the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD. The target AP MLD is assigned to the AP i The target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP iSince the array AP MLD set is any AP MLD in the set group in which it is placed, AID ambiguity is avoided if it is indicated whether a non-AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0205] Embodiment 3 In embodiment 3 of the present application, the problem that some APs of an AP MLD cannot indicate whether non-AP MLDs associated with the AP MLD have downlink individual addressed traffic is solved by restricting the link on which the non-AP MLD listens to downlink individual addressed traffic indication.In addition, in this case, APs of another AP MLD operating on the same link as the aforementioned several APs will not help the aforementioned several APs to send downlink individual addressed traffic indication.For example, in FIG. 5, when AP 1x is a reporting AP, it is assumed that non-AP MLD 1 is associated with AP 2y and AP 3 of AP MLD 1. If non-AP MLD 1 listens for downlink individual addressed traffic indications only on link 2, AP 2y (a non-transmitting AP in the multiple BSSID set) of AP MLD 1 cannot send downlink individual addressed traffic indications, and in addition, transmitting APs in the same multiple BSSID set on the same link do not help send downlink individual addressed traffic indications for the MLD in which AP 2y is located. In this case, non-AP MLD 1 listening on link 2 cannot receive downlink individual addressed traffic indications; in other words, non-AP MLD 1 cannot determine whether non-AP MLD 1 has downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0206] Therefore, the third embodiment of the present application provides an individual addressing traffic indication method applicable to multiple links. Figure 12 is another schematic flowchart of an individual addressing traffic indication method applicable to multiple links according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 12, the method includes the following steps:

[0207] S1: Reporting AP MLD An AP generates a management frame, such as a beacon frame, which carries a TIM element, and the partial virtual bitmap field of the TIM element is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0208] S2: The reporting AP of AP MLD transmits a management frame such as a beacon frame on the reporting AP's operational link.

[0209] For the specific frame format of the TIM element, please refer to Figure 2. For the frame format of the partial virtual bitmap field, please refer to Figure 7. The details will not be described again here.

[0210] S3: A STA of a non-AP MLD listens for management frames, such as beacon frames, on one or more links, the one or more links including a first link, which is a link on which an AP in a multiple BSSID set that transmits an AP MLD associated with the non-AP MLD operates or an AP that does not belong to the multiple BSSID set operates.

[0211] S4: The STA in the non-AP MLD analyzes management frames, such as beacon frames, obtained by listening on the link on which the reporting AP operates to determine whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individually addressed traffic.

[0212] Specifically, regarding step S3, in other words, a STA in a non-AP MLD cannot listen to beacon frames only on the link where a non-transmitting AP in the multiple BSSID set is located. A STA in a non-AP MLD can listen to beacon frames or other management frames on the link where a transmitting AP included in the multiple BSSID set or an AP not belonging to the multiple BSSID set is located. For example, in FIG. 5, if AP 1x is the reporting AP, it is assumed that non-AP MLD 1 is associated with AP 1x, AP 2y, and AP 3 in AP MLD 1. When AP 1x transmits a beacon frame on link 1, non-AP MLD 1 listens for beacon frames on link 1, or on link 1 and link 2, or on link 1 and link 3, or on link 3. Non-AP MLD 1 cannot listen to beacon frames only on link 2.

[0213] Optionally, the links that a non-AP MLD listens on cannot include only links on which non-transmitting APs of the associated AP MLD operate. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the links that a non-AP MLD listens on can include Link 1 and Link 2, or Link 1 and Link 3, or Link 2 and Link 3, or Link 1, Link 2 and Link 3, but are not allowed to include only Link 2.

[0214] In this embodiment of the present application, because the link on which the non-AP MLD listens for downlink individual addressed traffic indications is limited, the non-AP MLD can be known to listen on a link (shown as the first link for ease of explanation) on which an AP in a multiple BSSID set transmitting an AP MLD associated with the non-AP MLD operates or an AP not belonging to the multiple BSSID set operates. In addition, because the AP transmitting an AP MLD and an AP not belonging to the multiple BSSID set can transmit beacon frames (the beacon frames carry downlink individual addressed traffic indications), the non-AP MLD may obtain the beacon frames by listening on the first link, so that it can be determined whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic by analyzing the beacon frames.

[0215] The above describes in detail the method provided in the present application. To better implement the aforementioned solution of the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application further provide a corresponding apparatus or device.

[0216] In the embodiment of the present application, the multilink device may be divided into functional modules based on the above-mentioned method example. For example, each functional module may be obtained by dividing the functional modules based on their corresponding functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. Note that in the embodiment of the present application, the module division is an example and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Below, with reference to Figures 13 to 17, a communication device in the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail. The communication device may be an access point in an access point multilink device or a station in a station multilink device. Furthermore, the communication device may be a device in an AP MLD or a device in a STA MLD.

[0217] 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application when an integrated unit is used. As shown in FIG. 13, the communication device 1 includes a processing unit 11 and a transceiver unit 12.

[0218] The communication device 1 may be a first AP MLD, a chip of the first AP MLD, for example, a Wi-Fi chip, or a first AP of the first AP MLD. The first AP is a reporting AP and belongs to the first AP MLD.

[0219] In a design, the processing unit 11 is configured to generate individual-addressed traffic indication information. The transceiver unit 12 is configured to transmit the individual-addressed traffic indication information on a first link, which is an operational link of the first AP. The individual-addressed traffic indication information is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, where the second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs.

[0220] In the communication device 1, the individual-addressed traffic indication information generated by the processing unit 11 can not only indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, but also help a second AP MLD indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, and the second AP MLD can be known to be the AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in the multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs. This solves the problem that some or all APs in an AP MLD cannot indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, so that the non-AP MLD associated with the AP can successfully receive the downlink individual-addressed traffic.

[0221] Optionally, the processing unit 11 is further configured to generate AID assignment information, where the AID assignment information carries an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, where the AID is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD, and the transceiver unit 12 is further configured to transmit the AID assignment information. The AID assignment information is carried in an association response frame. It may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0222] Optionally, the transceiver unit 12 is further configured to receive an association request frame, which is used to request the establishment of a multilink association with the communication device 1 .

[0223] It should be understood that the communication device 1 in this design may implement embodiment 1 accordingly, and the aforementioned operation or function of each unit in the communication device 1 is separately used to implement the corresponding operation of the first AP of first AP MLD in embodiment 1. For brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0224] Optionally, the communication device 1 may be an AP MLD, or a chip in the AP MLD, for example a Wi-Fi chip, or may be a reporting AP of the AP MLD.

[0225] In another design, processing unit 11 is configured to generate a management frame, such as a beacon frame, the beacon frame carrying a TIM element, where a partial virtual bitmap field of the TIM element is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD has downlink individually addressed traffic. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to transmit the management frame, such as a beacon frame, on the operating link of transceiver unit 12.

[0226] It should be understood that the communication device 1 in this design may implement embodiment 3 accordingly, and the above-described operation or function of each unit in the communication device 1 is separately used to implement the corresponding operation of the AP MLD reporting AP in embodiment 3. For brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0227] 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 2 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 14, the communication device 2 includes a transceiver unit 21 and a processing unit 22.

[0228] The communication device 2 may be a non-AP MLD, or a chip in the non-AP MLD, for example a Wi-Fi chip, or may be a first STA in the non-AP MLD.

[0229] In design, the transceiver unit 21 is configured to receive individual addressing traffic indication information on a first link on which the communication device 2 operates. The processing unit 22 is configured to determine, according to the received individual addressing traffic indication information, whether a non-AP MLD in which the communication device 2 is located has downlink individual addressing traffic. The individual addressing traffic indication information is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD associated with a first AP MLD has downlink individual addressing traffic and whether a non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual addressing traffic, where the second AP MLD is an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP in a multiple BSSID set in which the first AP is located belongs.

[0230] In the communication device 2, the processing unit 22 can know whether the processing unit 22 has downlink individual addressed traffic according to the individual addressed traffic indication information, so as to ensure that the processing unit 22 can receive the downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0231] Optionally, the transceiver unit 21 may be further configured to receive AID assignment information. The processing unit 22 is configured to analyze the received AID assignment information to determine that the AID assignment information carries an AID assigned to a non-AP MLD. This AID is different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the array AP MLD set of the first AP. The AID assignment information is carried in an association response frame. It may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0232] Optionally, the processing unit 22 is further configured to generate an association request frame. The transceiver unit 21 is further configured to transmit the association request frame to the second AP in the first AP MLD. The association request frame is used to request establishing a multilink association with the first AP MLD.

[0233] It should be understood that the communication device 2 in this design may implement embodiment 1 accordingly, and the above-described operation or function of each unit in the communication device 2 is separately used to implement the corresponding operation of the first STA of non-AP MLD in embodiment 1. For brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0234] Optionally, the communication device 2 may be a non-AP MLD, or a chip in a non-AP MLD, for example a Wi-Fi chip, or may be any STA in a non-AP MLD.

[0235] In another design, transceiver unit 21 is configured to listen for management frames, such as beacon frames, on one or more links, including a first link on which a transmitting AP of an AP MLD associated with a non-AP MLD in a multiple BSSID set operates or an AP not belonging to the multiple BSSID set operates. Processing unit 22 is configured to analyze the management frames, such as beacon frames, obtained by listening on the link on which the reporting AP operates to determine whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individually addressed traffic.

[0236] It should be understood that the communication device 2 in this design may implement embodiment 3 accordingly, and the above-described operations or functions of each unit in the communication device 2 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of the non-AP MLD STAs in embodiment 3. For brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0237] 15 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a communication device 3 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 3 may be an AP MLD or a chip in the AP MLD, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the communication device 3 corresponds to the AP MLD described in embodiment 2 or any AP of the AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 15, the communication device 3 includes a processing unit 31 and a transceiver unit 32.

[0238] The processing unit 31 is configured to generate AID assignment information, the AID assignment information carrying an AID assigned to the non-AP MLD, the AID being different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD being associated with the AP i The target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP iThe transceiver unit 32 is configured to transmit AID assignment information to the AP MLD. i is any AP in the AP MLD.

[0239] Optionally, the target AP MLD i If the AP MLD is any AP MLD in the array AP MLD set of i The sequence belongs to the AP MLD set.

[0240] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0241] Optionally, the transceiver unit 32 is further configured to receive an association request frame, which is used to request to establish a multi-link association with the AP MLD.

[0242] communication equipment 3 In this case, the AID assigned to the non-AP MLD and carried in the AID assignment information generated by the processing unit 31 can be known to be different from the AID of the non-AP MLD associated with the target AP MLD. i The target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP i In this way, AID ambiguity can be avoided when it is indicated whether a non-AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic.

[0243] The communication device 3 described in this embodiment of the present application may implement the second embodiment accordingly, and the above-mentioned operation or function of each unit in the communication device 3 is the AP MLD in the second embodiment. i It should be understood that the functions are used separately to implement corresponding operations of the functions . For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0244] 16 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a communication device 4 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 4 may be a non-AP MLD or a chip in a non-AP MLD, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the communication device 4 corresponds to any STA of the non-AP MLD or non-AP MLD described in embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 16, the communication device 4 includes a transceiver unit 41 and a processing unit 42.

[0245] The transceiver unit 41 is configured to receive AID allocation information from an access point of an AP MLD. The processing unit 42 is configured to analyze the received AID allocation information to obtain an AID assigned to a non-AP MLD and carried in the AID allocation information, the AID being different from the AID of a non-AP MLD associated with a target AP MLD, and the target AP MLD being associated with an AP i The target AP MLD is any AP MLD in the AP MLD set of the AP i The array of AP MLD sets is any AP MLD in the set group in which the AP MLD set is located. i is any AP in the AP MLD.

[0246] Optionally, the target AP MLD i If the AP MLD is any AP MLD in the array AP MLD set of i The sequence belongs to the AP MLD set.

[0247] Optionally, the AID assignment information is carried in the association response frame, although it may be understood that the AID assignment information may alternatively be carried in other frames.

[0248] Optionally, the processing unit 42 is further configured to generate an association request frame. The transceiver unit 41 is further configured to transmit the association request frame, which is used to request establishing a multi-link association with the AP MLD.

[0249] It should be understood that the communication device 4 described in this embodiment of the present application may implement embodiment 2 accordingly, and the aforementioned operations or functions of each unit in the communication device 4 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of the non-AP MLD STA in embodiment 2. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0250] The above describes the AP MLD and non-AP MLD in the embodiments of the present application. Below, possible product forms of the AP MLD and non-AP MLD are described. It should be understood that any product having the function of the AP MLD in FIG. 13 or FIG. 15 and any product having the function of the non-AP MLD in FIG. 14 or FIG. 16 fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. It should be further understood that the following description is merely an example, and the product forms of the AP MLD and non-AP MLD in the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0251] In a possible product form, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD of the embodiments of the present application may be implemented using a common bus architecture.

[0252] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. 0may be an AP MLD, a non-AP MLD, or a device within the AP MLD or the non-AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 17, the communication device 1000 includes a processor 1001 and a transceiver 1002 interconnected to communicate with the processor. The processor 1001 may be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, or the like. For example, the processor 1001 may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be configured to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be configured to control the communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal, a terminal chip, a DU, or a CU) to execute a computer program and process the data of the computer program. The transceiver 1002 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., and is configured to implement transceiver functions. The transceiver 1002 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may also be referred to as a receiving machine, receiver circuit, etc., and is configured to implement receiving functions. A transmitter may also be referred to as a transmitting machine, a transmitting circuit, etc., and is configured to implement a transmitting function. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include an antenna 1003.

[0253] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may include one or more memories 1004. The memories 1004 may store instructions. The instructions may be computer programs. The computer programs may be executed on the communication device 1000 to enable the communication device 1000 to perform the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1004 may further store data. The communication device 1000 and the memory 1004 may be located separately or integrated.

[0254] The processor 1001, the transceiver 1002, and the memory 1004 may be connected via a communication bus.

[0255] In design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the function of the first AP in the first AP MLD in the above-described first embodiment. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S101 of FIG. 6 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S102 of FIG. 6 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0256] In design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the function of the first STA of non-AP MLD in the above-described Embodiment 1. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S104 of FIG. 6 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S103 of FIG. 6 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0257] In design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the function of the AP of AP MLD in the above-described Embodiment 2. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S201 of FIG. 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S202 of FIG. 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0258] In design, the communications device 1000 may be configured to perform the functions of the non-AP MLD STA in the aforementioned embodiment 2. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform steps S203 and S204 of FIG. 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S205 of FIG. 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0259] In design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the function of the AP reporting AP in the AP MLD in the aforementioned embodiment 3. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S1 of FIG. 12 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S2 of FIG. 12 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0260] In design, the communications device 1000 may be configured to perform the functionality of the non-AP MLD STA in the aforementioned embodiment 3. The processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S4 of FIG. 12 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The transceiver 1002 may be configured to perform step S3 of FIG. 12 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0261] In any one of the aforementioned designs, the processor 1001 may include a transceiver configured to implement receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit configured to implement receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be configured to read and write code / data. Alternatively, the transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be configured to transmit or forward signals.

[0262] In any one of the above designs, the processor 1001 may store instructions. The instructions may be computer programs. The computer programs, when executed on the processor 1001, enable the communications device 1000 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer programs may be stored in the processor 1001. 1 In this case, the processor 1001 may be implemented in hardware.

[0263] In implementation, the communications device 1000 may include circuitry that may implement the transmit, receive, or communication functions in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processors and transceivers described herein may be implemented in integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processors and transceivers may be fabricated using various IC technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), n-type metal oxide semiconductor (nMOS), p-type channel metal oxide semiconductor (pMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0264] The scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited to these, and the structure of the communication device may not be limited by Figure 17. The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) An independent integrated circuit IC, chip, or chip system or chip subsystem. (2) A set including one or more ICs. Optionally, the IC set may further include a storage component configured to store data and computer programs. (3) ASIC, such as a modem. (4) A module that can be embedded into other devices. (5) Receivers, terminals, intelligent terminals, mobile phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, in-vehicle devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.; or (6) Other devices, etc.

[0265] In a possible product form, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by a general-purpose processor.

[0266] The general-purpose processor implementing the AP MLD includes a processing circuit and an input / output interface interconnected to communicate with the processing circuit. In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the first AP of the first AP MLD in the above-described first embodiment. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform step S101 of FIG. 6 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S102 of FIG. 6 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0267] In another design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the AP of the AP MLD in the above-described Embodiment 2. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform step S201 of FIG. 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S202 of FIG. 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0268] In yet another design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the report AP of the AP MLD in the above-described Embodiment 3. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform step S1 of FIG. 12 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S2 of FIG. 12 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0269] A general-purpose processor implementing the non-AP MLD includes a processing circuit and an input / output interface interconnected to communicate with the processing circuit. In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the first STA of the non-AP MLD in the above-described first embodiment. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform step S104 of FIG. 6 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S103 of FIG. 6 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0270] In another design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the non-AP MLD STA in the above-described Embodiment 2. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform steps S203 and S204 of FIG. 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S205 of FIG. 9 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0271] In yet another design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the non-AP MLD STA in the aforementioned Embodiment 3. Specifically, the processing circuit is configured to perform step S4 of FIG. 12 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein. The input / output interface is configured to perform step S3 of FIG. 12 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0272] In possible product forms, the AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs in the embodiments of this application may alternatively be implemented using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuitry, or any combination of circuitry capable of performing the various functions described herein.

[0273] It should be understood that the communication devices in the various product forms described above have any function of AP MLD or non-AP MLD in the method embodiments described above, and the details will not be described again here.

[0274] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer program code, which, when executed by a processor, causes the electronic device to perform the method in any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0275] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the method in any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0276] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, which may be 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 using the receiver circuit to enable the device to implement the method of any one of the previous embodiments.

[0277] The embodiments of the present application further provide a wireless communication system, including an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, wherein the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may implement the method in any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0278] The method or algorithm steps described in connection with the contents disclosed in this application may be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions may include corresponding software modules. The software modules may be stored in a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable hard disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. For example, a storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from or write information to the storage medium. Certainly, the storage medium may be components of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC may be located in the core network interface device. Certainly, the processor and the storage medium may reside in the core network interface device as discrete components.

[0279] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in one or more of the foregoing examples, the functionality described herein may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If the functionality is implemented by software, the functionality may be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code within a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media and communication media. Communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0280] In the above specific implementation, the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present application are further described in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation of the present application, but does not limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made based on the technical solutions of the present application shall also fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A first access point multi-link device (AP MLD) including a first access point (AP), a processing unit configured to generate individual-addressed traffic indication information, the individual-addressed traffic indication information being used to indicate whether a first non-access point multilink device (non-AP MLD) associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic and whether a second non-AP MLD associated with a second AP MLD has downlink individual-addressed traffic, the second AP MLD being an AP MLD to which a non-transmitting AP belongs, and the non-transmitting AP being in a multiple basic service set identifier (BSSID) set in which the first AP is located; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the individually addressed traffic indication information; The first AP MLD with.

2. 2. The first AP MLD of claim 1, wherein one bit of the individual addressed traffic indication information corresponds to one association identifier (AID), and the bit of the individual addressed traffic indication information is used to indicate whether a non-AP MLD identified by the corresponding AID has downlink individual addressed traffic.

3. The first AP MLD according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the association identifiers (AIDs) corresponding to the bits of the individual addressed traffic indication information are different from each other.

4. The first AP MLD according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the individually addressed traffic indication information is carried in a partial virtual bitmap field of a traffic indication map (TIM) element.

5. The first AP MLD according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the individual addressed traffic indication information is placed in a beacon frame or a TIM frame.

6. 6. The first AP MLD of claim 5, wherein the beacon frame includes dedicated fields, one of which corresponds to one non-AP MLD having downlink individually addressed traffic and is used to indicate one or more links over which the non-AP MLD receives the downlink individually addressed traffic.

7. 7. The first AP MLD according to claim 1, wherein an AID space used by the first AP MLD to assign AIDs to the non-AP MLDs associated with the first AP MLD is the same as an AID space used by the second AP MLD to assign AIDs to the non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD.

8. 2. The first AP MLD of claim 1, wherein the individual addressed traffic indication information includes a traffic indication map (TIM) block corresponding to the first AP MLD and a TIM block corresponding to one second AP MLD, wherein the TIM block corresponding to the first AP MLD is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic, and the TIM block corresponding to one second AP MLD is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD associated with the second AP MLD has downlink individual addressed traffic.

9. 9. The first AP MLD of claim 8, wherein the individual addressed traffic indication information further includes an index of the second AP MLD, and the index of the second AP MLD has a one-to-one correspondence with a corresponding TIM block of the second AP MLD.

10. 10. The first AP MLD according to claim 8 or 9, wherein one non-AP MLD corresponds to one bit for one of the TIM blocks, and the bit of the TIM block is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD has downlink individually addressed traffic.

11. 11. The first AP MLD according to claim 8, wherein an AID space used by the first AP MLD to assign AIDs to the non-AP MLDs associated with the first AP MLD and an AID space used by the second AP MLD to assign AIDs to the non-AP MLDs associated with the second AP MLD are independent of each other.

12. The processing unit is further configured to generate association identifier (AID) assignment information, the AID assignment information carrying an AID assigned to each non-AP MLD, the AID being different from another AID of another non-AP MLD; The first AP MLD according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit the AID allocation information.

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