Link selection method and apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

To provide a link selection method and a device that improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of transmitting service data to an access point (AP) via a station (STA), as well as a computer-readable storage medium.SOLUTION: In a link communication system, a station (STA) sends a link selection indication to an access point (AP). The STA is associated with the AP, and there are multiple links between the STA and the AP. The multiple links are located separately on multiple different channels. The link selection indication indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type. The target link includes at least one of the multiple links. In the STA, different quality of service (QoS) guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, and an appropriate link can be selected from among the multiple links for transmitting the corresponding service data for different service types so as to increase the reliability of service operation within a wireless local area network (WLAN).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and more particularly to a link selection method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010505315.7, filed on June 5, 2020, entitled "LINK SELECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] A wireless local area network (WLAN) includes access points (APs) and stations (STAs). An AP is a bridge between a WLAN and another type of network (e.g., a wired network). An STA is a wireless terminal, such as a smartphone or laptop, configured with WLAN access capability.

[0004] Currently, when there are multiple links between an AP and a STA, how to select an appropriate link from the multiple links between the AP and the STA for transmitting service data is a problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a link selection method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a link selection method is provided, which is applied to a wireless local area network. The method includes: a STA transmits a link selection indication to an AP; the STA is associated with the AP, and there are multiple links between the STA and the AP; the multiple links are separately on multiple different channels. R The link selection indicator indicates a target link corresponding to the target service type, the target link including at least one of the plurality of links.

[0007] In the present application, a STA can select an appropriate link from multiple links for transmitting corresponding service data for different service types, so that different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, thereby increasing the service operation reliability in the WLAN.

[0008] Optionally, after sending the link selection indication to the AP, the STA receives a scheduling frame sent by the AP on the target link, and then sends service data of the target service type to the AP on the target link based on the scheduling frame.

[0009] In this application, the AP schedules services of corresponding service types on links selected by the STA so that different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, thereby increasing service operation reliability in the WLAN.

[0010] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes an indication for the target service type.

[0011] Optionally, the STA receives a link selection request sent by the AP, which requests the STA to send a link selection indication.

[0012] In this application, the STA passively performs link selection triggered by a link selection request sent by the AP.

[0013] Optionally, the link selection request includes a service type identification of the target service type and / or a link identification of the recommended link.

[0014] In the present application, the service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. The link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that the link selection will be performed on the recommended link or the preferred recommended link. This can improve the link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of the STA sending service data to the AP.

[0015] Optionally, the link selection request is within a buffer status report poll (BSRP) frame sent by the AP to the STA.

[0016] In this application, the link selection request is included in the BSRP frame, i.e., the BSRP frame is reused without sending the link selection request separately, which saves transmission resources.

[0017] Optionally, the link selection indication is in a buffer status report (BSR) field sent by the STA to the AP.

[0018] In this application, the link selection indication is included in the BSR field, i.e., the BSR field is reused without transmitting the link selection indication separately, which saves transmission resources.

[0019] Optionally, the target link is determined based on link quality information of the plurality of links and the target service type, where the link quality information includes at least one of a bandwidth, a transmission delay, or a packet loss rate.

[0020] According to a second aspect, a link selection method is provided, applied to a wireless local area network. The method includes: an AP receives a link selection indication transmitted by a STA; the STA is associated with the AP; there are multiple links between the STA and the AP; the multiple links are separately on multiple different channels; the link selection indication indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type; and the target link includes at least one of the multiple links.

[0021] Optionally, after receiving the link selection indication sent by the STA, the AP sends a scheduling frame to the STA on the target link.

[0022] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes an indication for the target service type.

[0023] Optionally, the AP sends a link selection request to the STA, which requests the STA to send a link selection indication.

[0024] Optionally, the link selection request includes a service type identification of the target service type and / or a link identification of the recommended link.

[0025] Optionally, the link selection request is in a BSRP frame sent by the AP to the STA.

[0026] Optionally, the link selection indication is in the BSR field sent by the STA to the AP.

[0027] According to a third aspect, there is provided a link selection device, the device including a plurality of functional modules that interact with each other to perform the method according to the first aspect and to implement the first aspect. The functional modules may be implemented based on software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, and the functional modules may be randomly combined or divided based on a specific implementation.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a link selection device, the device including a plurality of functional modules that interact with each other to perform the method of the second aspect and to implement the second aspect. The functional modules may be implemented based on software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, and the functional modules may be randomly combined or divided based on a specific implementation.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an STA including a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver operating on a plurality of different channels.

[0030] The transceiver is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under control of the processor to implement the link selection method according to any implementation of the first aspect.

[0031] Optionally, the transceiver includes a plurality of radio frequency circuits, which operate separately on a plurality of different channels.

[0032] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an AP including a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver operating on a plurality of different channels.

[0033] The transceiver is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor to implement a link selection method according to any implementation of the second aspect.

[0034] Optionally, the transceiver includes a plurality of radio frequency circuits, which operate separately on a plurality of different channels.

[0035] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a computing device, perform the link selection method according to the first or second aspect.

[0036] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a WLAN including an STA and an AP. The STA is associated with the AP. There are multiple links between the STA and the AP. The multiple links are separately on multiple different channels. The STA includes a link selection device according to the third aspect or is an STA according to the fifth aspect. The AP includes a link selection device according to the fourth aspect or is an AP according to the sixth aspect.

[0037] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a chip, the chip including programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which when operating performs the method of the first aspect and an implementation of the first or second aspect and an implementation of the second aspect.

[0038] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions provided in this application include at least the following:

[0039] In this application, there are multiple links between a STA and an AP. For different service types, the STA can select an appropriate link from the multiple links for transmitting corresponding service data, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, increasing the service operation reliability in the WLAN. Furthermore, a service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request sent by the AP to the STA, so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. A link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that link selection will be performed on the recommended link or the preferred recommended link. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of service data transmission by the STA to the AP. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a WLAN according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a connection between an AP and a STA according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a link selection method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a trigger frame defined in the IEEE 802.11ax draft. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a trigger-dependent common information field according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another trigger-dependent common information field according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a TLM information field according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another TLM information field according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extended BSR field according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a link selection device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another link selection device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram of a link selection device according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the following further describes the implementation of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] 1 is a schematic diagram of a WLAN structure according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the WLAN includes an AP 101 and STAs 102A to 102C (collectively referred to as STAs 102). The STAs 102 are associated with the AP 101. The association of the STAs 102 with the AP 101 means that the STAs 102 are wirelessly connected to the AP 101, i.e., the STAs 102 can wirelessly communicate with the AP 101. The AP 101 provides a WLAN protocol-based wireless access service to the STAs 102. The number of APs and STAs in the figure is merely an example for explanation and is not intended to limit the link selection system provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0043] A multi-link network architecture is provided in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11be draft (the next-generation protocol of the IEEE 802.11ax draft). Both the AP and the STA include multiple radio frequency units (RFUs). A radio frequency unit is an electronic component for transmitting radio signals between transceiver devices and is sometimes called a radio frequency circuit or a radio frequency module. Different RFUs operate on different frequency bands or different channels in the same frequency band. One RFU of the AP can establish connections to multiple RFUs of multiple STAs separately, and one RFU of a STA can establish a connection to one RFU of the AP. Connections can be established between multiple RFUs of the AP and multiple RFUs of a STA, i.e., multiple links can be established between the AP and the STA on multiple channels. In this embodiment of the present application, there are multiple links between the AP 101 and the STA 102. The multiple links are separately on multiple different channels. The channel may be a complete WLAN channel, e.g., a 20 megahertz (MHz) WLAN channel, or a WLAN channel with a larger bandwidth (e.g., 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz). If the channel bandwidth is greater than 20 MHz, the channel may include a primary channel and a secondary channel.

[0044] The radio frequency ranges used by WLANs are the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band. The 2.4 GHz frequency band includes 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz, and the 5 GHz frequency band includes 5.150 GHz to 5.350 GHz and 5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz. Multiple links between the AP 101 and the STA 102 are located on different channels within the 2.4 GHz frequency band and / or the 5 GHz frequency band. For example, there are two links between the AP 101 and the STA 102: one link is located within the 2.4 GHz frequency band and one link is located within the 5 GHz frequency band. Alternatively, there are two links within the 2.4 GHz frequency band, where one link is located on channel 1 within the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the other link is located on channel 11 within the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Alternatively, there are two links located on different channels within the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0045] For example, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a connection between an AP and a STA according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 2, an AP 101 includes an RFU 11 operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and an RFU 12 operating in the 5 GHz frequency band. The STA 102 includes an RFU 21 operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and an RFU 22 operating in the 5 GHz frequency band. The RFU 11 in the AP 101 is connected to the RFU 21 in the STA 102, and the RFU 12 in the AP 101 is connected to the RFU 22 in the STA 102. In other words, there is a link 1 in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a link 2 in the 5 GHz frequency band between the AP and the STA.

[0046] 3 is a schematic flowchart of a link selection method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to the WLAN illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the method includes the following steps:

[0047] Step 301: The AP sends a link selection request to the STA.

[0048] The link selection request requests the STA to send a link selection indication. Optionally, the link selection request includes a service type identification of the target service type and / or a link identification of a recommended link. When the link selection request includes the service type identification of the target service type, the link selection request requests the STA to send a link selection indication for the target service type. In other words, the link selection request requests the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. When the link selection request includes a link identification of a recommended link, the link selection request indicates to the STA that link selection will be performed on the recommended link or a preferentially selected recommended link. When the link selection request includes the service type identification of the target service type and a link identification of a recommended link, the link selection request requests the STA to perform link selection on the recommended link for transmission of service data of the target service type or a preferentially selected recommended link for transmission of service data of the target service type.

[0049] Optionally, the AP determines at least one recommended link from the plurality of links based on the actual load of the plurality of links between the AP and the STAs and / or the number of STAs associated with the plurality of links. For example, the AP may use a less busy link and / or a link associated with a smaller number of STAs in the plurality of links as the recommended link. The STA associated with a link is a STA associated with the AP on the link.

[0050] In this embodiment of the present application, the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection by sending a link selection request to the STA. A service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. A link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that the link selection will be performed on the recommended link or the preferred recommended link. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of transmitting service data by the STA to the AP.

[0051] Services in a WLAN are classified into four access categories (ACs), in descending order of priority: voice (VO), video (VI), best effort (BE), and background (BK). Each AC has two traffic identities (TIDs). Thus, four ACs have eight TIDs. In wired networks, the eight TIDs correspond to eight differentiated services code point (DSCP) priorities for quality of service (QoS). In wireless networks, the eight TIDs are used to distinguish between service flow types.

[0052] Optionally, the service type identification in this embodiment of the present application is denoted as TID and / or AC.

[0053] Step 302: The STA sends a link selection indication to the AP.

[0054] The link selection indication indicates a target link corresponding to the target service type. In other words, the link selection indication indicates that the STA intends to transmit service data of the target service type to the AP on the target link. The target link includes at least one of multiple links between the STA and the AP.

[0055] Optionally, the target link is determined based on link quality information of multiple links between the STA and the AP and the target service type. The link quality information includes at least one of bandwidth, transmission delay, or packet loss rate. The STA obtains link quality information of multiple links between the STA and the AP, and then determines a target link for transmitting service data of the target service type from the multiple links based on the link quality information of the multiple links and the target service type. Alternatively, the target link may be determined based on another factor. For example, considering that the penetration of electromagnetic waves in the 2.4 GHz frequency band is stronger than that of electromagnetic waves in the 5 GHz frequency band, a channel in the 2.4 GHz frequency band may be selected for transmitting a high-priority service when the link qualities are almost the same. The following describes how the STA selects a link for the target service type by using an example in which the link quality information includes bandwidth and / or transmission delay.

[0056] In a first possible implementation, the STA determines a target link from the multiple links based on the bandwidths of the multiple links between the STA and the AP and the required bandwidth corresponding to the target service type. The required bandwidth corresponding to the service type may be determined based on the buffer size of the service data of the service type in the STA. For example, a larger buffer of the service data of the service type in the STA indicates a larger required bandwidth corresponding to the service type. Optionally, the STA determines a transmission link corresponding to each service type in an average allocation manner based on the buffer size of the service data of each service type in the STA. There may be one or more transmission links corresponding to one service type.

[0057] For example, there are two links, namely, link 1 and link 2, between a STA and an AP, and the bandwidth of link 1 is the same as the bandwidth of link 2. The STA includes three service types, namely, TID0, TID1, and TID2. Assuming that the sum of the required bandwidth corresponding to TID0 and the required bandwidth corresponding to TID1 is equal to the required bandwidth corresponding to TID2, the STA decides to transmit service data of TID0 and service data of TID1 on link 1 and transmit service data of TID2 on link 2, or the STA decides to transmit service data of TID0 and service data of TID1 on link 2 and transmit service data of TID2 on link 1.

[0058] In this embodiment of the present application, the STA determines the transmission link corresponding to the service type in the first possible implementation described above, which achieves load balancing among all links between the STA and the AP.

[0059] In a second possible implementation, the STA determines a target link from the multiple links based on transmission delays of the multiple links between the STA and the AP and service priorities of the target service types. Optionally, the STA assigns service types with higher service priorities to links with lower transmission delays for transmitting corresponding service data.

[0060] For example, there are two links between a STA and an AP, namely, link 1 and link 2. The transmission delay history of link 1 is smaller than that of link 2. The STA includes three service types, which are TID0, TID1, and TID2 in descending order of service priority. Because the transmission delay history of link 1 is lower than that of link 2, the STA decides to transmit the service data of TID0 on link 1, and transmit the service data of TID1 and the service data of TID2 on link 1 or link 2.

[0061] In this embodiment of the present application, the STA determines the transmission link corresponding to the service type in the second possible implementation described above, which to some extent ensures the reliability of transmitting high-priority service data.

[0062] In a third possible implementation, the STA determines a target link from the multiple links based on the bandwidth of the multiple links between the STA and the AP, the required bandwidth corresponding to the target service type, the transmission delay of the multiple links, and the service priority of the target service type.

[0063] Referring to the examples in the first possible implementation and the second possible implementation, the STA may decide to transmit service data for TID0 and service data for TID1 on link 1, and to transmit service data for TID2 on link 2.

[0064] In this embodiment of the present application, after receiving a link selection request sent by the AP, the STA may send a link selection indication to the AP. In other words, the STA passively performs link selection triggered by the link selection request sent by the AP. Alternatively, the STA may actively perform link selection. For example, when the STA has service data of a new service type to be transmitted, the STA sends a link selection indication for the new service type to the AP. In this case, step 301 may not be performed.

[0065] Optionally, after receiving the link selection indication sent by the STA, the AP performs step 303 below.

[0066] Step 303: The AP sends a scheduling frame to the STA on the target link.

[0067] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes an indication for a target service type. In other words, the scheduling frame is for scheduling the STA to transmit service data of the target service type to the AP over the target link. Alternatively, the scheduling frame may not include an indication for the target service type. In this case, the scheduling frame is for scheduling the STA to transmit all of the STA's uplink service data to be transmitted over the target link to the AP. Optionally, when there are multiple target links, the AP transmits a scheduling frame to the STA over each target link.

[0068] The scheduling frame may be a trigger frame specified in the IEEE 802.11ax draft. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a trigger frame specified in the IEEE 802.11ax draft. As shown in Figure 4, the trigger frame includes a frame control field, a duration field, a receiver address (RA) field, a transmitter address (TA) field, a common info field, a user info list field, a padding field (optional), a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field, etc. The frame control field, duration field, RA field, and TA field are a frame header. The common information field includes a trigger type. The fields in the trigger frame will not be described one by one in this embodiment of the present application.

[0069] As defined in the IEEE 802.11ax draft, the value range of the trigger type in the common information field is 0 to 15. Currently, the IEEE 802.11ax draft defines trigger types with values ​​from 0 to 7, but does not define trigger types with values ​​from 8 to 15. For example, when the trigger type value is 0, the trigger frame is defined to trigger a STA to transmit an uplink physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). When the trigger type value is 1, the trigger frame is defined as a beamforming report poll (BFRP) frame. When the trigger type value is 4, the trigger frame is defined as a BSRP frame. When the trigger type value is 6, the trigger frame is defined as a bandwidth query report poll (BQRP) frame. In this embodiment of the present application, the scheduling frame transmitted by the AP to the STA on the target link may be a trigger frame with a trigger type value of 0, 1, 4, or 6, or may be a newly defined trigger frame with a trigger type value greater than 7.

[0070] Optionally, after receiving the scheduling frame sent by the AP on the target link, the STA performs step 304 below.

[0071] Step 304: The STA sends service data of the target service type to the AP on the target link.

[0072] Optionally, after receiving the scheduling frame, the STA first determines the channel resources on the target link allocated to the STA based on the scheduling frame, and then transmits service data of the target service type to the AP on the channel resources.

[0073] In this embodiment of the present application, there are multiple links between the STA and the AP. The STA can select an appropriate link from the multiple links for transmitting corresponding service data for different service types, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees can be obtained for services of different service types, thereby increasing the service operation reliability in the WLAN.

[0074] Optionally, the link selection request is included in the BSRP frame sent by the AP to the STA. In this embodiment of the present application, the link selection request is included in the BSRP frame, i.e., the BSRP frame is reused without separately sending the link selection request. This saves transmission resources. Alternatively, the link selection request may be included in a customized trigger frame, which is separately sent by the AP to the STA. The trigger type in the customized trigger frame may be any value from 8 to 15.

[0075] Optionally, the link selection request includes a service type identification and / or a link identification of the recommended link. The common information field of the trigger frame specified in the IEEE 802.11ax draft includes a variable trigger dependent common information field. In this embodiment of the present application, the service type identification and / or the link identification of the recommended link may be included in a trigger dependent common information field in the common information field of the BSRP frame or the customized trigger frame. For example, when the link selection request indicates a correspondence between at least one group of service types and the recommended links, one or more mapping information (hereinafter referred to as TLM information) fields between the service type identification and the link identification may be specified in the trigger dependent common information field.

[0076] Optionally, Figures 5 and 6 are each a schematic diagram of the structure of a trigger-dependent common information field according to an embodiment of the present application. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the trigger-dependent common information field includes a quantity indicator field and a TLM information field. The quantity indicator field indicates the quantity of service types in the TLM information field for which link selection is requested. Alternatively, the trigger-dependent common information field may not include a quantity indicator field. The TLM information field includes a service type field and a link indicator field. The service type field indicates the service type for which link selection is requested. The link indicator field indicates the recommended link. The length (in bits) of the link indicator field is greater than or equal to the number of links between the STA and the AP. Each link between the STA and the AP corresponds to one bit in the link indicator field.

[0077] For example, there are four links between a STA and an AP, namely, links 1 to 4. The link indication field is 4 bits long, which corresponds sequentially to links 1 to 4 from left to right. When the value of a bit is 1, it indicates that the link corresponding to the bit is a recommended link. For example, if the value of the link indication field is "0110", it indicates that links 2 and 3 are recommended links, or if the value of the link indication field is "1000", it indicates that link 1 is a recommended link.

[0078] Optionally, see Figure 5. The TLM information field includes one service type field and n link indication fields. See Figure 6. The TLM information field includes n service type fields and n link indication fields, where n is the number of service types for which link selection is requested. n is a positive integer less than or equal to the total number of service types.

[0079] Optionally, the service type identification is represented as TID. The maximum value of n is 8, indicating that there are up to eight service types. The service type field is 8 bits long, with each bit corresponding to one service priority. For example, the eight bits of the service type field correspond sequentially from left to right to eight service types with service priorities of 0 to 7. Alternatively, the service type identification is represented as AC. The maximum value of n is 4, indicating that there are up to four service types. The service type field is 4 bits long, with each bit corresponding to one priority access category. For example, the four bits of the service type field correspond sequentially from left to right to four priority access categories, namely BE, BK, VI, and VO.

[0080] In this embodiment of the present application, a value of 1 for a bit in the service type field may be defined, indicating that link selection is requested for the service type corresponding to the bit.

[0081] In the TLM information field illustrated in Figure 5, one or more bits in the service type field may have a value of 1, and the quantity of link indication fields is equal to the quantity of bits in the service type field that have a value of 1. Link indication field i corresponds from left to right to bit i in the service type field that has a value of 1, where i is a positive integer.

[0082] For example, the length of the service type field is 8 bits. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a TLM information field according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, the TLM information field includes a service type field and link indication fields 1 to 3. If the value of the service type field is "01001010", it indicates that link selection is requested for service types with service priorities of 1, 4, and 6. If the value of link indication field 1 is "1000", it indicates that the recommended link corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 1 is link 1. If the value of link indication field 2 is "0110", it indicates that the recommended links corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 4 are link 2 and link 3. If the value of link indication field 3 is "0011", it indicates that the recommended link corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 6 is link 3 or link 4.

[0083] In the TLM information field shown in Figure 6, the value of the bit in each service type field is 1, and the link indication field indicates the recommended link corresponding to the service type requesting link selection, which is indicated by the service type field to the left of the TLM information field.

[0084] For example, the length of the service type field is 8 bits. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another TLM information field according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the TLM information field includes service type fields 1 to 3 and link indication fields 1 to 3. If the value of service type field 1 is "01000000", it indicates that link selection is requested for a service type with a service priority of 1. If the value of link indication field 1 is "1000", it indicates that the recommended link corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 1 is link 1. If the value of service type field 2 is "00001000", it indicates that link selection is requested for a service type with a service priority of 4. If the value of link indication field 2 is "0110", it indicates that the recommended links corresponding to a service type with a service priority of 4 are link 2 and link 3. If the value of service type field 3 is "00000010", it indicates that link selection is requested for a service type with a service priority of 6. If the value of the link indication field 3 is “0011”, it indicates that the recommended links corresponding to the service type with a service priority of 6 are link 3 and link 4 .

[0085] In this embodiment of the present application, when an AP needs to request a STA to make link selection for multiple service types, the AP sends multiple link selection requests to the STA, where each link selection request requests the STA to make link selection for one service type, or the AP sends one link selection request to the STA, where the link selection request requests the STA to make link selection for multiple service types. The format of the link selection request may be illustrated in Figure 5 or Figure 6. Alternatively, multiple common information fields may be extended in the trigger frame, and the trigger-dependent common information field in each common information field carries a request to make link selection for one service type.

[0086] Optionally, the link selection indication is included in the BSR field transmitted by the STA to the AP. The BSR field may be a field in a null frame or a data frame. In this embodiment of the present application, the link selection indication is included in the BSR field, that is, the BSR field is reused without transmitting the link selection indication separately. This saves transmission resources.

[0087] In this embodiment of the present application, the link indication field is extended in the BSR field. In combination with the access category indication (ACI) bitmap and delta TID in the BSR field, the link indication field provides the STA with an indication for link selection.

[0088] For example, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extended BSR field according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9, the BSR field includes an ACI bitmap field, a delta TID field, an ACI high field, a scaling factor field, a queue size high field (indicating the data traffic of the AC indicated in the ACI high parameter), a queue size all field (indicating the data amount of all ACs indicated in the ACI bitmap parameter), and a link indication field. For the structure and definition of the link indication field, please refer to the related description of the link indication field in the TLM information field. The descriptions of other fields in the BSR field will not be described one by one in this embodiment of the present application.

[0089] Alternatively, the link selection indication may be included in a customized frame and sent separately by the STA to the AP. For the format of the link selection indication in the customized frame, please refer to the format of the TLM information field illustrated in Figure 5 or Figure 6. Details will not be described in this embodiment of the present application herein.

[0090] The sequence of steps of the link selection method provided in this embodiment of the present application may be adjusted appropriately, or steps may be added or deleted accordingly as needed. Any modified method that is easily understood by those skilled in the art and falls within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall fall within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, details will not be described.

[0091] In conclusion, in the link selection method provided in this embodiment of the present application, there are multiple links between a STA and an AP. For different service types, the STA can select an appropriate link from the multiple links for transmitting corresponding service data, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, increasing the service operation reliability in the WLAN. Furthermore, a service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request sent by the AP to the STA, so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. A link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that link selection will be performed on the recommended link or that the recommended link will be preferentially selected. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of service data transmission by the STA to the AP.

[0092] 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a link selection device according to one embodiment of the present application. This device may be used in a STA 102 in the WLAN illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the device 100 includes: a transmitting module 1001 configured to transmit a link selection indication to an AP, wherein a STA is associated with the AP, and there are a plurality of links between the STA and the AP, the plurality of links being separately on a plurality of different channels, and the link selection indication indicates a target link corresponding to a target service type, the target link including at least one of the plurality of links; Includes.

[0093] Optionally, see also Figure 10. The apparatus 100 further includes a receiving module 1002.

[0094] Optionally, the receiving module 1002 is configured to receive a scheduling frame transmitted by the AP over the target link. The transmitting module 1001 is further configured to transmit service data of the target service type to the AP over the target link based on the scheduling frame.

[0095] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes an indication for the target service type.

[0096] Optionally, the receiving module 1002 is configured to receive a link selection request sent by the AP, where the link selection request requests the STA to send a link selection indication.

[0097] Optionally, the link selection request includes a service type identification of the target service type and / or a link identification of the recommended link.

[0098] Optionally, the link selection request is in a BSRP frame sent by the AP to the STA.

[0099] Optionally, the link selection indication is in the BSR field sent by the STA to the AP.

[0100] Optionally, the target link is determined based on link quality information of the plurality of links and the target service type, where the link quality information includes at least one of a bandwidth, a transmission delay, or a packet loss rate.

[0101] In conclusion, in the link selection device provided in this embodiment of the present application, there are multiple links between a STA and an AP. For different service types, the STA can select an appropriate link from the multiple links for transmitting corresponding service data, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, increasing the service operation reliability in the WLAN. Furthermore, a service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request sent by the AP to the STA, so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. A link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that link selection will be performed on the recommended link or that the recommended link will be preferentially selected. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of service data transmission by the STA to the AP.

[0102] 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another link selection device according to an embodiment of the present application. This device may be used in the AP 101 in the WLAN illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the device 110 includes: a receiving module 1101 configured to receive a link selection indication transmitted by a STA, the STA being associated with an AP, there being a plurality of links between the STA and the AP, the plurality of links being separately on a plurality of different channels, the link selection indication indicating a target link corresponding to a target service type, the target link including at least one of the plurality of links; Includes.

[0103] Optionally, see also Figure 11. The apparatus 100 further includes a transmitting module 1102.

[0104] Optionally, the sending module 1102 is configured to send the scheduling frame to the STA on the target link.

[0105] Optionally, the scheduling frame includes an indication for the target service type.

[0106] Optionally, the sending module 1102 is configured to send a link selection request to the STA, where the link selection request requests the STA to send a link selection indication.

[0107] Optionally, the link selection request includes a service type identification of the target service type and / or a link identification of the recommended link.

[0108] Optionally, the link selection request is in a BSRP frame sent by the AP to the STA.

[0109] Optionally, the link selection indication is in the BSR field sent by the STA to the AP.

[0110] In conclusion, in the link selection device provided in this embodiment of the present application, there are multiple links between a STA and an AP. For different service types, the STA can select an appropriate link from the multiple links for transmitting corresponding service data, and the AP then schedules the service of the corresponding service type on the link selected by the STA. In this way, different QoS guarantees are obtained for services of different service types, increasing the service operation reliability in the WLAN. Furthermore, a service type identification of the target service type is included in the link selection request sent by the AP to the STA, so that the AP triggers the STA to perform link selection for the target service type. A link identification of the recommended link is included in the link selection request to indicate to the STA that link selection will be performed on the recommended link or that the recommended link will be preferentially selected. This can improve link selection reliability and further improve the reliability of service data transmission by the STA to the AP.

[0111] For the apparatus in the foregoing embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs the operations is described in detail in the method-related embodiments, and the details will not be described here.

[0112] An embodiment of the present application provides an STA including a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver operates on a plurality of different channels. The transceiver is configured to perform receiving and transmitting actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor to perform actions performed by the STA in the aforementioned method embodiments. Optionally, the transceiver includes a plurality of radio frequency circuits, the plurality of radio frequency circuits separately operating on the plurality of different channels.

[0113] An embodiment of the present application provides an AP including a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver operates on a plurality of different channels. The transceiver is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor to perform actions performed by the AP in the aforementioned method embodiments. Optionally, the transceiver includes a plurality of radio frequency circuits, the plurality of radio frequency circuits separately operating on the plurality of different channels.

[0114] For example, Figure 12 is a block diagram of a link selection device according to one embodiment of the present application. This device may be a STA or an AP. As shown in Figure 12, the device 120 includes a processor 1201 and a transceiver 1202. The transceiver 1202 operates on multiple different channels.

[0115] The transceiver 1202 is configured to perform receive and transmit actions on one or more channels under the control of the processor 1201 to implement the actions taken by the AP or STA in the method embodiments described above.

[0116] Optionally, the transceiver 1202 includes multiple radio frequency circuits, which operate separately on multiple different channels. For example, see FIG. 2. The transceiver of the AP 101 includes an RFU 11 and an RFU 12, which operate on different channels. The transceiver of the STA 102 includes an RFU 21 and an RFU 22, which operate on different channels.

[0117] Optionally, the device 120 further includes a memory 1203 , a communication bus 1204 and a communication interface 1205 .

[0118] The memory 1203 is configured to store a computer program, which includes program instructions.

[0119] The processor 1201 is configured to invoke computer programs stored in the memory 1203 to control the transceiver 1202 to perform receiving and transmitting actions. The processor 1201 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 1201 executes various functional applications and performs data processing by running computer programs.

[0120] Optionally, the memory 1203 may store an operating system and an application program unit for at least one function, which may be an operating system such as a Real Time eXecutive (RTX), LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, or OS X.

[0121] There may be multiple communication interfaces 1205 for communication with other devices. For example, in this embodiment of the present application, the communication interface 1205 of the STA may be configured to send a link selection indication to the AP.

[0122] The transceiver 1202 , memory 1203 , and communication interface 1205 are all connected to the processor 1201 via a communication bus 1204 .

[0123] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions that, when executed by a processor of a computing device, cause the actions performed by the AP or STA in the aforementioned method embodiments to be performed.

[0124] Those skilled in the art may understand that all or some of the steps in the embodiments may be implemented by hardware or by a program that instructs related hardware. The program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0125] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "at least one" refers to one or more, "at least one group" refers to one or more groups, etc.

[0126] The term "and / or" in this application merely describes an association relationship to describe related objects, and expresses that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may express the following three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. Furthermore, the character " / " in this specification generally expresses an "or" relationship between related objects.

[0127] The foregoing description is only an optional embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, or improvement made within the concept and principle of the present application should fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. 1. A link selection method applicable to a wireless local area network, the method comprising: transmitting, by a station (STA) to an access point (AP), a link selection indication, wherein the STA is associated with the AP, there are a plurality of links between the STA and the AP, the plurality of links being on different channels, the link selection indication indicating target links corresponding to each of target service types, the target links including at least one of the plurality of links, and the target service type including a plurality of service types; transmitting, by the STA, service data for each of the plurality of service types on the target link corresponding to each of the plurality of service types; A method comprising:

2. After the STA sends the link selection indication to the AP, the method further comprises: receiving, by the STA, a scheduling frame transmitted by the AP, the scheduling frame being used to schedule the STA to transmit service data for each of the plurality of service types on the target link corresponding to each of the plurality of service types; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the scheduling frame includes an indication for the target service type.

4. The method comprises: receiving, by the STA, a link selection request sent by the AP, the link selection request requesting the STA to send the link selection indication; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the link selection request includes at least one of a service type identification of the target service type and a link identification of a recommended link.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the link selection request is in a Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) frame sent by the AP to the STA.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the link selection indication is in a buffer status report (BSR) field transmitted by the STA to the AP.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the target link is determined based on link quality information of the plurality of links and the target service type.

9. The method described in claim 8, wherein the link quality information includes at least one of bandwidth, transmission delay, or packet loss rate.

10. 1. A link selection method applicable to a wireless local area network, the method comprising: receiving, by an access point (AP), a link selection indication transmitted by a station (STA), the STA being associated with the AP, there being a plurality of links between the STA and the AP, the plurality of links being on different channels, the link selection indication indicating target links corresponding to each of target service types, the target links including at least one of the plurality of links, and the target service type including a plurality of service types; receiving, by the AP, service data for each of the plurality of service types over the target link corresponding to each of the plurality of service types; A method comprising:

11. After the AP receives the link selection indication sent by the STA, the method includes: transmitting, by the AP, a scheduling frame to the STA, the scheduling frame being used to schedule the STA to transmit service data of the target service type on the target link; receiving, by the AP, the service data over the target link; The method of claim 10 further comprising:

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the scheduling frame includes an indication for the target service type.

13. The method comprises: sending, by the AP, a link selection request to the STA, the link selection request requesting the STA to transmit the link selection indication; The method of claim 10 further comprising:

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the link selection request includes at least one of a service type identification of the target service type and a link identification of a recommended link.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the link selection request is in a Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) frame sent by the AP to the STA.

16. The method of claim 10 , wherein the link selection indication is in a buffer status report (BSR) field transmitted by the STA to the AP.

17. 1. A link selection device for use in a station (STA) in a wireless local area network, said device comprising: a transmitting module configured to transmit a link selection indication to an access point (AP), wherein the STA is associated with the AP, there are a plurality of links between the STA and the AP, the plurality of links being on different channels, the link selection indication indicating a target link corresponding to each of target service types, the target link including at least one of the plurality of links, and the target service type including a plurality of service types; the transmitting module is further configured to transmit service data for each of the plurality of service types on the target link corresponding to each of the plurality of service types. A link selection device comprising:

18. The device comprises: a receiving module configured to receive a scheduling frame transmitted by the AP, the scheduling frame being used to schedule the STA to transmit service data of the target service type over the target link; Furthermore, The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the transmission module is further configured to transmit the service data over the target link.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the scheduling frame includes an indication for the target service type.

20. The device comprises: a receiving module configured to receive a link selection request transmitted by the AP, the link selection request requesting the STA to transmit the link selection indication; 20. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

21. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the link selection request includes at least one of a service type identification of the target service type and a link identification of a recommended link.

22. 22. The apparatus of claim 20 or 21, wherein the link selection request is in a Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) frame sent by the AP to the STA.

23. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the link selection indication is in a buffer status report (BSR) field transmitted by the STA to the AP.

24. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the target link is determined based on link quality information of the plurality of links and the target service type.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the link quality information includes at least one of bandwidth, transmission delay, or packet loss rate.

26. 1. A link selection device for use in an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network, said device comprising: a receiving module configured to receive a link selection indication transmitted by a station (STA), the STA being associated with the AP, there being a plurality of links between the STA and the AP, the plurality of links being on different channels, the link selection indication indicating a target link corresponding to each of target service types, the target link including at least one of the plurality of links, and the target service type including a plurality of service types; the receiving module is further configured to receive service data for each of the plurality of service types over the target link corresponding to each of the plurality of service types. A link selection device comprising:

27. The device comprises: a transmitting module configured to transmit a scheduling frame to the STA, the scheduling frame being used to schedule the STA to transmit service data of the target service type over the target link; Furthermore, 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the receiving module is further configured to receive the service data over the target link.

28. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the scheduling frame includes an indication for the target service type.

29. The device comprises: a transmitting module configured to transmit a link selection request to the STA, the link selection request requesting the STA to transmit the link selection indication; 27. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:

30. 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the link selection request includes at least one of a service type identification of the target service type and a link identification of a recommended link.

31. 31. The apparatus of claim 29 or 30, wherein the link selection request is in a Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) frame sent by the AP to the STA.

32. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the link selection indication is in a buffer status report (BSR) field transmitted by the STA to the AP.

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