Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communication, in particular to a communication method and apparatus applicable to a multi-link device. The solution is applied to a wireless local area network system supporting 802.11 series protocols such as IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocols, for example 802.11be, Wi-Fi7, or EHT, or in another example, the next generation of 802.11be, or Wi-Fi8, or to an ultra-wideband UWB-based wireless personal area network system or sensing system. The method includes a step of a first AP sending first information to a first STA MLD, where the first information indicates whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP of the first AP MLD changes. In this way, when a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP of the first AP MLD changes, the first STA can know in a timely manner, thereby helping to improve communication reliability.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210376192.0, entitled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS," filed on April 11, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and devices. [Background technology]

[0003] To significantly increase the service transmission speed of wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax standard, based on the existing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology, further uses orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technology. OFDMA technology supports multiple nodes in simultaneously transmitting and receiving data, thereby achieving improved multi-station diversity.

[0004] The next-generation Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11be, is called Extremely High Throughput (EHT) or Wi-Fi 7, and its primary technical objective is to significantly improve peak throughput. According to the IEEE 802.11be standard, WLAN devices support multiple streams (the maximum number of spatial streams is 16), multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands), and the cooperation of multiple channels within the same frequency band to improve peak throughput and reduce service transmission latency. Multiple frequency bands or multiple channels are sometimes collectively referred to as multilinks. A station device in the next-generation IEEE 802.11 standard that supports multiple links simultaneously is called a multilink device (MLD).

[0005] The traffic indication map (TIM) broadcast function indicates that a station (STA) or station multilink device can receive a TIM frame within a specified time interval to obtain updates to key basic service set (BSS) parameters of the access point (AP) associated with the station (STA) or station multilink device. However, in conventional technology, the manner in which a station multilink device obtains updates to key BSS parameters affects communication reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus for improving communication reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect, a communication method is provided and is applied to a first access point multi-link device (AP MLD). The method may be performed by the first AP MLD or by a chip or circuit configured in the first AP MLD, which is not limited in this application. In the following, the first AP MLD is used as an example for explanation.

[0008] The method may include generating first information by a first AP in a first AP MLD, the first information indicating whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, and transmitting the first information to a first station multi-link device (STA MLD).

[0009] Based on this solution, the first AP may indicate to the first STA MLD whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change based on the first information. Furthermore, the first STA may determine whether to acquire key BSS parameters of the AP in the first AP MLD based on the first information. In this way, when key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, the first STA MLD can be notified in a timely manner, so that the first STA MLD and the first AP MLD can communicate normally, thereby helping to improve communication reliability.

[0010] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information is a count value.

[0011] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementation forms of the first aspect, if a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD changes, the value of the first information increases.

[0012] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementation forms of the first aspect, if the key BSS parameter corresponding to the AP of the first AP MLD does not change, the value of the first information remains unchanged.

[0013] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementation forms of the first aspect, the first information is carried in a check beacon field.

[0014] Based on this solution, in this application, the check beacon field can be reused, which is highly flexible and easy to implement.

[0015] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the check beacon field is carried in a traffic indication map TIM frame.

[0016] Based on this solution, in this embodiment of the present application, non-multilink stations may have compatibility, so that non-multilink stations can also correctly parse the TIM frame, and the scalability is strong.

[0017] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information indicates that key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change, and the method further includes the steps of: receiving a first frame by the first AP, the first frame being for requesting key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with a second STA, the second STA being in the first STA MLD and associated with the first AP MLD; and transmitting a second frame by the first AP, the second frame including the key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP associated with the second STA.

[0018] Based on this solution, when the first STA determines that the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, the first STA may further obtain the key BSS parameters of the AP associated with the second STA based on the first frame and the second frame, thereby helping to improve the communication reliability of the first STA MLD.

[0019] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second STA is all STAs in the first STA MLD.

[0020] With respect to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the key BSS parameters include one or more of: inclusion of a channel switch notification element, inclusion of an extended channel switch notification element, modification of an extended distributed channel access EDCA parameter element, inclusion of a quiet element, modification of a direct sequence spread spectrum DSSS parameter set element, modification of a contention-free CF parameter set element, modification of a high throughput HT operation element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element, inclusion of an operating mode notification element, inclusion of a quiet channel element, modification of a very high throughput VHT operation element, modification of a high efficiency HE operation element, insertion of a broadcast TWT element, inclusion of a BSS color change notification element, modification of a multi-user EDCA parameter set element, modification of a spatial reuse parameter set element, and modification of a very high throughput operation element.

[0021] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a first station multi-link device (STA MLD). The method may be performed by the first STA MLD, or may be performed by a chip or circuit configured in the first STA MLD, which is not limited in this application. In the following, the first STA MLD is used as an example for explanation.

[0022] The method may include: a first STA in a first STA MLD receiving first information, the first information indicating whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change; and the first STA determining whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change based on the first information.

[0023] Based on this solution, the first AP may indicate to the first STA MLD whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change based on the first information. Furthermore, the first STA may determine whether to acquire key BSS parameters of the AP in the first AP MLD based on the first information. In this way, when key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, the first STA MLD can be notified in a timely manner, so that the first STA MLD and the first AP MLD can communicate normally, thereby helping to improve communication reliability.

[0024] Regarding the second aspect, in some implementation forms of the second aspect, the first information is a count value.

[0025] Regarding the second aspect, in some implementation forms of the second aspect, the method further includes the first STA recording the first information.

[0026] Regarding the second aspect, in some implementation forms of the second aspect, the step of the first STA determining whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change based on the first information includes the step of the first station determining whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change based on whether a value of the first information is the same as a value of second information, where the second information is information received before the first STA receives the first information, and the second information indicates whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change.

[0027] In relation to the second aspect, in some implementation forms of the second aspect, the step of the first station determining whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change based on whether the value of the first information is the same as the value of the second information includes: if the value of the first information is the same as the value of the second information, the first STA determining that the key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP in the first AP MLD have not changed; and / or if the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information, the first STA determining that the key BSS parameters corresponding to the at least one AP in the first AP MLD have changed.

[0028] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information, and the method further includes a step of receiving a beacon frame by a second STA in the first STA MLD, the beacon frame including key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with the second STA, and the second STA is a station in the first STA MLD and associated with the first AP MLD.

[0029] Based on this solution, when a first STA determines that the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, both the first STA and the second STA can receive the beacon frame to obtain the key BSS parameters of the AP associated with the STA. In this way, the second STA in the first STA MLD can also obtain the key BSS parameters of the BSS in which the second STA is located, thereby helping to improve the communication reliability of the second STA.

[0030] Regarding the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information, and the method further includes a step of: a first STA transmitting a first frame, the first frame being for requesting key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with a second STA, the second STA being a station in the first STA MLD and associated with the first AP MLD; and the first station receiving a second frame, the second frame including the key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP associated with the second STA.

[0031] Based on this solution, when the first STA determines that the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, the first STA may further obtain the key BSS parameters of the AP associated with the second STA based on the first frame and the second frame, thereby helping to improve the communication reliability of the first STA MLD.

[0032] Regarding the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second STA is all STAs in the first STA MLD.

[0033] Regarding the second aspect, in some implementation forms of the second aspect, the first information is carried in a check beacon field.

[0034] Based on this solution, in this application, the check beacon field can be reused, which is highly flexible and easy to implement.

[0035] Regarding the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the check beacon field is carried in a traffic indication map TIM frame.

[0036] Based on this solution, in this embodiment of the present application, non-multilink stations may have compatibility, so that non-multilink stations can also correctly parse the TIM frame, and the scalability is strong.

[0037] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the key BSS parameters include one or more of inclusion of a channel switch notification element, inclusion of an extended channel switch notification element, modification of an EDCA parameter element, inclusion of a quiet element, modification of a DSSS parameter set, modification of a CF parameter set element, modification of an HT operation element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element, inclusion of an operation mode notification element, inclusion of a quiet channel element, modification of a VHT operation element, modification of an HE operation element, insertion of a broadcast TWT element, inclusion of a BSS color change notification element, modification of a multi-user EDCA parameter set element, modification of a spatial reuse parameter set element, and modification of a very high throughput operation element.

[0038] According to a third aspect, there is provided a communications device. The device may be a first AP MLD, or a chip or circuit configured in the first AP MLD. Alternatively, the device may be a first AP of the first AP MLD, or a chip or circuit configured in the first AP of the first AP MLD.

[0039] The apparatus includes a processing unit configured to generate first information, the first information indicating whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP of the apparatus changes, and a transceiver unit configured to transmit the first information to a first STA MLD.

[0040] Regarding the third aspect, in some implementation forms of the third aspect, the first information is a count value.

[0041] Regarding the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, if a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP of the device changes, the value of the first information increases.

[0042] Regarding the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, if a key BSS parameter corresponding to an AP of the device does not change, the value of the first information remains unchanged.

[0043] Regarding the third aspect, in some implementation forms of the third aspect, the first information is carried in a check beacon field.

[0044] Regarding the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the check beacon field is carried in a traffic indication map TIM frame.

[0045] With regard to the third aspect, in some implementation forms of the third aspect, the first information indicates that key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP of the device will change, and the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first frame from a first STA, the first frame being for requesting key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with a second STA, the second STA being within the first STA MLD and a station associated with the device, and transmit a second frame to the first STA, the second frame including the key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP associated with the second STA.

[0046] Regarding the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second STA is all STAs in the first STA MLD.

[0047] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the key BSS parameters include one or more of: inclusion of a channel switch notification element, inclusion of an extended channel switch notification element, modification of an extended distributed channel access EDCA parameter element, inclusion of a quiet element, modification of a direct sequence spread spectrum DSSS parameter set element, modification of a contention-free CF parameter set element, modification of a high throughput HT operation element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element, inclusion of an operating mode notification element, inclusion of a quiet channel element, modification of a very high throughput VHT operation element, modification of a high efficiency HE operation element, insertion of a broadcast TWT element, inclusion of a BSS color change notification element, modification of a multi-user EDCA parameter set element, modification of a spatial reuse parameter set element, and modification of a very high throughput operation element.

[0048] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a communications device. The device may be a first STA MLD, or a chip or circuit configured in the first STA MLD. Alternatively, the device may be a first STA and / or a second STA in the first STA MLD, or a chip or circuit configured in the first STA and / or a second STA in the first STA MLD.

[0049] The apparatus may include a transceiver unit configured to receive first information, the first information indicating whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change; and a processing unit configured to determine, based on the first information, whether key BSS parameters corresponding to the at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change.

[0050] Regarding the fourth aspect, in some implementation forms of the fourth aspect, the first information is a count value.

[0051] With regard to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to record the first information.

[0052] With regard to the fourth aspect, in some implementation forms of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is particularly configured to determine whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change based on whether a value of the first information is the same as a value of the second information, the second information being information received before the device receives the first information, and the second information indicating whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to the at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change.

[0053] With regard to the fourth aspect, in some implementation forms of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is particularly configured to: determine that a key BSS parameter corresponding to an AP in the first AP MLD has not changed if the value of the first information is the same as the value of the second information; and / or determine that a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD has changed if the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information.

[0054] With regard to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information, and the device further includes a first transceiver unit configured to receive a beacon frame, the beacon frame including key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with a second STA, the second STA being within the device and being a station associated with the first AP MLD.

[0055] With regard to the fourth aspect, in some implementation forms of the fourth aspect, the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information, and the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a first frame, the first frame being for requesting key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with a second STA, the second STA being within the device and being a station associated with the first AP MLD, and receive a second frame, the second frame including the key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP associated with the second STA.

[0056] Regarding the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second STA is all STAs of the device.

[0057] Regarding the fourth aspect, in some implementation forms of the fourth aspect, the first information is carried in a check beacon field.

[0058] Regarding the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the check beacon field is carried in a traffic indication map TIM frame.

[0059] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the key BSS parameters include one or more of: inclusion of a channel switch notification element, inclusion of an extended channel switch notification element, modification of an EDCA parameter element, inclusion of a quiet element, modification of a DSSS parameter set, modification of a CF parameter set element, modification of an HT operation element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element, inclusion of an operation mode notification element, inclusion of a quiet channel element, modification of a VHT operation element, modification of an HE operation element, insertion of a broadcast TWT element, inclusion of a BSS color change notification element, modification of a multi-user EDCA parameter set element, modification of a spatial reuse parameter set element, and modification of a very high throughput operation element.

[0060] According to a fifth aspect, a communications device is provided, comprising: a processor. The processor may be coupled to a memory and configured to execute instructions in the memory to perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of its possible implementations, or a method according to the second aspect or any one of its possible implementations. Optionally, the device further comprises the memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communications interface, the processor being coupled to the communications interface.

[0061] In one implementation, the device is a first AP MLD. When the device is a first AP MLD, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0062] In another implementation, the device is a chip disposed in the first AP MLD. When the device is a chip disposed in the first AP MLD, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0063] In one implementation, the device is a first STA MLD. When the device is a first STA MLD, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0064] In another implementation, the device is a chip located in the first STA MLD. When the device is a chip located in the first STA MLD, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0065] In another implementation, the device is a chip or a chip system.

[0066] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0067] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by an apparatus, enables the apparatus to perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of possible implementations of the first aspect, or a method according to the second aspect or any one of possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0068] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, enable an apparatus to perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of its possible implementations, or a method according to the second aspect or any one of its possible implementations.

[0069] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a communication system including the above-mentioned first AP MLD and first STA MLD. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0070] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the structure of an AP MLD and a STA MLD according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2(a)] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2(b)] FIG. 2 is another diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2(c)] FIG. 2 is yet another diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a frame structure of a TIM frame according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a frame structure of a TIM frame according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a frame structure of a TIM frame according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7]1 is a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] The technical solutions of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] In the following, relevant concepts in the embodiments of the present application will be described first in order to better understand the embodiments of the present application.

[0073] 1. Multilink Device The wireless communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The communication method may be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system or a chip or processor in the communication device. The communication device may be a wireless communication device that supports simultaneous transmission over multiple links. For example, the communication device is referred to as a multi-link device or a multi-band device. Compared with a device that only supports single-link transmission, a multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput.

[0074] A multilink device includes one or more affiliated STAs (STAs). An affiliated STA is a logical station and may operate on one link. An affiliated STA may be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For ease of explanation, in this application, a multilink device whose affiliated station is an AP may be referred to as a multilink AP, a multilink AP device, or an AP multilink device (AP MLD). A multilink device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA may be referred to as a multilink STA, a multilink STA device, or an STA multilink device (STA MLD). For ease of explanation, in the embodiments of this application, "a multilink device includes affiliated STAs" may also be simply referred to as "a multilink device includes an STA."

[0075] It should be noted that a multi-link device includes multiple logical stations, each operating on one link, although multiple logical stations can operate on the same link.

[0076] A multi-link device may perform wireless communication according to an 802.11 series protocol. For example, an extremely high throughput (EHT) compliant station or an 802.11be compliant station may perform communication with another device. Of course, the other device may or may not be a multi-link device.

[0077] For example, the multilink device in the embodiment of the present application may be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, the multilink device may be a device having more than two antennas. The number of antennas included in the multilink device is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment of the present application, the multilink device may allow services of the same access type to be transmitted over different links, and may even allow the same data packet to be transmitted over different links, or may not allow services of the same access type to be transmitted over different links, but may allow services of different access types to be transmitted over different links.

[0078] For example, a multi-link device is a device having wireless communication capabilities, and the device may be the entire device, or a chip, processing system, or the like installed in the entire device. The device having the chip or processing system installed may implement the methods and functions in the embodiments of the present application under the control of the chip or processing system. For example, the STA MLD in the embodiments of the present application may have wireless transceiver capabilities, support 802.11 series protocols, and communicate with an AP MLD, another STA MLD, or a single-link device. For example, the STA MLD is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and further communicate with a WLAN. For example, the STA MLD may be user equipment capable of accessing the Internet, such as a tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), handheld computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), or mobile phone, an Internet of Things node in the Internet of Things, an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles, etc. Alternatively, the STA MLD may be a chip and processing system within these terminals.

[0079] In the embodiments of the present application, the AP MLD is a device that provides the STA MLD service and may support the 802.11 series protocol. For example, the AP MLD may be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, or a network bridge, or may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay nodes, etc. Of course, the AP MLD may alternatively be a chip and processing system within these devices in various forms, thereby implementing the methods and functions in the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the multi-link device can support high-rate and low-latency transmission. With the continuous development of wireless local area network application scenarios, multi-link devices will alternatively be further applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air detection nodes), smart home devices (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (e.g., wearable devices such as AR and VR devices), smart office devices (e.g., printers or projectors), Internet of Vehicles devices, and some infrastructure in everyday life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, supermarket self-service navigation consoles, self-service cash registers, and self-service ordering machines). The specific forms of STA MLD and AP MLD are not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application and are described herein merely as examples. The 802.11 protocol may support 802.11be or be compatible with 802.11be.

[0080] The frequency bands in which a multi-link device operates may include, but are not limited to, sub 1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and high frequency 60 GHz.

[0081] For example, the multi-link device in the embodiment of the present application may be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, the multi-link device in the embodiment of the present application may be a device having two or more antennas. The number of antennas included in the multi-link device is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0082] 1 is a diagram of the structure of an AP MLD and a STA MLD according to an embodiment of the present application. The 802.11 standard focuses on the physical layer (PHY) part and the media access control (MAC) layer part of the AP MLD and the STA MLD.

[0083] 2. Link Identifier A link identifier represents a station operating on a link. In other words, if there is more than one station on a link, more than one link identifier represents the station. A link referred to below may also represent a station operating on the link.

[0084] During data transmission between the AP MLD and the STA MLD, a link identifier can be used to identify a link or a station on a link. Before communication, the AP MLD and the STA MLD may first negotiate or communicate the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link, or the AP of the AP MLD may broadcast the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link. Therefore, 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.

[0085] In one example, when establishing a basic service set (BSS), management frames such as beacon frames transmitted by an AP MLD carry elements, and the elements include a plurality of link identifier information fields. The link identifier information field may indicate the correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on the link corresponding to the link identifier. The link identifier information field includes not only the link identifier but also one or more of the following information, namely, a Media Access Control (MAC) address, an operating set, and a channel number. One or more of the MAC address, the operating set, and the channel number may indicate one link. In the case of an AP, the MAC address of the AP is also the BSSID (basic service set identifier) of the AP. In another example, in a multi-link device association process, the AP MLD and the STA multi-link device negotiate a plurality of link identifier information fields. The association of the multi-link device means that one AP of the AP MLD is associated with one STA of the STA MLD. The association may be performed to assist in associating a plurality of STAs of the STA MLD with a plurality of APs of the AP MLD respectively. One STA is associated with one AP.

[0086] In subsequent communications, the AP MLD or the STA multi-link device uses the link identifier to represent the station / AP of the STA multi-link device. The link identifier may further represent one or more attributes of the MAC address, the operating set, and the channel number of the AP operating on the link. For example, the link identifier represents <operating set of the AP, channel number, MAC address>, and the MAC address of the AP is equivalent to the BSSID (basic service set identifier) of the AP.

[0087] The technical solutions provided in the present application are applicable to WLAN scenarios, for example, to systems supporting the next generation Wi-Fi protocol of IEEE 802.11 system standards, for example, IEEE 802.11ax, and to wireless local area network systems supporting 802.11 series protocols such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, or EHT, or in another example, to the next generation of 802.11be, i.e., Wi-Fi 8, or may be applied to ultra-wideband (UWB)-based wireless personal area network systems or sensing systems.

[0088] Although embodiments of the present application are primarily described using examples in which IEEE 802.11 networks are deployed, those skilled in the art will readily understand that various aspects of the present application can be extended to other networks using different standards or protocols, such as BLUETOOTH®, high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard and used primarily in Europe), wide area networks (WANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other networks now known or developed in the future. Thus, various aspects provided herein are applicable to any suitable wireless network, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used.

[0089] 3. Basic Service Set (BSS) A BSS is used to describe a group of devices that can communicate with each other in a WLAN. A WLAN may contain multiple BSSs. Each BSS has a unique identifier called a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID).

[0090] A BSS may include multiple stations (STAs). A station may be an AP or a non-AP STA. Optionally, a BSS may include one AP and multiple non-AP STAs associated with the AP.

[0091] 2(a) to 2(c) are diagrams of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application, and Fig. 2(a) illustrates a communication system 100 to which the embodiment of the present application is applied, using a wireless local area network as an example. Fig. 2(b) and Fig. 2(c) are diagrams of the structure of a communication system 200 and a communication system 300, using an example in which a multi-link device in a wireless local area network communicates with other devices via multiple links.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 2(a), communication system 100 includes station 101 and station 102. Station 101 and station 102 may communicate via multiple links to achieve a throughput improvement effect. Station 101 may be a multi-link device, and station 102 may be a single-link device or a multi-link device, etc. In one scenario, station 101 is an AP MLD, and station 102 is a STA MLD or station (e.g., a single-link station). In another scenario, station 101 is a STA MLD, and station 102 is an AP (e.g., a single-link AP) or AP MLD. In yet another scenario, station 101 is an AP MLD, and station 102 is an AP MLD or AP. In yet another scenario, station 101 is a STA MLD, and station 102 is a STA MLD or STA (e.g., a single-link station). Of course, the wireless local area network may further include other devices. The number of devices and types of devices shown in FIG. 2(a) are merely examples.

[0093] 2(b), communication system 200 includes AP MLD 201 and STA MLD 202. AP MLD 201 includes groups AP1 and AP2, STA MLD 202 includes groups STA1 and STA2, and AP MLD 2021 and STA MLD 202 communicate in parallel via link 1 and link 2.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 2(c), the communication system 300 includes an AP MLD 301, a STA MLD 302, a STA MLD 303, and a STA 304. FIG. 2(c) illustrates a scenario in which the AP MLD 301 communicates with the STA MLD 302, the STA MLD 303, and the STA 304. The AP MLD 301 includes affiliates AP1, AP2, and AP3. The STA MLD 302 includes three affiliates, namely, STA1, STA2, and STA3. The STA MLD 303 includes two affiliates, namely, STA4 and STA5. The STA 304 is a single-link device. The AP MLD 301 may individually communicate with the STA MLD 302 via Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3, with the STA MLD 303 via Link 2 and Link 3, and with the STA 304 via Link 1. In one example, STA 304 operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, STA 4 operates in the 5 GHz frequency band, and STA 5 operates in the 6 GHz frequency band in STA MLD 303, and STA 1 operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, STA 2 operates in the 5 GHz frequency band, and STA 3 operates in the 6 GHz frequency band in STA MLD 302. AP 1, operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and within AP MLD 301, may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA 304 and STA 1 in STA MLD 302 via link 1. AP 2, operating in the 5 GHz frequency band and within AP MLD 301, may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA 4, operating in the 5 GHz frequency band and within STA MLD 303, via link 2, and may further perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA 2, operating in the 5 GHz frequency band and within STA MLD 302, via link 2. AP3, operating in the 6 GHz frequency band and residing in AP MLD301, may perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA3, operating in the 6 GHz frequency band and residing in STA MLD302, via link 3, and may further perform uplink or downlink data transmission with STA5, also residing in the STA MLD, via link 3.

[0095] It should be noted that FIG. 2(b) only shows that the AP MLD supports two frequency bands. FIG. 2(c) only shows an example in which the AP MLD 301 supports three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), where each frequency band corresponds to one link, and the AP MLD 301 may operate on one or more links, such as link 1, link 2, or link 3. On the AP side or the STA side, a link in this specification may be further understood as a station operating on a link. In practical applications, the AP MLD and the STA MLD may further support more or fewer frequency bands. In other words, the AP MLD and the STA MLD may operate on more or fewer links. This is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0096] In the 802.11 protocol, a STA includes two operating modes: non-power-save mode and power-save mode. When a STA operates in non-power-save mode, the STA is always awake, i.e., in active mode, regardless of whether data is transmitted on the STA. When a STA operates in power-save mode, the STA may be in an awake state when data is transmitted between the STA and the AP. When there is no data transmission between the STA and the AP, the STA may be in a doze state to reduce power consumption. A STA may send a frame to the AP to indicate whether the STA is in power-save mode. For example, a power-save bit set to 1 in the frame control field in the MAC header of a frame indicates to the AP that the STA is in power-save mode, and a power-save bit set to 0 in the frame control field in the MAC header of a frame indicates to the AP that the STA is in non-power-save mode.

[0097] It can be understood that "data transmission" and "transmitting data" referred to in this application generally refer to communication, and "data" generally refers to communication information, and is not limited to data information, but may alternatively be signaling information, etc.

[0098] Based on the wireless network management (WNM) power-saving mechanism, a STA may communicate with an AP for approximately the awake period. The AP transmits a broadcast traffic indication map (TIM) frame to multiple corresponding STAs at the beginning of each awake period. The TIM frame is much shorter than a beacon frame. The TIM element included in the TIM frame notifies multiple STAs whether there is a corresponding downlink traffic indication. Because the TIM frame is much shorter than a beacon frame, the STA may achieve power-saving effects. In the WNM power-saving mechanism, the TIM broadcast interval field in the TIM broadcast request frame sent by the STA or the TIM broadcast response frame returned by the AP indicates the awake period. The TIM broadcast interval is usually set to be larger than the beacon frame interval. After the awake period is negotiated, a station that supports TIM broadcasting only needs to receive TIM frames during the awake period and does not need to receive beacon frames periodically.

[0099] 3 is a diagram of a frame structure of a TIM frame according to an embodiment of the present application. The TIM frame shown in FIG. 3 is applicable to non-multilink stations.

[0100] 3, the frame carrier in the TIM frame may include at least one of a type field, an unprotected wireless network management (WNM) action field, a check beacon field, a timestamp field, a TIM element, etc. The timestamp field indicates clock information, the check beacon field indicates whether key BSS parameters have been updated in the BSS in which the station is located, and the TIM element informs the station whether there is a downlink unicast / multicast service.

[0101] For example, if a key BSS parameter in the BSS in which the AP is located is updated, the value of the Check Beacon field is increased by, for example, 1. For example, when determining that a key BSS parameter has been updated in the BSS, the AP increases the value of the Check Beacon field by 1, and the initial value of the Check Beacon field is 0. The STA records the value of the Check Beacon field each time it receives a beacon frame. If the value of the Check Beacon field of a recently received service is different from the value of the Check Beacon field received last time, the STA receives a beacon frame transmitted by the AP.

[0102] Figure 3 shows a TIM frame applicable to a single-link station. This solution does not consider the TIM broadcast mechanism of a multi-link device. As a result, a station in a multi-link device cannot obtain information about whether key BSS parameters corresponding to multiple APs in an AP multi-link device have been updated, or whether key BSS parameters in multiple BSSs managed by multiple APs have been updated.

[0103] Figures 4 and 5 show the TIM frame in a multilink device communication scenario. For multilink devices, the TIM frame is also called a multilink TIM frame, and the multilink TIM frame also includes an unprotected WNM action field. The action values ​​of the unprotected WNM action field are shown in Table 1.

[0104] [Table 1]

[0105] For example, as shown in Table 1, the action value is set to one of the reserved values, e.g., 2, to indicate that the TIM frame is a multilink TIM frame and distinguish the multilink TIM frame from the conventional TIM frame shown in Figure 3. The specific value of the reserved value of the unprotected WNM action field is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. For example, it may be another value from 2 to 255. The value of 2 is merely an example for purposes of explanation herein.

[0106] 4 is a diagram of a frame structure of a TIM frame according to an embodiment of the present application. The TIM frame shown in FIG. 4 is applicable to a multilink communication scenario. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame carrier includes a type field, an unprotected WNM action field, a check beacon field, a TIM element field, and a link identifier information field. Optionally, the frame carrier may further include a timestamp field. The check beacon field of the multilink TIM frame shown in FIG. 4 indicates whether key BSS parameters on the link indicated by the link identifier information field have been updated, and the TIM element indicates whether the station multilink device / station has downlink unicast / multicast service information.

[0107] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a frame structure of a TIM frame according to an embodiment of the present application. The TIM frame shown in FIG. 5 is applicable to a multi-link communication scenario. As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the type and unprotected WNM action fields, the frame carrier further includes several link fields. When the number of link fields indicates multiple links, a check beacon field, a TIM element field, and a link identifier information field are further included for each link. Optionally, the frame carrier may further include one or more timestamp fields. In the multi-link TIM frame shown in FIG. 5, each check beacon field corresponds to one link identifier information field and indicates whether the link in the link identifier information field has key BSS parameter update information.

[0108] For example, in the case of the multilink TIM frame shown in Figure 4 or 5, if the key BSS parameters of the BSS in which the link indicated by the link identifier information field is located are updated, or if the key parameters of the link indicated by the link identifier information field are updated, the value of the Check Beacon field is increased, for example, by 1. For example, upon determining that the key BSS parameters of the BSS on the link have been updated, the first AP increases the value of the Check Beacon field corresponding to the link by 1. The BSS parameters may also be understood as link parameters.

[0109] For example, each time a multilink STA records the received value of the check beacon field corresponding to a link, if the value of the check beacon field corresponding to the link of the service recently received is different from the value of the check beacon field corresponding to the link that was last received, the multilink STA receives a beacon frame transmitted from the multilink AP on that link.

[0110] The solutions in Figures 4 and 5 take multilink devices into consideration, but because a new multilink TIM frame is proposed, non-multilink stations cannot receive the multilink TIM frame, i.e., compatibility issues exist. To support both multilink devices and non-multilink stations, the AP needs to transmit two types of frames: the TIM frame shown in Figure 3 and the multilink TIM frame shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5.

[0111] In conclusion, in the case of a multi-station multilink device, if one station supports the TIM broadcast function and other stations are in a doze state, the station may receive a TIM frame within a specified time interval to obtain updated key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP associated with the station. However, the station may not obtain updated key BSS parameters corresponding to the APs associated with other stations in the multi-station device. Therefore, the multi-station multilink device or station may not be able to communicate successfully with these APs.

[0112] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method that helps improve the reliability of communication.

[0113] 6 is a diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, the method 600 includes the following steps:

[0114] S610: A first AP in a first AP MLD generates first information, where the first information indicates whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD changes.

[0115] It should be understood that a WLAN may include multiple BSSs, and each BSS may include one AP and multiple STAs associated with the AP; that is, each AP corresponds to one BSS. Key BSS parameters are important parameters used to describe a BSS. Therefore, there is also a one-to-one correspondence between APs and key BSS parameters. The "key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP" may also be understood as the key BSS parameters of the BSS in which the AP is located, or the key BSS parameters of the AP. In a multi-link communication scenario, the "key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP" may also be understood as the key BSS parameters of the BSS in which the link corresponding to the AP is located.

[0116] The first information indicates whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change. In other words, the first information indicates whether key BSS parameters corresponding to any AP in the first AP MLD will change, whether key BSS parameters corresponding to all APs in the first AP MLD will change, or whether key BSS parameters corresponding to each of all APs in the first AP MLD will change.

[0117] There may be one or more APs whose key BSS parameters in the first AP MLD change. There may be one or more key BSS parameter change events in an AP.

[0118] It should be understood that the first information may only indicate whether the key BSS parameters of the APs change within the first AP MLD, and does not indicate the APs whose key BSS parameters change within the first AP MLD.

[0119] Additionally, the first AP of the first AP MLD generates first information, where the first information indicates whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP of the first AP MLD change. It will be understood that when the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP of the first AP MLD change, the first AP generates first information, where the first information indicates that the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP of the first AP MLD change. Alternatively, when the key BSS parameters corresponding to the APs of the first AP do not change, the first AP generates first information, where the first information indicates that the key BSS parameters corresponding to the APs of the first AP MLD do not change.

[0120] The key BSS parameters change, that is, the key BSS parameters are updated or the key BSS parameters are updated.

[0121] Optionally, the AP for which the key BSS parameters change may be the first AP, any AP other than the first AP in the first AP MLD, or multiple APs in the first AP MLD, which may or may not include the first AP.

[0122] The key BSS parameter change event may be used to identify whether a key BSS parameter changes. It will be appreciated that if a key BSS parameter changes, a key BSS parameter change event will be present in the beacon frame.

[0123] In one implementation, the key BSS parameter change events include at least one of the following: Inclusion of a Channel Switch Announcement element, Inclusion of an Extended Channel Switch Announcement element, Modification of the enhanced distribution channel access (EDCA) parameters element, Inclusion of a Quiet element, Modification of the direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) parameter set, Modification of the contention free (CF) parameter set element, Modification of the high throughput (HT) operation element, Inclusion of a Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element, Inclusion of a Channel Switch Wrapper element, Inclusion of an Operating Mode Announcement element, Modification of an Enhanced Distribution Channel Access (EDCA) parameter set element, Modification of a Quiet element, Modification of a Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Parameter Set element, Modification of a Contention Free (CF) Parameter Set element, Modification of a High Throughput (HT) Operation element, Inclusion of a Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element, Inclusion of a Channel Switch Wrapper element, Inclusion of an Operating Mode Announcement element, Modification of an Operating Mode Announcement element, Modification of a High Throughput (HT) Operation ... Notification element, Inclusion of a Quiet Channel element, Modification of the VHT (very high throughput) Operation element, Modification of the HE (high efficient) Operation elementOperation element, Insertion of a Broadcast TWT element, Inclusion of the BSS Color Change Announcement element, Modification of the multi-user (MU) EDCA Parameter Set element, Modification of the Spatial Reuse Parameter Set element, and Modification of the extreme high throughput (EHT) Operation element.

[0124] It should be understood that in the case of AP MLD, any AP may obtain whether the values ​​of key BSS parameters of all APs associated with the AP MLD change.

[0125] The first AP is an AP that establishes a TIM broadcast service with at least one station associated with the first AP. Optionally, the station belongs to a station MLD.

[0126] S620: The first AP sends first information to the first STA in the first STA MLD, and in response, the first STA in the first STA MLD receives the first information.

[0127] The first STA MLD and the first AP MLD are communication devices in a multi-link communication scenario, the first AP is any AP belonging to the first AP MLD, the first SAT is a STA belonging to the first STA MLD, and the first STA is associated with the first AP, i.e., there is a communication link between the first AP and the first STA.

[0128] Optionally, the first AP sends the first information to the first STA in the first STA MLD, i.e., the first AP sends the first information via a link on which the first AP operates.

[0129] Optionally, a first STA of the first STA MLD receives the first information, ie, the first STA receives the first information via a link on which the first STA operates.

[0130] The first station is a station that establishes a TIM broadcast service with an AP associated with the first station. Optionally, the AP belongs to an AP MLD.

[0131] According to this embodiment, the first AP may indicate to the first STA MLD whether the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change based on the first information. Furthermore, the first STA may determine whether to acquire the key BSS parameters of the AP in the first AP MLD based on the first information. In this way, when the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, the first STA can be notified in a timely manner, so that the first STA MLD and the first AP MLD can communicate normally, thereby helping to improve communication reliability.

[0132] Optionally, the method further includes: S630: The first STA determines, based on the first information, whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD changes.

[0133] Specifically, the first information may be an explicit indication, that is, the first STA may obtain whether the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change after analyzing the first information.

[0134] For example, the first information is a count value. For example, if the key BSS parameters corresponding to one or more APs in the first AP MLD change, the value of the first information increases. If the key BSS parameters corresponding to the APs in the first AP MLD do not change, the value of the first information remains unchanged.

[0135] Specifically, the first information may alternatively be an implicit indication, that is, after analyzing the first information, the first STA may further obtain, according to internal decision logic, whether the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change.

[0136] For example, the first information is a bit value. For example, one bit reserved in the unprotected WNM action field may be used as the first information. When the value of one bit is 1, it indicates that the key BSS parameters corresponding to one or more APs in the first AP MLD change. When the value of one bit is 0, it indicates that the key BSS parameters corresponding to the APs in the first AP MLD do not change.

[0137] Optionally, the first STA may determine whether to acquire key BSS parameters of APs in the first AP MLD based on the first information. For example, if the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, the changed key BSS parameters of the APs are acquired.

[0138] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the first information is a count value.

[0139] If the key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD changes, the value of the first information is increased.

[0140] It should be understood that before S630, the first AP may transmit second information to the first STA in the first STA MLD. Correspondingly, the first STA in the first STA MLD receives the second information, which is information transmitted by the first AP before the first information is transmitted and indicates whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change. An increase in the value of the first information may be understood as an increase in the value of the first information compared to the value of the second information. A non-increase in the value of the first information may be understood as the value of the first information being equal to the value of the second information or remaining unchanged compared to the value of the fifth information.

[0141] For example, the value of the second information is 0. If the key BSS parameter corresponding to one AP in the first AP MLD changes before the first information is sent, the value of the first information is 1.

[0142] For example, the value of the second information is 0. If multiple key BSS parameters corresponding to one AP in the first AP MLD change before the first information is sent, the value of the first information is 1.

[0143] In another example, the value of the second information is 0. If key BSS parameters corresponding to multiple APs in the first AP MLD change before the first information is transmitted, the value of the first information is increased by 1, regardless of the specific number of APs or the number of key BSS parameters of one AP that change.

[0144] If the key BSS parameter corresponding to the AP of the first AP MLD does not change, the value of the first information remains unchanged.

[0145] Similarly, the value of the first information remaining unchanged may be understood as the value of the first information remaining unchanged compared to the value of the second information.

[0146] Optionally, the method 600 further includes the first STA maintaining the first information.

[0147] It should be understood that "recording" may also be referred to as preserving, maintaining, and storing.

[0148] In other words, the first STA records the value of the received first information.

[0149] In one example, when the value of the first information changes, the first STA records the value of the first information. In other words, the first STA determines whether to update the value of the first information based on whether the value of the first information changes.

[0150] In yet another example, after the first STA receives the first information, regardless of whether the value of the first information is the same as the previously recorded value, the first STA records the currently received first information and discards the previously recorded value.

[0151] Optionally, the information recorded before the first STA records the first information is called second information, and the second information is information received before the first information is received and indicates whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change.

[0152] After receiving the first information, the first STA may compare the first information with the second information to determine whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD changes based on whether the value of the first information is the same as the value of the second information.

[0153] In one example, if the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information, the first STA determines that the key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD has changed.

[0154] In this case, the first STA MLD may further obtain key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP associated with the second STA in one of the following two ways, where the second STA is a station that establishes an association with the first AP MLD and is within the first STA MLD:

[0155] Optionally, the second STAs are all stations associated with and within the first AP MLD.

[0156] For example, assume that the first STA MLD includes three STAs, designated as STA#1, STA#2, and STA#3. STA#1, STA#2, and STA#3 are stations associated with the first AP MLD. In this case, the second STAs are STA#1, STA#2, and STA#3.

[0157] Scheme 1: A second STA in the first STA MLD receives a beacon frame, where the beacon frame includes a key BSS parameter corresponding to the AP associated with the second STA.

[0158] It should be understood that the first information received by the first STA triggers the second STA to receive a beacon frame, and triggering may also be referred to as enabling or causing.

[0159] It should be further understood that the trigger may be understood as an information exchange between a first STA and a second STA. For example, when the second STA is in a doze state, the second STA may change to an awake state, so that the second STA may also obtain information from the first STA indicating that key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change. The trigger may also be understood as an internal processing process of the first STA MLD. In the case of the first STA MLD, when the first STA determines that key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD have changed, all STAs in the first STA MLD obtain information associated with the STA indicating that their respective key BSS parameters corresponding to APs in the first AP MLD will change.

[0160] In other words, if the first STA determines that the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD have changed, all second STAs in the first STA MLD will receive the beacon frame.

[0161] Based on this solution, when a first STA determines that the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, both the first STA and the second STA can receive the beacon frame to obtain the key BSS parameters of the AP associated with the STA. In this way, the second STA in the first STA MLD can also obtain the key BSS parameters of the BSS in which the second STA is located, thereby helping to improve the communication reliability of the second STA.

[0162] Scheme 2: A first STA sends a first frame to a first AP, where the first frame is for requesting key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with a second STA. After receiving the first frame, the first AP may send a second frame to the first STA, where the second frame includes key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with the second STA.

[0163] Specifically, the second STAs include STA#1 and STA#2, and the AP associated with STA#1 is denoted as AP#1, and the AP associated with STA#2 is denoted as AP#2. In this case, the APs associated with the second STAs are AP#1 and AP#2. When STA#1 determines that the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD have changed, STA#1 may transmit a multilink probe request frame, where the multilink probe request frame is for requesting the key BSS parameters corresponding to AP#1 and the key BSS parameters corresponding to AP#2.

[0164] In other words, if the first STA determines that the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD have changed, the first STA may obtain the key BSS parameters corresponding to the APs of all stations associated with the first AP MLD and within the first STA MLD.

[0165] Specifically, the first frame may be a multilink probe request frame.

[0166] The multilink probe request frame may include a link identifier corresponding to the requested one or more APs. Optionally, the multilink probe request frame includes an MLD identifier of a first AP MLD to which the one or more APs belong. Optionally, the one or more APs are associated APs corresponding to all stations in the first STA MLD.

[0167] Optionally, the link identifier corresponding to each AP is located in a per STA profile field of the multilink element, and the MLD identifier of the first AP MLD is located in a common information field of the multilink element.

[0168] Specifically, the second frame may be a multilink probe response frame.

[0169] The multilink probe response frame may include a link identifier corresponding to the requested one or more APs. Optionally, the multilink probe response frame includes an MLD identifier of a first AP MLD to which the one or more APs belong. Optionally, the one or more APs are associated APs corresponding to all stations in the first STA MLD.

[0170] Optionally, the link identifier of each corresponding AP is located in a per STA profile subelement field of the multi-link element, and the MLD identifier of the first AP MLD is located in a common information field of the multi-link element. Each station profile subelement field contains element information for one AP. For example, each station profile subelement field may contain information about a changed key BSS parameter, i.e., may contain a corresponding element. For example, if the key BSS parameter change event is an inclusion of a Channel Switch Announcement element, the corresponding element is a Channel Switch Announcement element.

[0171] Based on this solution, when the first STA determines that the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, the first STA may further obtain the key BSS parameters of the AP associated with the second STA based on the first frame and the second frame, thereby helping to improve the communication reliability of the first STA MLD.

[0172] Optionally, in Scheme 1 and Scheme 2, the second STA is a station operating on a link that is in an enabled state.

[0173] In one example, if the value of the first information is the same as the value of the second information, the first STA determines that the key BSS parameter corresponding to the AP of the first AP MLD has not changed.

[0174] Optionally, there is one first piece of information.

[0175] Optionally, the first information is carried in a check beacon field.

[0176] Specifically, the value of the check beacon field may indicate whether the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change.

[0177] It should be understood that when the first information is carried in the check beacon field, there is one check beacon field.

[0178] Optionally, the first information is carried in a TIM frame.

[0179] Specifically, the TIM frame may be reused, and the check beacon field in the TIM frame carries the first information, which may include, for example, one octet.

[0180] Specifically, the structure of the TIM frame can be seen in FIG.

[0181] Based on this solution, this embodiment of the present application can be compatible with non-multilink stations, so that non-multilink stations can also correctly parse the TIM frame and know that the key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP of the first AP MLD will not change.

[0182] In one implementation, the initial value of the first information in the first AP is 0.

[0183] Specifically, the first information in the first AP MLD may be initialized to 0.

[0184] In one implementation, the initial value of the first information of the first STA MLD is 0.

[0185] Specifically, the first information in the first STA MLD may be initialized to 0.

[0186] In another implementation, the initial value of the first information in the first STA MLD is a value provided by the AP, and the value may also be referred to as an initial value.

[0187] Specifically, once the association is established, the first AP may provide the first information value to the first STA in an association response frame. Alternatively, once the associated TIM broadcast service is established, the first AP may provide the first information value to the first STA in a TIM broadcast response frame.

[0188] In the following, the method 600 in this embodiment of the present application will be described in detail using the communication system 300 shown in FIG. 2(c) as an example.

[0189] For example, Figure 2(c) is used as an example. Assume that the initial value of the Check Beacon field of both AP2 (an example of a first AP) in AP MLD 301 (an example of a first AP MLD) and STA2 (an example of a first STA) in STA MLD 302 (an example of a first STA MLD) is 0. STA2 is a station of the TIM broadcast service established with AP2 associated with STA2. Optionally, STA1 and STA3 are in the doze state.

[0190] If any one of the key BSS parameters of AP1, AP2, and AP3 changes, AP2 may increase the value of the check beacon field by 1. For example, AP2 generates frame #1, and the value of the check beacon field of frame #1 is 1 (an example of first information).

[0191] AP2 transmits frame #1 to STA2 via link 2, and STA2 receives frame #1. STA2 determines that a key BSS parameter of at least one AP in AP MLD 301 has changed based on the value (1) of the check beacon field in frame #1 and the previously recorded value (0) of the check beacon field.

[0192] The STAs in the STA MLD 302 may obtain the changed key BSS parameters in the following manner: Scheme 1: STA2 receives a beacon frame from AP2 via link 2, where the beacon frame includes key BSS parameters corresponding to AP2; STA1 and STA3 enter an awake state; STA1 receives a beacon frame from AP1 via link 1, where the beacon frame includes key BSS parameters corresponding to AP1; and STA3 receives a beacon frame from AP3 via link 3, where the beacon frame includes key BSS parameters corresponding to AP3.

[0193] Scheme 2: STA2 sends a first frame to AP2 via link 2, where the first frame is to request the key BSS parameters of AP1 associated with STA1, the key BSS parameters of AP2 associated with STA2, and the key BSS parameters of AP3 associated with STA3. Further, AP2 sends a second frame to STA2 via link 2, where the second frame includes the key BSS parameters of AP1, the key BSS parameters of AP2, and the key BSS parameters of AP3. For example, the first frame is a multilink probe request frame, and the second frame is a multilink probe response frame.

[0194] According to this embodiment, the first AP may indicate to the first STA MLD whether the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change based on the first information. Furthermore, the first STA may determine whether to acquire the key BSS parameters of the AP in the first AP MLD based on the first information. In this way, when the key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD change, the first STA can be notified in a timely manner, so that the first STA MLD and the first AP MLD can communicate normally, thereby helping to improve communication reliability.

[0195] Hereinafter, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0196] 7 is a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7, the device 400 may include a transceiver unit 410 and a processing unit 420. The transceiver unit 410 may communicate with the outside, and the processing unit 420 is configured to perform data processing. The transceiver unit 410 may be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0197] In one possible design, apparatus 400 may be a first AP MLD device in the aforementioned method embodiment, or may be a chip configured to perform the functions of the first AP MLD device in the aforementioned method embodiment, or may be a first AP of the first AP MLD, or may be a chip configured to perform the functions of the first AP of the first AP MLD.

[0198] Specifically, the apparatus includes a processing unit 420 configured to generate first information, the first information indicating whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP of the apparatus changes, and a transceiver unit 410 configured to transmit the first information to a first STA MLD.

[0199] Optionally, the first information is a count value.

[0200] Optionally, if a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP of the device changes, the value of the first information is increased.

[0201] Optionally, if the key BSS parameter corresponding to the device's AP does not change, the value of the first information remains unchanged.

[0202] Optionally, the first information is carried in a check beacon field.

[0203] Optionally, the check beacon field is carried in a traffic indication map TIM frame.

[0204] Optionally, the first information indicates that key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP of the device will change, and the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to: receive a first frame from a first STA, the first frame being for requesting key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with a second STA, the second STA being within the first STA MLD and a station associated with the device; and transmit a second frame to the first STA, the second frame including the key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP associated with the second STA.

[0205] Optionally, the second STAs are all STAs in the first STA MLD.

[0206] Optionally, the key BSS parameters include one or more of: inclusion of a channel switch notification element, inclusion of an extended channel switch notification element, modification of an extended distributed channel access EDCA parameter element, inclusion of a quiet element, modification of a direct sequence spread spectrum DSSS parameter set element, modification of a contention-free CF parameter set element, modification of a high throughput HT operation element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element, inclusion of an operating mode notification element, inclusion of a quiet channel element, modification of a very high throughput VHT operation element, modification of a high efficiency HE operation element, insertion of a broadcast TWT element, inclusion of a BSS color change notification element, modification of a multi-user EDCA parameter set element, modification of a spatial reuse parameter set element, and modification of a very high throughput operation element.

[0207] For example, the transceiver unit 410 may be divided into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit, where the receiving unit is configured to perform operations related to receiving the first AP MLD in the method embodiment, and the transmitting unit is configured to perform operations related to transmitting the first AP MLD in the method embodiment.

[0208] It should be understood that the above content is only used as an example for understanding. The device 400 can further perform other steps, actions, or methods related to the first AP MLD in the method embodiment. Details will not be described here.

[0209] In another possible design, apparatus 400 may be the first STA MLD device in the aforementioned method embodiments, or may be a chip configured to perform the functionality of the first STA MLD device in the aforementioned method embodiments. Alternatively, apparatus 400 may be the first STA and / or the second STA of the first STA MLD, or may be a chip configured to perform the functionality of the first STA and / or the second STA of the first STA MLD.

[0210] Specifically, the apparatus may include: a transceiver unit 410 configured to receive first information, the first information indicating whether key BSS parameters corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change; and a processing unit 420 configured to determine, based on the first information, whether key BSS parameters corresponding to the at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change.

[0211] Optionally, the first information is a count value.

[0212] Optionally, the processing unit 420 is further configured to record the first information.

[0213] Optionally, the processing unit 420 is particularly configured to determine whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change based on whether a value of the first information is the same as a value of the second information, the second information being information received before the device receives the first information, and the second information indicating whether a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change.

[0214] Optionally, the processing unit 420 is particularly configured to: determine that a key BSS parameter corresponding to an AP in the first AP MLD has not changed if the value of the first information is the same as the value of the second information; and / or determine that a key BSS parameter corresponding to at least one AP in the first AP MLD has changed if the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information.

[0215] Optionally, the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information, and the device further includes a first transceiver unit configured to receive a beacon frame, the beacon frame including key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with a second STA, the second STA being within the device and being a station associated with the first AP MLD.

[0216] Optionally, the value of the first information is different from the value of the second information, and the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to transmit a first frame, the first frame being for requesting key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with a second STA, the second STA being within the device and being a station associated with the first AP MLD, and receive a second frame, the second frame including the key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP associated with the second STA.

[0217] Optionally, the second STA is all STAs of the device.

[0218] Optionally, the first information is carried in a check beacon field.

[0219] Optionally, the check beacon field is carried in a traffic indication map TIM frame.

[0220] Optionally, the key BSS parameters include one or more of: inclusion of a channel switch notification element, inclusion of an extended channel switch notification element, modification of an EDCA parameter element, inclusion of a quiet element, modification of a DSSS parameter set element, modification of a CF parameter set element, modification of an HT operation element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element, inclusion of an operation mode notification element, inclusion of a quiet channel element, modification of a VHT operation element, modification of a HE operation element, insertion of a broadcast TWT element, inclusion of a BSS color change notification element, modification of a multi-user EDCA parameter set element, modification of a spatial reuse parameter set element, and modification of a very high throughput operation element.

[0221] For example, the transceiver unit 410 may be divided into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit, where the receiving unit is configured to perform operations related to receiving the first STA MLD in the method embodiment, and the transmitting unit is configured to perform operations related to transmitting the first STA MLD in the method embodiment.

[0222] It should be understood that the apparatus 400 herein is embodied in the form of a functional unit, where the term "unit" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (e.g., a shared, dedicated, or group processor) configured to execute one or more software or firmware programs, a memory, merge logic, and / or another suitable component that supports the described functionality.

[0223] It should be understood that the above content is only used as an example for understanding. The device 400 can further perform other steps, actions, or methods related to the first STA MLD in the method embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0224] 8 is a block diagram of a communication device 500 according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication device 500 includes at least one processor 510 and a transceiver 520. The processor 510 is coupled to a memory and configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to control the transceiver 520 to transmit signals and / or receive signals. Optionally, the communication device 500 further includes a memory 530 configured to store instructions.

[0225] It should be understood that the processor 510 and the memory 530 may be integrated into one processing device. The processor 510 is configured to execute program code stored in the memory 530 to perform the functions described above. In a specific implementation, the memory 530 may alternatively be integrated into the processor 510 or may be separate from the processor 510.

[0226] It should be further understood that the transceiver 520 may include a receiver (also referred to as a receiver machine) and a transmitter (also referred to as a transmitter machine). The transceiver 520 may further include an antenna. There may be one or more antennas. The transceiver 1020 may be a communication interface or interface circuit.

[0227] When the communication device 500 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit may be a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated into the chip.

[0228] An embodiment of the present application further provides a processing device including a processor and an interface, wherein the processor may be configured to perform the method of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0229] It should be understood that the processing device may be a chip, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or another integrated chip.

[0230] In the implementation process, the steps in the aforementioned method can be implemented using hardware integrated logic circuits in a processor or using instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed with reference to the embodiments of the present application may be directly executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed using a combination of hardware and software modules in a processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable memory, or a register. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and performs the steps in the aforementioned method together with the hardware of the processor. To avoid repetition, details will not be described again here.

[0231] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions used to implement a method performed by a first AP MLD or a first STA MLD in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0232] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product including instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enable the computer to perform a method performed by a first AP MLD or a first STA MLD in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0233] The present application further provides a system including a first AP MLD or a first STA MLD.

[0234] All or part of the above embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement an embodiment, all or part of the embodiment may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded into a computer and executed, the procedures or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio waves, or microwave) transmission. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or may be a data storage device, such as a server or data center, incorporating one or more available media. The media that can be used may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), semiconductor media (e.g., solid state disks (SSDs)), and the like.

[0235] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "example" and "for example" are used to denote serving as an example, illustrative example, or illustration. Any embodiment or design scheme described in this application as an "example" is not described as being preferred or having any advantages over other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, the term "example" is used to present concepts in a particular way.

[0236] It should be understood that reference throughout this specification to an "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Thus, all embodiments listed throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0237] It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the above processes do not refer to the execution sequence in various embodiments of the present application. The execution sequence of the processes should be determined according to the function and internal logic of the processes and should not be interpreted as any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. The names of all nodes and messages in the present application are merely names set to facilitate the description in the present application and may be different in an actual network. The names of various nodes and messages in the present application should not be understood as being limited. On the contrary, any names having the same or similar functions as the nodes or messages used in the present application are considered as methods or equivalent replacements in the present application and are within the protection scope of the present application.

[0238] It should be further understood that in this application, "when" and "if" mean that the UE or the base station will perform the corresponding processing in the objective situation, but do not constitute any limitation on the time, do not require the UE or the base station to perform the decision operation during implementation, and do not imply any other limitation.

[0239] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "presetting", "preconfiguration", etc. may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes or tables in a device (e.g., a terminal device) or in another manner that can indicate related information. Specific implementation forms of "presetting", "preconfiguration", etc. are not limited in the present application, and may be, for example, preset rules or preset constants in the embodiments of the present application.

[0240] Additionally, the terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" herein describes only an associative relationship for describing related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following three cases: when only A exists, when both A and B exist, and when only B exists.

[0241] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" refers to all or any combination of the listed items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" can refer to the following six cases: when only A is present, when only B is present, when only C is present, when both A and B are present, when both B and C are present, and when all of A, B, and C are present. As used herein, "at least one" means one or more. "Multiple" means two or more.

[0242] 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 B based on A does not mean that B is determined based only on A. B can alternatively be determined based on A and / or other information. The terms "include," "contain," "have," and variations thereof all mean "including but not limited to," unless specifically emphasized otherwise.

[0243] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the terms first, second, and various numerals are used merely to distinguish between different information for ease of description, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application, for example.

[0244] Those skilled in the art may recognize that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the units and algorithm steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented by hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but the implementation form should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0245] For the purpose of simplifying the description, for the detailed operation processes of the above-mentioned systems, devices and units, it can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to refer to the corresponding processes in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0246] In some embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device, and method may be implemented in other manners. For example, the described device embodiment is merely an example. For example, the division into units is merely a logical division of function, and other divisions may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not implemented. In addition, the shown or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented using some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0247] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, and may be located in one location or distributed over multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0248] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, each of the units may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0249] When functions are realized in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the functions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application may essentially be implemented in the form of a software product, or a portion of the technical solutions may be implemented in the form of a software product. The software product is stored in a storage medium and includes instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application. The storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0250] The above description is merely a specific implementation form of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any variations or replacements that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0251] 100 Communication Systems 101 stations 102 stations 200 Communication Systems 201 AP MLD 202 STA MLD 300 Communication Systems 301 AP MLD 302 STA MLD 303 STA MLD 304 STA 400 equipment 410 Transceiver Unit 420 Processing Unit 500 communication devices 510 processor 520 Transceiver 530 memory 600 ways

Claims

1. generating first information by a first access point (AP) of a first access point multilink device (AP MLD), the first information indicating whether a key basic service set (BSS) parameter corresponding to at least one AP of the first AP MLD changes; transmitting, by the first AP, the first information to a first station multilink device (STA MLD), wherein the first STA MLD includes a first STA and a second STA; determining, by the first STA, based on the first information, whether the key BSS parameters corresponding to the at least one AP in the first AP MLD will change; if it is determined that the key BSS parameters have changed, all STAs in the first STA MLD obtain information associated with the STA indicating that each key BSS parameter corresponding to an AP in the first AP MLD will change; A communication method including:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first information is a count value.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein a value of the first information increases if the key BSS parameter corresponding to the at least one AP in the first AP MLD changes.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein if a key BSS parameter corresponding to an AP of the first AP MLD does not change, the value of the first information remains unchanged.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first information is carried in a check beacon field.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the check beacon field is carried in a traffic indication map (TIM) frame.

7. the first information indicates that the key BSS parameters corresponding to the at least one AP in the first AP MLD are to change, and the method further comprises: receiving, by the first AP, a first frame, the first frame for requesting key BSS parameters corresponding to an AP associated with the second STA, the second STA being a station in the first STA MLD and associated with the first AP MLD; transmitting, by the first AP, a second frame, the second frame including the key BSS parameters corresponding to the AP associated with the second STA; 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the second STA is all STAs in the first STA MLD.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the key BSS parameters corresponding to the at least one AP of the first AP MLD include one or more of: inclusion of a channel switch notification element, inclusion of an extended channel switch notification element, modification of an enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter element, inclusion of a quiet element, modification of a direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) parameter set, modification of a contention-free (CF) parameter set element, modification of a high throughput (HT) operation element, inclusion of a wide bandwidth channel switch element, inclusion of a channel switch wrapper element, inclusion of an operation mode notification element, inclusion of a quiet channel element, modification of a very high throughput (VHT) operation element, modification of a high efficiency (HE) operation element, insertion of a broadcast target wake-up time (TWT) element, inclusion of a BSS color change notification element, modification of a multi-user EDCA parameter set element, modification of a spatial reuse parameter set element, and modification of a very high throughput operation element.

10. A communication device, a memory configured to store computer instructions; a processor configured to execute the computer instructions stored in the memory to enable the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9; A communication device comprising:

11. A chip comprising a processor and an interface, the chip being configured to call a computer program from a memory and to execute the computer program stored in the memory in order to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. 10. A computer readable storage medium configured to store a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. 10. A computer program product comprising computer program code, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

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