Wireless communication method and device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a wireless communication method and equipment, and based on different wired and wireless multi-AP cooperation architectures, designs a multi-AP cooperation capability discovery method and a multi-AP capability unit, designs a multi-AP candidate set establishment method and a frame structure used, and also designs a multi-AP candidate set discovery method for a STA and a method for associating a STA with a multi-AP candidate set.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to wireless communication methods and devices. [Background technology]

[0002] To improve the performance of access points (APs), multi-AP cooperation is introduced to improve transmission capacity. Multi-AP cooperation requires the establishment of a multi-AP candidate set. However, how stations (STAs) discover the multi-AP candidate set and how STAs associate with the multi-AP candidate set are urgent issues that need to be resolved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a wireless communication method and device, which can realize multi-AP cooperative transmission by designing a method for a STA to discover a multi-AP candidate set and a method for the STA to associate with the multi-AP candidate set.

[0004] In a first aspect, there is provided a method of wireless communication, the method comprising: The method includes a step of receiving, by a STA, first information transmitted by an AP; The first information includes information of a multi-AP candidate set to which the AP belongs, The information of the multi-AP candidate set includes at least one of at least one legacy service set identifier (SSID) to which the AP belongs, an SSID of at least one virtual basic service set (VBSS) to which the AP belongs, a transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS, and information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located; The legacy SSID is a string that is used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set, including an extended service set (ESS), or that is used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set.

[0005] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of wireless communication, the method comprising: The method includes a step of transmitting first information by an AP to a STA; The first information includes information of a multi-AP candidate set to which the AP belongs, The information of the multi-AP candidate set includes at least one of at least one legacy SSID to which the AP belongs, an SSID of at least one VBSS to which the AP belongs, a transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS, and information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located; The legacy SSID is a string that is used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set that includes an ESS, or the string is used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set.

[0006] In a third aspect, there is provided a method of wireless communication, the method comprising: receiving, by a first AP, an association request frame sent by a STA, the association request frame being used to request association with the first AP, the association request frame including at least one indication information, the at least one indication information being used to indicate at least one of an SSID of at least one VBSS to which the STA requests association, or at least one legacy SSID to which the STA requests association, the legacy SSID being a string, the string being used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set including an ESS, or the string being used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set; The first AP sends an association response frame to the STA, the association response frame including at least AID information corresponding to a legacy SSID to which the STA requests association and / or VAID information corresponding to an SSID of a VBSS to which the STA requests association.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of wireless communication, the method comprising: a step of transmitting an association request frame from a STA to a first AP, the association request frame being used to request association with the first AP, the association request frame including at least one indication information, the at least one indication information being used to indicate at least one of an SSID of at least one VBSS to which association is requested by the STA, or at least one legacy SSID to which association is requested by the STA, the legacy SSID being a string, the string being used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set including an ESS, or the string being used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set; The method includes a step in which the STA receives an association response frame transmitted by the first AP, the association response frame including at least AID information corresponding to a legacy SSID to which the STA requests association and / or VAID information corresponding to an SSID of a VBSS to which the STA requests association.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of wireless communication, the method comprising: a step of receiving, by a second AP, shared information transmitted by a first AP, where the second AP and the first AP belong to the same legacy SSID, or the second AP and the first AP belong to the same VBSS SSID, the shared information includes a MAC address of a STA and / or multi-AP cooperation capability information of the STA, the legacy SSID is a string, and the string is used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set including an ESS, or the string is used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set; The method includes a step in which the second AP sends confirmation information to the first AP, the confirmation information being used to indicate whether the second AP will accept the association request of the STA.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, there is provided an STA for carrying out the method in the first aspect above.

[0010] Specifically, the STA comprises a functional module for executing the method in the first aspect above.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, there is provided an AP for carrying out the method in the second aspect above.

[0012] Specifically, the AP includes a functional module for executing the method in the second aspect above.

[0013] In an eighth aspect, there is provided an AP for performing the method performed by the first AP in the first aspect above.

[0014] Specifically, the AP comprises a functional module for executing the method executed by the first AP in the third aspect above.

[0015] In a ninth aspect, there is provided an STA for carrying out the method in the fourth aspect above.

[0016] Specifically, the STA comprises a functional module for executing the method in the above fourth aspect.

[0017] In a tenth aspect, there is provided an AP for performing the method performed by the second AP in the fifth aspect above.

[0018] Specifically, the AP comprises a functional module for executing the method executed by the second AP in the fifth aspect above.

[0019] In an eleventh aspect, there is provided an STA including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the method in the first aspect by calling and executing the computer program stored in the memory.

[0020] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided an AP including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the method in the second aspect by calling and executing the computer program stored in the memory.

[0021] In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided an AP including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the method executed by the first AP in the third aspect by calling and executing the computer program stored in the memory.

[0022] In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided an STA including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the method in the fourth aspect by calling and executing the computer program stored in the memory.

[0023] In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided an AP including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the method executed by the second AP in the fifth aspect by calling and executing the computer program stored in the memory.

[0024] In a sixteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for implementing the method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0025] Specifically, the apparatus includes a processor, and the processor calls up and executes a computer program from memory, thereby causing a device to which the apparatus is attached to execute the method of any one of the first to fifth aspects described above.

[0026] In a seventeenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program causing a computer to execute the method in any one of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0027] In an eighteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising computer program instructions, the computer program instructions causing a computer to carry out the method in any one of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0028] In a nineteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program, which, when executed, causes a computer to carry out the method in any one of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0029] The technical solutions of the above first and second aspects can design a discovery process and frame structure of a multi-AP candidate set for a STA, thereby realizing multi-AP cooperative transmission.

[0030] The technical solutions of the above third to fifth aspects can design a process and frame structure for associating a STA with a multi-AP candidate set, thereby realizing multi-AP cooperative transmission. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture to which embodiments of the present application may be applied; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of the multi-AP cooperation capability provided herein for an AP to scan for nearby APs. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of establishing a multi-AP candidate set provided herein. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a STA actively scanning a BSS provided in the present application; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an SSID element provided herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an SSID list element provided in the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a STA provided in the present application passively scanning a BSS; [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of a STA requesting association with a BSS provided herein; [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of wired multi-AP cooperation provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of wireless multi-AP cooperation provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a wireless communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a STA's active scanning of a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a STA's passive scanning of a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 14]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a probe request frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic diagram of a beacon frame or a probe response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another beacon frame or probe response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another beacon frame or probe response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 19] 4 is a schematic flowchart of another wireless communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 20] 1A and 1B are schematic flowcharts of a STA requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application, respectively; [Figure 21] 1A and 1B are schematic flowcharts of a STA requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application, respectively; [Figure 22] 1A and 1B are schematic flowcharts of a STA requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application, respectively; [Figure 23] 1A and 1B are schematic flowcharts of a STA requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application, respectively; [Figure 24] 1A and 1B are schematic flowcharts of a STA requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application, respectively; [Figure 25] 1A and 1B are schematic flowcharts of a STA requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application, respectively; [Figure 26] 1A and 1B are schematic flowcharts of a STA requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application, respectively; [Figure 27] 1A and 1B are schematic flowcharts of a STA requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set provided in an embodiment of the present application, respectively; [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an association request frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another association request frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another association request frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another association request frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an association response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another association response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another association response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another association response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 36] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an association information sharing frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an association confirmation frame provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 38] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a STA provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 39] 1 is a schematic block diagram of an AP provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 40] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of another AP provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another STA provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of yet another AP provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 43] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 44] 1 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 45]1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, but obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, and not all of the embodiments, and all other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain without any creative efforts are included in the protection scope of the present application.

[0033] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application may be applied to various communication systems, such as systems such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), or other communication systems.

[0034] Illustratively, a communication system 100 to which an embodiment of the present application is applied is shown in Fig. 1. The communication system may include an AP 110 and a STA 120 that accesses a network via the AP 110.

[0035] In some cases, an AP may also be called an AP STA, i.e., in a sense, an AP is also an STA. In some cases, an STA may also be called a non-AP STA.

[0036] In some embodiments, the STAs may include AP STAs and non-AP STAs.

[0037] The communication in the communication system 100 may be communication between an AP and a STA, communication between STAs, or communication between a STA and another pair of STAs (peer STA). Here, the peer STA may refer to a device that communicates oppositely with the STA. For example, the peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0038] An AP is equivalent to a bridge that connects to a wired or wireless network, and its main function is to connect various wireless network clients and further connect the wireless network to Ethernet. AP devices are terminal devices (such as mobile phones) or network devices (such as routers) equipped with Wi-Fi chips.

[0039] It should be understood that the role of STA in a communication system is not absolute. For example, in some scenarios, when a mobile phone is connected to a router, the mobile phone is an STA, and when the mobile phone is used as a hotspot for other mobile phones, the mobile phone functions as an AP.

[0040] The APs and STAs may be devices applied to the Internet of Vehicles, IoT nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, etc., smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water meters, etc. in smart homes, sensors in smart cities, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the STA may support the 802.11be standard. The STA may also support multiple current and future WLAN standards in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0042] In some embodiments, the AP may be a device that supports the 802.11be standard. The AP may also be a device that supports multiple current and future WLAN standards in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0043] In some embodiments, the AP 110 and / or STA 120 may be deployed indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or on land, including vehicle-mounted, on water (such as a ship), or in the air (such as an airplane, balloon, satellite, etc.).

[0044] In an embodiment of the present application, the STA 120 may be a mobile phone supporting WLAN / Wi-Fi technology, a tablet, a PC with wireless transceiver functionality, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless device in industrial control, a set-top box, a wireless device in self driving, an in-vehicle communication device, a wireless device in remote medical, a wireless device in a smart grid, a wireless device in transportation safety, a wireless device in a smart city, or a wireless device in a smart home, an in-vehicle communication device, a wireless communication chip / application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) / system on chip (SoC), etc.

[0045] As a non-limiting example, in an embodiment of the present application, the STA 120 may be a wearable device. A wearable device, also referred to as a wearable smart device, is a collective term for wearable devices developed by applying wearable technology to intelligently design everyday clothing such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices but also realize powerful functions through software support, data interaction, cloud interaction, and the like. In a broad sense, wearable smart devices include devices that are full-featured, large in size, and can achieve full or partial functions independently of a smartphone, such as smart watches and smart glasses, as well as devices that focus only on certain application functions and require cooperation with other devices, such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for monitoring physical condition.

[0046] Bands supported by WLAN technology may include, but are not limited to, low bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) and high bands (60 GHz).

[0047] 1 exemplarily illustrates one AP and two STAs, in some embodiments, the communication system 100 may include multiple APs and other numbers of STAs, although embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0048] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, a device having a communication function in a network / system may be referred to as a communication device. Taking the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the communication device may include an AP 110 and a STA 120 having a communication function, and the AP 110 and the STA 120 may be the above-mentioned specific devices and will not be described again here. The communication device may also include other devices in the communication system 100, such as other network entities such as a network controller, a gateway, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0049] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are always used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" herein only describes the association relationship between associated objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A exists independently, both A and B exist, and B exists independently. Furthermore, the symbol " / " herein generally indicates that the relationship between the preceding and following associated objects is an "or" relationship.

[0050] It should be understood that the description of "indicates" in the embodiments of the present application may refer to direct indication, indirect indication, or indication having an associated relationship. For example, when A indicates B, it can mean that A directly indicates B, e.g., B can obtain information through A, or it can mean that A indirectly indicates B, e.g., A indicates C, and B can obtain information via C, or it can mean that A and B have an associated relationship.

[0051] The terms used in the embodiments section of this application are intended only to describe specific examples of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are intended to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "have," and variations thereof are intended to be non-exclusive inclusive.

[0052] In describing the embodiments of the present application, the term "corresponding" may mean that there is a direct or indirect corresponding relationship between two things, or that there is an association relationship between two things, or that there is a relationship between indicating and being indicated, or constituting and being constituted, etc.

[0053] In the embodiments of the present application, "predefined" or "preconfigured" may be realized by previously storing corresponding codes, tables, or other forms that can be used to indicate related information in a device (including, for example, a STA and a network device), and the present application does not limit the specific implementation form. For example, predefined may refer to being "protocol-defined."

[0054] In the embodiments of the present application, the "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, and may include, for example, a Wi-Fi protocol and related protocols applied to future Wi-Fi communication systems, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0055] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The following related technologies can be arbitrarily combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application include at least some of the following contents:

[0056] A wireless device supports multi-band communication, for example, by simultaneously communicating in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz bands or simultaneously communicating in different channels in the same band (or different bands), thereby improving communication throughput and / or reliability between devices. Such a device is typically called a multi-band device or a multi-link device (MLD), and may also be called a multi-link entity or a multi-band entity. An MLD may be an access point device or a station device. If the MLD is an access point device, the MLD includes one or more APs, and if the MLD is a station device, the MLD includes one or more non-AP STAs.

[0057] An MLD that includes one or more APs is also called an AP MLD, and an MLD that includes one or more non-AP STAs is also called a Non-AP MLD, and in embodiments of the present application, a Non-AP MLD may also be called a STA MLD.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present application, an AP MLD may include multiple APs, a Non-AP MLD may include multiple STAs, multiple links may be formed between APs in the AP MLD and STAs in the Non-AP MLD, and data communication can be performed between the APs in the AP MLD and corresponding STAs in the Non-AP MLD via the corresponding links.

[0059] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application, the establishment of the multi-AP candidate set according to the present application is described below.

[0060] The establishment of the multi-AP candidate set can be divided into two stages: a multi-AP cooperation capability discovery stage and a multi-AP candidate set establishment stage.

[0061] In the multi-AP cooperation capability discovery phase, as shown in FIG. 2, APs can discover each other's multi-AP cooperation capabilities by receiving beacon frames or other management frames transmitted by neighboring APs.

[0062] In the multi-AP candidate set establishment phase, as shown in Figure 3, the AP that initiates multi-AP collaboration is called the master AP (MAP), and the MAP selects one or more surrounding slave APs (SAPs) (SAPs) to participate in the multi-AP collaboration. In this process, some information is exchanged between the MAP and the SAP to configure the multi-AP candidate set. The specific steps and exchanged information are as follows:

[0063] 1) The MAP sends a request frame to the SAPs, and the request frame mainly contains the following information: information on the allocation of SAP identifiers (IDs) during multi-AP collaboration, and information on the allocation of IDs for the multi-AP set.

[0064] 2) The SAP returns a response frame to the MAP, mainly including the following information: information about the STA associated with the SAP (including the STA's ID and capability information for participating in multi-AP cooperation), and the priority of the STA's participation in multi-AP cooperation.

[0065] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the active / passive scanning method of a Basic Service Set (BSS) of a STA according to the present application is described below.

[0066] For active scanning, as shown in FIG. 4, a STA sends a Probe Request frame and adds a Service Set Identifier (SSID) element / SSID list element to actively discover / scan the BSS corresponding to the associated SSID, where the formats of the SSID element and SSID list element are as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, respectively.

[0067] One or more SSIDs can be added to the SSID list field of the SSID list element, so that when an SSID list element is added to a Probe Request frame, the STA can request one or more SSIDs.

[0068] Note that if the length of the SSID field is non-zero, it indicates that one specific SSID is being requested, and if the length of the SSID field is 0, it indicates that the STA is requesting all (wildcard) SSIDs, i.e., the STA is requesting the AP to return all supported SSIDs (including hidden SSIDs).

[0069] For passive scanning, an AP adds one or more SSID elements to the Beacon frame or other management frame it transmits, and actively broadcasts the SSIDs it supports. As shown in Figure 7, a STA can receive a Beacon frame and discover the BSS corresponding to the associated SSID through the SSID element.

[0070] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application, the method of associating a STA with a BSS in the present application is described below.

[0071] The STA sends an Association Request frame to the AP, where the SSID to which the STA wants to associate is carried in the SSID element. As shown in Figure 8, the AP sends the association result of the STA to the STA through an Association Response frame. If the Status Code in the Association Response frame indicates SUCCESS, it indicates that the STA has successfully associated, and the AP assigns an Association ID (such as an Association Identifier (AID)) to the STA.

[0072] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application, the method of associating a STA with a Virtual BSS (VBSS) according to the present application will be described below.

[0073] There are two ways to associate a STA with a VBSS:

[0074] Method 1: Temporal key generation with VBSS Coordinator. Specifically, a master key pair (PMK: Pairwise Master Key) (or group master key (GMK)) and a temporary key pair (PTK: Pairwise Transient Key) (or group temporary key (GTK)) are generated between the STA and the coordinator. The coordinator is responsible for encrypting and decrypting frames, and frames from other APs are relayed to the coordinator for processing.

[0075] Method 2: Temporal key generation with individual APs. Specifically, a PMK (or GMK) and a PTK (or GTK) are generated between the STA and the Coordinator, and other APs derive their own PMKs (or GMKs) from the Coordinator's PMK (or GMK). Finally, a PTK (or GTK) is generated between the STA and other APs. In this case, the STA can communicate directly with each AP.

[0076] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the technical problems that the present application aims to solve are described below.

[0077] 1) The above solution for establishing a multi-AP candidate set designs the basic process of multi-AP capability discovery and the related parameters required for establishing a multi-AP candidate set, but does not clarify the multi-AP capability information and does not take into account the many multi-AP capability information that APs need to indicate. Furthermore, the parameters that need to be assigned to the multi-AP candidate set to establish the multi-AP candidate set are not detailed enough.

[0078] 2) The above solution of STA's active / passive scanning of BSS only concerns how STA discovers legacy BSS via SSID element / SSID List element, but does not concern how STA discovers multi-AP candidate set (VBSS). Moreover, when STA requests acquisition of all SSIDs via wildcard SSID, it does not support STA to request all legacy SSIDs and VBSS SSIDs as needed.

[0079] 3) The above solution for associating a STA with a BSS only supports associating a STA with a legacy BSS and does not involve the STA discovering a multi-AP set and then requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set.

[0080] 4) In the above solution for associating STAs with VBSSs, two methods for associating STAs with VBSSs (multi-AP candidate sets) are designed, but the process and frame structure for associating STAs with VBSSs are not specified in detail for different network architectures, and the specific interaction information between the Coordinator and other APs is not clarified.

[0081] In view of the above, this application proposes a solution for multi-AP cooperation, and designs a method for STAs to discover a multi-AP candidate set, a frame structure to be used, and a method and frame structure to associate STAs with a multi-AP candidate set, thereby realizing multi-AP cooperative transmission.

[0082] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, a Multi-AP Candidate Set and a Virtual Basic Service Set (VBSS) are the same concept, and although the two terms may be used interchangeably in some contexts, they represent the same concept.

[0083] In some embodiments, the present application may be applied to the wired multi-AP cooperative architecture shown in FIG. 9 or the wireless multi-AP cooperative architecture shown in FIG.

[0084] Specifically, in a wired multi-AP coordination architecture, as shown in Figure 9(a), a coordinator exists in some AP in the network and controls other APs via wired connections. Conversely, as shown in Figure 9(b), there is one independent coordinator in the network that controls other APs via wired connections. In the wired multi-AP coordination architecture, the network operator directly configures the controller to establish a multi-AP candidate set. For example, the controller obtains the multi-AP coordination capability information of each AP via wired connections and assigns a multi-AP candidate set(s).

[0085] Specifically, in wireless multi-AP cooperation architecture, a coordinator in the network is located in some AP (called MAP) and controls other APs (called SAPs) wirelessly. Before establishing a multi-AP candidate set, each AP must first know the multi-AP cooperation capability information of other APs. Then, the MAP determines which SAPs and which multi-AP cooperation modes are supported to establish a multi-AP candidate set.

[0086] In the following, the technical solutions of the present application are described in detail through specific examples.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart of a wireless communication method 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11, the wireless communication method 200 may include at least some of the following contents:

[0088] In step S210, the AP sends first information to the STA, where the first information includes information of a multi-AP candidate set to which the AP belongs, where the information of the multi-AP candidate set includes at least one of at least one legacy SSID to which the AP belongs, the SSID of at least one VBSS to which the AP belongs, a transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS, and information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located, where the legacy SSID is a string, and the string is used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set including an ESS, or the string is used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set.

[0089] In step S220, the STA receives the first information sent by the AP.

[0090] In the present embodiment, an AP may belong to one or more multi-AP candidate sets.

[0091] In this embodiment, each multi-AP candidate set has only one MAP, and the remaining APs are SAPs.

[0092] In the present embodiment, each multi-AP candidate set may support one or more multi-AP cooperative modes.

[0093] In an embodiment of the present application, a Legacy SSID is a string used to identify the infrastructure basic service sets (BSSs) that comprise an extended service set (ESS), or a string used to identify a non-infrastructure basic service set.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the VBSS SSID is a string used to identify the Multi-AP Candidate Set (or VBSS).

[0095] In some embodiments, the first information may be transmitted via a first frame, where the first frame is a Probe Response frame, or the first frame is a Beacon frame or other management frame.

[0096] In some embodiments, before the STA receives the first information, the STA transmits second information to the AP, and the second information is used to request multi-AP candidate set information.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second information is transmitted via a Probe Request frame, in which case the first frame is a Probe Response frame.

[0098] In this embodiment, there are two methods for a STA to discover a multi-AP candidate set: active scanning and passive scanning.

[0099] Specifically, the STA's active discovery process of the multi-AP candidate set is as shown in Figure 12. The STA actively requests multi-AP candidate set information from the AP by transmitting a Probe Request frame carrying a "Multi-AP Candidate Set Info Request field or Multi-AP Candidate Set Info Request element" and / or an "SSID element (or SSID field) or SSID list element (or SSID list field)." The AP then notifies the STA of the information of the multi-AP candidate set to which it belongs by carrying a "Multi-AP Candidate Set Info element or Multi-AP Candidate Set Info field" and / or an "SSID element (or SSID field)" in a Probe Response frame.

[0100] Specifically, the passive discovery process of a multi-AP candidate set by a STA is as shown in Figure 13. Each AP (or only a MAP) actively broadcasts information about the multi-AP candidate set to which it belongs by carrying a "Multi-AP Candidate Set Info element or Multi-AP Candidate Set Info field" and / or an "SSID element or SSID field" in a Beacon frame (or other management frame), and a STA can receive the Beacon frame (or other management frame) and learn the information about the multi-AP candidate set.

[0101] In some embodiments, the second information is transmitted via a probe request frame, where the probe request frame includes at least one of an SSID field, an SSID list field.

[0102] Specifically, a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a first value to request a first SSID, where the first SSID is a legacy SSID, or the first SSID is an SSID of a VBSS; and a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value to request multiple SSIDs, where the multiple SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the multiple SSIDs are SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located. For example, the probe request frame may be as shown in FIG. 14, where an SSID element is located in order 1 in the probe request frame, and the SSID element may include an element identifier field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), and an SSID field (occupying 0 to 32 bytes).

[0103] In some embodiments, a first value corresponding to a length field corresponding to the SSID field is a non-zero value, and a second value corresponding to a length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero.

[0104] For example, a non-zero Length of SSID field indicates a desired SSID (i.e., the STA requests the first SSID), and a zero Length of SSID field indicates a wildcard SSID (i.e., the STA requests all SSIDs).

[0105] In some embodiments, if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is non-zero, the STA requests the first SSID, and / or if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero, the STA requests all SSIDs (wildcard SSIDs).

[0106] Specifically, the SSID list field is used to request at least one SSID, and the at least one SSID includes a legacy SSID and / or a VBSS SSID. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the SSID list element is located at order 10 in the probe request frame, and the SSID list element may include an element identifier field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), and an SSID list field (the number of bytes occupied is variable).

[0107] In some embodiments, when the probe request frame does not include a multi-AP candidate set information request field and the length field corresponding to the SSID field has a second value, the plurality of SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, where the multi-AP candidate set information request field is used to request multi-AP candidate set information.

[0108] In some embodiments, the probe request frame further includes a multi-AP candidate set information request field, and the multi-AP candidate set information request field includes an additional SSID indication field, wherein the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA all legacy SSIDs and SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located, or the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located, and to instruct the AP not to feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0109] In some embodiments, a value of 0 in the additional SSID indication field indicates that the AP should feed back to the STA the SSIDs of all legacy SSIDs and VBSSs in which the AP is located, and / or a value of 1 in the additional SSID indication field indicates that the AP should feed back to the STA the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located, and that the AP should not feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0110] 14, the multi-AP candidate set information request element may be located in another order within the probe request frame and may include an element identifier field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), an extension element ID field (occupying 0 or 1 byte), and a multi-AP candidate set information request field (occupying 1 byte). The multi-AP candidate set information request field includes an additional SSID indication field (occupying 1 bit).

[0111] For example, if the value of the additional SSID indication field is equal to 0, it indicates that the AP will feed back all legacy SSIDs and SSIDs of VBSSs where the AP is located to the STA, and if the value of the additional SSID indication field is equal to 1, it indicates that the AP will feed back all SSIDs of VBSSs where the AP is located to the STA and will not feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0112] In another example, if the value of the additional SSID indication field is equal to 1, it indicates that the AP will feed back to the STA all legacy SSIDs and SSIDs of VBSSs where the AP is located, and if the value of the additional SSID indication field is equal to 0, it indicates that the AP will feed back to the STA the SSIDs of all VBSSs where the AP is located, and will not feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0113] In some embodiments, if the probe request frame does not include a multi-AP candidate set information request field, the SSID field in the probe request frame takes the second value, and the multiple SSIDs are the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located.

[0114] In some embodiments, if the probe request frame includes a multi-AP candidate set information request field and the multi-AP candidate set information request field does not include an additional SSID indication field, the SSID field in the probe request frame takes the second value, and the multiple SSIDs are the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located.

[0115] In some embodiments, the second information is transmitted via a probe request frame, wherein the probe request frame includes at least one of an SSID field, an SSID list field, a VSSID field, and a VSSID list field.

[0116] Specifically, a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a first value to request a first SSID, where the first SSID is a legacy SSID, or the first SSID is an SSID of a VBSS; and a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value to request P SSIDs, where the P SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the P SSIDs are all SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located, where P is a positive integer. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , an SSID element may be located in order 1 in the probe request frame, and the SSID element may include an element identifier field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), and an SSID field (occupying 0 to 32 bytes).

[0117] In some embodiments, a first value corresponding to a length field corresponding to the SSID field is a non-zero value, and a second value corresponding to a length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero.

[0118] For example, a non-zero Length of SSID field indicates a desired SSID (i.e., the STA requests the first SSID), and a zero Length of SSID field indicates a wildcard SSID (i.e., the STA requests P SSIDs).

[0119] In some embodiments, if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is non-zero, the STA requests the first SSID, and / or if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero, the STA requests all SSIDs (wildcard SSIDs) (i.e., the STA requests P SSIDs).

[0120] Specifically, the SSID list field is used to request K SSIDs, where the K SSIDs include legacy SSIDs and / or VBSS SSIDs, and K is a positive integer. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the SSID list element may be located at order 10 in the probe request frame, and may include an element identifier field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), and an SSID list field (the number of bytes occupied is variable).

[0121] Specifically, a length field corresponding to the VSSID field takes a first value to request a second SSID, where the second SSID is a legacy SSID, or the second SSID is an SSID of a VBSS; a length field corresponding to the VSSID field takes a second value to request Q SSIDs, where the Q SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the Q SSIDs are all SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located, where Q is a positive integer. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a VSSID element in a probe request frame may include an element identifier field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), and a VSSID field (occupying 0 to 32 bytes).

[0122] Specifically, the VSSID list field is used to request T SSIDs, where the T SSIDs include legacy SSIDs and / or VBSS SSIDs, and T is a positive integer. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the VSSID list element in the probe request frame may include an element identifier field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), and a VSSID list field (the number of bytes occupied is variable).

[0123] In some embodiments, if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero, the STA requests all SSIDs, and the length field corresponding to the SSID field takes the second value.

[0124] In some embodiments, the probe request frame further includes a multi-AP candidate set information request field, and the multi-AP candidate set information request field includes a VSSID indication field, wherein the VSSID indication field is used to indicate that acquisition of multi-AP candidate set information is not requested, and the probe request frame does not include a VSSID field and a VSSID list field, or the VSSID indication field is used to indicate that acquisition of multi-AP candidate set information is requested, and the STA requests an SSID of a VBSS via the SSID field or the SSID list field, or the VSSID indication field is used to indicate that acquisition of multi-AP candidate set information is requested, and the STA requests an SSID of a VBSS via the VSSID field or the VSSID list field, or the VSSID indication field is used to indicate that acquisition of multi-AP candidate set information is requested, and the STA requests an SSID of a VBSS and / or a legacy SSID via the VSSID field or the VSSID list field.

[0125] Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 15, the multi-AP candidate set information request element is located in another order within the probe request frame, and may include an element identifier field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), an extension element ID field (occupying 0 or 1 byte), and a multi-AP candidate set information request field (occupying 1 byte). The multi-AP candidate set information request field includes a VSSID indication field (occupying 2 bits).

[0126] Specifically, for example, when the two bits of the VSSID indication field are set to 00, it indicates that acquisition of multi-AP candidate set information is not requested, and the probe request frame does not include a VSSID field or a VSSID list field. In this case, the Beacon / Probe Response frame sent by the AP returns only the SSID. When the two bits of the VSSID indication field are set to 01, it indicates that acquisition of multi-AP candidate set information is requested, and the STA requests the SSID of the VBSS via the SSID field or the SSID list field. In this case, the Beacon / Probe Response frame sent by the AP returns only the VSSID. When the two bits of the VSSID indication field are set to 10, it indicates that acquisition of multi-AP candidate set information is requested, and the STA requests the SSID of the VBSS via the VSSID field or the VSSID list field. In this case, the Beacon / Probe Response frame sent by the AP returns only the VSSID. When the two bits in the VSSID indication field are set to 11, it indicates a request to obtain multi-AP candidate set information, and the STA requests the SSID of the VBSS and / or legacy SSID via the VSSID field or the VSSID list field. In this case, the Beacon / Probe Response frame sent by the AP returns the SSID and VSSID.

[0127] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set information request field may be implemented by a reserved bit in the Probe Request frame, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first frame, wherein the first frame includes at least one of a first SSID field, W SSID fields, a VBSS SSID spacing field, and a multi-AP candidate set information field.

[0129] Specifically, in the first frame, the first SSID field is used to indicate at least one legacy SSID to which the AP belongs. For example, the first frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, order 4 in the beacon frame or probe response frame includes a first SSID element, which includes an element ID field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), and a first SSID field (occupying 0 to 32 bytes).

[0130] Specifically, the W SSID fields are used to indicate the SSIDs of the W VBSSs to which the AP belongs, respectively, where W is a positive integer. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, a beacon frame or a probe response frame includes W SSID elements, and each SSID element in the W SSID elements includes one SSID field. It should be noted that in Figures 16 and 17, the number of SSID elements indicating the SSIDs of the VBSSs (i.e., the value of W) is indicated by the candidate set quantity field and corresponds one-to-one to the n candidate set information fields in the multi-AP candidate set information field (i.e., W=n).

[0131] Specifically, the VBSS SSID Interval field is used to indicate a transmission period of information corresponding to at least one VBSS SSID. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, a beacon frame or a probe response frame includes a VBSS SSID Interval element, and the VBSS SSID Interval element includes a VBSS SSID Interval field (occupying 2 bytes).

[0132] Specifically, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, a beacon frame or a probe response frame includes a multi-AP candidate set information element, which includes an element ID field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), an extension element ID field (occupying 0 or 1 byte), and a multi-AP candidate set information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable).

[0133] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first frame, wherein the first frame includes at least one of a first SSID field, W VSSID fields, a VSSID spacing field, and a multi-AP candidate set information field.

[0134] Specifically, in the first frame, the first SSID field is used to indicate at least one legacy SSID to which the AP belongs. For example, the first frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame. As shown in FIG. 18, the first SSID element is located at order 4 in the beacon frame or the probe response frame, and the first SSID element includes an element ID field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), and a first SSID field (occupying 0 to 32 bytes).

[0135] Specifically, the W VSSID fields are used to indicate the SSIDs of the W VBSSs to which the AP belongs, respectively, where W is a positive integer. As shown in FIG. 18, a beacon frame or a probe response frame includes W VSSID elements, and each VSSID element in the W VSSID elements includes an element ID field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), and a VSSID field (occupying 0 to 32 bytes). It should be noted that in FIG. 18, the number of VSSID elements indicating the SSIDs of the VBSSs (i.e., the value of W) is indicated by the candidate set quantity field and corresponds one-to-one to the n candidate set information fields in the multi-AP candidate set information field (i.e., W=n).

[0136] Specifically, the VSSID Interval field is used to indicate a transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS. As shown in Figure 18, a beacon frame or a probe response frame includes a VSSID Interval element, and the VSSID Interval element includes a VSSID Interval field (occupying 2 bytes).

[0137] Specifically, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located. As shown in Figure 18, a beacon frame or a probe response frame includes a multi-AP candidate set information element, which includes an element ID field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), an extension element ID field (occupying 0 or 1 byte), and a multi-AP candidate set information field (the number of bytes occupied is variable).

[0138] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set information field includes at least one candidate set information field and a candidate set quantity field, wherein the candidate set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP candidate sets in which the AP is located, and the candidate set quantity field is used to indicate the value of W, and the nth candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the nth multi-AP candidate set in which the AP is located, where n is a positive integer.

[0139] In some embodiments, the candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a multi-AP sounding method support field, a multi-AP scheme support field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information fields.

[0140] In some embodiments, the candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a multi-AP collaborative sounding support field, a multi-AP scheme support field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information fields.

[0141] Specifically, in the first frame, the VBSS Identifier field is used to indicate the VBSS Identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field, for example, the VBSS Identifier field (occupying 6 bytes) shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17.

[0142] Specifically, in the first frame, the candidate set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field.

[0143] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the candidate set identifier field may be replaced with a VBSS color field, and the VBSS color field may be used to indicate the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field.

[0144] For example, the candidate set identifier field or the VBSS color field (occupying 0 or 1 byte) shown in FIG. 16 or FIG.

[0145] Specifically, in the first frame, the Multi-AP Sounding Method Support field is used to indicate the channel sounding methods supported by the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, such as the Multi-AP Sounding Method Support field (occupying 1 byte) shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17.

[0146] Specifically, in the first frame, the Multi-AP Scheme Support field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative mode supported by the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, such as the Multi-AP Scheme Support field (occupying 1 byte) shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17.

[0147] Specifically, in the first frame, the AP Quantity field is used to indicate the number of member APs included in the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field, such as the AP Quantity field (occupying 1 byte) shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17.

[0148] Specifically, in the first frame, the m-th AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields is used to indicate the relationship information of the m-th member AP included in the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, where m is a positive integer, such as the AP information field (occupying 7 or 8 bytes) in the plurality of AP information fields shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17.

[0149] Specifically, in the first frame, the Multi-AP Collaborative Sounding Support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding of multiple APs.

[0150] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if a candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes a multi-AP collaborative sounding support field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0151] Specifically, for example, if a candidate set information field among n candidate set information fields includes a multi-AP collaborative sounding support field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0152] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the multi-AP sounding method support field includes at least one of a sequential sounding field, a collaborative sounding field.

[0153] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the multi-AP sounding method support field includes only a joint sounding field.

[0154] Specifically, in the first frame, the Sequential Sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially.

[0155] Specifically, in the first frame, the collaborative sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding of multiple APs.

[0156] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the multi-AP sounding method support field does not include a sequential sounding field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0157] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of an uplink coordinated orthogonal frequency division multiple access (C-OFDMA) field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a joint coordinated spatial reuse (C-SR) and C-OFDMA field, a joint C-SR and coordinated beamforming (C-BF) field, a joint C-SR and joint transmission (J-TX) field, a joint C-SR and coordinated uplink multiple-user multiple input multiple output (C-UL MU MIMO) field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and an interference mitigation field.

[0158] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexed J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and an interference mitigation field.

[0159] Specifically, in the first frame, the Uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field supports uplink C-OFDMA. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Uplink C-OFDMA field is an optional field and may occupy 1 bit if present.

[0160] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the Uplink C-OFDMA field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, and if the value of the Uplink C-OFDMA field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support uplink C-OFDMA.

[0161] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the Uplink C-OFDMA field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, and if the value of the Uplink C-OFDMA field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support uplink C-OFDMA.

[0162] Specifically, in the first frame, the Downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field supports downlink C-OFDMA. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Downlink C-OFDMA field is an optional field and may occupy 1 bit if present.

[0163] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the Downlink C-OFDMA field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, and if the value of the Downlink C-OFDMA field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support downlink C-OFDMA.

[0164] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the Downlink C-OFDMA field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, and if the value of the Downlink C-OFDMA field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support downlink C-OFDMA.

[0165] Specifically, in the first frame, the Joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field can occupy 1 bit.

[0166] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, and if the value of the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA.

[0167] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, and if the value of the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA.

[0168] Specifically, in the first frame, the Joint C-SR and C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Joint C-SR and C-BF field can occupy 1 bit.

[0169] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF, and if the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF.

[0170] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF, and if the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF.

[0171] Specifically, in the first frame, the Joint C-SR and J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Joint C-SR and J-TX field can occupy 1 bit.

[0172] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the joint field of C-SR and J-TX is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and if the value of the joint field of C-SR and J-TX is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX.

[0173] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the joint C-SR and J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and if the value of the joint C-SR and J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX.

[0174] Specifically, in the first frame, the Joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field may occupy 1 bit.

[0175] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO, and if the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0176] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO, and if the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0177] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the C-BF field can occupy 1 bit.

[0178] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, and if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-BF.

[0179] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, and if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-BF.

[0180] Specifically, in the first frame, the Single User J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field supports joint transmission for the same user. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Single User J-TX field can occupy 1 bit.

[0181] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the single user J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, and if the value of the single user J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user.

[0182] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the single user J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, and if the value of the single user J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user.

[0183] Specifically, in the first frame, the Multi-User J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field supports joint transmission for multiple users. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Multi-User J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, can occupy 1 bit.

[0184] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the multi-user J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users, and if the value of the multi-user J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0185] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the multi-user J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users, and if the value of the multi-user J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0186] Specifically, in the first frame, the Diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field supports diversity-type joint transmission. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Diversity J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, can occupy 1 bit.

[0187] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the Diversity J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports diversity type joint transmission, and if the value of the Diversity J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support diversity type joint transmission.

[0188] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the Diversity J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports diversity type joint transmission, and if the value of the Diversity J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support diversity type joint transmission.

[0189] Specifically, in the first frame, the Multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field supports multiplexing type joint transmission. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Multiplexing J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, can occupy 1 bit.

[0190] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiplexing type joint transmission, and if the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support multiplexing type joint transmission.

[0191] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiplexing type joint transmission, and if the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support multiplexing type joint transmission.

[0192] Specifically, in the first frame, the Full Bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the Full Bandwidth J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, may occupy 1 bit.

[0193] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, and if the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0194] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, and if the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0195] Specifically, in the first frame, the fractional bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports partial bandwidth joint transmission. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the fractional bandwidth J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, may occupy 1 bit.

[0196] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports partial bandwidth joint transmission, and if the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0197] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports partial bandwidth joint transmission, and if the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0198] Specifically, in the first frame, the detect and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the detect and discard field can occupy 1 bit.

[0199] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the detection and discard field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode; and if the value of the detection and discard field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0200] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the detect and discard field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and if the value of the detect and discard field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0201] Specifically, in the first frame, the interference mitigation field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frame in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the interference mitigation field can occupy 1 bit.

[0202] For example, in the first frame, if the value of the interference mitigation field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode; and if the value of the interference mitigation field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0203] In another example, in the first frame, if the value of the interference mitigation field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and if the value of the interference mitigation field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0204] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the multi-AP scheme field does not include an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0205] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0206] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the value of the single user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the diversity J-TX field, or the value of the diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission of the diversity type.

[0207] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the value of the single user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission of the multiplexing type.

[0208] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the value of the single user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the full bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support full bandwidth joint transmission.

[0209] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the value of the single user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0210] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the value of the single user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full bandwidth J-TX field.

[0211] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the multi-AP scheme field does not include a diversity J-TX field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports diversity type joint transmission by default.

[0212] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the multi-AP scheme field does not include a full-bandwidth J-TX field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0213] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field.

[0214] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field.

[0215] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-OFDMA Support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-OFDMA. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the C-OFDMA Support field can occupy 1 bit.

[0216] For example, if the value of the C-OFDMA support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-OFDMA, and if the value of the C-OFDMA support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-OFDMA.

[0217] In another example, a value of the C-OFDMA support field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-OFDMA, and a value of the C-OFDMA support field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-OFDMA.

[0218] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-SR Support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field supports C-SR. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the C-SR Support field can occupy 1 bit.

[0219] For example, if the value of the C-SR support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-SR, and if the value of the C-SR support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-SR.

[0220] In another example, a value of the C-SR support field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-SR, and a value of the C-SR support field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-SR.

[0221] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-BF Support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field supports C-BF. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the C-BF Support field can occupy 1 bit.

[0222] For example, if the value of the C-BF support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, and if the value of the C-BF support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-BF.

[0223] In another example, a value of the C-BF support field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, and a value of the C-BF support field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-BF.

[0224] Specifically, in the first frame, the J-TX Support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports J-TX. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the J-TX Support field can occupy 1 bit.

[0225] For example, if the value of the J-TX support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports J-TX, and if the value of the J-TX support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support J-TX.

[0226] In another example, if the value of the J-TX Support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports J-TX, and if the value of the J-TX Support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support J-TX.

[0227] Specifically, in the first frame, the C-UL MU MIMO Support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the C-UL MU MIMO Support field may occupy 1 bit.

[0228] For example, if the value of the C-UL MU MIMO Support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO, and if the value of the C-UL MU MIMO Support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-UL MU MIMO.

[0229] In another example, when the value of the C-UL MU MIMO Support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO, and when the value of the C-UL MU MIMO Support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support C-UL MU MIMO.

[0230] In some embodiments, in the first frame, if the multi-AP scheme support field does not include a C-OFDMA support field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0231] In some embodiments, in the first frame, an AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields includes at least one of a basic service set (BSS) identifier field, an AP identifier field, and an AP role field.

[0232] Here, the BSS identifier field is used to indicate the BSS identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, the AP identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, and the AP role field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperation role supported by the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0233] Specifically, in the first frame, the BSS Identifier field is used to indicate the BSS Identifier of the AP indicated by the Current AP Information field. For example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the BSS Identifier field can occupy 6 bytes.

[0234] Specifically, in the first frame, the AP Identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP indicated by the Current AP Information field. For example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the AP Identifier field can occupy 1 byte.

[0235] Specifically, in the first frame, the AP Role field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperation role supported by the AP indicated by the Current AP Information field. For example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the AP Role field may occupy 1 byte.

[0236] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the AP identifier field is set directly by the MAP or cooperator, or the AP identifier field is determined by the order in the multi-AP candidate set of the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0237] In some embodiments, in the first frame, the AP role field includes at least one of a cooperating AP role field, a coordinated AP role field, a sharing AP role field, and a shared AP role field.

[0238] Specifically, in the channel sounding stage, the cooperating AP indicated by the cooperating AP role field initiates sounding, and the AP indicated by the cooperated AP role field participates in the sounding, and in the preparation stage and / or transmission stage, the AP indicated by the sharing AP role field shares its TXOP resource with the AP indicated by the shared AP role field to perform cooperative transmission.

[0239] For example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the Coordinating AP Role field may occupy 1 bit, the Coordinated AP Role field may occupy 1 bit, the Sharing AP Role field may occupy 1 bit, and the Shared AP Role field may occupy 1 bit.

[0240] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the STA's multi-AP candidate set discovery process is designed, and the parameter settings performed when discovering the multi-AP candidate set are designed in detail, thereby providing sufficient information for multi-AP cooperative transmission, thereby enabling multi-AP cooperative transmission to be realized.

[0241] FIG. 19 is a schematic flowchart of a wireless communication method 300 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 19, the wireless communication method 300 may include at least some of the following contents:

[0242] In step S310, the STA sends an association request frame to a first AP, the association request frame is used to request association with the first AP, the association request frame includes at least one indication information, the at least one indication information is used to indicate at least one of an SSID of at least one VBSS to which the STA requests association, at least one legacy SSID to which the STA requests association, the legacy SSID being a string, the string being used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set including an ESS, or the string being used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set.

[0243] In step S320, the first AP sends an association response frame to the STA, and the association response frame includes at least AID information corresponding to the legacy SSID to which the STA requests association and / or VAID information corresponding to the SSID of the VBSS to which the STA requests association.

[0244] In step S330, the first AP sends shared information to the second AP, where the second AP and the first AP belong to the same legacy SSID, or the second AP and the first AP belong to the same VBSS SSID, and the shared information includes the MAC address of the STA and / or the multi-AP cooperation capability information of the STA.

[0245] In step S340, the first AP receives confirmation information sent by the second AP, and the confirmation information is used to indicate whether the second AP will accept the association request of the STA.

[0246] It should be noted that the above steps S330 and S340 are optional and may not be performed in some cases.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first AP transmits the shared information to the second AP between the step of the first AP receiving the association request frame transmitted by the STA and the step of the first AP transmitting the association response frame to the STA, i.e., the above steps S330 and S340 may occur between steps S310 and S320, or at least the above step S330 may occur between steps S310 and S320.

[0248] In some embodiments, after the first AP transmits the association response frame to the STA, the first AP transmits the shared information to the second AP, i.e., the above steps S330 and S340 may occur after step S320.

[0249] In the present embodiment, an AP may belong to one or more multi-AP candidate sets.

[0250] In this embodiment, each multi-AP candidate set has only one MAP, and the remaining APs are SAPs.

[0251] In the present embodiment, each multi-AP candidate set may support one or more multi-AP cooperative modes.

[0252] In an embodiment of the present application, a legacy SSID is a string used to identify infrastructure basic service sets (BSSs) that comprise an extended service set (ESS), or a string used to identify a non-infrastructure basic service set.

[0253] In the present embodiment, the VBSS SSID is a string used to identify the Multi-AP Candidate Set (or VBSS).

[0254] In some embodiments, after the STA is associated with the first AP, the STA requests the first AP to associate with the multi-AP candidate set. That is, the STA may first associate with one surrounding AP (e.g., an anchor AP or a MAP) and then request association with the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the AP. That is, in this embodiment, the first AP may be an anchor AP or a MAP.

[0255] In some embodiments, when the STA requests association with the first AP, the STA simultaneously requests association with the multi-AP candidate set from the first AP. That is, the STA requests one surrounding AP (e.g., an anchor AP or a MAP) to simultaneously associate with the AP and the corresponding multi-AP candidate set. That is, in this embodiment, the first AP may be an anchor AP or a MAP.

[0256] Specifically, for example, the basic process of a STA requesting association with a multi-AP candidate set is as shown in Figure 20. Figure 20 only takes as an example the case where the STA requests association directly from AP1 having a coordinator. Specifically, the process may include the following steps: 1) the STA sends an association request frame to AP1 to request association with the AP1, and a newly added SSID element / SSID list element in the association request frame indicates that the STA associates with the corresponding VBSS via AP1; 2) the AP1 to which the STA requests association shares the STA's (association) information with other APs in the VBSS to which the STA requests association; and 3) the AP assigns an association identifier (AID) and a virtual association identifier (VAID) to the STA via an association response frame, and notifies the STA of information such as a coordinator key holder ID and an instruction for a key generation method. Here, the collaborator key-holding identifier is used to generate the PMK (or GMK).

[0257] It should be noted that if the AP to which the STA requests association is a Coordinator and the framing at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer is performed by the Coordinator, then in step 2) of FIG. 20 above, the Coordinator may not share the STA's association information with other APs in the VBSS. If step 2) of FIG. 20 above needs to be performed, the Coordinator's sharing of the STA's association information with other APs may occur at a time between the Association Request frame and the Association Response frame, or at a time after the Association Response.

[0258] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a coordinator and framing at the MAC layer is performed by the coordinator, the first AP does not need to share the STA's relationship information with other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association.

[0259] In some embodiments, the collaborator key-holding identifier is used to generate a master key pair (PMK: Pairwise Master Key) and / or a group master key (GMK: Group Master Key), and a transient key pair (PTK: Pairwise Transient Key) and / or a group temporary key (GTK: Group Temporal Key) between the STA and the collaborator.

[0260] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a coordinator and framing at the MAC layer is performed by the coordinator, the first AP directly establishes the PMK and / or GMK and the PTK and / or GTK with the STA.

[0261] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a coordinator and framing at the MAC layer is performed by the coordinator, the first AP sends a trigger frame to other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA, and the resources and transmission mode specified in the trigger frame are used by the corresponding AP to transmit data shared by the first AP to the STA.

[0262] In some embodiments, the Receiving Address (RA) field of the Association Request frame is used to indicate the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) of the AP with which the STA is requesting association, or the RA field of the Association Request frame is used to indicate the MAC address of the AP with which the STA is requesting association.

[0263] In some embodiments, if the first AP is a cooperator, the first AP directly shares the association information of the STA with other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set with which association is requested by the STA.

[0264] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a non-cooperator, the first AP shares the association information of the STA with a cooperator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with the STA, and then the cooperator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with the STA shares the association information of the STA directly with other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with the STA.

[0265] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 21, when AP1 (i.e., the first AP in this application) is a non-cooperator, i.e., the Coordinator is located in another AP corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association. The interaction between the Coordinator (AP) and other APs is performed via wireless connection, and an Association Info. Share frame and an Association Info. Confirm (Ack) frame need to be designed.

[0266] Specifically, for example, in FIG. 21, a temporary key is generated by a VBSS Coordinator (i.e., a Coordinator corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set requested by a STA to associate). Specifically, the process may include the following steps: AP1 shares the MAC address of STA1 (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) with the Coordinator in an Association Info.Share frame, the Coordinator sends a Coordinator key holder ID to STA1 via AP1, and then generates a PMK (or GMK) and a PTK (or GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator.

[0267] In another specific example, in Figure 21, the temporary key is generated by individual APs (i.e., other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association). Specifically, the method may include the following steps: That is, STA1 sends an Association Request frame (carrying information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to AP1 to request association with each AP (including the Coordinator) in the VBSS. AP1 shares STA1's MAC address (and information such as its multi-AP transmission capability) with the Coordinator via an Association Info.Share frame. The Coordinator can then send a Coordinator key holder ID to other APs in the VBSS via the Association Info.Share frame. The other APs in the VBSS derive their own PMKs (or GMKs) from the Coordinator's PMK (or GMK). AP1 then sends information such as the Coordinator key holder ID in an Association Response. Response) frame to STA1, and STA1 can then generate a PTK (or GTK) with the Coordinator and other APs in the VBSS, and STA1 can communicate directly with each AP.

[0268] In some embodiments, the Coordinator is located in the AP to which the STA is associated (i.e., the first AP in this application), and as shown in FIG. 22, the Coordinator is located in the AP to which the STA is associated, and wireless interaction is required between the Coordinator (AP) and other APs.

[0269] Specifically, for example, in FIG. 22, the temporary key is generated by the VBSS Coordinator (i.e., the Coordinator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association). Specifically, the process may include the following steps: STA1 sends an association request frame (also carrying information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to the Coordinator to request association with the Coordinator; the Coordinator notifies other APs of STA1's MAC address (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) via an association information sharing frame; the association response frame sent by the Coordinator to STA1 includes at least a Coordinator key holder ID to generate a PMK (or GMK) and a PTK (or GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator; STA1 can communicate directly with the Coordinator; and frames sent by other APs to STA1 or frames sent by STA1 to other APs are relayed to the Coordinator for processing.

[0270] Specifically, for example, in Figure 22, the temporary key is generated by individual APs (i.e., other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association). Specifically, the method may include the following steps. That is, STA1 sends an association request frame (which also carries information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to the Coordinator to request association with each AP (including the Coordinator) in the VBSS, the Coordinator shares the Coordinator key holder ID and STA1's MAC address (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) with other APs via association information sharing frames, the other APs derive their own PMKs (or GMKs) from the Coordinator's PMK (or GMK) and then generate a PTK (or GTK) between them and STA1, and the association response frame sent by the Coordinator to STA1 includes at least the Coordinator key holder ID to generate the PMK (or GMK) and PTK (or GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator, and STA1 can communicate directly with each AP.

[0271] In some embodiments, the Coordinator is located in the AP with which the STA is associated (i.e., the first AP in this application), and as shown in FIG. 23, the Coordinator is located in the AP with which the STA is associated, and no interaction is required between the Coordinator (AP) and other APs.

[0272] Specifically, for example, in FIG. 23, a temporary key is generated by the VBSS Coordinator (i.e., the Coordinator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association). Specifically, the process may include the following steps: STA1 sends an association request frame (which also carries information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to the Coordinator to request association with the Coordinator; the association response frame sent by the Coordinator to STA1 includes at least the Coordinator key holder ID to generate a PMK and a PTK (GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator; STA1 can communicate directly with the Coordinator; and frames sent by other APs to STA1 or frames sent by STA1 to the remaining APs are relayed to the Coordinator for processing.

[0273] Specifically, for example, in Figure 23, temporary keys are generated by individual APs (i.e., other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association). In this case, the Coordinator needs to exchange (association) information of the STA with other APs. Specifically, this may include the following steps: That is, STA1 sends an association request frame (which also carries information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to the Coordinator to request association with each AP (including the Coordinator) in the VBSS, the Coordinator shares the Coordinator key holder ID and STA1's MAC address (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) with other APs via an association information sharing frame, the other APs derive their own PMK (or GMK) from the Coordinator's PMK (or GMK) and then generate a PTK (or GTK) between them and STA1, and the association response frame sent by the Coordinator to STA1 includes at least the Coordinator key holder ID for generating the PMK and PTK (or GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator, and STA1 can communicate directly with each AP.

[0274] In some embodiments, in a wired multi-AP coordination architecture, a coordinator in a network is located in some AP and controls other APs through wired connections, as shown in Figure 9(a). Specifically, the coordinator is located in the AP with which the STA is associated (i.e., the first AP in this application), and as shown in Figure 24, the coordinator is located in the AP with which the STA is associated, and wired interactions are required between the coordinator (AP) and other APs.

[0275] Specifically, for example, in FIG. 24, the temporary key is generated by the VBSS Coordinator (i.e., the Coordinator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set requested by the STA to associate). Specifically, the process may include the following steps: STA1 sends an association request frame (also carrying information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to the Coordinator to request association with the Coordinator; the Coordinator notifies other APs of STA1's MAC address (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) through the shared association information; the association response frame sent by the Coordinator to STA1 includes at least a Coordinator key holder ID for generating a PMK and a PTK (GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator; STA1 can communicate directly with the Coordinator; and frames sent by other APs to STA1 or frames sent by STA1 to the remaining APs are relayed to the Coordinator for processing.

[0276] Specifically, for example, in Figure 24, the temporary key is generated by individual APs (i.e., other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association). Specifically, the method may include the following steps. That is, STA1 sends an association request frame (which also carries information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to the Coordinator to request association with each AP (including the Coordinator) in the VBSS, the Coordinator shares the Coordinator key holder ID and STA1's MAC address (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) with other APs through the shared association information, the other APs derive their own PMK (or GMK) from the Coordinator's PMK (or GMK), and then generate a PTK (or GTK) between them and STA1, and the association response frame sent by the Coordinator to STA1 includes at least the Coordinator key holder ID for generating the PMK and PTK (or GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator, and STA1 can communicate directly with each AP.

[0277] In some embodiments, in a wired multi-AP coordination architecture, a coordinator in a network is located in some AP and controls other APs through wired connections, as shown in Figure 9(a). Specifically, the coordinator is located in the AP with which the STA is associated (i.e., the first AP in this application), and as shown in Figure 25, the coordinator is located in the AP with which the STA is associated, and there is no need for wired interaction between the coordinator (AP) and other APs.

[0278] Specifically, for example, in FIG. 25, a temporary key is generated by the VBSS Coordinator (i.e., the Coordinator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association). Specifically, the process may include the following steps: STA1 sends an association request frame (which also carries information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to the Coordinator to request association with the Coordinator; the association response frame sent by the Coordinator to STA1 includes at least the Coordinator key holder ID to generate a PMK and a PTK (or GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator; STA1 can communicate directly with the Coordinator; and frames sent by other APs to STA1 or frames sent by STA1 to the remaining APs are relayed to the Coordinator for processing.

[0279] Specifically, for example, in Figure 25, the temporary key is generated by individual APs (i.e., other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association). In this case, the Coordinator needs to exchange (association) information of the STA with other APs. Specifically, this may include the following steps: That is, STA1 sends an association request frame (which also carries information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to the Coordinator to request association with each AP (including the Coordinator) in the VBSS, the Coordinator shares the Coordinator key holder ID and STA1's MAC address (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) with other APs through the shared association information, the other APs derive their own PMK (or GMK) from the Coordinator's PMK (or GMK), and then generate a PTK (or GTK) between them and STA1, and the association response frame sent by the Coordinator to STA1 includes at least the Coordinator key holder ID for generating the PMK and PTK (or GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator, and STA1 can communicate directly with each AP.

[0280] In some embodiments, in a wired multi-AP coordination architecture, as shown in Figure 9(a), a coordinator in the network is located in some AP and controls other APs through wired connections. Specifically, the coordinator is located in another AP corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which a STA requests association. As shown in Figure 26, the coordinator (AP) interacts with other APs through wired connections.

[0281] Specifically, for example, in FIG. 26, a temporary key is generated by a VBSS Coordinator (i.e., a Coordinator corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set requested by a STA to associate). Specifically, the process may include the following steps: AP1 shares the MAC address of STA1 (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) with the Coordinator in the shared association information; the Coordinator sends a Coordinator key holder ID to STA1 via AP1; and then generates a PMK (or GMK) and a PTK (or GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator.

[0282] In another specific example, in Figure 26, the temporary key is generated by individual APs (i.e., other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association). Specifically, the method may include the following steps: That is, STA1 sends an Association Request frame (which also carries information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to AP1 to request association with each AP (including the Coordinator) in the VBSS; AP1 shares STA1's MAC address (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) with the Coordinator via the shared association information; the Coordinator can also send a Coordinator key holder ID to other APs in the VBSS via the shared association information; the other APs in the VBSS derive their AP PMKs (or GMKs) from the Coordinator's PMK (or GMK); AP1 sends information such as the Coordinator key holder ID to STA1 via an Association Response frame; STA1 can then generate PTKs (or GTKs) with the Coordinator and other APs in the VBSS; and STA1 can communicate directly with each AP.

[0283] In some embodiments, in a wired multi-AP coordination architecture, there is one independent coordinator in the network that controls other APs through wired connections, as shown in Figure 9(b). Specifically, as shown in Figure 27, the interaction between the coordinator and APs is through wired connections.

[0284] Specifically, for example, in FIG. 27, a temporary key is generated by a VBSS Coordinator (i.e., a Coordinator corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set requested by a STA to associate). Specifically, the process may include the following steps: AP1 shares the MAC address of STA1 (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) with the Coordinator in the shared association information; the Coordinator sends a Coordinator key holder ID to STA1 via AP1; and then generates a PMK (or GMK) and a PTK (or GTK) between STA1 and the Coordinator.

[0285] In another specific example, in Figure 27, the temporary key is generated by individual APs (i.e., other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association). Specifically, the method may include the following steps: That is, STA1 sends an Association Request frame (which also carries information such as STA1's multi-AP capability) to AP1 to request association with each AP (including the Coordinator) in the VBSS; AP1 shares STA1's MAC address (and information such as multi-AP transmission capability) with the Coordinator via the shared association information; the Coordinator can also send a Coordinator key holder ID to other APs in the VBSS via the shared association information; the other APs in the VBSS derive their AP PMKs (or GMKs) from the Coordinator's PMK (or GMK); AP1 sends information such as the Coordinator key holder ID to STA1 via an Association Response frame; STA1 can then generate PTKs (or GTKs) with the Coordinator and other APs in the VBSS; and STA1 can communicate directly with each AP.

[0286] In some embodiments, the association request frame further includes multi-AP cooperation capability information of the STA.

[0287] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes at least one of a first SSID field, a second SSID field, an SSID list field, and a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field.

[0288] Specifically, the first SSID field is used to indicate one legacy SSID to which the STA requests association. For example, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, the association request frame includes a first SSID element, which includes at least a first SSID field.

[0289] Specifically, the secondary SSID field is used to indicate the SSID of one VBSS that the STA requests to associate with. For example, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, the association request frame includes a secondary SSID element, which includes at least a secondary SSID field.

[0290] Specifically, the SSID list field is used to request multiple SSIDs, where the multiple SSIDs include legacy SSIDs and / or VBSS SSIDs. For example, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, the association request frame includes an SSID list element, which includes at least an SSID list field.

[0291] Specifically, the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field is used to indicate the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability information. For example, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, an association request frame includes a STA multi-AP cooperation capability element, and the STA multi-AP cooperation capability element includes an element ID field (occupied 1 byte), a length field (occupied 1 byte), an extension element ID field (occupied 0 or 1 byte), and a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field (occupied 2 bytes).

[0292] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes at least one of an SSID field, a selected multi-AP candidate set field, and a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field.

[0293] Specifically, the SSID field is used to indicate one legacy SSID to which the STA requests association. For example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, an association request frame includes an SSID element, which includes at least an SSID field.

[0294] Specifically, the Selected Multi-AP Candidate Set field is used to indicate related information of at least one multi-AP candidate set requested by the STA to associate with. For example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, the association request frame includes a Selected Multi-AP Candidate Set element, and the Selected Multi-AP Candidate Set element includes an Element ID field (occupying 1 byte), a Length field (occupying 1 byte), an Extended Element ID field (occupying 0 or 1 byte), and a Selected Multi-AP Candidate Set field (the number of bytes occupied is variable).

[0295] Specifically, the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field is used to indicate the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability information. For example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, an association request frame includes a STA multi-AP cooperation capability element, and the STA multi-AP cooperation capability element includes an element ID field (occupied 1 byte), a length field (occupied 1 byte), an extension element ID field (occupied 0 or 1 byte), and a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field (occupied 2 bytes).

[0296] In some embodiments, the selected multi-AP candidate set field includes a candidate set quantity field and at least one candidate set information field.

[0297] Specifically, the Candidate Set Quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP candidate sets that the STA requests to associate with. For example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, the Candidate Set Quantity field occupies 1 byte.

[0298] Specifically, the nth candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field is used to indicate the relationship information of the nth multi-AP candidate set that the STA requests to associate with, where n is a positive integer. For example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, the candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field occupies 1 or 6 bytes.

[0299] In some embodiments, a candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field comprises a candidate set identifier field or a VBSS identifier field.

[0300] Specifically, the Candidate Set Identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field. For example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, the Candidate Set Identifier field occupies 1 byte.

[0301] In some embodiments, the candidate set identifier field may be replaced by a VBSS color field, as shown in FIGS.

[0302] Specifically, the VBSS Identifier field is used to indicate the VBSS identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field. For example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, the VBSS Identifier field occupies 6 bytes.

[0303] In some embodiments, the selected multi-AP candidate set field further includes a Request To Associate with Candidate Sets field, where the Request To Associate with Candidate Sets field is used to indicate that the STA requests to associate with the associated multi-AP candidate set, or the Request To Associate with Candidate Sets field is used to indicate that the STA requests not to associate with the associated multi-AP candidate set. For example, as shown in Figure 31, the Request To Associate with Candidate Sets field occupies 1 byte.

[0304] For example, if the value of Request To Associate with Candidate Sets is equal to 1, it indicates that the STA requests association with the associated Multi-AP Candidate Set, and the current AP can communicate the STA's association information to the remaining member APs; if the value of Request To Associate with Candidate Sets is equal to 0, it indicates that the STA is associated only with the current AP and not with the associated Multi-AP Candidate Set.

[0305] In another example, a value of Request To Associate with Candidate Sets equal to 0 indicates that the STA requests association with the associated Multi-AP Candidate Set, and the current AP can communicate the STA's association information to the remaining member APs; a value of Request To Associate with Candidate Sets equal to 1 indicates that the STA is associated only with the current AP and not with the associated Multi-AP Candidate Set.

[0306] It should be noted that the Request To Associate with Candidate Sets field may also be implemented by reserved bits in other elements or fields in the association request frame.

[0307] In some embodiments, the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field includes a STA priority field and a multi-AP scheme support field.

[0308] Specifically, the STA priority field is used to indicate priority information when the STA participates in a multi-AP transmission or reception mechanism. For example, as shown in Figures 28 to 31, the STA priority field occupies 1 byte.

[0309] Specifically, the multi-AP scheme support field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative mode supported by the STA. For example, as shown in Figures 28 to 31, the multi-AP scheme support field occupies 1 byte.

[0310] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-SR field, a C-BF field, a C-UL MU MIMO field, and a J-TX field.

[0311] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 28, the multi-AP scheme support field includes a C-SR field (occupied 1 bit), a C-BF field (occupied 1 bit), a C-UL MU MIMO field (occupied 1 bit), and a J-TX field (occupied 1 bit).

[0312] Specifically, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, the multi-AP scheme support field includes a C-BF field (occupying 1 bit), a C-UL MU MIMO field (occupying 1 bit), and a J-TX field (occupying 1 bit).

[0313] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field. Specifically, as shown in Figure 29, the multi-AP scheme support field includes a C-SR field (occupying 1 bit) and a C-UL MU MIMO field (occupying 1 bit).

[0314] Specifically, the C-SR field is used to indicate whether the STA supports C-SR.

[0315] For example, if the value of the C-SR field is equal to 1, it indicates that the STA supports C-SR, and if the value of the C-SR field is equal to 0, it indicates that the STA does not support C-SR.

[0316] In another example, if the value of the C-SR field is equal to 0, it indicates that the STA supports C-SR, and if the value of the C-SR field is equal to 1, it indicates that the STA does not support C-SR.

[0317] Specifically, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the STA supports C-BF.

[0318] For example, if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 1, it indicates that the STA supports C-BF, and if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 0, it indicates that the STA does not support C-BF.

[0319] In another example, if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 0, it indicates that the STA supports C-BF, and if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 1, it indicates that the STA does not support C-BF.

[0320] Specifically, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the STA supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0321] For example, if the value of the C-UL MU MIMO field is equal to 1, it indicates that the STA supports C-UL MU MIMO, and if the value of the C-UL MU MIMO field is equal to 0, it indicates that the STA does not support C-UL MU MIMO.

[0322] In another example, if the value of the C-UL MU MIMO field is equal to 0, it indicates that the STA supports C-UL MU MIMO, and if the value of the C-UL MU MIMO field is equal to 1, it indicates that the STA does not support C-UL MU MIMO.

[0323] Specifically, the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the STA supports J-TX.

[0324] For example, if the value of the J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the STA supports J-TX, and if the value of the J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the STA does not support J-TX.

[0325] In another example, if the value of the J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the STA supports J-TX, and if the value of the J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the STA does not support J-TX.

[0326] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme support field does not include a C-BF field, the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability field implicitly indicates that the STA supports C-BF, and / or if the multi-AP scheme support field does not include a J-TX field, the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability field implicitly indicates that the STA supports a J-TX field.

[0327] In some embodiments, the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability field itself implicitly indicates that the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

[0328] In some embodiments, the association response frame further includes collaborator key-holding identification information and key generation method information, wherein the collaborator key-holding identification information is used to generate a PMK and / or GMK, and a PTK and / or GTK between the STA and the collaborator.

[0329] In some embodiments, the association response frame includes at least one of a status code field, an AID field, a VAID field, a key generation method field, a fast basic service set switching element (FTE) field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and a robust security network element (RSNE) field; Here, the Status Code field is used to indicate whether the STA has successfully associated with the requested legacy SSID and / or VBSS SSID, the AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned to the STA by an AP in a Basic Service Set (BSS), the VAID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by an AP in a VBSS, the Key Generation Method field is used to indicate the key generation method information, a parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key-holding identity information, the Multi-AP Candidate Set Information field is used to indicate relationship information of the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association, and the RSNE field is used to indicate that the STA will directly establish a PMK and / or GMK and a PTK and / or GTK with a collaborator.

[0330] Specifically, for example, the association response frame may be as shown in Figures 32 and 33, and the association response frame includes a status code field, an AID field, a VAID field, a key generation method field, an FTE field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and an RSNE field.

[0331] 32 and 33, the FTE field may include an element ID field (occupying 1 byte), a length field (occupying 1 byte), a message integrity code (MIC) control field (occupying 2 bytes), a MIC field (the number of bytes occupied is variable), an authenticator nonce (ANonce) field (occupying 32 bytes), a supplicant nonce (SNonce) field (occupying 32 bytes), and a parameter field (the number of bytes occupied is variable). The parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key-holding identification information.

[0332] In some embodiments, the association response frame includes at least one of a status code field, an AID field, a key generation method field, an FTE field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and an RSNE field; Here, the status code field is used to indicate whether the STA has successfully associated with the requested legacy SSID and / or VBSS SSID, the AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned to the STA by an AP in the BSS, and the AID field is further used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by an AP in the VBSS, the key generation method field is used to indicate the key generation method information, the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key holding identification information, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA, and the RSNE field is used to indicate that the STA will directly establish a PMK and / or GMK and a PTK and / or GTK with the collaborator.

[0333] Specifically, for example, the association response frame may be as shown in Figure 34, and the association response frame includes a status code field, an AID field, a key generation method field, an FTE field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and an RSNE field. In this case, the AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned by the AP to the STA in the BSS, and the AID field is further used to indicate the VAID assigned by the AP to the STA in the VBSS.

[0334] In some embodiments, the association response frame includes at least one of a status code field, a first AID field, a second AID field, a key generation method field, an FTE field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and an RSNE field; Here, the status code field is used to indicate whether the STA has successfully associated with the requested legacy SSID and / or VBSS SSID, the first AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned to the STA by an AP in a BSS, the second AID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by an AP in a VBSS, the key generation method field is used to indicate the key generation method information, the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key holding identification information, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA, and the RSNE field is used to indicate that the STA will directly establish a PMK and / or GMK and a PTK and / or GTK with the collaborator.

[0335] For example, a parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information.

[0336] Specifically, for example, the association response frame may be as shown in FIG. 35, and the association response frame includes a status code field, a first AID field, a second AID field, a key generation method field, an FTE field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and an RSNE field.

[0337] For example, if the value of the key generation method field is equal to 0, it indicates that the temporary key is generated by the collaborators, and if the value of the key generation method field is equal to 1, it indicates that the temporary key is generated by each AP.

[0338] In some embodiments, if the status code field indicates success (SUCCESS), it indicates that the STA has successfully associated with a legacy SSID and a VBSS SSID, and / or if the status code field indicates VBSS failure (FAILURE_VBSS), it indicates that the STA has failed to associate with a VBSS SSID, and / or if the status code field indicates failure (FAILURE), it indicates that the STA has failed to associate with a legacy SSID.

[0339] In some embodiments, if the status code field indicates that the STA's request to associate with a legacy SSID failed, the STA must re-initiate an association request to associate with the corresponding legacy SSID and VBSS SSID.

[0340] In some embodiments, if the status code field indicates that the STA's request to associate with the SSID of the VBSS failed, the STA must re-initiate an association request to associate with the SSID of the corresponding VBSS.

[0341] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set information field includes a candidate set information field. For example, as shown in Figures 32 to 35, the multi-AP candidate set information field includes a candidate set quantity field (occupying one byte) and a candidate set information field (occupying a variable number of bytes).

[0342] It should be noted that the Multi-AP Candidate Set Information field only includes one Candidate Set Information field because a STA can only associate with one Multi-AP Candidate Set at a time.

[0343] In some embodiments, the candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a sounding method field, a multi-AP scheme field, a number of APs field, and a plurality of AP information fields.

[0344] In some embodiments, the candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a collaborative sounding support field, a multi-AP scheme field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information field.

[0345] Specifically, the VBSS identifier field is used to indicate the VBSS identifier of the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association. For example, the VBSS identifier field (occupying 6 bytes) is as shown in Figures 32 to 35.

[0346] Specifically, the candidate set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association.

[0347] In some embodiments, the candidate set identifier field may be replaced by a VBSS color field, which may be used to indicate the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association.

[0348] For example, the candidate set identifier field or the VBSS color field (occupying 0 or 1 byte) is as shown in FIGS.

[0349] Specifically, the sounding method field is used to indicate the channel sounding method supported by the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association. For example, the sounding method field (occupying 1 byte) is as shown in Figures 32 to 35.

[0350] Specifically, the multi-AP scheme field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative mode supported by the multi-AP candidate set requested by the STA to associate with. For example, the multi-AP scheme field (occupying 1 byte) is as shown in Figures 32 to 35.

[0351] Specifically, the AP quantity field is used to indicate the number of member APs included in the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association. For example, the AP quantity field (occupying 1 byte) is as shown in Figures 32 to 35.

[0352] Specifically, the m-th AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields is used to indicate the relationship information of the m-th member AP included in the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association. For example, the AP information field (occupying 8 bytes) in the plurality of AP information fields is as shown in Figures 32 to 35.

[0353] Specifically, the collaborative sounding support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with by the STA supports simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding of multiple APs.

[0354] In some embodiments, if the candidate set information field includes a collaborative sounding support field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with by the STA will support multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0355] In some embodiments, the sounding method field includes at least one of a sequential sounding field, a collaborative sounding field.

[0356] In some embodiments, the sounding method field includes only a joint sounding field.

[0357] Specifically, the Sequential Sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested by the STA to associate with supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially. As shown in Figures 32 to 35, the Sequential Sounding field is an optional field, and if present, can occupy 1 bit.

[0358] Specifically, the joint sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested by the STA to associate with supports simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding of multiple APs. As shown in Figures 32 to 35, the joint sounding field can occupy 1 bit.

[0359] In some embodiments, if the sounding method field does not include a sequential sounding field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with by the STA will by default support multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially.

[0360] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of an uplink C-OFDMA field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field, a joint C-SR and C-BF field, a joint C-SR and J-TX field, a joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexed J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and an interference mitigation field.

[0361] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field, a joint C-SR and C-BF field, a joint C-SR and J-TX field, a joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexed J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and an interference mitigation field.

[0362] Specifically, the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports uplink C-OFDMA. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the uplink C-OFDMA field is an optional field and may occupy 1 bit if present.

[0363] For example, if the value of the Uplink C-OFDMA field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA, and if the value of the Uplink C-OFDMA field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support uplink C-OFDMA.

[0364] In another example, a value of the Uplink C-OFDMA field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA, and a value of the Uplink C-OFDMA field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support uplink C-OFDMA.

[0365] Specifically, the Downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports downlink C-OFDMA. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the Downlink C-OFDMA field is an optional field and may occupy 1 bit if present.

[0366] For example, if the value of the Downlink C-OFDMA field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports downlink C-OFDMA, and if the value of the Downlink C-OFDMA field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support downlink C-OFDMA.

[0367] In another example, a value of the Downlink C-OFDMA field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports downlink C-OFDMA, and a value of the Downlink C-OFDMA field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support downlink C-OFDMA.

[0368] Specifically, the Joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the Joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field can occupy 1 bit.

[0369] For example, if the value of the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, and if the value of the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA.

[0370] In another example, if the value of the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, and if the value of the C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA.

[0371] Specifically, the Joint C-SR and C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the Joint C-SR and C-BF field can occupy 1 bit.

[0372] For example, if the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF, and if the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF.

[0373] In another example, if the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF, and if the value of the C-SR and C-BF joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF.

[0374] Specifically, the Joint C-SR and J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the Joint C-SR and J-TX field can occupy 1 bit.

[0375] For example, if the value of the C-SR and J-TX joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and if the value of the C-SR and J-TX joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX.

[0376] In another example, if the value of the C-SR and J-TX joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and if the value of the C-SR and J-TX joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX.

[0377] Specifically, the Joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested by the STA to associate with supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the Joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field may occupy 1 bit.

[0378] For example, if the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO, and if the value of the C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0379] In another example, if the value of the Joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO, and if the value of the Joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.

[0380] Specifically, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-BF. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the C-BF field can occupy 1 bit.

[0381] For example, if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-BF, and if the value of the C-BF field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-BF.

[0382] In another example, a value of the C-BF field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-BF, and a value of the C-BF field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-BF.

[0383] Specifically, the Single-User J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports joint transmission for the same user. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the Single-User J-TX field can occupy 1 bit.

[0384] For example, if the value of the single-user J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for the same user, and if the value of the single-user J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for the same user.

[0385] In another example, if the value of the single-user J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for the same user, and if the value of the single-user J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for the same user.

[0386] Specifically, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports joint transmission for multiple users. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the multi-user J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, may occupy 1 bit.

[0387] For example, if the value of the multi-user J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for multiple users, and if the value of the multi-user J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0388] In another example, if the value of the multi-user J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for multiple users, and if the value of the multi-user J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0389] Specifically, the Diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports diversity-type joint transmission. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the Diversity J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, may occupy 1 bit.

[0390] For example, if the value of the Diversity J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports diversity type joint transmission, and if the value of the Diversity J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support diversity type joint transmission.

[0391] In another example, if the value of the Diversity J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports diversity type joint transmission, and if the value of the Diversity J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support diversity type joint transmission.

[0392] Specifically, the Multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports joint transmission of multiplexing type. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the Multiplexing J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, may occupy 1 bit.

[0393] For example, if the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports multiplexing type joint transmission, and if the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support multiplexing type joint transmission.

[0394] In another example, if the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports multiplexing type joint transmission, and if the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support multiplexing type joint transmission.

[0395] Specifically, the full bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports full bandwidth joint transmission. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the full bandwidth J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, may occupy 1 bit.

[0396] For example, if the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, and if the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0397] In another example, a value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, and a value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0398] Specifically, the partial bandwidth J-TX field is used by a multi-AP candidate set requested by a STA to associate with to indicate partial bandwidth joint transmission. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the partial bandwidth J-TX field is an optional field and, if present, may occupy 1 bit.

[0399] For example, if the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports partial bandwidth joint transmission, and if the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0400] In another example, a value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports partial bandwidth joint transmission, and a value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0401] Specifically, the detect and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested by the STA to associate with supports receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the detect and discard field can occupy 1 bit.

[0402] For example, if the value of the detect and discard field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode; if the value of the detect and discard field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and then discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0403] In another example, if the value of the detect and discard field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports receiving and demodulating and then discarding other users' data / frames to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and if the value of the detect and discard field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support receiving and demodulating and then discarding other users' data / frames to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0404] Specifically, the interference mitigation field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames while treating other users' data as direct interference in the C-UL-MU MIMO mode. For example, as shown in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the interference mitigation field can occupy 1 bit.

[0405] For example, if the value of the interference mitigation field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode; if the value of the interference mitigation field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0406] In another example, if the value of the interference mitigation field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and if the value of the interference mitigation field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0407] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme field does not include an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0408] In some embodiments, if the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the multi-user J-TX field, or the value of the multi-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for multiple users.

[0409] In some embodiments, if the value of the Single User J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for the same user, the Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Diversity J-TX field, or the value of the Diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support diversity type joint transmission.

[0410] In some embodiments, if the value of the single user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission of the multiplexing type.

[0411] In some embodiments, if the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the full-bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the full-bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission.

[0412] In some embodiments, if the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission of partial bandwidth.

[0413] In some embodiments, if the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full-bandwidth J-TX field.

[0414] In some embodiments, if the Multi-AP Scheme field does not include a Diversity J-TX field, the Multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports diversity type joint transmission by default.

[0415] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme field does not include a full-bandwidth J-TX field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0416] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field.

[0417] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field.

[0418] Here, the C-OFDMA support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-OFDMA, the C-SR support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-SR, the C-BF support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-BF, the J-TX support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports J-TX, and the C-UL MU MIMO support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0419] Specifically, the C-OFDMA Support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-OFDMA. For example, as shown in Figure 33, the C-OFDMA Support field can occupy 1 bit.

[0420] For example, if the value of the C-OFDMA support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-OFDMA, and if the value of the C-OFDMA support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-OFDMA.

[0421] In another example, a value of the C-OFDMA support field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-OFDMA, and a value of the C-OFDMA support field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-OFDMA.

[0422] Specifically, the C-SR support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-SR. For example, as shown in Figure 33, the C-SR support field can occupy 1 bit.

[0423] For example, if the value of the C-SR support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-SR, and if the value of the C-SR support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-SR.

[0424] In another example, a value of the C-SR support field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-SR, and a value of the C-SR support field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-SR.

[0425] Specifically, the C-BF support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-BF. For example, as shown in Figure 33, the C-BF support field can occupy 1 bit.

[0426] For example, if the value of the C-BF support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-BF, and if the value of the C-BF support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-BF.

[0427] In another example, a value of the C-BF support field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-BF, and a value of the C-BF support field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-BF.

[0428] Specifically, the J-TX support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports J-TX. For example, as shown in Figure 33, the J-TX support field can occupy 1 bit.

[0429] For example, if the value of the J-TX support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports J-TX, and if the value of the J-TX support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support J-TX.

[0430] In another example, if the value of the J-TX support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports J-TX, and if the value of the J-TX support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support J-TX.

[0431] Specifically, the C-UL MU MIMO Support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested by the STA to associate with supports C-UL MU MIMO. For example, as shown in Figure 33, the C-UL MU MIMO Support field may occupy 1 bit.

[0432] For example, if the value of the C-UL MU MIMO Support field is equal to 1, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-UL MU MIMO, and if the value of the C-UL MU MIMO Support field is equal to 0, it indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-UL MU MIMO.

[0433] In another example, a value of the C-UL MU MIMO Support field equal to 0 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports C-UL MU MIMO, and a value of the C-UL MU MIMO Support field equal to 1 indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support C-UL MU MIMO.

[0434] In some embodiments, if the Multi-AP Scheme field does not include a C-OFDMA Support field, the Multi-AP Candidate Set requested to associate by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0435] In some embodiments, an AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields includes at least one of a BSS identifier field, an AP identifier field, and an AP role field.

[0436] Here, the BSS identifier field is used to indicate the BSS identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, the AP identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, and the AP role field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperation role supported by the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0437] Specifically, the BSS Identifier field is used to indicate the BSS identifier of the AP indicated by the Current AP Information field. For example, as shown in Figures 32 to 35, the BSS Identifier field can occupy 6 bits.

[0438] Specifically, the AP Identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP indicated by the Current AP Information field. For example, as shown in Figures 32 to 35, the AP Identifier field can occupy 1 byte.

[0439] Specifically, the AP Role field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperation role supported by the AP indicated by the Current AP Information field. For example, as shown in Figures 32 to 35, the AP Role field may occupy 1 byte.

[0440] In some embodiments, the AP identifier field is set directly by the MAP or cooperator, or the AP identifier field is determined by the order in the multi-AP candidate set of the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0441] In some embodiments, the AP role field includes at least one of a cooperating AP role field, a coordinated AP role field, a sharing AP role field, and a shared AP role field.

[0442] Specifically, in the channel sounding stage, the cooperating AP indicated by the cooperating AP role field initiates sounding, and the AP indicated by the cooperated AP role field participates in the sounding, and in the preparation stage and / or transmission stage, the AP indicated by the sharing AP role field shares its TXOP resource with the AP indicated by the shared AP role field to perform cooperative transmission.

[0443] For example, as shown in Figures 32 to 35, the Coordinating AP Role field can occupy 1 bit, the Coordinated AP Role field can occupy 1 bit, the Sharing AP Role field can occupy 1 bit, and the Shared AP Role field can occupy 1 bit.

[0444] In some embodiments, the first AP is a non-cooperator and the second AP is a cooperator, or the first AP is a cooperator and the second AP is a non-cooperator.

[0445] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a collaborator, the shared information is used to share relationship information of the STA between the collaborator and other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA.

[0446] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a collaborator and the PTK and / or GTK between the STA and another AP corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association is generated by the corresponding AP, the shared information further includes a collaborator key-holding identity, wherein the collaborator key-holding identity is used by the second AP to obtain the collaborator's PMK and / or GMK, the collaborator's PMK and / or GTK is used by the second AP to generate its own PMK and / or GMK, and communication between the second AP and the STA is carried out based on the PTK and / or GTK generated by the second AP's PMK and / or GMK.

[0447] In some embodiments, the shared information is transmitted via an association information sharing frame, and the association information sharing frame includes an association information sharing field, where the association information sharing field includes at least one of a STA MAC address field, a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field, an SSID field, a VAID field, a collaborator key holder identifier field, and an FTE field.

[0448] In some embodiments, the STA MAC address field is used to indicate the MAC address of the STA, the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field is used to indicate the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability information, the SSID field is used to indicate the SSID of the VBSS to which the STA requests association among multiple VBSSs, the VAID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by a collaborator in the VBSS to which the STA requests association, the collaborator key-holding identifier field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information, and the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information, and the SSIDs of the multiple VBSSs are VBSSs established between the second AP and a collaborator.

[0449] Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 36, the STA MAC address field, the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field, the SSID field, the VAID field, and the collaborator key holder identifier field are all optional fields.

[0450] It should be noted that the association information sharing frame is used to share STA information between the Coordinator (AP) and other APs. When the Coordinator sends it to other APs and the key is generated by each AP (key generation with individual APs), it must include the Coordinator key holder ID field or FTE field.

[0451] Specifically, as a function of sharing an SSID, there is a possibility that multiple VBSSs may be established between the Coordinator and a member AP, and information regarding which VBSS the STA is requesting association with can be notified to the member AP via the SSID (which carries the SSID of the VBSS), making it easier to distinguish between them.

[0452] Specifically, as a function of sharing the VAID, the VAID of the STA is assigned by the Coordinator, and since the member AP may not know the VAID of the STA, it can be notified to the member AP via the VAID field.

[0453] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is transmitted via an association information confirmation frame, the association information confirmation frame including an association confirmation field, the association confirmation field including at least one of an association confirmation code field, a VAID field, a collaborator key-holding identifier field, and an FTE field, wherein the association confirmation code field is used to indicate whether the second AP will accept the association request of the STA, the VAID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by a collaborator in the VBSS to which the STA requests association, the collaborator key-holding identifier field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information, and the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information.

[0454] For example, if the value of the association confirmation code field is equal to 1, it indicates that the second AP accepts the association request of the STA, and if the value of the association confirmation code field is equal to 0, it indicates that the second AP does not accept the association request of the STA.

[0455] In another example, if the value of the association confirmation code field is equal to 0, it indicates that the second AP accepts the association request of the STA, and if the value of the association confirmation code field is equal to 1, it indicates that the second AP does not accept the association request of the STA.

[0456] Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 37, the VAID field and the collaborator key holder identifier field are both optional fields.

[0457] It should be noted that if the Coordinator sends to other APs and the key is generated by each AP (key generation with individual APs), it must include the Coordinator key holder ID field or FTE field.

[0458] Specifically, one reason for carrying the Coordinator key holder ID field in the Association Info Confirm frame is that after a member AP shares the STA's association information with the Coordinator via an Association Info Share frame, the Coordinator notifies the member AP of its Coordinator key holder ID via the Association Info Confirm frame, making it easier for the member AP to calculate and obtain its own PMK (or GMK) using the Coordinator's PMK (or GMK).

[0459] Specifically, the Association Info Confirm frame may be an ACK frame, in which case other APs will accept the association request of the STA transmitted by the Master AP by default.

[0460] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a non-collaborator and the second AP is a collaborator, the collaborator key-bearing identity information is used by the first AP to obtain the collaborator's PMK and / or GMK, the collaborator's PMK and / or GTK are used by the first AP to generate its own PMK and / or GMK, and communication between the first AP and the STA takes place based on the PTK and / or GTK generated by the first AP's PMK and / or GMK.

[0461] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a non-cooperator and the second AP is a cooperator, the relationship information of the STA carried in the shared information is shared by the second AP with other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA.

[0462] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is transmitted via an ACK frame, which is used to indicate that the second AP accepts the STA's association request.

[0463] In some embodiments, between the step in which the first AP receives the association request frame transmitted by the STA and the step in which the first AP transmits the association response frame to the STA, the first AP transmits the shared information to the second AP.

[0464] In some embodiments, after the first AP transmits the association response frame to the STA, the first AP transmits the shared information to the second AP.

[0465] In some embodiments, the shared information is transmitted via a wired transmission method and / or the confirmation information is transmitted via a wired transmission method.

[0466] Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, by designing the process of associating a STA with a multi-AP candidate set and designing in detail the parameter settings performed when associating the multi-AP candidate set, sufficient information can be provided for multi-AP cooperative transmission, thereby enabling multi-AP cooperative transmission to be realized.

[0467] Thus, the method embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to Figures 11 to 37, and the apparatus embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 38 to 42. It should be understood that the apparatus embodiment and the method embodiment correspond to each other, and similar descriptions can be referred to the method embodiment.

[0468] 38 is a schematic block diagram of a STA 400 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 38, the STA 400 includes a first communication unit 410, The first communication unit 410 is configured to receive first information transmitted by an access point (AP); The first information includes information of a multi-AP candidate set to which the AP belongs, The information of the multi-AP candidate set includes at least one of at least one legacy service set identifier (SSID) to which the AP belongs, an SSID of at least one virtual basic service set (VBSS) to which the AP belongs, a transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS, and information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located; The legacy SSID is a string that is used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set, including an extended service set (ESS), or that is used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set.

[0469] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first frame; the first frame includes at least one of a first SSID field, W SSID fields, a VBSS SSID spacing field, and a multi-AP candidate set information field; Here, the first SSID field is used to indicate at least one legacy SSID to which the AP belongs, the W SSID fields are used to indicate the SSIDs of W VBSSs to which the AP belongs, respectively, the VBSS SSID interval field is used to indicate the transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS, and the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located, and W is a positive integer.

[0470] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first frame; the first frame includes at least one of a first SSID field, W virtual service set identifier (VSSID) fields, a VSSID spacing field, and a multi-AP candidate set information field; Here, the first SSID field is used to indicate at least one legacy SSID to which the AP belongs, the W VSSID fields are used to indicate the SSIDs of W VBSSs to which the AP belongs, respectively, the VSSID interval field is used to indicate the transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS, and the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located, and W is a positive integer.

[0471] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set information field includes at least one candidate set information field and a candidate set quantity field; Here, the candidate set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP candidate sets in which the AP is located, and the candidate set quantity field is used to indicate the value of W, and the nth candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field is used to indicate the relationship information of the nth multi-AP candidate set in which the AP is located, where n is a positive integer.

[0472] In some embodiments, the candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a multi-AP sounding method support field, a multi-AP scheme support field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information field; or the candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a multi-AP collaborative sounding support field, a multi-AP scheme support field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information fields; Here, the VBSS identifier field is used to indicate the VBSS identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the candidate set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the multi-AP sounding method support field is used to indicate the channel sounding method supported by the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the multi-AP scheme support field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative mode supported by the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the AP quantity field is used to indicate the number of member APs included in the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the mth AP information field in the multiple AP information fields is used to indicate relationship information of the mth member AP included in the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, and the multi-AP cooperative sounding support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding of multiple APs, where m is a positive integer.

[0473] In some embodiments, if a candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes a multi-AP collaborative sounding support field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0474] In some embodiments, the multi-AP sounding method support field includes at least one of a sequential sounding field, a collaborative sounding field, or The multi-AP sounding method support field includes only a joint sounding field; Here, the sequential sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially, and the collaborative sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding.

[0475] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP sounding method support field does not include a sequential sounding field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0476] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of an uplink cooperative orthogonal frequency division multiple access (C-OFDMA) field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a joint cooperative spatial reuse (C-SR) and C-OFDMA field, a joint C-SR and cooperative beamforming (C-BF) field, a joint C-SR and joint transmission (J-TX) field, a joint C-SR and cooperative uplink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (C-UL MU MIMO) field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a fractional-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, or an interference mitigation field; or the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and an interference mitigation field; wherein the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, the joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, the joint C-SR and C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF, the joint C-SR and J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and the joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.The C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users, and the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users. The multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiplexing type joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and the interference mitigation field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0477] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme support field does not include an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0478] In some embodiments, if the value of the Single User J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Multi-User J-TX field, or the value of the Multi-User J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP Candidate Set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Diversity J-TX field, or the value of the Diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support diversity-type joint transmission; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission of multiplexing type; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Full Bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the Full Bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or The multi-AP scheme field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0479] In some embodiments, if the value of the single user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full bandwidth J-TX field.

[0480] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports diversity type joint transmission by default, and / or the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports full bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0481] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, or a C-UL MU MIMO support field; or The multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; Here, the C-OFDMA support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-OFDMA, the C-SR support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-SR, the C-BF support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, the J-TX support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports J-TX, and the C-UL MU MIMO support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0482] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme support field does not include a C-OFDMA support field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0483] In some embodiments, an AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields includes at least one of a Basic Service Set (BSS) identifier field, an AP identifier field, and an AP role field; Here, the BSS identifier field is used to indicate the BSS identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, the AP identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, and the AP role field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperation role supported by the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0484] In some embodiments, the AP identifier field is set directly by the MAP or cooperator, or the AP identifier field is determined by the order in the multi-AP candidate set of the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0485] In some embodiments, the AP role field includes at least one of a cooperating AP role field, a coordinated AP role field, a sharing AP role field, and a shared AP role field; Here, in the channel sounding stage, the cooperating AP indicated by the cooperating AP role field initiates sounding, and the AP indicated by the cooperated AP role field participates in the sounding, and in the preparation stage and / or transmission stage, the AP indicated by the sharing AP role field shares its transmission opportunity (TXOP) resource with the AP indicated by the shared AP role field to perform cooperative transmission.

[0486] In some embodiments, the first frame is a probe response frame, or the first frame is a beacon frame.

[0487] In some embodiments, before the STA receives the first information, the STA 400 further comprises a second communication unit 420; The second communication unit 420 is configured to send second information to the AP, where the second information is used to request multi-AP candidate set information.

[0488] In some embodiments, the second information is transmitted via a probe request frame; wherein the probe request frame includes at least one of an SSID field and an SSID list field; wherein a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a first value to request a first SSID, and the first SSID is a legacy SSID, or the first SSID is an SSID of a VBSS; and a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value to request multiple SSIDs, and the multiple SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the multiple SSIDs are SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; Here, the SSID list field is used to request at least one SSID, and the at least one SSID includes a legacy SSID and / or a VBSS SSID.

[0489] In some embodiments, if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is non-zero, the STA requests the first SSID, or if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero, the STA requests all SSIDs.

[0490] In some embodiments, if the probe request frame does not include a multi-AP candidate set information request field and the length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value, the multiple SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located.

[0491] In some embodiments, the probe request frame further includes a multi-AP candidate set information request field, the multi-AP candidate set information request field including an additional SSID indication field; Here, the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA all legacy SSIDs and SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located, or the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located, and to instruct the AP not to feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0492] In some embodiments, a value of 0 in the additional SSID indication field indicates that the AP should feed back to the STA all legacy SSIDs and VBSS SSIDs in which the AP is located; and / or A value of 1 in the additional SSID indication field indicates that the AP will feed back the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located to the STA, and indicates that the AP will not feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0493] In some embodiments, if the probe request frame does not include a multi-AP candidate set information request field, the SSID field takes the second value, and the plurality of SSIDs are SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; or If the probe request frame includes a multi-AP candidate set information request field, and the multi-AP candidate set information request field does not include an additional SSID indication field, the SSID field takes the second value, and the multiple SSIDs are SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; Here, the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA all legacy SSIDs and SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located, or the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located, and to instruct the AP not to feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0494] In some embodiments, the second information is transmitted via a probe request frame; wherein the probe request frame includes at least one of an SSID field, an SSID list field, a VSSID field, and a VSSID list field; wherein a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a first value to request a first SSID, and the first SSID is a legacy SSID, or the first SSID is an SSID of a VBSS; and a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value to request P SSIDs, and the P SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the P SSIDs are all SSIDs of a VBSS in which the AP is located; wherein the SSID list field is used to request K SSIDs, and the K SSIDs include legacy SSIDs and / or VBSS SSIDs; wherein a length field corresponding to the VSSID field takes a first value to request a second SSID, and the second SSID is a legacy SSID, or the second SSID is an SSID of a VBSS; and a length field corresponding to the VSSID field takes a second value to request Q SSIDs, and the Q SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the Q SSIDs are SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; wherein the VSSID list field is used to request T SSIDs, and the T SSIDs include legacy SSIDs and / or VBSS SSIDs; Here, P, Q, K, and T are all positive integers.

[0495] In some embodiments, if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero, the STA requests all SSIDs, and the length field corresponding to the SSID field takes the second value.

[0496] In some embodiments, the probe request frame further comprises a multi-AP candidate set information request field, wherein the multi-AP candidate set information request field comprises a VSSID indication field, wherein: The VSSID indication field is used to indicate that acquisition of multi-AP candidate set information is not requested, and the probe request frame does not include a VSSID field and a VSSID list field; or The VSSID indication field is used to indicate a request to acquire multi-AP candidate set information, and the STA requests the SSID of the VBSS via the SSID field or the SSID list field; or The VSSID indication field is used to indicate a request to acquire multi-AP candidate set information, and the STA requests the SSID of a VBSS via the VSSID field or the VSSID list field; or The VSSID indication field is used to indicate a request to obtain multi-AP candidate set information, and the STA requests the VBSS SSID and / or legacy SSID via the VSSID field or the VSSID list field.

[0497] In some embodiments, a first value corresponding to a length field corresponding to the SSID field is a non-zero value, and a second value corresponding to a length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero.

[0498] In some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or transceiver, or may be an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system-on-chip.

[0499] It should be understood that the STA 400 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the STA in the embodiment of the method of the present application, and the above operations and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the STA 400 are for realizing the corresponding processes of the STA in the method 200 shown in Figures 11 to 18, respectively, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0500] 39 is a schematic block diagram of an AP 500 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 39, the AP 500 includes a first communication unit 510, The first communication unit 510 is configured to cause an access point (AP) to transmit first information to a station (STA); The first information includes information of a multi-AP candidate set to which the AP belongs, The information of the multi-AP candidate set includes at least one of at least one legacy service set identifier (SSID) to which the AP belongs, an SSID of at least one virtual basic service set (VBSS) to which the AP belongs, a transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS, and information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located; The legacy SSID is a string that is used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set, including an extended service set (ESS), or that is used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set.

[0501] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first frame; The first frame includes at least one of a first SSID field, W SSID fields, a VBSS SSID interval field, and a multi-AP candidate set information field, wherein the first SSID field is used to indicate at least one legacy SSID to which the AP belongs, the W SSID fields are used to indicate the SSIDs of W VBSSs to which the AP belongs, the VBSS SSID interval field is used to indicate the transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS, and the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located, and W is a positive integer.

[0502] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first frame; the first frame includes at least one of a first SSID field, W virtual service set identifier (VSSID) fields, a VSSID spacing field, and a multi-AP candidate set information field; Here, the first SSID field is used to indicate at least one legacy SSID to which the AP belongs, the W VSSID fields are used to indicate the SSIDs of W VBSSs to which the AP belongs, respectively, the VSSID interval field is used to indicate the transmission period of information corresponding to the SSID of at least one VBSS, and the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate information corresponding to the VBSS in which the AP is located, and W is a positive integer.

[0503] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set information field includes at least one candidate set information field and a candidate set quantity field, wherein the candidate set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP candidate sets in which the AP is located, and the candidate set quantity field is used to indicate the value of W, and the nth candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the nth multi-AP candidate set in which the AP is located, where n is a positive integer.

[0504] In some embodiments, the candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a multi-AP sounding method support field, a multi-AP scheme support field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information field; or the candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a multi-AP collaborative sounding support field, a multi-AP scheme support field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information fields; Here, the VBSS identifier field is used to indicate the VBSS identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the candidate set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the multi-AP sounding method support field is used to indicate the channel sounding method supported by the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the multi-AP scheme support field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative mode supported by the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the AP quantity field is used to indicate the number of member APs included in the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, the mth AP information field in the multiple AP information fields is used to indicate relationship information of the mth member AP included in the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, and the multi-AP cooperative sounding support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding of multiple APs, where m is a positive integer.

[0505] In some embodiments, if a candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes a multi-AP collaborative sounding support field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0506] In some embodiments, the multi-AP sounding method support field includes at least one of a sequential sounding field, a collaborative sounding field, or the multi-AP sounding method support field includes only a collaborative sounding field; Here, the sequential sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially, and the collaborative sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding.

[0507] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP sounding method support field does not include a sequential sounding field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0508] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of an uplink cooperative orthogonal frequency division multiple access (C-OFDMA) field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a joint cooperative spatial reuse (C-SR) and C-OFDMA field, a joint C-SR and cooperative beamforming (C-BF) field, a joint C-SR and joint transmission (J-TX) field, a joint C-SR and cooperative uplink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (C-UL MU MIMO) field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a fractional-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, or an interference mitigation field; or the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-SR and C-OFDMA joint field, a C-SR and C-BF joint field, a C-SR and J-TX joint field, a C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO joint field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and an interference mitigation field; wherein the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports downlink C-OFDMA, the joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, the joint C-SR and C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF, the joint C-SR and J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and the joint C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO.The C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users, and the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for multiple users. The multiplexing J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports multiplexing type joint transmission, the full-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the partial-bandwidth J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, the detection and discard field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports receiving and demodulating other users' data / frames and discarding them to obtain useful data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode, and the interference mitigation field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0509] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme support field does not include an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0510] In some embodiments, if the value of the Single User J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission for the same user, The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Multi-User J-TX field, or the value of the Multi-User J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP Candidate Set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Diversity J-TX field, or the value of the Diversity J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support diversity-type joint transmission; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support joint transmission of multiplexing type; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Full Bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the Full Bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current Candidate Set Information field does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or The multi-AP scheme field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0511] In some embodiments, if the value of the single user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full bandwidth J-TX field.

[0512] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports diversity type joint transmission by default, and / or the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports full bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0513] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, or a C-UL MU MIMO support field; or The multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; Here, the C-OFDMA support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-OFDMA, the C-SR support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-SR, the C-BF support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, the J-TX support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports J-TX, and the C-UL MU MIMO support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0514] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme support field does not include a C-OFDMA support field, the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0515] In some embodiments, an AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields includes at least one of a Basic Service Set (BSS) identifier field, an AP identifier field, and an AP role field; Here, the BSS identifier field is used to indicate the BSS identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, the AP identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, and the AP role field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperation role supported by the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0516] In some embodiments, the AP identifier field is set directly by the MAP or cooperator, or the AP identifier field is determined by the order in the multi-AP candidate set of the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0517] In some embodiments, the AP role field includes at least one of a cooperating AP role field, a coordinated AP role field, a sharing AP role field, and a shared AP role field; Here, in the channel sounding stage, the cooperating AP indicated by the cooperating AP role field initiates sounding, and the AP indicated by the cooperated AP role field participates in the sounding, and in the preparation stage and / or transmission stage, the AP indicated by the sharing AP role field shares its transmission opportunity (TXOP) resource with the AP indicated by the shared AP role field to perform cooperative transmission.

[0518] In some embodiments, the first frame is a probe response frame, or the first frame is a beacon frame.

[0519] In some embodiments, before the AP transmits the first information, the AP 500 further comprises a second communication unit 520; The second communication unit 520 is configured to receive second information sent by the STA, where the second information is used to request multi-AP candidate set information.

[0520] In some embodiments, the second information is transmitted via a probe request frame; wherein the probe request frame includes at least one of an SSID field and an SSID list field; wherein a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a first value to request a first SSID, and the first SSID is a legacy SSID, or the first SSID is an SSID of a VBSS; and a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value to request multiple SSIDs, and the multiple SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the multiple SSIDs are SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; Here, the SSID list field is used to request at least one SSID, and the at least one SSID includes a legacy SSID and / or a VBSS SSID.

[0521] In some embodiments, if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is non-zero, the STA requests the first SSID, or if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero, the STA requests all SSIDs.

[0522] In some embodiments, if the probe request frame does not include a multi-AP candidate set information request field and the length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value, the multiple SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located.

[0523] In some embodiments, the probe request frame further includes a multi-AP candidate set information request field, the multi-AP candidate set information request field including an additional SSID indication field; Here, the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA all legacy SSIDs and SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located, or the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located, and to instruct the AP not to feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0524] In some embodiments, a value of 0 in the additional SSID indication field indicates that the AP should feed back to the STA all legacy SSIDs and VBSS SSIDs in which the AP is located; and / or A value of 1 in the additional SSID indication field indicates that the AP will feed back the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located to the STA, and indicates that the AP will not feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0525] In some embodiments, if the probe request frame does not include a multi-AP candidate set information request field, the SSID field takes the second value, and the plurality of SSIDs are SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; or If the probe request frame includes a multi-AP candidate set information request field and the multi-AP candidate set information request field does not include an additional SSID indication field, the SSID field takes the second value, and the multiple SSIDs are SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; Here, the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA all legacy SSIDs and SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located, or the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back to the STA the SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located, and to instruct the AP not to feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA.

[0526] In some embodiments, the second information is transmitted via a probe request frame; Here, the probe request frame is At least one of an SSID field, an SSID list field, a VSSID field, and a VSSID list field is included; wherein a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a first value to request a first SSID, and the first SSID is a legacy SSID, or the first SSID is an SSID of a VBSS; and a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value to request P SSIDs, and the P SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the P SSIDs are all SSIDs of a VBSS in which the AP is located; wherein the SSID list field is used to request K SSIDs, and the K SSIDs include legacy SSIDs and / or VBSS SSIDs; wherein a length field corresponding to the VSSID field takes a first value to request a second SSID, and the second SSID is a legacy SSID, or the second SSID is an SSID of a VBSS; and a length field corresponding to the VSSID field takes a second value to request Q SSIDs, and the Q SSIDs are all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the Q SSIDs are SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; wherein the VSSID list field is used to request T SSIDs, and the T SSIDs include legacy SSIDs and / or VBSS SSIDs; Here, P, Q, K, and T are all positive integers.

[0527] In some embodiments, if the value of the length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero, the STA requests all SSIDs, and the length field corresponding to the SSID field takes the second value.

[0528] In some embodiments, the probe request frame further comprises a multi-AP candidate set information request field, wherein the multi-AP candidate set information request field comprises a VSSID indication field, wherein: The VSSID indication field is used to indicate that acquisition of multi-AP candidate set information is not requested, and the probe request frame does not include a VSSID field and a VSSID list field; or The VSSID indication field is used to indicate a request to acquire multi-AP candidate set information, and the STA requests the SSID of the VBSS via the SSID field or the SSID list field; or The VSSID indication field is used to indicate a request to acquire multi-AP candidate set information, and the STA requests the SSID of a VBSS via the VSSID field or the VSSID list field; or The VSSID indication field is used to indicate a request to obtain multi-AP candidate set information, and the STA requests the VBSS SSID and / or legacy SSID via the VSSID field or the VSSID list field.

[0529] In some embodiments, a first value corresponding to a length field corresponding to the SSID field is a non-zero value, and a second value corresponding to a length field corresponding to the SSID field is zero.

[0530] In some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or transceiver, or may be an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system-on-chip.

[0531] It should be understood that the AP 500 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the AP in the method embodiment of the present application, and the above operations and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the AP 500 are for realizing the corresponding processes of the AP in the method 200 shown in Figures 11 to 18, respectively, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0532] 40 is a schematic block diagram of an AP 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. The AP 600 is a first AP, and as shown in FIG. 40, the AP 600 includes a first communication unit 610 and a second communication unit 620. The first communication unit 610 is configured to receive an association request frame sent by a station (STA), the association request frame being used to request association with the first AP, the association request frame including at least one indication information, the at least one indication information being used to indicate at least one of a service set identifier (SSID) of at least one virtual basic service set (VBSS) to which the STA requests association, at least one legacy SSID to which the STA requests association, the legacy SSID being a string, the string being used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set including an extended service set (ESS), or the string being used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set; The second communication unit 620 is configured to send an association response frame to the STA, wherein the association response frame includes at least association identifier (AID) information corresponding to a legacy SSID with which the STA requests association and / or virtual association identifier (VAID) information corresponding to an SSID of a VBSS with which the STA requests association.

[0533] In some embodiments, the association request frame further includes multi-AP cooperation capability information of the STA.

[0534] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes at least one of a first SSID field, a second SSID field, an SSID list field, and a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field; Here, the first SSID field is used to indicate one legacy SSID to which the STA requests association, the second SSID field is used to indicate one VBSS SSID to which the STA requests association, the SSID list field is used to request multiple SSIDs, the multiple SSIDs include legacy SSIDs and / or VBSS SSIDs, and the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field is used to indicate the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability information.

[0535] In some embodiments, the association request frame comprises: At least one of an SSID field, a selected multi-AP candidate set field, and a multi-AP cooperation capability field of the STA; The SSID field is used to indicate one legacy SSID to which the STA requests association; The selected multi-AP candidate set field is used to indicate the relationship information of at least one multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association; Here, the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability field is used to indicate the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability information.

[0536] In some embodiments, the selected multi-AP candidate set field includes a candidate set quantity field and at least one candidate set information field; The candidate set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP candidate sets requested to associate by the STA, and the nth candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the nth multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA, where n is a positive integer.

[0537] In some embodiments, a candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field comprises a candidate set identifier field or a virtual basic service set (VBSS) identifier field; Here, the candidate set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, and the VBSS identifier field is used to indicate the VBSS identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field.

[0538] In some embodiments, the selected multi-AP candidate set field further comprises a request to associate with the candidate set field; Here, the request to associate with the candidate set field is used to indicate that the STA requests to associate with the associated multi-AP candidate set, or the request to associate with the candidate set field is used to indicate that the STA requests not to associate with the associated multi-AP candidate set.

[0539] In some embodiments, the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field includes a STA priority field and a multi-AP scheme support field; Here, the STA priority field is used to indicate priority information when the STA participates in a multi-AP transmission or reception mechanism, and the multi-AP scheme support field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative mode supported by the STA.

[0540] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a cooperative spatial reuse (C-SR) field, a cooperative beamforming (C-BF) field, a cooperative uplink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (C-UL MU MIMO) field, a joint transmission (J-TX) field, or the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field; Here, the C-SR field is used to indicate whether the STA supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the STA supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the STA supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the STA supports J-TX.

[0541] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme support field does not include a C-BF field, the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability field implicitly indicates that the STA supports C-BF; and / or If the multi-AP scheme support field does not include a J-TX field, the multi-AP cooperation capability field of the STA implicitly indicates that the STA supports the J-TX field.

[0542] In some embodiments, the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability field itself implicitly indicates that the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

[0543] In some embodiments, the association response frame further includes collaborator key-holding identification information and key generation method information, where the collaborator key-holding identification information is used to generate a master key pair and a temporary key pair between the STA and the collaborator.

[0544] In some embodiments, the association response frame includes at least one of a status code field, an AID field, a VAID field, a key generation method field, a fast basic service set switching element (FTE) field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and a robust security network element (RSNE) field; Here, the status code field is used to indicate whether the STA has successfully associated with the requested legacy SSID and / or VBSS SSID, the AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned to the STA by an AP in a basic service set (BSS), the VAID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by an AP in a VBSS, the key generation method field is used to indicate the key generation method information, the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key-holding identification information, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA, and the RSNE field is used to indicate that the STA will directly establish a master key pair (PMK) and / or a group master key (GMK) and a temporary key pair (PTK) and / or a group temporary key (GTK) with the collaborator.

[0545] In some embodiments, the association response frame includes at least one of a status code field, an AID field, a key generation method field, an FTE field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and an RSNE field; Here, the status code field is used to indicate whether the STA has successfully associated with the requested legacy SSID and / or VBSS SSID, the AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned to the STA by an AP in the BSS, and the AID field is further used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by an AP in the VBSS, the key generation method field is used to indicate the key generation method information, the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key holding identification information, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA, and the RSNE field is used to indicate that the STA will directly establish a PMK and / or GMK and a PTK and / or GTK with the collaborator.

[0546] In some embodiments, the association response frame includes at least one of a status code field, a first AID field, a second AID field, a key generation method field, an FTE field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and an RSNE field; Here, the status code field is used to indicate whether the STA has successfully associated with the requested legacy SSID and / or VBSS SSID, the first AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned to the STA by an AP in a BSS, the second AID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by an AP in a VBSS, the key generation method field is used to indicate the key generation method information, the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key holding identification information, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA, and the RSNE field is used to indicate that the STA will directly establish a PMK and / or GMK and a PTK and / or GTK with the collaborator.

[0547] In some embodiments, if the status code field indicates success, it indicates that the STA successfully associated with the legacy SSID and the VBSS SSID, and / or if the status code field indicates VBSS failure, it indicates that the STA's request to associate with the VBSS SSID failed, and / or if the status code field indicates failure, it indicates that the STA's request to associate with the legacy SSID failed.

[0548] In some embodiments, if the status code field indicates that the STA's request to associate with a legacy SSID failed, the STA must re-initiate an association request to associate with the corresponding legacy SSID and VBSS SSID; and / or If the Status Code field indicates that the STA's request to associate with the SSID of the VBSS failed, the STA must re-initiate an association request to associate with the SSID of the corresponding VBSS.

[0549] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set information field comprises a candidate set information field, wherein: The candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a sounding method field, a multi-AP scheme field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information fields; or the candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a collaborative sounding support field, a multi-AP scheme field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information fields; Here, the VBSS identifier field is used to indicate the VBSS identifier of the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the candidate set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the sounding method field is used to indicate the channel sounding method supported by the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the multi-AP scheme field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative mode supported by the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the AP quantity field is used to indicate the number of member APs included in the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the mth AP information field in the multiple AP information field is used to indicate relationship information of the mth member AP included in the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, and the collaborative sounding support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding of multiple APs.

[0550] In some embodiments, if the candidate set information field includes a collaborative sounding support field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with by the STA will support multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0551] In some embodiments, the sounding method field includes at least one of a sequential sounding field, a collaborative sounding field, or the sounding method field includes only a joint sounding field; Here, the sequential sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially, and the joint sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports multiple APs performing simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding.

[0552] In some embodiments, if the sounding method field does not include a sequential sounding field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with by the STA will by default support multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially.

[0553] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of an uplink cooperative orthogonal frequency division multiple access (C-OFDMA) field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a joint cooperative spatial reuse (C-SR) and C-OFDMA field, a joint C-SR and cooperative beamforming (C-BF) field, a joint C-SR and joint transmission (J-TX) field, a joint C-SR and cooperative uplink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (C-UL MU MIMO) field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a fractional-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, or an interference mitigation field; or the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a joint field of C-SR and C-OFDMA, a joint field of C-SR and C-BF, a joint field of C-SR and J-TX, a joint field of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and an interference mitigation field; wherein the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports downlink C-OFDMA, the joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, the joint C-SR and C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF, the joint C-SR and J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and the joint C-SR and C-UL MU field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX. The joint MIMO field specifies whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association is a C-SR and C-UL MU.The C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-BF, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for multiple users, and the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for multiple users. The J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports diversity-type joint transmission, the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports receiving and demodulating and then discarding other users' data / frames to obtain useful data / frames, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0554] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme field does not include an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0555] In some embodiments, if the value of the Single-User J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA is requesting association does not support joint transmission for the same user, The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Multi-User J-TX field, or the value of the Multi-User J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Diversity J-TX field, or the value of the Diversity J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support diversity-type joint transmission; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support joint transmission of multiplexing type; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Full Bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the Full Bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP Candidate Set with which the STA requests association does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or The multi-AP scheme field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0556] In some embodiments, if the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full-bandwidth J-TX field.

[0557] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports diversity-type joint transmission by default; and / or The multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0558] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, a C-UL MU MIMO support field, or the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; Here, the C-OFDMA support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-OFDMA, the C-SR support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-SR, the C-BF support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-BF, the J-TX support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports J-TX, and the C-UL MU MIMO support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0559] In some embodiments, if the Multi-AP Scheme field does not include a C-OFDMA Support field, the Multi-AP Candidate Set requested to associate by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0560] In some embodiments, an AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields includes at least one of a BSS identifier field, an AP identifier field, and an AP role field; Here, the BSS identifier field is used to indicate the BSS identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, the AP identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, and the AP role field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperation role supported by the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0561] In some embodiments, the AP identifier field is set directly by a master access point (MAP) or a cooperator, or the AP identifier field is determined by the order in the multi-AP candidate set of the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0562] In some embodiments, the AP role field includes at least one of a cooperating AP role field, a coordinated AP role field, a sharing AP role field, and a shared AP role field; Here, in the channel sounding stage, the cooperating AP indicated by the cooperating AP role field initiates sounding, and the AP indicated by the cooperated AP role field participates in the sounding, and in the preparation stage and / or transmission stage, the AP indicated by the sharing AP role field shares its transmission opportunity (TXOP) resource with the AP indicated by the shared AP role field to perform cooperative transmission.

[0563] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 620 is further configured to send shared information to a second AP, where the second AP and the first AP belong to the same legacy SSID, or the second AP and the first AP belong to the same VBSS SSID, and the shared information includes a media access control (MAC) address of the STA and / or multi-AP cooperation capability information of the STA; In some embodiments, the first communication unit 610 is further configured to receive confirmation information sent by the second AP, and the confirmation information is used to indicate whether the second AP will accept the association request of the STA.

[0564] In some embodiments, the first AP is a non-cooperator and the second AP is a cooperator; or The first AP is a collaborator and the second AP is a non-collaborator.

[0565] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a collaborator, the shared information is used to share relationship information of the STA between the collaborator and other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA.

[0566] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a collaborator and the PTK and / or GTK between the STA and another AP corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association is generated by the corresponding AP, the shared information further includes a collaborator key-holding identity, wherein the collaborator key-holding identity is used by the second AP to obtain the collaborator's PMK and / or GMK, the collaborator's PMK and / or GTK is used by the second AP to generate its own PMK and / or GMK, and communication between the second AP and the STA is carried out based on the PTK and / or GTK generated by the second AP's PMK and / or GMK.

[0567] In some embodiments, the shared information is transmitted via an association information sharing frame, and the association information sharing frame includes an association information sharing field, where the association information sharing field includes at least one of a STA MAC address field, a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field, an SSID field, a VAID field, a collaborator key holder identifier field, and an FTE field; Here, the STA MAC address field is used to indicate the MAC address of the STA, the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field is used to indicate the STA multi-AP cooperation capability information, the SSID field is used to indicate the SSID of the VBSS with which the STA requests association among a plurality of VBSSs, the VAID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by a collaborator in the VBSS with which the STA requests association, the collaborator key-holding identifier field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information, and a parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information; The SSIDs of the plurality of VBSSs are VBSSs established between the second AP and a collaborator.

[0568] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is transmitted via an association information confirmation frame, the association information confirmation frame including an association confirmation field; The association confirmation field includes at least one of an association confirmation code field, a VAID field, a collaborator key holding identifier field, and an FTE field; The association confirmation code field is used to indicate whether the second AP will accept the association request of the STA, the VAID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by the collaborator in the VBSS to which the STA requests association, the collaborator key-holding identifier field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information, and the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information.

[0569] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a non-collaborator and the second AP is a collaborator, the collaborator key-bearing identity information is used by the first AP to obtain the collaborator's PMK and / or GMK, the collaborator's PMK and / or GTK are used by the first AP to generate its own PMK and / or GMK, and communication between the first AP and the STA takes place based on the PTK and / or GTK generated by the first AP's PMK and / or GMK.

[0570] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a non-cooperator and the second AP is a cooperator, the relationship information of the STA carried in the shared information is shared by the second AP with other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA.

[0571] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is transmitted via an acknowledgement (ACK) frame, which is used to indicate that the second AP accepts the STA's association request.

[0572] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 620 specifically comprises: Sending the shared information to the second AP between the first AP receiving the association request frame sent by the STA and the first AP sending the association response frame to the STA; or The first AP is configured to transmit the shared information to the second AP after transmitting the association response frame to the STA.

[0573] In some embodiments, the shared information is transmitted via a wired transmission method and / or the confirmation information is transmitted via a wired transmission method.

[0574] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a cooperator and framing at the MAC layer is performed by the cooperator, the first AP does not need to share the STA's relationship information with other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association.

[0575] In some embodiments, the AP 600 further comprises a processing unit 630; The processing unit 630 is configured to directly establish a PMK and / or GMK and a PTK and / or GTK with the STA.

[0576] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 620 is further configured to send a trigger frame to other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set with which association is requested by the STA; The resources and transmission mode specified in the trigger frame are used by the corresponding AP to transmit the data shared by the first AP to the STA.

[0577] In some embodiments, after the STA is associated with the first AP, the STA requests the first AP to associate with the multi-AP candidate set, or at the same time as the STA requests association with the first AP, the STA requests association with the multi-AP candidate set.

[0578] In some embodiments, the RA field of the association request frame is used to indicate the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) of the AP to which the STA is requesting association, or the RA field of the association request frame is used to indicate the MAC address of the AP to which the STA is requesting association.

[0579] In some embodiments, if the first AP is a cooperator, the first AP directly shares the association information of the STA with other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set with which association is requested by the STA; or If the first AP is a non-cooperator, the first AP shares the association information of the STA with a cooperator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with the STA, and the association information of the STA is shared by the cooperator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with the STA to other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with the STA.

[0580] In some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system-on-chip. The processing unit may be one or more processors.

[0581] It should be understood that the AP 600 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the first AP in the embodiment of the method of the present application, and the above operations and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the AP 600 are for realizing the corresponding processes of the first AP in the method 300 shown in Figures 19 to 37, respectively, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0582] 41 is a schematic block diagram of a STA 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 41, the STA 700 includes a first communication unit 410 and a second communication unit 720. the first communication unit 710 is configured to send an association request frame to a first access point (AP), the association request frame being used to request association with the first AP, the association request frame including at least one indication information, the at least one indication information being used to indicate at least one of a service set identifier (SSID) of at least one virtual basic service set (VBSS) to which association is requested by the STA, at least one legacy SSID to which association is requested by the STA, the legacy SSID being a string, the string being used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set including an extended service set (ESS), or the string being used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set; The second communication unit 720 is configured to receive an association response frame sent by the first AP, wherein the association response frame includes at least association identifier (AID) information corresponding to a legacy SSID to which the STA requests association and / or virtual association identifier (VAID) information corresponding to an SSID of a VBSS to which the STA requests association.

[0583] In some embodiments, the association request frame further includes multi-AP cooperation capability information of the STA.

[0584] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes at least one of a first SSID field, a second SSID field, an SSID list field, and a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field; Here, the first SSID field is used to indicate one legacy SSID to which the STA requests association, the second SSID field is used to indicate one VBSS SSID to which the STA requests association, the SSID list field is used to request multiple SSIDs, the multiple SSIDs include legacy SSIDs and / or VBSS SSIDs, and the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field is used to indicate the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability information.

[0585] In some embodiments, the association request frame includes at least one of an SSID field, a selected multi-AP candidate set field, and a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field; The SSID field is used to indicate one legacy SSID to which the STA requests association; The selected multi-AP candidate set field is used to indicate the relationship information of at least one multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association; Here, the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability field is used to indicate the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability information.

[0586] In some embodiments, the selected multi-AP candidate set field includes a candidate set quantity field and at least one candidate set information field; The candidate set quantity field is used to indicate the number of multi-AP candidate sets requested to associate by the STA, and the nth candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the nth multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA, where n is a positive integer.

[0587] In some embodiments, a candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field comprises a candidate set identifier field or a virtual basic service set (VBSS) identifier field; Here, the candidate set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field, and the VBSS identifier field is used to indicate the VBSS identifier of the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field.

[0588] In some embodiments, the selected multi-AP candidate set field further comprises a request to associate with the candidate set field; Here, the request to associate with the candidate set field is used to indicate that the STA requests to associate with the associated multi-AP candidate set, or the request to associate with the candidate set field is used to indicate that the STA requests not to associate with the associated multi-AP candidate set.

[0589] In some embodiments, the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field includes a STA priority field and a multi-AP scheme support field; Here, the STA priority field is used to indicate priority information when the STA participates in a multi-AP transmission or reception mechanism, and the multi-AP scheme support field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative mode supported by the STA.

[0590] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a cooperative spatial reuse (C-SR) field, a cooperative beamforming (C-BF) field, a cooperative uplink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (C-UL MU MIMO) field, a joint transmission (J-TX) field, or the multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-SR field and a C-UL MU MIMO field; Here, the C-SR field is used to indicate whether the STA supports C-SR, the C-BF field is used to indicate whether the STA supports C-BF, the C-UL MU MIMO field is used to indicate whether the STA supports C-UL MU MIMO, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the STA supports J-TX.

[0591] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme support field does not include a C-BF field, the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability field implicitly indicates that the STA supports C-BF; and / or If the multi-AP scheme support field does not include a J-TX field, the multi-AP cooperation capability field of the STA implicitly indicates that the STA supports the J-TX field.

[0592] In some embodiments, the STA's multi-AP cooperation capability field itself implicitly indicates that the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA.

[0593] In some embodiments, the association response frame further includes collaborator key-holding identification information and key generation method information, where the collaborator key-holding identification information is used to generate a master key pair and a temporary key pair between the STA and the collaborator.

[0594] In some embodiments, the association response frame includes at least one of a status code field, an AID field, a VAID field, a key generation method field, a fast basic service set switching element (FTE) field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and a robust security network element (RSNE) field; Here, the status code field is used to indicate whether the STA has successfully associated with the requested legacy SSID and / or VBSS SSID, the AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned to the STA by an AP in a basic service set (BSS), the VAID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by an AP in a VBSS, the key generation method field is used to indicate the key generation method information, the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key-holding identification information, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA, and the RSNE field is used to indicate that the STA will directly establish a master key pair (PMK) and / or a group master key (GMK) and a temporary key pair (PTK) and / or a group temporary key (GTK) with the collaborator.

[0595] In some embodiments, the association response frame includes at least one of a status code field, an AID field, a key generation method field, an FTE field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and an RSNE field; Here, the status code field is used to indicate whether the STA has successfully associated with the requested legacy SSID and / or VBSS SSID, the AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned to the STA by an AP in the BSS, and the AID field is further used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by an AP in the VBSS, the key generation method field is used to indicate the key generation method information, the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key holding identification information, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA, and the RSNE field is used to indicate that the STA will directly establish a PMK and / or GMK and a PTK and / or GTK with the collaborator.

[0596] In some embodiments, the association response frame comprises: At least one of a status code field, a first AID field, a second AID field, a key generation method field, an FTE field, a multi-AP candidate set information field, and an RSNE field is included; Here, the status code field is used to indicate whether the STA has successfully associated with the requested legacy SSID and / or VBSS SSID, the first AID field is used to indicate the AID assigned to the STA by an AP in a BSS, the second AID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by an AP in a VBSS, the key generation method field is used to indicate the key generation method information, the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate the collaborator key holding identification information, the multi-AP candidate set information field is used to indicate relationship information of the multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA, and the RSNE field is used to indicate that the STA will directly establish a PMK and / or GMK and a PTK and / or GTK with the collaborator.

[0597] In some embodiments, if the status code field indicates success, it indicates that the STA successfully associated with the legacy SSID and the VBSS SSID, and / or if the status code field indicates VBSS failure, it indicates that the STA's request to associate with the VBSS SSID failed, and / or if the status code field indicates failure, it indicates that the STA's request to associate with the legacy SSID failed.

[0598] In some embodiments, if the status code field indicates that the STA's request to associate with a legacy SSID failed, the STA must re-initiate an association request to associate with the corresponding legacy SSID and VBSS SSID; and / or If the Status Code field indicates that the STA's request to associate with the SSID of the VBSS failed, the STA must re-initiate an association request to associate with the SSID of the corresponding VBSS.

[0599] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set information field comprises a candidate set information field, wherein: The candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a sounding method field, a multi-AP scheme field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information fields; or the candidate set information field includes at least one of a VBSS identifier field, a candidate set identifier field, a collaborative sounding support field, a multi-AP scheme field, an AP quantity field, and a plurality of AP information fields; Here, the VBSS identifier field is used to indicate the VBSS identifier of the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the candidate set identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the sounding method field is used to indicate the channel sounding method supported by the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the multi-AP scheme field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative mode supported by the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the AP quantity field is used to indicate the number of member APs included in the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, the mth AP information field in the multiple AP information field is used to indicate relationship information of the mth member AP included in the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, and the collaborative sounding support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding of multiple APs.

[0600] In some embodiments, if the candidate set information field includes a collaborative sounding support field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with by the STA will support multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially by default.

[0601] In some embodiments, the sounding method field includes at least one of a sequential sounding field, a collaborative sounding field, or the sounding method field includes only a joint sounding field; Here, the sequential sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially, and the joint sounding field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports multiple APs performing simultaneous and synchronous channel sounding.

[0602] In some embodiments, if the sounding method field does not include a sequential sounding field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate with by the STA will by default support multiple APs performing channel sounding sequentially.

[0603] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of an uplink cooperative orthogonal frequency division multiple access (C-OFDMA) field, a downlink C-OFDMA field, a joint cooperative spatial reuse (C-SR) and C-OFDMA field, a joint C-SR and cooperative beamforming (C-BF) field, a joint C-SR and joint transmission (J-TX) field, a joint C-SR and cooperative uplink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (C-UL MU MIMO) field, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a fractional-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, or an interference mitigation field; or the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a joint field of C-SR and C-OFDMA, a joint field of C-SR and C-BF, a joint field of C-SR and J-TX, a joint field of C-SR and C-UL MU MIMO, a C-BF field, a single-user J-TX field, a multi-user J-TX field, a diversity J-TX field, a multiplexing J-TX field, a full-bandwidth J-TX field, a partial-bandwidth J-TX field, a detection and discard field, and an interference mitigation field; wherein the uplink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA, the downlink C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports downlink C-OFDMA, the joint C-SR and C-OFDMA field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-OFDMA, the joint C-SR and C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and C-BF, the joint C-SR and J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX, and the joint C-SR and C-UL MU field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested for association by the STA supports simultaneous and joint use of C-SR and J-TX. The joint MIMO field specifies whether the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association is a C-SR and C-UL MU.The C-BF field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-BF, the single-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-user J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for multiple users, and the diversity J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports joint transmission for multiple users. The J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports diversity-type joint transmission, the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports full-bandwidth joint transmission, the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports partial-bandwidth joint transmission, the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports receiving and demodulating and then discarding other users' data / frames to obtain useful data / frames, and the J-TX field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports treating other users' data as direct interference and directly receiving and demodulating the target user's data / frames in C-UL-MU MIMO mode.

[0604] In some embodiments, if the multi-AP scheme field does not include an uplink C-OFDMA field and a downlink C-OFDMA field, the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0605] In some embodiments, if the value of the Single-User J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA is requested to associate does not support joint transmission for the same user, The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Multi-User J-TX field, or the value of the Multi-User J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission for multiple users; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Diversity J-TX field, or the value of the Diversity J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association does not support diversity-type joint transmission; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Multiplexing J-TX field, or the value of the Multiplexing J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support joint transmission of multiplexing type; and / or The Multi-AP Scheme field does not include the Full Bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the Full Bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the Multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association does not support full-bandwidth joint transmission; and / or The multi-AP scheme field does not include the partial bandwidth J-TX field, or the value of the partial bandwidth J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA does not support partial bandwidth joint transmission.

[0606] In some embodiments, if the value of the single-user J-TX field indicates that the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports joint transmission for the same user, the multi-AP scheme field does not include the diversity J-TX field and the full-bandwidth J-TX field.

[0607] In some embodiments, the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association supports diversity-type joint transmission by default; and / or The multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports full-bandwidth joint transmission by default.

[0608] In some embodiments, the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, a C-UL MU MIMO support field, or the multi-AP scheme field includes at least one of a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; Here, the C-OFDMA support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-OFDMA, the C-SR support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-SR, the C-BF support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-BF, the J-TX support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports J-TX, and the C-UL MU MIMO support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set requested to associate by the STA supports C-UL MU MIMO.

[0609] In some embodiments, if the Multi-AP Scheme field does not include a C-OFDMA Support field, the Multi-AP Candidate Set requested to associate by the STA supports uplink C-OFDMA and downlink C-OFDMA by default.

[0610] In some embodiments, an AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields includes at least one of a BSS identifier field, an AP identifier field, and an AP role field; Here, the BSS identifier field is used to indicate the BSS identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, the AP identifier field is used to indicate the identifier of the AP indicated by the current AP information field, and the AP role field is used to indicate the multi-AP cooperation role supported by the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0611] In some embodiments, the AP identifier field is set directly by a master access point (MAP) or a cooperator, or the AP identifier field is determined by the order in the multi-AP candidate set of the AP indicated by the current AP information field.

[0612] In some embodiments, the AP role field includes at least one of a cooperating AP role field, a coordinated AP role field, a sharing AP role field, and a shared AP role field; Here, in the channel sounding stage, the cooperating AP indicated by the cooperating AP role field initiates sounding, and the AP indicated by the cooperated AP role field participates in the sounding, and in the preparation stage and / or transmission stage, the AP indicated by the sharing AP role field shares its transmission opportunity (TXOP) resource with the AP indicated by the shared AP role field to perform cooperative transmission.

[0613] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a cooperator and framing at the media access control (MAC) layer is performed by the cooperator, the first AP does not need to share the STA's relationship information with other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association.

[0614] In some embodiments, the PMK and / or GMK and the PTK and / or GTK between the first AP and the STA are established directly by the first AP.

[0615] In some embodiments, after the STA is associated with the first AP, the STA requests the first AP to associate with the multi-AP candidate set, or at the same time as the STA requests association with the first AP, the STA requests association with the multi-AP candidate set.

[0616] In some embodiments, the RA field of the association request frame is used to indicate the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) of the AP to which the STA is requesting association, or the RA field of the association request frame is used to indicate the MAC address of the AP to which the STA is requesting association.

[0617] In some embodiments, if the first AP is a cooperator, the association information of the STA is shared directly by the first AP with other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association; or If the first AP is a non-cooperator, the association information of the STA is shared by the first AP with the cooperator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, and then the association information of the STA is shared by the cooperator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association to other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association.

[0618] In some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or transceiver, or may be an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system-on-chip.

[0619] It should be understood that the STA700 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the STA in the embodiment of the method of the present application, and the above operations and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the STA700 are for realizing the corresponding processes of the STA in the method 300 shown in Figures 19 to 37, respectively, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0620] 42 is a schematic block diagram of an AP 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. The AP 800 is a second AP. As shown in FIG. 42, the AP 800 includes a first communication unit 810 and a second communication unit 820. The first communication unit 810 is configured to receive shared information transmitted by a first AP, wherein the second AP and the first AP belong to the same legacy service set identifier (SSID), or the second AP and the first AP belong to the same virtual basic service set (VBSS) SSID, the shared information includes a medium access control (MAC) address of the station (STA) and / or multi-AP cooperation capability information of the STA, the legacy SSID is a string, and the string is used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set including an extended service set (ESS), or the string is used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set; The second communication unit 820 is configured to send confirmation information to the first AP, where the confirmation information is used to indicate whether the second AP will accept the association request of the STA.

[0621] In some embodiments, the first AP is a non-cooperator and the second AP is a cooperator; or The first AP is a collaborator and the second AP is a non-collaborator.

[0622] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a collaborator, the shared information is used to share relationship information of the STA between the collaborator and other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA.

[0623] In some embodiments, if the first AP is a collaborator and the PTK and / or GTK between the STA and another AP corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set with which association by the STA is requested is generated by the corresponding AP, the shared information further includes collaborator key-bearing identification information; Here, the collaborator key-holding identification information is used by the second AP to obtain the collaborator's PMK and / or GMK, the collaborator's PMK and / or GTK is used by the second AP to generate its own PMK and / or GMK, and communication between the second AP and the STA is carried out based on the PTK and / or GTK generated by the second AP's PMK and / or GMK.

[0624] In some embodiments, the shared information is transmitted via an association information sharing frame, the association information sharing frame including an association information sharing field, the association information sharing field including at least one of a STA MAC address field, a STA multi-AP cooperation capability field, an SSID field, a virtual association identifier (VAID) field, a cooperator key holder identifier field, and a fast basic service set switching element (FTE) field; Here, the STA MAC address field is used to indicate the MAC address of the STA, the STA multi-AP cooperation capability field is used to indicate the STA multi-AP cooperation capability information, the SSID field is used to indicate the SSID of the VBSS with which the STA requests association among a plurality of VBSSs, the VAID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by a collaborator in the VBSS with which the STA requests association, the collaborator key-holding identifier field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information, and a parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information; The SSIDs of the plurality of VBSSs are VBSSs established between the second AP and a collaborator.

[0625] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is transmitted via an association information confirmation frame, the association information confirmation frame including an association confirmation field; The association confirmation field includes at least one of an association confirmation code field, a VAID field, a collaborator key holding identifier field, and an FTE field; The association confirmation code field is used to indicate whether the second AP will accept the association request of the STA, the VAID field is used to indicate the VAID assigned to the STA by the collaborator in the VBSS to which the STA requests association, the collaborator key-holding identifier field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information, and the parameter field included in the FTE field is used to indicate collaborator key-holding identification information.

[0626] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a non-collaborator and the second AP is a collaborator, the collaborator key-bearing identity information is used by the first AP to obtain the collaborator's PMK and / or GMK, the collaborator's PMK and / or GTK are used by the first AP to generate its own PMK and / or GMK, and communication between the first AP and the STA takes place based on the PTK and / or GTK generated by the first AP's PMK and / or GMK.

[0627] In some embodiments, when the first AP is a non-cooperator and the second AP is a cooperator, the relationship information of the STA carried in the shared information is shared by the second AP with other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set to which association is requested by the STA.

[0628] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is transmitted via an acknowledgement (ACK) frame, which is used to indicate that the second AP accepts the STA's association request.

[0629] In some embodiments, the shared information is transmitted between the first AP receiving the association request frame transmitted by the STA and the first AP transmitting the association response frame to the STA; or The shared information is transmitted after the first AP transmits the association response frame to the STA.

[0630] In some embodiments, the shared information is transmitted via a wired transmission method and / or the confirmation information is transmitted via a wired transmission method.

[0631] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 810 is further configured to receive a trigger frame transmitted by the first AP, and the second AP is an AP corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set with which association is requested by the STA; The second communication unit 820 is further configured to transmit data shared by the first AP to the STA based on a resource and a transmission mode specified in the trigger frame.

[0632] In some embodiments, if the first AP is a cooperator, the association information of the STA is shared directly by the first AP with other APs corresponding to a multi-AP candidate set with which the STA requests association; or If the first AP is a non-cooperator, the association information of the STA is shared by the first AP with the cooperator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association, and then the association information of the STA is shared by the cooperator corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association to other APs corresponding to the multi-AP candidate set to which the STA requests association.

[0633] In some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or transceiver, or may be an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system-on-chip.

[0634] It should be understood that the AP 800 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the second AP in the embodiment of the method of the present application, and the above operations and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the AP 800 are for realizing the corresponding processes of the second AP in the method 300 shown in Figures 19 to 37, respectively, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0635] Fig. 43 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 900 shown in Fig. 43 includes a processor 910, and the processor 910 can implement the method in the embodiment of the present application by calling and executing a computer program from a memory.

[0636] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 43, the communication device 900 further includes a memory 920. Here, the processor 910 can implement the method in the embodiments of the present application by calling and executing a computer program from the memory 920.

[0637] Here, the memory 920 may be a separate device independent of the processor 910 or may be integrated into the processor 910.

[0638] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 43, the communication device 900 may further include a transceiver 930, and the processor 910 may control the transceiver 930 to communicate with other devices, in particular to transmit information or data to other devices or receive information or data transmitted by other devices.

[0639] Here, the transceiver 930 may include a transmitter and a receiver, and may further include one or more antennas.

[0640] In some embodiments, the communication device 900 may specifically be an AP in the embodiments of the present application, and the communication device 900 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the AP in each method of the embodiments of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0641] In some embodiments, the communication device 900 may specifically be a STA in the embodiments of the present application, and the communication device 900 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the STA in each method of the embodiments of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0642] Fig. 44 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 1000 shown in Fig. 44 includes a processor 1010, which can implement the method according to the embodiment of the present application by calling and executing a computer program from a memory.

[0643] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 44, the device 1000 may further include a memory 1020. Here, the processor 1010 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 1020 to implement the method in the embodiments of the present application.

[0644] Here, the memory 1020 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1010 or may be integrated into the processor 1010.

[0645] In some embodiments, the apparatus 1000 may further include an input interface 1030. Here, the processor 1010 may control the input interface 1030 to communicate with other devices or chips, and in particular, may obtain information or data transmitted by other devices or chips.

[0646] In some embodiments, the apparatus 1000 may further include an interface 1040. Here, the processor 1010 may control the interface 1040 to communicate with other devices or chips, and in particular, to obtain information or data transmitted by other devices or chips.

[0647] In some embodiments, the device may be applied to an AP in the embodiments of the present application, and the device may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the AP in each method of the embodiments of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0648] In some embodiments, the device may be applied to a STA in an embodiment of the present application, and the device may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the STA in each method of an embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0649] In some embodiments, the apparatus referred to in the embodiments of the present application may be a chip, such as a system level chip, a system chip, a system on a chip, or a system on a chip.

[0650] 45 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 45, the communication system 1100 includes a STA 1110 and an AP 1120.

[0651] Here, the STA 1110 may be configured to realize the corresponding functions realized by the STA in the above method, and the AP 1120 may be configured to realize the corresponding functions realized by the AP in the above method, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0652] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing functions. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by an integrated logic circuit in the form of hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc. Each method, step, and logic block disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be realized or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly executed by a hardware decoding processor or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a conventional storage medium such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with the hardware.

[0653] It is understood that memory in the present embodiments may be volatile or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Here, non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. By way of illustrative, but non-limiting example, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that memory in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0654] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memories are exemplary and not limiting. For example, the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus random access memory (DR RAM). Thus, the memory in the embodiments of the present application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0655] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon.

[0656] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be applied to an AP in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program may cause a computer to execute corresponding processes implemented by the AP in each method of the embodiments of the present application, which will not be described again here for the sake of brevity.

[0657] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be applied to an STA in an embodiment of the present application, and the computer program may cause a computer to execute corresponding processes implemented by the STA in each method of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be described repeatedly here for the sake of brevity.

[0658] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product including computer program instructions.

[0659] In some embodiments, the computer program product may be applied to an AP in an embodiment of the present application, and the computer program instructions may cause a computer to perform corresponding processes implemented by the AP in each method of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0660] In some embodiments, the computer program product may be applied to an STA in an embodiment of the present application, and the computer program instructions may cause a computer to perform corresponding processes implemented by the STA in each method of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0661] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program.

[0662] In some embodime...

Claims

1. 1. A wireless communication method, comprising: The method includes a step of receiving a first frame transmitted by an access point (AP) by a station (STA), The first frame includes a multi-AP candidate set information field, and the multi-AP candidate set information field includes at least one candidate set information field; a candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes a multi-AP scheme support field and a plurality of AP information field; The multi-AP scheme support field is used to indicate a multi-AP cooperative mode supported by a multi-AP candidate set corresponding to a current candidate set information field, and an m-th AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields is used to indicate relationship information of an m-th member AP included in the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to a current candidate set information field, where m is a positive integer; The multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; The C-OFDMA support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-OFDMA, the C-SR support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-SR, the C-BF support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, the J-TX support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports J-TX, and the C-UL MU MIMO support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO. Wireless communication method.

2. Before the STA receives the first frame, the wireless communication method includes: The method further includes the step of the STA transmitting second information to the AP, wherein the second information is used to request multi-AP candidate set information; the second information is transmitted via a probe request frame; The probe request frame: At least one of an SSID field, an SSID list field, a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a first value to request a first SSID, the first SSID being a legacy SSID, or the first SSID being an SSID of a VBSS; a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value to request multiple SSIDs, the multiple SSIDs being all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the multiple SSIDs being SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; the SSID list field is used to request at least one SSID, and the at least one SSID includes a legacy SSID and / or a VBSS SSID; The wireless communication method according to claim 1 .

3. The probe request frame further includes a multi-AP candidate set information request field, and the multi-AP candidate set information request field includes an additional SSID indication field; The additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back all legacy SSIDs and SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located to the STA, or the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back all SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located to the STA, and to instruct the AP not to feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA. The wireless communication method according to claim 2 .

4. 1. A wireless communication method, comprising: The method includes transmitting a first frame by an access point (AP) to a station (STA), The first frame includes a multi-AP candidate set information field, and the multi-AP candidate set information field includes at least one candidate set information field; a candidate set information field in the at least one candidate set information field includes a multi-AP scheme support field and a plurality of AP information field; The multi-AP scheme support field is used to indicate a multi-AP cooperative mode supported by a multi-AP candidate set corresponding to a current candidate set information field, and an m-th AP information field in the plurality of AP information fields is used to indicate relationship information of an m-th member AP included in the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to a current candidate set information field, where m is a positive integer; The multi-AP scheme support field includes at least one of a C-OFDMA support field, a C-SR support field, a C-BF support field, a J-TX support field, and a C-UL MU MIMO support field; The C-OFDMA support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-OFDMA, the C-SR support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-SR, the C-BF support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-BF, the J-TX support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports J-TX, and the C-UL MU MIMO support field is used to indicate whether the multi-AP candidate set corresponding to the current candidate set information field supports C-UL MU MIMO; Wireless communication method.

5. Before the AP transmits the first frame, the wireless communication method includes: The method further includes receiving, by the AP, second information transmitted by the STA, the second information being used to request multi-AP candidate set information; the second information is transmitted via a probe request frame; The probe request frame: At least one of an SSID field, an SSID list field, a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a first value to request a first SSID, the first SSID being a legacy SSID, or the first SSID being an SSID of a VBSS; a length field corresponding to the SSID field takes a second value to request multiple SSIDs, the multiple SSIDs being all legacy SSIDs in which the AP is located, or the multiple SSIDs being SSIDs of all VBSSs in which the AP is located; the SSID list field is used to request at least one SSID, and the at least one SSID includes a legacy SSID and / or a VBSS SSID; The wireless communication method according to claim 4.

6. The probe request frame further includes a multi-AP candidate set information request field, and the multi-AP candidate set information request field includes an additional SSID indication field; The additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back all legacy SSIDs and SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located to the STA, or the additional SSID indication field is used to instruct the AP to feed back all SSIDs of VBSSs in which the AP is located to the STA, and to instruct the AP not to feed back legacy SSIDs to the STA. The wireless communication method according to claim 5.

7. The wireless communication method further comprises: receiving, by the AP, an association request frame transmitted by the STA, the association request frame being used to request association with the AP, the association request frame including at least one indication information, the at least one indication information being used to indicate at least one of an SSID of at least one VBSS with which association is requested by the STA, or at least one legacy SSID with which association is requested by the STA, the legacy SSID being a string, the string being used to indicate an infrastructure basic service set including an extended service set (ESS), or the string being used to indicate a non-infrastructure basic service set; the AP transmitting an association response frame to the STA, the association response frame including at least Association Identifier (AID) information corresponding to a legacy SSID with which the STA is requesting association and / or Virtual Association Identifier (VAID) information corresponding to an SSID of a VBSS with which the STA is requesting association; The wireless communication method according to claim 4.

8. The association response frame further includes collaborator key-holding identification information and key generation method information, and the collaborator key-holding identification information is used to generate a master key pair and a temporary key pair between the STA and the collaborator. The wireless communication method according to claim 7.

9. The wireless communication method includes: The AP sends shared information to a second AP, where the second AP and the AP belong to the same legacy SSID, or the second AP and the AP belong to the same VBSS SSID, and the shared information includes a media access control (MAC) address of the STA and / or multi-AP cooperation capability information of the STA; and receiving, by the AP, confirmation information sent by the second AP, the confirmation information being used to indicate whether the second AP will accept the association request of the STA. The wireless communication method according to claim 7.

10. A station (STA) comprising a processor and a memory, A station, wherein the memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 3 by calling and executing the computer program stored in the memory.

11. an access point (AP) comprising a processor and a memory; An access point, wherein the memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the method of any one of claims 4 to 9 by calling and executing the computer program stored in the memory.

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