Request and response methods, stations, and access points for searching for MLDs.

Abstract

To effectively execute an association with between a station and a multi-link device (MLD), or establish a multi-link transmission.SOLUTION: In a radio local area network, a communication device contains a processor for generating a probe request frame. The probe request frame is used for requesting a communication parameter of an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) where a first AP is arranged so as to be fed back to the first AP, and the first AP is a non-transmission basic service set identifier nontransmitted BSSID AP. The communication parameter of the AP MLD, contains a communication device as a communication parameter of a plurality of links to be supported by the AP MLD, or a transmission device for transmitting the probe request frame to the first AP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a request and response method, a station, and an access point for discovering MLD in a wireless local area network.

Background Art

[0002] In order to significantly increase the service transmission speed of a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, in the IEEE 802.11ax standard, based on the existing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology is further used. The OFDMA technology achieves a multi-station diversity gain by supporting multiple nodes to transmit and receive data simultaneously. In 2017 when the 802.11ax standard was finalized, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States opened a new free frequency band of 5925 - 7125 MHz, hereinafter referred to as 6 GHz. In this case, the operators of the 802.11ax standard expand the operating range of 802.11ax-compliant devices from 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz in the 802.11ax Project Authorization Requests (PAR).

[0003] Devices using the IEEE 802.11 Next Generation Wi-Fi Protocol (extremely high throughput, EHT) must be forward compatible. Therefore, they also support the operating spectrum of 802.11ax-compliant devices, namely the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands. Channel splitting is performed based on the newly opened, free 6GHz frequency band, and the supported bandwidth can exceed the maximum bandwidth of 160MHz supported at 5GHz, for example, it could be 320MHz. In the IEEE 802.11ax Next Generation Wi-Fi Extremely High Throughput Protocol, peak throughput can be increased not only by using ultra-high bandwidth, but also by using more streams, for example, by increasing the number of streams to 16, by coordinating multiple frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz), or by other means. Within the same frequency band, peak throughput can be further increased by the cooperation of multiple channels or by other means. This reduces service transmission delay. Hereafter, multiple frequency bands or multiple channels will be collectively referred to as multiple links. Multiple links are configured for 802.11ax Wi-Fi and earlier Wi-Fi that share the same operating frequency band, but typically a different basic service set (BSS) is established for each of the links, and communication with stations within the BSS to which a link belongs can only occur on one link at a time.

[0004] The primary function of 802.11ax and earlier multiple basic service set identifier (BSSID) technologies is to virtualize a single physical access point (AP) into multiple logical APs, i.e., to form multiple virtual networks. Each virtual network is used to manage a different station. Similar to AP products in current Wi-Fi scenarios, an AP can be virtualized into home APs and guest APs.

[0005] When multiple BSSID technology is applied to multi-link devices (MLDs), how to perform discovery and association between non-access point stations (non-AP STA) MLDs and access point stations (AP STA) MLDs is a technical issue that has been studied by engineers. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] Embodiments of this application disclose a request method for searching for multilink devices in a WLAN, a response method for searching for multilink devices, and related devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of this application is a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), A processor configured to generate a search request frame, the search request frame is used to request a first AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD on which the first AP is located, the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD, and the processor A transceiver configured to send a search request frame to the first AP and It provides a station that includes [this].

[0008] A second aspect of this application is a request method for discovering an access point multilink device, the method being performed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method is A step of generating a search request frame, the search request frame being used to request a first AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD on which the first AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD being the communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD, and The steps include sending a search request frame to the first AP and This provides a method that includes this.

[0009] In the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, the search request frame carries first instruction information, which instructs the first AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located.

[0010] According to the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, the first instruction information is carried by any one of the following elements: a multi-link element, a request MLD element, and a known MLD element.

[0011] A station provided in the first aspect or a method provided in the second aspect is Steps include receiving a search response frame from a second AP, the search response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located. It also includes.

[0012] In one embodiment, the communication parameters of the AP MLD on which the first AP is located include communication parameters corresponding to all or some of the links corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0013] In one embodiment, the search request frame further carries a field indicating a link identifier of the AP MLD, which indicates that the first AP should feed back the communication parameters of the corresponding link in the AP MLD where the first AP is located.

[0014] In one embodiment, the field indicating the link identifier in the AP MLD is a link component or a link index bitmap.

[0015] According to the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP by using a multiple BSSID element and the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD of the first AP within the multilink element of the non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP.

[0016] According to the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, the non-inherited elements of the search request frame further carry directive information indicating that certain information elements of the AP MLD are to be requested.

[0017] In the station provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, one of the multi-link element, request MLD element, and known MLD element further carries instructional information that indicates requesting several information elements of the AP MLD.

[0018] If a non-AP STA wishes to request communication parameters of an AP MLD while implementing a station in the first aspect of this application or a method in the second aspect, the non-AP STA may send a search request frame to the logical AP of the AP MLD. Even if the logical AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, other transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MSSID set may respond to the search request frame with the communication parameters of the AP MLD. This solves the technical problem in the prior art in that communication parameters of an AP MLD on another link cannot be obtained by sending a search request frame.

[0019] A third aspect of this application is a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), A processor configured to generate a search request frame, the search request frame is used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters of the AP MLD and related to the second AP, the second AP is a transmitted basic service set identifier transmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are communication parameters for multiple links supported by the AP MLD, and the processor A transceiver configured to send a search request frame to a second AP and It provides a station that includes [this].

[0020] A second aspect of this application is a request method for discovering an access point multilink device, the method being performed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method is A step of generating a discovery request frame, where the discovery request frame is used to request the second AP to feedback communication parameters of the AP MLD and related to the second AP, the second AP is the transmitted basic service set identifier transmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are communication parameters of a plurality of links supported by the AP MLD. A step of transmitting the discovery request frame to the second AP A method is provided that includes the above.

[0021] In the method according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect of the present application, the discovery request frame carries second indication information, and the second indication information is of the AP MLD and instructs the second AP to feedback communication parameters related to the second AP.

[0022] In the method according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect of the present application, the communication parameters of the AP MLD and related to the second AP are as follows, that is, The communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located. The communication parameters of the AP MLD where other APs belonging to the same multi-transmitted basic service set identifier MBSSID set as the second AP are located, or The communication parameters of the AP MLD where other APs collocated with the second AP are located. It includes at least one of the above.

[0023] According to the method of the third aspect or the fourth aspect of the present application, the second indication information is carried in the discovery request frame, the second indication information indicates an MLD identifier or an MLD address, and the MLD identifier or the MLD address instructs the second AP to feedback communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or the MLD address.

[0024] According to the third aspect of the present application or the fourth aspect of the method, the second instruction information is carried in a search request frame, and the second instruction information indicates in bitmap form the AP MLD associated with the requested second AP. The step of indicating the requested AP MLD in bitmap form may be a step of making the indication using a BSSID identifier bitmap field.

[0025] In the third aspect of this application or the fourth aspect of the method, the second instruction information carries one of the following elements: a multi-link element, a request MLD element, and a known MLD element.

[0026] During the implementation of this embodiment of the present application, if a non-AP STA wishes to request communication parameters for an AP MLD, the non-AP STA may send a discovery request frame to an AP configured as a transmitted BSSID AP. The transmitted BSSID AP may reply with the communication parameters for the MLDs where other APs belonging to the same MSSID set reside and / or the communication parameters for the MLDs where other APs collated with the transmitted BSSID AP reside. Thus, the technical problem in the prior art of not being able to obtain MLD communication parameters of other APs by sending a discovery request frame is solved.

[0027] A fifth aspect of this application is a first access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the first AP is A transceiver configured to receive a search request frame from a station, the search request frame is used to request the first AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of multiple links supported by the first AP. The first AP is provided, which includes the following.

[0028] The transceiver is further configured to request a second AP, which belongs to the same MBSSID set as the first AP, to help the first AP feed back a search response frame to the station, the search response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0029] A sixth aspect of this application is a response method for discovering an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a first access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the method is Steps include receiving a search request frame from a station, the search request frame being used to request the first AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD being the communication parameters of multiple links supported by the first AP, and A step of requesting a second AP, which belongs to the same MBSSID set as the first AP, to help the first AP feed back a search response frame to the station, wherein the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD, and This provides a method that includes [something].

[0030] A seventh aspect of this application is a second access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the second AP is a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, and the second AP is A transceiver configured to receive a discovery request frame from a first AP, the discovery request frame being used to request the second AP to help the first AP provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD being the communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD, the transceiver and the AP. A processor configured to generate a search response frame, wherein the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD, We will provide a second AP, which includes [the following].

[0031] An eighth aspect of this application is a response method for discovering an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a second access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, and the method is Steps include: receiving a discovery request frame from a first AP, the discovery request frame being used to request the second AP to help the first AP provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD being the communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD; A step of generating a search response frame, wherein the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD, and This provides a method that includes [something].

[0032] According to the access point provided in the seventh aspect of this application or the method provided in the eighth aspect, the search response frame is of the AP MLD and carries several informational elements in the communication parameters related to the second AP.

[0033] While implementing the access point provided in the seventh aspect or the method provided in the eighth aspect, the nontransmitted BSSID AP may feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD on which the nontransmitted BSSID AP is located to the non-AP STA by using other APs co-located with the nontransmitted BSSID AP or other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the non-AP AP.

[0034] A ninth aspect of this application is a second access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the second AP is a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, and the second AP is A transceiver configured to receive a search request frame from a station, the search request frame being of AP MLD and used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters related to the second AP, the AP MLD's communication parameters being the communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD, and the transceiver, A processor configured to generate a search response frame, wherein the search response frame is of AP MLD and carries communication parameters related to a second AP, A transceiver configured to send search response frames to the station and We will provide a second AP, which includes [the following].

[0035] A tenth aspect of this application is a response method for discovering an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a second access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, and the method is Steps include receiving a search request frame from a station, wherein the search request frame is of AP MLD and is used to request the second AP to feed back communication parameters related to the second AP, and the communication parameters of AP MLD are communication parameters for multiple links supported by AP MLD, and A step of generating a search response frame, wherein the search response frame is of AP MLD and carries communication parameters related to a second AP, The steps include sending a search response frame to the station and This provides a method that includes [something].

[0036] According to the access point provided in the ninth aspect of this application or the method provided in the tenth aspect, the communication parameters of the AP MLD and relating to the second AP are as follows: Communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is deployed. Communication parameters of the AP MLD where other APs belonging to the same multi-transmit basic service set identifier (MBSSID) set as the second AP are located, or AP MLD communication parameters where the second AP and other co-located APs are deployed It includes at least one of the following.

[0037] According to the access point provided in the ninth aspect of this application or the method provided in the tenth aspect, if the search request frame carries second instruction information, and the second instruction information indicates an MLD identifier or MLD address, the search response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address of the search request frame.

[0038] According to the access point provided in the ninth aspect of this application or the method provided in the tenth aspect, the search request frame carries second instruction information. When the second instruction information indicates the AP MLD requested by the search request frame in bitmap format, the communication parameters of the AP MLD indicated in bitmap format are carried in the search response frame. The requested AP MLD indicated in bitmap format may be a BSSID identifier bitmap field. Each bit in the BSSID identifier bitmap represents the corresponding AP MLD.

[0039] According to the access point provided in the ninth aspect of this application or the method provided in the tenth aspect, the search response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD on which the first AP associated with the second AP is located, the first AP being a first AP belonging to the same MSSID set as the second AP, and / or a first AP co-located with the second AP.

[0040] According to the access point provided in the ninth aspect of this application or the method provided in the tenth aspect, the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP by using a multiple BSSID element and the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD of the first AP within a multi-link element of a nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP.

[0041] According to the access point provided in the ninth aspect of this application or the method provided in the tenth aspect, the search response frame is of the AP MLD and carries several informational elements in the communication parameters related to the second AP.

[0042] The station in the first embodiment, the station in the third embodiment, the first access point provided in the fifth embodiment, the second access point provided in the seventh embodiment, and the second access point provided in the ninth embodiment may be chips. The processing unit may be a processing circuit of a chip. The transceiver unit may be an input / output interface circuit. The processing circuit may be configured to process signaling or data information provided by the input / output interface circuit. The input / output interface circuit may be configured to input and output data or signaling information for the chip.

[0043] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code. When the computer program is executed on a processor, the processor is enabled to perform any one of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, and corresponding possible embodiments.

[0044] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product is provided. The program product stores a computer program (instructions) to be executed by the aforementioned processor. When the computer program is executed on the processor, the processor is capable of performing any one of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth aspects, and corresponding possible embodiments.

[0045] A communication device is provided according to a thirteenth aspect of the embodiments of this application. The device includes a processor, which may further include a transceiver and a memory. The transceiver is configured to send and receive information or to communicate with other network elements. The memory is configured to store computer programs (instructions). The processor is configured to execute computer programs to support the communication device in performing any one of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, and corresponding possible embodiments.

[0046] A communication device is provided according to a fourteenth embodiment of the embodiments of this application. The device may exist in the form of a chip. The structure of the device includes a processor and may further include memory. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to store programs (instructions) and data necessary for the device. The processor is configured to execute computer programs stored in memory to support the communication device in performing any one of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth embodiments and the corresponding possible embodiments. Optionally, the memory may be located within the processor and be an internal memory. Alternatively, the processor may be located outside the processor and coupled to it, and be an external memory.

[0047] The attached drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2a] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multilink device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2b] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another multilink device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2c] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of yet another multilink device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3a] This is a schematic diagram of multilink communication according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 3b] This is a schematic diagram of another multilink communication according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the formation of an MBSSID set by multiple multilink devices within a WLAN according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 5]This is a schematic flowchart of a multilink device discovery method in a WLAN according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] This is another schematic flowchart of a multilink device discovery method in a WLAN according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 7a] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multilink element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 7b] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multilink element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 7c] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multilink element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 7d] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multilink element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sub-element within a multilink element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 9a] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multilink elements according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 9b] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multilink elements according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 9c] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multilink elements according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 9d] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multilink elements according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 9e] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of several multilink elements according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of a multi-BSSID element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 11a] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a required MLD element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 11b] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a required MLD element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 12a] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a known MLD element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 12b]This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a known MLD element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 12c] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a known MLD element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a search element according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to one embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] The following will first describe the relevant technology of this application, and then describe embodiments of this application with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] One embodiment of this application provides a communication method applicable to a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The method may be performed by a communication device within the wireless communication system, or by a chip or processor within 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 called a multi-link device or a multi-band device. For example, in a wireless local area network, the communication device supports communication performed using the IEEE 802.11 series protocol, which includes 802.11be, 802.11ax, or 802.11a / b / g / n / ac.

[0051] 1. Multilink devices (MLDs) are also called multi-band devices. A multilink device (MLD) includes one or more affiliated stations, each of which is a logical station. “Multilink device including affiliated stations” is also briefly described in the embodiments of this application as “multilink device including stations.” An affiliated station may be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For simplicity, in this application, a multilink device whose affiliated station is an AP may be referred to as a multilink AP, multilink AP device, or AP multilink device, and a multilink device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA may be referred to as a multilink STA, multilink STA device, or STA multilink device.

[0052] The multilink device (MLD) may perform wireless communication compliant with 802.11 series protocols, such as the Extremely High Throughput (EHT) protocol, or the 802.11be or 802.11be-compatible protocol, thereby communicating with other devices. The other devices may or may not be multilink devices.

[0053] Each logical station may operate on a single link, and multiple logical stations can operate on the same link. The link identifier, described later, identifies or represents a single station operating on a single link. In other words, if two or more logical stations exist on a single link, two or more link identifiers are required to identify or represent the logical stations. The link, described later, may also indicate the station operating on the link. When data transmission occurs between a multilink device and another multilink device, before communication, the multilink device and the other multilink device may first negotiate or communicate with each other about the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link, or the AP multilink device indicates the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or the station on the link via a broadcast management frame, such as a beacon frame. Therefore, during data transmission, the link identifier is carried 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.

[0054] In the following example, for illustrative purposes, we will use a case where one of the aforementioned multilink devices is an AP multilink device, and the other multilink device is an STA multilink device.

[0055] For example, when an AP multilink device establishes a BSS, the management frame transmitted by the AP multilink device, such as a beacon frame, carries an element containing multiple link identifier information fields. Each link identifier information field may indicate the correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on the link. Each link identifier information field contains a link identifier and further contains one or more of the following: MAC address, operation class, and channel number. One or more of the MAC address, operation class, and channel number can identify a link. As another example, in the multilink association establishment process, AP multilink devices and STA multilink devices negotiate multiple link identifier information fields. In subsequent communications, the AP multilink device or STA multilink device uses the link identifier to identify or represent a station within the multilink device. The link identifier may further represent one or more attributes of the station: MAC address, operation set, and channel number. Alternatively, the MAC address may be the association identifier of the associated AP multilink device. If multiple stations optionally operate on a single link, the meaning of the link ID includes not only the operating set and channel number on which the link is located, but also the identifiers of the stations operating on the link, such as the station's MAC address or association identifier (AID association identifier).

[0056] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an application scenario of one embodiment of this application using a wireless local area network as an example. The application scenario includes a first station 101, a second station 102, a third station 201, and a fourth station 202. The first station 101 may communicate with the second station 102 by using multiple links, and 3 Station 201 uses multiple links to 4It may communicate with station 202, thereby improving throughput. As shown in Figure 1, for example, the first station 101 is a multilink AP device, the second station 102 is a multilink STA device, the third station 201 is a multilink AP device, and the fourth station 202 is a multilink STA device. Indeed, the second station 102 and / or the fourth station 202 may also be single-link STA devices. Furthermore, in one scenario, the first station 101 is an AP multilink device, and the second station 102 is an STA multilink device or station (e.g., a single-link station). In another scenario, the first station 101 is an STA multilink device, and the second station 102 is an AP (e.g., a single-link AP) or AP multilink device. In yet another scenario, the first station 101 is an AP multilink device, and the second station 102 is an AP multilink device or AP. In yet another scenario, the first station 101 is an STA multilink device, and the second station 102 is either an STA multilink device or an STA. Of course, the wireless local area network may include other devices as well. The number and types of devices shown in Figure 1 are merely examples.

[0057] Figures 2a and 2b are schematic diagrams of the structure of AP multilink devices and STA multilink devices involved in communication. The 802.11 standard focuses on the 802.11 physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers of AP multilink devices and STA multilink devices (such as mobile phones and notebook computers).

[0058] As shown in Figure 2a, the multiple APs in an AP multilink device are independent of each other in the low MAC and PHY layers, and also independent of each other in the high MAC layer. The multiple STAs in an STA multilink device are independent of each other in the low MAC and PHY layers, and also independent of each other in the high MAC layer.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2b, multiple APs in an AP multilink device are independent of each other in the low MAC and PHY layers, and share a high MAC layer. Multiple STAs in an STA multilink device are independent of each other in the low MAC and PHY layers, and share a high MAC layer.

[0060] Indeed, an STA multilink device may use a structure in which the high MAC layers are independent of each other, while an AP multilink device may use a structure in which the high MAC layers are shared. Alternatively, an STA multilink device may use a structure in which the high MAC layers are shared, while an AP multilink device may use a structure in which the high MAC layers are independent of each other. For example, the high MAC layers or low MAC layers may be implemented by one processor in the chip system of the multilink device, or by different processing modules in the chip system.

[0061] For example, the multilink device in this 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 three or more antennas. The number of antennas included in the multilink device is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, in Figure 2c, the AP multilink device is a multi-antenna device, and the STA multilink device is a single-antenna device. In this embodiment of the present application, the multilink device may enable the transmission of the same access type service over different links, or even enable the transmission of the same data packets over different links. Alternatively, the multilink device may not enable the transmission of the same access type service over different links, but may enable the transmission of different access types service over different links.

[0062] The frequency bands in which multilink devices operate may include, but are not limited to, sub 1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and the high frequency 60 GHz. Figures 3a and 3b are two schematic diagrams of communication between a multilink device and other devices in a wireless local area network over multiple links.

[0063] Figure 3a shows a scenario in which the AP multilink device 101 communicates with the STA multilink device 102. The AP multilink device 101 includes series AP101-1 and series AP101-2, and the STA multilink device 102 includes series STA102-1 and series STA102-2. The AP multilink device 101 communicates in parallel with the STA multilink device 102 on links 1 and 2.

[0064] Figure 3b shows a scenario in which AP multilink device 101 communicates with STA multilink devices 102, 103, and 104. AP multilink device 101 includes series AP101-1 to AP101-3. STA multilink device 102 includes two series STAs, namely STA102-1 and STA102-2. STA multilink device 103 includes two series STAs, namely STA103-1 and STA103-2. STA103-3 and STA104 are single-link devices. AP multilink devices can communicate separately with STA multilink device 102 on links 1 and 3, with STA multilink device 103 on links 2 and 3, and with STA104 on link 1. For example, STA104 operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. STA multilink device 103 includes STA103-1 and STA103-2, with STA103-1 operating in the 5GHz frequency band and STA103-2 operating in the 6GHz frequency band. STA multilink device 102 includes STA102-1 and STA102-2, with STA102-1 operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band and STA102-2 operating in the 6GHz frequency band. AP101-1, operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band within the AP multilink device, can transmit uplink or downlink data to STA104 and STA102-2 in STA multilink device 102 on link 1. AP101-2, operating in the 5GHz frequency band within the AP multilink device, can transmit uplink or downlink data to STA103-1, operating in the 5GHz frequency band within STA multilink device 103, on link 2. AP101-3, operating in the 6GHz frequency band within AP multilink device 101, may transmit uplink or downlink data to STA102-2, also operating in the 6GHz frequency band within STA multilink device 102, on link 3, or to STA103-2, also within STA multilink device, on link 3.

[0065] Figure 3a shows that the AP multilink device 101 supports only two frequency bands, and Figure 3b uses only an example where the AP multilink device 101 supports three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), with each frequency band corresponding to one link. Note that the AP multilink device 101 may operate on one or more of links 1, 2, and 3 for illustrative purposes. On the AP side or STA side, a link as used herein may be further understood as a station operating on a link. In actual applications, AP multilink devices and STA multilink devices may further support more or fewer frequency bands, and the frequency band values ​​are not limited to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc. In other words, AP multilink devices and STA multilink devices may operate on more or fewer links. This is not limited to the present embodiments of this application.

[0066] For example, a multilink device is a device having wireless communication capabilities, and the device may be a device, or a chip or processing system installed in the device. A device on which a chip or processing system is installed may implement the methods and functions of this embodiment of the application under the control of the chip or processing system. For example, the multilink STA in the embodiment of the application may have wireless transceiver capabilities, support the 802.11 series protocol, and communicate with a multilink AP, another multilink STA, or a single-link device. For example, a multilink STA is any user communication device that enables a user to communicate with an AP and then with a WLAN. For example, a multilink STA may be a user device that can access the network, such as a tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), handheld computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), or mobile phone, or it may be an Internet of Things node in the Internet of Things, or an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles. Alternatively, the multilink STA may be a chip or processing system within the aforementioned terminal. The multilink AP in the embodiments of this application is a device that provides services to a multilink STA and may support the 802.11 series protocol. For example, the multilink AP may be a communication entity such as a communication server, router, switch, or network bridge, or the multilink AP may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Indeed, the multilink AP may further be a chip and processing system of various forms of devices to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. In addition, the multilink device may support high-rate and low-latency transmission.With the continued development of wireless local area network application scenarios, multilink devices can be further applied to more scenarios, such as functioning as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, or smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, display screens, televisions, stereos, refrigerators, or washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (e.g., AR, VR, or other wearable devices), smart devices in smart offices (e.g., printers, projectors), Internet devices in vehicles in the Internet of Vehicles, or infrastructure in everyday life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, self-service navigation consoles, self-checkout devices, or self-service food machines). The specific forms of multilink STAs and multilink APs are not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application and are merely examples for the purposes of this description. The 802.11 series protocols may include 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc.

[0067] 2. Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) Mode A Multiple BSSID (MBSSID) set is a combination of several cooperative or collaborative APs, where all collaborative APs share one operating class, one channel number, and one antenna port. In a multiple BSSID set, there is only one transmitted BSSID AP, and the other APs are nontransmitted BSSID APs. Information about a multiple BSSID set (i.e., multiple BSSID elements) is carried in beacon frames, search response frames, or neighbor reports transmitted by the transmitted BSSID AP. Information about the BSSID of a nontransmitted BSSID AP is derived based on the multiple BSSID elements in the aforementioned received beacon frames, search response frames, neighbor reports, etc.

[0068] In multiple BSSID technology, a single physical AP can be virtualized into multiple logical APs to form a multiple BSSID set. Each virtualized AP manages one BSS, and different logical APs generally have different SSIDs and permissions, such as security mechanisms or transmission opportunities. In a multiple BSSID set, the BSSID of an AP is configured as a transmitt BSSID, referred to as the transmitt AP, and the BSSIDs of other APs are configured as non-transmitted BSSIDs, referred to as non-transmitted APs. Generally, multiple APs within a multiple BSSID can also be understood as multiple collaborative AP devices obtained by virtualizing a single AP device. Only APs whose BSSID is a transmitt BSSID can transmit management frames, such as beacon frames and probe response frames. Beacon frames transmitted by APs whose BSSID is a transmitt BSSID contain multiple BSSID elements, and APs whose BSSID is a non-transmitted BSSID cannot transmit beacon frames. Association identifiers (AIDs) assigned to stations managed by multiple virtual APs share a single space; that is, AIDs assigned to stations managed by multiple virtual BSSs cannot be the same.

[0069] For simplicity, in the following explanation, APs within a BSS identified by a transmitted BSSID in a Multiple BSS set are referred to as transmitted BSSID APs, and APs within a BSS identified by a non-transmitted BSSID are referred to as non-transmitted BSSID APs.

[0070] In one example, as shown in Table 1, the multipleBSSID element includes an element ID, length, a maximum BSSID indicator, and sub-elements. The maximum BSSID indicator indicates that the maximum number of BSSIDs included in the aforementioned Multiple BSSID set is n, and the optional sub-elements contain information about each non-transmitting BSSID. The receiving end can calculate the value of each BSSID in the multiple BSSID set based on the reference BSSID, the maximum BSSID indicator, and the BSSID identifier. Each BSSID contains 48 bits. The value of the most significant (48-n) bits of each BSSID in the multiple BSSID set is the same as the value of the most significant (48-n) bits of the reference BSSID, and the value of the least significant n bits of each BSSID in the multiple BSSID set is obtained by performing a modulo operation with 2n on the sum of the least significant n bits of the reference BSSID and the value of the BSSID identifier x. The reference BSSID (i.e., Transmitted BSSID) is carried in the BSSID field in the MAC header of a frame (e.g., a beacon frame) containing the Multiple BSSID element. For specific calculation methods, please refer to the 802.11-2016 standard.

[0071] [Table 1]

[0072] Table 2 may show the "optional sub-elements" in Table 1.

[0073] [Table 2]

[0074] In Table 2, a Nontransmitted BSSID profile includes one or more elements of one or more APs or DMG STAs that have a NontransmittedBSSID, and a Nontransmitted BSSID profile includes, but is not limited to, the following elements:

[0075] 1. Multiple other elements within the beacon and Nontransmitted BSSID capability-related elements that must be included in each Nontransmitted BSSID.

[0076] 2. SSID element and Multiple BSSID-Index element.

[0077] 3. If the MultipleBSSID element is carried within the beacon, it may also contain an FMS Descriptor element.

[0078] 4. None of the following elements are present: The Timestamp and Beacon Interval fields, DSSS Parameter Set, IBSS Parameter Set, Country, Channel Switch Announcement, Extended Channel Switch Announcement, Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch, Transmit Power Envelope, Supported Operating Class, IBSS DFS, ERP Information, HT Capabilities, HT Operation, VHT Capabilities, VHT Operation, S1G Beacon Compatibility, Short Beacon Interval, S1G Capabilities, S1G Operation (11ah), etc. These elements typically have the same element values ​​as the AP corresponding to the transmitted BSSID.

[0079] 5. Optional NonInheritance Elements: These are the last elements in the Nontransmitted BSSID profile. NonInheritance elements include the IDs and element ID extensions of a set of elements within the Nontransmitted BSSID that cannot be inherited from the transmitted BSSID. Note that the specific contents of the elements are omitted here. Specifically, as shown in Table 3, nonInheritance elements include the element ID, length, element ID extension, element ID list, and element ID extension list. The element ID extension number exists only when the element ID value is 255.

[0080] [Table 3]

[0081] 3. Search Request and Response In a single-link scenario, a non-AP STA can initiate an active scan to discover APs, and as a result, the STA can select the appropriate AP to associate with.

[0082] Specifically, a non-AP STA can send a probe request frame. After receiving the probe request frame, the AP can respond with a probe response frame. The probe response frame carries relevant information about the AP, allowing the non-AP STA to explore the AP and obtain various communication parameters of the AP.

[0083] The search request frame may be broadcast, meaning that all APs respond with a search response frame after receiving the search request frame. Alternatively, the search request frame may be unicast, meaning that the search request frame is sent to a specific AP, and only that specific AP responds with a search response frame after receiving the search request frame.

[0084] In scenarios where a non-AP STA supports single-link or a non-AP STA MLD, and the AP MLD supports single-link, the logical non-AP STA (hereinafter referred to as non-AP STA) of the non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD establishes a multi-link transmission channel with the AP MLD. This can also be done by active scanning.

[0085] For devices that support both multilink and MBSSID, each link can have a set of MBSSIDs. APs belonging to the same MBSSID set are classified into APs with nontransmitted BSSIDs and APs with transmitted BSSIDs. APs with transmitted BSSIDs in different MBSSID sets are not necessarily located within the same AP MLD.

[0086] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the following applies:

[0087] AP MLD1 includes three logical APs called AP11, AP21, and AP31, which operate on link 1, link 2, and link 3, respectively. AP MLD2 includes two logical APs, designated as AP12 and AP22, which operate on link 1 and link 2, respectively. AP MLD3 includes two logical APs, designated as AP23 and AP33, which operate on link 2 and link 3, respectively.

[0088] AP MLD1 is used as an example. The MAC addresses of AP21 and AP31 are BSSID_11, BSSID_21, and BSSID_31, respectively (prior to 802.11ax, the BSSID of a BSS established by an AP was the AP's MAC address and could be changed later. For the sake of clarity in this specification, the AP's MAC address is used as the BSSID of the BSS established by the AP).

[0089] AP11 is a member of Multiple BSSID set 1, which further includes AP12 whose MAC address in AP MLD2 is BSSID_12.

[0090] AP21 is a member of Multiple BSSID set 2, which further includes AP22, whose MAC address in AP MLD2 is BSSID_22, and AP23, whose MAC address in AP MLD3 is BSSID_23.

[0091] AP31 is a member of Multiple BSSID set 3, which further includes AP33 whose MAC address in AP MLD3 is BSSID_33.

[0092] In one configuration, AP11 in MSSID set 1 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, and AP12 is configured as a nontransmitted BSSID. In MSSID set 2, AP21 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, and AP22 and AP23 are configured as nontransmitted BSSIDs. In MSSID set 3, AP33 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, and AP31 is configured as a nontransmitted BSSID. AP33, AP11, and AP21, which are configured as transmitted BSSIDs, can be known not to belong to the same AP MLD.

[0093] This embodiment of the present application further relates to a collated AP MLD or a collated AP, meaning that a virtual AP belonging to the same physical AP forms a collated AP, or a virtual AP MLD forms a collated AP MLD.

[0094] For example, AP11 and AP23 do not belong to the same MBSSID set, but they are physically located on the same physical AP. AP11 and AP23 can be considered co-located, and AP MLD1 where AP11 is located and AP MLD3 where AP23 is located are co-located. As shown in the diagram, all APs, or AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3, can be co-located.

[0095] In this embodiment of the present application, a search and response mechanism is proposed between a non-AP STA and one or more AP MLDs. Logical APs within multiple AP MLDs may belong to the same MSSID or to different MSSIDs.

[0096] In the first case, if a non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of an AP MLD where an AP with a nontransmitted BSSID is located, the non-AP STA may send a discovery request frame to the AP with a nontransmitted BSSID in the MBSSID set. In this case, the AP with a transmitted BSSID in the MBSSID set must reply with a discovery response frame.

[0097] In other words, if a non-transmitted BSSID AP in the MBSSID set receives a discovery request frame from a non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD, the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP may be sent back to the non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD using the transmitted BSSID AP. APs with non-transmitted BSSIDs and APs with transmitted BSSIDs may belong to different AP MLDs.

[0098] In the second case, if a non-AP STA wants to discover multiple AP MLDs at once, the non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD may send a discovery request frame to the AP with the transmitted BSSID, requesting the AP with the transmitted BSSID to reply with the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP. The AP with the non-transmitted BSSID and the AP with the transmitted BSSID may belong to different AP MLDs. If there are multiple APs with the non-transmitted BSSID, the multiple APs with the non-transmitted BSSID may also belong to different AP MLDs.

[0099] In other words, if a transmitted BSSID AP receives a discovery request frame from a non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD, the transmitted BSSID AP may reply with a discovery response frame, either together with or separately from the non-AP STA, using the communication parameters of other non-transmitted BSSID APs in the multiple BSSID set. Alternatively, the transmitted BSSID AP may reply to the non-AP STA with the communication parameters of other non-transmitted BSSID APs in the multiple BSSID set, along with or separately using the discovery response frame, using the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the other AP is located, where the other AP is collocated with the transmitted BSSID AP.

[0100] In the two cases described above, the non-AP STA may carry instruction information in the search request frame to indicate the communication parameters that the non-AP STA expects to receive from the AP MLD, or, by default, may request the AP MLD to reply with all communication parameters.

[0101] 4. AP's MLD communication parameters In this embodiment, the communication parameters of the AP MLD are information used to subsequently associate the AP MLD with a non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD, or information used to establish multilink communication. The communication parameters of the AP MLD in this embodiment of the application may be communication parameters corresponding to all links supported by the AP MLD, or they may be communication parameters corresponding to some of the links supported by the AP MLD.

[0102] In this embodiment, the AP MLD communication parameters are also referred to as the AP MLD association parameters or the AP MLD complete information, and refer to the complete information of the multiple links contained in the MLD. For each link, the complete link information is the information that should be carried only when a search response frame is transmitted over the link.

[0103] Specifically, communication parameters may include capability information elements, operation information elements, and other information elements, such as enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA), high high throughput capabilities (HT capabilities), HT operation, very high throughput capabilities (VHT capabilities), VHT operation, high efficiency capabilities (HE capabilities), high efficiency operation (HE operation), extremely high throughput capabilities (EHT capabilities), and EHT operation.

[0104] If the frequency band in which the link is located is 6 GHz, the communication parameters may not include high high throughput capabilities (HT capabilities), HT operation, very high throughput capabilities (VHT capabilities), or VHT operation.

[0105] Optionally, the communication parameters are: Elements such as timestamp and beacon frame interval fields, DSSS parameter set, IBSS parameter set, Country, channel switch announcement, extended channel switch announcement, wide bandwidth channel switch, transmit power envelope, supported operating classes, IBSS DFS, ERP information, S1G beacon compatibility, short beacon interval, S1G capabilities, and S1G operation (11ah). It also includes.

[0106] In an optional embodiment, the communication parameters of the MLD carried in the search response frame may include only the communication parameters for links supported by the non-AP MLD, and for links not supported by the non-AP MLD, the corresponding communication parameters may not be carried. The non-AP can pre-negotiate with the AP MLD regarding supported and unsupported links.

[0107] By default, the exploration response frame must carry the communication parameters for all links supported by AP MLD. Indeed, in some embodiments, the exploration response frame may carry the communication parameters for only some links supported by AP MLD.

[0108] In this embodiment of the present application, the communication parameters of the AP MLD link may also be referred to as the communication parameters of the AP corresponding to the link.

[0109] The implementation process of this application will be described in detail below using embodiments.

[0110] Embodiment 1 Figure 5 shows a multilink device and MBSSID-based discovery method according to one embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied between stations, between access points and stations, and between access points. For ease of explanation, this embodiment of the present application uses communication between an access point and a station as an example. There are multiple links between the access point and the station.

[0111] First, a scenario of this embodiment will be described. The scenario includes multiple AP MLDs, for example, a first AP MLD and a second AP MLD. The logical AP of the first AP MLD is the first AP and is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID. The logical AP of the second AP MLD is called the second AP and is configured as a transmitted BSSID. The first AP and the second AP may operate on the same link and belong to the same MBSSID set. In this scenario, a non-AP STA (which may be a single-link non-AP STA or a logical non-AP STA within a non-AP STA MLD, and is not limited in this application) uses a non-transmitted BSSID AP to obtain communication parameters of the first AP MLD in order to establish a multilink channel with the first AP MLD. In addition, the multiple APs or multiple AP MLDs in this scenario may be collocated.

[0112] The communication parameters of AP MLD have been described in detail in the fourth point above, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0113] This method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0114] Step S101: The non-AP STA sends a search request frame to the first AP via the first link in the multiple links between the non-AP STA and the first AP MLD.

[0115] In the explicit instruction scheme, the search request frame carries the first instruction information, which is used to request the communication parameters of the first AP MLD.

[0116] In the implicit instruction scheme, the search request frame does not carry the first instruction information. In other words, the communication parameters of the first AP MLD are requested by default in the implicit instruction scheme.

[0117] The first AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, meaning that the first AP is a non-transmitted BSSID AP, and therefore cannot directly reply to a non-AP STA with a discovery request response frame. Consequently, a second AP, configured as a transmitted BSSID and belonging to the same MBSSID set, can help the first AP respond to the discovery request frame.

[0118] Step S102: The second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a search response frame, and the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP MLD. Specifically, in the case of the explicit or implicit instruction scheme described above, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a search response frame, and the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP MLD.

[0119] During the implementation of this embodiment of the present application, if a non-AP STA wishes to request communication parameters of an AP MLD, the non-AP STA may send a discovery request frame to the logical AP of the AP MLD. Even if the logical AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, other transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MSSID set may respond to the discovery request frame and reply with the communication parameters of the AP MLD. This solves the technical problem in the prior art in that communication parameters of an AP MLD on another link cannot be obtained by sending a discovery request frame.

[0120] For example, in Figure 4, the non-AP STA wants to know the communication parameters of AP MLD2 in order to establish a multilink communication connection with AP MLD2. Specifically, the non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters corresponding to link 1 and link 2 of AP MLD2. The non-AP STA sends a discovery request frame to AP12, which by default requests AP12 to reply with the communication parameters of AP MLD2 where AP12 is located. Alternatively, the first instruction information is carried in the discovery request frame, and the first instruction information instructs AP12 to reply with the communication parameters of AP MLD2 where AP12 is located.

[0121] Since AP12's BSSID is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, AP12 cannot directly reply to a non-AP STA. Therefore, AP12 responds to the discovery request frame using AP11, which belongs to the same MSSID set 1 as AP12. (AP11's BSSID is configured as a transmitted BSSID.)

[0122] In the search response frame sent back to the non-AP STA, AP11 carries communication parameters for multiple links supported by AP MLD2. Here, the multiple links supported by AP MLD2 may be all links supported by AP MLD2, for example, link 1 and link 2, or some of the links supported by AP MLD2.

[0123] Embodiment 2 Figure 6 shows a multilink device and MBSSID-based discovery method according to one embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied between stations, between access points and stations, and between access points. For ease of explanation, this embodiment of the present application uses communication between an access point and a station as an example. There are multiple links between the access point and the station.

[0124] First, the implementation scenario of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and the details will not be described again here. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 2, the non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of one or more AP MLDs using a transmitted BSSID AP in order to separately establish multilink channels with one or more MLDs.

[0125] For the communication parameters of the AP MLD in Embodiment 2, please refer to the fourth point mentioned above. Details will not be described again in this embodiment.

[0126] This method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0127] Step S201: The non-AP STA sends a search request frame to the second AP via the first link in a series of links between the non-AP STA and the first AP MLD. The search request frame is used to request the second AP to carry the MLD's communication parameters in a search response frame.

[0128] The second AP is configured as a transmitted BSSID, meaning that the second AP is a transmitted BSSID AP, and therefore can directly reply to the non-AP STA with a search request response frame.

[0129] In an implicit instruction scheme, the default functions of a search request frame may be as follows:

[0130] (1) The default function of the search request frame is to request the communication parameters to be received by the search request frame, i.e., the communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located. By default, the second AP assumes that the search request frame is used to request the communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located.

[0131] (2) The second default function of the search request frame is that the search request frame is used to request communication parameters for a second AP MLD other than the second AP MLD in which the second AP is located.

[0132] (3) The third default function of the search request frame is that the search request frame is used to request communication parameters for the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and communication parameters for other MLDs.

[0133] Which of the three functions described above is used by default in the search request frame may be agreed upon in the protocol, or it may be agreed upon between the non-AP STA and the requested AP.

[0134] In other explicit instruction schemes, the search request frame may further carry second instruction information, which requests communication parameters on multiple links contained in the MLD corresponding to the second instruction information; that is, it is used to request the second AP to carry the communication parameters for multiple links contained in the MLD within the search request response frame returned to the non-AP STA. Similar to the implicit instruction schemes described above, the following three cases are also included when the second instruction information may be used to request communication parameters for the AP MLD: The communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located are required. The communication parameters of other AP MLDs besides the AP MLD where the second AP is located are requested, and The communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is deployed, as well as the communication parameters of the other AP MLDs, are requested.

[0135] It should be noted that "other AP MLDs" in the implicit and / or explicit instruction schemes mentioned above refer to AP MLDs other than the AP MLD in which the AP is located, or AP MLDs other than the MLD in which the local AP is located, for example, AP MLDs in which other APs belonging to the same MBSSID as the second AP are located, and / or AP MLDs in which other APs sharing the same address as the second AP are located.

[0136] In one embodiment, "other MLDs" may be the AP MLD on which the second AP is located, and other AP MLDs within the same MBSSID set to which the second AP belongs.

[0137] In one embodiment, “other MLDs” can be AP MLDs that are collocated with the second AP, except for AP MLDs where the second AP is located.

[0138] In one embodiment, "other MLDs" can be any other AP MLDs, except for the AP MLD on which the second AP is located, the AP MLD on which other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and the AP MLD that is collocated with the second AP.

[0139] The second instruction information requests communication parameters for other AP MLDs. The second instruction information may be set to 1 bit to indicate that communication parameters for the AP MLD where the second AP is located and for other AP MLDs are being requested. The second instruction information may be represented as the field "all MLD required".

[0140] Here, "other MLDs" may refer to MLDs where other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, or to AP MLDs where other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0141] The second instruction information may be set to 1 bit to indicate that communication parameters for another AP MLD are requested. The second instruction information may be represented as the field "other MLD required".

[0142] In other embodiments, “other MLDs” may be MLDs where other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set configured as a second AP are located. The second instruction information may be set to 1 bit to indicate that communication parameters for the AP MLD where the non-transmitted BSSID APs are located are requested. The second instruction information may be represented as the field “all nontransmitted MLD required”.

[0143] In yet another embodiment, “other MLDs” may be one or more specific MLDs. In this case, the second instruction information is carried in a probe request frame and indicates the identifier (ID) or MLD address of one or more MLDs. Here, the MLD identifier may be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index.

[0144] Note that the MLD MAC Address represents the MAC SAP address of the MLD, which is typically 48 bits long. The length of the MLD ID is shorter, less than 48 bits, e.g., 8 bits or 4 bits. The BSSID-index represents the sequence number of the virtual AP within the MBSSID set where the second AP is located.

[0145] In yet another embodiment, a non-AP STA may set a second instruction information carried in the search request frame to a different value in order to request communication parameters for a different AP MLD.

[0146] For example, the second instruction information is set to the first value to indicate that only the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located are requested. For example, the second AP is AP21, and the AP MLD where AP21 is located is AP MLD1.

[0147] In another example, the second instruction information is set to a second value, which indicates that communication parameters are requested for the AP MLD where the second AP is located, and for the AP MLD where non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located. For example, the second AP is AP21, and AP21, AP22, and AP23 belong to the same MBSSID set 2, with AP22 and AP23 configured as nontransmitted BSSIDs. Therefore, the second value indicates that communication parameters are requested for AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, AP MLD2 where AP 22 is located, and AP MLD3 where AP23 is located.

[0148] In other examples, the second instruction information is set to a third value, which indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located are requested, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD where non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and / or the communication parameters of the AP MLD where APs collocated with the second AP are located. For example, the second AP is AP21, and all AP MLDs are AP MLDs where AP21, as well as AP22 and AP23 belonging to the same MBSSID set 2 as AP21, are located, i.e., AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, AP MLD2 where AP22 is located, and AP MLD3 where AP23 is located. All AP MLDs further include AP MLDs (not shown) where APs (not shown) that do not belong to the same MBSSID set as AP21 and are collocated with AP21 are located.

[0149] The second instruction information may be set to or to other values ​​to indicate the status of the requested communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0150] Step S202: The second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a search response frame, which carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0151] In the implicit instruction scheme described above, when a second AP receives a search request frame, i.e., when the function of the search request frame is one of the three default functions described above, the second AP replies with a search response frame based on protocol agreement or agreement with a non-AP STA. Details are as follows:

[0152] (1) In the case of the first default function, the second AP may reply to the non-AP STA with a search response frame to carry the communication parameters of the second AP MLD on which the second AP is located.

[0153] (2) In the case of the second default function, the second AP may, by default, reply to the non-AP STA with a search response frame to carry the communication parameters of the MLD other than the second AP MLD on which the second AP is located.

[0154] (3) The second AP may, by default, reply to the non-AP STA with a search response frame to carry the communication parameters of the second AP MLD on which the second AP is located and the communication parameters of other MLDs.

[0155] In the explicit instruction scheme described above, when the second AP receives a search request frame carrying the second instruction information, it replies with a corresponding search response frame based on the instructions in the second instruction information.

[0156] Specifically, the second AP receives the second instruction information, parses the MLD identifier carried in the second instruction information, and sends back the communication parameters corresponding to the MLD identifier to the non-AP STA in the search response frame.

[0157] In one embodiment, for the communication parameters of the MLDs of all other APs requested using the second instruction information, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA in a search response frame, and the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the MLDs of all other APs.

[0158] In other embodiments, if the second instruction information requests communication parameters for an MLD where another non-transmitted BSSID AP is located, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA in a search response frame, and the search response frame carries the communication parameters for the MLD where the other non-transmitted BSSID AP is located.

[0159] In yet another embodiment, if the second instruction information requests one or more specific MLDs, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA in a search response frame, the search response frame carrying the communication parameters of the MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier indicated by the second instruction information.

[0160] In yet another embodiment, the second instruction information may also be set to a different value to instruct the second AP to reply to the non-AP STA in the search response frame when different AP MLD communication parameters are requested, and the search response frame carries the MLD communication parameters requested by the second instruction information.

[0161] For example, if the second instruction information is set to the first value, the second AP uses a search response frame to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located. For example, if the second AP is AP21, AP21 will feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD where AP21 is located, i.e., AP MLD1.

[0162] As another example, in the case of second instruction information set to a second value, the second AP uses a search response frame to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located and the AP MLD where non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID as the second AP are located. For example, the second AP is AP21, and AP21, AP22, and AP23 belong to the same MBSSID set 2, with AP22 and AP23 configured as nontransmitted BSSIDs. Therefore, AP21 feeds back the communication parameters of AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, AP MLD2 where AP22 is located, and AP MLD3 where AP23 is located.

[0163] In another example, the second instruction information is set to a third value, and the second AP uses a search response frame to feed back the communication parameters of all AP MLDs. For example, the second AP is AP21, and all AP MLDs are AP21, as well as AP22 and AP23, which belong to the same MBSSID set 2 as AP21. That is, AP21 feeds back the communication parameters of AP MLD1 where AP23 is located, AP MLD2 where AP22 is located, and AP MLD3 where AP23 is located.

[0164] During the implementation of this embodiment of the present application, if a non-AP STA wishes to request communication parameters for an AP MLD, the non-AP STA may send a discovery request frame to an AP configured as a transmitted BSSID AP. The transmitted BSSID AP may reply with the communication parameters for the MLDs where other APs belonging to the same MSSID set reside and / or the communication parameters for the MLDs where other APs collated with the transmitted BSSID AP reside. Thus, the technical problem in the prior art of not being able to obtain the MLD communication parameters of other APs by sending a discovery request frame is resolved.

[0165] Similarly, in Figure 4, for example, a non-AP STA wants to know the communication parameters of one or more AP MLDs in order to establish a multilink communication connection. For example, AP21 in MSSID set 2 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, and AP22 and AP23 are configured as nontransmitted BSSIDs.

[0166] In the first case, if a non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, the non-AP STA sends a discovery request frame to AP21, which by default is used to request the communication parameters of AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, or carries second directive information indicating that the communication parameters of AP MLD1 where AP21 is located are being requested. Since AP21's BSSID is configured as a transmitted BSSID, AP21 can reply directly with a discovery response frame, which may carry the communication parameters of AP MLD1. Specifically, the communication parameters of AP MLD1 may be the communication parameters of Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3 supported by AP MLD1, or they may be the communication parameters of all or some of the links supported by the non-AP STA.

[0167] In the second case, the non-AP STA attempts to obtain communication parameters for AP MLDs other than AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, for example, for AP MLD2 and / or AP MLD3. The non-AP STA sends a search request frame to AP21, which by default is used to request communication parameters for MLDs other than AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, or carries second directive information to instruct AP21 to request communication parameters for MLDs other than AP MLD1 where AP21 is located. Since AP21's BSSID is configured as a transmitted BSSID, AP21 replies directly with a search response frame, in which it may carry communication parameters for MLDs other than AP MLD1 where AP21 is located. For example, the MLD identifiers indicated by the second directive information are AP MLD2 and AP MLD3. Alternatively, if the second directive information is "all MLD required", AP21 will carry communication parameters for AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 in the search request response frame. In other examples, if the second instruction is "all non-transmitted MLD required," AP21 carries the communication parameters for AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 in the search request response frame. In other examples, if the MLD identifier indicated by the second instruction is AP MLD2, AP21 carries the communication parameters for AP MLD2 in the search request response frame.

[0168] In the third case, the non-AP STA attempts to obtain the communication parameters of AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, and the other AP MLDs attempt to obtain the communication parameters of all or some of the MLDs, such as AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3. The non-AP STA sends a search request frame to AP21, which by default is used to request the communication parameters of AP MLD1 and the other MLDs where AP21 is located, or it carries second directive information instructing AP21 to request the communication parameters of AP MLD1 and the other MLDs where AP21 is located. Since AP21's BSSID is configured as a transmitted BSSID, AP21 may reply directly with a search response frame, in which it carries the communication parameters of AP MLD1 and the other MLDs where AP21 is located. Specifically, as described above, AP21 may carry the communication parameters of AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and / or AP MLD3 in the search response frame based on the instructions of the second directive information.

[0169] AP21 carries communication parameters for multiple links supported by one or more AP MLDs in the search response frame sent back to a non-AP STA.

[0170] Embodiment 3 This embodiment of the present application further describes several elements that reside within a search request frame and are used to carry out an AP MLD search request. These elements may carry first instruction information in Embodiment 1, or second instruction information in Embodiment 2. Embodiment 3 further describes elements that reside within a search response frame and are used to carry AP MLD communication parameters.

[0171] The search request frame in this embodiment includes several types of fields:

[0172] [Table 4]

[0173] In the explicit instruction scheme of the embodiments described above, the first and second instruction information can be implemented in various forms. For example, the first and second instruction information may be carried in the search request frame as separate elements, such as a multi-link element and a requested MLD element. Alternatively, a known MLD element may be carried in the search request frame for instruction in the form of an MLD address, MLD identifier, or BSSID index bitmap. This will be described in detail below.

[0174] (1) First, specific embodiments of the signaling structure of the multi-link element will be described. The multi-link element may be used in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 described above.

[0175] According to the flexible signaling structure provided in this embodiment, the search request frame transmitted by the non-AP STA carries a multi-link element to request communication parameters for the AP MLD. Alternatively, one or more multi-link elements are carried in the search request frame transmitted by the non-AP STA to request communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs. Specifically, one instruction information may be carried in one multi-link element to request communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs, or multiple instruction information may be carried in multiple multi-link elements to request communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs. In other embodiments, one multi-link element (without carrying instruction information) may be used to request communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs, or multiple multi-link elements (without carrying instruction information) may be used to request communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs.

[0176] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link element. A multi-link element includes an element identifier, length, element identifier extension field, common control field, MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The common control field includes a virtual MLD field and a special MLD field. Optionally, the common control field further includes an MLD address existence field. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field. Optionally, the common control field further includes an authentication algorithm existence field to indicate whether an authentication algorithm field exists within the MLD common information field.

[0177] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the structure of another multi-link element. A multi-link element includes an element identifier, length, element identifier extension field, common control field, MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The common control field includes an MLD type indicator. Optionally, the MLD common control field further includes an MLD address presence field. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field. Optionally, the common control field further includes an authentication algorithm presence field to indicate whether an authentication algorithm field is present within the MLD common information field.

[0178] Figure 7c is a schematic diagram of the structure of yet another multi-link element. A multi-link element includes an element identifier, length, element identifier extension field, common control field, MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The common control field includes an MLD address presence field. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field. Optionally, the common control field may further include an authentication algorithm presence field to indicate whether an authentication algorithm field exists within the MLD common information field.

[0179] Figure 7d is a schematic diagram of the structure of yet another multi-link element. A multi-link element includes an element identifier, length, element identifier extension field, common control field, MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field.

[0180] Each of the four possible structures of a multi-link element contains one or more optional sub-elements, each of which describes information about one AP within the AP MLD. An optional sub-element may be called a link profile element or link profile subelement, and the link profile subelement or link profile element carries the communication parameters of the AP. Alternatively, the link profile subelement or link profile element carries the communication parameters of the link.

[0181] In this embodiment of the present application, the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the search request frame indicates the communication parameters of the link requesting the AP or AP MLD. The link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the search response frame is used to carry the AP MLD or the communication parameters of the AP of the link.

[0182] If a multi-link element does not carry a link profile subelement or link profile element, by default it indicates that communication parameters for all APs or all links in the entire AP MLD will be requested or responded to.

[0183] It should be understood that the four structures of the multi-link element described above are merely examples. Fields or subfields within the multi-link element may be deleted or added, and the name of the multi-link element may be a synonym. Further structures may exist in standard formulations or technical development processes, and are not limited to those described herein.

[0184] As shown in Figure 8, the content of each optional sub-element includes the AP link identifier. Optionally, each optional sub-element further includes AP-related fields, such as the SSID field, timestamp field, beacon interval field, and AP elements. AP elements are, for example, BSS load elements, EHT capability elements, or EHT operation elements.

[0185] In Embodiment 1, an explicit instruction method is used. If a non-AP STA wants to request communication parameters for a first AP MLD, the non-AP STA may send a probe request frame to the logical AP of the first AP MLD, where the logical AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID. The non-AP STA may carry first instruction information within the probe request frame, which is used to request communication parameters for the first AP MLD. The first instruction information may be the "MLD complete info required in probe response" field.

[0186] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 9a, a multi-link element includes fields such as element ID, length, element ID extension, control, and multi-link device common info (MLD common info), as well as a link profile subelement. The multi-link device common info field includes the "MLD complete info required in probe response" field. Note that the field names used herein are examples only, and other names may be used in standard formulations or during product implementation.

[0187] "MLD complete info required in probe response" may be indicated using 1 bit, for example, 1 indicates that the request was made and 0 indicates that the request was not made.

[0188] In this embodiment, an example is used for illustrative purposes in which the field may be carried by the MLD common information field of the multi-link element. In other embodiments, the field may be carried by other fields, such as control fields. Details are not described here.

[0189] In addition, in other implementations, the MLD complete info required in probe response field may be further carried by any multi-link element shown in 7a-7d. The function of the multi-link element is the same as that of 9a, and its details will not be explained again here.

[0190] In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 9b, a multi-link element includes fields such as element ID, length, element ID extension, control, and multi-link device common info, as well as a link profile subelement. The multi-link device common info field includes an "MLD address or MLD identifier" field. Note that the field names used herein are examples only, and other names may be used in standard formulations or during product implementation.

[0191] The "MLD address or MLD identifier" indicates the AP MLD requested by the non-AP STA, and the link profile subelement indicates the link of the requested AP MLD. The AP responsible for responding to the discovery request frame replies with the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address or MLD identifier" and with the communication parameters of the link corresponding to the link profile subelement.

[0192] In Embodiment 2, an explicit instruction method is used.

[0193] In one case, if a non-AP STA requests only the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located, the search request frame carries second instruction information, which may be carried in a multi-link element as shown in Figures 7a and 7c. Specifically, the MLD address in the multi-link element may be set to the address of the AP MLD where the second AP is located, and the second instruction information indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located are requested.

[0194] In other cases, the non-AP STA requests communication parameters for an AP MLD other than the second AP MLD where the second AP is located, and the search request frame may carry second instruction information, which is specifically a multi-link element.

[0195] The multi-link element may be shown in Figure 9c. The "other MLD required" field in the multi-link element indicates whether the second AP requests communication parameters for other MLDs other than the second AP MLD where the second AP is located. Upon receiving the discovery request frame, the second AP, by default, feeds back the communication parameters of the other AP MLDs to the non-AP MLD. Thus, the other AP MLDs include AP MLDs where other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and / or AP MLDs where other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0196] The "other MLD required" field may use 1 bit to indicate whether a request was made. For example, 1 indicates that a request was made, and 0 indicates that a request was not made.

[0197] Alternatively, the multi-link element may be shown in Figure 9d. The "all non-transmitted MLD required" field in the multi-link element indicates, by default, that communication parameters for AP MLDs where other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBBID set as the second AP are located are requested, in addition to the second AP MLD where the second AP is located. The second AP, upon receiving the discovery request frame, by default feeds back the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP MLDs other than the AP MLD where the second AP is located to the non-AP MLD. One bit may be used in the "all non-transmitted MLD required" field to indicate whether a request was made. For example, 1 indicates that a request was made, and 0 indicates that no request was made.

[0198] In other cases, the non-AP STA requests communication parameters for the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and for other AP MLDs. The search request frame may carry second instruction information, specifically a multi-link element. The multi-link element may be shown in Figure 9e. The "all MLD required" field in the multi-link element indicates, by default, that communication parameters for the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and for other AP MLDs are being requested. The second AP, upon receiving the search request frame, by default feeds back the communication parameters for the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and for other AP MLDs to the non-AP MLD.

[0199] In one method, the "all MLD required" request includes communication parameters between the second AP and the AP MLD where other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located.

[0200] In other schemes, the "all MLD required" request includes communication parameters between the second AP and the AP MLD where the other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0201] In other schemes, the "all MLD required" request includes the second AP, the AP MLD in which other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and the AP MLD in which other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0202] Similarly, "all MLD required" can be indicated using 1 bit, for example, 1 indicating that the request was made and 0 indicating that the request was not made.

[0203] If a non-AP STA requests communication parameters for the second AP MLD where the second AP is located, as well as communication parameters for other MLDs, the "other MLD required" field shown in Figure 9c may be used. This is achieved by setting the MLD address or MLD identifier in the multi-link element of the discovery request frame to the address or identifier of the second AP.

[0204] The above uses specific fields to indicate the requested AP MLD, and the multi-link element may carry an MLD address or MLD identifier. In this case, the MLD address or MLD identifier indicates the address of the MLD where the second AP that received the search request frame will be located.

[0205] In other cases, the non-AP STA attempts to obtain communication parameters for one or more specific AP MLDs using a discovery request frame. In this embodiment, the one or more AP MLDs may be the AP MLD where the second AP is located, or the one or more AP MLDs where other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, or the one or more AP MLDs where other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0206] In one embodiment, the second instruction information is an MLD identifier or MLD address, which indicates one or more MLDs. Here, the MLD identifier or MLD address may specifically be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index.

[0207] For example, the MLD identifier or MLD address is carried within the search request frame (in this case, the multi-link element does not need to be carried).

[0208] In other examples, the MLD identifier or MLD address is carried within a multi-link element in the search request frame.

[0209] In the two methods described above, a non-AP STA's desire to obtain communication parameters of an AP MLD using a discovery request frame can be achieved using the discovery request frame or a multi-link element within the discovery request frame. Specifically, the MLD address or MLD identifier in the discovery request frame, or in the multi-link element within the discovery request frame, is set to the address or identifier of the AP MLD that the discovery request frame needs to request.

[0210] A non-AP STA may wish to use a search request frame to obtain communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs by carrying multiple MLD addresses or identifiers within the search request frame, or by carrying multiple MLD addresses or identifiers within a single multi-link element within the search request frame, or by carrying multiple MLD addresses or identifiers within each of the multiple multi-link elements within the search request frame.

[0211] In other embodiments, the second instruction information is a BSSID index bitmap, where each bit of the BSSID index bitmap corresponds to one AP MLD. The corresponding bit is set to 0 or 1 to indicate whether to request the communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the corresponding bit.

[0212] For example, the BSSID index bitmap is carried within the search request frame (in this case, the multi-link element does not need to be carried).

[0213] In yet another example, the BSSID index bitmap is carried within a multi-link element in the search request frame.

[0214] In the two examples above, the desire of a non-AP STA to obtain communication parameters of an AP MLD using a discovery request frame can be achieved using the discovery request frame or a multi-link element within the discovery request frame. Specifically, the corresponding bit in the BSSID index bitmap within the discovery request frame or the multi-link element within the discovery request frame is set to 1 to indicate the AP MLD to be requested.

[0215] (2) The following describes specific embodiments of the signaling structure of the requested MLD element. The requested MLD element can be used in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 described above.

[0216] In this embodiment, one or more requested MLD elements are carried in a search request frame sent by a non-AP STA to request communication parameters for the AP MLD.

[0217] As shown in Figure 11a, the requested MLD element includes fields such as "Element ID," "Length," "Element ID Extension," "Common Information," and "Requested MLD Configuration." The "Common Information" field includes a subfield called "Request Type."

[0218] In one embodiment, the "request MLD configuration" specifies the requested communication parameters for different AP MLDs. In this case, the "request type field" may, alternatively, be omitted.

[0219] Specifically, the "Requested MLD Configuration" includes the "MLD Address" field. The "MLD Address" indicates the requested address of the AP MLD. The "MLD Address" may also correspond to the "MLD Identifier." The MLD Identifier indicates one or more MLDs. Here, the "MLD Address" and "MLD Identifier" may be an MLD MAC address, MLD index, MLD ID, or BSSID index.

[0220] In other embodiments, the "request type field" indicates the requested communication parameters for a different AP MLD. In this case, the "MLD configuration request" field is not required, or the number of "MLD configuration request" fields is 0.

[0221] Specifically, the "request type" within the requested MLD element can be set to different values ​​to indicate that different AP MLD communication parameters are being requested. As an example, using the first instruction information of Embodiment 1, the request type may be set to 1 bit.

[0222] Method 1: A 1-bit value of 1 indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located are requested, while 0 indicates that only the communication parameters of the first AP are requested.

[0223] As an example, using the second instruction information of Embodiment 2, the request type may be set to 1 bit or more bits.

[0224] (1) When the request type is indicated by 1 bit:

[0225] Method 1: If the value of bit 1 is 1, it indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located are requested; if the value of bit 1 is 0, it indicates that only the communication parameters of the second AP are requested.

[0226] Method 2: If the value of bit 1 is 1, it indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located and the communication parameters of other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are being requested, while 0 indicates that only the communication parameters of the second AP are being requested.

[0227] Method 3: A 1-bit value of 1 indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located and the communication parameters of other AP MLDs are requested, while 0 indicates that only the communication parameters of the second AP are requested. Here, "other AP MLDs" include AP MLDs where other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and / or AP MLDs where other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0228] Method 4: A 1-bit value of 1 indicates that the AP MLD where the second AP is located is being requested, while 0 indicates that the communication parameters of other AP MLDs within the same MBSSID set as the second AP (excluding the AP MLD where the second AP is located) are being requested.

[0229] Method 5: A 1-bit value of 1 indicates that the AP MLD where the second AP is located is being requested, and 0 indicates that the communication parameters of another AP MLD are being requested. Here, "other AP MLDs" include AP MLDs where other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and AP MLDs where other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0230] Scheme 6: A 1-bit value of 1 indicates that the AP MLD where the second AP is located is being requested, and 0 indicates that the communication parameters of the other AP MLD are being requested. Here, "other AP MLD" includes the AP MLD where the other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0231] The above is merely an example. Alternatively, in the case of instructions using 1 bit, variations or combinations of the above may also be used.

[0232] (2) If the request type is indicated using multiple bits, for example 3 bits, the request type can have a total of 8 values.

[0233] The first value indicates that only the communication parameters of the second AP are requested.

[0234] The second value indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located are requested.

[0235] The third value indicates the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located, and the communication parameters of other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located on other AP MLDs.

[0236] The fourth value indicates that, in addition to the AP MLD where the second AP is located, communication parameters are requested for other AP MLDs where other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located.

[0237] The fifth value indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located and the communication parameters of other AP MLDs are requested. Here, "other AP MLDs" includes the AP MLDs where the other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0238] The sixth value indicates that communication parameters for other AP MLDs, other than the AP MLD where the second AP is located, are requested. Here, "other AP MLDs" includes the AP MLDs where the other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0239] The seventh value indicates that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located and the communication parameters of other AP MLDs are requested. Here, "other AP MLDs" include AP MLDs where other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and AP MLDs where other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0240] The eighth value indicates that communication parameters for other AP MLDs other than the AP MLD where the second AP is located are requested. Here, "other AP MLDs" include AP MLDs where other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located, and AP MLDs where other APs collated with the second AP are located.

[0241] Indeed, the first and eighth values ​​may use only a portion of the parameters, or 2 bits may be used to indicate a portion of the parameters.

[0242] In this embodiment, an example is used to illustrate how the request type field is carried within the common information field of the requested MLD element. In other embodiments, the request type field may be carried further within other fields, such as control fields. Further details are not described here.

[0243] Figure 11a is merely an example. In standard formulations or technological evolution processes, the name of the requested MLD element or the fields contained within the requested MLD element may be implemented in other ways. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0244] Figure 11b is a schematic diagram of another structure of the request MLD element. The structure of the request MLD element is similar to that of the request MLD element provided in Figure 11a, with the differences being as follows:

[0245] Specifically, the "Request MLD Configuration" includes a "BSSID index bitmap" field. Each bit in the bitmap corresponds to one AP MLD, and the bit is set to 0 or 1 to indicate whether to request the corresponding AP MLD. For example, a bit is set to 1 to indicate that the AP is requesting feedback of the communication parameters corresponding to the bit, which belong to the AP MLD. In one embodiment, the "Request MLD Configuration" specifies the requested communication parameters for different AP MLDs. In this case, the "request type field" may, alternatively, be omitted.

[0246] It should be understood that this embodiment of the present application does not preclude the "request MLD configuration" and "request type field" of the two aforementioned request MLD elements from being combined to indicate different AP MLD communication parameters.

[0247] The request MLD element in Figures 11a and 11b may further carry a link profile subelement field or a link profile element field.

[0248] A link profile subelement or link profile element carries the AP's communication parameters. Alternatively, a link profile subelement or link profile element carries the link's communication parameters.

[0249] In this embodiment of the present application, the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the search request frame indicates the communication parameters of the link requesting the AP or AP MLD. The link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the search response frame is used to carry the AP MLD or the communication parameters of the AP of the link.

[0250] If a request MLD element does not carry a link profile subelement or link profile element, by default it indicates that communication parameters for all APs or all links in the entire AP MLD will be requested or responded to.

[0251] Alternatively, if the request MLD element carries the requested link indicated by the "link profile sub-element," a field may be used to indicate whether to request all links or one link in the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address or MLD identifier." The field may be 1 bit. For example, if bit 1 is set to 1, it indicates that all links in the corresponding AP MLD are known. If bit 1 is set to 0, it indicates that the link is known. Links may be agreed upon according to the protocol.

[0252] Figure 11b is merely an example. In standard formulations or technological evolution processes, the name of the requested MLD element or the fields contained within the requested MLD element may be implemented in other ways. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0253] (3) The following describes specific embodiments of the signaling structure of the known MLD element. The known MLD element can be used in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 described above.

[0254] In this embodiment, to request the communication parameters of an AP MLD, one or more known MLD elements are carried in a probe request frame transmitted by a non-AP STA.

[0255] FIG. 12a shows the structure of a known MLD element. The known MLD element includes fields such as "element ID", "length", "element ID extension", "common information", and "known MLD configuration", and the "common information" field optionally further includes a "request type" sub-field. The "known MLD configuration" sub-field may or may not exist. If the "known MLD configuration" sub-field exists, an "MLD address" field is included.

[0256] The "MLD address" may be equivalent to an "MLD identifier", and the MLD identifier indicates one or more MLDs. Here, the "MLD address" and the "MLD identifier" may be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index. Similar to the request type of the requested MLD element described in (2), the request type of the known MLD element can use 1 to 3 bits to indicate requesting communication parameters of different AP MLDs. For details, please refer to the description in (2), and the details will not be described again here.

[0257] The difference from (2) is that the known MLD profile carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD already known by the non-AP STA, and the second AP does not need to carry the corresponding communication parameters in the probe response frame. In other words, the second AP carries the communication parameters of the known AP MLD indicated by removing the MLD address of the known MLD profile from the AP MLD requested by the request type in the probe response frame.

[0258] In this embodiment, an example is used to illustrate how the request type field is carried within a common information field of a known MLD element. In other embodiments, the request type field may be further carried within other fields, such as control fields. Further details are not described here.

[0259] In other embodiments, the common information field of the known MLD element does not necessarily have to include a “request type,” and one or more “known MLD configurations” are used to indicate that the AP responsible for responding to the search request frame is requested to reply with communication parameters of other AP MLDs other than the corresponding AP MLD corresponding to the “MLD address.”

[0260] Figure 12b shows the structure of other known MLD elements. A known MLD element includes fields such as "Element ID," "Length," "Element ID Extension," and "BSSID Index Bitmap." The "BSSID Index Bitmap" indicates the state of the communication parameters of the AP MLD known by the non-AP STA that initiated the search request frame. The AP responsible for sending the search response frame replies with the communication parameters of AP MLDs other than the known AP MLD, as indicated by the BSSID Index Bitmap in all AP MLDs.

[0261] In the embodiments described above, "all AP MLDs" may refer to known or agreed AP MLDs in which other APs in the MBSSID set belonging to the same MBSSID as the AP are located, and / or AP MLDs in which other APs collated with the AP are located.

[0262] Figure 12c shows the structure of another known MLD element. A known MLD element includes fields such as "Element ID," "Length," "Element ID Extension," and "Multilink Element." The "Multilink Element" carries "MLD Common Information" and "Link Profile Sub-Elements." The "MLD Common Information" may carry an "MLD Address or MLD Identifier," and the "Link Profile Sub-Elements" indicate known links within multiple links in the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD Address or MLD Identifier."

[0263] The AP responding to the discovery request frame will return communication parameters for a link other than the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address or MLD identifier" and other links other than the known link indicated by the "link profile sub-element".

[0264] The known link scheme indicated by the "link profile sub-element" may carry an identifier or index number of the known link, or it may carry a link index bitmap used to indicate which links are known.

[0265] The "Link Profile Sub-element" indicates the known link scheme. Alternatively, the field may be used to indicate whether all links in the AP MLD corresponding to a single link are known, or to specify the "MLD Address or MLD Identifier". The field may be 1 bit. For example, if bit 1 is set to 1, it indicates that all links in the corresponding AP MLD are known. If bit 1 is set to 0, it indicates that the link is known. Links may be agreed upon according to the protocol.

[0266] In this embodiment, the "link profile sub-element" may be carried directly within the known MLD element, or it may be carried within the known MLD element using a multi-link element.

[0267] The multi-link element, known MLD element, and request MLD element described in the above-described embodiment can be combined depending on the situation and carried in a search request frame to implement different functions for detecting AP MLD and communication parameters of multiple links of AP MLD.

[0268] The following describes an embodiment of the search response frame.

[0269] In Embodiment 1, regardless of whether the non-AP STA sends the discovery request frame using an implicit or explicit instruction method, if the logical AP receiving the discovery request frame is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, the discovery response frame is returned using another transmitted BSSID AP belonging to the same MSSID set.

[0270] When a transmitted BSSID AP replies to a non-AP STA in a discovery response frame, it carries information about the non-transmitted BSSID AP within the multiple BSSID element of the discovery response frame. As shown in Figure 10, a transmitted BSSID AP carries a non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP in the multiple BSSID element, carrying the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP, and in the multi-link element included in the non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP, it carries the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD where the non-transmitted BSSID AP is located. Specifically, the communication parameters of other APs are carried in link profile subelements. Multiple link profile subelements may exist to accommodate the communication parameters of multiple APs.

[0271] For example, as shown in Figure 4, AP11 carries communication parameters for multiple links supported by AP MLD2 in the search response frame sent back to non-AP STA. Specifically, the communication parameters may be carried in multiple BSSID elements, that is, the multiple BSSID elements carry the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP12 in order to carry information about AP12. The multi-link element carries the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP22 in order to carry information about AP12.

[0272] In response to this, in Embodiment 2, regardless of whether the non-AP STA sends a search request frame in an implicit or explicit instruction manner, if the logical AP receiving the search request frame is a transmitted BSSID AP, the logical AP may directly reply to the non-AP STA with a search response frame.

[0273] When a transmitted BSSID AP replies to a non-AP STA in a discovery response frame, it may carry information about the non-transmitted BSSID AP within the multiple BSSID element of the discovery response frame.

[0274] As shown in Figure 10, a transmitted BSSID AP carries a non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to a non-transmitted BSSID AP in a multiple BSSID element, carrying the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP, and in the multi-link element included in the non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP, it carries the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD where the non-transmitted BSSID AP is located.

[0275] For example, as shown in Figure 4, AP21 is a transmitted BSSID AP, and after AP21 receives a discovery request frame, AP21 carries in the discovery response frame sent back to the non-AP STA the communication parameters of one or more links supported by one or more AP MLDs in AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3 where AP21 is located, i.e., the communication parameters of one or more APs in AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3.

[0276] Specifically, when the discovery request frame requests the communication parameters of AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, the communication parameters of AP MLD1 are carried in the multi-link element within the discovery response frame. Specifically, the communication parameters of AP11, AP21, and AP31 can be carried separately in three link profile subelements within the multi-link element.

[0277] If the AP MLD requested by the discovery request frame further includes the communication parameters of AP MLD2 and / or AP MLD3, the communication parameters of AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 can be carried in the multiple BSSID element within the discovery response frame. Specifically, two nontransmitted BSSID profiles corresponding to AP21 are carried in the multiple BSSID element to carry the communication parameters of AP22 and AP23 respectively. The link profile subelement of the multi-link element is carried in the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP22 to carry information regarding AP12. The link profile subelement of the multi-link element is carried in the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP23 to carry the communication parameters of AP33.

[0278] In various embodiments of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, if a non-AP MLD does not need to obtain the complete communication parameters of the AP in the AP MLD, but only some information elements of the AP, the non-AP MLD may carry a list of information element identifiers in the probe request frame to request the AP MLD to reply with the content of the corresponding information elements. As shown in Figure 13, the list of information element identifiers is carried using a probing element, for example, a “list of element IDs”. Each element ID corresponds to the requested information element. In yet another embodiment, the non-AP STA may directly carry a non-inheritance element in the probe request to carry some of the requested information elements.

[0279] In response to this, if the search response frame contains communication parameters for multiple APs, the communication parameters for each AP will contain the content of the information element corresponding to the element ID carried in the list of element IDs.

[0280] Alternatively, the search request frame may carry a list of identifiers for information elements for each AP, and different communication parameter information elements may be requested for different APs. In this case, the search response frame will carry the communication parameter information elements corresponding to each AP.

[0281] The information elements described in this embodiment are partial information of the AP communication parameters described above.

[0282] According to this embodiment, several communication parameters of the AP can be flexibly requested, thereby reducing request and feedback overhead.

[0283] The apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0284] In embodiments of this application, an access point AP (e.g., an AP in an AP multilink device) or station may be divided into functional modules based on the method examples described above. For example, functional modules may be obtained through division based on corresponding functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into a single processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in hardware form or in the form of a software functional module. Note that in embodiments of this application, the division into modules is illustrative and merely a logical division of functions. Other division methods may be used in actual embodiments.

[0285] When an integrated unit is used, Figure 14 is a possible schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1400. The communication device 1400 may be a multilink device or a chip or processing system within a multilink device. The communication device 1400 may perform the operation of a multilink device in the method embodiment described above. The communication device 1400 includes a processing unit 1401 and a transceiver unit 1402.

[0286] For example, the communication device 1400 is the aforementioned access point AP (e.g., an AP in an AP multilink device) or station.

[0287] For example, the communication device 1400 is an access point or a chip within an access point.

[0288] The processing unit 1401 may be configured to control and manage the operation of the communication device 1400. For example, it may generate search request frames. In another example, it may control the operation of the transceiver unit 1402. Optionally, if the communication device 1400 includes a storage unit, the processing unit 1401 may further execute programs or instructions stored in the storage unit, thereby enabling the communication device 1400 to perform the methods and functions of any of the embodiments described above.

[0289] For example, the processing unit 1401 can control the transceiver unit to perform step S101 in Figure 5, S201 in Figure 6, or other processes of the technology described herein. All relevant details of the steps in the embodiments of the aforementioned method may be referenced in the description of the function of the corresponding functional module. Further details are not described here.

[0290] For example, the processing unit 1401 may control the transceiver unit to perform step S102 in Figure 5, S202 in Figure 6, or other processes of the technology described herein. All relevant details of the steps in the embodiments of the aforementioned methods may be referenced in the description of the functions of the corresponding functional modules. Further details are not described here.

[0291] For example, the transceiver unit 1402 may transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted over one link, or it may transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted over multiple links. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1402 may consist of one transceiver module, or it may include multiple transceiver modules. If the transceiver unit 1402 consists of one transceiver module, the transceiver module may transmit and receive data over multiple links. For example, if the first multilink device operates on two links, and the transceiver unit 1402 includes two transceiver modules, one transceiver module may operate on one link and the other transceiver module may operate on the other link. For example, the transceiver unit 1402 may be configured to perform step S101 in Figure 5, step S201 in Figure 6, or other processes of the technology described herein. All relevant details of the steps in the embodiments of the aforementioned methods may be referenced in the description of the function of the corresponding functional module. Details are not described again here.

[0292] For example, the communication device 1400 may be the communication device shown in Figure 15, and the processing unit 1401 is shown in Figure 15The processor 1501 may be the same as the transceiver unit 1402, and the transceiver unit 1402 may be the transceiver 1503 in Figure 15. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include memory. The memory is configured to store the corresponding program code and data for the communication device 1400 to perform any of the aforementioned communication methods between multilink devices. A description of all relevant contents of the components in Figure 15 may be referenced in the functional description of the corresponding components of the communication device 1400, and the details are not described again here.

[0293] For example, the communication device 1400 may be a chip or a processor, or a processing unit. 1401 The chip or processor is a processing circuit, and the transceiver unit 1402 may also be an input / output circuit within the chip or processor, which is an interface for mutual communication or data exchange between the chip or processor and other coupled components. Signaling or data information or program instructions are input to the chip or processor for processing, and the processed data or signaling is output to other coupled components, ensuring that the first multilink device on which the chip or processor is installed is controlled to perform its function.

[0294] In other examples, the communication device 1400 is the aforementioned station or a chip within the aforementioned station.

[0295] The processing unit 1401 may be configured to control and manage the operation of the communication device 1400. For example, it may generate search request frames or search response frames. In another example, it may control the operation of the transceiver unit 1402. Optionally, if the communication device 1400 includes a storage unit, the processing unit 1401 may further execute programs or instructions stored in the storage unit, thereby enabling the communication device 1400 to perform the methods and functions of any of the embodiments described above.

[0296] For example, the processing unit 1401 may be configured to generate a search request frame or a search response frame. All relevant details of the steps in the above-described method embodiment may be referenced in the functional description of the corresponding functional module. Details are not described again here.

[0297] For example, the transceiver unit 1402 may transmit or receive data or signaling transmitted over one link, or it may transmit or receive data or signaling transmitted over multiple links. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1402 may consist of one transceiver module, or it may include multiple transceiver modules. If the transceiver unit 1402 consists of one transceiver module, the transceiver module may transmit or receive data over multiple links. For example, if the first station operates on two links, and the transceiver unit 1402 includes two transceiver modules, one transceiver module may operate on one link and the other transceiver module may operate on the other link. All relevant details of the steps in the embodiments of the method described above may be referenced in the description of the function of the corresponding functional module. Details are not described again here.

[0298] For example, the communication device 1400 may be the communication device shown in Figure 15, and the processing unit 1401 is shown in Figure 15 The processor 1501 may be the same as the transceiver unit 1402, and the transceiver unit 1402 may be the transceiver 1503 in Figure 15. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include memory. The memory is configured to store program code and data for the communication device 1400 to perform any of the embodiments described above. A description of all relevant contents of the components of Figure 15 may be referenced in the functional descriptions of the corresponding components of the communication device 1400, and the details are not described again here.

[0299] For example, the communication device 1400 may be a chip or a processor, or a processing unit. 1401The chip or processor is a processing circuit, and the transceiver unit 1402 may also be an input / output circuit within the chip or processor, which is an interface for mutual communication or data exchange between the chip or processor and other coupled components. Signaling or data information or program instructions are input to the chip or processor for processing, and the processed data or signaling is output to other coupled components, ensuring that the first multilink device on which the chip or processor is installed is controlled to perform its function.

[0300] Regarding the device embodiment, please refer to the description of the embodiment above for the structure of the search request frame and the search response frame. Further details will not be explained here.

[0301] Figure 15 shows a communication device 1500 according to one embodiment of the present application. The device may be an access point AP (e.g., an AP in an AP multilink device) or a station as described in the embodiments above, or an access point AP (e.g., an AP in an AP multilink device) or a chip or a processing system within the station, and may implement the methods and functions of any embodiment of the present application. Depending on the degree of integration, the communication device may include one or more of the components shown in Figure 15. The components shown in Figure 15 may include at least one processor 1501, a memory 1502, a transceiver 1503, and a communication bus 1504.

[0302] The following describes the communication device with reference to Figure 15. 1500 Each component will be explained in detail.

[0303] The processor 1501 is the control center of the communication device 1500 and may be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1501 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to carry out this embodiment of the present application, such as one or more microprocessors (digital signal processors, DSPs) or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The processor 1501 may implement various functions of the communication device by executing or performing software programs stored in memory 1502 and retrieving data stored in memory 1502. In a specific implementation, in one embodiment, the processor 1501 may include one or more CPUs, for example, CPU0 and CPU1 shown in Figure 15.

[0304] In a specific implementation, in one embodiment, the communication device 1500 may include a plurality of processors, for example, processors 1501 and 1505 shown in Figure 15. Each processor may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). Here, a processor may be one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0305] Memory 1502 may be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage communication devices capable of storing static information and instructions, or random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage communication devices capable of storing information and instructions. Memory may also be, but not limited to, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other compact disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs, Blu-ray optical discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage communication devices, or any other medium accessible by a computer that can be used to carry or store program code expected in the form of instructions or data structures. Memory 1502 may exist independently or may be connected to processor 1501 using communication bus 1504. Alternatively, memory 1502 may be integrated with processor 1501. Memory 1502 is configured to store a software program for executing the solution of this application, and processor 1501 controls the execution of the software program.

[0306] The transceiver 1503 is configured to communicate with other devices (for example, stations STA102 or STA202 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1). Indeed, the transceiver 1503 may be further configured to communicate with communication networks such as Ethernet, radio access networks (RAN), or wireless local area networks (WLAN). The transceiver 1503 may include a receiving unit for performing receiving functions and a transmitting unit for performing transmitting functions.

[0307] The communication bus 1504 may be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, or the like. Buses can be classified into address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of representation, only one thick line is used to represent buses in Figure 15, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0308] For example, the communication device 1500 is a complete device. The communication device may include a processor 1501, memory 1502, transceiver 1503, and communication bus 1504. Optionally, the communication device may further include other components, such as a display.

[0309] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may be an access point AP (e.g., an AP in an AP multilink device) and may be configured to perform the methods and functions related to the AP in the embodiments described above. For example, the memory stores a computer program (instructions). When the processor starts the computer program, the methods and functions described above are performed. For example, the processor is configured to generate a search response frame, and the transceiver is configured to receive a search request frame and transmit a search response frame. For example, the processor is configured to control the transceiver to perform step S102. Of course, the process of generating the search response frame in step S102 may be completed by the processor. In another example, the processor is configured to control the transceiver to perform step S202. Of course, the process of generating the search response frame in step S202 may be completed by the processor.

[0310] In yet another embodiment, the communication device 1500 may be a station and be configured to perform the methods and functions of a station in the embodiments described above. For example, memory stores a computer program. When the processor starts the computer program, the methods and functions described above are performed. For example, the processor is configured to generate signaling or frames (e.g., search request frames), and the transceiver is configured to transmit signaling or frames (e.g., transmit a search request frame and receive a search response frame). For example, the processor is configured to control the transceiver to transmit a search request frame in step S101, and then the processor may determine the structure of the multi-AP multilink device and information about each AP based on the search response frame, and further determine the associated AP. In another example, for example, the processor is configured to control the transceiver to transmit a search request frame in step S201, and then control the transceiver to receive a search response frame fed back by the AP in S202. Then the processor may determine the structure of the multi-AP multilink device and information about each AP based on the search response frame, and further determine the associated AP.

[0311] As another example, the communication device 1500 is a chip system or processing system within an access point AP, and as a result, the device on which the chip system or processing system is installed implements the methods and functions related to the AP in the embodiments described above. In this case, the communication device 1500 is shown in Figure 15It may include some of the components shown. For example, the communication device 1500 includes a processor. The processor may be coupled to memory and call and execute instructions in memory, so that the device configured or installed with the chip system or processing system implements the methods and functions of the embodiments described above. Optionally, the memory may be a component within the chip system or processing system, or a coupled / connected component outside the chip system or processing system. For example, the chip system or processing system may be installed in an access point AP (e.g., a reporting AP in an AP multilink device), so that the access point AP can perform step S102 or step S202 of the embodiments described above.

[0312] As another example, the communication device 1500 is a chip system or processing system within the station, and as a result, the device on which the chip system or processing system is installed implements the methods and functions related to the station in the embodiments described above. In this case, the communication device 1500 may include some of the components shown in Figure 15. For example, the communication device 1500 includes a processor. The processor may be coupled to memory, call instructions in memory, and execute instructions, and as a result, the device configured or installed together with the chip system or processing system implements the methods and functions in the embodiments described above. Optionally, the memory may be a component within the chip system or processing system, or it may be a coupled / connected component outside the chip system or processing system. In one example, the chip system or processing system is installed in the station, and as a result, the station can perform step S101 or step S201 in the embodiments described above.

[0313] The chip system or processing system may support communication based on 802.11 series protocols such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, and 802.11ac. The chip system may be installed in devices in various scenarios supporting WLAN transmission. Devices in WLAN transmission scenarios are described at the beginning of this specification and are not described in detail here.

[0314] One embodiment of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer program code. When the aforementioned processor executes the computer program code, the electronic device in which the processor is located (e.g., AP or station) is enabled to perform the method of any embodiment.

[0315] One embodiment of this application further provides a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a computer, the computer is able to perform the method described in the above-described embodiment.

[0316] One embodiment of this application further provides a communication device. The device may exist in the form of a chip. The device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with other devices via a receiving circuit to enable the devices to perform the methods of any embodiment.

[0317] One embodiment of this application further provides a communication system. The communication system includes the aforementioned access point AP (e.g., an AP in an AP multilink device) and station. The access point AP (e.g., a reporting AP in an AP multilink device) and station can perform the method in any one of the aforementioned embodiments (e.g., the method in Figures 5 and 6). The steps of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the contents disclosed in this application may be performed by hardware or by a processor by executing software instructions. Software instructions may include corresponding software modules. Software modules may be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (Erasable Programmable ROM, EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (Electrically EPROM, EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable hard disks, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. For example, the storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from or write information to the storage medium. Naturally, the storage medium may be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium may be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC may be located in a core network interface device. Naturally, the processor and storage medium may exist as separate components of the core network interface device.

[0318] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in one or more of the above-mentioned examples, the functions described in this application may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When the functions are implemented by software, the above-mentioned functions may be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes in a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable mediums include computer storage media and communication media. Communication media include any medium that facilitates the transmission of computer programs from one location to another. Storage media may be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer.

[0319] The object, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application are described in further detail in the specific embodiments described above. It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc., made based on the technical solution of this application shall fall within the scope of protection of this application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0320] 101 Station 1 (AP Multilink Device) 101-1, 101-2, 101-3 series AP 102 Second station (STA multilink device) 102-1, 102-2 series STA 103 STA Multilink Device 103-1, 103-2 series STA 104 STA 201 Third Station 202 The 4th game 1400 Communication equipment 1401 Processing Unit 1402 Transmitter / Receiver Unit 1500 Communication devices 1501 Processor 1502 memory 1503 Transceiver 1504 Communications Bus 1505 Processor

Claims

1. A station within a wireless local area network (WLAN), A processor configured to generate a search request frame, the search request frame being used to request a first AP to feed back communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters including communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD, and the search request frame carrying a list of identifiers of information elements to request the acquisition of partial information elements of the AP in the AP MLD, A transceiver configured to transmit the aforementioned search request frame to the first AP and A station that includes this station.

2. A request method for discovering an access point multilink device, wherein the method is performed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), and the method is A step of generating a search request frame, the search request frame being used to request a first AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters including the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being the communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD, and the search request frame carrying a list of identifiers of information elements to request obtaining partial information elements of the AP in the AP MLD. The steps include: transmitting the search request frame to the first AP; A request method that includes this.

3. The station according to claim 1, wherein the search request frame carries a second instruction information, the second instruction information instructs a second AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD and relating to the second AP.

4. The communication parameters of the AP MLD and related to the second AP are as follows: The communication parameters of the AP MLD on which the second AP is located, Communication parameters of the AP MLD where other APs belonging to the same multi-transmit basic service set identifier (MBSSID) set as the second AP are located, or Communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP and other APs collated with it are located. The bureau according to claim 3, comprising at least one of the following.

5. The station according to claim 3, wherein the second instruction information is carried in the search request frame, the second instruction information indicates an MLD identifier or MLD address, and the MLD identifier or MLD address instructs the second AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address.

6. The station according to claim 1, wherein the station receives a search response frame, the search response frame includes communication parameters for a plurality of APs in the AP MLD, and the communication parameters for each of the plurality of APs include the content of an information element corresponding to the identifier list of the information element carried in the search request frame.

7. The station according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 6, wherein the search request frame carries a list of identifiers for information elements in order to request the content of each information element of each AP in the AP MLD for each AP in the AP MLD.

8. The station according to claim 7, wherein the station receives a search response frame, and the search response frame includes information elements of communication parameters corresponding to each AP.

9. The station according to claim 1, wherein the identifier list of the information element is carried in the multilink element of the search request frame.

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein the search request frame carries a second instruction information, the second instruction information instructs a second AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD and relating to the second AP.

11. The communication parameters of the AP MLD and relating to the second AP are as follows: The communication parameters of the AP MLD on which the second AP is located, Communication parameters of the AP MLD where other APs belonging to the same multi-transmit basic service set identifier (MBSSID) set as the second AP are located, or Communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP and other APs collated with it are located. The method according to claim 10, comprising at least one of the following.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second instruction information is carried in the search request frame, the second instruction information indicates an MLD identifier or MLD address, and the MLD identifier or MLD address instructs the second AP to feed back the communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address.

13. The method according to claim 2, wherein the station receives a search response frame, the search response frame includes communication parameters for a plurality of APs in the AP MLD, and the communication parameters for each of the plurality of APs include the content of an information element corresponding to the identifier list of the information element carried in the search request frame.

14. The method according to any one of claims 2, 10 to 13, wherein the search request frame carries a list of identifiers for information elements in order to request the content of each information element of each AP in the AP MLD for each AP in the AP MLD.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the station receives a search response frame, and the search response frame includes information elements of communication parameters corresponding to each AP.

16. The method according to claim 2, wherein the list of identifiers of the information elements is carried in the multilink element of the search request frame.

17. A non-access point station (non-AP STA) multilink device (MLD) comprising a station (STA) according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 9.

18. A first access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the first AP is A transceiver configured to receive a search request frame from a station, wherein the search request frame is used to request the first AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters include communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD are communication parameters of multiple links supported by the first AP, and the search request frame carries a list of identifiers of information elements to request the acquisition of partial information elements of the AP in the AP MLD. Includes, The communication parameters of the AP MLD are carried in a discovery response frame transmitted by a second AP, the second AP being a first access point AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the first AP.

19. A response method for discovering an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a first access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the method is The steps include receiving a search request frame from a station, the search request frame being used to request the first AP to feed back communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters including communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the first AP, and the search request frame carrying a list of identifiers of information elements to request obtaining partial information elements of the AP in the AP MLD, The communication parameters of the AP MLD are carried in a search response frame transmitted by a second AP, and the second AP responds in a manner in which it belongs to the same MBSSID set as the first AP.

20. A second access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the second AP is a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, and the second AP is A transceiver configured to receive a search request frame, the search request frame being used to request a second AP to feed back communication parameters of an AP MLD in which a first AP is located, the communication parameters including communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP being a nontransmitted BSSID AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD being communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD, and the search request frame carrying a list of identifiers of information elements to request the acquisition of partial information elements of the AP in the AP MLD, A processor configured to generate a search response frame, wherein the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD, A second access point AP, including the following.

21. A response method for discovering an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a second access point AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the second AP being a transmitted basic service set identifier (BSSID) AP, and the method is Steps of receiving a discovery request frame, wherein the discovery request frame is used to request the second AP to feed back communication parameters of the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the communication parameters include communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD in which the first AP is located, the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP and belongs to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, the communication parameters of the AP MLD are communication parameters of multiple links supported by the AP MLD, and the discovery request frame carries a list of identifiers of information elements to request the acquisition of partial information elements of the AP in the AP MLD. A step of generating a search response frame, wherein the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD. A response method, including the method of response.

22. The AP according to claim 18, wherein if the search request frame carries second instruction information, and the second instruction information indicates an MLD identifier or MLD address, the search response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address of the search request frame.

23. The AP according to claim 18 or 22, wherein the station receives a search response frame, the search response frame includes communication parameters for a plurality of APs in the AP MLD, and the communication parameters for each of the plurality of APs include the content of an information element corresponding to the identifier list of the information element carried in the search request frame.

24. The AP according to claim 18 or 22, wherein the search request frame carries a list of identifiers for information elements in order to request the content of each information element of each AP in the AP MLD for each AP in the AP MLD.

25. The AP according to claim 24, wherein the station receives a search response frame, and the search response frame includes information elements of communication parameters corresponding to each AP.

26. The AP according to any one of claims 18 and 22 to 25, wherein the identifier list of the information element is carried in the multilink element of the search request frame.

27. ​​The AP according to claim 20, wherein if the search request frame carries second instruction information, and the second instruction information indicates an MLD identifier or MLD address, the search response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address of the search request frame.

28. The AP according to claim 20 or 27, wherein the station receives a search response frame, the search response frame includes communication parameters for a plurality of APs in the AP MLD, and the communication parameters for each of the plurality of APs include the content of an information element corresponding to the identifier list of the information element carried in the search request frame.

29. The AP according to claim 20 or 27, wherein the search request frame carries a list of identifiers for information elements in order to request the content of each information element of each AP in the AP MLD for each AP in the AP MLD.

30. The AP according to claim 29, wherein the station receives a search response frame, and the search response frame includes information elements of communication parameters corresponding to each AP.

31. The AP according to any one of claims 20 and 27 to 30, wherein the identifier list of the information elements is carried in the multilink element of the search request frame.

32. The method according to claim 19, wherein if the search request frame carries second instruction information, and the second instruction information indicates an MLD identifier or MLD address, the search response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address of the search request frame.

33. The method according to claim 19 or 32, wherein the station receives a search response frame, the search response frame includes communication parameters for a plurality of APs in the AP MLD, and the communication parameters for each of the plurality of APs include the content of an information element corresponding to the identifier list of the information element carried in the search request frame.

34. The method according to claim 19 or 32, wherein the search request frame carries a list of identifiers for information elements in order to request the content of each information element of each AP in the AP MLD for each AP in the AP MLD.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the station receives a search response frame, and the search response frame includes information elements of communication parameters corresponding to each AP.

36. The method according to any one of claims 19 and 32 to 35, wherein the list of identifiers of the information element is carried in the multilink element of the search request frame.

37. The method according to claim 21, wherein if the search request frame carries second instruction information, and the second instruction information indicates an MLD identifier or an MLD address, the search response frame carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or the MLD address of the search request frame.

38. The method according to claim 21 or 37, wherein the station receives a search response frame, the search response frame includes communication parameters for a plurality of APs in the AP MLD, and the communication parameters for each of the plurality of APs include the content of an information element corresponding to the identifier list of the information element carried in the search request frame.

39. The method according to claim 21 or 37, wherein the search request frame carries a list of identifiers for information elements in order to request the content of each information element of each AP in the AP MLD for each AP in the AP MLD.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the station receives a search response frame, and the search response frame includes information elements of communication parameters corresponding to each AP.

41. The method according to any one of claims 21 and 37 to 40, wherein the list of identifiers of the information element is carried in the multilink element of the search request frame.

42. An access point multilink device (AP MLD) comprising an AP according to any one of claims 18 and 22 to 26.

43. An access point multilink device (AP MLD) comprising the AP described in any one of claims 20 and 27 to 31.

44. A computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program or instructions, wherein when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 2 and 10 to 16 is performed.

45. A computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program or instruction, wherein when the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 19 and 32 to 36 is performed.

46. A computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program or instruction, wherein when the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 21 and 37 to 41 is performed.

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