Communication method and related device

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of wireless communication, in particular to wireless local area networks supporting 802.11 series standards, and in particular to a communication method and related devices. The method includes: when a non-AP MLD performs a listening operation on a first link, receiving a first frame from a first AP. The non-AP MLD switches (some or all) spatial streams / antennas on each link of the non-AP MLD to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. If it determines that any preset condition in the preset condition set is satisfied, the non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link to each link (or another link) to perform a listening operation. According to an embodiment of the present application, the SM PS and EMLSR are combined for communication to solve the problem that the end of frame exchange is defined by directly reusing existing SM PS rules and cannot be applied to the EMLSR.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110945312.X, entitled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND RELATED APPARATUS," filed on August 17, 2021, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202111229676.4, entitled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND RELATED APPARATUS," filed on October 21, 2021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and more particularly to communication methods and related devices. [Background technology]

[0003] The existing 802.11 standard (referred to herein as the 802.11ax standard and previous versions) has a Spatial Multiplexing Power Save (SM PS) feature. For details, see the description in Section 11.2.6 of the 802.11ax standard. SM PS allows a non-access point station (non-AP STA) to maintain only one active receive chain, typically using one antenna, to receive signals. After the non-AP STA receives the initial frame transmitted by the AP, another receive chain of the non-AP STA is opened, and a frame exchange with the AP is performed using multiple antennas. After the frame exchange is completed, the non-AP STA switches back to single receive chain mode. It should be understood that a non-AP STA may be referred to as a station (STA) for short, and that the terms non-AP STA and STA may be used interchangeably herein. In the existing 802.11 standard, when a STA determines that any of the conditions specified in the 802.11ax standard are met (see Section 11.2.6 of the 802.11ax standard for details), the STA can immediately switch back to single receive chain mode to increase gain and save energy through spatial multiplexing.

[0004] Next-generation 802.11 standards, such as 802.11be, are referred to as Extremely High Throughput (EHT) or Wi-Fi 7. The core technology of this standard is to improve throughput through multi-link (ML) communication. The core idea of ​​multi-link communication is as follows: wireless local area network (WLAN) devices supporting the next-generation 802.11 standard, i.e., EHT devices, have multi-band transmission and reception capabilities and use a larger bandwidth for data transmission, thereby significantly improving throughput. Multi-bands include, but are not limited to, the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. In 802.11be, WLAN devices supporting multi-link communication are referred to as multi-link devices (MLDs). Obviously, multi-link devices can perform parallel communication over multiple links (or multiple bands), resulting in a significant improvement in transmission rate. A multilink device (MLD) includes one or more affiliated stations (STAs). An affiliated station is a logical station that can operate on one link. An affiliated station may be an access point (AP) or a non-AP STA. In the 802.11be standard, a multilink device whose affiliated station is an AP is called an AP MLD, and a multilink device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA is called a non-AP MLD.

[0005] However, some non-AP MLDs may only have single-radio transmission and reception capabilities, but the Enhanced Multi-link Single Radio (EMLSR) capability has been introduced in 802.11be to enable non-AP MLDs to enjoy the benefits of multiple links. Therefore, the design of an enhanced multi-link-based communication method in WLANs needs to be explored urgently. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and related devices. SM PS and EMLSR are combined for communication, which solves the problem that the end of frame exchange is defined by directly reusing the existing SM PS rules and cannot be applied to EMLSR, and further enables an AP to serve another STA while serving a STA in EMLSR mode, thereby implementing multi-user communication and thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0007] The following describes this application from different aspects, and it should be understood that cross-reference may be made to the following implementation forms and beneficial effects of different aspects.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a non-AP MLD receives a first frame from a first AP when performing a listening operation on a first link; the non-AP MLD switches (some or all) spatial streams / antennas on each link (or another link) of the non-AP MLD to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP; if it determines that any preset condition in a preset condition set is met, the non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link to each link (or another link) and performs a listening operation; the non-AP MLD supports an Enhanced Multi-link (EML) mode. The preset condition set includes a first preset condition, wherein the first preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a wireless frame on a first link, the transmission address of the wireless frame is different from the transmission address of a frame initiating a current transmission opportunity (TXOP), the wireless frame is not an uplink unicast control frame, or the wireless frame is neither an uplink unicast control frame nor a frame used for reporting, and the uplink unicast control frame includes a block acknowledgment (Block ACK, BA) frame.

[0009] In response, the first AP transmits a first frame on the first link.

[0010] In this solution, to solve the problem that the existing SM PS rules cannot be applied to EMLSR and / or Enhanced Multi-link Multi-Radio (EMLMR), the existing SM PS rules are modified, specifically, some uplink unicast control frames are excluded. In other words, when an AP serves an EMLSR / EMLMR non-AP STA, the EMLSR / EMLMR non-AP STA receives these frames and does not switch back to listening operation. This rule also enables the AP to serve other STAs while serving a STA in EMLSR mode, thereby implementing multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP when performing a listening operation on a first link; and a switching unit configured to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP after receiving the first frame transmitted by the first AP when performing the listening operation on the first link, where the non-AP MLD supports EML. The switching unit is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and perform the listening operation when the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in a preset condition set. The preset condition set includes a first preset condition, wherein the first preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a wireless frame on a first link, the transmission address of the wireless frame is different from the transmission address of the frame initiating the current TXOP, the wireless frame is not an uplink unicast control frame, or the wireless frame is neither an uplink unicast control frame nor a frame used for reporting, and the uplink unicast control frame includes a BA frame.

[0012] In one possible implementation form of the aforementioned aspects, the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0013] In a possible implementation form of any one of the aforementioned aspects, the uplink unicast control frame further includes a Power Saving-Poll (PS-Poll) frame.

[0014] In a possible implementation of any one of the aforementioned aspects, the frames used for reporting include one or more of a Compressed Beamforming (CQI) frame, a frame including a Beamforming Report (BFR), a frame including a Buffer Status Report (BSR), a frame including a Bandwidth Query Report (BQR), and a frame including a Null Data Packet Feedback Report (NDP Feedback Report (NFR)).

[0015] In a possible implementation form of any one of the aforementioned aspects, the preset condition set further includes a second preset condition, wherein the second preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a unicast frame on the first link, the destination address of the unicast frame is another station, the unicast frame is not a unicast control frame, and the other station is a station other than the station in the non-AP MLD operating on the first link.

[0016] Optionally, the unicast control frame includes a Block ACK Request (BAR) frame.

[0017] In some cases, the unicast control frames include one or more of an acknowledgement (ACK) frame, a Beamforming Report Poll (BFRP) frame, and a Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) frame.

[0018] Optionally, the unicast control frames further include unicast trigger frames, such as a multi-user (MU) block acknowledgement request (MU-BAR) frame, a buffer status report poll (BSRP) frame, Beamforming Reporting Poles Includes one or more of a BFRP frame, a Multi-User request to send (MU-RTS) frame, a Bandwidth Query Report Poll (BQRP) frame, and a Null Data Packet Feedback Report Poll (NDP Feedback Report Poll (NFRP) frame.

[0019] In this solution, it can be seen that, to solve the problem that the existing SM PS rules cannot be applied to the EMLSR and / or EMLMR, some unicast control frames are excluded based on the existing SM PS rules.

[0020] In a possible implementation form of any one of the aforementioned aspects, the preset condition set further includes a third preset condition, wherein the third preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives one trigger frame transmitted by the TXOP holder on the first link, and a user information field of the non-AP MLD is not present in the trigger frame, or an association identifier indicating uplink Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-based random access is not present in the trigger frame.

[0021] Optionally, the trigger frame includes one or both of an MU-RTS frame and a BSRP frame.

[0022] In this solution, a condition for switching back to listening operation with non-AP MLD is added in terms of a trigger frame, which can be found to be useful in improving the SM PS rules.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the aforementioned aspects, the set of preset conditions includes the following preset conditions: receiving frames of another basic service set on the first link by the non-AP MLD; The non-AP MLD receives a High Efficiency Multiple User Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (HE MU PPDU) on the first link, the basic service set (BSS) color carried in the HE MU PPDU is the same as the BSS color of the BSS to which a station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link belongs, the HE MU PPDU does not include a station identifier field of any resource unit (RU) that identifies the station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link as the recipient or one of the recipients of the RU, and the value of the BSS Color Invalid field carried in the HE Action element most recently received from the first AP by the non-AP MLD is 0; a carrier sense mechanism indicating that a channel corresponding to the first link is idle at a transmission (Tx) Point coordination function Interframe Space (PIFS) slot boundary; Further, the present invention includes one or more of the following:

[0024] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a non-AP MLD receives a first frame from a first AP when performing a listening operation on a first link; the non-AP MLD switches (some or all) spatial streams / antennas on each link (or another link) of the non-AP MLD to the first link to exchange frames with the first AP; if it determines that any preset condition in a preset condition set is satisfied, the non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link to each link (or another link) and performs a listening operation; the non-AP MLD supports an EML mode; the preset condition set includes a second preset condition, the second preset condition being that the non-AP MLD receives a unicast frame on the first link, the unicast frame's destination address is another station, the unicast frame is not a unicast control frame, and the other station is a station other than the station in the non-AP MLD operating on the first link.

[0025] In response, the first AP transmits a first frame on the first link.

[0026] In this solution, to solve the problem that the existing SM PS rules cannot be applied to EMLSR and / or EMLMR, the existing SM PS rules are modified, specifically, some uplink unicast control frames are excluded. In other words, when an AP serves an EMLSR / EMLMR non-AP STA, the EMLSR / EMLMR non-AP STA receives these frames, so the EMLSR / EMLMR non-AP STA does not switch back to listening operation. This rule also enables the AP to serve other STAs while serving a STA in EMLSR mode, thereby implementing multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP when performing a listening operation on a first link; and a switching unit configured to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP after receiving the first frame transmitted by the first AP when performing the listening operation on the first link, where the non-AP MLD supports EML. The switching unit is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and perform the listening operation when the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in a preset condition set. The preset condition set includes a second preset condition, and the second preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a unicast frame on the first link, the destination address of the unicast frame is another station, the unicast frame is not a unicast control frame, and the other station is a station other than the station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link.

[0028] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the unicast control frame includes a BAR frame.

[0029] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the unicast control frame includes one or more of an ACK frame, a BFRP frame, and an NDPA frame.

[0030] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the unicast control frame further includes a unicast trigger frame. The unicast trigger frame may be a MU-BAR frame, a BSRP frame, or a BSRP frame. Beamforming Reporting PolesIncludes one or more of a BFRP frame, an MU-RTS frame, a BQRP frame, and an NFRP frame.

[0031] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0032] In a possible implementation form of the third or fourth aspect, the preset condition set further includes a third preset condition, where the third preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives one trigger frame transmitted by the TXOP holder on the first link, and the user information field of the non-AP MLD is not present in the trigger frame, or the association identifier indicating uplink OFDMA-based random access is not present in the trigger frame.

[0033] Optionally, the trigger frame includes one or both of an MU-RTS frame and a BSRP frame.

[0034] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the set of preset conditions includes the following preset conditions: receiving frames of another basic service set on the first link by the non-AP MLD; The non-AP MLD receives an HE MU PPDU on the first link, the BSS color carried in the HE MU PPDU is the same as the BSS color of the BSS to which a station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link belongs, the HE MU PPDU does not include any RU station identifier field that identifies the station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link as the recipient or one of the recipients of the RU, and the value of the BSS color invalid field carried in the HE action element most recently received by the non-AP MLD from the first AP is 0; a carrier sense mechanism indicating that a channel corresponding to the first link is idle at a TxPIFS slot boundary; Further, the present invention includes one or more of the following:

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a non-AP MLD receives a first frame from a first AP when performing a listening operation on a first link; the non-AP MLD switches (some or all) spatial streams / antennas on each link (or another link) of the non-AP MLD to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP; if it determines that any preset condition in the preset condition set is satisfied, the non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link to each link (or another link) and performs a listening operation; the non-AP MLD supports an EML mode. The preset condition set further includes a third preset condition, where the third preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives one trigger frame transmitted by the TXOP holder on the first link, and the user information field of the non-AP MLD is not present in the trigger frame, or the association identifier indicating uplink OFDMA-based random access is not present in the trigger frame.

[0036] In response, the first AP transmits a first frame on the first link.

[0037] In this solution, a condition for switching back to listening operation with non-AP MLD is added in terms of a trigger frame, which can be found to be useful in improving the SM PS rules.

[0038] According to a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP when performing a listening operation on a first link; and a switching unit configured to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP after receiving the first frame transmitted by the first AP when performing the listening operation on the first link, where the non-AP MLD supports EML. The switching unit is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and perform the listening operation when the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in a preset condition set. The preset condition set further includes a third preset condition, where the third preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives one trigger frame transmitted by the TXOP holder on the first link, and the user information field of the non-AP MLD is not present in the trigger frame, or the association identifier indicating uplink OFDMA-based random access is not present in the trigger frame.

[0039] In a possible implementation of the fifth or sixth aspect, the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0040] In a possible implementation of the fifth or sixth aspect, the unicast control frame includes one or both of an MU-RTS frame and a BSRP frame.

[0041] In a possible implementation of the fifth or sixth aspect, the preset condition set includes the following preset conditions: receiving frames of another basic service set on the first link by the non-AP MLD; The non-AP MLD receives an HE MU PPDU on the first link, the BSS color carried in the HE MU PPDU is the same as the BSS color of the BSS to which a station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link belongs, the HE MU PPDU does not include any RU station identifier field that identifies the station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link as the recipient or one of the recipients of the RU, and the value of the BSS color invalid field carried in the HE action element most recently received by the non-AP MLD from the first AP is 0; a carrier sense mechanism indicating that a channel corresponding to the first link is idle at a TxPIFS slot boundary; Further, the present invention includes one or more of the following:

[0042] According to a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes, after successfully receiving a first frame when the non-AP MLD performs a listening operation on a first link and before the end of a frame exchange between the non-AP MLD and a first AP associated with a first station in the non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD receives a first type of physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) on the first link by using multiple spatial streams. If it determines that any preset condition in the preset condition set is satisfied, the non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link to each link again and performs a listening operation. The first type of PPDU is a MU PPDU or a PPDU containing a broadcast frame or a multicast frame. The receiving address carried in the broadcast frame is a broadcast address, and the receiving address carried in the multicast frame is a multicast address. The first type of PPDU carries indication information, and the indication information indicates that a station on the first link is used as a receiver. The first frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link for frame exchange. The preset condition set includes a first preset condition, where the first preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a wireless frame on the first link, the wireless frame's transmission address is different from the transmission address of the frame initiating the current TXOP, the wireless frame is not an uplink unicast control frame, or the wireless frame is neither an uplink unicast control frame nor a frame used for reporting, and the uplink unicast control frame includes a BA frame. The non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0043] In this solution, both the AP and the stations are restricted to use the first type of PPDU in the frame exchange process, and the SM PS rules are modified, for example, some exception frames are excluded from the existing SM PS rules, thereby solving the problem that the existing SM PS rules cannot be applied to EMLSR / EMLMR. In addition, this rule allows the AP to serve other STAs while serving a STA in EMLSR mode, thereby implementing multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0044] In relation to the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the first type PPDU includes a trigger frame, and the trigger frame is used to schedule the non-AP MLD to transmit a trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU). After the non-AP MLD receives the first type PPDU over the first link by using multiple spatial streams, the method further includes the non-AP MLD transmitting the TB PPDU over the first link by using multiple spatial streams.

[0045] In this solution, the trigger frame is carried in a first type of PPDU, so that the station responds to the AP by using a frame in TB PPDU format, and it can be seen that the existing SM PS rules are adapted to EMLSR or EMLMR.

[0046] According to an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a non-AP MLD or a chip in the non-AP MLD, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first frame when performing a listening operation on a first link, the transceiver unit being further configured to receive a first type of PPDU on the first link by using multiple spatial streams after successfully receiving the first frame when performing the listening operation on the first link and before completion of frame exchange between the non-AP MLD and a first AP associated with the first station in the non-AP MLD, the first type of PPDU being an MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame; and a switching unit configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to each link to perform the listening operation when the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set. The receiving address carried in the broadcast frame is a broadcast address, and the receiving address carried in the multicast frame is a multicast address. The first type of PPDU carries indication information, indicating that a station on the first link is to be used as a receiver. The first frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link for frame exchange. The preset condition set includes a first preset condition, which is that the non-AP MLD receives a wireless frame on the first link, the wireless frame's transmission address is different from the transmission address of the frame initiating the current TXOP, the wireless frame is not an uplink unicast control frame, or the wireless frame is neither an uplink unicast control frame nor a frame used for reporting, and the uplink unicast control frame includes a BA frame. The non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0047]

[0013] Referring to a seventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the first type PPDU includes a trigger frame, and the trigger frame is used to schedule the non-AP MLD to transmit the TB PPDU. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the TB PPDU over the first link by using multiple spatial streams.

[0048] In a possible implementation of the seventh or eighth aspect, the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0049] In a possible implementation form of the seventh or eighth aspect, the unicast control frame further includes a PS-Poll frame.

[0050] In a possible implementation of the seventh or eighth aspect, the frame used for reporting is: Compressed beamforming / It includes one or more of a CQI frame, a frame containing a BFR, a frame containing a BSR, a frame containing a BQR, and a frame containing an NFR.

[0051] In a possible implementation form of the seventh or eighth aspect, the preset condition set further includes a third preset condition, and the third preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives one trigger frame transmitted by the TXOP holder on the first link, and the user information field of the non-AP MLD is not present in the trigger frame, or the association identifier indicating uplink OFDMA-based random access is not present in the trigger frame.

[0052] Optionally, the trigger frame includes one or both of an MU-RTS frame and a BSRP frame.

[0053] In a possible implementation of the seventh or eighth aspect, the preset condition set includes the following preset conditions: The non-AP MLD receives a unicast frame on the first link, and the destination address of the unicast frame is another station; and receiving frames of another basic service set on the first link by the non-AP MLD; The non-AP MLD receives an HE MU PPDU on the first link, the BSS color carried in the HE MU PPDU is the same as the BSS color of the BSS to which a station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link belongs, the HE MU PPDU does not include any RU station identifier field that identifies the station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link as the recipient or one of the recipients of the RU, and the value of the BSS color invalid field carried in the HE action element most recently received by the non-AP MLD from the first AP is 0; a carrier sense mechanism indicating that a channel corresponding to the first link is idle at a TxPIFS slot boundary; Further, the present invention includes one or more of the following:

[0054] In a possible implementation form of the seventh or eighth aspect, the indication information indicating that a station on the first link is to be used as a receiver includes the indication information indicating that a station on the first link is to be used as one of the receivers. Optionally, the indication information is a station identifier.

[0055] According to a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, the method including: after a first AP successfully transmits a first frame on a first link and before completion of frame exchange with N stations associated with the first AP, the first AP uses a first type of PPDU when conducting frame exchange with the N stations on the first link, the first type PPDU is an MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame, a non-AP MLD to which at least one of the N stations belongs supports EML, a receiving address carried in the broadcast frame is a broadcast address, and a receiving address carried in the multicast frame is a multicast address, the first type PPDU carries indication information, the indication information indicating that stations on the first link are used as receivers.

[0056] In this solution, both the AP and the stations are restricted to use the first type of PPDU in the frame exchange process, and the SM PS rules are modified, for example, some exception frames are excluded from the existing SM PS rules, thereby solving the problem that the existing SM PS rules cannot be applied to EMLSR / EMLMR. In addition, this rule allows the AP to serve other STAs while serving a STA in EMLSR mode, thereby implementing multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0057] According to a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a first AP or a chip within the first AP, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes a first unit configured to use a first type of PPDU when conducting a frame exchange with N stations on the first link after successfully transmitting a first frame on the first link and before completing the frame exchange with the N stations associated with the first AP, where the first type of PPDU is a MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame, where a non-AP MLD to which at least one of the N stations belongs supports EML, where the receiving address carried in the broadcast frame is a broadcast address, and where the receiving address carried in the multicast frame is a multicast address, and the first type of PPDU carries indication information, where the indication information indicates that the station on the first link is used as a receiver. It should be understood that the first unit is configured to implement a transceiver function, and the first unit may also be referred to as a transceiver unit.

[0058] Optionally, the communication device may further include a processing unit configured to generate the first type PPDU.

[0059] In a possible implementation of the ninth or tenth aspect, if the non-AP MLD to which at least one station belongs supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. Alternatively, if the non-AP MLD to which at least one station belongs supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0060] In a possible implementation of the ninth or tenth aspect, the first type PPDU includes a trigger frame, which is used to schedule the station to transmit the TB PPDU.

[0061] In a possible implementation of the ninth or tenth aspect, the indication information indicating that stations on the first link are to be used as receivers includes indicating that stations on the first link are to be used as one of the receivers. Optionally, the indication information is a station identifier.

[0062] According to an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a non-AP MLD receives a first frame transmitted by a first AP on a first link, and after switching spatial streams / antennas on each link (or another link) to the first link, if the non-AP MLD determines that the exchange of the first frame failed, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to each link and performs a listening operation. The non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0063] It can be seen that this solution provides a way to switch back to listening operation after the exchange of the initial frame / initial control frame fails. A condition for the station side to determine the exchange failure is designed so that the exchange of the initial frame / initial control frame can be switched back to listening operation in time after the exchange failure. This can improve the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR, and further improve the working efficiency and switching efficiency of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR.

[0064] In relation to an eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes the non-AP MLD determining that the exchange of the first frame has failed if the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition among the preset conditions set within a first duration starting from the moment the first frame is received.

[0065] This solution provides a condition where the station side determines the failure of the exchange, so that it can be seen that the initial frame / initial control frame can be switched back to listening operation in time after the exchange has failed.

[0066] According to a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes a transceiver unit configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link, and a switching unit configured to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link. The switching unit is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation if the non-AP MLD determines that the exchange of the first frame failed after the first frame transmitted by the first AP is received over the first link and the spatial streams on each link are switched to the first link. The non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0067] In relation to the twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device may further include a determination unit configured to determine that the exchange of the first frame has failed if the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition among the preset conditions set within a first duration starting from the moment the first frame is received.

[0068] In a possible implementation form of the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0069] In a possible implementation of the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the preset condition set includes the following preset conditions: A station in a non-AP MLD and operating on a first link does not receive a PPDU within a first duration; a first PPDU received within a first duration by a station operating on a first link within a non-AP MLD is a PPDU of another BSS; a first PPDU received within a first duration by a station in a non-AP MLD and operating on a first link is an uplink PPDU; a first PPDU received within a first duration by a station operating on a first link and located within a non-AP MLD is a downlink PPDU in a BSS to which the station operating on the first link and located within the non-AP MLD belongs, and a recipient indicated by a station identifier field in the downlink PPDU is not a station operating on the first link and located within a non-AP MLD; a first PPDU received within a first duration by a station operating on a first link and within a non-AP MLD includes a frame having a unicast address, and the receiving address of the frame is not a station operating on the first link and within the non-AP MLD; or the first PPDU includes a trigger frame, and an association identifier in any user information field in the trigger frame does not match an association identifier of a station operating on the first link and within the non-AP MLD; or an association identifier indicating uplink OFDMA-based random access is not present in the trigger frame; Contains one or more of the following:

[0070] It should be understood that if any of the preset conditions in the preset condition set is determined within the first duration, the operation of switching the spatial streams / antennas on the first link back to the respective links to perform the listening operation may be performed immediately; in other words, the switching does not need to be performed at the instant ΔT.

[0071] In this solution, conditions are used that the station side determines the switching failure, and it can be seen that the switching is performed when any one of the conditions is met.

[0072] In a possible implementation of the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the first duration is determined based on a minimum time value, and the minimum time value is ΔT min =t cts +2t SIFS +t preamble +t MPDU , ΔT min =t cts +2t SIFS +t preamble , and ΔT min =t cts +t SIFS +t PIFS +t aSlotTime where ΔT represents the first duration and ΔT min represents the minimum value of the first duration, and t cts represents the transmission duration of a clear to send (CTS) frame, and t SIFS represents the duration of the short interframe space, and T preamble represents the reception duration of the preamble, and t MPDU represents the transmission duration of a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU), and t PIFS represents the duration of the point coordinated function interframe space PIFS, and t aSlotTime represents the duration of one slot.

[0073] According to a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication method according to the twelfth aspect, in which a non-AP MLD can provide a basis for determining whether a first frame exchange has failed. The method includes: a first AP transmits a first frame on a first link, and the first frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link for frame exchange. After receiving a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame) for the first frame, 1st The AP transmits a PPDU, the PPDU including a unicast frame, the receiving address of which indicates a station in the non-AP MLD operating on the first link, or the PPDU including a trigger frame, the trigger frame being used to schedule a station in the non-AP MLD operating on the first link to perform an uplink transmission. Additionally, the first AP cannot transmit the first frame to the non-AP MLD on the second link within a time range after transmitting the first frame. In this specification, the second link refers to a link other than the first link in the non-AP MLD. The time range in this specification is the sum of a duration (Switch Delay) during which the non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link to each link again and performs a listening operation, and the first duration (denoted as ΔT).

[0074] In this solution, the AP's behavior is restricted, and it can be seen that the first PPDU sent by the AP after the AP receives the initial control frame / initial frame response frame must meet the requirements. In this way, if the station side does not receive the corresponding PPDU within the first duration, it indicates that the first frame exchange has failed. In this way, the station side has a criterion for determining whether the first frame exchange has failed.

[0075] According to a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a first AP or a chip within the first AP, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes a first unit configured to transmit a first frame on a first link, the first frame indicating a non-AP MLD for switching spatial streams on each link to the first link for frame exchange. The first unit is further configured to transmit a PPDU after receiving a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame) for the first frame, the PPDU including a unicast frame, the receiving address of which indicates a station within the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link, or the PPDU including a trigger frame, the trigger frame being used to schedule a station within the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link to perform an uplink transmission. In addition, the first AP cannot transmit the first frame to the non-AP MLD on the second link within a time range after transmitting the first frame. In this specification, the second link is a link other than the first link in non-AP MLD. The time range in this specification is the sum of the duration (Switch Delay) during which non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link to perform listening operations and the first duration (denoted as ΔT).

[0076] Optionally, the communication device further includes a processing unit configured to generate the first frame and the PPDU.

[0077] In a possible implementation of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the first duration (ΔT) may be specified in a standard or broadcast by the AP in a beacon frame or the like. The first duration may be equal to or greater than the time minimum. Herein, the time minimum (i.e., the minimum value of the first duration) is defined as: ΔT min =t cts +2t SIFS +t preamble +tMPDU , ΔT min =t cts +2t SIFS +t preamble , and ΔT min =t cts +t SIFS +t PIFS +t aSlotTime where ΔT represents the first duration and ΔT min represents the minimum value of the first duration (i.e., the minimum time value), and t cts represents the transmission duration of the CTS frame, and t SIFS represents the duration of the short interframe space, and T preamble represents the reception duration of the preamble, and t MPDU represents the transmission duration of the MPDU, and t PIFS represents the duration of the PIFS, and t aSlotTime represents the duration of one slot.

[0078] According to a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes a first AP transmitting a first frame on a first link, the first frame carrying one or more second durations, and the first frame may further carry a duration field. When the first frame carries one second duration, the second duration may be a duration individually assigned to a first non-AP MLD, and the start time of the second duration is a time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. end Alternatively, the second duration may be the total duration allocated by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs (including the first non-AP MLD) that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP. In this case, the start time of the second duration is the time when each non-AP MLD receives the first frame. endIf the first frame carries multiple second durations, and the multiple second durations include a second duration assigned to the first non-AP MLD, the start time of the second duration assigned to the first non-AP MLD is the start time at which the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. The first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR or EMLMR.

[0079] Optionally, the first frame instructs the non-AP MLD (including the first non-AP MLD) to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link and perform frame exchange with the first AP. The second duration is used to enable the non-AP MLD (including the first non-AP MLD) to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform listening operations after the second duration.

[0080] In this solution, the second duration of the first non-AP MLD is carried in the first frame, so that the first non-AP MLD can be known to switch the spatial stream on the first link to each link again and perform listening operation after the second duration. Therefore, the operation mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR can be simplified, and the complexity of logic execution and implementation can be reduced.

[0081] According to a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a first AP or a chip within the first AP, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes a first unit configured to transmit a first frame over a first link, the first frame carrying one or more second durations, and the first frame may further carry a duration field. When the first frame carries one second duration, the second duration may be a duration individually assigned to a first non-AP MLD, and the start time of the second duration is a time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. endAlternatively, the second duration may be the total duration allocated by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs (including the first non-AP MLD) that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP. In this case, the start time of the second duration is the time when each non-AP MLD receives the first frame. end If the first frame carries multiple second durations, and the multiple second durations include a second duration assigned to the first non-AP MLD, the start time of the second duration assigned to the first non-AP MLD is the start time at which the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. The first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR or EMLMR.

[0082] Optionally, the communication device further comprises a processing unit configured to generate the first frame.

[0083] Optionally, the first frame instructs the non-AP MLD (including the first non-AP MLD) to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link and perform frame exchange with the first AP. The second duration is used to enable the non-AP MLD (including the first non-AP MLD) to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform listening operations after the second duration.

[0084] In a possible implementation form of the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the second duration is placed in a common information field or a user information field of the first frame.

[0085] In a possible implementation of the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the second duration is less than or equal to a TXOP duration of the first AP on the first link.

[0086] According to a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a first non-AP MLD receiving a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link, the first frame carrying a second duration, the start time of which is an end time of the first non-AP MLD receiving the first frame, the first frame instructing the first non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. After the second duration, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the first link to perform a listening operation. The first non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0087] In this solution, it can be seen that the frame exchange duration determined by the AP is carried in the initial control frame or the initial frame, and after the frame exchange duration, it directly switches back to listening operation. Therefore, the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR can be simplified, and the complexity of logic execution and implementation can be reduced.

[0088] According to an eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, the communication device being a first non-AP MLD or a chip, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip, within the first non-AP MLD, the communication device including a transceiver unit configured to receive, over a first link, a first frame transmitted by a first AP, the first frame carrying a second duration, the start of the second duration being the time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. end At this point, the first non-AP MLD supports EML, and the first frame is transmitted to the first non-AP MLD so as to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. instruct , a transceiver unit, and a switching unit configured to switch the spatial stream on the first link back to each link after a second duration to perform a listening operation.

[0089] It should be understood that although the first frame carries one or more second durations, only the second duration of the non-AP MLD is relevant for the non-AP MLD. Therefore, on the station side, the first non-AP MLD is used as an example for explanation in this application. The second duration in the seventeenth and eighteenth aspects of this application may specifically refer to the second duration of the first non-AP MLD. In other words, the second duration in the seventeenth and eighteenth aspects of this application is the total duration assigned by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs (including the first non-AP MLD) that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP, or the duration individually assigned by the first AP to the first non-AP MLD.

[0090] In a possible implementation form of the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the first non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the first non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0091] In a possible implementation of the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs a frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs a frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD and a duration during which the first non-AP MLD switches spatial streams on each link to the first link.

[0092] This solution may prove more flexible as the AP can allocate different durations to different STAs.

[0093] In a possible implementation of the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs and a duration during which each of the multiple non-AP MLDs switches spatial streams on other links to the first link. The multiple non-AP MLDs include the first non-AP MLD.

[0094] In this solution, by using a fixed duration, the working mechanism of the EMLSR / EMLMR can be further simplified and it can be seen that the implementation complexity is lower.

[0095] In a possible implementation form of the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the second duration is placed in a common information field or a user information field of the first frame.

[0096] In a possible implementation of the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the second duration is less than or equal to a TXOP duration of the first AP on the first link.

[0097] According to a nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a non-AP MLD receives a first frame transmitted by a first AP on a first link, starts timing, and switches spatial streams / antennas on each link (or another link) to the first link to exchange frames with the first AP. When a fourth frame is received during the frame exchange process with the first AP, and the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the fourth frame is later than the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the first frame, the non-AP MLD updates the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the fourth frame by using the end time of the timing. When the timing reaches 0, the non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link to each link to perform listening operations. The non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0098] In response, the first AP transmits a first frame on the first link, and a fourth frame is transmitted in the process of the non-AP MLD conducting a frame exchange with the first AP, and the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the fourth frame is later than the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the first frame.

[0099] It can be seen that in this solution, multiple stations (multiple stations operating on the same link as the AP and belonging to different non-AP MLDs) are restricted to jointly maintaining one timer. In a frame exchange process, when any station receives TXOP end time update information, the timer's end time is updated to the latest TXOP end time. When the timer reaches 0, it switches to listening operation. Therefore, in this embodiment of the present application, each station does not need to maintain its own timer. Therefore, the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR is simplified, and the complexity of logic execution and implementation can be reduced. In addition, in this embodiment of the present application, the initial control frame or initial frame does not need to carry an additional specified duration, and as a result, the non-AP MLD completes frame exchange with the AP within this duration, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0100] According to a twentieth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link; a timing unit configured to implement timing; a switching unit configured to switch spatial streams / antennas on each link (or another link) to the first link to implement frame exchange with the first AP; and an update unit configured to update the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the fourth frame by using the end time of the timing when a fourth frame is received during the process of the non-AP MLD implementing frame exchange with the first AP and the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the fourth frame is later than the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the first frame. When the timing reaches 0, the switching unit is further configured to switch some spatial streams / antennas on the first link back to each link to implement listening operations. The non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0101] According to a 21st aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a first non-AP MLD receives a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link, switches spatial streams on each link to the first link, and performs frame exchange with the first AP; the first non-AP MLD receives a second frame over the first link by using multiple spatial streams, where the second frame includes a more data subfield; if the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 0, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and performs a listening operation; the first non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0102] In response, the first AP transmits a first frame on the first link, the first frame instructing the first non-AP MLD to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link to exchange frames with the first AP, and the first AP transmits a second frame on the first link, the second frame including a more data subfield.

[0103] In this solution, in order to simplify the operation mechanism of EMLSR / EMLMR, the behavior of non-AP MLD is restricted, and it can be seen that the signaling indication of the existing more data subfield can be fully reused without changing the value and meaning of the more data subfield.

[0104] In relation to the 21st aspect, in a possible implementation, the first frame carries a second duration, and the start of the second duration is the end of the time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. After the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame transmitted by the first AP over the first link, the method further includes the first non-AP MLD starting timing. When the timing reaches the second duration, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and performs a listening operation.

[0105] It should be understood that although the first frame carries one or more second durations, only the second duration of the non-AP MLD is relevant for the non-AP MLD. Therefore, on the station side, the first non-AP MLD is used as an example for explanation in this application. The second duration in the twenty-first and twenty-second aspects of this application may specifically refer to the second duration of the first non-AP MLD. In other words, the second duration in the twenty-first and twenty-second aspects of this application is the total duration assigned by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs (including the first non-AP MLD) that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP, or the duration individually assigned by the first AP to the first non-AP MLD.

[0106] According to a twenty-second aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is a first non-AP MLD or a chip within the first non-AP MLD, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link; and a switching unit configured to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP, where the first non-AP MLD supports EML. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second frame over the first link using multiple spatial streams, the second frame including a more data subfield. The switching unit is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation if the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 0.

[0107] In relation to the 22nd aspect, in a possible implementation, the first frame carries a second duration, and a start time of the second duration is an end time of receiving the first frame by the first non-AP MLD. The communication device further includes a timing unit configured to start timing after the first frame transmitted by the first AP is received on the first link. The switching unit is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform the listening operation when the timing reaches the second duration.

[0108] In a possible implementation of the 21st or 22nd aspect, if the value of the More Data subfield is 0, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link to perform a listening operation. Optionally, if the value of the More Data subfield is 0, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD continues to receive on the first link by using multiple spatial streams.

[0109] In a possible implementation form of the 21st or 22nd aspect, the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the first non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the first non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0110] In a possible implementation of the 21st or 22nd aspect, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD and a duration during which the first non-AP MLD switches spatial streams on each link to the first link.

[0111] In a possible implementation of the 21st or 22nd aspects, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs and a duration during which each of the multiple non-AP MLDs switches spatial streams on other links to the first link. The multiple non-AP MLDs include the first non-AP MLD.

[0112] In a possible implementation form of the twenty-first or twenty-second aspect, the second duration is placed in a common information field or a user information field of the first frame.

[0113] In a possible implementation of the twenty-first or twenty-second aspect, the second duration is less than or equal to a TXOP duration of the first AP on the first link.

[0114] According to a 23rd aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a first AP transmits a first frame on a first link, the first frame instructing a first non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP; the first AP transmits a second frame on the first link, the second frame including a more data subfield; if the value of the more data subfield is 0, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation.

[0115] In this solution, it can be seen that a new meaning (which may be an implicit instruction) is added to the more data subfield in order to simplify the working mechanism of the EMLSR / EMLMR. In addition, the meaning is clear and makes parsing at the station side easier.

[0116] According to a 24th aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is a first AP or a chip within the first AP, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes a first unit configured to transmit a first frame over a first link, the first frame instructing a first non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. The first unit is further configured to transmit a second frame over the first link, the second frame including a more data subfield. If the value of the more data subfield is 0, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation.

[0117] Optionally, the communication device further comprises a processing unit configured to generate the first frame and the second frame.

[0118] In a possible implementation of the 23rd or 24th aspect, the first frame carries a second duration, and the start time of the second duration is a time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. end The second duration in this specification specifically refers to the second duration of the first non-AP MLD.

[0119] In a possible implementation of the 23rd or 24th aspect, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs a frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs a frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD and a duration during which the first non-AP MLD switches spatial streams on each link to the first link.

[0120] In a possible implementation of the 23rd or 24th aspect, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs and a duration during which each of the multiple non-AP MLDs switches spatial streams on other links to the first link. The multiple non-AP MLDs include the first non-AP MLD.

[0121] In a possible implementation form of the 23rd or 24th aspect, the second duration is placed in a common information field or a user information field of the first frame.

[0122] In a possible implementation of the 23rd or 24th aspect, the second duration is less than or equal to a TXOP duration of the first AP on the first link.

[0123] In a possible implementation form of the 23rd or 24th aspect, the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the first non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the first non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0124] According to a 25th aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a first non-AP MLD receives a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link, switches spatial streams on each link to the first link, and performs frame exchange with the first AP; the first non-AP MLD receives a third frame over the first link, where the third frame includes an End of Service Period (EOSP) subfield, and the EOSP subfield is set to 1; the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links, and performs a listening operation.

[0125] In response, the first AP transmits a first frame on the first link, the first frame instructing the first non-AP MLD to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link to exchange frames with the first AP. The first AP transmits a third frame on the first link, the third frame including an EOSP subfield, where the EOSP subfield is set to 1.

[0126] In this solution, non-AP MLD switching is controlled by using the EOSP subfield sent by the AP, and stations in the non-AP MLD do not need to maintain a timer, thereby simplifying station-side operation. In addition, in this implementation, the existing EOSP subfield signaling indication can be completely reused without changing the value and meaning of the EOSP subfield.

[0127] In relation to the 25th aspect, in a possible implementation, the first frame carries a second duration, and the start of the second duration is the end of the time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. After the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame transmitted by the first AP over the first link, the method further includes the first non-AP MLD starting timing. When the timing reaches the second duration, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and performs a listening operation.

[0128] According to a 26th aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is a first non-AP MLD or a chip within the first non-AP MLD, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link; and a switching unit configured to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a third frame over the first link, the third frame including an End of Service Period (EOSP) subfield, the EOSP subfield being set to 1. The switching unit is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation.

[0129] In relation to the 26th aspect, in a possible implementation, the first frame carries a second duration, and a start time of the second duration is an end time of receiving the first frame by the first non-AP MLD. The communication device further includes a timing unit configured to start timing after the first frame transmitted by the first AP is received on the first link. The switching unit is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform the listening operation when the timing reaches the second duration.

[0130] In a possible implementation form of the 25th or 26th aspect, the second frame is a quality of service data frame or a quality of service null frame.

[0131] In a possible implementation of the 25th or 26th aspect, when the value of the EOSP subfield is 1, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the links and performs a listening operation. Optionally, when the EOSP subfield is set to 0, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD continues receiving on the first link by using multiple spatial streams.

[0132] In a possible implementation form of the 25th or 26th aspect, the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the first non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the first non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0133] In a possible implementation of the 25th or 26th aspect, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs a frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs a frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD and a duration during which the first non-AP MLD switches spatial streams on each link to the first link.

[0134] In a possible implementation of the 25th or 26th aspect, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs and a duration during which each of the multiple non-AP MLDs switches spatial streams on other links to the first link. The multiple non-AP MLDs include the first non-AP MLD.

[0135] In a possible implementation form of the 25th or 26th aspect, the second duration is placed in a common information field or a user information field of the first frame.

[0136] In a possible implementation of the 25th or 26th aspect, the second duration is less than or equal to a TXOP duration of the first AP on the first link.

[0137] According to a 27th aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: a first AP transmits a first frame on a first link, the first frame instructing a first non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP; the first AP transmits a third frame on the first link, the third frame including an EOSP subfield; when the EOSP subfield is set to 1, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation.

[0138] According to a 28th aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is a first AP or a chip within the first AP, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes a first unit configured to transmit a first frame on a first link, the first frame instructing a first non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. The first unit is further configured to transmit a third frame on the first link, the third frame including an EOSP subfield. When the EOSP subfield is set to 1, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD will switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform listening operations.

[0139] Optionally, the communication device further comprises a processing unit configured to generate the first frame and the third frame.

[0140] In a possible implementation form of the 27th or 28th aspect, the second frame is a quality of service data frame or a quality of service null frame.

[0141] In a possible implementation of the 27th or 28th aspect, the first frame carries a second duration, and the start time of the second duration is a time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. end The second duration in this specification specifically refers to the second duration of the first non-AP MLD.

[0142] In a possible implementation of the 27th or 28th aspect, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD and a duration during which the first non-AP MLD switches spatial streams on each link to the first link.

[0143] In a possible implementation of the 27th or 28th aspect, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs. Alternatively, the second duration includes a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs and a duration during which each of the multiple non-AP MLDs switches spatial streams on other links to the first link. The multiple non-AP MLDs include the first non-AP MLD.

[0144] In a possible implementation form of the 27th or 28th aspect, the second duration is placed in a common information field or a user information field of the first frame.

[0145] In a possible implementation of the 27th or 28th aspect, the second duration is less than or equal to a TXOP duration of the first AP on the first link.

[0146] In a possible implementation form of the 27th or 28th aspect, the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, or the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the first non-AP MLD can support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the first non-AP MLD can further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0147] According to a twenty-ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface configured to transmit / receive information or frames, and the processor configured to communicate with another device via the communication interface, such that the communication device implements the communication method in any one of the preceding aspects.

[0148] According to a thirtieth aspect, the present application provides an apparatus, the apparatus being implemented in the form of a chip product, including an input / output interface and a processing circuit, the input / output interface being configured to receive / transmit information or frames, and the processing circuit being configured to: , equipped The apparatus is configured to execute program instructions to implement the communication method of any one of the preceding aspects.

[0149] According to a thirty-first aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform a communication method according to any one of the preceding aspects.

[0150] According to a thirty-second aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising program instructions, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to perform a communication method according to any one of the preceding aspects.

[0151] According to the embodiment of the present application, the SM PS and the EMLSR may be combined for communication, which solves the problem that the end of frame exchange is defined by directly reusing the existing SM PS rules and cannot be applied to the EMLSR, and further enables the AP to serve other STAs while serving a STA in the EMLSR mode, and implements multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0152] In order to describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings used to describe the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0153] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2a]1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2b] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another structure of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of multi-link communication according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an EMLSR. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of the working mechanism of the EMLSR. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of direct reuse of SM PS rules in EMLSR. [Figure 7] 1 is a first schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] 2 is a second schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 9] 3 is a third schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] 4 is a fourth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11a] FIG. 2 is a first schematic diagram of a preset condition according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11b] FIG. 10 is a second schematic diagram of a preset condition according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11c] FIG. 10 is a third schematic diagram of a preset condition according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11d] FIG. 10 is a fourth schematic diagram of a preset condition according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] 5 is a fifth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exchange between an AP and a non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram of an exchange between an AP and a non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 15]6 is a sixth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of EMLSR based on TXOP duration according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 17] 7 is a seventh schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of EMLSR based on more data subfields according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the working of EMLSR based on a combination of more data subfields and duration according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20] 8 is an eighth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic flowchart of an information exchange method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 22] 4 is another schematic flowchart of an information exchange method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 23] 9 is a ninth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 24] 10 is a tenth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 25] 1 is a schematic diagram of the existence of hidden nodes when an AP communicates with multiple stations according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of continuing communication between an AP and an EMLSR station when a hidden node exists according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 27] 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a communication device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 28] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 2 according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 29] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0154] The following clearly and completely describes the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0155] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or." For example, A / B can refer to A or B. The term "and / or" in this specification describes only the associative relationship between related objects and indicates that there are three possible relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three cases: when only A is present, when both A and B are present, and when only B is present. In addition, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "at least one of the following items (elements)" or similar expressions refers to any combination of those items (elements), including any combination of one item (element) or multiple items (elements). For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" may represent a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c. Each of a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0156] In the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate a clear distinction.

[0157] In this application, the terms "example" or "for example" are used to denote serving as an example, illustration, or explanation. Any embodiment or design scheme described in this application as an "example," "such as," or "for example" may be used interchangeably with another embodiment or design scheme. Many Rather, the use of words such as "example," "such as," and "for example" is intended to present the relevant concept in a particular way.

[0158] It should be understood that in this application, "when" and "if" mean that the device performs the corresponding processing in an objective situation, and are not intended to limit the time. These terms do not imply that the device is required to have a decisive action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0159] In this application, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean "one or more," but not "one and only one," unless otherwise specified.

[0160] In the embodiments of the present application, it should be understood that "B corresponding to A" indicates that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should be further understood that determining A based on B does not mean that B is determined based only on A, i.e., B can alternatively be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0161] In order to facilitate understanding of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the following describes the system architecture of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application. It can be understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of the present application is intended to more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, and does not constitute any limitations on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0162] The technical solutions provided in this application may be applied to a wireless communication system, for example, a wireless local area network system. The technical solutions provided in this application may be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system, or a chip or processor in the communication device. The communication device may be a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission over multiple links. For example, the communication device may be referred to as a multi-link device (MLD) or a multi-band device. Compared with a communication device that only supports single-link transmission, a multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and greater throughput.

[0163] In this application, a station device in the next-generation 802.11 standard that supports multiple links simultaneously is referred to as a multilink device, and the internal entity responsible for any one link is referred to as a station (STA). If all STAs in an MLD are APs, the MLD may also be referred to as an AP MLD. If all STAs in an MLD are non-AP STAs, the MLD may also be referred to as a non-AP MLD. In other words, a multilink device includes one or more affiliated stations (affiliated STAs). An affiliated station is a logical station that can operate on a link, band, or channel. An affiliated station may be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). In 802.11be, a multilink device whose affiliated station is an AP is referred to as an AP multilink device (AP MLD), and a multilink device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA is referred to as a non-AP multilink device (non-AP MLD).

[0164] Optionally, one multilink device may include multiple logical stations. Each logical station operates on a link, although multiple logical stations are permitted to operate on the same link. During data transmission between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, a link identifier may be used to identify the link or the station on the link. Prior to communication, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may first negotiate or communicate the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link. Thus, during data transmission, the link identifier is conveyed without transmitting a large amount of signaling information to indicate the link or the station on the link. This reduces signaling overhead and improves transmission efficiency.

[0165] In one example, a management frame, such as a beacon frame or an association request frame, transmitted when AP MLD establishes a basic service set (BSS) carries an element, which includes multiple link identifier information fields. A link identifier information field can indicate a correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on a link corresponding to the link identifier. A link identifier information field includes a link identifier and further includes one or more of the following information: a medium access control (MAC) address, an operating class, and a channel number. One or more of the MAC address, the operating class, and the channel number can indicate a link. In the case of an AP, the MAC address of the AP is the AP's basic service set identifier (BSSID). In another example, during the association process between multi-link devices, AP MLD and non-AP MLD negotiate multiple link identifier information fields. A multi-link association refers to one association between an AP in the AP MLD and a STA in the non-AP MLD. An association can facilitate separate associations between multiple STAs in the non-AP MLD and multiple APs in the AP MLD, with one STA associated with one AP. One or more STAs in the non-AP MLD can establish associations with, and then communicate with, one or more APs in the AP MLD.

[0166] Optionally, the multilink device may implement wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series of protocols. For example, a station capable of ultra-high throughput, a station capable of IEEE 802.11be, or a station capable of IEEE 802.11be may implement communication with another device. Of course, the other device may or may not be a multilink device.

[0167] The technical solutions provided in the present application may be applied to a scenario in which one node communicates with one or more nodes, a scenario of single-user uplink / downlink communication or a scenario of multi-user uplink / downlink communication, or a scenario of device-to-device (D2D) communication. In the embodiments of the present application, the term "communication" may also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," or "transmission." The term "transmission" may generally refer to sending and receiving.

[0168] Any one of the above nodes may be an AP MLD or a non-AP MLD. Optionally, one of the above nodes may be a multilink device, and the other nodes may or may not be multilink devices. For example, in an EMLSR communication The method is applied to a scenario in which a non-AP MLD communicates with an AP MLD, or a scenario in which a non-AP MLD communicates with a single-link AP, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The single-link device may be an AP.

[0169] For ease of explanation, a scenario in which a non-AP MLD communicates with an AP is used as an example below to describe the system architecture of the present application. It can be understood that the AP in this specification has a broad meaning and refers to the AP side. The AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in an AP MLD.

[0170] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system includes at least one AP (e.g., AP 100 in FIG. 1) and at least one non-AP MLD (non-AP MLD 200 and non-AP MLD 300 in FIG. 1). Optionally, FIG. 1 further includes a legacy station that supports transmission only on a single link (single-link non-AP STA 400 in FIG. 1 is also referred to as STA 400). In this specification, AP 100 may be a single-link AP or an AP of an AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. An AP is a device that provides services for a non-AP MLD, and the non-AP MLD can communicate with an AP MLD by using multiple links to improve throughput. A STA in a non-AP MLD may alternatively communicate with an AP in an AP MLD or a single-link AP by using one link. It can be understood that the amounts of AP and non-AP MLD in FIG. 1 are merely examples.

[0171] Optionally, please refer to Figure 2a. Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a structure of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. The 802.11 standard focuses on the 802.11 physical layer (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layer parts of a multi-link device. As shown in Figure 2a, multiple STAs included in the multi-link device are independent of each other at the low MAC layer and the PHY layer, and are also independent of each other at the high MAC layer. Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of another structure of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2b, multiple STAs included in the multi-link device are independent of each other at the low MAC layer and the PHY layer, and share the high MAC layer. Of course, in a multi-link communication process, non-AP MLD can use a structure with independent upper MAC layers, and AP MLD can use a structure with a shared upper MAC layer. Alternatively, non-AP MLD may use a structure with a shared upper MAC layer, and AP MLD may use a structure with independent upper MAC layers. Alternatively, non-AP MLD and AP MLD may use a structure with a shared upper MAC layer. Alternatively, non-AP MLD and AP MLD may use independent upper MAC layer structures. The schematic diagram of the internal structure of the multi-link device is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Figures 2a and 2b are merely illustrative examples. For example, the upper MAC layer or the lower MAC layer may be implemented by one processor in the chip system of the multi-link device, or by different processing modules in the chip system.

[0172] For example, the multi-link device in this embodiment of the present application may be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, the multi-link device may be a device with more than two antennas. The number of antennas included in the multi-link device is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0173] Optionally, please refer to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of multi-link communication according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 3, the AP MLD includes n stations, which are AP 1, AP 2, ..., and AP n. The non-AP MLD also includes n stations, which are STA 1, STA 2, ..., and STA n. The AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can perform parallel communication for link 1, link 2, ..., link n. An AP in the AP MLD can establish an association relationship with a STA in the non-AP MLD. For example, STA 1 in the non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP 1 in the AP MLD, STA 2 in the non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP 2 in the AP MLD, and STA n in the non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP n in the AP MLD.

[0174] For example, a multi-link device is a device with wireless communication capabilities. The device may be a system-wide device, or a chip, processing system, etc. installed in the system-wide device. The device in which the chip or processing system is installed may be controlled by the chip or processing system to implement the methods and functions in the embodiments of the present application. For example, a non-AP MLD in the embodiments of the present application has wireless transceiver functionality, can support 802.11 series protocols, and can communicate with a single-link AP, an AP MLD, or another non-AP MLD. For example, a non-AP MLD is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and a WLAN. For example, a non-AP MLD may be user equipment that can connect to a network, such as a tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), handheld computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), or mobile phone. A non-AP MLD may be an Internet of Things node in the Internet of Things, an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles, etc. Alternatively, non-AP MLD may be implemented by chips in each of the aforementioned terminals. or The AP in the embodiment of the present application may be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, or a bridge. Alternatively, the AP may include various types of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Of course, the AP may alternatively be a chip and processing system within these various types of devices for implementing the methods and functions in the embodiment of the present application.

[0175] It can be understood that multi-link devices can support high-rate and low-latency transmission. With the continuous development of application scenarios for wireless local area networks, multi-link devices can be further applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart meters, smart electricity meters, or smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, stereos, refrigerators, or washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (e.g., augmented reality, virtual reality, or other wearable devices), smart devices in smart offices (e.g., printers or projectors), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, and some infrastructure in everyday life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, supermarket self-service navigation stations, self-service cash register devices, and self-service ordering machines). The specific forms of non-AP MLD and AP are not limited in the embodiments of this application and are merely examples for explanation purposes herein. The 802.11 protocol can support 802.11be or be compatible with 802.11be.

[0176] The above description briefly describes the system structure in the embodiment of the present application. In order to better understand the technical solution of the present application, the following briefly describes the contents related to the present application.

[0177] 1. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) To achieve the technical goal of Extremely High Throughput (EHT), next-generation standards such as 802.11be (also referred to as EHT or Wi-Fi 7) use multi-link operation (MLO) as one of their key technologies. The core idea of ​​multi-link operation is that wireless local area network (WLAN) devices supporting the next-generation 802.11 standard have multi-band transmission and reception capabilities to use a wider bandwidth (e.g., 320 MHz) for data transmission, thereby significantly improving throughput. Multi-bands include, but are not limited to, the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. Access and transmission performed on each band is referred to as one link, or access and transmission performed within a frequency range on the same band is referred to as one link. Therefore, access and transmission formed by multiple links is referred to as MLO.

[0178] 2. Spatial Streams and Antennas A radio transmits multiple signals simultaneously, and each signal is called a spatial stream. In a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system, the number of spatial streams is usually less than or equal to the number of antennas. If the number of antennas at the transmitting end is different from the number of antennas at the receiving end, the number of spatial streams is less than or equal to the minimum number of antennas at the transmitting end or receiving end. For example, a 4x4 (four transmitting antennas and four receiving antennas, also referred to as four inputs and four outputs) MIMO system can be used to transmit four or fewer spatial streams, and a 3x2 (three transmitting antennas and two receiving antennas) MIMO system can transmit two or fewer spatial streams.

[0179] In some cases, the relationship between antennas and spatial streams in a MIMO system may still be used in this application. In some embodiments, "spatial stream" and "antenna" may be used interchangeably.

[0180] 1 A non-AP MLD only has single-radio receive and transmit capabilities. To enable a non-AP MLD to take advantage of multiple links, the EMLSR capability is introduced in 802.11be. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of EMLSR. As shown in Figure 4, two links between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD are used as an example. A non-AP MLD that supports EMLSR can simultaneously perform listening operations on multiple links (e.g., Link 1 and Link 2 in Figure 4). In listening operations, the non-AP MLD performs reception on each link by using a single antenna (one antenna is used as an example in this specification). After the AP MLD successfully transmits an initial control frame to the non-AP MLD on any link (e.g., Link 1 in Figure 4), the non-AP MLD can switch all spatial streams on each link (e.g., Link 2 in Figure 4) to Link 1 in Figure 4 and perform frame exchange with the AP MLD. In this case, there are multiple spatial streams / antennas on link 1. After the frame exchange is completed, non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on link 1 back to each link and starts listening operation. Implemented In other words, non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream from Link 2 on Link 1 back to Link 2 for listening operation. In this case, Link 1 and Link 2 each have one spatial stream / antenna.

[0181] A non-AP MLD has multi-radio transmission and reception capabilities, and a non-AP MLD that supports EMLMR can simultaneously listen on multiple links. During listening, the non-AP MLD can receive on each link using multiple spatial streams. After the AP MLD successfully transmits an initial frame to the non-AP MLD on any link, for example, link i, the non-AP MLD can switch all or some of the spatial streams on each link to link i and exchange frames with the AP MLD. After the frame exchange is complete, the spatial streams on link i are switched back to the respective links.

[0182] 4. EMLSR working mechanism Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the working mechanism of EMLSR. In Figure 5, the AP, STA 11 of non-AP MLD 1, and STA 21 of non-AP MLD 2 all operate on link 1. The AP in Figure 5 may be an AP in the AP MLD operating on link 1. Both non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2 in Figure 5 support EMLSR.

[0183] When any non-AP STA in a non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR receives an initial control frame from the AP while performing a listening operation, the non-AP STA needs to start a timer. The timing length of the timer is set to the duration indicated by the duration field in the initial control frame. The non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR also needs to switch the spatial stream / antenna on another link to the link on which the non-AP STA operates in order to perform frame exchange with the AP. For ease of explanation, an example in which the initial control frame is a Multi-user Request to Send (MU-RTS) frame is used for explanation in this specification. Of course, the initial control frame may alternatively be a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP) frame or another frame. This is not a limitation in this application. 5, after STA 11 and STA 21 successfully receive the MU-RTS frame, a timer is started, the timing length of the timer is the duration indicated by the duration field of the MU-RTS frame, non-AP MLD 1 to which STA 11 belongs switches the spatial stream / antenna on another link (i.e., a link other than link 1 in non-AP MLD 1) back to link 1 where STA 11 is located, and non-AP MLD 2 to which STA 21 belongs switches the spatial stream / antenna on another link (i.e., a link other than link 1 in non-AP MLD 2) back to link 1 where STA 21 is located. The duration field indicates the duration, and the start point of the duration is the end point at which the frame carrying the duration field is received, and the end point can be determined based on the start point and the duration.

[0184] When the AP transmits a frame (denoted as Frame A) to a non-AP STA that successfully received the initial control frame, the frame requires the non-AP STA to respond. The end time indicated by the Duration field carried in the frame (i.e., Frame A) is later than the timing end time indicated by the non-AP STA's current timer. After the non-AP STA responds to the AP, if the physical layer indicates that it will start receiving frames within the preset wait time length, the non-AP STA needs to update the timer value. The timer's timing length is set based on the Duration field of Frame A transmitted by the AP. The start point of the timing is the end point of successful reception of Frame A, and the end point of the timing is the end point indicated by the Duration field of Frame A. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a data frame transmitted by the AP to STA 21 requires STA 21 to return a block acknowledgment (BA). After STA 21 returns the BA, the timer of STA 21 is updated to the duration indicated by the Duration field in the data frame. Specifically, the start point of the timing is updated to the end point at which the data frame was received, and the end point of the timing may be updated based on the start point and the duration of the Duration field in the data frame.

[0185] If the timer of any non-AP STA expires and the non-AP STA is receiving a frame whose destination address is a non-AP STA, the non-AP STA continues to operate on the link (in other words, the spatial streams / antennas are not temporarily switched back to each link to perform listening operations) until the non-AP STA returns an acknowledgment frame or until the duration indicated by the Duration field of the frame expires.

[0186] When a non-AP MLD satisfies one of the following cases, the non-AP MLD to which the non-AP STA belongs must immediately switch the spatial stream / antenna to each link again to perform listening operations (in the following cases, the non-AP STA belongs to the non-AP MLD and the AP belongs to the AP MLD associated with the non-AP MLD): A timer (of a non-AP STA) expires and the non-AP STA does not receive an indication that the physical layer (PHY) should start receiving packets within the period after the last frame. The period is equal to the sum of the Short Interframe Space (SIFS), the duration of one slot, and the receive (Rx) physical layer (PHY) start delay, i.e., SIFS time + slot time + Rx PHY Start Delay: The timer (of the non-AP STA) expires, and the non-AP STA receives a unicast frame, but the receiving address (RA) of the unicast frame is not the non-AP STA, or a trigger frame (TF) is received, but none of the User Info fields in the trigger frame match the non-AP STA, except for the AP's CTS-to-Self frame. (non-AP STA) Contention-Free End (CF-END) sent by the AP Frame Receive.

[0187] It can be seen that the above mentioned working mechanism of EMLSR is complicated and the implementation complexity is high.

[0188] 5.Spatial Multiplexing Power Save (SM PS) The 802.11ax standard has a Spatial Multiplexing Power Saving (SM PS) feature. For details, see section 11.2.6 of the 802.11ax standard. This document will briefly explain it.

[0189] SM PS allows a non-AP STA to maintain only one active receive chain, typically using one antenna to receive signals. It should be understood that the SM PS function is applicable to single-link devices, and a single link may have multiple receive chains. After the non-AP STA receives the initial frame transmitted by the AP, another receive chain of the non-AP STA is opened, and frame exchange with the AP is performed using multiple antennas. After the frame exchange is completed, the non-AP STA switches back to single receive chain mode.

[0190] The STA may immediately switch back to single receive chain mode when it determines that any one of the following conditions is met (The STA can determine the end of the frame exchange sequence through any of the following): It (referring to an STA) receives a unicast frame whose destination address is another STA. It (referring to an STA) receives a frame with a Transmitting Address (TA) that differs from the TA of the frame that started the current Transmission Opportunity (TXOP). It receives a PPDU and classifies it as an inter-BSS PPDU (see 26.2.2 (Intra-BSS and inter-BSS PPDU classification)). It (referring to an STA) receives a High Efficiency Multiple User PPDU (HE MU PPDU), and the Basic Service Set (BSS) Color carried in the PPDU matches the BSS Color of the BSS to which the STA is associated, the PPDU does not contain any Resource Unit (RU) Station Identifier (STA-ID) field that identifies the STA as the recipient or one of the recipients of the RU, and the BSS Color Disabled carried in the most recently received HE operation element sent by the AP. )centre The value of the field is 0. (It receives an HE MU PPDU where the RXVECTOR parameter BSS_COLOR is the BSS color of the BSS in which the STA is associated,the RXVECTOR parameter does not have any STA_ID of an RU that identifies the STA as the recipient or one of the recipients of the RU(see 26.11.1(STA_ID)),and the BSS Color Disabled subfield in the most recently received HE Operation element from the AP with which the STA is associated is 0.) The Carrier Sensing (CS) mechanism indicates that the channel is idle at the transmission (Tx) Point Coordination Function Interframe Space (PIFS) slot boundary (defined in 10.3.7 (DCF timing relations)).

[0191] Considering that the SM PS function is reused in the EMLSR, to further determine the rules for performing spatial stream switching after the completion of frame exchange, it can be seen from the above description (i.e., the operation mechanism of the EMLSR and the SM PS function) that if the SM PS rules are directly reused in the EMLSR, some cases may occur that are not applicable to the EMLSR. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of directly reusing the SM PS rules in the EMLSR. The AP transmits an initial control frame, for example, the MU-RTS frame in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, an example in which the initial control frame is the MU-RTS frame is used for explanation. Of course, the initial control frame may alternatively be a BSRP frame or another frame. This is not limited in the present application. After STA 11 and STA 21 successfully receive the initial control frame, non-AP MLD 1 (the MLD to which STA 11 belongs) switches all spatial streams / antennas to link 1 where STA 11 is located, and non-AP MLD 2 (the MLD to which STA 21 belongs) switches all spatial streams / antennas to link 1 where STA 21 is located. In the process of frame exchange between the AP and STA 11 and STA 21, the AP may need to send a frame in unicast format, for example, a Block Acknowledgement Request (BAR) frame in FIG. 6 to STA 21. STA 21 then returns a Block Acknowledgement (Block ACK) frame to the AP in unicast format. According to the SMPS rules described above, STA 11 receives a unicast frame (referred to as a BAR frame), and the destination address of the unicast frame is another station. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 1 to which STA 11 belongs needs to immediately switch the spatial stream / antenna on link 1 to each link and perform listening operations. However, in reality, the AP may not have completed serving STA 11, in other words, the AP may still have data that needs to be transmitted to STA 11. However, the AP may not be able to send a unicast BAR frame to STA 11. 1The AP cannot continue to serve STA 11 because it needs to transmit to STA 1.

[0192] In addition, when an AP simultaneously serves STA 1 and STA 2, both of which are in SM PS mode, in one service period (SP), the existing single-user SM PS rules in the 802.11ax standard are no longer applicable. This is because when the AP needs to transmit a unicast BAR frame to one station (e.g., STA 1), the other station (e.g., STA 2) immediately switches back to single receive chain mode. In fact, the AP may still have data transmitted to the other station (e.g., STA 2). In this scenario, the AP cannot continue to serve the other station (e.g., STA 2).

[0193] Therefore, one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method for solving the problem that existing SM PS rules cannot be applied to the EMLSR and / or EMLMR by, for example, modifying the SM PS rules or restricting AP behavior. In this way, a spatial stream switching rule in the EMLSR and / or EMLMR is determined, so that the AP can serve other STAs while serving a STA in the EMLSR / EMLMR mode to implement multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency. The present application further provides a communication method, and in particular, a method for switching back to listening operation after an initial frame / initial control frame exchange fails to improve the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR and to improve the working and switching efficiency of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR. The method supports switching back to listening operation after an initial frame / initial control frame exchange fails. The present application further provides a communication method. To simplify the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR, a frame exchange duration is set and / or a signaling field in an existing standard is used. This can reduce the complexity of the logic implementation and make it easier to implement.

[0194] The following describes in detail the technical solutions provided in this application with reference to more accompanying drawings.

[0195] The technical solutions provided in this application are described by using multiple embodiments. Please refer to the following description for details. It can be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined to form new embodiments, and parts with the same or similar concepts or solutions can be mutually referenced or combined. The following describes the embodiments individually in detail.

[0196] Optionally, the non-AP MLD in this application may be the non-AP MLD shown in FIG. 1 , for example, non-AP MLD 200. In some embodiments, the station in this application may be a single-link device or a station in a non-AP MLD. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the AP in this application may be a single-link device or an AP in an AP MLD. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application. The station, AP, non-AP MLD, etc. in this application all support the 802.11be protocol and may further support other WLAN communication protocols such as the 802.11ax and 802.11ac protocols. It should be understood that the station, AP, non-AP MLD, etc. in this application may further support protocols subsequent to 802.11be. In other words, the method provided in this application is applicable to the 802.11be protocol and next-generation protocols of 802.11be.

[0197] 7 is a first schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method describes a method for further restricting existing SMPS rules to conform to EMLSR or EMLMR. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0198] S101: After receiving a first frame transmitted by a first AP when a non-AP MLD performs a listening operation on a first link, the non-AP MLD switches spatial streams on each link to the first link and performs frame exchange with the first AP, and the non-AP MLD supports enhanced multilink EML.

[0199] S102: If the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link and performs a listening operation.

[0200] Optionally, before step S101, the non-AP MLD may notify the first AP of an Enhanced Multi-link (EML) mode supported by the non-AP MLD. In one implementation, the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR. In another implementation, the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD may support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the non-AP MLD may further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0201] Optionally, e.g., non-AP MLD and the first APThere are two links, namely, a first link and a second link. When the non-AP MLD performs a listening operation on each of the first link and the second link, an initial control frame or an initial frame from the first AP is received on the first link, and the non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the second link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. After the switching, multiple spatial streams exist on the first link. The first AP operates on the first link. If the non-AP MLD determines that any preset condition in the preset condition set is satisfied, the non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link to the second link again and performs a listening operation on each of the first link and the second link. Optionally, if non-AP MLD determines that any preset condition in the preset condition set is met, non-AP MLD shall switch back to the listening operation after the EMLSR Transition Delay or EMLMR Transition Delay duration. It should be understood that if non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, non-AP MLD will switch back to listening operation after the EMLSR Switch Delay duration. If non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, non-AP MLD will switch back to listening operation after the EMLMR Transition Delay duration.

[0202] Optionally, the preset condition set includes one or more preset conditions from a first preset condition, a second preset condition, and a third preset condition, which are described in detail below separately.

[0203] The first preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a wireless frame on a first link, the wireless frame's transmission address (TA) is different from the TA of the frame initiating the current TXOP, the wireless frame is not an uplink unicast control frame, or the wireless frame is neither an uplink unicast control frame nor a frame used for reporting, and the uplink unicast control frame includes a BA frame. Optionally, the uplink unicast control frame further includes a Power Saving-Poll (PS-Poll) frame.

[0204] Optionally, the frames used for reporting include one or more of: Compressed Beamforming / CQI (see section 9.6.31.2 of the standard document) frames, frames containing Beamforming Reports (BFR), frames containing Buffer Status Reports (BSR), frames containing Bandwidth Query Reports (BQR), frames containing Bandwidth Query Reports (BQR), frames containing Null Data Packet Feedback Reports (NDP Feedback Reports (NFR), see section 26.5.7 of the standard document).

[0205] It should be understood that one non-AP MLD includes multiple stations, and one station of the non-AP MLD operates on one link (an affiliated STA (if any) of the non-AP MLD that operates on a link). In this case, "the non-AP MLD receives a wireless frame on a first link" is equivalent to "a station in the non-AP MLD that operates on the first link receives one wireless frame," and this is the same hereinafter, and the details will not be described again.

[0206] In other words, the first preset condition is that the station (which refers to a station in non-AP MLD and operating on the first link) receives a frame, but the TA of the frame is different from the TA of the frame that initiates the current TXOP. Some unicast control frames transmitted to the AP, including one or both of BA frames and PS-Poll frames, are excluded. Some frames or reports transmitted to the AP are further excluded, including some or all of frames such as CQI frames, BFR, BSR, BQR, and NFR.

[0207] The second preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a unicast frame on the first link, the destination address of the unicast frame is another station, and the unicast frame is not a unicast control frame. The other station in this specification is a station other than the station in the non-AP MLD operating on the first link. In other words, the other station includes a station in the non-AP MLD not operating on the first link, another non-AP MLD, another single-link device, etc. Optionally, the unicast control frame includes a BAR frame.

[0208] Optionally, the unicast control frames further include one or more of an acknowledgement (ACK) frame, a Beamforming Report Poll (BFRP) frame, and a Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) frame.

[0209] Optionally, the unicast control frame further includes a unicast trigger frame, which includes a MU-BAR frame, a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP) frame, Beamforming Reporting PolesIncludes one or more of a BFRP frame, a Multi-User request to send (MU-RTS) frame, a Bandwidth Query Report Poll (BQRP) frame, and a Null Data Packet Feedback Report Poll (NDP Feedback Report Poll (NFRP) frame.

[0210] In other words, the second preset condition is that the station (which refers to a station in non-AP MLD and operating on the first link) receives a unicast frame whose destination address is another STA. Some unicast control frames are excluded, including some or all of BAR, ACK, BFRP, and NDPA frames. Some unicast trigger frames are also excluded: MU-BAR, BSRP, trigger-type BFRP, MU-RTS, BQRP, and NFRP frames.

[0211] It can be seen that the above-mentioned first preset condition and the above-mentioned second preset condition solve the problem that the existing SM PS rule cannot be applied to EMLSR and / or EMLMR by excluding some frames. That is, when an AP serves an EMLSR / EMLMR non-AP STA, the EMLSR non-AP STA receives these frames, so that the EMLSR non-AP STA does not switch back to listening operation, and therefore a frame exchange termination rule can be determined. In addition, this rule enables the AP to serve other STAs while serving a STA in EMLSR mode, thereby implementing multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0212] The third preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives one trigger frame transmitted by the TXOP holder on the first link, and the user information field of the non-AP MLD is not present in the trigger frame, or the association identifier indicating uplink Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-based random access is not present in the trigger frame. . duty Optionally, the trigger frames herein may include one or both of an MU-RTS frame and a BSRP frame.

[0213] In other words, the third preset condition is that the station (which is in non-AP MLD and operates on the first link) receives a trigger frame from the TXOP holder, including some or all types of trigger frames, such as MU-RTS and BSRP frames. In addition, the association identifier 12 (AID12) in the User Info field is set to 0. Sub The value of the field is in non-AP MLD and is not equal to the least significant 12 bits of the AID of the station operating on the first link, or there is no AID indicating Uplink OFDMA-based Random Access (UORA).

[0214] A condition for switching back to listening operation with non-AP MLD is added to the third preset condition in terms of a trigger frame, which may prove useful in improving the SM PS rules.

[0215] Optionally, the preset condition set further includes one or more of the following preset conditions: the non-AP MLD receives a frame of another basic service set on the first link; the non-AP MLD receives an HE MU PPDU on the first link, and the basic service set BSS color carried in the HE MU PPDU is the same as the BSS color of the BSS to which a station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link belongs; the HE MU PPDU does not include any RU station identifier field that identifies the station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link as the recipient or one of the recipients of the RU; the BSS color invalid field carried in the HE action element most recently received by the non-AP MLD from the first AP has a value of 0; and the carrier sense mechanism indicates that the channel corresponding to the first link is idle at a TxPIFS slot boundary.

[0216] EMLSR / EMLMR are used as illustrative examples in this embodiment of the present application. Similarly, the preset condition set provided in this embodiment of the present application is still applicable to multi-user SM PS if non-AP MLD is replaced by STA. "If non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set, non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link to perform listening operation" is replaced with "When the STA determines that any preset condition in the preset condition set is satisfied, the STA immediately switches back to single receive chain mode."

[0217] In this embodiment of the present application, in order to solve the problem that the existing SM PS rules cannot be applied to EMLSR / EMLMR, so that the frame exchange termination rule can be determined, the SM PS rules are modified, for example, it can be found that some exception frames are excluded from the existing SM PS rules. In addition, this rule enables the AP to serve other STAs while serving a STA in EMLSR mode, thereby implementing multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0218] 8 is a second schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method describes how to restrict the behavior of an AP to adapt existing SM PS rules to EMLSR or EMLMR. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0219] S201: After a first AP successfully transmits a first frame on a first link and before the completion of frame exchange with N stations associated with the first AP, the first AP uses a first type of PPDU when conducting frame exchange with the N stations on the first link, the first type of PPDU is an MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame, a non-AP MLD to which at least one station among the N stations belongs supports EML, the receiving address carried in the broadcast frame is a broadcast address, and the receiving address carried in the multicast frame is a multicast address, the first type of PPDU carries indication information, the indication information including an indication that a station on the first link is used as a receiver, and the first type of PPDU includes a triggering frame, the triggering frame being used to schedule the station to transmit a TB PPDU.

[0220] Optionally, the N stations may include single-link stations or may include stations in non-AP MLDs. All N stations operate on the first link. If the N stations include stations in non-AP MLDs, at least one of these non-AP MLDs supports EMLSR or EMLMR. Furthermore, at least one of these non-AP MLDs supports multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and at least one of these non-AP MLDs further supports single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If at least one of these non-AP MLDs supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If at least one of these non-AP MLDs supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0221] Optionally, after the first AP successfully transmits a first frame on the first link and before the end of the frame exchanges with the N stations associated with the first AP, the first AP uses a first type of PPDU (the first type of PPDU is an MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame) when conducting a frame exchange with the N stations on the first link to interact with the N stations, and information indicating that the station on the first link is used as a receiver (or one of the receivers), such as a station identifier STA_ID, needs to be carried in the exchange. For example, in the MU PPDU transmitted by the AP, the RXVECTOR (RXVECTOR) parameter includes a station identifier (STA_ID) field of the RU (which may be the STA_ID of the station or another type of STA_ID, such as an STA_ID indicating broadcast, and is not limited herein) that identifies the station on the first link as a receiver or one of the receivers of the RU. In addition, the first AP needs to schedule uplink multi-user transmission. In other words, the first type of PPDU includes a triggering frame, which is used to schedule stations to transmit trigger-based PPDUs (TB PPDUs), where N is a positive integer. The triggering frame is a trigger frame or a frame carrying a TRS (triggered response scheduling) control subfield.

[0222] Correspondingly, a first station among the N stations is used as an example. After the first station successfully receives a first frame when performing a listening operation on the first link and before the end of the frame exchange between the first station and a first AP associated with the first station, the first station receives a first type of PPDU on the first link by using multiple spatial streams. After receiving the first type of PPDU, the first station transmits a frame in a TB PPDU format to the AP.

[0223] The AP behavior provided in this embodiment of the present application is still applicable to a multi-user SM PS. When this embodiment of the present application is applied to a multi-user SM PS, all of the N stations are single-link stations.

[0224] In this embodiment of the present application, both the AP and the station are restricted to using the first type of PPDU in the frame exchange process, so that the station can be known to respond to the AP by using a frame in the TB PPDU format. In this way, the existing SM PS rule is adapted to EMLSR or EMLMR, and the frame exchange termination rule is determined. This rule also allows the AP to serve other STAs while serving a STA in EMLSR mode, thereby implementing multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0225] 9 is a third schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method describes a scheme for restricting the behavior of an AP and modifying existing SM PS rules to solve the problem that existing SM PS rules cannot be applied to the EMLSR and / or EMLMR. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0226] S301: After a first AP successfully transmits a first frame on a first link and before the completion of frame exchange with N stations associated with the first AP, the first AP uses a first type of PPDU when conducting frame exchange with the N stations on the first link, the first type of PPDU is an MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame, a non-AP MLD to which at least one station among the N stations belongs supports EML, the receiving address carried in the broadcast frame is a broadcast address, the receiving address carried in the multicast frame is a multicast address, the first type of PPDU carries indication information, and the indication information indicates that the station on the first link is used as a receiver.

[0227] Optionally, the N stations may include single-link stations or may include stations in non-AP MLDs. All N stations operate on the first link. If the N stations include stations in non-AP MLDs, at least one of these non-AP MLDs supports EMLSR or EMLMR. Furthermore, at least one of these non-AP MLDs supports multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and at least one of these non-AP MLDs further supports single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If at least one of these non-AP MLDs supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If at least one of these non-AP MLDs supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0228] Optionally, after the first AP successfully transmits a first frame on the first link and before the end of the frame exchanges with the N stations associated with the first AP, the first AP uses a first type of PPDU (the first type of PPDU is an MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame) when conducting frame exchanges with the N stations on the first link to interact with the N stations. The first type of PPDU carries indication information indicating that a station on the first link is used as a receiver (or one of the receivers). For example, the indication information is a station identifier STA_ID. A receiving address carried in a broadcast frame is a broadcast address, and a receiving address carried in a multicast frame is a multicast address.

[0229] Optionally, the first type PPDU includes a triggering frame, which is used to schedule a station to transmit a TB PPDU. The triggering frame is a trigger frame or a frame carrying a TRS control subfield.

[0230] S302: The non-AP MLD receives a first type of PPDU on a first link by using multiple spatial streams, the non-AP MLD supports EML, and the first frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link for frame exchange.

[0231] S303: If the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link and performs a listening operation.

[0232] Optionally, the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR or EMLMR. After the non-AP MLD successfully receives an initial frame or an initial control frame from a first AP when performing a listening operation on a first link, and before completion of frame exchange between the non-AP MLD and the first AP associated with the first station in the non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD receives a first type of PPDU on the first link by using multiple spatial streams. The initial frame or the initial control frame causes the non-AP MLD to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link for frame exchange. Instruct to. The first type of PPDU is an MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame. The first type of PPDU carries indication information indicating that a station on the first link is used as a receiver (or one of the receivers). It should be understood that the indication information in this specification must indicate that the first station is used as a receiver (or one of the receivers). If the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set, the non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link back to each link to perform listening operations.

[0233] Optionally, the preset condition set includes one or more preset conditions among a first preset condition, a second preset condition, and a third preset condition. For descriptions of the first preset condition and the third preset condition, please refer to the corresponding descriptions in the embodiment shown in Figure 7. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0234] Optionally, the preset condition set further includes one or more of the following preset conditions: the non-AP MLD receives a unicast frame on the first link, and the destination address of the unicast frame is another station; the non-AP MLD receives a frame of another basic service set on the first link; the non-AP MLD receives an HE MU PPDU on the first link, and the BSS color carried in the HE MU PPDU is the same as the BSS color of the BSS to which the first station, which is in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link, belongs; the HE MU PPDU does not include any RU station identifier field that identifies the first station, which is in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link, as the recipient or one of the recipients of the RU; the BSS color invalid field carried in the HE action element most recently received by the non-AP MLD from the first AP has a value of 0; and the carrier sense mechanism indicates that the channel corresponding to the first link is idle at a TxPIFS slot boundary.

[0235] Optionally, the first type PPDU includes a trigger frame, and the trigger frame is used to schedule the non-AP MLD to transmit the TB PPDU. After the non-AP MLD receives the first type PPDU over the first link using multiple spatial streams, the non-AP MLD transmits the TB PPDU over the first link using multiple spatial streams.

[0236] The AP behavior and preset condition set provided in this embodiment of the present application are still applicable to multi-user SM PS, provided that the non-AP MLD is replaced with the STA: "If the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link to perform listening operations" is replaced with "When the STA determines that any preset condition in the preset condition set is satisfied, the STA immediately switches back to single receive chain mode."

[0237] In this embodiment of the present application, both the AP and the station are restricted to use the first type of PPDU in the frame exchange process, and the SM PS rule is modified, for example, some exception frames are excluded from the existing SM PS rule, so as to solve the problem that the existing SM PS rule cannot be applied to EMLSR / EMLMR, and as a result, it can be found that the frame exchange termination rule can be determined. In addition, this rule allows the AP to serve other STAs while serving the STA in EMLSR mode, thereby implementing multi-user communication, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0238] 10 is a fourth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. A method for switching back to listening operation after the exchange of the initial frame / initial control frame fails is described. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0239] S401: After the non-AP MLD receives a first frame transmitted by a first AP on a first link and switches the spatial streams on each link to the first link, if the non-AP MLD determines that the exchange of the first frame fails, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to each link to perform a listening operation, and the non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0240] Optionally, before step S401, the non-AP MLD may notify the first AP of the EML modes supported by the non-AP MLD. In one implementation, the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR. In another implementation, the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD may support multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and the non-AP MLD may further support single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0241] Optionally, the communication method further comprises the following steps:

[0242] S402: If the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition among the preset conditions set within a first duration starting from the moment the first frame is received, the non-AP MLD determines that the exchange of the first frame has failed.

[0243] Optionally, after the non-AP MLD receives the initial control frame or initial frame transmitted by the first AP on the first link and switches the spatial streams on each link to the first link, if the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition among the preset conditions set within a first duration (i.e., ΔT) starting from the moment the initial control frame or initial frame is received, the non-AP MLD determines that the exchange with the initial control frame or initial frame has failed. In this case, the non-AP MLD immediately switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link back to each link to perform listening operations.

[0244] Optionally, the set of preset conditions includes one or more of the following preset conditions:

[0245] (1) A station in non-AP MLD and operating on the first link does not receive a PPDU within a first duration (ΔT). Figure 11a is a first schematic diagram of a preset condition according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11a, after the AP transmits an MU-RTS frame, if a STA in non-AP MLD and operating on link 1 does not receive a PPDU within a first duration (ΔT) after receiving the MU-RTS frame, the non-AP MLD immediately switches some spatial streams / antennas on link 1 back to each link to perform listening operations.

[0246] (2) The first PPDU received by a station in non-AP MLD and operating on the first link within a first duration (ΔT) is a PPDU from another BSS. Figure 11b is a second schematic diagram of a preset condition according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11b, after the AP transmits an MU-RTS frame, if the first PPDU received by a STA in non-AP MLD and operating on link 1 within a first duration (ΔT) after receiving the MU-RTS frame is from an inter-BSS (another BSS), the non-AP MLD immediately switches some spatial streams / antennas on link 1 back to each link and performs listening operations.

[0247] (3) The first PPDU received by a station in non-AP MLD and operating on the first link within a first duration (ΔT) is an uplink PPDU of an intra-BSS. Figure 11c is a third schematic diagram of a preset condition according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11c, after the AP transmits an MU-RTS frame, if the first PPDU received by a STA in non-AP MLD and operating on link 1 within a first duration (ΔT) after receiving the MU-RTS frame is from an intra-BSS but is an uplink in a certain direction, the non-AP MLD immediately switches some spatial streams / antennas on link 1 back to each link to perform listening operations.

[0248] (4) The first PPDU received within the first duration (ΔT) by a station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link is a downlink PPDU in a BSS to which the station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link belongs, and the recipient indicated by the station identifier field in the downlink PPDU is not the station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link. In other words, the first PPDU received within the first duration (ΔT) by a station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link is an intra-BSS PPDU, but the STA-ID field indicates that the station is not the recipient.

[0249] (5) A first PPDU received within the first duration (ΔT) by a station operating on the first link and within the non-AP MLD includes a frame having a unicast address, and the receiving address of the frame is not a station operating on the first link and within the non-AP MLD; or the first PPDU includes a trigger frame, and an association identifier in any user information field in the trigger frame does not match an association identifier of a station operating on the first link and within the non-AP MLD; or an association identifier indicating uplink OFDMA-based random access is not present in the trigger frame. . exchange In other words, the first PPDU received within the first duration (ΔT) by a station operating on the first link and within the non-AP MLD contains a frame with a unicast address, and the receiving address is not a station operating on the first link and within the non-AP MLD, or the first received PPDU contains a trigger frame, but AID 12 in any user information field does not match the AID of a station operating on the first link and within the non-AP MLD, or there is no AID indicating uplink OFDMA-based random access.

[0250] 11d is a fourth schematic diagram of preset conditions according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11d, after the AP transmits the MU-RTS frame, if a STA in non-AP MLD operating on Link 1 meets the above condition (4) or (5) within a first duration (ΔT) after receiving the MU-RTS frame, the non-AP MLD immediately switches some spatial streams / antennas on Link 1 back to each link to perform listening operations.

[0251] It should be understood that if any of the preset conditions in the preset condition set is determined within ΔT, an operation of switching some of the spatial streams / antennas on the first link back to the respective links to perform the listening operation may be performed immediately; in other words, the switching does not need to be performed at the time of ΔT.

[0252] Accordingly, AP behavior needs to be further restricted to provide a basis for the non-AP MLD to determine whether the exchange with the initial control frame or initial frame was successful. Specifically, the first AP transmits a first frame (initial control frame or initial frame) on the first link, which instructs the non-AP MLD to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link for frame exchange. After receiving a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame) for the first frame, the first AP transmits a PPDU. The PPDU contains a unicast frame, and the receiving address of the unicast frame indicates a station in the non-AP MLD operating on the first link. Alternatively, the PPDU contains a trigger frame, which is used to schedule a station in the non-AP MLD operating on the first link to perform uplink transmission. In addition, the first AP cannot transmit the first frame to the non-AP MLD on the second link within a time range after transmitting the first frame. In this specification, the second link refers to a link other than the first link in the non-AP MLD. The time range in this specification is the sum of the duration (Switch Delay) during which the non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link to each link again to perform listening operations and the first duration (denoted as ΔT). In other words, it is assumed that the link on which the AP transmits the initial control frame / initial frame is link i, and after the AP receives the response frame for the initial control frame / initial frame, the first transmitted PPDU must include a unicast frame having a station in the non-AP MLD operating on link i as a recipient, or a trigger frame for explicitly scheduling a station in the non-AP MLD operating on link i. In addition, after transmitting the initial control frame / initial frame, the AP is not permitted to retransmit the initial control frame / initial frame to the non-AP MLD on another link j (j ≠ i) within the time range of ΔT + Switch Delay.

[0253] In this embodiment of the present application, the behavior of the AP is restricted, and it can be seen that the first PPDU sent by the AP after the AP receives the initial control frame / initial frame response frame must meet the requirement. In this way, if the station side does not receive the corresponding PPDU within the first duration, it indicates that the first frame exchange has failed.

[0254] In some cases, the first duration (ΔT) may be specified in a standard or may be broadcast by the AP in a beacon frame, etc. The first duration may be equal to or greater than the time minimum. Herein, the time minimum (i.e., the minimum value of the first duration) is defined as: ΔT min =t cts +2t SIFS +t preamble +t MPDU , ΔT min =t cts +2t SIFS +t preamble , and ΔT min =t cts +t SIFS +t PIFS +t aSlotTime where ΔT represents the first duration and ΔT min represents the minimum value of the first duration (i.e., the minimum time value), and t cts represents the transmission duration of a (clear to send, CTS) frame, and t SIFS represents the duration of the short interframe space (SIFS), and T preamble represents the reception duration of the preamble, and t MPDU represents the transmission duration of a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU), and t PIFSrepresents the duration of the Point Coordination Function Interframe Space (PIFS), and t aSlotTime represents the duration of one slot.

[0255] It should be understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present application is still applicable to multi-user SMPS if non-AP MLD is replaced with STA and "first frame" is replaced with "initial frame." Non-AP MLD is replaced with "STA immediately switches back to single receive chain mode" after switching the spatial stream on the first link to each link to perform listening operations. It should be further understood that this embodiment of the present application can be implemented independently or together with any one of the previous embodiments. This is not a limitation in the present application.

[0256] It can be seen that in this embodiment of the present application, the behavior of the AP is restricted to provide a basis for the station side to determine whether the exchange with the initial control frame or initial frame is successful. The condition for the station side to determine the exchange failure is designed so that the initial frame / initial control frame can be switched back to listening operation in time after the exchange fails. This can improve the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR, and further improve the working efficiency and switching efficiency of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR.

[0257] 12 is a fifth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method describes how to simplify the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR by setting a frame exchange duration. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 12, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0258] S501: A first AP transmits a first frame on a first link, where the first frame carries one or more second durations.

[0259] Optionally, the first frame may be an initial control frame, or an initial frame. It's okay to have one. The first frame may carry one or more second durations, and the first frame may further carry a duration field. When the first frame carries one second duration, the second duration may be a duration individually assigned to the first non-AP MLD, and the start of the second duration is the end of the time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. Alternatively, the second duration may be a total duration assigned by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs (including the first non-AP MLD) that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP. In this case, the start of the second duration is the end of the time when each non-AP MLD receives the first frame. If the first frame carries multiple second durations, and the multiple second durations include a second duration assigned to a first non-AP MLD, the start time of the second duration assigned to the first non-AP MLD may be determined based on the time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. start The first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR or EMLMR.

[0260] Optionally, the first frame instructs the non-AP MLD (including the first non-AP MLD) to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. The second duration is used to enable the non-AP MLD (including the first non-AP MLD) to switch some spatial streams / antennas on the first link back to the respective links to perform listening operations after the second duration.

[0261] S502: A first non-AP MLD receives a first frame transmitted by a first AP on a first link, the first frame carrying a second duration, the start point of the second duration being the end point at which the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame, the first non-AP MLD supports EML, and the first frame instructs the first non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP.

[0262] S503: The first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation after a second duration.

[0263] Optionally, before step S501, the first non-AP MLD may notify the first AP of the EML modes supported by the first non-AP MLD. In one implementation, the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR. In another implementation, the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the first non-AP MLD supports multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, or the first non-AP MLD supports single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. Alternatively, the first non-AP MLD supports both multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR and single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0264] Optionally, the first non-AP MLD receives a first frame (i.e., an initial control frame or an initial frame) transmitted by the first AP over the first link, where the first frame carries a second duration. The second duration may be a duration individually assigned by the first AP to the first non-AP MLD, or may be a total duration assigned by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP. The start time of the second duration is the end time at which the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. After the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame, the first non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on each link to the first link and performs frame exchange with the first AP. After the second duration, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to each link and performs listening operations.

[0265] In one implementation, if the second duration is a duration (denoted as T1) individually assigned to the first non-AP MLD by the first AP, the second duration may include a duration during which the first AP performs frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD. Optionally, the second duration may further include a duration during which the first non-AP MLD switches spatial streams on each link to the first link.

[0266] For example, see FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an exchange between an AP and a non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 13, the AP indicates one frame exchange duration (i.e., the second duration) for each STA in each non-AP MLD operating on link 1 in the MU-RTS frame. Therefore, the frame exchange durations of STAs in different non-AP MLDs operating on link 1 may be different. In FIG. 13, the frame exchange duration of non-AP STA 11 in non-AP MLD 1 operating on link 1 is T1, and the frame exchange duration of non-AP STA 21 in non-AP MLD 2 operating on link 1 is T2. After receiving the MU-RTS frame, the non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR completes spatial stream / antenna switching on link 1 and performs a frame exchange with the AP within the frame exchange duration of the non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR from the moment the MU-RTS frame is successfully transmitted / received. When the frame exchange duration of the non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR ends, the non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR switches the spatial streams / antennas on link 1 to each link again and performs listening operation. Optionally, the frame exchange duration (i.e., the second duration) may be set to the TXOP Duration assigned to different STAs by the AP, and may be determined by the AP based on experience and channel conditions to complete frame exchange with the corresponding STA within this duration.

[0267] In this implementation, the AP can allocate different durations to different STAs, which can be seen to be more flexible.

[0268] In another implementation, if the second duration is a total duration (denoted as T) assigned by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP, the second duration may include a duration during which the first AP conducts frame exchanges with multiple non-AP MLDs (i.e., all non-AP MLDs that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP). Optionally, the second duration may further include a duration during which each of the multiple non-AP MLDs switches spatial streams on another link to the first link. The multiple non-AP MLDs include the first non-AP MLD.

[0269] For example, see FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of another exchange between an AP supporting EMLSR and a non-AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 14, the AP conveys a fixed duration T in the MU-RTS frame. After receiving the MU-RTS frame, the non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR (there may be multiple non-AP MLDs) completes spatial stream / antenna switching on Link 1 and performs frame exchange with the AP within duration T from the moment the MU-RTS frame is successfully transmitted / received. When duration T expires, each non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR switches the spatial stream / antenna on Link 1 back to its respective link and performs listening operations. Optionally, duration T (i.e., the second duration) may be set to the TXOP Duration of the AP on Link 1 or may be shorter. For example, duration T is determined by the AP based on experience and channel conditions to complete frame exchange within duration T.

[0270] In this implementation, by using a fixed duration, the working mechanism of EMLSR / EMLMR can be further simplified and it can be seen that the implementation complexity is lower.

[0271] It should be understood that Figures 13 and 14 are explained by using only the example in which non-AP MLD supports EMLSR. Non-AP MLD supports EMLMR in the same way that non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, if you replace "MU-RTS frame" with "initial frame" and "EMLSR" with "EMLMR".

[0272] Optionally, the second duration may be placed in the common information field or the user information field of the first frame. In one example, if the second duration is the total duration assigned by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP, the second duration may be placed in the common information field of the first frame. In another example, if the second duration is a duration individually assigned by the first AP to the first non-AP MLD, the second duration may be placed in the user information field or the common information field of the first frame.

[0273] Optionally, the second duration is less than or equal to a TXOP duration of the first AP on the first link.

[0274] It should be understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present application is still applicable to a multi-user SMPS if the non-AP MLD is replaced with STA and the "first frame" is replaced with "initial frame." "The first non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link to perform a listening operation after the second duration" is replaced with "The STA switches back to the single receive chain mode immediately after the second duration." Optionally, this embodiment of the present application may be implemented independently or together with any one or more of the foregoing embodiments. This is not limited in this application.

[0275] In this embodiment of the present application, it can be seen that the frame exchange duration determined by the AP is carried in the initial control frame or the initial frame, and after the frame exchange duration, the AP directly switches to listening operation. Therefore, the operation mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR can be simplified, and the complexity of logic execution and implementation can be reduced.

[0276] 15 is a sixth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method provides an explanation that multiple stations jointly maintain one timer, thereby simplifying the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 15, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0277] S601: The non-AP MLD receives a first frame transmitted by a first AP on a first link, starts timing, switches spatial streams on each link to the first link, and performs frame exchange with the first AP, and the non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0278] S602: When a fourth frame is received in the frame exchange process between the non-AP MLD and the first AP, and the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the fourth frame is later than the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the first frame, the non-AP MLD updates the timing end time to the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the fourth frame.

[0279] S603: When the timing reaches 0, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link to perform listening operations.

[0280] Optionally, before step S601, the non-AP MLD may notify the first AP of the EML modes supported by the non-AP MLD. In one implementation, the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR. In another implementation, the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD supports multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, or the non-AP MLD supports single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. Alternatively, the non-AP MLD supports both multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR and single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0281] Optionally, the first AP may transmit the first frame to multiple non-AP MLDs on the first link, where the multiple non-AP MLDs support the same EML mode. For example, the multiple non-AP MLDs may all support EMLSR, or the multiple non-AP MLDs may all support EMLMR. Alternatively, the multiple non-AP MLDs may support both EMLSR and EMLMR. After receiving the first frame on the first link, each non-AP MLD starts timing and switches the spatial streams / antennas on each link of the non-AP MLD to the first link to exchange frames with the first AP. In other words, after receiving the first frame, the multiple non-AP MLDs jointly maintain a timer, which is used to record the remaining TXOP duration of the first AP. During initialization (i.e., after the first frame is received), the timer is set to the duration indicated by the duration field in the first frame. When a fourth frame is received in a frame exchange process between one non-AP MLD among the multiple non-AP MLDs and the first AP, and the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field of the fourth frame is later than the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field of the first frame, the non-AP MLD updates the end time of the timing to the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field of the fourth frame. In other words, the non-AP MLD modifies the end time of a timer jointly maintained by the multiple non-AP MLDs to the TXOP end time indicated by the duration field in the fourth frame. When the timing reaches 0 (i.e., the timer is 0), each non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link back to each link to perform listening operations.

[0282] For example, see FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the operation of EMLSR based on TXOP duration according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 16, an AP transmits an MU-RTS frame to non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2 on link 1. After non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2 receive the MU-RTS frame on link 1, STA 11, which is in non-AP MLD 1 and operates on link 1, and STA 21, which is in non-AP MLD 2 and operates on link 1, jointly maintain a timer. The timer is used to record the AP's remaining TXOP duration. During initialization, the timer jointly maintained by STA 11 and STA 21 is set to the duration indicated by the Duration field of the MU-RTS frame. In the process of frame exchange between the AP and STA 11 and STA 21, if the TXOP end time is updated (i.e., extended) by using the frame transmitted by the AP, the timer jointly maintained by STA 11 and STA 21 must also be updated accordingly. Specifically, the timer end time is updated to the end time indicated by the Duration field in the frame. When the timer reaches 0, each non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream / antenna on Link 1 back to each link and performs listening operations.

[0283] It should be understood that in Figure 16, only the working procedure of EMLSR is used as an example for explanation. The working procedure of EMLMR is the same as that of EMLSR, except that "MU-RTS frame" is replaced with "initial frame" and "EMLSR" is replaced with "EMLMR".

[0284] It should be understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present application is still applicable to multi-user SMPS if non-AP MLD is replaced with STA and "first frame" is replaced with "initial frame". "When timing reaches 0, non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link to perform listening operation" is replaced with "the STA switches back to single receive chain mode as soon as timing reaches 0". Optionally, this embodiment of the present application may be implemented independently or together with any one or more of the foregoing embodiments. This is not limited in this application.

[0285] It can be seen that in this embodiment of the present application, multiple stations (multiple stations operating on the same link as an AP and belonging to different non-AP MLDs) are restricted to jointly maintaining one timer. In a frame exchange process, when any station receives TXOP end time update information, the timer's end time is updated to the latest TXOP end time. When the timer reaches 0, it switches to listening operation. Therefore, in this embodiment of the present application, each station does not need to maintain its own timer. Therefore, the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR is simplified, and the complexity of logic execution and implementation can be reduced. In addition, in this embodiment of the present application, the initial control frame or initial frame does not need to carry an additional specified duration, and as a result, the non-AP MLD completes frame exchange with the AP within this duration, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0286] 17 is a seventh schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method provides an explanation that the operation mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR is simplified by using the indication of the existing More Data subfield. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 17, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0287] S701: A first AP transmits a first frame on a first link, and the first frame instructs a first non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP.

[0288] S702: The first non-AP MLD receives a first frame transmitted by a first AP on a first link, switches spatial streams on each link to the first link, and performs frame exchange with the first AP, where the first non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0289] Optionally, before step S701, the first non-AP MLD may notify the first AP of the EML modes supported by the first non-AP MLD. In one implementation, the first non-AP MLD supports EMLSR. In another implementation, the first non-AP MLD supports EMLMR. Furthermore, the first non-AP MLD supports multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, or the first non-AP MLD supports single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. Alternatively, the first non-AP MLD supports both multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR and single-user EMLSR / EMLMR. 1st If the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. 1st If the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is the initial frame.

[0290] Optionally, the first AP transmits an initial control frame or an initial frame on the first link, and the first non-AP MLD receives the initial control frame or the initial frame when performing a listening operation on the first link, switches some spatial streams / antennas on each link to the first link, and performs frame exchange with the first AP.

[0291] S703: The first AP transmits a second frame on the first link, where the second frame includes a more data subfield.

[0292] S704: The first non-AP MLD receives a second frame on the first link by using multiple spatial streams, where the second frame includes a more data subfield.

[0293] S705: If the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 0, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link to each link again and performs a listening operation.

[0294] In one implementation, in a process of performing a frame exchange between a first AP and a first non-AP MLD on a first link, the first AP transmits a second frame on the first link, where the second frame includes a more data subfield. For details about the value and meaning of the more data subfield, please refer to section 9.2.4.1.8 of the 802.11ax or 802.11be standard. Details will not be described herein. Correspondingly, the first non-AP MLD receives the second frame on the first link by using multiple spatial streams. It should be understood that the AP can transmit a frame, e.g., a data frame, carrying a more data subfield for each station to indicate whether the AP still has data for the STA in the next frame. If the more data subfield has a value of 1, it indicates that the AP still has data for the STA in the next frame. If the more data subfield has a value of 0, it indicates that the AP does not have data for the STA in the next frame. In this specification, the second frame carries a more data subfield for STAs in the first non-AP MLD operating on the first link. If the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 0, it indicates that the AP does not have data for STAs in the first non-AP MLD operating on the first link in the next frame. In this case, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link to the respective links again to perform a listening operation. Optionally, if the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 0, after completing the transmission of the response frame of the second frame, the first non-AP MLD can switch the spatial streams on the first link to the respective links again to perform a listening operation. Of course, if the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 1, it indicates that the AP still has data for STAs in the first non-AP MLD operating on the first link in the next frame.In this case, the first non-AP MLD continues to receive on the first link by using multiple spatial streams.

[0295] For example, see FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the operation of EMLSR based on the more data subfield according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 18, an AP transmits an MU-RTS frame on Link 1. After receiving the MU-RTS frame, the non-AP MLD (there may be multiple non-AP MLDs) supporting EMLSR completes spatial stream / antenna switching on Link 1. In the process of all STAs (referred to in this specification as STA 11 in non-AP MLD 1 and operating on Link 1, or STA 21 in non-AP MLD 2 and operating on Link 1) receiving the AP's data packet, if the STA finds that the value of the more data subfield is 0, after the STA completes transmitting a response frame, the non-AP MLD to which the STA belongs switches some spatial streams / antennas on Link 1 to each link again and performs listening operations. On the other hand, if the value of the more data subfield is 1, the STA continues to operate on this link (i.e., Link 1) by using multiple spatial streams / antennas.

[0296] It should be understood that in Figure 18, only the working procedure of EMLSR is used as an example for explanation. The working procedure of EMLMR is the same as that of EMLSR, except that "MU-RTS frame" is replaced with "initial frame" and "EMLSR" is replaced with "EMLMR".

[0297] In this implementation, in order to simplify the operation mechanism of EMLSR / EMLMR, the behavior of non-AP MLD is restricted and it can be seen that the signaling indication of the existing more data subfield can be fully reused without changing the value and meaning of the more data subfield.

[0298] In another implementation, in a process of performing frame exchange between a first AP and a first non-AP MLD on a first link, the first AP transmits a second frame on the first link, and the second frame includes a more data subfield. If the value of the more data subfield is 0, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to each link to perform a listening operation (this may be an implicit or explicit instruction). If the value of the more data subfield is 1, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD continues to receive on the first link by using multiple spatial streams (this may be an implicit or explicit instruction). Correspondingly, the first non-AP MLD receives the second frame on the first link by using multiple spatial streams. If the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 0, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link to each link again based on the instruction of the more data subfield to perform a listening operation. Optionally, if the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 0, after completing the transmission of the response frame of the second frame, the first non-AP MLD can switch the spatial streams on the first link to each link again based on the instruction of the more data subfield to perform a listening operation. Of course, if the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 1, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD continues to receive on the first link by using multiple spatial streams. In this case, the first non-AP MLD continues to receive on the first link by using multiple spatial streams.

[0299] In this implementation, it can be seen that a new meaning (which can be an implicit instruction) is added to the more data subfield in order to simplify the working mechanism of the EMLSR / EMLMR. In addition, the meaning is clear and makes parsing at the station side easier.

[0300] In yet another implementation, the first frame carries one or more second durations. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. The details will not be described again herein. For ease of explanation, one second duration is used in the following example, and the second duration may be used by the first non-AP MLD. In other words, the second duration is the total duration assigned by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs (including the first non-AP MLD) that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP. Alternatively, the second duration is a duration individually assigned by the first AP to the first non-AP MLD. The start time of the second duration is the end time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. When the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame on the first link, the first non-AP MLD starts timing. If the value of the more data subfield in the second frame received by the first non-AP MLD on the first link is 0 before the timing reaches the second duration, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link to each link again and performs listening operations. If the value of the more data subfield in the second frame received by the first non-AP MLD on the first link is 1, the first non-AP MLD continues receiving on the first link by using multiple spatial streams. When the timing reaches the second duration, regardless of whether the value of the more data subfield in the second frame received by the first non-AP MLD on the first link is 1 or 0, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link to each link. link and perform the listening operation.

[0301] For example, see Figure 19. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the operation of EMLSR based on a combination of the more data subfield and duration according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 19, a fixed duration T is used as an example. The AP transmits an MU-RTS frame carrying the fixed duration T. After receiving the MU-RTS frame, the non-AP MLD (there may be multiple non-AP MLDs) supporting EMLSR completes spatial stream / antenna switching on link 1 and performs frame exchange with the AP within duration T from the moment the MU-RTS frame is successfully transmitted / received. If all STAs (herein, this refers to STA 11 in non-AP MLD 1 operating on Link 1, or STA 21 in non-AP MLD 2 operating on Link 1) find that the value of the more data subfield is 0 in the process of receiving the AP's data packet before the duration T expires, after the non-AP STA completes transmitting the response frame, the non-AP MLD to which the STA belongs switches the spatial streams / antennas on Link 1 to each link again and performs listening operations. On the other hand, if the value of the more data subfield is 1, the STA continues to operate on this link (i.e., Link 1) by using multiple spatial streams / antennas. When the duration T expires, regardless of the most recent value of the more data subfield, the non-AP MLD to which the STA belongs must switch the spatial streams / antennas on Link 1 to each link again and perform listening operations.

[0302] It should be understood that in Figure 19, only the working procedure of EMLSR is used as an example for explanation. The working procedure of EMLMR is the same as that of EMLSR, with the condition that "MU-RTS frame" is replaced with "initial frame" and "EMLSR" is replaced with "EMLMR". In addition, in Figure 19, only the fixed duration T is used as an example for explanation. In some embodiments, the fixed duration T may alternatively be replaced with a duration T1 individually assigned by the first AP to the first non-AP MLD.

[0303] In this implementation, to solve the problem that when the more data subfield is used independently, the non-AP MLD erroneously decodes the value 0 of the more data subfield as the value 1 of the more data subfield, and therefore the non-AP MLD is unable to switch back to listening operation, it can be seen that the combination of the more data subfield and the duration is used to determine whether the non-AP MLD will perform switching.

[0304] It should be understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present application is in non-AP MLD and does not limit whether the STA operating on the first link is in an energy saving (PS) mode or an active mode. In other words, the technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present application may be applicable to both the STA in the PS mode and the STA in the active mode.

[0305] It should be further understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present application is still applicable to a multi-user SM PS if non-AP MLD is replaced with STA and "first frame" is replaced with "initial frame." Non-AP MLD is replaced with "STA immediately switches back to single receive chain mode" after switching the spatial stream on the first link to each link to perform listening operations. Optionally, this embodiment of the present application may be implemented independently or together with any one or more of the previous embodiments. This is not limited in the present application.

[0306] In this embodiment of the present application, it can be seen that existing signaling indications are used and / or the behavior of non-AP MLD is limited, and no timer needs to be maintained, so the working mechanism of EMLSR and / or EMLMR can be simplified, and the complexity of logic execution and implementation can be reduced.

[0307] 20 is an eighth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method provides an explanation that the operation mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR is simplified by using the indication of the existing End of Service Period (EOSP) subfield. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 20, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0308] S801: A first AP transmits a first frame on a first link, and the first frame instructs a first non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP.

[0309] S802: The first non-AP MLD receives a first frame transmitted by a first AP on a first link, switches spatial streams on each link to the first link, and performs frame exchange with the first AP, where the first non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0310] Optionally, for the implementation of step S801 and step S802 in this embodiment of the present application, please refer to the implementation of step S701 and step S702 in the aforementioned Embodiment 7. The details will not be described again in this specification.

[0311] S803: The first AP transmits a third frame on the first link, where the third frame includes an EOSP subfield, and the EOSP subfield is set to 1.

[0312] S804: The first non-AP MLD receives a third frame on the first link using multiple spatial streams, where the third frame includes an EOSP subfield, and the EOSP subfield is set to 1.

[0313] S805: The first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the links, and performs a listening operation.

[0314] Optionally, the third frame may be a Quality of Service (QoS) data frame or a Quality of Service Null (QoS Null) frame. The third frame carries an EOSP subfield, which is set to 1. For details about the values ​​and meanings of the EOSP subfield, see the description in section 9.2.4.5.3 of the 802.11 REVmd standard; details are not described here.

[0315] In one implementation, when the first AP intends to terminate frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD, the first AP may transmit a third frame on the first link, where the third frame includes an EOSP subfield and the EOSP subfield is set to 1. After receiving the third frame on the first link by using multiple spatial streams / multiple antennas, the first non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link back to each link to perform listening operations. In other words, the first AP may transmit a frame, for example, a QoS data frame or a QoS null frame, to a STA in the first non-AP MLD and operating on the first link, where the frame carries an EOSP subfield and the EOSP subfield is set to 1. After the STA receives the frame, the first non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams / antennas on the first link back to each link to perform listening operations. The first AP may transmit the third frame in a unicast manner, or may transmit the third frame in a multicast or broadcast manner, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. If the first AP needs to further exchange frames with the first non-AP MLD, the first AP may not transmit the third frame.

[0316] It can be seen that in this implementation, non-AP MLD switching is controlled by using the EOSP subfield sent by the AP, and stations in the non-AP MLD do not need to maintain a timer, thereby simplifying station-side operation. Additionally, in this implementation, the existing EOSP subfield signaling indication can be fully reused without changing the value and meaning of the EOSP subfield.

[0317] In another implementation, when the first AP intends to terminate frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD, the first AP may transmit a third frame on the first link, the third frame including an EOSP subfield. When the EOSP subfield is set to 1, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD will again switch the spatial streams / antennas on the first link to each link to perform listening operations. After receiving the third frame on the first link using multiple spatial streams / multiple antennas, the first non-AP MLD will again switch the streams / antennas on the first link to each link to perform listening operations based on the indication of the EOSP subfield in the third frame. The first AP may transmit the third frame in a unicast manner, or may transmit the third frame in a multicast or broadcast manner. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. If the first AP needs to further perform frame exchange with the first non-AP MLD, the first AP may not transmit the third frame.

[0318] In this implementation, it can be seen that a new meaning (which can be an implicit indication) is added to the EOSP subfield in order to simplify the operation mechanism of the EMLSR / EMLMR. In addition, the meaning is clear and makes it easy to parse on the station side.

[0319] In yet another implementation, the first frame carries one or more second durations. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. The details will not be described again herein. For ease of explanation, one second duration is used in the following example, and the second duration may be used by the first non-AP MLD. In other words, the second duration is the total duration assigned by the first AP to all non-AP MLDs (including the first non-AP MLD) that support EMLSR / EMLMR and are scheduled by the first AP. Alternatively, the second duration is a duration individually assigned by the first AP to the first non-AP MLD. The start time of the second duration is the end time when the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame. When the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame on the first link, the first non-AP MLD starts timing. If the first non-AP MLD receives a third frame on the first link before the timing reaches the second duration, and the third frame includes an EOSP subfield and the EOSP subfield is set to 1, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link to each link again and performs a listening operation. When the timing reaches the second duration, regardless of whether the first non-AP MLD receives a third frame on the first link, the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link to each link again. link and perform the listening operation.

[0320] In this implementation, to solve the problem that the non-AP MLD cannot switch back to listening operation because it does not receive the EOSP subfield due to reasons such as channel quality, it can be seen that whether the non-AP MLD performs the switch is determined by using a combination of the EOSP subfield and the duration.

[0321] It should be understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present application is in non-AP MLD and does not limit whether the STA operating on the first link is in an energy saving (PS) mode or an active mode. In other words, the technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present application may be applicable to both the STA in the PS mode and the STA in the active mode.

[0322] It should be further understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present application is still applicable to a multi-user SM PS if non-AP MLD is replaced with STA and "first frame" is replaced with "initial frame." Non-AP MLD is replaced with "STA immediately switches back to single receive chain mode" after switching the spatial stream on the first link to each link to perform listening operations. Optionally, this embodiment of the present application may be implemented independently or together with any one or more of the previous embodiments. This is not limited in the present application.

[0323] In this embodiment of the present application, when an AP wants to end frame exchange with a non-AP MLD, the AP may transmit a frame, carry an EOSP subfield in the frame, and set the EOSP subfield to 1, so that the non-AP MLD may be found to switch back to listening operation after receiving the frame. There is no need to maintain a timer, thereby simplifying the working mechanism of the EMLSR and / or EMLMR and reducing the complexity of logic execution and implementation.

[0324] 21 is a schematic flow diagram of an information exchange method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method describes how a non-AP MLD indicates whether it supports joining a multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 21, the information exchange method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0325] S901: The non-AP MLD generates a MAC frame, the MAC frame carries first indication information, and the first indication information indicates whether the non-AP MLD supports joining a multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR.

[0326] S902: The non-AP MLD transmits a MAC frame.

[0327] S903: The first AP receives the MAC frame.

[0328] S904: The first AP determines, based on the indication of the first indication information in the MAC frame, whether the non-AP MLD supports joining the multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR.

[0329] Optionally, the MAC frame may include an Extended Multi-Link Capability field in the Multi-Link element. ies Field d) and the first indication information is placed in an EML capability field of the MAC frame.

[0330] Optionally, the MAC frame is an EML Operating Mode Notification / Negotiation frame. The EML Operating Mode Notification / Negotiation frame indicates that non-AP MLD intends to change EML operation, for example, to enable or disable EML operation. The frame can be used for notification or negotiation. For example, the frame is an EHT Action frame, and the corresponding values ​​of the EHT Action field in the EHT Action frame are shown in Table 1. When the value of the Action field is 1, it indicates that the EHT Action frame is an EML Operating Mode Notification / Negotiation frame.

[0331] [Table 1]

[0332] Optionally, the length of the first indication information is 1 bit. For example, if the bit is 0, it indicates that the non-AP MLD does not support joining a multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and if the bit is 1, it indicates that the non-AP MLD supports joining a multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR. Alternatively, if the bit is 1, it indicates that the non-AP MLD does not support joining a multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, and if the bit is 0, it indicates that the non-AP MLD supports joining a multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR. The correspondence between the value and meaning of the first indication information is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0333] Optionally, the length of the first indication information is two bits. One of the two bits indicates that the non-AP MLD does not support participation in a multi-user EMLSR, and the other bit indicates that the non-AP MLD does not support participation in a multi-user EMLMR. For example, when the two bits are 00, it indicates that the non-AP MLD does not support participation in a multi-user EMLSR and an EMLMR. When the two bits are 01, it indicates that the non-AP MLD does not support participation in a multi-user EMLMR but supports a multi-user EMLMR. Alternatively, when the two bits are 10, it indicates that the non-AP MLD supports participation in a multi-user EMLSR but does not support a multi-user EMLMR. When the two bits are 11, it indicates that the two bits are reserved. It should be understood that the correspondence between the value and the meaning is merely an example. In practice, there may be other correspondences between the value and the meaning. The correspondence between the value and the meaning of the first indication information is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0334] Optionally, if the first indication information indicates that the non-AP MLD supports joining the multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, the first AP may communicate with the non-AP MLD by using the technical solutions provided in any one of the foregoing embodiments. If the first indication information indicates that the non-AP MLD does not support joining the multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR, the first AP can communicate with the non-AP MLD by reusing existing SM PS rules.

[0335] Optionally, this embodiment of the present application may be implemented independently or together with any one or more of the previous embodiments, which is not limited in the present application.

[0336] It can be seen that this embodiment of the present application provides signaling indicating whether a non-AP MLD supports joining a multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR to lay the foundation for multi-user EMLSR / EMLMR communication.

[0337] Figure 22 is another schematic flowchart of an information exchange method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method describes how a STA (referred to as a single-link station or station in the 802.11ax standard and previous versions herein) indicates whether it supports joining a multi-user SM PS. Both the AP and the STA in Figure 22 are single-link devices. As shown in Figure 22, the information exchange method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0338] S1: A STA generates a MAC frame, where the MAC frame carries second indication information, and the second indication information indicates whether the STA supports joining a multi-user SM PS.

[0339] S2: The STA transmits a MAC frame.

[0340] S3: The AP receives the MAC frame.

[0341] S4: The AP determines whether the STA supports joining the multi-user SM PS based on the indication of the second indication information in the MAC frame.

[0342] Optionally, the MAC frame includes an EHT Capabilities element, and the second indication information is placed in an EML Capabilities element of the MAC frame.

[0343] Optionally, the MAC frame includes a Link Info field of a Multi-Link Element, and the second indication information is disposed in the Link Info field of the MAC frame.

[0344] Optionally, the length of the second indication information is 1 bit. For example, when the bit is 0, it indicates that the STA does not support joining the multi-user SM PS, and when the bit is 1, it indicates that the STA supports joining the multi-user SM PS. Alternatively, when the bit is 1, it indicates that the STA does not support joining the multi-user SM PS, and when the bit is 0, it indicates that the STA supports joining the multi-user SM PS. The correspondence between the value and meaning of the second indication information is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0345] Optionally, the AP may allow the STA to participate in multi-user SM PS operation only if the second indication information indicates that the STA supports participation in multi-user SM PS. If the second indication information indicates that the STA does not support participation in multi-user SM PS, the AP may communicate with the STA by using existing SM PS rules.

[0346] Optionally, this embodiment of the present application may be implemented independently or together with any one or more of the previous embodiments, which is not limited in the present application.

[0347] It can be seen that this embodiment of the present application provides signaling indicating whether a single-link STA supports participation in a multi-user SM PS to lay the foundation for multi-user SM PS communications.

[0348] In this application, a non-AP MLD that supports EMLSR may be referred to as an EMLSR non-AP MLD for short. If all or some stations in a non-AP MLD support EMLSR / are in EMLSR mode, the non-AP MLD is an EMLSR non-AP MLD. For ease of explanation, a non-AP STA in EMLSR mode in a non-AP MLD will be referred to as an EMLSR station hereinafter.

[0349] In some scenarios (including but not limited to scenario 1 below), when an AP communicates with one or more stations (the one or more stations including at least one station in EMLSR mode, referred to as an EMLSR station), errors may occur in the AP's frame transmission or reception. As a result, the AP may not be able to determine whether the EMLSR station has switched back to listening mode, and the AP may not be able to communicate with the EMLSR station.

[0350] Scenario 1: When an AP sends a downlink frame requiring a response, e.g., a unicast downlink data frame or a trigger frame, to one or more stations (including an EMLSR station), one of the following cases occurs: the AP fails to send the downlink frame, the AP does not receive a response (e.g., no response is received from all stations, or no response is received from some stations), or the AP receives a response but an error occurs in receiving the response (e.g., an error occurs in receiving the frame returned by all stations, or an error occurs in receiving the frame returned by some stations).

[0351] Therefore, to solve the aforementioned problem that the AP cannot determine whether one or more EMLSR stations have switched back to listening mode, one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: if the AP cannot determine whether an EMLSR station (or an EMLSR non-AP MLD) communicating with the AP has switched back to listening mode, the AP resends an initial control frame to the EMLSR station (or the EMLSR non-AP MLD). The AP is associated with the EMLSR station. Optionally, the next frame sent by the AP to the EMLSR station is an initial control frame, so that communication can continue without interruption.

[0352] It can be understood that there are many cases where the AP cannot determine whether the EMLSR station (or EMLSR non-AP MLD) communicating with the AP has switched back to listening mode. Examples are used below for explanation. It should be understood that the following examples do not impose limitations on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. In other words, in this embodiment of the present application, cases where the AP cannot determine whether the EMLSR station (or EMLSR non-AP MLD) communicating with the AP has switched back to listening mode include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

[0353] For example, see Figure 23. Figure 23 is a ninth schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method describes a method for keeping communication between an AP and one or more EMLSR stations uninterrupted when the AP cannot determine whether one or more EMLSR stations communicating with the AP have switched back to listening mode. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in an AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The EMLSR station is a non-AP STA in EMLSR mode in an EMLSR non-AP MLD. As shown in Figure 23, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0354] S11: In the process of the first AP performing frame exchange with the EMLSR non-AP MLD, the first AP sends a downlink frame requiring a response to the EMLSR non-AP MLD.

[0355] S12: If the first AP satisfies at least one condition in the preset condition set, the first AP sends an initial control frame to the EMLSR non-AP MLD.

[0356] A non-AP STA associated with the first AP in an EMLSR non-AP MLD is an EMLSR station.

[0357] Optionally, in a process in which the first AP performs frame exchange with the EMLSR non-AP MLD, the first AP transmits a downlink frame requiring a response, such as a downlink data frame or a trigger frame, to the EMLSR non-AP MLD. If the first AP satisfies at least one condition in the preset condition set, the first AP transmits an initial control frame to the EMLSR non-AP MLD. Optionally, the next frame transmitted by the first AP to the EMLSR non-AP MLD on the first link is the initial control frame.

[0358] The preset condition set includes: the first AP fails to transmit a downlink frame; the first AP does not receive a response; or the first AP receives a response but an error occurs when receiving the response. In other words, in the process of the first AP exchanging frames with the EMLSR non-AP MLD, if the first AP transmits a downlink frame requiring a response to the EMLSR non-AP MLD, but the first AP fails to transmit the downlink frame, does not receive the response, or receives the response but an error occurs when receiving the response, the first AP transmits an initial control frame (such as an MU-RTS frame or a BSRP frame) to the EMLSR non-AP MLD.

[0359] When an EMLSR station in the EMLSR non-AP MLD performs listening operation, it receives an initial control frame from the AP. The EMLSR non-AP MLD then switches the spatial stream / antenna on another link to the link on which the EMLSR station operates and exchanges frames with the AP. After the switchover, multiple spatial streams exist on the link on which the EMLSR station operates. In addition, if the AP sends a downlink frame requiring a response to the EMLSR non-AP MLD but the downlink frame is not sent, the AP does not receive a response, or the AP receives a response but an error occurs in receiving the response, the AP cannot determine whether the EMLSR non-AP MLD (or the EMLSR station in the MLD) has switched back to listening mode. Therefore, in this case, the AP resends the initial control frame to the EMLSR non-AP MLD. At this time, if the EMLSR non-AP MLD (EMLSR station) has switched back to listening mode, when it receives the initial control frame again, the EMLSR non-AP MLD will switch the spatial streams / antennas of the other link to the link on which the EMLSR station is again operating and exchange frames with the AP. At this time, if the EMLSR non-AP MLD (EMLSR station) does not switch back to listening mode, when it receives the initial control frame again, the EMLSR non-AP MLD will maintain multiple spatial streams on the link on which the EMLSR is operating, i.e., it will not switch back to listening mode.

[0360] Therefore, in some scenarios where the AP is unable to determine whether one or more EMLSR stations have switched back to listening mode, the AP is restricted to transmitting the initial control frame again so that communication can continue without interruption.

[0361] 24 is a schematic flowchart of a tenth communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The first AP may be a single-link AP or an AP in the AP MLD. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The EMLSR station is a non-AP STA in the EMLSR mode in the EMLSR non-AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 24, the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0362] S21: After receiving the initial control frame sent by the AP when performing a listening operation on the first link, the EMLSR non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on each link to the first link and performs frame exchange with the AP.

[0363] S22: If the EMLSR non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set, the EMLSR non-AP MLD switches the spatial stream on the first link back to each link and performs a listening operation.

[0364] Optionally, e.g., EMLSR non-AP MLD BetweenThere are two links, namely, a first link and a second link. A station operating on the first link within the EMLSR non-AP MLD is an EMLSR station. When the EMLSR non-AP MLD (or the non-AP MLD in EMLSR mode) receives an initial control frame (such as an MU-RTS frame or a BSRP frame) from the AP on the first link while performing a listening operation on each of the first and second links, the non-AP MLD supporting EMLSR switches the spatial streams / antennas on another link (referred to herein as the second link) to the first link and performs frame exchange with the AP. After the switch, multiple spatial streams exist on the first link. If the EMLSR non-AP MLD determines that any preset condition in the preset condition set is met, the EMLSR non-AP MLD switches some of the spatial streams / antennas on the first link to the second link again and performs a listening operation on each of the first and second links. Optionally, if the non-AP MLD determines that any preset condition in the preset condition set is met, the non-AP MLD shall switch back to the listening operation after the EMLSR Transition Delay duration. In other words, a non-AP MLD (or EMLSR station) that is in EMLSR mode will switch back to listening mode if any of the following conditions are met: A station in a non-AP MLD that receives the initial control frame does not receive a PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive within SIFS time + slot time + RxPHY Start Delay duration. The time is calculated starting from the end point at which the station transmits a PPDU back to the AP in the associated AP MLD, where the PPDU is used to respond to the most recently received frame from the AP. Alternatively, the time is calculated starting from the end point at which the station receives a PPDU transmitted by the AP, where the PPDU does not require an immediate response. A station in a non-AP MLD that receives the initial control frame receives a PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive within the SIFS time + slot time + RxPHY Start Delay duration. rules The time calculation rules are the same as those in the previous condition, and the details will not be described again in this specification. In addition, the PPDU includes frames transmitted to the station in a unicast manner, trigger frames indicated by the User Info field and transmitted to the station, CTS-to-self frames transmitted by the AP (associated with the station), and multi-STA BlockAck frames indicated by Per Association ID Traffic ID Information (Per AID TID Info) and transmitted to the station. BlockAck ) frame, a VHT / HE / EHT null data packet (NDP) Announcement frame sent to the station as indicated by the Station Info (STA Info) field, a BA frame sent to the AP (by another station), or a unicast BAR frame sent by the AP. A station that is in a non-AP MLD and receives an initial control frame does not respond to the recently received frame, but instead the frame is sent by an AP in the associated AP MLD and requires an immediate response after a 15-second frame.

[0365] It can be understood that the preset conditions set in this embodiment of the present application include one or more of the aforementioned conditions.

[0366] In this embodiment of the present application, some constraints are provided for switching the EMLSR non-AP MLD back to listening mode, reducing the power consumption of the EMLSR non-AP MLD and avoiding repeated switching due to unclear switching conditions. In addition, the scheduling flexibility of the AP is improved, and the AP can be prevented from continuously sending packets to the EMLSR non-AP MLD for testing because it is uncertain whether the EMLSR non-AP MLD will switch back to listening mode. In other words, the AP continues to schedule the EMLSR non-AP MLD, eliminating the uncertainty.

[0367] However, the aforementioned EMLSR non-AP MLD switching rules (i.e., the constraints for the EMLSR non-AP MLD to switch back to listening mode) can cause problems. For example, under the third condition (in other words, "a station in the non-AP MLD that receives an initial control frame has not responded to a recently received frame, and the frame is sent by an AP in the associated AP MLD and requires an immediate response after a single frame"), if an AP in the AP MLD associated with the EMLSR non-AP MLD does not receive a response from the EMLSR non-AP MLD, one possibility is that the AP assumes that the EMLSR non-AP MLD did not respond and has switched back to listening mode. Another possibility is that the EMLSR non-AP MLD responds to a recently received frame, but the response fails (e.g., the AP does not receive a response due to a collision). In this case, the EMLSR non-AP MLD does not switch back to listening mode. Therefore, in the third condition mentioned above, the AP cannot determine whether the EMLSR non-AP MLD has switched back to listening mode, which may cause a problem that the AP cannot continue communicating with the EMLSR station in the EMLSR non-AP MLD.

[0368] In addition, in some other scenarios, the AP is unable to determine whether one or more EMLSR stations should switch back to listening mode due to an error in transmitting or receiving a frame from the AP.

[0369] For example, when an AP transmits a downlink frame requiring a response, e.g., a downlink data frame or a trigger frame, to one or more stations (including an EMLSR station), one of the following cases occurs: the AP fails to transmit the downlink frame, the AP does not receive a response, or the AP receives a response but an error occurs in receiving the response (e.g., an error occurs in receiving the frame returned by all stations, or an error occurs in receiving the frame returned by some stations).

[0370] In another example, the AP transmits a unicast BAR frame to the station, which is a signal that the AP has sent to one or more stations. (E This is because there may be hidden nodes when communicating with a station (including an MLSR station). Therefore, when an AP sends a unicast BAR frame to a station (e.g., a first station), regardless of whether the BA returned by the station is successful, the AP cannot determine whether the EMLSR station has switched back to listening mode. The reasons why the AP cannot determine whether the EMLSR station has switched back to listening mode include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0371] A possible reason for the failure of the BA returned by the station may be that the first station does not respond with a BA. In this case, the EMLSR station (non-first station) switches back to listening mode. Alternatively, a possible reason for the failure of the BA returned by the station may be that the first station responds with a BA, but the AP fails to receive the BA. In this case, there are still two cases: the EMLSR station does not switch back to listening mode if the EMLSR station (non-first station) listens to the BA, or the EMLSR station does not switch back to listening mode if the first station is a hidden node of the EMLSR station (non-first station) and does not listen to the BA.

[0372] When the BA returned by the station is successful, if the EMLSR station (non-first station) listens to the BA, the EMLSR station does not switch back to listening mode, or if the first station is a hidden node of the EMLSR station (non-first station) and does not listen to the BA, the EMLSR station does not switch back to listening mode.

[0373] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating the existence of a hidden node when an AP communicates with multiple stations according to an embodiment of the present application. Assume that STA 1 and STA 2 are EMLSR stations and STA 3 is a hidden node (in this specification, STA 3 is assumed to be a legacy station, e.g., a VHT station). In this case, STA 1 cannot listen to STA 3's transmission. As shown in Figure 25, the AP transmits a BSRP frame to STA 1 and STA 2, and STA 1 and STA 2 return a BSR frame. Because STA 1 and STA 2 are EMLSR stations, after STA 1 receives the BSRP frame, the EMLSR non-AP MLD to which STA 1 belongs switches the spatial stream / antenna on another link to the link on which STA 1 operates in order to exchange frames with the AP. Similarly, after STA 2 receives the BSRP frame, the EMLSR non-AP MLD to which STA 2 belongs also switches the spatial stream / antenna on another link to the link on which STA 2 operates in order to exchange frames with the AP. In the first multi-user transmission process, the AP transmits a DL MU PPDU to STA 1, STA 2, and STA 3, and then transmits an MU BAR frame to STA 1 and STA 2. After receiving the MU BAR frame, STA 1 and STA 2 separately return BA frames (BA 1 and BA 2 in FIG. 25) to the AP. Because STA 3 is a legacy station, STA 3 cannot respond to the MU BAR frame. Therefore, the AP transmits a unicast BAR frame to STA 3. After receiving the BAR frame, STA 3 returns BA 3. In addition, because STA 3 is a hidden node, STA 1 cannot listen to STA 3's transmission. Therefore, when STA 3 transmits BA 3, STA 1 cannot listen to BA 3 and STA 1 can switch back to listening mode (because STA 1 thinks the channel is idle. After the channel has been idle for a period of time, STA 1 switches to listening mode).However, the AP does not know whether STA 1 can listen to STA 3's transmission; in other words, the AP does not know whether STA 1 will switch to listening mode. Therefore, in the AP's second multi-user transmission process, the AP transmits a DL MU PPDU to STA 1, STA 2, and another station. However, STA 1 may have switched back to listening mode, and therefore cannot receive the DL MU PPDU. As a result, communication between the AP and STA 1 cannot continue.

[0374] Therefore, based on the problem that the AP cannot determine whether one or more EMLSR stations have switched back to listening mode, the following solution is provided in this embodiment of the present application:

[0375] If the AP cannot determine whether the EMLSR station (or EMLSR non-AP MLD) communicating with the AP has switched back to listening mode, the AP retransmits the initial control frame to the EMLSR station (EMLSR non-AP MLD). Alternatively, if the AP is in the EMLSR non-AP MLD and cannot determine whether the EMLSR station operating on the first link has switched back to listening mode, the AP retransmits the initial control frame to the EMLSR station on the first link. Alternatively, if the AP cannot determine whether the EMLSR station (or EMLSR non-AP MLD) communicating with the AP has switched back to listening mode and the AP intends to continue communicating with the EMLSR station, the AP retransmits the initial control frame to the EMLSR station (EMLSR non-AP MLD).

[0376] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of continuing communication between an AP and an EMLSR station when a hidden node exists according to one embodiment of the present application. It is assumed that STA 1 and STA 2 are EMLSR stations and STA 3 is a hidden node (in this specification, STA 3 is assumed to be a legacy station, e.g., a VHT station). In this case, STA 1 cannot listen to STA 3's transmission. As shown in Figure 26, the AP transmits a BSRP frame to STA 1 and STA 2, and STA 1 and STA 2 return a BSR frame. The AP transmits a DL MU PPDU to STA 1, STA 2, and STA 3, and then the AP transmits an MU BAR frame to STA 1 and STA 2. After receiving the MU BAR frame, STA 1 and STA 2 return BA frames (BA 1 and BA 2 in Figure 26) separately to the AP. Because STA 3 is a legacy station, STA 3 cannot respond to the MU BAR frame. Therefore, the AP transmits a unicast BAR frame to STA 3. After receiving the BAR frame, STA 3 returns BA 3. In addition, because STA 3 is a hidden node, STA 1 cannot listen to STA 3's transmission. Therefore, when STA 3 transmits BA 3, STA 1 cannot listen to BA 3, and STA 1 can switch back to listening mode (this is because STA 1 thinks the channel is idle. After the channel has been idle for a certain period of time, STA 1 switches back to listening mode). If the AP wants to continue communication with STA 1 or if the AP still has data to send to STA 1, the AP can again transmit initial control frames to STA 1 and STA 2.

[0377] In this way, if the EMLSR station switches back to listening mode, when the EMLSR station receives the initial control frame again, the EMLSR non-AP MLD to which the EMLSR station belongs will switch the spatial streams / antennas on the other link to the link on which the EMLSR station operates and exchange frames with the AP. If the EMLSR station does not switch back to listening mode, when the EMLSR station receives the initial control frame again, the EMLSR non-AP MLD to which the EMLSR station belongs will continue to receive on multiple spatial streams on the link on which the EMLSR station operates, i.e., the EMLSR non-AP MLD will not switch back to listening mode and communication can continue uninterrupted.

[0378] The foregoing description describes in detail the methods provided in the present application. To facilitate the implementation of the foregoing solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application further provide corresponding apparatuses or devices.

[0379] In the embodiment of the present application, the access point and the non-AP MLD may be divided into functional modules based on the above-mentioned exemplary method. For example, each functional module may be obtained by dividing the functional modules based on their respective functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. Note that in the embodiment of the present application, the division into modules is an example and is merely a logical division of functions. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Below, with reference to Figures 27 to 29, a communication device in the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail. The communication device may be an access point or a non-AP MLD. Also, the communication device may be a device in an AP, or the communication device may be a device in a non-AP MLD.

[0380] When an integrated unit is used, please refer to Fig. 27. Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 27, the communication device 1 includes a switching unit 11 and a transceiver unit 12.

[0381] In a first design, the communication device 1 may be a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip. The transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP when performing a listening operation on the first link. After receiving the first frame transmitted by the first access point (AP) when the listening operation is performed on the first link, the switching unit 11 is configured to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link and perform frame exchange with the first AP, where the non-AP MLD supports EML. The switching unit 11 is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and perform a listening operation when the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set. The preset condition set includes a first preset condition, wherein the first preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a wireless frame on a first link, the TA of the wireless frame is different from the TA of the frame initiating the current TXOP, the wireless frame is not an uplink unicast control frame, or the wireless frame is neither an uplink unicast control frame nor a frame used for reporting, and the uplink unicast control frame includes a BA frame.

[0382] Optionally, if the non-AP MLD supports enhanced multilink single-radio EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. Alternatively, if the non-AP MLD supports enhanced multilink multi-radio EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0383] In a second design, the communication device 1 may be a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip. The transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP when performing a listening operation on the first link. After receiving the first frame transmitted by the first access point (AP) when the listening operation is performed on the first link, the switching unit 11 is configured to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link and perform frame exchange with the first AP, where the non-AP MLD supports EML. The switching unit 11 is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and perform a listening operation when the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set. The preset condition set includes a second preset condition, and the second preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a unicast frame on the first link, the destination address of the unicast frame is another station, the unicast frame is not a unicast control frame, and the other station is a station other than the station in the non-AP MLD and operating on the first link.

[0384] In a third design, communication device 1 may be a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP when performing a listening operation on a first link. After receiving the first frame transmitted by the first AP when the listening operation is performed on the first link, switching unit 11 is configured to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP, where the non-AP MLD supports EML. Switching unit 11 is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and perform a listening operation when the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set. the set of preset conditions further includes a third preset condition; The third preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives one trigger frame transmitted by the TXOP holder on the first link, and the user information field of the non-AP MLD is not present in the trigger frame, or the association identifier indicating uplink OFDMA-based random access is not present in the trigger frame.

[0385] The switching unit 11 may also be referred to as a processing unit.

[0386] It should be understood that the communication device 1 in the first to third designs can implement embodiment 1 accordingly, and the aforementioned operations or functions of the units in the communication device 1 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of non-AP MLD in embodiment 1. For brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0387] In a fourth design, the communication device 1 may be a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip. The transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive a first frame when performing a listening operation on a first link. After successfully receiving the first frame when performing a listening operation on the first link and before completion of frame exchange between the non-AP MLD and a first AP associated with the first station within the non-AP MLD, the transceiver unit 12 is further configured to receive a first type of PPDU on the first link by using multiple spatial streams, where the first type of PPDU is an MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame. The switching unit 11 is configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links and perform a listening operation when the non-AP MLD satisfies any preset condition in the preset condition set. The receiving address carried in the broadcast frame is a broadcast address, and the receiving address carried in the multicast frame is a multicast address. The first type of PPDU carries indication information, indicating that a station on the first link is to be used as a receiver. The non-AP MLD supports EML, and the first frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link for frame exchange. The preset condition set includes a first preset condition, where the first preset condition is that the non-AP MLD receives a wireless frame on the first link, the wireless frame's transmission address is different from the transmission address of the frame initiating the current TXOP, the wireless frame is not an uplink unicast control frame, or the wireless frame is neither an uplink unicast control frame nor a frame used for reporting, and the uplink unicast control frame includes a BA frame.

[0388] Optionally, if the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. Alternatively, if the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0389] Optionally, the first type PPDU includes a trigger frame, and the trigger frame is used to schedule the non-AP MLD to transmit a trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU). The transceiver unit 12 is further configured to transmit the TB PPDU over the first link by using multiple spatial streams.

[0390] The switching unit 11 may also be referred to as a processing unit.

[0391] It should be understood that the communication device 1 in the fourth design can implement embodiment 3 accordingly, and the aforementioned operations or functions of the units in the communication device 1 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of non-AP MLD in embodiment 3. For brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0392] In a fifth design, communication device 1 may be a non-AP MLD or a chip within the non-AP MLD, such as a Wi-Fi chip. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link. Switching unit 11 is configured to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link. If non-AP MLD determines that the exchange of the first frame failed after receiving the first frame transmitted by the first AP over the first link and switching the spatial streams on each link to the first link, switching unit 11 is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation. Non-AP MLD supports EML.

[0393] Optionally, if the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. Alternatively, if the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0394] Optionally, the communication device 1 may further include a determining unit 13. The determining unit 13 is configured to determine that the exchange of the first frame has failed if any preset condition in the preset condition set is satisfied within a first duration starting from the moment the non-AP MLD receives the first frame.

[0395] The switching unit 11 and the decision unit 13 may be integrated into one module, for example a processing module.

[0396] It should be understood that the communication device 1 in the fifth design can correspondingly implement embodiment 4, and the above-mentioned operations or functions of the units in the communication device 1 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of non-AP MLD in embodiment 4. For brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0397] In a sixth design, communication device 1 may be a first non-AP MLD or a chip within the first non-AP MLD, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP on a first link, the first frame carrying a second duration, the start of which is an end of which the first non-AP MLD receives the first frame, the first non-AP MLD supports EML, and the first frame instructs the first non-AP MLD to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. Switching unit 11 is configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation after the second duration.

[0398] Optionally, if the non-AP MLD supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. Alternatively, if the non-AP MLD supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0399] The switching unit 11 may also be referred to as a processing unit.

[0400] It should be understood that the communication device 1 in the sixth design can implement embodiment 5 accordingly, and the aforementioned operations or functions of the units in the communication device 1 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of the first non-AP MLD in embodiment 5. For brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0401] In a seventh design, communication device 1 may be a first non-AP MLD or a chip within the first non-AP MLD, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link. Switching unit 11 is configured to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP, where the first non-AP MLD supports EML. Transceiver unit 12 is further configured to receive a second frame over the first link using multiple spatial streams, where the second frame includes a more data subfield. Switching unit 11 is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation if the value of the more data subfield in the second frame is 0.

[0402] The switching unit 11 may also be referred to as a processing unit.

[0403] It should be understood that the communication device 1 in the seventh design can implement embodiment 7 accordingly, and the above-mentioned operations or functions of the units in the communication device 1 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of the first non-AP MLD in embodiment 7. For brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0404] In an eighth design, communication device 1 may be a first non-AP MLD or a chip within the first non-AP MLD, e.g., a Wi-Fi chip. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive a first frame transmitted by a first AP over a first link. Switching unit 11 is configured to switch spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP, where the first non-AP MLD supports EML. Transceiver unit 12 is further configured to receive a third frame over the first link, where the third frame includes an end of service period EOSP subfield, where the EOSP subfield is set to 1. Switching unit 11 is further configured to switch the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform a listening operation.

[0405] The switching unit 11 may also be referred to as a processing unit.

[0406] It should be understood that the communication device 1 in the eighth design can implement embodiment 8 accordingly, and the above-mentioned operations or functions of the units in the communication device 1 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of the first non-AP MLD in embodiment 8. For brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0407] 28 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 2 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 2 may be a first AP or a chip in the first AP, for example, a Wi-Fi chip. As shown in FIG. 28, the communication device 2 includes a first unit 21 and optionally includes a processing unit 22.

[0408] In a first design, after successfully transmitting a first frame on the first link and before completing the frame exchange with the N stations associated with the first AP, the first unit 21 is configured to use a first type of PPDU when conducting a frame exchange with the N stations on the first link, where the first type PPDU is an MU PPDU or a PPDU including a broadcast frame or a multicast frame, and a non-AP MLD to which at least one of the N stations belongs supports EML. The receiving address carried in the broadcast frame is a broadcast address, and the receiving address carried in the multicast frame is a multicast address. The first type PPDU carries indication information, where the indication information indicates that a station on the first link is used as a receiver. It should be understood that the first unit 21 is configured to implement a transceiver function and may also be referred to as a transceiver unit.

[0409] Optionally, the processing unit 22 is configured to generate a first type of PPDU.

[0410] Optionally, if the non-AP MLD to which at least one station belongs supports EMLSR, the first frame is an initial control frame. Alternatively, if the non-AP MLD to which at least one station belongs supports EMLMR, the first frame is an initial frame.

[0411] It should be understood that the communication device 2 in the first design can correspondingly implement embodiment 2 or 3, and the aforementioned operations or functions of the units in the communication device 2 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of the first AP in embodiment 2 or 3. For brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0412] In a second design, the first unit 21 is configured to transmit a first frame on the first link, where the first frame instructs the first non-AP MLD to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. The first unit 21 is further configured to transmit a second frame on the first link, where the second frame includes a more data subfield. When the value of the more data subfield is 0, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform listening operations.

[0413] Optionally, the processing unit 22 processes the first frame and Second The frame is configured to generate a

[0414] It should be understood that the communication device 2 in the second design can correspondingly implement embodiment 7, and the aforementioned operations or functions of the units in the communication device 2 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of the first AP in embodiment 7. For brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0415] In a third design, the first unit 21 is configured to transmit a first frame on the first link, where the first frame instructs the first non-AP MLD to switch the spatial streams on each link to the first link to perform frame exchange with the first AP. The first unit 21 is further configured to transmit a third frame on the first link, where the third frame includes an EOSP subfield. When the EOSP subfield is set to 1, it indicates that the first non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the first link back to the respective links to perform listening operations.

[0416] It should be understood that the communication device 2 in the third design can implement embodiment 8 accordingly, and the aforementioned operations or functions of the units in the communication device 2 are separately used to implement the corresponding operations of the first AP in embodiment 8. For brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0417] The above describes AP and non-AP MLDs in the embodiments of the present application. The following describes possible product forms of AP and non-AP MLDs. It should be understood that any product in any form having the function of the non-AP MLD described in Figure 27 and any product in any form having the function of the AP described in Figure 28 fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. It should be further understood that the following description is merely an example, and the product forms of AP and non-AP MLDs in the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0418] As a possible product form, the AP and non-AP MLD / STA described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by using a common bus architecture.

[0419] For ease of explanation, please refer to Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1000 may be an AP or an STA, or a chip thereof. Fig. 29 shows only the main components of the communication device 1000. In addition to a processor 1001 and a communication interface 1002, the communication device may further include a memory 1003 and an input / output device (not shown).

[0420] The processor 1001 is primarily configured to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. The memory 1003 is primarily configured to store software programs and data. The communication interface 1002 may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is primarily configured to convert between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and process the radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily configured to receive / transmit radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output data device, such as a touch screen, display, or keyboard, is primarily configured to receive data input by a user and output it to the user.

[0421] After the communication device is powered on, the processor 1001 can read the software program in the memory 1003, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1001 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and then outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and transmits the radio frequency signal in the form of electromagnetic waves via an antenna. When transmitting data to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal via the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1001. The processor 1001 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0422] Optionally, the memory 1003 may be located within the processor 1001 .

[0423] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna may be located independently of the processor that performs the baseband processing, for example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna may be located independently and remote from the communication device.

[0424] The processor 1001, the communication interface 1002, and the memory 1003 may be connected via a communication bus.

[0425] In one design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functionality of non-AP MLD in the above-described first embodiment: processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S101 and step S102 of FIG. 7 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to receive the first frame of FIG. 7 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein.

[0426] In one design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the above-described embodiment 2: processor 1001 may be configured to generate a first type PPDU to be transmitted in step S201 of FIG. 8 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S201 of FIG. 8 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0427] In one design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functionality of non-AP MLD in the above-described third embodiment: processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S303 of FIG. 9 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S302 of FIG. 9 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0428] In another design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the above-described embodiment 3: processor 1001 may be configured to generate a first type PPDU to be transmitted in step S301 of FIG. 9 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S301 of FIG. 9 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0429] In design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the function of non-AP MLD in the above-described embodiment 4: the processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S401 and step S402 of FIG. 10 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and the communication interface 1002 may be configured to receive the first frame of FIG. 10 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein.

[0430] In one design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the first non-AP MLD function in the above-described embodiment 5: processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S503 of FIG. 12 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to receive the first frame in step S502 of FIG. 12 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein.

[0431] In another design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the above-described embodiment 5: processor 1001 may be configured to generate the first frame to be transmitted in step S501 of FIG. 12 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S501 of FIG. 12 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0432] In one design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functionality of non-AP MLD in the above-described sixth embodiment: processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S601 and step S602 of FIG. 15 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to receive the first frame in step S601 of FIG. 15 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein.

[0433] In one design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the first non-AP MLD function in the above-described seventh embodiment: processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S702 and step S705 of FIG. 17 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S704 of FIG. 17 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0434] In another design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the above-described seventh embodiment. The processor 1001 may process the first frame transmitted in step S701 and the second frame transmitted in step S703 in FIG. 17 . Second The communication interface 1002 may be configured to generate a frame and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein, and the communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform steps S701 and S703 of FIG. 17 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0435] In one design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the first non-AP MLD function in the above-described eighth embodiment: processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S802 and step S805 of FIG. 20 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S804 of FIG. 20 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0436] In another design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the above-described embodiment 8: processor 1001 may be configured to generate the first frame transmitted in step S801 and the second frame transmitted in step S803 of FIG. 20 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S801 and step S803 of FIG. 20 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0437] In one design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functionality of non-AP MLD in the aforementioned embodiment 9: processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S901 of FIG. 21 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S902 of FIG. 21 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0438] In another design, the communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the above-described embodiment 9: the processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S904 of FIG. 21 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and the communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S903 of FIG. 21 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0439] In one design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functions of the STA in the above-described embodiment 10: processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S1 of FIG. 22 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S2 of FIG. 22 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0440] In another design, communication device 1000 may be configured to perform the functions of the AP in the above-described embodiment 10: processor 1001 may be configured to perform step S4 of FIG. 22 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and communication interface 1002 may be configured to perform step S3 of FIG. 22 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0441] In any one of the aforementioned designs, the processor 1001 may include a communication interface configured to implement receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit configured to implement receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated together. The transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit may be configured to read and write code / data. Alternatively, the transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit may be configured to transmit or transfer signals.

[0442] In any one of the above designs, the processor 1001 may store instructions. The instructions may be a computer program. When the computer program is executed on the processor 1001, the communication device 1000 can perform the method described in any one of the above embodiments. The computer program may be fixed to the processor 1001. In this case, the processor 1001 may be implemented by hardware.

[0443] In one implementation, the communication device 1000 may include a circuit, which may implement the transmit / receive / communication functions of any one of the above embodiments. The processor and communication interface described herein may be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a mixed-signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc. The processor and communication interface may be fabricated using various integrated circuit technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS), p-channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), and gallium arsenide (GaAs).

[0444] The scope of the communication device described in this application is not so limited, and the structure of the communication device may not be limited by FIG. 29. The communication device may be a stand-alone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) An independent IC, chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a set including one or more ICs, optionally the set of ICs may further include a storage component configured to store data and computer programs; (3) ASICs such as modems (4) a module that can be incorporated into another device; (5) Receivers, terminals, intelligent terminals, cellular telephones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, in-vehicle devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.; (6) Other may be.

[0445] As a possible product form, the AP and non-AP MLD / STA described in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by a general-purpose processor.

[0446] A general-purpose processor for implementing non-AP MLD includes a processing circuit and an input / output interface internally coupled to and communicating with the processing circuit.

[0447] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the non-AP MLD in the above-described Embodiment 1. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S101 and step S102 of FIG. 7 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to receive the first frame of FIG. 7 and / or perform other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0448] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the non-AP MLD in the above-described embodiment 3. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S303 of FIG. 9 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S302 of FIG. 9 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0449] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the non-AP MLD in the above-described embodiment 4. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S401 and step S402 of FIG. 10 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to receive the first frame of FIG. 10 and / or perform other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0450] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the non-AP MLD in the aforementioned Embodiment 6. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S601 and step S602 of FIG. 15 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to receive the first frame in step S601 of FIG. 15 and / or perform other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0451] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the non-AP MLD in the aforementioned Embodiment 9. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S901 of FIG. 21 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S902 of FIG. 21 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0452] The general-purpose processor for implementing the first non-AP MLD includes a processing circuit and an input / output interface internally coupled to the processing circuit and communicating with the processing circuit.

[0453] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the first non-AP MLD in the aforementioned Embodiment 5. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S503 in FIG. 12 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S502 in FIG. 12 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0454] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the first non-AP MLD in the aforementioned Embodiment 7. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S702 and step S705 in FIG. 17 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S704 in FIG. 17 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0455] In design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the function of the first non-AP MLD in the aforementioned Embodiment 8. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S802 and step S805 in FIG. 20 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S804 in FIG. 20 and / or other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0456] A general-purpose processor for implementing the STA includes a processing circuit and an input / output interface internally connected to the processing circuit and communicating with the processing circuit. Specifically, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the STA in the above-described embodiment 10. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S1 in FIG. 22 and / or another process of the technology described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S2 in FIG. 22 and / or another process of the technology described herein.

[0457] A general-purpose processor for implementing an AP includes a processing circuit and an input / output interface internally coupled to and communicating with the processing circuit.

[0458] In one design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the above-described Embodiment 2. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to generate the first type PPDU transmitted in step S201 of FIG. 8 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S201 of FIG. 8 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein.

[0459] In one design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functionality of the first AP in the aforementioned Embodiment 3. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to generate the first type PPDU transmitted in step S301 of FIG. 9 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S301 of FIG. 9 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein.

[0460] In one design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the above-described Embodiment 7. In particular, the processing circuit may process the first frame transmitted in step S701 and the first frame transmitted in step S703 of FIG. SecondThe input / output interface may be configured to generate a frame and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform steps S701 and S703 of FIG. 17 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0461] In one design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the above-described Embodiment 8. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to generate the first frame transmitted in step S801 and the second frame transmitted in step S803 of FIG. 20 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S801 and step S803 of FIG. 20 and / or perform another process of the techniques described herein.

[0462] In one design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functionality of the first AP in the aforementioned Embodiment 9. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S904 of FIG. 21 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S903 of FIG. 21 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0463] In one design, the general-purpose processor may be configured to perform the functions of the AP in the aforementioned Embodiment 10. In particular, the processing circuit may be configured to perform step S4 in FIG. 22 and / or another process of the techniques described herein, and the input / output interface may be configured to perform step S3 in FIG. 22 and / or another process of the techniques described herein.

[0464] It should be understood that the communication device in the various product forms described above has either the AP or non-AP MLD function in any one of the above embodiments, and the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0465] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer program code, which, when executed by a processor, Processor performs the method in any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0466] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to perform the method in any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0467] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The device may exist in the form of a chip product. The structure of the device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with another device through the interface circuit, so that the device performs the method in any one of the previous embodiments.

[0468] An embodiment of the present application further provides a wireless communication system including an AP and a non-AP MLD, wherein the AP and the non-AP MLD can implement the method in any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0469] The method or algorithm steps described in connection with the contents disclosed in this application may be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions may include corresponding software modules. The software modules may be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable hard disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. For example, the storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may be components of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be disposed in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC may be located within the core network interface device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components within the core network interface device.

[0470] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the functions described in this application, in one or more of the foregoing examples, can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When the functions are implemented by software, they can be stored on or transmitted as one or more instructions or code in a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media and communication media. Communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0471] In the above specific implementations, the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present application are further described in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation of the present application and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made based on the technical solutions of the present application shall fall within the protection scope of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0472] 1. Communications equipment 2. Communications equipment 11 Switching Unit 12 Transceiver Unit 13 Decision Unit 21 First Unit 22 Processing Unit 100 AP 200 non-AP MLD 300 non-AP MLD 400 STA 1000 Communication Equipment 1001 processor 1002 Communication Interface 1003 memory

Claims

1. A communication method in a process of exchanging frames between a first access point (AP) and a first station (STA) in an enhanced multi-link single-wireless non-access point multi-link device (EMLSR non-AP MLD), comprising: transmitting, by the first access point AP, a downlink frame requiring a response from the first station STA, the first access point AP being associated with the first station STA; and when the first access point AP does not receive the response to the downlink frame from the first station STA, transmitting a first initial control frame to the first station STA by the first access point AP.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first access point AP belongs to an access point multilink device AP MLD.

3. The step of transmitting a downlink frame requiring a response to the first station STA by the first access point AP includes:

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting, by the first access point AP, a downlink frame requiring an immediate response to the first station STA.

4. An apparatus for performing a process of exchanging frames between an apparatus and a first station STA in an enhanced multilink single-wireless non-access point multilink device (EMLSR non-AP MLD), comprising: a transceiver unit configured to transmit a downlink frame requiring a response from the first station STA, the transceiver unit being associated with the first station STA; an apparatus comprising: a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being further configured to transmit a first initial control frame to the first station STA when the apparatus does not receive the response to the downlink frame from the first station STA.

5. The device according to claim 4 , wherein the device belongs to an access point multilink device (AP MLD).

6. transmitting a downlink frame requiring a response to the first station STA; 6. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising transmitting a downlink frame requiring an immediate response to the first station STA.

7. A communications device comprising a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver configured to transmit / receive frames, and the processor configured to perform the method of claim 1 or 2.

8. 3. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions that, when run on a computer, enable the computer to perform the method of claim 1 or 2.

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