Wireless frame transmission method and device and wireless frame reception method and device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a wireless frame transmission method and device and a wireless frame reception method and device for transmitting station information of a multi-link station device in such a manner that a plurality of MLEs of a wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This prevents wireless frame transmission failure and improves communication efficiency. In this method, a multi-link device generates a wireless frame, and the wireless frame includes a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, the first MLE includes a first information element, the second MLE includes a second information element, and the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link. Then, the multi-link device transmits the wireless frame. The present application applies to a wireless local area network system that supports next-generation Wi-Fi protocols of IEEE 802.11ax, such as 802.11 series protocols like 802.11be or EHT.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110826539.2, filed with the Chinese Intellectual Property Office on July 21, 2021, under the title "Wireless frame transmission method and device and wireless frame reception method and device," the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, and in particular to a wireless frame transmission method and device and a wireless frame reception method and device. Background Technology

[0003] As wireless technology advances, the number of wireless devices supporting multi-link communication is increasing. For example, devices support simultaneous communication in the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands, or simultaneous communication on different channels within the same frequency band. This improves the communication rate between devices. Such devices are generally referred to as multi-link devices (MLDs). Multi-link devices can be multi-link access point devices or multi-link station devices.

[0004] Currently, in the communication process between multi-link devices, one multi-link device can transmit a wireless frame containing a multi-link element (MLE) to another multi-link device. The MLE can be used to convey station information of the multi-link device. The maximum length of the information conveyed through the MLE is fixed and is configured by the Length field of the MLE.

[0005] However, if the length of the station information of a multi-link device is large, the length of the station information transmitted through the MLE may exceed the maximum length configured for the MLE. Consequently, wireless frame transmission fails because the MLE cannot transmit the station information of the multi-link device, affecting communication efficiency.

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a wireless frame transmission method and device and a wireless frame reception method and device for transmitting station information of a multi-link station device in such a manner that a plurality of MLEs of wireless frames transmit station information of the same link. This prevents wireless frame transmission failure and improves communication efficiency.

[0007] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for transmitting a wireless frame applicable to WLAN communication. This method is performed by a multi-link device or some component within a multi-link device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system). In this method, the multi-link device generates a wireless frame. The wireless frame includes a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, the first MLE includes a first information element, the second MLE includes a second information element, and the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link. Then, the multi-link device transmits the wireless frame.

[0008] According to the technical solution, a wireless frame transmitted by a multi-link device includes a first MLE and a second MLE, and a first information element included in the first MLE and a second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Compared to an implementation where the wireless frame is not transmitted because the station information of the multi-link device cannot be transmitted when the length of the station information of the multi-link device transmitted through a single MLE is greater than the maximum length configured by the MLE, the station information of the multi-link device is transmitted in such a way that multiple MLEs of the wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This prevents wireless frame transmission failure and improves communication efficiency.

[0009] The fact that the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link can also be expressed as the first information element and the second information element corresponding to different parts of station information of the same link. Additionally, station information of the same link is divided into at least two parts. One part of the link's station information corresponds to the first information element (also referred to as one part of the link's station information being transmitted through the first information element), and the other part of the link's station information corresponds to the second information element (also referred to as the other part of the link's station information being transmitted through the second information element).

[0010] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for receiving a wireless frame applicable to WLAN communication. This method is performed by a multi-link device or some component within the multi-link device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system). In this method, the multi-link device receives a wireless frame. The wireless frame includes a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, the first MLE includes a first information element, the second MLE includes a second information element, and the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link. Then, the multi-link device determines station information based on the wireless frame.

[0011] According to the technical solution, a wireless frame received by a multi-link device includes a first MLE and a second MLE, and a first information element included in the first MLE and a second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Compared to an implementation where the wireless frame is not transmitted because the station information of the multi-link device cannot be transmitted when the length of the station information of the multi-link device transmitted through a single MLE is greater than the maximum length configured by the MLE, the station information of the multi-link device is transmitted in such a way that multiple MLEs of the wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This prevents wireless frame transmission failure and improves communication efficiency.

[0012] According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a wireless frame transmitting device used in WLAN communication. The device may specifically be a multi-link device or some component within a multi-link device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system). The device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to generate a wireless frame. The wireless frame includes a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, the first MLE includes a first information element, and the second MLE includes a second information element, and the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit the wireless frame.

[0013] According to the technical solution, the wireless frame transmitted by the transceiver unit includes a first MLE and a second MLE, and the first information element included in the first MLE and the second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Compared to an implementation where the wireless frame is not transmitted because the station information of the multi-link device cannot be transmitted when the length of the station information of the multi-link device transmitted through a single MLE is greater than the maximum length configured by the MLE, the station information of the multi-link device is transmitted in such a way that multiple MLEs of the wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This prevents wireless frame transmission failure and improves communication efficiency.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a wireless frame receiving device used in WLAN communication. The device may specifically be a multi-link device or a component within a multi-link device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system). The device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive a wireless frame. The wireless frame includes a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, the first MLE includes a first information element, the second MLE includes a second information element, and the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link. The processing unit is configured to determine station information based on the wireless frame.

[0015] According to the technical solution, the wireless frame received by the transceiver unit includes a first MLE and a second MLE, and the first information element included in the first MLE and the second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Compared to an implementation where the wireless frame is not transmitted because the station information of the multi-link device cannot be transmitted when the length of the station information of the multi-link device transmitted through a single MLE is greater than the maximum length configured by the MLE, the station information of the multi-link device is transmitted in such a way that multiple MLEs of the wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This prevents wireless frame transmission failure and improves communication efficiency.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the first information element and the second information element each include a Link ID field, and the value of the Link ID field of the first information element is the same as the value of the Link ID field of the second information element.

[0017] According to the technical solution, an information element can identify the link where station information transmitted through the information element is located by utilizing a link identifier field included in the information element. The fact that the value of the link identifier field of the first information element is the same as the value of the link identifier field of the second information element indicates that the link where the station information transmitted through the first information element is located is the same as the link where the station information transmitted through the second information element is located. Therefore, the fact that the values ​​of the link identifier fields are the same indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the first information element includes first display information, and the first display information indicates whether the station information is divided.

[0019] According to the technical solution, the first information element includes first indication information indicating whether station information is divided, and may indicate that the station information of the link transmitted through the first information element is divided into at least two fragments, and at least one of the at least two fragments is transmitted through another information element (e.g., a second information element). Accordingly, the first indication information indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to the station information of the same link.

[0020] Optionally, the second information element includes the first display information.

[0021] Optionally, the first display information indicates whether the station information has been divided.

[0022] Optionally, the first display information indicates whether different fragments of station information are transmitted through different information elements.

[0023] Optionally, the first display information indicates that the station information is divided and the station information of the first information element is the first fragment.

[0024] Optionally, the first display information indicates that the station information is divided and the station information of the first information element is the last fragment.

[0025] Optionally, the first display information indicates that the station information is segmented and the station information of the first information element is an intermediate fragment (neither the first fragment nor the last fragment).

[0026] Optionally, the first display information indicates that the station information is not divided.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible implementations, the first display information is transmitted through the station control (STA control) information field of the first information element.

[0028] According to the technical solution, a first indication information indicating whether station information is divided is transmitted through the station control field of the first information element to provide a specific implementation that implements the first indication information.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first information element includes second display information, and the second display information indicates the number of information elements that convey station information.

[0030] According to the technical solution, the first information element includes second indication information indicating the number of information elements transmitting station information, indicating that the station information of the link transmitted through the first information element is transmitted through a plurality of information elements (including at least the second information element), and indicates the number of the plurality of information elements. Accordingly, the second indication information indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to the station information of the same link.

[0031] Optionally, the second information element includes second display information.

[0032] Optionally, the second display information indicates the number of fragments of station information.

[0033] Optionally, the second display information indicates the number of information elements conveying station information, and the information elements conveying station information include the first information elements.

[0034] Optionally, the second display information indicates the number of information elements conveying station information, and the information elements conveying station information do not include the first information elements.

[0035] Optionally, the second display information indicates the sequence number of the information element transmitting station information, and the sequence number is a forward sequence number.

[0036] Optionally, the second display information indicates the sequence number of an information element conveying station information, and the sequence number is a reverse sequence number.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the second display information is transmitted through the station control field of the first information element.

[0038] According to the technical solution, a second display information indicating the number of information elements transmitting station information can be transmitted through the station control field of the first information element to provide a specific implementation for implementing the second display information.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the second information element includes third display information, and the third display information indicates that the second information element is the last information element among a plurality of information elements that convey station information.

[0040] According to the technical solution, the second information element includes third indication information indicating that the second information element is the last information element among a plurality of information elements transmitting station information, so that the station information of the link transmitted through the second information element is transmitted through a plurality of information elements (at least including the second information element), and the second information element is the last information element among the plurality of information elements. Accordingly, the third indication information indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to the station information of the same link.

[0041] Optionally, the third display information indicates that there is no other information element conveying station information after the second information element.

[0042] Optionally, the station information is divided into multiple fragments, and the third display information indicates that the fragment of station information transmitted through the second information element is the last fragment.

[0043] Optionally, the third display information includes a non-inherited field (non-inherited element).

[0044] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first information element and the second information element each include a Complete Profile field, and the value of the Complete Profile field of the first information element is the same as the value of the Complete Profile field of the second information element.

[0045] According to the technical solution, an information element can represent the relevant profile of station information transmitted through the information element by utilizing a complete profile field included in the information element. The fact that the value of the complete profile field of the first information element is the same as the value of the complete profile field of the second information element indicates that the profile of station information transmitted through the first information element is the same as the profile of station information transmitted through the second information element. Therefore, identical values ​​in the complete profile fields indicate that both the first information element and the second information element of the wireless frame transmit complete station information.

[0046] Optionally, the second information element does not include a complete profile field.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the first information element includes a station information (STA Info) field, and the station information field represents the station information associated with the first information element and the station information associated with the second information element.

[0048] According to the technical solution, an information element can represent relevant station information transmitted through the information element by utilizing a station information field included in the information element. The station information field of the first information element represents not only the relevant station information transmitted through the first information element but also the relevant station information transmitted through the second information element. Therefore, the station information field of the first information element indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the second information element does not include a station information field, or the second information element includes a station information field, and the value of the station information field is a reserved value.

[0050] According to the technical solution, since the relevant station information of the second information element is indicated by the station information field of the first information element, the second information element may not transmit the station information field, or the station information field of the second information element may be set to a reserved value, thereby transmitting other information / data different from the information in the station information field using the reserved value. Therefore, by reusing the station information field of the first information element to represent the relevant station information of multiple information elements, overhead is reduced and communication efficiency is further improved.

[0051] Optionally, the second information element includes a station information field.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the station information field comprises at least one of the following: a medium access control address present (MAC Address Present) field, a Beacon Interval Present field, a delivery traffic indication message information present (DTIM Info Present) field, and a non-simultaneous transmit and receive link pair present (NSTR Link Pair Present) field.

[0053] According to the technical solution, the station information field may specifically include at least one of the aforementioned fields to represent related station information.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the element type of the first information element is the same as the element type of the second information element.

[0055] According to the technical solution, the element type of the first information element is the same as the element type of the second information element; that is, station information of the same link is transmitted through multiple information elements of the same element type.

[0056] Optionally, the first information element and the second information element each include a type field, and the type field value of the first information element is the same as the type field value of the second information element.

[0057] Optionally, the type field is the subelement ID field.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the element type of the first information element is different from the element type of the second information element.

[0059] According to the technical solution, the element type of the first information element is different from the element type of the second information element; that is, station information of the same link is transmitted through multiple information elements of different element types.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first information element and the second information element each include a type field, and the value of the type field of the first information element is different from the value of the type field of the second information element.

[0061] According to the technical solution, the type field of the information element indicates the type of the information element, and different values ​​of the type field may indicate that the element type of the first information element is different from the element type of the second information element.

[0062] Optionally, the type field is the subelement ID field.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible implementations, in a wireless frame, the first MLE and the second MLE are adjacent MLEs.

[0064] According to the technical solution, the first MLE and the second MLE may be MLEs located at adjacent positions within the wireless frame. Compared to a method in which station information of the same link is transmitted through non-adjacent MLEs, a method in which station information of the same link is transmitted through multiple adjacent MLEs within the wireless frame can help the receiver of the wireless frame obtain station information of the same link.

[0065] Optionally, there is no other MLE in the wireless frame between the first MLE and the second MLE.

[0066] Optionally, in the radio frame, the first MLE is located before the second MLE, or in the radio frame, the second MLE is located after the first MLE.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the first MLE includes a common information field, and the common information field represents the multi-link common information of the first MLE and the multi-link common information of the second MLE.

[0068] According to the technical solution, an information element can represent multi-link common information transmitted through the information element by utilizing a common information field included in the information element. The common information field of the first information element represents not only the multi-link common information transmitted through the first information element but also the multi-link common information transmitted through the second information element. Accordingly, the common information field of the first information element represents multi-link common information corresponding to the first information element and the second information element.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the second MLE does not include a common information field, or the second MLE includes a common information field, and the value of the common information field of the second MLE is a reserved value.

[0070] According to the technical solution, since the multi-link common information of the second information element is indicated by the common information field of the first information element, the second information element may not transmit the common information field, or the common information field of the second information element may be set to a reserved value to transmit other information / data different from the information in the common information field using the reserved value. Therefore, the common information field of the first information element is reused to represent the multi-link common information of multiple information elements, thereby reducing overhead and further improving communication efficiency.

[0071] Optionally, the second information element includes a common information field.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the first MLE includes a multi-link control field, and the multi-link control field represents multi-link control information of the first MLE and multi-link control information of the second MLE.

[0073] According to the technical solution, an information element can represent multi-link control information transmitted through the information element by utilizing a multi-link control field included in the information element. The multi-link control field of the first information element represents not only the multi-link control information transmitted through the first information element but also the multi-link control information transmitted through the second information element. Accordingly, the multi-link control field of the first information element represents multi-link control information corresponding to the first information element and the second information element.

[0074] In an embodiment of the present application, in any one of the first to fourth possible embodiments, the second MLE does not include a multi-link control field, or the second MLE includes a multi-link control field, and the values ​​of the presence bitmap field within the multi-link control field of the second MLE are all 0.

[0075] According to the technical solution, since the multi-link control information of the second information element is indicated by the multi-link control information field of the first information element, the second information element may not transmit the multi-link control information field, or the multi-link control field of the second information element may be set to a reserved value, thereby transmitting other information / data different from the information in the multi-link control field using the reserved value. Therefore, by reusing the multi-link control field of the first information element to represent the multi-link control information of multiple information elements, overhead is reduced and communication efficiency is further improved.

[0076] Optionally, the second information element includes a common information field.

[0077] In possible implementations, the wireless frame is a connection request frame, a reconnection request frame, a connection response frame, a reconnection response frame, or a probe response frame.

[0078] According to the technical solution, in a plurality of implementations of wireless frames, the wireless frames can transmit a first MLE and a second MLE, and the first information element included in the first MLE and the second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Accordingly, station information of a multi-link station device can be transmitted through different wireless frames in such a way that multiple MLEs of the wireless frames transmit station information of the same link, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0079] According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device comprising at least one processor. At least one processor is connected to a memory. The memory is configured to store a program or instruction. At least one processor is configured to execute a program or instruction, so that the device implements a method of the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, a method of the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, a method of the third aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the third aspect, or a method of the fourth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0080] According to a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When a computer-executable instruction is executed by a processor, the processor performs a method of the first aspect or any one of a possible implementation of the first aspect, a method of the second aspect or any one of a possible implementation of the second aspect, a method of the third aspect or any one of a possible implementation of the third aspect, or a method of the fourth aspect or any one of a possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0081] According to the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product (also referred to as a computer program) that stores one or more computers. When the computer program product is executed by a processor, the processor performs a method of the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, a method of the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, a method of the third aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the third aspect, or a method of the fourth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0082] According to the eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system. The chip system includes at least one processor configured to support a communication device when implementing a function of any one of the first aspect or a possible implementation of the first aspect, a function of any one of the second aspect or a possible implementation of the second aspect, a function of any one of the third aspect or a possible implementation of the third aspect, or a function of any one of the fourth aspect or a possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0083] In a possible design, the chip system further includes memory. The memory is configured to store program instructions and data required by the communication device. The chip system may include a chip or may include a chip and other distinct components. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit, and the interface circuit provides program instructions and / or data to at least one processor.

[0084] According to the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a communication device of the third aspect and a communication device of the fourth aspect, and / or the communication system includes a communication device of the fifth aspect.

[0085] For the technical effects resulting from any design of the fifth through ninth aspects, refer to the technical effects resulting from different implementations of the first through fourth aspects. Further details are not described here.

[0086] According to the technical solution, a wireless frame transmitted in a WLAN communication process includes a first MLE and a second MLE, and the first information element included in the first MLE and the second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Compared to an implementation where the wireless frame is not transmitted because the station information of a multi-link device cannot be transmitted when the length of the station information of a multi-link device transmitted through a single MLE is greater than the maximum length configured by the MLE, the station information of a multi-link device is transmitted in such a way that multiple MLEs of the wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This prevents wireless frame transmission failure and improves communication efficiency.

[0087] Furthermore, the maximum length of information transmitted through the information elements of the MLE is fixed. If the length of the link station information of a multi-link device transmitted through a single information element is greater than the maximum length configured by the information element, the wireless frame is not transmitted because the link station information of the multi-link device cannot be transmitted. In a technical solution, the station information of the same link of a multi-link device is transmitted in such a manner that multiple information elements of the wireless frame (including a first information element and a second information element) transmit the station information of the same link. This prevents wireless frame transmission failure and improves communication efficiency. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0088] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a multi-link connection according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 6 is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7a is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7b is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7c is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7d is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 8a is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 8b is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 8c is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 9a is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 9b is another schematic diagram of a wireless frame according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 11 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0089] In this application, identical or similar parts of the embodiments refer to one another unless otherwise specified. In the embodiments of this application and the implementations / methods of implementation of the embodiments, terms and / or descriptions are consistent and may refer to each other between different embodiments and between implementations / methods of implementation of the embodiments, unless otherwise specified or a logical conflict arises. The technical features of different embodiments and implementations / methods of implementation of the embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments, implementations, or methods of implementation based on internal logical relationships. The following implementations of this application are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0090] It may be understood that in some scenarios, some optional features in the embodiments of this application may be implemented independently without relying on other features, e.g., the optional features are currently based on the solution, in order to solve the corresponding technical problem and achieve the corresponding effect. In other cases, the optional features are combined with other features as required. Accordingly, the device provided in the embodiments of this application may correspondingly implement such features or functions. Further details are not described herein.

[0091] In the description of this application, “plural” means two or more than two unless otherwise specified. “At least one of the following items (parts)” or a similar expression refers to any combination of such items, including any combination of singular items (parts) or plural items (parts). For example, at least one of a, b, or c may represent a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0092] Furthermore, to clearly explain the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application use terms such as "first" and "second" to distinguish identical items or similar items that provide essentially the same function or purpose. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit quantity or order of execution, and that terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate a clear difference. Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, expressions such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to provide examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design method described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be described as being more desirable or having more advantages than other embodiments or design methods. Specifically, the use of expressions such as "exemplary" and "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way to make them easier to understand.

[0093] To facilitate understanding of the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the system architecture of the method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below. It should be understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of this application is intended to more clearly explain the technical solution of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute any limitation on the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0094] The technical solution provided in this application is applicable to WLAN scenarios and, for example, to IEEE 802.11 system standards, e.g., 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, or the next generation of 802.11ax, e.g., 802.11be or additional next-generation standards.

[0095] Although the embodiments of this application are described using examples of deployed WLAN networks, particularly networks applying the IEEE 802.11 system standard, those skilled in the art will readily understand that aspects of this application may be extended to various standards or protocols, Bluetooth, high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard, mainly used in Europe), wide area networks (WAN), personal area networks (PAN), or other networks known or to be developed in the future. Accordingly, the various aspects provided in this application are applicable to any suitable wireless network regardless of coverage and wireless access protocol.

[0096] In contrast, embodiments of the present application may be applied to wireless short-range communication network systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) or Vehicle to X (V2X) networks. Clearly, embodiments of the present application may also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and future 6th generation (6G) communication systems.

[0097] The aforementioned communication systems applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples and are not limited thereto. Such systems are described uniformly in this specification, and further details are not provided below.

[0098] The wireless frame transmission method and device and the wireless frame reception method and device provided in the embodiments of the present application may be used in a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The method may be implemented by a communication device of the wireless communication system or by a chip or processor of the communication device. The communication device may be a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission through multiple links. For example, the communication device is called a multi-link device (MLD) or a multi-band device. Compared to a device that supports only single-link transmission, a multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and throughput.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication system mainly comprises at least one multi-link access point device (multi-link AP device) and at least one multi-link non-access point station device (multi-link non-AP STA device) (abbreviated as multi-link station device). The multi-link access point device and the multi-link station device may be collectively referred to as multi-link devices. The following provides a description of the multi-link devices.

[0101] A multi-link device comprises one or more affiliated stations (referred to as affiliated STAs). An affiliated STA is a logical station and may operate on a single link. An affiliated station may be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For convenience of explanation, in this application, a multi-link device in which an affiliated station is an AP may be referred to as a multi-link AP, a multi-link AP device, or an AP multi-link device; and a multi-link device in which an affiliated station is a non-AP STA (multi-link non-AP STA device) may be referred to as a multi-link STA, a multi-link STA device, or an STA multi-link device. For convenience of explanation, in the embodiments of this application, "a multi-link device comprises an affiliated STA" is also briefly described as "a multi-link device comprises an STA."

[0102] It should be noted that a multi-link device comprises multiple logical stations, and while each logical station operates on a single link, multiple logical stations are permitted to operate on the same link. The link identifiers mentioned below represent a single station operating on a single link. That is, if there is more than one station on a single link, more than one link identifier is used to represent the more than one station. The links mentioned below sometimes also represent the stations operating on those links.

[0103] During data transmission between a multi-link AP device and a multi-link STA, a link identifier can be used to identify a single link or a station on a single link. Prior to communication, the multi-link AP device and the multi-link STA device can negotiate or communicate regarding the correspondence between the link identifier and the single link or the station on the single link. Therefore, during data transmission, instead of transmitting a large amount of signaling information for indication, the link identifier is transmitted to indicate the link or the station on the link. This reduces signaling overhead and improves transmission efficiency.

[0104] In the example, a multi-link AP device may transmit a management frame, e.g., a beacon frame, during BSS setup, and the management frame carries an element containing multiple link identifier information fields, each of which may establish a correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on a single link. Each link identifier information field contains a link identifier and further includes one or more of a medium access control (MAC) address, an operating class, and a channel number, and one or more of the MAC address, operating class, and channel number may represent a link. In another example, during a multi-link connection setup process, a multi-link AP device and a multi-link station device negotiate multiple link identifier information fields. In subsequent communication, the multi-link AP device or the multi-link station device may use the link identifier to represent a station within the multi-link device, and the link identifier may further represent one or more attributes of the station's MAC address, operating class, and channel number. Alternatively, the MAC address may be replaced by an associated identifier of the multi-link AP device associated with the station.

[0105] When multiple stations operate on a single link, the link identifier (which is a numeric ID) indicates the operating class and channel number corresponding to that link, and also indicates the identifier of the station operating on the link, for example, the station's MAC address or AID.

[0106] Multi-link devices can implement wireless communication according to the 802.11 series protocols. For example, a station compliant with extremely high throughput (EHT), or a station compliant with or compatible with 802.11be, implements communication with other devices. Of course, other devices may or may not be multi-link devices.

[0107] The non-AP MLD in this application may be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal. For example, the non-AP MLD may be a user terminal, user device, access device, subscriber station, subscriber unit, mobile station, user agent, or user equipment having Wi-Fi communication capabilities. The user terminal may be any one of various devices having wireless communication capabilities, such as a portable device, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a computing device, another processing unit connected to a wireless modem, and various forms of user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), terminal, terminal equipment, portable communication device, portable device, portable computing device, entertainment device, game device or system, global positioning system device, or any other suitable device configured for network communication over a wireless medium. Additionally, the non-AP MLD may support the 802.11be standard or the next-generation WLAN standard of the 802.11be standard. Non-AP MLDs can also support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0108] In the embodiments of the present application, the AP MLD may be a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions to non-APs associated with the AP MLD. The AP MLD may primarily be deployed in homes, inside buildings, or on campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, the AP MLD may also be deployed outdoors. The AP MLD corresponds to a bridge connecting a wired network and a wireless network. The primary function of the AP MLD is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to Ethernet. Specifically, the AP MLD may be a communication device equipped with a Wi-Fi chip, such as a base station, router, gateway, repeater, communication server, switch, or bridge. The base station may include various forms such as a macro base station, micro base station, or relay station. Additionally, the AP MLD may support the 802.11be standard or the next-generation WLAN standard of the 802.11be standard. AP MLD can also support WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0109] As described above, a multi-link access point device and a multi-link station device can communicate with each other using multiple radio frames, for example, a connection request frame, a reconnection request frame, a connection response frame, a reconnection response frame, and a probe response frame. Different radio frames may carry a multi-link element (MLE) to convey station information of the multi-link device. The MLE may also be referred to as a multi-link information unit.

[0110] The following uses the connection process of a multi-link device as an example to explain a specific implementation of the connection request frame used in the connection process. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the multi-link setup (or multi-link connection) process, one station of a multi-link station device may send a connection request frame to one access point of a multi-link access point device, and the connection request frame carries an MLE to convey information about the current station of the multi-link station device and information about other stations within the multi-link station. Similarly, a connection response frame returned to the station by the access point may also carry information about the current access point of the multi-link access point device and an MLE to convey information about other access points within the multi-link device.

[0111] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of an MLE. The MLE includes an Element ID field (e.g., the value of this field in FIG. 3 may be 255), a Length field, an Element ID Extension field, a Multi-Link Control field, a Common Info field, and a Link Info field. The Common Info field conveys common information of multiple stations within a multi-link device and information of the multi-link device. The Link Info field conveys station information of each link of the multi-link device. The Multi-Link Control field conveys the type of multi-link element and indication information indicating which fields are present and which fields are not present in the Common Info field.

[0112] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the link information field may further include one or more Per-STA Profile fields. In FIG. 3, an example is used where the number of Per-STA Profile fields is x (where x is greater than 1). Each Per-STA Profile field may further include a Subelement ID field (e.g., the value of the Subelement ID field may be 0 as illustrated in FIG. 3), a Length field, and a Data field.

[0113] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the data field may further include a Station Control (STA Control) field, a Station Information (STA Info) field, and a Station Profile (STA Profile) field.

[0114] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the STA profile field includes multiple fields. For example, in FIG. 3, the number of fields is m (where x is greater than 1). The STA profile field further includes multiple elements. For example, in FIG. 3, the number of elements is n (where n is greater than 1). Additionally, the STA profile field further includes a non-inheritance element (if present).

[0115] However, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the length of the content that can be transmitted through the MLE is limited, and the specific length of the MLE is indicated by the length field of the MLE. Specifically, the length field indicates the number of octets following the length field of the MLE. For example, the length of the length field of the MLE is 8 bits, which represents a length from 0 to 255 octets. However, since the length of the information to be transmitted through the MLE may exceed 255 octets, a single MLE alone is insufficient to transmit information for a multi-link device.

[0116] Furthermore, in multi-link devices, station information for each link is transmitted via STA-specific profile subelements within the link information field, but the length of each STA-specific profile is also limited. For example, since the length field of the STA-specific profile is 8 bits, the data portion can transmit up to 255 octets. However, the station information for each link can be longer than 255 octets. Consequently, a single STA-specific profile is insufficient to transmit the station information for each link.

[0117] Before describing the embodiments of the present application, the technology related to the basic service set (BSS) scenario of a WLAN communication system is first described.

[0118] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a wireless frame structure in which multiple basic service set identifiers are in the same frame (multiple BSSID elements within the same frame).

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the structure of a wireless frame includes two adjacent multiple basic service set identifier elements (Multiple BSSID elements). Each multiple BSSID element includes the following fields: an Element ID field (e.g., the value of the Element ID field is 71 as illustrated in FIG. 3), a Length field, a Max BSSID Indicator field, and a Nontransmitted BSSID Profile subelement (or referred to as Nontransmitted BSSID Profile) field. There are zero or more Nontransmitted BSSID Profile subelement fields. In FIG. 4, an example is used where the number of Nontransmitted BSSID Profile subelement fields is i (where i is greater than 1).

[0120] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the non-transmitting BSSID profile subelement i (BSS i) includes a subelement ID field (e.g., the value of the subelement ID field is 0), a length field, and a data field.

[0121] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the data field includes a Nontransmitted BSSID Capability element field, a Service Set Identifier element (SSID element), a Multiple BSSID-Index element, one or more elements, and a non-inheritance element (if present). In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the Nontransmitted BSSID profile sub-element i of Multiple BSSID element 1 includes elements 1 through L (where L is greater than 1), and the Nontransmitted BSSID profile sub-element i of Multiple BSSID element 2 includes elements (L+1) through Y (where Y is greater than L).

[0122] Specifically, multiple BSSID elements convey information about multiple virtual APs within a multi-link device to which the AP belongs. The length field occupies 8 bits, indicating that up to 255 octets can be conveyed. However, the length of information for multiple virtual APs may exceed 255 octets. Therefore, multiple BSSID elements are used to convey information about multiple virtual APs. As illustrated in FIG. 4, multiple BSSID element 1 conveys a first part of information regarding BSS 1 through BSS i, and multiple BSSID element 2 conveys the remaining part of information regarding BSS i and information regarding BSS (i+1). The contents of the two multiple BSSID elements are combined to obtain information about BSS 1 through BSS (i+1). Information about each BSS begins with a non-transmit BSSID capability element.

[0123] However, in the example illustrated in Fig. 4, since the information for BSS i is distributed across two multiple BSSID elements, the station must read the information element 1 from the data portion of the non-transmit BSSID profile sub-element in the multiple BSSID elements 2 in order to determine whether the non-transmit BSSID profile sub-element is information for the new BSS or the remainder of information for the previous BSS, based on whether the information element 1 is a non-transmit BSSID capability element.

[0124] However, in the case of the frame structure of the MLE illustrated in FIG. 3, the first field of the STA-specific profile sub-element is an STA control field instead of an information element. The content transmitted through the STA control field is variable. Unlike the content of a fixed information unit, the content of the first byte (element ID) of the STA control field is fixed. Therefore, by reading the first byte of the data portion of the STA-specific profile of the second MLE, it is not possible to determine whether the STA-specific profile is information about a new AP or the remaining portion of information about a previous AP.

[0125] In other words, the current implementation where information about the same AP is transmitted through multiple BSSID elements in a multi-BSSID element scenario is not applicable to the process in an MLE scenario where station information for the same link is transmitted through multiple MLEs. Therefore, in the current WLAN wireless frame transmission process, since MLEs cannot transmit station information for multiple link devices, there is an urgent need for a solution to resolve wireless frame transmission failures.

[0126] To solve the aforementioned problem, the present application provides a wireless frame transmission method and device and a wireless frame reception method and device that transmit station information of a multi-link station device in such a manner that multiple information elements of multiple MLEs of a wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This prevents wireless frame transmission failure and improves communication efficiency.

[0127] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This method includes the following steps. As illustrated in FIG. 5, it can be understood that the communication method relates to wireless frame transmission. Accordingly, the communication method may also be referred to as a wireless frame transmission method or a wireless frame reception method.

[0128] S101: The wireless frame transmitting device generates a wireless frame.

[0129] In this embodiment, a wireless frame transmitting device generates a wireless frame. The wireless frame includes a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, the first MLE includes a first information element, and the second MLE includes a second information element, and the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link.

[0130] In the present and subsequent embodiments, the fact that the first information element and the second information element correspond to the station information of the same link may also be expressed as the first information element and the second information element corresponding to different parts of the station information of the same link. Additionally, the station information of the same link is divided into at least two parts. One part of the station information of the link corresponds to the first information element (also referred to as one part of the station information of the link being transmitted through the first information element), and the other part of the station information of the link corresponds to the second information element (also referred to as the other part of the station information of the link being transmitted through the second information element).

[0131] It should be noted that in the present and subsequent embodiments, both the wireless frame transmitting device and the wireless frame receiving device may be multi-link devices. For example, the wireless frame transmitting device may be a multi-link access point device, and the wireless frame receiving device may be a multi-link station device. As another example, the wireless frame transmitting device may be a multi-link station device, and the wireless frame receiving device may be a multi-link access point device. Additionally, in a multi-link device, both the wireless frame transmitting device and the wireless frame receiving device may be stations, and the station may be an AP or a non-AP STA. For example, in a multi-link device, the wireless frame transmitting device may be an AP, and in a multi-link device, the wireless frame receiving device may be a non-AP STA. As yet another example, in a multi-link device, the wireless frame transmitting device may be a non-AP STA, and in a multi-link device, the wireless frame receiving device is an AP.

[0132] Specifically, the wireless frame generated by the wireless frame transmitting device in step S101 may be a connection request frame, a reconnection request frame, a connection response frame, a reconnection response frame, or a probe response frame. That is, in a plurality of implementations of the wireless frame, the wireless frame may transmit a first MLE and a second MLE, and the first information element included in the first MLE and the second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Accordingly, communication efficiency can be improved by transmitting station information of a multi-link station device through different wireless frames in such a way that a plurality of MLEs transmit station information of the same link.

[0133] Additionally, in this embodiment and subsequent embodiments, the first MLE (or second MLE) may represent at least one MLE, that is, "first" or "second" does not limit the number of MLEs indicated by the first MLE (or second MLE). Likewise, the first information element (or second information element) may represent at least one information element. In this application, the number of MLEs indicated by the first MLE (or second MLE) is not limited, and the number of information elements indicated by the first information element (or second information element) is also not limited.

[0134] In a possible implementation, in the wireless frame generated in step S101, the first information element and the second information element each include a Link ID field, and the value of the Link ID field of the first information element is the same as the value of the Link ID field of the second information element. Specifically, the information element can identify the link where the station information transmitted through the information element is located by using the Link ID field included in the information element. That the value of the Link ID field of the first information element is the same as the value of the Link ID field of the second information element indicates that the link where the station information transmitted through the first information element is located is the same as the link where the station information transmitted through the second information element is located. Therefore, that the values ​​of the Link ID fields are the same indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link.

[0135] For example, the following describes an implementation process in which the first MLE and the second MLE each include one MLE in the scenario illustrated in FIG. 6. Additionally, in FIG. 6, the first MLE is denoted as MLE 1 or the first MLE, and the second MLE is denoted as MLE 2 or the second MLE.

[0136] As illustrated in FIG. 6, information about other stations within an MLD where a multi-link station (including multi-link) is located is transmitted through two MLEs. The first MLE transmits STA profiles 1 through STA profile x, and the second MLE transmits STA profiles x+1 through STA profile y. For STA profile x and STA profile x+1, if the link ID field values ​​of the STA control field are the same (both are equal to a), STA profile x and STA profile x+1 transmit station information of the same link.

[0137] Specifically, the value of the Link ID field within the STA control field of STA profile sub-element 1 of MLE 2 is set to be the same as the value of the Link ID field within the STA control field of the last STA profile sub-element of the previous MLE (i.e., MLE 1), indicating that the content transmitted through STA profile sub-element 1 of MLE 2 is a continuation of the content of the last STA profile sub-element of the previous MLE. That is, if the values ​​of the Link ID fields within the STA control fields of two STA profile sub-elements are the same, the STA profiles transmitted through the two STA profile sub-elements transmit station information of the same link.

[0138] Optionally, if the content transmitted through the STA profile subelement is a continuation of the content of the previous STA profile subelement, the STA profile field of the STA profile subelement does not transmit the content of the STA profile field of the previous STA profile subelement.

[0139] In a possible implementation, in the wireless frame generated in step S101, the element type of the first information element is the same as the element type of the second information element. Specifically, the element type of the first information element is the same as the element type of the second information element, that is, station information of the same link is transmitted through multiple information elements of the same element type.

[0140] Optionally, the first information element and the second information element each include a type field, and the value of the type field of the first information element is the same as the value of the type field of the second information element.

[0141] Optionally, the type field is a sub-element identifier (sub-element ID shown in Fig. 3) field.

[0142] In another possible implementation, in the wireless frame generated in step S101, the element type of the first information element is different from the element type of the second information element. Specifically, the element type of the first information element is different from the element type of the second information element, that is, station information of the same link is transmitted through multiple information elements of different element types.

[0143] In a possible implementation, a first information element and a second information element each include a type field, and the value of the type field of the first information element is different from the value of the type field of the second information element. The type field of the information element indicates the type of the information element, and if the values ​​of the type fields are different, it may indicate that the element type of the first information element and the element type of the second information element are different.

[0144] Specifically, the first value of the type field indicates that the corresponding information element (first information element) conveys the beginning of the link's station information, and the second value of the type field (the second value is different from the first value) indicates that the corresponding information element (second information element) conveys the subsequent part (non-beginning part) of the link's station information. That is, the second value of the type field indicates that the corresponding information element (second information element) and the previous information element (which may be the first or second information element) convey the same link's station information.

[0145] In addition, if the value of the type field of the information element is the second value, the information element does not transmit the STA control field or the STA information field.

[0146] It should be noted that in the present and subsequent embodiments, the first value (or the second value, the third value, or the fourth value) may be represented using the value of at least one bit. For example, if the bit count of at least one bit is 1, the value may include "0" or "1". As another example, if the bit count of at least one bit is 2, the value may include "10", "11", "00", or "01". As another example, if the bit count of at least one bit is 3, the value may include "110", "111", "100", "101", "011", "000", "001", or "010". As another example, a similar method may be used in the implementation even if the bit count of at least one bit is another number. Further details are not described herein.

[0147] Optionally, the type field is a sub-element identifier (sub-element ID shown in Fig. 3) field.

[0148] Specifically, in the aforementioned implementation, a new sub-element is defined as a second information element to convey information that cannot be conveyed through the STA-specific profile sub-element (i.e., the first information element). The following provides an explanation using the implementation examples illustrated in Tables 1 and 2.

[0149] As shown in Table 1, the sub-elements that can currently be included in the link information field of the current MLE include STA-specific profile sub-elements, indicated by a sub-element ID with a value of 0, and Vendor-specific sub-elements, indicated by a sub-element ID with a value of 221. Additionally, both sub-elements are marked as Extensible. Sub-element ID values ​​from 1 to 220 and sub-element ID values ​​from 222 to 225 are reserved values.

[0150] Sub-element ID name Scalable 0 Profiles by STA yes 1 to 220 Reserved 221 Vendor specific Vendor defined 222 to 255 reservation

[0151] According to the technical solution, when station information of the same link is transmitted through multiple information elements of different element types, the implementation example shown in Table 1 can be modified to the implementation example shown in Table 2.

[0152] As shown in Table 2, a new sub-element is defined, and the value of the sub-element ID of the sub-element may be 1 or another value. In Table 1, the values ​​of the sub-element IDs for which the value is a reserved value are any one of 1 to 220 and 222 to 255.

[0153] Optionally, as shown in Table 2, the newly defined subelement may be referred to as the Per-STA Profile Extension subelement or by another element name different from the name of the Per-STA Profile. This is not specifically limited in this specification.

[0154] Sub-element ID name Scalable 0 Profiles by STA yes 1 Profile expansion by STA yes 2 to 220 reservation 221 Vendor specific Vendor defined 222 to 255 reservation

[0155] Based on the implementation example shown in Table 2, the new sub-element is used to convey link information that cannot be conveyed through the STA-specific profile. That is, the link's station information can be divided into several parts. The first part is conveyed through the STA-specific profile sub-element, and the other part is conveyed through one or more STA-specific profile extension sub-elements. The difference is that the values ​​of the sub-element IDs are different.

[0156] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7a, the frame structure of the STA-specific profile extension sub-element may be similar to the implementation process of the STA-specific profile of FIG. 3. Compared to the frame structure of the STA-specific profile, in the frame structure of the STA-specific profile extension sub-element, the data field may not include the STA control field and the STA information field, and includes only the STA profile field.

[0157] Optionally, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7a, the STA profile field includes a field, or the STA profile field does not include a field.

[0158] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7b, the frame structure of the STA-specific profile extension sub-element may be similar to the implementation process of the STA-specific profile of FIG. 3. Compared to the frame structure of the STA-specific profile, in the frame structure of the STA-specific profile extension sub-element, the data field may also include the STA control field and the STA information field, and the STA profile field does not include the field.

[0159] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7c, the frame structure of the STA-specific profile extension sub-element may be similar to the implementation process of the STA-specific profile of FIG. 3. Compared to the frame structure of the STA-specific profile, in the frame structure of the STA-specific profile extension sub-element, the data field may also include an STA control field and an STA information field, and the STA profile field further includes a field.

[0160] The following uses an example to explain the segmented transmission method of link station information. As illustrated in FIG. 7d, information about other stations within the MLD where a station is located is transmitted through a first MLE (indicated as MLE 1 or the first MLE) and a second MLE (indicated as MLE 2 or the second MLE). The first MLE transmits STA-specific profiles 1 through STA-specific profile x, and the second MLE transmits STA-specific profile extensions and another STA-specific profile. Since the second MLE transmits STA-specific profile extensions, this indicates that the STA-specific profile extensions and the previous STA-specific profiles (i.e., STA-specific profile x) transmit station information of the same link.

[0161] In a possible implementation, in a wireless frame generated at step S101, a first information element includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates whether station information is divided. Specifically, the first information element includes first indication information indicating whether station information is divided, so as to indicate that the station information of a link transmitted through the first information element is divided into at least two fragments, and that at least one of the at least two fragments is transmitted through another information element (e.g., a second information element). Thus, the first indication information indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to the station information of the same link.

[0162] Optionally, the second information element also includes the first display information.

[0163] For example, the first display information may be displayed using a single bit. For example, if the value of the first display information is the first value, it indicates that the station information is divided and the remainder of the station information is passed through the next STA-specific profile information element. Also, if the value of the first display information is the second value, it indicates that the station information is not divided. Of course, the value may change, and the display process of the first display information may be implemented in a different way. This is not limited thereto.

[0164] Optionally, the function of the first display information may be expressed in a different form. For example, the first display information indicates whether the station information is divided. For another example, the first display information indicates whether different fragments of the station information are transmitted through different information elements. If the first display information is expressed in a different form, the first display information may be displayed using different bit values ​​or in a different manner. This is not limited thereto.

[0165] For example, the first display information may be represented using two bits. For example, if the value of the first display information is the first value, it indicates that the station information is divided and the station information of the first information element is the first fragment. As another example, if the value of the first display information is the second value, it indicates that the station information is divided and the station information of the first information element is the last fragment. As yet another example, if the value of the first display information is the third value, it indicates that the station information is divided and the station information of the first information element is the intermediate fragment (neither the first fragment nor the last fragment). As yet another example, if the value of the first display information is the fourth value, it indicates that the first display information indicates that the station information is not divided. Of course, the values ​​may change, and the display process of the first display information may be implemented in a different way. This is not limited thereto.

[0166] Additionally, the first display information is transmitted through the station control field of the first information element (e.g., the STA control of the STA information shown in FIG. 3). That is, the first display information indicating whether the station information is divided is transmitted through the station control field of the first information element to provide a specific implementation that implements the first display information.

[0167] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8a, in the frame structure illustrated in FIG. 3, the STA control field of the STA-specific profile sub-element can convey first display information. Additionally, the first display information indicates whether the STA-specific profile sub-element indicates whether station information is divided.

[0168] Optionally, the first display information may be the More Fragment field of FIG. 8a or another field name. This is not limited thereto. Additionally, in the implementation illustrated in FIG. 8a, the More Fragment field may be implemented using one bit or two bits. For specific implementations, refer to the preceding description.

[0169] In a possible implementation, in a wireless frame generated in step S101, a first information element includes second information, and the second information indicates the number of information elements transmitting station information. Specifically, the first information element includes second information indicating the number of information elements transmitting station information, indicating that the station information of the link transmitted through the first information element is transmitted through a plurality of information elements (at least including the second information element), and indicates the number of the plurality of information elements. Accordingly, the second information indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to the station information of the same link.

[0170] Optionally, the second information element includes second display information.

[0171] For example, the second display information may be indicated using one or more bits to represent the quantity of information elements that convey station information. Specifically, if the second display information is indicated using k bits (where k is a natural number), it may indicate that the maximum number of information elements that convey station information is 2 to the power of k. If the value of k is 1, it may indicate that the maximum number of information elements that convey station information is 2. As another example, if the value of k is 4, it may indicate that the maximum number of information elements that convey station information is 16. Of course, if the value of k is a different value, the number of information elements that convey station information may be indicated in a different or similar manner.

[0172] Optionally, if there are multiple information elements conveying station information, in the wireless frame generated in step S101, the multiple information elements may be multiple consecutive information elements located in the wireless frame.

[0173] Optionally, the second display information may be expressed in a different form. For example, the second display information indicates the number of fragments of station information. For another example, the second display information indicates the number of information elements transmitting station information, and the information elements transmitting station information include the first information elements. For another example, the second display information indicates the number of information elements transmitting station information, and the information elements transmitting station information do not include the first information elements. For another example, the second display information indicates the sequence number of the information elements transmitting station information, and the sequence number is a forward sequence number. For another example, the second display information indicates the sequence number of the information elements transmitting station information, and the sequence number is a reverse sequence number. If the second display information is expressed in a different form, the first display information may be displayed using k different bit values ​​or may be displayed in a different way. This is not limited thereto.

[0174] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8b, in the frame structure illustrated in FIG. 3, the STA control field of the STA-specific profile sub-element can convey second display information. Additionally, the second display information indicates that the STA-specific profile sub-element indicates the number of fragments into which the station information is divided, or indicates the number of fragments into which the remaining part of the station information, excluding the STA-specific profile fragments, is divided.

[0175] Optionally, the second display information may be the Number of Fragments field of FIG. 8b or another field. This is not limited thereto. Additionally, in the implementation illustrated in FIG. 8b, the Number of Fragments field may be implemented using one or more bits. For specific implementations, refer to the description above.

[0176] Next, the implementation example of FIG. 8c is used to explain the segmented transmission method of link station information. As shown in FIG. 8c, information about other stations within the MLD where a station is located is transmitted through the first MLE (indicated as MLE 1 or the first MLE) and the second MLE (indicated as MLE 2 or the second MLE). The first MLE transmits STA profiles 1 through STA profile x, and the second MLE transmits STA profiles x+1 through STA profile y. It can be seen from the display information of the STA control field of STA profile x that STA profile x and STA profile x+1 transmit station information of the same link.

[0177] In a possible implementation, in a wireless frame generated in step S101, a second information element includes third indication information, and the third indication information indicates that the second information element is the last information element among a plurality of information elements that transmit station information. Specifically, the second information element includes third indication information indicating that the second information element is the last information element among a plurality of information elements that transmit station information, so that the link station information transmitted through the second information element is transmitted through a plurality of information elements (at least including the second information element), and the second information element is the last information element among the plurality of information elements. Accordingly, the third indication information indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to the same link station information. That is, if the information element does not transmit the third indication information, this indicates that the information element and the next information element transmit the same link station information.

[0178] Optionally, if the first information element of the wireless frame includes third indication information, this may indicate that the station information of the link transmitted through the first information element is not divided.

[0179] Optionally, the third display information indicates that there is no other information element conveying station information following the second information element.

[0180] Optionally, the station information is divided into multiple fragments, and the third display information indicates that the fragment of station information transmitted through the second information element is the last fragment.

[0181] Optionally, the third display information includes a non-inheritance element.

[0182] Specifically, if the link's station information is split, non-inherited elements are passed through the last STA-specific profile sub-element corresponding to the station information, and the previous (non-last) STA-specific profile sub-elements do not pass non-inherited elements. If the station information is not split, non-inherited elements must be passed through all corresponding STA-specific profile sub-elements, and the length field value of the non-inherited elements is set to 1, indicating that only the element ID extension field exists after the length field and no other fields exist.

[0183] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9a, information about other stations within the MLD where a station is located is conveyed through the first MLE (indicated as MLE 1 or the first MLE) and the second MLE (indicated as MLE 2 or the second MLE). The first MLE conveys STA profiles 1 through STA profile x, and the second MLE conveys STA profiles x+1 through STA profile y. Since STA profile x does not convey non-inherited elements, it can be seen that STA profile x and STA profile x+1 convey station information of the same link. Additionally, since STA profile x+1 conveys non-inherited elements, it can be seen that STA profile x+1 is the last STA profile sub-element conveying station information.

[0184] Additionally, in the MLE configured based on Fig. 3, the non-inheritance element is optional in the STA-specific profile sub-element. The non-inheritance element includes a series of ID numbers and ID extension numbers of elements that the reported STA cannot inherit from the reporting STA. The reporting STA is the STA sending the MLE, and the reported STA is a STA on a different link. However, in the implementation of the aforementioned third display information, the non-inheritance element needs to be transmitted through the last STA-specific profile sub-element that transmits station information. Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 9b, when the non-inheritance element does not need to be transmitted (i.e., the station does not contain the non-inheritance information element), the non-inheritance element must also be transmitted through the STA-specific profile sub-element, and the length field value of the non-inheritance element is set to 1, indicating that only the element ID extension field exists after the length field and no other fields exist.

[0185] In a possible implementation, in the wireless frame generated in step S101, the first information element and the second information element each include a Complete Profile field, and the value of the Complete Profile field of the first information element is the same as the value of the Complete Profile field of the second information element. Specifically, the information element may represent the relevant profile of the station information transmitted through the information element by utilizing the Complete Profile field included in the information element. The fact that the value of the Complete Profile field of the first information element and the value of the Complete Profile field of the second information element are the same may indicate that the profile of the station information transmitted through the first information element is the same as the profile of the station information transmitted through the second information element. Therefore, the identical value of the Complete Profile field indicates that both the first information element and the second information element of the wireless frame transmit complete station information.

[0186] Optionally, the second information element does not include a complete profile field.

[0187] Optionally, the second information element includes a complete profile field, and the value of the complete profile field of the second information element is a reserved value. In this case, the value of the complete profile field indicates other information (in addition to indicating whether the information element conveys complete station information of the corresponding link).

[0188] In a possible implementation, in a wireless frame generated at step S101, a first information element includes a station information (STA Info) field, and the station information field indicates the station information associated with the first information element and the station information associated with the second information element. Specifically, the information element may indicate the station information transmitted through the information element by utilizing the station information field included in the information element. The station information field of the first information element indicates not only the station information transmitted through the first information element but also the station information transmitted through the second information element. Accordingly, the station information field of the first information element indicates that the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link.

[0189] In a possible implementation, in the wireless frame generated in step S101, the second information element does not include a station information field, or the second information element includes a station information field, and the value of the station information field is a reserved value. Specifically, since the relevant station information of the second information element is indicated by the station information field of the first information element, the second information element may not transmit the station information field, or the station information field of the second information element may be set to a reserved value, thereby transmitting other information / data different from the information in the station information field using the reserved value. Thus, by reusing the station information field of the first information element to indicate relevant station information of multiple information elements, overhead is reduced and communication efficiency is further improved.

[0190] Specifically, the current station information field includes at least one of the following information: a MAC address indicating the address of a station on the link, a beacon interval indicating the period during which the station receives a beacon frame, DTIM information indicating the period during which the station receives a DTIM beacon frame and the time to receive the next DTIM beacon frame, and an NSTR indication bitmap indicating the ability of a station on the link to perform simultaneous transmission and reception with a station on another link. In the aforementioned implementation, if the value of the station information field is a reserved value, the value of the station information field indicates other information (other than at least one of the information).

[0191] Optionally, the second information element includes a station information field.

[0192] In a possible implementation, the station information field includes at least one of the following: a medium access control address present (MAC Address Present) field, a beacon interval present field, a delivery traffic indication message information present (DTIM Info Present) field, and an NSTR link pair present field. Specifically, the station information field may specifically include at least one of the aforementioned fields to represent relevant station information.

[0193] In a possible implementation, in the wireless frame generated in step S101, the first MLE and the second MLE are adjacent MLEs. Specifically, the first MLE and the second MLE may be MLEs located at adjacent positions within the wireless frame. Compared to a method in which station information of the same link is transmitted through non-adjacent MLEs, a method in which station information of the same link is transmitted through multiple adjacent MLEs within the wireless frame may help the receiver of the wireless frame obtain station information of the same link.

[0194] Optionally, there is no other MLE in the wireless frame between the first MLE and the second MLE.

[0195] Optionally, in the radio frame, the first MLE is located before the second MLE, or in the radio frame, the second MLE is located after the first MLE.

[0196] In a possible implementation, in the wireless frame generated in step S101, the first MLE includes a common information field, and the common information field represents multi-link common information of the first MLE and multi-link common information of the second MLE. Specifically, an information element may represent multi-link common information transmitted through the information element by utilizing the common information field included in the information element. The common information field of the first information element represents not only the multi-link common information transmitted through the first information element but also the multi-link common information transmitted through the second information element. Accordingly, the common information field of the first information element represents multi-link common information corresponding to the first information element and the second information element.

[0197] In a possible implementation, the second MLE does not include a common information field, or the second MLE includes a common information field, and the value of the common information field of the second MLE is a reserved value. Specifically, since the multi-link common information of the second information element is represented by the common information field of the first information element, the second information element may not transmit the common information field, or the common information field of the second information element may be set to a reserved value, thereby transmitting other information / data different from the information in the common information field using the reserved value. Accordingly, the common information field of the first information element is reused to represent the multi-link common information of multiple information elements, thereby reducing overhead and further improving communication efficiency.

[0198] Optionally, the second information element includes a common information field.

[0199] In a possible implementation, in a wireless frame generated in step S101, the first MLE includes a multi-link control field, and the multi-link control field represents multi-link control information of the first MLE and multi-link control information of the second MLE. Specifically, an information element may represent multi-link control information transmitted through the information element by utilizing the multi-link control field included in the information element. The multi-link control field of the first information element represents not only the multi-link control information transmitted through the first information element but also the multi-link control information transmitted through the second information element. Accordingly, the multi-link control field of the first information element represents multi-link control information corresponding to the first information element and the second information element.

[0200] In a possible implementation, the second MLE does not include a multi-link control field, or the second MLE includes a multi-link control field, and the values ​​of the presence bitmap fields within the multi-link control field of the second MLE are all 0. Specifically, since the multi-link control information of the second information element is indicated by the multi-link control information field of the first information element, the second information element may not transmit the multi-link control information field, or the multi-link control field of the second information element may be set to a reserved value, and other information / data different from the information of the multi-link control field is transmitted using the reserved value. Accordingly, by reusing the multi-link control field of the first information element to represent the multi-link control information of multiple information elements, overhead is reduced and communication efficiency is further improved.

[0201] Optionally, the second information element includes a common information field.

[0202] S102: The wireless frame transmitting device transmits a wireless frame.

[0203] In this embodiment, after generating a wireless frame in step S101, the wireless frame transmitting device transmits the wireless frame in step S102. Correspondingly, in step S102, the wireless frame receiving device receives the wireless frame.

[0204] For example, in step S102, the wireless frame transmitting device and the wireless frame receiving device can perform wireless frame transmission based on the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, that is, the wireless frame is transmitted using one or more of the multiple links between the wireless frame transmitting device and the wireless frame receiving device.

[0205] Optionally, the wireless frame transmitting device may perform transmission preprocessing on the wireless frame and transmit the processing result obtained through the transmission preprocessing in step S102. For example, the transmission preprocessing may include encryption, scrambling, and other methods. Correspondingly, the wireless frame transmitting device may receive the processing result obtained by performing transmission preprocessing on the wireless frame and obtain the wireless frame by performing reception preprocessing on the processing result in step S102. For example, the reception preprocessing may include decryption, scrambling, and other methods.

[0206] S103: The wireless frame receiving device determines station information based on the wireless frame.

[0207] In this embodiment, the wireless frame receiving device determines station information based on the wireless frame received in step S102.

[0208] Specifically, in step S103, the wireless frame receiving device determines station information of the same link using a first information element included in the first MLE of the wireless frame and a second information element included in the second MLE, thereby obtaining station information of the same link from a plurality of MLEs.

[0209] Optionally, in step S103, the wireless frame receiving device may determine station information of the same link corresponding to the first information element included in the first MLE and the second information element included in the second MLE, based on target information included in the wireless frame. The target information may include at least one of a link ID, a sub-element ID, first indication information, second indication information, third indication information, etc.

[0210] In the implementation, if the target information includes a link ID, the wireless frame receiving device receives the wireless frame in step S102. If the wireless frame includes at least two MLEs and the values ​​of the link ID fields of the STA profile sub-elements included in each of the at least two MLEs are identical, the wireless frame receiving device may determine in step S103 that the STA profile transmitted through the STA profile sub-elements transmits station information of the same link. Additionally, the station may obtain station information of the same link by connecting the STA profile sub-elements corresponding to the link IDs of the same value in the order in which the STA profile sub-elements appear in the wireless frame.

[0211] In the implementation, if the target information includes a sub-element ID, the wireless frame receiving device receives the wireless frame in step S102. If the wireless frame includes at least two MLEs, and each MLE, excluding the first MLE among the at least two MLEs, includes a STA-specific profile extension sub-element, the wireless frame receiving device may determine in step S103 that the STA profile transmitted through the STA-specific profile extension sub-element and the STA profile transmitted through the previous adjacent STA-specific profile transmit station information of the same link. Additionally, the station may obtain station information of the same link by connecting the STA-specific profile sub-elements in the order in which the STA-specific profile sub-elements appear in the wireless frame.

[0212] In the implementation, if the target information includes first indication information, the wireless frame receiving device receives the wireless frame in step S102. If the wireless frame includes at least two MLEs, the wireless frame receiving device determines whether the link station information transmitted through the STA-specific profile sub-element is divided based on the first indication information of the STA-specific profile sub-element among the at least two MLEs. If the link station information transmitted through the STA-specific profile sub-element is divided, in step S103, the wireless frame receiving device obtains the same link station information by connecting the fields of the STA profile transmitted through the next STA-specific profile sub-element (or next STA-specific profile sub-elements) in the order in which the STA-specific profile sub-elements appear in the wireless frame.

[0213] In the implementation, if the target information includes second indication information, the wireless frame receiving device receives the wireless frame in step S102. If the wireless frame includes at least two MLEs, the wireless frame receiving device determines the number of STA profiles that transmit link station information transmitted through the STA profile sub-elements based on the second indication information of the STA profile sub-elements of at least two MLEs. Additionally, in step S103, the wireless frame receiving device obtains station information of the same link by connecting the fields of the STA profiles transmitted through the next STA profile sub-elements (or next STA profile sub-elements) based on the number of STA profiles indicated by the second indication information in the wireless frame in the order in which the STA profile sub-elements appear.

[0214] In the implementation, if the target information includes third indication information, the wireless frame receiving device receives the wireless frame in step S102. If the wireless frame includes at least two MLEs, the wireless frame receiving device determines, based on the third indication information of the STA-specific profile sub-elements of the at least two MLEs, that the STA-specific profile sub-element is the last STA-specific profile among a plurality of STA-specific profiles that transmit station information of the link. Additionally, in step S103, based on the third indication information, the wireless frame receiving device obtains station information of the same link by concatenating the fields of the STA profile transmitted through the previous STA-specific profile sub-elements (or a plurality of previous STA-specific profile sub-elements) prior to the STA-specific profile sub-element in the order in which the STA-specific profile sub-elements appear in the wireless frame.

[0215] According to the technical solution, if the length of the station information of a multi-link device transmitted through a single MLE exceeds the maximum length configured by the MLE, the wireless frame is not transmitted because the station information of the multi-link device cannot be conveyed. For example, the length field of the MLE shown in Fig. 3 is 8 bits, representing a length of 0 to 255 bytes. However, the length of the information to be conveyed by the MLE may exceed 255 bytes. Consequently, a single MLE alone is insufficient to convey information about the multi-link device. As another example, the length field of the STA-specific profile shown in Fig. 3 is 8 bits, so the data portion can convey up to 255 octets. However, the station information for each link may be longer than 255 octets. Consequently, a single STA-specific profile alone is insufficient to convey the station information for each link. According to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 9b, a wireless frame transmitted or received by a multi-link device includes a first MLE and a second MLE, and a first information element included in the first MLE and a second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Accordingly, station information of a multi-link station device can be transmitted in such a way that multiple MLEs of the wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This ensures that the data portion of the STA profile does not exceed 255 bytes, ensures that the length of the content transmitted through the MLE does not exceed 255 bytes, prevents wireless frame transmission failure, and can improve communication efficiency.

[0216] The foregoing describes the present application in terms of method, and the following further describes the present application in terms of device.

[0217] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication device (1000) according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device (1000) includes a processing unit (1001) and a transceiver unit (1002).

[0218] Specifically, the communication device (1000) may be a wireless frame transmission device configured to implement any one of the wireless frame transmission methods of the embodiments described above. Accordingly, the processing unit (1001) and the transceiver unit (1002) may be configured to perform the following process.

[0219] The processing unit (1001) is configured to generate a wireless frame. The wireless frame includes a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, the first MLE includes a first information element, and the second MLE includes a second information element, and the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link. The transceiver unit (1002) is configured to transmit the wireless frame.

[0220] According to the technical solution, if the length of the station information of a multi-link device transmitted through a single MLE exceeds the maximum length configured by the MLE, the wireless frame is not transmitted because the station information of the multi-link device cannot be conveyed. For example, the length field of the MLE shown in Fig. 3 is 8 bits, representing a length of 0 to 255 bytes. However, the length of the information to be conveyed by the MLE may exceed 255 bytes. Consequently, a single MLE alone is insufficient to convey information about the multi-link device. As another example, the length field of the STA-specific profile shown in Fig. 3 is 8 bits, so the data portion can convey up to 255 octets. However, the station information for each link may be longer than 255 octets. Consequently, a single STA-specific profile alone is insufficient to convey the station information for each link. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, a wireless frame transmitted by a transceiver unit (1002) includes a first MLE and a second MLE, and a first information element included in the first MLE and a second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Accordingly, station information of a multi-link station device can be transmitted in such a way that multiple MLEs of the wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This ensures that the data portion of the STA profile does not exceed 255 bytes, ensures that the length of the content transmitted through the MLE does not exceed 255 bytes, prevents wireless frame transmission failure, and can improve communication efficiency.

[0221] Additionally, the communication device (1000) may be a wireless frame transmission device configured to specifically implement any one of the wireless frame transmission methods of the aforementioned embodiments. Accordingly, the processing unit (1001) and the transceiver unit (1002) may be configured to perform the following process.

[0222] A transceiver unit (1002) is configured to receive a wireless frame. The wireless frame includes a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, the first MLE includes a first information element, and the second MLE includes a second information element, and the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link. A processing unit (1001) is configured to determine station information based on the wireless frame.

[0223] According to the technical solution, if the length of the station information of a multi-link device transmitted through a single MLE exceeds the maximum length configured by the MLE, the wireless frame is not transmitted because the station information of the multi-link device cannot be conveyed. For example, the length field of the MLE shown in Fig. 3 is 8 bits, representing a length of 0 to 255 bytes. However, the length of the information to be conveyed by the MLE may exceed 255 bytes. Consequently, a single MLE alone is insufficient to convey information about the multi-link device. As another example, the length field of the STA-specific profile shown in Fig. 3 is 8 bits, so the data portion can convey up to 255 octets. However, the station information for each link may be longer than 255 octets. Consequently, a single STA-specific profile alone is insufficient to convey the station information for each link. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the wireless frame received by the transceiver unit (1002) includes a first MLE and a second MLE, and the first information element included in the first MLE and the second information element included in the second MLE correspond to station information of the same link. Accordingly, station information of a multi-link station device can be transmitted in such a way that multiple MLEs of the wireless frame transmit station information of the same link. This ensures that the data portion of the STA profile does not exceed 255 bytes, ensures that the length of the content transmitted through the MLE does not exceed 255 bytes, prevents wireless frame transmission failure, and can improve communication efficiency.

[0224] In addition, the MLE (first MLE or second MLE) or information element (first information element or second information element) included in the wireless frame transmitted (received or transmitted) by the communication device illustrated in FIG. 10 may be further optimized, specifically as follows:

[0225] In a possible implementation, the first information element and the second information element each include a Link ID field, and the value of the Link ID field of the first information element is the same as the value of the Link ID field of the second information element.

[0226] In a possible implementation, the first information element includes first display information, and the first display information indicates whether the station information has been divided.

[0227] Optionally, the second information element includes the first display information.

[0228] Optionally, the first display information indicates whether the station information has been divided.

[0229] Optionally, the first display information indicates whether different fragments of station information are transmitted through different information elements.

[0230] Optionally, the first display information indicates that the station information is divided, and the station information of the first information element indicates that it is the first fragment.

[0231] Optionally, the first display information indicates that the station information is divided, and the station information of the first information element indicates that it is the last fragment.

[0232] Optionally, the first display information indicates that the station information is divided, and the station information of the first information element indicates that it is an intermediate fragment (neither the first fragment nor the last fragment).

[0233] Optionally, the first display information indicates that the station information is not divided.

[0234] In a possible implementation, the first display information is transmitted through the station control (STA control) information field of the first information element.

[0235] In a possible implementation, the first information element includes second display information, and the second display information indicates the number of information elements conveying station information.

[0236] Optionally, the second information element includes second display information.

[0237] Optionally, the second display information indicates the number of fragments of station information.

[0238] Optionally, the second display information indicates the number of information elements conveying station information, and the information elements conveying station information include the first information elements.

[0239] Optionally, the second display information indicates the number of information elements conveying station information, and the information elements conveying station information do not include the first information elements.

[0240] Optionally, the second display information indicates the sequence number of the information element transmitting station information, and the sequence number is a forward sequence number.

[0241] Optionally, the second display information indicates the sequence number of an information element conveying station information, and the sequence number is a reverse sequence number.

[0242] In a possible implementation, the second display information is transmitted through the station control field of the first information element.

[0243] In a possible implementation, the second information element includes third display information, and the third display information indicates that the second information element is the last information element among a plurality of information elements that convey station information.

[0244] Optionally, the third display information indicates that there is no other information element conveying station information after the second information element.

[0245] Optionally, the station information is divided into multiple fragments, and the third display information indicates that the fragment of station information transmitted through the second information element is the last fragment.

[0246] Optionally, the third display information includes a non-inherited field (non-inherited element).

[0247] In a possible implementation, the first information element and the second information element each include a Complete Profile field, and the value of the Complete Profile field of the first information element is the same as the value of the Complete Profile field of the second information element.

[0248] Optionally, the second information element does not include a complete profile field.

[0249] In a possible implementation, the first information element includes a station information (STA Info) field, and the station information field represents the station information associated with the first information element and the station information associated with the second information element.

[0250] In a possible implementation, the second information element does not include a station information field, or the second information element includes a station information field, and the value of the station information field is a reserved value.

[0251] Optionally, the second information element includes a station information field.

[0252] In a possible implementation, the station information field includes at least one of the following: a medium access control address present (MAC Address Present) field, a beacon interval present (Beacon Interval Present) field, a delivery traffic indication message information present (DTIM Info Present) field, and an NSTR link pair present field.

[0253] In a possible implementation, the element type of the first information element is the same as the element type of the second information element.

[0254] Optionally, the first information element and the second information element each include a type field, and the type field value of the first information element is the same as the type field value of the second information element.

[0255] Optionally, the Type field is the Subelement ID field.

[0256] In a possible implementation, the element type of the first information element is different from the element type of the second information element.

[0257] In a possible implementation, a first information element and a second information element each include a type field, and the value of the type field of the first information element is different from the value of the type field of the second information element.

[0258] Optionally, the Type field is the Subelement ID field.

[0259] In a possible implementation, in a wireless frame, the first MLE and the second MLE are adjacent MLEs.

[0260] Optionally, there is no other MLE between the first MLE and the second MLE in the wireless frame.

[0261] Optionally, in the radio frame, the first MLE is located before the second MLE, or in the radio frame, the second MLE is located after the first MLE.

[0262] In a possible implementation, the first MLE includes a common information field, and the common information field represents the multi-link common information of the first MLE and the multi-link common information of the second MLE.

[0263] In a possible implementation, the second MLE does not include a common information field, or the second MLE includes a common information field, and the value of the common information field of the second MLE is a reserved value.

[0264] Optionally, the second information element includes a common information field.

[0265] In a possible implementation, the first MLE includes a multi-link control field, and the multi-link control field represents multi-link control information of the first MLE and multi-link control information of the second MLE.

[0266] In a possible implementation, the second MLE does not include a multi-link control field, or the second MLE includes a multi-link control field, and the values ​​of the presence bitmap field within the multi-link control field of the second MLE are all 0.

[0267] Optionally, the second information element includes a common information field.

[0268] In possible implementations, the wireless frame is a connection request frame, a reconnection request frame, a connection response frame, a reconnection response frame, or a probe response frame.

[0269] It should be noted that the communication device (1000) may be further configured to perform other embodiments described above in FIGS. 1 through 9 and achieve corresponding advantageous effects. For details, refer to the description of the embodiments described above. Further details are not described here.

[0270] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device (1100) according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device (1100) includes a processor (1101) and a transceiver (1102).

[0271] The communication device (1100) may be a wireless frame transmitting device, a wireless frame receiving device, or a chip within a wireless frame transmitting device or a wireless frame receiving device.

[0272] FIG. 11 illustrates only the main components of a communication device (1100). In addition to the processor (1101) and transceiver (1102), the communication device may further include a memory (1103) and an input / output device (not shown in the drawing).

[0273] The processor (1101) is configured to primarily process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data of the software programs. The memory (1103) is configured to primarily store software programs and data. The transceiver (1102) may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is configured to primarily perform conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and to process radio frequency signals. The antenna is configured to primarily transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as a touchscreen, display, or keyboard, are configured to primarily receive data entered by the user and output data to the user.

[0274] The processor (1101), transceiver (1102), and memory (1103) can be connected via a communication bus.

[0275] After the power of the communication device is turned on, the processor (1101) can read the software program in memory (1103), interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. If the data is to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor (1101) performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and then outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal in the form of electromagnetic waves using an antenna. When the data is transmitted to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor (1101). The processor (1101) converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0276] In any of the aforementioned designs, the processor (1101) may include a communication interface for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit configured to implement receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated together. The transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit may be configured to read and write code / data. Alternatively, the transceiver circuit, the interface, or the interface circuit may be configured to transmit or transfer signals.

[0277] In any one of the aforementioned designs, the processor (1101) may store instructions. The instructions may be computer programs. Since the computer program is executed on the processor (1101), the communication device (1100) may perform the method described in any one of the aforementioned embodiments. The computer program may be fixed to the processor (1101), in which case the processor (1101) may be implemented in hardware.

[0278] In an implementation, the communication device (1100) may include a circuit, and the circuit may implement a transmitting, receiving, or communication function in any one of the embodiments described above. The processor and communication interface described in this application may be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a mixed-signal IC, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc. The processor and communication interface may be manufactured using various IC technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), and gallium arsenide (GaAs).

[0279] In other implementations, the radio frequency circuit and antenna may be placed independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuit and antenna may be placed remotely and independently from the communication device.

[0280] A communication device may be an independent device or part of a larger device. For example, a communication device may be as follows:

[0281] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, chip, chip system or subsystem;

[0282] (2) One or more IC sets, optionally, the IC sets may also include storage components configured to store data and instructions;

[0283] (3) ASIC, e.g., Modem;

[0284] (4) A module that can be embedded in another device;

[0285] (5) receivers, intelligent terminals, wireless devices, portable devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.; and

[0286] (6) Other devices, etc.

[0287] Additionally, the processor (1101) may be configured to perform, for example, baseband-related processing, but is not limited thereto, and the transceiver (1102) may be configured to perform, for example, radio frequency reception and transmission, but is not limited thereto. The aforementioned components may be placed separately on independent chips, or at least some or all of the components may be placed on the same chip. For example, the processor may be divided into an analog baseband processor and a digital baseband processor. The analog baseband processor and the transceiver may be integrated on the same chip, and the digital baseband processor may be placed on a separate chip. As integrated circuit technology continues to advance, more and more components may be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor may be integrated on the same chip as multiple application processors (e.g., geometric processors and multimedia processors). The chip may also be referred to as a system on chip. Whether the components are placed independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips generally depends on the specific requirements of the product design. In the embodiments of the present invention, the specific implementation form of the aforementioned components is not limited.

[0288] Embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code. When a processor executes the computer program code, the electronic device performs any one of the methods of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0289] Embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer becomes capable of performing any one of the methods of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0290] Embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device. The device may exist in the form of a chip product. The structure of the device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with another device through the interface circuit so as to enable the device to perform any one of the methods of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0291] Embodiments of the present application further provide a WLAN communication system comprising a wireless frame transmitting device and a wireless frame receiving device. The wireless frame transmitting device and the wireless frame receiving device may perform any one of the methods of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0292] The method or algorithm steps described in combination with the contents disclosed in this application may be implemented 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 (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable hard disks, Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. For example, a storage medium may be coupled to a processor to enable the processor to read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be placed in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may be located in a core network interface device. Certainly, the processor and the storage medium may exist as separate components in the core network interface device.

[0293] Those skilled in the art should recognize that in one or more of the examples described above, the function described in this application may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Where the function is implemented by software, the function described above may be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes a computer-readable storage medium and a communication medium. A communication medium includes any medium that easily transmits a computer program from one place to another. A storage medium may be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer.

[0294] Although this application has been described with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art may understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by referring to the attached drawings, the disclosed content, and the attached claims in the process of implementing this application claiming protection. In the claims, "comprying" does not exclude other components or other steps, and "one" does not exclude multiple cases. A single processor or other unit may implement the various functions listed in the claims. Some measures are described in different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce a better effect.

[0295] In the specific embodiments described above, the purpose, technical solution, and advantageous effects of the present application are described in more detail. It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modification, equivalent substitution, improvement, etc. based on the technical solution of the present application falls within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

Claim 1 A wireless frame transmission method comprising: a step of generating a wireless frame— wherein the wireless frame comprises a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, wherein the first MLE comprises a first information element and the second MLE comprises a second information element, wherein the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link, wherein the first information element or the second information element comprises a first indication information, and wherein the first indication information indicates whether the station information of the same link is divided— and a step of transmitting the wireless frame. Claim 2 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the first information element and the second information element each include a link identifier field, and the value of the link identifier field of the first information element is the same as the value of the link identifier field of the second information element. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the first display information is transmitted through the station control field of the first information element. Claim 5 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the first information element includes second display information, and the second display information indicates the number of information elements transmitting the station information. Claim 6 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 5, wherein the second display information is transmitted through the station control field of the first information element. Claim 7 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the second information element includes third display information, and the third display information indicates that the second information element is the last information element among a plurality of information elements that transmit the station information. Claim 8 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the second information element does not include a station information field, or the second information element includes the station information field, and the value of the station information field is a reserved value. Claim 9 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the element type of the first information element is the same as the element type of the second information element. Claim 10 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the element type of the first information element is different from the element type of the second information element. Claim 11 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 10, wherein the first information element and the second information element each include a type field, and the value of the type field of the first information element is different from the value of the type field of the second information element. Claim 12 In paragraph 11, the above-mentioned type field is a sub-element identifier field, a wireless frame transmission method. Claim 13 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein in the wireless frame, the first MLE and the second MLE are adjacent MLEs. Claim 14 A wireless frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the second MLE does not include a common information field, the second MLE includes the common information field and the value of the common information field of the second MLE is a reserved value, the second MLE does not include a multi-link control field, the second MLE includes the multi-link control field and the value of the status bitmap field within the multi-link control field of the second MLE is all 0. Claim 15 A wireless frame transmitting device, wherein the device comprises a transceiver unit and a processing unit, and the device is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 through 14. Claim 16 A wireless frame receiving device, wherein the device comprises a transceiver unit and a processing unit, and the device is configured to perform a wireless frame receiving method, the method comprising: a step of receiving a wireless frame - wherein the wireless frame comprises a first multi-link element (MLE) and a second MLE, wherein the first MLE comprises a first information element and the second MLE comprises a second information element, wherein the first information element and the second information element correspond to station information of the same link, wherein the first information element or the second information element comprises a first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the station information of the same link is divided - and a step of determining the station information based on the wireless frame. Claim 17 A communication device comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store a program or instruction, and the at least one processor is configured to execute the program or instruction so as to enable the device to implement a method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 through 14. Claim 18 A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed, a method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 through 14 is performed. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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