STATION, REQUEST AND RESPONSE METHODS FOR EXPLORING ACCESS POINT MULTILINK DEVICES, NON-ACCESS POINT STATION MULTILINK DEVICES, ACCESS POINTS, ACCESS POINT MULTILINK DEVICES

Abstract

The invention relates to a request-response method for polling access point, station, access point, station-non-access point, and access point multilink devices. If a station wishes to obtain the communication parameters of an access point whose basic service set identifier (BSSID) is not transmitted, the station may send a polling request frame to the untransmitted BSSID in the MBSSID set, and the transmitted BSSID in the multiple BSSID set (MBSSID) may respond with a polling response frame. Furthermore, if a station wishes to poll multiple access point devices (APs) at the same time, the station may send a polling request frame to an access point whose BSSID is transmitted in the MBSSID set, requesting the AP to respond with the communication parameters of the untransmitted BSSID.The access point BSSID that is not transmitted and the access point BSSID that is transmitted may belong to different AP multilink devices. In implementing the invention, the station can acquire the communication parameters of the APs of one or more AP multilink devices by sending a polling request frame, to acquire the communication parameters of the AP multilink device on multiple links, thereby effectively performing the aggregation between the station and the AP multilink device or establishing multilink transmission between the station and the AP multilink device.

Description

Probe MLD's request and response methods and sites, access points. Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method for requesting and responding to MLD probes in a wireless local area network, as well as sites and access points. Background Technology

[0002] To significantly improve the service transmission rate of wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax standard further adopts Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology on the basis of the existing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology. OFDMA technology supports multiple nodes to transmit and receive data simultaneously, thereby achieving multi-site diversity gain. In 2017, when 802.11ax was finalized, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened a new free frequency band of 5925-7125MHz, hereinafter referred to as the 6GHz band. Therefore, the 802.11ax standard developers extended the operating range of 802.11ax devices from 2.4GHz and 5GHz to 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz in the Project Authorization Requests (PAR).

[0003] IEEE 802.11 next-generation WiFi protocol (extremely high throughput, EHT) devices, due to backward compatibility, will also support the operating spectrum of 802.11ax devices, namely the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. Based on the newly opened and free 6GHz band, channel allocation within this band can support bandwidth exceeding the maximum bandwidth of 160MHz supported in 5GHz, for example, 320MHz. Besides ultra-high bandwidth, IEEE 802.11ax next-generation WiFi – extremely high throughput – can also improve peak throughput through increased stream counts, such as up to 16 streams, and cooperation across multiple frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz). On the same frequency band, multiple channels can also cooperate to increase peak throughput and reduce service transmission latency. Hereinafter, multiple frequency bands or multiple channels are collectively referred to as multi-link. Although WiFi networks operating on the same frequency band, such as 802.11ax and earlier, are configured with multiple links, each link typically establishes a different basic service set (BSS). At any given time, a network can only communicate with stations within the BSS to which that link belongs.

[0004] 802.11ax and earlier versions introduced the technology of multiple Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSIDs). The main function is to virtualize multiple logical APs on a single physical AP, that is, to form multiple virtual networks. Each virtual network is used to manage different sites, similar to how an AP in a current WIFI scenario can virtualize a reporting AP (home AP) and a guest AP.

[0005] When applying multiple BSSID technology to multi-link devices (MLDs), how to achieve detection and association between non-access point station (non-AP STA) MLDs and access point station (AP STA) MLDs is a technical problem that engineers are currently researching.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application discloses a request method, a response method, and related apparatus for detecting multi-link devices in a WLAN.

[0008] The first aspect of this application provides a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising:

[0009] The processor is configured to generate the probe request frame, which requests the first AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located; the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports.

[0010] The transceiver is used to send probe request frames to the first AP.

[0011] A second aspect of this application provides a method for requesting to detect access point multilink devices, the method being performed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising:

[0012] The probe request frame is generated to request the first AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located; the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports.

[0013] Send a probe request frame to the first AP.

[0014] In the site provided by the first aspect or the method provided by the second aspect, the probe request frame carries first indication information, which is used to indicate the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located.

[0015] In the site provided by the first aspect or the method provided by the second aspect, the first indication information is carried in any of the following elements: multi-link element, request MLD element, and known MLD element.

[0016] The site provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect also includes:

[0017] Receive a probe response frame from the second AP, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located.

[0018] In one implementation, the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located include the communication parameters of all or part of the links corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0019] In one implementation, the probe request frame also carries a field indicating the AP MLD link identifier, which is used to instruct the first AP to feed back the communication parameters of the corresponding link in its AP MLD.

[0020] In one implementation, the field indicating the AP MLD link identifier is a link configuration element or a link index bitmap.

[0021] As provided in the first aspect of the site or the second aspect of the method, the probe response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP through a multiple BSSID element, and carries the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD where the first AP is located in a multi-link element of the non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP.

[0022] In the site provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, the non-inherited element of the probe request frame also carries indication information for indicating a partial information unit of the request AP MLD.

[0023] In the site provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect, any one of the multi-link element, request MLD element, and known MLD element also carries indication information of a portion of the information unit indicating the request AP MLD.

[0024] When a non-AP STA wants to request the communication parameters of an AP MLD, it can send a probe request frame to a logical AP of that AP MLD. Even if the logical AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, it can respond to the probe request frame through other transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MSSID set to reply with the communication parameters of the AP MLD. This solves the technical problem in the prior art that it is impossible to obtain the communication parameters of the AP MLD on other links by sending a probe request frame.

[0025] A third aspect of this application provides a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising:

[0026] The processor is configured to generate the probe request frame, which requests the second AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; the second AP is a Transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports;

[0027] The transceiver is used to send probe request frames to the second AP.

[0028] A fourth aspect of this application provides a method for detecting requests from access point multilink devices, the method being performed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising:

[0029] The probe request frame is generated to request the second AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; the second AP is a Transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports;

[0030] Send a probe request frame to the second AP.

[0031] As in the site of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect of this application, the probe request frame carries second indication information, which is used to instruct the second AP to feed back communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP.

[0032] As in the site of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect of this application, the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP include at least one of the following:

[0033] Communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located;

[0034] The communication parameters of the AP MLD of other APs belonging to the same Multitransmission Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID) set as the second AP;

[0035] The communication parameters of the AP MLD where the other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0036] In the site of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect of this application, the second indication information is carried in the probe request frame. The second indication information is used to indicate an MLD identifier or an MLD address, and the MLD identifier or MLD address is used to indicate the communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address.

[0037] As in the site of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect of this application, the second indication information is carried in the probe request frame, and the second indication information indicates the requested AP MLD related to the second AP in a bitmap manner. The indication of the requested AP MLD in a bitmap manner may be indicated by a BSSID identifier bitmap field.

[0038] In the site of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect of this application, the second instruction information carries any of the following elements: multi-link element, request MLD element, and known MLD element.

[0039] When a non-AP STA wants to request the communication parameters of a certain AP MLD, it can send a probe request frame to the AP configured as a transmitted BSSID AP. The transmitted BSSID AP can reply with the communication parameters of the MLDs of other APs belonging to the same MSSID set and / or the communication parameters of the MLDs of other APs co-located with the transmitted BSSID AP. This solves the technical problem in the prior art that it is impossible to obtain the communication parameters of other AP MLDs by sending a probe request frame.

[0040] A fifth aspect of this application provides a first access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the first AP is a nontransmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, comprising:

[0041] A transceiver is used to receive probe request frames from a site, the probe request frames being used to request the first AP to return the communication parameters of its AP MLD; the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports;

[0042] The transceiver is also configured to request a second AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to assist it in sending a probe response frame back to the site, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0043] A sixth aspect of this application provides a method for detecting the response of an access point multilink device, the method being applied to a first access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first AP being a nontransmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, comprising:

[0044] The system receives a probe request frame from a site, which requests the first AP to provide the communication parameters of its AP MLD; the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports.

[0045] The system requests assistance from a second AP that belongs to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to send a probe response frame to the site, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP's MLD.

[0046]

[0047] A seventh aspect of this application provides a second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the second AP being a transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, comprising:

[0048] A transceiver is used to receive probe request frames from a first AP. The probe request frames are used to request the second AP to assist the first AP in providing feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD to which it belongs. The first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, which belongs to the same MBSSID set as the second AP. The communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports.

[0049] A processor is used to generate a probe response frame, which carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0050] An eighth aspect of this application provides a method for detecting the response of an access point multi-link device, the method being applied to a second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the second AP being a Transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, comprising:

[0051] A probe request frame is received from the first AP. The probe request frame is used to request the second AP to assist the first AP in providing feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD to which it belongs. The first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, which belongs to the same MBSSID set as the second AP. The communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports.

[0052] A probe response frame is generated, which carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0053] As provided in the seventh aspect of this application or the method provided in the eighth aspect, the probe response frame carries a portion of the information elements in the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP.

[0054] By implementing the access point provided in the seventh aspect or the method provided in the eighth aspect, a nontransmitted BSSID AP can feed back the communication parameters of its AP MLD to a non-AP STA through other APs that share the same address or other APs that belong to the same MBSSID set.

[0055] A ninth aspect of this application provides a second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the second AP is a transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, characterized in that it includes:

[0056] A transceiver is used to receive probe request frames from a site; the probe request frames are used to request the second AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports;

[0057] A processor is configured to generate a probe response frame, the probe response frame carrying communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP;

[0058] A transceiver used to send probe response frames to the site.

[0059] A tenth aspect of this application provides a method for detecting the response of an access point multi-link device, the method being applied to a second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the second AP being a Transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, comprising:

[0060] Receive a probe request frame from the site; the probe request frame is used to request the second AP to return the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports;

[0061] Generate a probe response frame, the probe response frame carrying communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP;

[0062] Send a probe response frame to the site.

[0063] As provided in the ninth aspect of this application for an access point, or in the tenth aspect for a method, the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP include at least one of the following:

[0064] Communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located;

[0065] Communication parameters of the AP MLD of other APs belonging to the same set of Multiple Transport Basic Service Set Identifiers (MBSSIDs) as the second AP;

[0066] Communication parameters of the AP MLD where other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

[0067] As provided in the ninth aspect of this application for an access point, or in the tenth aspect for a method, when the probe request frame carries second indication information, and the second indication information indicates an MLD identifier or an MLD address, the probe response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address of the probe request frame.

[0068] As provided in the ninth aspect of this application for an access point, or the tenth aspect for a method, when the probe request frame carries second indication information, and the second indication information indicates the requested AP MLD in a bitmap format, the probe response frame carries communication parameters with the AP MLD indicated in the bitmap format. The requested AP MLD indicated in the bitmap format may be a BSSID identifier bitmap field. Each bit in the BSSID identifier bitmap represents a corresponding AP MLD.

[0069] As provided in the ninth aspect of this application for an access point, or in the tenth aspect for a method, the probe response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD of the first AP associated with the second AP; wherein the first AP is a first AP belonging to the same MSSID set as the second AP, and / or a first AP co-located with the second AP.

[0070] As provided in the ninth aspect of this application for an access point, or the tenth aspect for a method, the probe response frame contains a multiple BSSID element carrying the communication parameters of the first AP, and a multi-link element in the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP to carry the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD where the first AP is located.

[0071] As provided in the ninth aspect of this application for an access point, or in the tenth aspect for a method, the probe response frame carries a portion of the information elements in the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP.

[0072] The stations mentioned in the first and third aspects, the first access point provided in the fifth aspect, and the second access point provided in the seventh and ninth aspects can be chips. The processing unit can be the processing circuit of the chip, and the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface circuit. The processing circuit can be used to process signaling or data information provided by input / output, and the input / output interface circuit can be used to input and output data or signaling information to the chip.

[0073] According to an eleventh aspect of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein computer program code is stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program is run on a processor, the processor performs the methods in any one of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth aspects and their corresponding possible implementations.

[0074] According to the twelfth aspect of the present application, a computer program product is provided, which stores a computer program (instructions) that are executed by the processor. When the computer program is run on the processor, it causes the processor to execute the methods in any one of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth aspects and their corresponding possible implementations.

[0075] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present application, a communication device is provided. The device includes a processor and may further include a transceiver and a memory. The transceiver is used to send and receive information or to communicate with other network elements. The memory is used to store computer programs (instructions). The processor is used to execute the computer program to support the communication device in implementing the methods in any of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth aspects and their corresponding possible implementations.

[0076] A fourteenth aspect of this application provides a communication device that can exist in the form of a chip. The device includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor to store necessary programs (instructions) and data. The processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to support the communication device in performing the methods of any one of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth aspects and their corresponding possible implementations. Optionally, the memory can be located within the processor (internal storage), or it can be located outside the processor but coupled to it (external storage). Attached Figure Description

[0077] The accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0078] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of another multi-link device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 2c is a schematic diagram of another multi-link device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of a multi-link communication provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of another multi-link communication provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an MBSSID set composed of multiple multi-link devices in a WLAN provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting multi-link devices in a WLAN according to an embodiment of this application.

[0086] Figure 6 is another flowchart illustrating a method for detecting multi-link devices in a WLAN provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0087] Figures 7a to 7d are schematic diagrams of the structure of the multi-link element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0088] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of sub-elements in a multi-link element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figures 9a to 9e are schematic diagrams of the structures of several multi-link elements provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0090] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of multiple BSSID elements provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figures 11a-11b are schematic diagrams of the structure of the request MLD element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0092] Figures 12a-12c are schematic diagrams of the structure of a known MLD element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the detection element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0096] The relevant technologies involved in this application will be introduced first, and then the embodiments of this application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0097] This application provides a communication method applied to a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system can be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The method can be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system or a chip or processor within that device. This communication device can be a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission across multiple links, for example, a multi-link device or a multi-band device. For instance, in a WLAN, the communication device supports communication using the IEEE 802.11 series of protocols, including 802.11be, 802.11ax, or 802.11a / b / g / n / ac.

[0098] I. Multi-link device (MLD), also known as multi-band device.

[0099] A multi-link device (MLD) includes one or more affiliated sites. The affiliated sites are logical sites. In this embodiment, "multi-link device includes affiliated sites" is also briefly described as "multi-link device includes sites." The affiliated site can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For ease of description, this application refers to a multi-link device whose affiliated site is an AP as a multi-link AP, AP multi-link device, or AP multi-link device, and a multi-link device whose affiliated site is a non-AP STA as a multi-link STA, multi-link STA device, or STA multi-link device.

[0100] Multi-link devices (MLDs) can implement wireless communication by following the 802.11 series of protocols, such as Extremely High Throughput (EHT) or 802.11be-based or compatible with 802.11be, thereby enabling communication with other devices, which may or may not be multi-link devices.

[0101] Each logical station can operate on one link, and multiple logical stations can operate on the same link. The link identifier mentioned below represents a station operating on a single link. If there are more than one logical station on a link, more than one link identifier is needed to represent them. Sometimes, the link mentioned below also refers to a station operating on that link. When a multi-link device transmits data with another multi-link device, before communication, the two devices can negotiate or communicate the mapping between link identifiers and a link or stations on a link; alternatively, the AP multi-link device can indicate the mapping between link identifiers and a link or stations on a link through broadcast management frames, such as beacon frames. Therefore, in data transmission, it is not necessary to transmit a large amount of signaling information to indicate links or stations on links; carrying the link identifier is sufficient, reducing signaling overhead and improving transmission efficiency.

[0102] The following example illustrates the concept of one multi-link device as an AP multi-link device and the other multi-link device as a STA multi-link device.

[0103] In one example, when an AP multi-link device establishes a BSS, the management frame it sends, such as a beacon frame, carries an element containing multiple link identification information fields. Each link identification information field can suggest a correspondence between a link identifier and a station operating on that link. Each link identification information field includes a link identifier, as well as one or more of the following: MAC address, operation set, and channel number. The MAC address, operation set, and channel number can indicate a single link. In another example, during the multi-link association establishment process, the AP multi-link device and the STA multi-link device negotiate multiple link identification information fields. In subsequent communications, the AP or STA multi-link device will use the link identifier to represent a station within the multi-link device. The link identifier can also represent one or more attributes of that station, such as its MAC address, operating operation set, and channel number. The MAC address can also be replaced with the association identifier of the AP multi-link device after association. Optionally, if multiple stations operate on a single link, the link identifier (link ID) represents not only the operation set and channel number of the link but also the identifier of the station operating on that link, such as the station's MAC address or association identifier (AID).

[0104] Figure 1 illustrates an application scenario of this application using a wireless local area network (WLAN) as an example. This application scenario includes: a first site 101, a second site 102, a third site 201, and a fourth site 202. The first site 101 and the second site 102 can communicate via multiple links, thereby improving throughput. As shown in Figure 1, the example uses the first site 101 as a multi-link AP device, the second site 102 as a multi-link STA device, the third site 201 as a multi-link AP device, and the fourth site 202 as a multi-link STA device. Of course, the second site 102 and / or the fourth site 202 can also be single-link STA devices. In another scenario, the first site 101 is a multi-link AP device, and the second site 102 is a multi-link STA device or a site (e.g., a single-link site); in another scenario, the first site 101 is a multi-link STA device, and the second site 102 is an AP (e.g., a single-link AP) or a multi-link AP device. In another scenario, the first site 101 is an AP multi-link device, and the second site 102 is an AP multi-link device or an AP; in yet another scenario, the first site 101 is a STA multi-link device, and the second site 102 is a STA multi-link device or a STA. Of course, this wireless LAN may also include other devices. The number and types of devices illustrated in Figure 1 are merely exemplary.

[0105] Figures 2a and 2b show schematic diagrams of the structures of AP multilink devices and STA multilink devices participating in communication. The 802.11 standard focuses on the 802.11 physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layer portions of AP multilink devices and STA multilink devices (such as mobile phones and laptops).

[0106] As shown in Figure 2a, the multiple APs in the AP multi-link device are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and PHY layer, and also independent of each other in the high MAC layer; the multiple STAs in the STA multi-link device are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and PHY layer, and also independent of each other in the high MAC layer.

[0107] As shown in Figure 2b, in an AP multi-link device, multiple APs are independent at the low MAC and PHY layers, but share the high MAC layer. In a STA multi-link device, multiple STAs are independent at the low MAC and PHY layers, but share the high MAC layer.

[0108] Of course, STA multi-link devices can adopt an independent high MAC layer structure, while AP multi-link devices adopt a shared high MAC layer structure; alternatively, STA multi-link devices can adopt a shared high MAC layer structure, while AP multi-link devices adopt an independent high MAC layer structure. For example, either the high MAC layer or the low MAC layer can be implemented by a processor in the chip system of the multi-link device, or they can be implemented by different processing modules in a single chip system.

[0109] For example, the multi-link device in this application embodiment can be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For instance, it can be a device with two or more antennas. This application embodiment does not limit the number of antennas included in the multi-link device; Figure 2c illustrates this using an AP multi-link device with multiple antennas and a STA multi-link device with a single antenna as an example. In the embodiments of this application, the multi-link device can allow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, and even allow the same data packets to be transmitted on different links; alternatively, it can disallow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, but allow services of different access types to be transmitted on different links.

[0110] Multi-link devices can operate in frequency bands including, but not limited to: sub 1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and high frequency 60GHz. Figures 3a and 3b show two schematic diagrams illustrating how multi-link devices communicate with other devices through multiple links in a wireless local area network.

[0111] Figure 3a illustrates a scenario of communication between an AP multi-link device 101 and a STA multi-link device 102. The AP multi-link device 101 includes AP101-1 and AP101-2, and the STA multi-link device 102 includes STA102-1 and STA102-2. The AP multi-link device 101 and the STA multi-link device 102 communicate in parallel using link 1 and link 2.

[0112] Figure 3b illustrates a scenario where AP multi-link device 101 communicates with STA multi-link devices 102, STA multi-link devices 103, and STA 104. AP multi-link device 101 includes subordinate AP101-1 to AP101-3. STA multi-link device 102 includes two subordinate STAs, STA102-1 and STA102-2. STA multi-link device 103 includes two subordinate STAs, STA103-1, STA103-2, and STA103-3. STA 104 is a single-link device. AP multi-link devices can communicate with STA multi-link device 102 using link 1 and link 3, communicate with STA 103 using link 2 and link 3, and communicate with STA 104 using link 1. In one example, STA104 operates in the 2.4 GHz band; STA multi-link device 103 includes STA103-1 and STA103-2, with STA103-1 operating in the 5 GHz band and STA103-2 operating in the 6 GHz band; STA multi-link device 102 includes STA102-1 and STA102-2, with STA102-1 operating in the 2.4 GHz band and STA102-2 operating in the 6 GHz band. AP101-1, operating in the 2.4 GHz band, can transmit uplink or downlink data with STA104 and STA102-2 in STA multi-link device 102 via link 1. AP101-2, operating in the 5 GHz band, can transmit uplink or downlink data with STA103-1, operating in the 5 GHz band, in STA multi-link device 103 via link 2. AP101-3, operating in the 6GHz band in AP multi-link device 101, can transmit uplink or downlink data with STA102-2, operating in the 6GHz band in STA multi-link device 102, via link 3. It can also transmit uplink or downlink data with STA103-2 in STA multi-link device 102 via link 3.

[0113] It should be noted that Figure 3a only shows that the AP multi-link device 101 supports two frequency bands, while Figure 3b only illustrates that the AP multi-link device 101 supports three frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz), with each frequency band corresponding to one link. The AP multi-link device 101 can operate on one or more links among Link 1, Link 2, or Link 3. On the AP side or STA side, the link here can also be understood as the station operating on that link. In practical applications, the AP multi-link device and the STA multi-link device can also support more or fewer frequency bands, and the values ​​of each frequency band are not limited to 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc. That is, the AP multi-link device and the STA multi-link device can operate on more or fewer links. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0114] For example, a multi-link device is a device with wireless communication capabilities. This device can be a complete machine or a chip or processing system installed in a complete machine. Devices with these chips or processing systems installed can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of these chips or processing systems. For example, the multi-link STA in the embodiments of this application has wireless transceiver capabilities, can support the 802.11 series protocols, and can communicate with multi-link APs or other multi-link STAs or single-link devices. For example, a multi-link STA is any user communication device that allows users to communicate with APs and then with WLANs. For example, a multi-link STA can be a user device that can connect to the Internet, such as a tablet, desktop, laptop, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), handheld computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), or mobile phone, or an IoT node in the Internet of Things, or an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles, etc. A multi-link STA can also be a chip and processing system in these terminals. The multi-link AP in the embodiments of this application provides services to the multi-link STA and can support the 802.11 series protocols. For example, a multi-link AP can be a communication entity such as a communication server, router, switch, or bridge. Alternatively, the multi-link AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, and relay stations. Of course, a multi-link AP can also be the chip and processing system within these various types of devices, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, multi-link devices can support high-speed, low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of wireless LAN application scenarios, multi-link devices can be applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air quality monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, audio equipment, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (e.g., AR, VR, and other wearable devices), smart devices in smart offices (e.g., printers, projectors, etc.), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, and some infrastructure in daily life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, supermarket self-service navigation kiosks, self-service checkout machines, self-service ordering machines, etc.). The specific forms of multi-link STAs and multi-link APs in the embodiments of this application are not specifically limited; they are merely illustrative examples. The 802.11 series of protocols may include: 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc.

[0115]

[0116] II. Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) Mode.

[0117] A Multiple BSSID (MBSSID) set is a collection of cooperating or collaborative APs that use the same operation set, channel number, and antenna port. Within the multiple BSSID set, there is only one transmitted BSSID AP; the others are non-transmitted BSSID APs. Information about the multiple BSSID set (i.e., the multiple BSSID elements) is carried in beacon frames, probe response frames, or neighbor reports sent by the transmitted BSSID APs. The BSSID information for non-transmitted BSSID APs is derived by receiving the multiple BSSID elements in the aforementioned beacon frames, probe response frames, or neighbor reports.

[0118] In multiple BSSID technology, a single physical AP can virtualize multiple logical APs, forming a multiple BSSID set. Each virtualized AP manages one BSS. Different logical APs typically have different SSIDs and permissions, such as security mechanisms or transmission opportunities. Within the multiple BSSID set, one AP's BSSID is configured as a transmitted BSSID, called the transmitted AP, while the other APs' BSSIDs are configured as non-transmitted BSSIDs, called non-transmitted APs. Generally speaking, the multiple APs in a multiple BSSID can also be understood as one AP device virtualizing multiple cooperating AP devices. Only the AP with a transmitted BSSID can send management frames, such as beacon frames and probe response frames. Beacon frames sent by APs with transmitted BSSIDs include multiple BSSID elements; other APs with non-transmitted BSSIDs cannot send beacon frames. Multiple virtual APs assign association identifiers (AIDs) to the sites they manage, which share a single space. This means that the AIDs assigned to sites in multiple virtual BSSs cannot overlap.

[0119] For ease of description, the APs in the BSS identified by the transmitted BSSID in the Multiple BSS set will be referred to as transmitted APs (transmitted BSSID APs), and the APs in the BSS identified by the non-transmitted BSSID will be referred to as non-transmitted APs (non-transmitted BSSID APs).

[0120] In one example, the multipleBSSID element is shown in Table 1, which includes element ID, length, maximum BSSID indicator, and sub-elements, where the maximum BSSID indicator is the maximum number of BSSIDs contained in the above Multiple BSSID set, which is n. Optional sub-elements include information about each non-transmitted BSSID. The receiving end can calculate the value of each BSSID in the multiple BSSID set based on the reference BSSID, the maximum BSSID indicator, and the sequence number of the BSSID. Each BSSID consists of 48 bits. The high (48-n) bits of each BSSID in the multiple BSSID set are the same as the high 48-n bits of the reference BSSID. The low n bits of each BSSID in the multiple BSSID set are the sum of the low n bits of the reference BSSID and the sequence number x of the BSSID, and then modulo 2n. The reference BSSID (i.e., the Transmitted BSSID) is carried in the BSSID field of the MAC header of the frame containing this Multiple BSSID element (such as a beacon frame). For specific calculation methods, please refer to the 802.11-2016 standard protocol.

[0121] Table 1 MultipleBSSID Elements

[0122] Element ID length: Maximum BSSID indicates optional sub-elements (116 bytes, variable).

[0123] The "optional sub-elements" in Table 1 can be as shown in Table 2.

[0124] Table 2 Optional child elements

[0125] Child element ID name extension 0 Nontransmitted BSSID profile not extendable 1-220 Reserved 221 Vendor proprietary vendor definition 222-255 Reserved

[0126] In Table 2, the Nontransmitted BSSID profile (configuration) includes one or more elements of AP or DMG STA with Nontransmitted BSSID. The Nontransmitted BSSID profile (configuration) includes, but is not limited to, the following elements:

[0127] 1. For each Nontransmitted BSSID, the Nontransmitted BSSID capability element, as well as several other elements in the beacon, must be included.

[0128] 2. The SSID element, and the Multiple BSSID-Index element.

[0129] 3. If the MultipleBSSID element is carried in the beacon, it also includes the FMS Descriptor element.

[0130] 4. The following elements are not included: the Timestamp and Beacon Interval fields, DSSS Parameter Set, IBSS Parameter Set, Country, Channel Switch Announcement, Extended Channel Switch Announcement, Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch, Transmit Power Envelope, Supported Operating Classes, IBSS DFS, ERP Information, HT Capabilities, HT Operation, VHT Capabilities, VHT Operation, S1G Beacon Compatibility, Short Beacon Interval, S1G Capabilities, and S1G Operation(11ah)). These elements are usually the same as the element values ​​of the transmitted BSSID AP.

[0131] 5. Optional elements include NonInheritance elements, which are the last elements in the Nontransmitted BSSID profile. Non-inheritance elements include the IDs and extension numbers of a series of elements that Nontransmitted BSSIDs cannot inherit from transmitted BSSIDs. Note that the specific content of the elements is omitted here; as shown in Table 3, it includes the element ID, length, element ID extension, list of element IDs, and list of element ID extensions. The element ID extension number only appears when the element ID value is 255.

[0132] Table 3 Non-inherited elements

[0133] 1 byte 1 byte 1 byte One or more bytes 1 or more bytes Element ID Length Element ID Extended Element ID List Element ID Extended List

[0134] III. Detection Requests and Responses

[0135] In a single-link scenario, a non-AP STA can initiate an active scan in order to discover the existence of an AP and subsequently select a suitable AP for association.

[0136] Specifically, a non-AP STA can send a probe request frame. After receiving the probe request frame, the AP can reply with a probe response frame, which carries relevant information about the AP, making it easier for the non-AP STA to detect the AP and obtain its various communication parameters.

[0137] Probe request frames can be broadcast, meaning all APs will reply with a probe response frame after receiving it; or they can be unicast, meaning they are sent to a specific AP, and only that specific AP will reply with a probe response frame after receiving it.

[0138] In scenarios that support single-link non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD and AP MLD, a logical non-AP STA (hereinafter referred to as non-AP STA) of non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD can also establish a multi-link transmission channel with AP MLD through active scanning.

[0139] For devices that support both multi-link and MBSSID, there may be a set of MBSSIDs on each link; APs belonging to the same set of MBSSIDs are divided into APs with nontransmitted BSSIDs and APs with transmitted BSSIDs; APs with transmitted BSSIDs in different sets of MBSSIDs are not necessarily located in the same AP MLD.

[0140] For example, as shown in Figure 4:

[0141] AP MLD1 consists of three logical APs, designated AP11, AP21, and AP31, which operate on links 1, 2, and 3, respectively. AP MLD2 consists of two logical APs, designated AP12 and AP22, which operate on links 1 and 2, respectively. AP MLD3 consists of two logical APs, designated AP23 and AP33, which operate on links 2 and 3, respectively.

[0142] Taking AP MLD1 as an example, the MAC addresses of AP11, AP21 and AP31 are BSSID_11, BSSID_21 and BSSID_31 respectively (before 802.11ax, the BSSID of the BSS established by the AP was the MAC address of the AP, which may have changed later. For ease of description, the MAC address of the AP is used as the BSSID of the BSS established by the AP).

[0143] Among them, AP11 is a member of Multiple BSSID set 1, which also includes AP12 in AP MLD 2 with MAC address BSSID_12;

[0144] AP21 is a member of Multiple BSSID set 2. Multiple BSSID set 2 also includes AP22 with MAC address BSSID_22 in AP MLD2 and AP23 with MAC address BSSID_23 in AP MLD3.

[0145] AP31 is a member of the Multiple BSSID set 3, which also includes AP33 in AP MLD3 with MAC address BSSID_33.

[0146] In one configuration, AP11 in MSSID set 1 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, and AP12 is configured as a nontransmitted BSSID; AP21 in MSSID set 2 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, and AP22 and AP23 are configured as nontransmitted BSSIDs; AP33 in MSSID set 3 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, and AP31 is configured as a nontransmitted BSSID. It can be seen that AP33, AP11, and AP21, which are configured as transmitted BSSIDs, do not belong to the same AP MLD.

[0147] In this application embodiment, co-located AP MLD or co-located AP is also involved; that is, virtual APs belonging to the same physical AP constitute a co-located AP, or virtual AP MLDs constitute a co-located AP MLD.

[0148] For example, although AP11 and AP23 do not belong to the same MBSSID set, they are physically the same physical AP, so AP11 and AP23 can be said to be co-located. AP MLD1, where AP11 is located, and AP MLD3, where AP23 is located, are also co-located. All APs shown in the figure, or AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3, can be said to be co-located.

[0149] In this application embodiment, a detection and response mechanism is proposed between a non-AP STA and one or more AP MLDs, wherein the logical APs in the multiple AP MLDs may belong to the same MSSID or different MSSIDs.

[0150] In the first scenario, if a non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the non-transmitted BSSID AP is located, it can send a probe request frame to an AP with a non-transmitted BSSID in the MBSSID set. In this case, the AP configured as a transmitted BSSID in the MBSSID set needs to help reply with a probe response frame.

[0151] In other words, if a non-transmitted BSSID AP in the MBSSID set receives a probe request frame from a non-AP STA or a non-AP STA MLD, the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP can be replied to the non-AP STA or the non-AP STA MLD by the transmitted BSSID AP. The non-transmitted BSSID AP and the transmitted BSSID AP can belong to different AP MLDs.

[0152] In the second scenario, if a non-AP STA wants to probe multiple AP MLDs at once, the non-AP STA or its MLD can send a probe request frame to an AP with a transmitted BSSID to request the AP with the transmitted BSSID to reply with the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP. The non-transmitted BSSID AP and the transmitted BSSID AP can belong to different AP MLDs, and if there are multiple non-transmitted BSSID APs, these multiple non-transmitted BSSID APs can also belong to different AP MLDs.

[0153] In other words, if a transmitted BSSID AP receives a probe request frame from a non-AP STA or a non-AP STA MLD, the transmitted BSSID AP can reply to the non-AP STA with the communication parameters of other non-transmitted BSSID APs in the multiple BSSID set, either together or separately, via a probe response frame. Alternatively, the transmitted BSSID AP can reply to the non-AP STA with the communication parameters of other non-transmitted BSSID APs in the multiple BSSID set, as well as the communication parameters of the AP MLDs of other APs co-located with the transmitted BSSID AP, either together or separately, via a probe response frame.

[0154] In both of the above scenarios, a non-AP STA can carry indication information in the probe request frame to indicate the communication parameters it expects to receive from the AP MLD; alternatively, it can use the default method to request the AP MLD to reply with all communication parameters.

[0155] IV. Communication Parameters of AP MLD

[0156] In this embodiment, the communication parameters of the AP MLD refer to the information used by the non-AP STA or non-AP STA MLD to subsequently associate with the AP MLD or to establish multi-link communication. The communication parameters of the AP MLD in this embodiment can be the communication parameters corresponding to all links supported by the AP MLD, or they can be the communication parameters corresponding to some links supported by the AP MLD.

[0157] In this embodiment, the communication parameters of AP MLD are also called the associated parameters of AP MLD, or the complete information of AP MLD. This refers to the complete information on the multiple links included in the MLD. For each link, the complete information of the link is the information that should be carried only when the probe response frame is sent on that link.

[0158] Specifically, communication parameters may include capability information units, operation information units, and other information units, such as: enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA), high high throughput capabilities (HT capabilities), HT operation, very high throughput capabilities (VHT capabilities), VHT operation, high efficiency capabilities (HE capabilities), high efficiency operation (HE operation), extremely high throughput capabilities (EHT capabilities), EHT operation, etc.

[0159] When the frequency band where the link is located is 6GHz, the communication parameters may not include high throughput capabilities (HT capabilities), HT operation, very high throughput capabilities (VHT capabilities), and VHT operation.

[0160] Optionally, the communication parameters may further include:

[0161] Elements include timestamp and beacon interval fields, DSSS parameter set, IBSS parameter set, Country, channel switch announcement, extended channel switch announcement, wide bandwidth channel switch, transmit power envelope, supported operating classes, IBSS DFS, ERP information, S1G beacon compatibility, short beacon interval, S1G capabilities, and S1G operation(11ah) etc.

[0162] In an optional embodiment, the communication parameters of the MLD carried in the probe response frame may only include those for links supported by the non-AP MLD. For links not supported by the non-AP MLD, the corresponding communication parameters may not be carried. The non-AP MLD may negotiate and inform the AP MLD in advance about the links it supports and does not support.

[0163] In the default implementation, the probe response frame needs to carry the communication parameters of all links supported by AP MLD. Of course, in some implementations, the probe response frame may only carry the communication parameters of some links supported by AP MLD.

[0164] In the embodiments of this application, the communication parameters of a certain link of AP MLD can also be referred to as the communication parameters of a certain AP corresponding to that link.

[0165] The implementation process of this application will be described in detail below through examples.

[0166] Example 1

[0167] Please refer to Figure 5, which illustrates a detection method based on multi-link devices and MBSSID provided in this embodiment. This method can be applied between sites, between access points and sites, and between access points. For ease of description, this embodiment uses communication between access points and sites as an example for detailed description. There are multiple links between access points and sites.

[0168] First, the implementation scenario of this embodiment is introduced. In this scenario, there are multiple AP MLDs, such as a first AP MLD and a second AP MLD. One logical AP of the first AP MLD is called the first AP, which is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID. One logical AP of the second AP MLD is called the second AP, which is configured as a transmitted BSSID. The first AP and the second AP can operate on the same link and belong to the same set of BSSIDs. In this scenario, a non-AP STA (which can be a single-link non-AP STA or a logical non-AP STA within a non-AP STA MLD, this application is not limited) obtains the communication parameters of the first AP MLD through the non-transmitted BSSID AP to establish a multi-link channel with the first AP MLD. Furthermore, the multiple APs or multiple AP MLDs in this scenario can be collocated.

[0169] The communication parameters of AP MLD have been described in detail in point four above, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0170] This method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0171] Step S101: The non-AP STA sends a probe request frame to the first AP on the first of the multiple links between the first AP MLD and the first AP MLD.

[0172] In one explicit indication method, the probe request frame carries first indication information, which is used to request communication parameters of a first AP MLD.

[0173] In one implicit indication method, the probe request frame does not carry the first indication information, that is, by default, the communication parameters of the first AP MLD are requested through the implicit indication method.

[0174] Since the first AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, it cannot directly reply to the probe request response frame to the non-AP STA. Therefore, the second AP, which belongs to the same set of MBSSIDs and is configured as a transmitted BSSID, can help the first AP respond to the probe request frame.

[0175] Step S102: The second AP replies with a probe response frame to the non-AP STA, carrying the communication parameters of the first AP MLD. Specifically, for the explicit or implicit indication method mentioned above, the second AP replies with a probe response frame to the non-AP STA, carrying the communication parameters of the first AP MLD.

[0176] When a non-AP STA wants to request the communication parameters of an AP MLD, it can send a probe request frame to a logical AP of that AP MLD. Even if the logical AP is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, it can respond to the probe request frame through other transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MSSID set to reply with the communication parameters of the AP MLD. This solves the technical problem in the prior art that it is impossible to obtain the communication parameters of the AP MLD on other links by sending a probe request frame.

[0177] Taking Figure 4 as an example, if a non-AP STA wants to know the communication parameters of AP MLD 2 in order to establish a multi-link communication connection with AP MLD2, specifically, it wants to obtain the communication parameters corresponding to link 1 and link 2 of AP MLD 2. The non-AP STA sends a probe request frame to AP12. This probe request frame requests AP12 to reply with the communication parameters of AP MLD2 where AP12 is located by default, or by carrying a first indication information in it, which instructs AP12 to reply with the communication parameters of AP MLD2 where AP12 is located.

[0178] Since AP12's BSSID is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, AP12 cannot directly reply to a non-AP STA. Therefore, AP12 responds to the probe request frame through AP11, which belongs to the same MSSID set 1 as AP12 (AP11's BSSID is configured as a transmitted BSSID).

[0179] In the probe response frame sent back to the non-AP STA, AP11 carries the communication parameters of multiple links supported by AP MLD2. These multiple links supported by AP MLD2 can be all links supported by AP MLD2, such as link 1 and link 2, or they can be some of the links supported by AP MLD2.

[0180] Example 2

[0181] Please refer to Figure 6, which illustrates a detection method based on multi-link devices and MBSSID provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied between sites, between access points and sites, and between access points. For ease of description, this embodiment uses communication between access points and sites as an example for detailed description. There are multiple links between access points and sites.

[0182] First, the scenario implemented in this embodiment is similar to that in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that in this Embodiment 2, a non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of one or more AP MLDs through the transmitted BSSID AP in order to establish multi-link channels with the one or more MLDs respectively.

[0183] The communication parameters of the AP MLD in this second embodiment are also referred to in point four above, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0184] This method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0185] Step S201: The non-AP STA sends a probe request frame to the second AP on the first of the multiple links between the first AP MLD and the second AP. This probe request frame is used to request the second AP to carry the communication parameters of the MLD in the probe response frame.

[0186] Since the second AP is configured as a transmitted BSSID, meaning the second AP is a transmitted BSSID AP, it can directly reply to the probe request response frame to the non-AP STA.

[0187] In one implicit indication method, the default function of the probe request frame can be as follows:

[0188] 1) A default function of the probe request frame is to request the communication parameters of the receiving object of the probe request frame, that is, the communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located. The second AP defaults to using the probe request frame to request the communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located.

[0189] 2) The second default function of the probe request frame is: the probe request frame is used to request communication parameters of other MLDs besides the MLD of the second AP.

[0190] 3) The third default function of the probe request frame is: the probe request frame is used to request the communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and other MLDs.

[0191] The default function of the probe request frame among the three functions mentioned above can be agreed upon by the protocol or by the agreement between the non-AP STA and the requested AP.

[0192] In another explicit indication method, the probe request frame may also carry second indication information. This second indication information is used to request communication parameters on the multiple links included in the MLD corresponding to the second indication information. That is, it requests the second AP to carry the communication parameters on the multiple links included in the MLD in the probe request response frame sent to the non-AP STA. Similar to the implicit indication method described above, when the second indication information requests the communication parameters of the AP MLD, there are also three cases:

[0193] Only request the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located;

[0194] Request communication parameters for AP MLDs other than the AP MLD where the second AP is located;

[0195] Request the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located and other AP MLDs.

[0196] It should be noted that the "other AP MLD" mentioned in the above implicit and / or explicit indication methods refers to the AP MLD that is not located in this AP, or in other words, the AP MLD other than the MLD where this AP is located, such as the AP MLD where other APs that belong to the same MBSSID as the second AP are located, and / or the AP MLD where other APs that share the same address as the second AP are located.

[0197] In one implementation, "other MLDs" can be AP MLDs other than the AP MLD where the second AP is located, as well as other AP MLDs where other APs belong to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located;

[0198] In one implementation, "other MLDs" can be AP MLDs that are colocated with the second AP, other than the AP MLD where the second AP is located.

[0199] In one implementation, "other MLDs" can be other AP MLDs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, excluding the AP MLD where the second AP is located, as well as AP MLDs that are colocated with the second AP.

[0200]

[0201] The second indication information requests communication parameters from other AP MLDs. This second indication information can be set to 1 bit, indicating a request for communication parameters from the AP MLD where the second AP is located and other AP MLDs. This second indication information can be represented as the field "all MLD required".

[0202] Here, "other MLDs" can refer to the MLDs of other non-transmitted BSSID APs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, as well as the AP MLDs of other APs that co-located with the second AP.

[0203] The second indication information can be set to 1 bit, indicating a request for communication parameters from other AP MLDs. This second indication information can be represented as the field "other MLD required".

[0204] In another implementation, "other MLDs" can be the MLDs of other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP; the second indication information can be set to 1 bit, indicating the request for communication parameters of the AP MLD of the non-transmitted BSSID AP. This second indication information can be represented as the field "all non-transmitted MLD required".

[0205] In another implementation, "other MLDs" can be one or more specific MLDs. In this case, the second indication information is carried in the probe request frame, and the second indication information indicates the identifier (ID) or address of one or more MLDs; here, the MLD identifier can be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index.

[0206] It should be noted that the MLD MAC Address represents the MAC SAP address of the MLD, which is usually 48 bits; while the MLD ID is shorter, less than 48 bits, such as 8 bits, 4 bits, etc. The BSSID-index indicates which virtual AP in the MBSSID set the second AP belongs to.

[0207] In another implementation, the non-AP STA can also set different values ​​for the second indication information carried in the probe request frame, indicating that different AP MLD communication parameters are requested.

[0208] For example, the second indication information is set to the first value to indicate that only the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located are requested. For example, if the second AP is AP21, the AP MLD where AP21 is located is AP MLD1.

[0209] For example, the second indication information is set to a second value to indicate the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located and the AP MLD where the non-transmitted BSSID AP belongs to the same MBSSID set. For example, the second AP is AP21, and AP21, AP22 and AP23 belong to the same MBSSID set 2. AP22 and AP23 are configured as non-transmitted BSSIDs. Therefore, the second value indicates the communication parameters of the AP MLD1 where AP21 is located, the AP MLD2 where AP22 is located, and the AP MLD3 where AP23 is located.

[0210] For example, the second indication information is set to a third value to represent the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located and the AP MLD where the non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set are located, and / or the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the APs co-located with the second AP are located. For example, if the second AP is AP21, then all AP MLDs are the AP MLDs where AP21 and AP22 and AP23, which belong to the same MBSSID set 2, are located: AP MLD1 for AP21, AP MLD2 for AP22, and AP MLD3 for AP23. All AP MLDs also include the AP MLDs where AP21 does not belong to the same MBSSID set but is co-located with it (not shown in the figure).

[0211] The second indication information can also be set to other values ​​to indicate the status of the communication parameters of the requested AP MLD.

[0212] Step S202: The second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame, carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0213] In the aforementioned implicit indication method, when the second AP receives a probe request frame (i.e., the probe request frame functions as one of the three default functions mentioned above), the second AP replies with a probe response frame according to the protocol agreement or the agreement with the non-AP STA, as follows:

[0214] 1) For the first default function, the second AP can reply with a probe response frame to the non-AP STA, carrying the communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located.

[0215] 2) For the second default function, the second AP can by default reply to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame to carry the communication parameters of the MLD outside the second AP MLD where the second AP is located.

[0216] 3) The second AP can by default reply to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame, carrying the communication parameters of the second AP MLD where the second AP is located and other MLDs.

[0217] In response to the aforementioned explicit instruction method, when the second AP receives a probe request frame carrying the second instruction information, it replies with a corresponding probe response frame according to the instructions of the second instruction information.

[0218] Specifically, the second AP receives the second instruction information, parses the identifier of the MLD it carries, and replies the communication parameters of the MLD corresponding to the identifier to the non-AP STA in the probe response frame.

[0219] In one implementation, in response to the communication parameters of all other AP MLDs requested by the aforementioned second indication information, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame, which carries the communication parameters of all other AP MLDs.

[0220] In another implementation, when the request for the second indication information is for the communication parameters of the MLD where other non-transmitted BSSID APs are located, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame in the probe response frame, which carries the communication parameters of the MLD where other non-transmitted BSSID APs are located.

[0221] In another implementation, when the request for the aforementioned second indication information is for one or more specific MLDs, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame in the probe response frame, which carries the communication parameters of the MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier indicated by the second indication information.

[0222] In another implementation, the second indication information can also be set to different values, indicating that when requesting different communication parameters of AP MLD, the second AP replies to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame in the probe response frame, which carries the communication parameters of the MLD requested by the second indication information.

[0223] For example, if the second indication information is set to the first value, the second AP will feed back the communication parameters of its AP MLD through a probe response frame. For example, if the second AP is AP21, AP21 will feed back the communication parameters of its AP MLD, namely AP MLD1.

[0224] For example, if the second indication information is set to the second value, the second AP will feed back the communication parameters of its own AP MLD and the AP MLD of the non-transmitted BSSID AP in the same MBSSID set as the second AP through the probe response frame; for example, if the second AP is AP21, AP21, AP22 and AP23 belong to the same MBSSID set 2, and AP22 and AP23 are configured as non-transmitted BSSIDs; therefore, AP21 will feed back the communication parameters of its own AP MLD1, AP MLD2 of AP22, and AP MLD3 of AP23.

[0225] For example, if the second indication information is set to the third value, the second AP will feed back the communication parameters of all AP MLDs through the probe response frame. For example, if the second AP is AP21, then all AP MLDs are AP21 and the AP MLDs of AP22 and AP23 that belong to the same MBSSID set 2. That is, AP21 feeds back the communication parameters of its AP MLD1, AP MLD2 of AP22, and AP MLD3 of AP23.

[0226] When a non-AP STA wants to request the communication parameters of a certain AP MLD, it can send a probe request frame to the AP configured as a transmitted BSSID AP. The transmitted BSSID AP can reply with the communication parameters of the MLDs of other APs belonging to the same MSSID set and / or the communication parameters of the MLDs of other APs co-located with the transmitted BSSID AP. This solves the technical problem in the prior art that it is impossible to obtain the communication parameters of other AP MLDs by sending a probe request frame.

[0227] Similarly, taking Figure 4 as an example, a non-AP STA might want to obtain the communication parameters of one or more AP MLDs in order to establish a multi-link communication connection. For example, AP21 in MSSID set 2 is configured as a transmitted BSSID, while AP22 and AP23 are configured as non-transmitted BSSIDs:

[0228] In the first scenario, a non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of AP MLD1, where AP21 is located. The non-AP STA sends a probe request frame to AP21. This probe request frame either requests the communication parameters of AP MLD1 by default, or it carries a second indication indicating that the request is for the communication parameters of AP MLD1. Since AP21's BSSID is configured as a transmitted BSSID, it can directly reply with a probe response frame, carrying the communication parameters of AP MLD1 in the probe response frame. Specifically, the communication parameters of AP MLD1 can be the communication parameters of Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3 supported by AP MLD1, or it can be the communication parameters of all or some of the links supported by the non-AP STA.

[0229] The second scenario involves a non-AP STA requesting communication parameters from AP MLDs other than AP MLD1, where AP21 is located. For example, it might request the communication parameters of AP MLD2 and / or AP MLD3. The non-AP STA sends a probe request frame to AP21. This frame either requests the communication parameters of MLDs other than AP MLD1 by default, or it carries a second indication indicating that it requests the communication parameters of MLDs other than AP MLD1. Since AP21's BSSID is configured as a transmitted BSSID, it can directly reply with a probe response frame, carrying the communication parameters of the MLDs other than AP MLD1 in the probe response frame. For example, if the second indication indicates that the MLD identifiers are AP MLD2 and AP MLD3, or if the second indication is "all MLD required," then AP21 will carry the communication parameters of AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 in the probe request response frame. For example, if the second indication information is "all non-transmitted MLD required", then AP21 carries the communication parameters of AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 in the probe request response frame; if the MLD identifier indicated by the second indication information is AP MLD2, then AP21 carries the communication parameters of AP MLD2 in the probe request response frame.

[0230] The third scenario involves a non-AP STA requesting communication parameters for AP MLD1 (where AP21 is located) and other AP MLDs, such as all or some of the MLDs in AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3. The non-AP STA sends a probe request frame to AP21. This frame either requests the communication parameters of AP MLD1 and other MLDs by default, or it carries a second indication indicating that it requests the communication parameters of AP MLD1 and other MLDs. Since AP21's BSSID is configured as a transmitted BSSID, it can directly reply with a probe response frame, carrying the communication parameters of AP MLD1 and other MLDs in the probe response frame. Specifically, similar to the above, based on the indication of the second indication, AP21 can carry the communication parameters of AP MLD1, as well as AP MLD2 and / or AP MLD3, in the probe response frame.

[0231] AP21 carries communication parameters for multiple links supported by one or more AP MLDs in the probe response frames sent back to non-AP STAs.

[0232] Example 3

[0233] This application further describes several elements in the probe request frame used to implement the AP MLD probe request. These elements may carry the first indication information in Embodiment 1 above, or the second indication information in Embodiment 2 above. This embodiment 3 will also describe elements in the probe response frame used to carry the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

[0234] The probe request frame in this embodiment includes several of the following fields:

[0235] Table 4

[0236] The information is categorized as follows: 1. HT capabilities; 2. VHT capabilities (not present at 6GHz); 3. HE capabilities; 4. EHT capabilities; 5. Known BSSID; 6. HE 6GHz band capabilities; 7. Short SSID list; 8. Requested MLD element; 9. Multi-link element; 10. Known MLD element; 11. MLD address or MLD ID; 12. BSSID index bitmap.

[0237] In the explicit indication methods involved in the above embodiments, the first indication information and the second indication information can have various implementation forms. For example, they can be added to the probe request frame as separate elements, such as: multi-link element, requested MLD element, or known MLD element. They can also be added to the probe request frame for indication in the form of MLD address or MLD identifier, or BSSID identifier bitmap, which will be described in detail below.

[0238] (I) First, we will introduce the specific implementation method of the signaling structure of the multi-link element. This multi-link element can be applied to the aforementioned Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

[0239] This embodiment provides a flexible signaling structure that requests communication parameters for one AP MLD by carrying a multi-link element in the probe request frame sent by a non-AP STA. Alternatively, it requests communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs by carrying one or more multi-link elements in the probe request frame sent by a non-AP STA. Specifically, one indication information can be carried in a single multi-link element to request communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs, or multiple indication information can be carried in multiple multi-link elements to request communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs. In another implementation, communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs can be requested using a single multi-link element (without indication information), or multiple multi-link elements (without indication information) can be used to request communication parameters for multiple AP MLDs.

[0240] Figure 7a illustrates a schematic diagram of a multi-link element. The multi-link element includes an element identifier, length, an element identifier extension field, a common control field, an MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The common control field includes a virtual MLD field and a special MLD field. Optionally, the common control field also includes an MLD address occurrence field. The MLD common information field includes the MLD address field. Optionally, the common control field also includes an authentication algorithm occurrence field, used to indicate whether the authentication algorithm field appears in the MLD common information field.

[0241] Figure 7b illustrates another structural diagram of a multi-link element. This multi-link element includes an element identifier, length, an element identifier extension field, a common control field, an MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The common control field includes an MLD type indicator. Optionally, the MLD common control field also includes an MLD address occurrence field. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field. Optionally, the common control field also includes an authentication algorithm occurrence field, used to indicate whether the authentication algorithm field appears in the MLD common information field.

[0242] Figure 7c illustrates another structural diagram of a multi-link element. This multi-link element includes an element identifier, length, an element identifier extension field, a common control field, an MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The common control field is an MLD address occurrence field. The MLD common information field includes the MLD address field. Optionally, the common control field also includes an authentication algorithm occurrence field, used to indicate whether the authentication algorithm field appears in the MLD common information field.

[0243] Figure 7d illustrates the structure of another multi-link element. This multi-link element includes an element identifier, length, an element identifier extension field, a common control field, an MLD common information field, and one or more optional sub-elements. The MLD common information field includes an MLD address field.

[0244] All four possible structures of the multi-link element described above include one or more optional sub-elements. Each optional sub-element describes the information of an AP in the AP MLD. Optional sub-elements can be called link profile elements or link profile sub-elements. A link profile sub-element or link profile element carries the communication parameters of an AP. Alternatively, a link profile sub-element or link profile element carries the communication parameters of a link.

[0245] In this embodiment of the application, the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the probe request frame is used to indicate the communication parameters of a certain AP or a certain link of a certain AP MLD; the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the probe response frame is used to carry the communication parameters of a certain AP or a certain link of a certain AP MLD.

[0246] When a multi-link element does not carry a link profile subelement or link profile element, it defaults to indicating a request or response for communication parameters of all APs or all links in the entire AP MLD.

[0247] It should be understood that the above four structures of multi-link elements are merely examples. Fields or subfields may be deleted or added, and their names may also use other synonyms. Other structures may also appear during the standard setting or technological development process, which are not limited in this application.

[0248] As shown in Figure 8, each optional sub-element includes the link identifier of the AP. Optionally, each optional sub-element also includes AP-related fields, such as the SSID field, timestamp field, beacon interval field, and AP elements. These AP elements may include BSS load elements, EHT capability elements, and EHT operation elements.

[0249] In the explicit indication method used in Embodiment 1, when a non-AP STA wants to request communication parameters from the first AP MLD, it can send a probe request frame to a logical AP of the first AP MLD, which is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID. The non-AP STA can carry first indication information in the probe request frame, which is used to request the communication parameters from the first AP MLD. The first indication information can be the field "MLD complete info required in probe response".

[0250] In one implementation, as shown in Figure 9a, the multi-link element includes fields such as: element ID, length, element ID extension, control, MLD common info, and link profile subelement. The MLD common info field includes the "MLD complete info required in probe response" field. It should be noted that these field names are merely examples; other names may be used in standard setting or product implementation.

[0251] "MLD complete info required in probe response" can be indicated with a single bit, for example, 1 indicates a request and 0 indicates no request.

[0252] In this embodiment, the example given is that the field can be carried in the MLD public information field of the multi-link element. In other implementations, it can also be carried in other fields, such as control fields, which will not be elaborated here.

[0253] In other implementations, the "MLD complete info required in probe response" field can also be carried in any of the multi-link elements shown in 7a-7d above, and its function is similar to that of 9a, so it will not be described again here.

[0254] In another implementation, as shown in Figure 9b, the multi-link element includes fields such as: element ID, length, element ID extension, control, MLD common info, and link profile subelement. The MLD common info field includes an "MLD address or MLD identifier" field. It should be noted that these field names are merely examples; other names may be used in standard setting or product implementation.

[0255] The “MLD address or MLD identifier” is used to indicate the AP MLD requested by the non-AP STA, and the link profile subelement is used to indicate the link of the requested AP MLD. The AP responsible for responding to the probe request frame will reply with the communication parameters of the link corresponding to the link profile subelement in the AP MLD corresponding to the “MLD address or MLD identifier”.

[0256] Regarding the explicit instruction method used in Embodiment 2:

[0257] One scenario is when a non-AP STA only requests communication parameters from the AP MLD where the second AP is located. In this case, the probe request frame carries a second indication information, which can be carried in the multi-link element shown in Figures 7a-7c. Specifically, the MLD address in this multi-link element can be set to the address of the AP MLD where the second AP is located, indicating that the second indication information requests the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located.

[0258] Another scenario is that a non-AP STA requests communication parameters for other MLDs besides the second AP MLD where the second AP is located. This probe request frame may carry a second indication information, specifically a multi-link element.

[0259] The multi-link element, as shown in Figure 9c, includes a "other MLD required" field indicating whether communication parameters for other MLDs besides the one where the second AP resides are requested. Upon receiving this probe request frame, the second AP defaults to sending communication parameters for the non-AP MLDs other than its own. In this approach, other AP MLDs include the AP MLDs of other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, and / or the AP MLDs of other APs co-located with the second AP.

[0260] The "other MLD required" field can use 1 bit to indicate whether it is requested; for example, 1 indicates a request and 0 indicates no request.

[0261] Alternatively, the multi-link element can be as shown in Figure 9d, where the "all non-transmitted MLD required" field is used to indicate a request for communication parameters from AP MLDs containing other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBBID set as the second AP, excluding the second AP's own AP MLD. Upon receiving this probe request frame, the second AP, by default, feeds back the communication parameters of the AP MLDs containing other non-transmitted BSSID APs (excluding its own AP MLD) to the non-AP MLDs. The "all non-transmitted MLD required" field can use 1 bit to indicate whether a request is made; for example, 1 indicates a request, and 0 indicates no request.

[0262] Another scenario is that the non-AP STA requests the communication parameters of the second AP MLD and other MLDs where the second AP is located. This probe request frame can carry a second indication information, specifically a multi-link element. The multi-link element can be as shown in Figure 9e. Its "all MLD required" field is used to indicate by default that the second AP MLD and other AP MLDs where the second AP is located are requested. The second AP that receives this probe request frame will by default feed back the communication parameters of its own AP MLD and other AP MLDs to the non-AP MLD.

[0263] In one approach, the "all MLD required" request includes the communication parameters of the AP MLD containing the second AP and other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP.

[0264] In another approach, the "all MLD required" request includes communication parameters for the AP MLDs of the second AP and other APs co-located with the second AP.

[0265] In another approach, the "all MLD required" request includes the AP MLDs of the second AP and other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, as well as the AP MLDs of other APs co-located with the second AP.

[0266] Similarly, "all MLD required" can be indicated by a single bit, for example, 1 indicates a request and 0 indicates no request.

[0267] When a non-AP STA requests communication parameters of the second AP MLD and other MLDs located in the second AP, it can also use the "other MLD required" field shown in Figure 9c and set the MLD address or MLD identifier in the multi-link element of the probe request frame to the address or identifier of the second AP.

[0268] The above-mentioned AP MLD is indicated by specific fields. The multi-link element may carry the MLD address or MLD identifier. In this case, the MLD address or MLD identifier is used to indicate the address of the MLD where the second AP receiving the probe request frame is located.

[0269] Another scenario is that a non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of one or more specific AP MLDs through a probe request frame. In this implementation, one or more AP MLDs can be the AP MLD where the second AP is located, or one or more AP MLDs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, or one or more AP MLDs belonging to other APs co-located with the second AP.

[0270] In one implementation, the second indication information is an MLD identifier or an MLD address, and the MLD identifier or MLD address is used to indicate one or more MLDs. Here, the MLD identifier or MLD address can be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index or an MLD ID, or a BSSID index.

[0271] As an example, the MLD identifier or MLD address is carried in the probe request frame (in this case, the multi-link element is not required);

[0272] Another example is that the MLD identifier or MLD address is carried in the multi-link element of the probe request frame.

[0273] In both of the above methods, if a non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of a certain AP MLD through a probe request frame, it can do so through a probe request frame or a multi-link element in a probe request frame. Specifically, the MLD address or MLD identifier in the probe request frame or a multi-link element in the probe request frame is set to the address or identifier of the AP MLD that it needs to request.

[0274] For a non-AP STA to obtain communication parameters of multiple AP MLDs through a probe request frame, it can do so by carrying multiple MLD addresses or identifiers in a probe request frame, by carrying multiple MLD addresses or identifiers in a multi-link element in a probe request frame, or by having multiple multi-link elements in a probe request frame each carry multiple MLD addresses or identifiers.

[0275] In another implementation, the second indication information is a BSSID identifier bitmap, where each bit of the BSSID identifier bitmap corresponds to an AP MLD. Setting the corresponding bit to 0 or 1 indicates whether to request the communication parameters of the corresponding AP MLD.

[0276] For example, the BSSID identifier bitmap is carried in the probe request frame (in this case, the multi-link element is not required);

[0277] In another example, the BSSID identifier bitmap is carried in the multi-link element of the probe request frame.

[0278] In the two examples above, if a non-AP STA wants to obtain the communication parameters of a certain AP MLD through a probe request frame, it can do so through a probe request frame or a multi-link element in a probe request frame. Specifically, the corresponding bit in the BSSID identifier bitmap of the probe request frame or a multi-link element in the probe request frame is set to 1 to indicate the AP MLD to be requested.

[0279] (II) The following describes the specific implementation of the signaling structure of the requested MLD element. This requested MLD element can be applied to the aforementioned Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

[0280] This embodiment requests communication parameters from the AP MLD by carrying one or more requested MLD elements in the probe request frame sent by the non-AP STA.

[0281] As shown in Figure 11a, the requested MLD element includes fields such as "Element ID", "Length", "Element ID Extension", "Common Information", and "Request MLD Configuration"; among which, the "Common Information" field includes the "Request Type" subfield.

[0282] In one implementation, the "request MLD configuration" indicates the communication parameters of different AP MLDs being requested. In this case, the "request type field" may not be present.

[0283] Specifically, the "Request MLD Configuration" field includes an "MLD Address" field, which indicates the address of the requested AP MLD. The "MLD Address" can also be equivalent to an "MLD Identifier", which indicates one or more MLDs. Here, the "MLD Address" and "MLD Identifier" can be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index.

[0284] In another implementation, the "request type field" indicates the communication parameters of the different AP MLDs being requested; in this case, the "request MLD configuration" field is not needed, or the number of "request MLD configuration" fields is zero.

[0285] Specifically, different communication parameters for requesting different AP MLDs can be indicated by setting different values ​​for the "request type" in the requested MLD element. Taking the first indication information in Embodiment 1 as an example, the request type can be set to 1 bit.

[0286] The first type: if the value of this 1 bit is 1, it means that the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located are requested; if the value of 0 is 0, it means that the communication parameters of the first AP are only requested.

[0287] Taking the second instruction information in Embodiment 2 as an example, the request type can be set to 1 bit or multiple bits.

[0288] 1) When the request type uses a 1-bit indicator:

[0289] The first type: A value of 1 for this 1 bit indicates a request for communication parameters from the AP MLD where the second AP is located, while a value of 0 indicates a request for communication parameters only from the second AP.

[0290] The second type: A value of 1 indicates a request for communication parameters from the AP MLD where the second AP is located and other AP MLDs where other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located. A value of 0 indicates a request for communication parameters only from the second AP.

[0291] The third option: A value of 1 for this 1-bit indicates a request for communication parameters from the AP MLD where the second AP is located and other AP MLDs; a value of 0 indicates a request only for the communication parameters of the second AP. Here, "other AP MLDs" includes the AP MLDs of other non-transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP and / or the AP MLDs of other APs co-located with the second AP.

[0292] The fourth type: If the value of this 1 bit is 1, it means that the request is made to the AP MLD where the second AP is located. If the value is 0, it means that the request is made to the communication parameters of other AP MLDs where other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located (excluding the AP MLD where the second AP is located).

[0293] The fifth type: A value of 1 for this 1-bit indicates a request for the AP MLD where the second AP is located, while 0 indicates a request for communication parameters for other AP MLDs. Here, "other AP MLDs" includes the AP MLDs of other non-transmitted BSSID APs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, as well as the AP MLDs of other APs that share the same address as the second AP.

[0294] The sixth type: A value of 1 for this 1-bit indicates a request for the AP MLD where the second AP is located, while 0 indicates a request for communication parameters for other AP MLDs. Here, "other AP MLDs" includes the AP MLDs of other APs that share the same address as the second AP.

[0295] The above are just examples; the case of a 1-bit indicator can also involve variations and combinations thereof.

[0296] 2) When the request type uses a multi-bit indicator, such as a 3-bit indicator, it can take a total of eight values, of which:

[0297] The first value indicates that only the communication parameters of the second AP are requested.

[0298] The second value represents the communication parameters requested from the AP MLD where the second AP is located.

[0299] The third value represents the communication parameters for requesting the AP MLD where the second AP is located, as well as the other AP MLDs where other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the second AP are located.

[0300] The fourth value indicates a request for communication parameters from other AP MLDs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, in addition to the AP MLD where the second AP is located.

[0301] The fifth value indicates the communication parameters requested from the AP MLD where the second AP is located and other AP MLDs. Here, "other AP MLDs" includes the AP MLDs of other APs that share the same address as the second AP.

[0302] The sixth value indicates a request for communication parameters from other AP MLDs besides the one where the second AP is located. "Other AP MLDs" here includes AP MLDs located at the same address as the second AP.

[0303] The seventh value represents the communication parameters requested from the AP MLD where the second AP is located and other AP MLDs. Here, "other AP MLDs" includes the AP MLDs of other non-transmitted BSSID APs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, and the AP MLDs of other APs that share the same address as the second AP.

[0304] The eighth value indicates a request for communication parameters from AP MLDs other than the AP MLD where the second AP is located. Here, "other AP MLDs" includes AP MLDs containing other non-transmitted BSSID APs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the second AP, and AP MLDs containing other APs that share the same address as the second AP.

[0305] Of course, only a portion of the first and eighth values ​​mentioned above can be used, or 2 bits can be used to indicate some of the values.

[0306] In this embodiment, the example given is that the request type field is carried in the public information field of the requested MLD element. In other implementations, it can also be carried in other fields, such as control fields, which will not be elaborated here.

[0307] Figure 11a is only an example. In the process of standard setting or technological evolution, the name of the requested MLD element or the fields it contains may have other implementation methods, which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0308] Figure 11b is a schematic diagram of another request MLD element, similar in structure to the request MLD element shown in Figure 11a, but with the following differences:

[0309] Specifically, "Request MLD Configuration" includes a "BSSID Index Bitmap" field. Each bit in this bitmap corresponds to an AP MLD, and setting the bit to 0 or 1 indicates whether the corresponding AP MLD is being requested. For example, setting a bit to 0 indicates requesting the AP to provide the communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to that bit. It should be understood that if "Request MLD Configuration" indicates the request for different AP MLD communication parameters, the "Request Type" field may not be present.

[0310] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not exclude the possibility of combining the "request MLD configuration" and "request type field" in the above two types of request MLD elements to indicate the communication parameters of different AP MLDs.

[0311] The request MLD element in Figures 11a and 11b can also carry a link profile subelement or link profile element field.

[0312] A link profile subelement or link profile element carries the communication parameters of an AP. Alternatively, a link profile subelement or link profile element carries the communication parameters of a link.

[0313] In this embodiment of the application, the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the probe request frame is used to indicate the communication parameters of a certain AP or a certain link of a certain AP MLD; the link profile subelement or link profile element carried in the probe response frame is used to carry the communication parameters of a certain AP or a certain link of a certain AP MLD.

[0314] When a request MLD element does not carry a link profile subelement or link profile element, it defaults to indicating the communication parameters of all APs or all links in the entire AP MLD.

[0315] Alternatively, when the request MLD element carries a "link configuration sub-element" indicating the requested link, it can use a field indicating whether it requests all links of the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address or MLD identifier" or only one known link. This field can be 1 bit. For example, setting this 1 bit to 1 indicates that all links of the corresponding AP MLD are known, and setting it to 0 indicates that a specific link is known. This specific link can be defined by a protocol.

[0316] Figure 11b is only an example. In the process of standard setting or technological evolution, the name of the requested MLD element or the fields it contains may have other implementation methods, which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0317]

[0318] (III) The following describes the specific implementation of the signaling structure of the known MLD element. This known MLD element can be applied to the aforementioned Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

[0319] This embodiment requests communication parameters of the AP MLD by carrying one or more known MLD elements in the probe request frame sent by the non-AP STA.

[0320] The structure of a known MLD element is shown in Figure 12a. The known MLD element includes fields such as "element ID", "length", "element ID extension", "public information", and "known MLD configuration". The "public information" field may optionally include a "request type" subfield. The "known MLD configuration" may or may not exist. When it exists, it includes the "MLD address" field.

[0321] The "MLD address" can also be equivalent to an "MLD identifier," which indicates one or more MLDs. Here, the "MLD address" and "MLD identifier" can be an MLD MAC address, an MLD index, an MLD ID, or a BSSID index. Similar to the request type of the requested MLD element described in (II), the request type of the known MLD element can also use 1-3 bits to indicate the communication parameters requested from different AP MLDs. Refer to the description in (II) for details; further elaboration is omitted here.

[0322] Unlike (ii), the known MLD profile carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD that the non-AP STA already knows. The second AP does not need to carry the corresponding communication parameters in the probe response frame. That is, the second AP carries the AP MLD requested in the request type in the probe response frame, excluding the communication parameters of the known AP MLD indicated by the MLD address of the known MLD profile.

[0323] In this embodiment, the example given is that the request type field is carried in the public information field of the known MLD element. In other implementations, it can also be carried in other fields, such as control fields, which will not be elaborated here.

[0324] In another implementation, the public information field of the known MLD element may not include "request type". Instead, it may use one or more "known MLD configurations" to indicate the communication parameters of the AP responsible for responding to the probe request frame, in addition to the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address".

[0325] Another known MLD element structure is shown in Figure 12b. This known MLD element includes fields such as "Element ID," "Length," "Element ID Extension," and "BSSID Index Bitmap." The "BSSID Index Bitmap" indicates the communication parameters of the AP MLD known to the non-AP STA that initiated the probe request frame. The AP responsible for sending the probe response frame will reply with the communication parameters of all AP MLDs except the known AP MLD indicated by the "BSSID Index Bitmap."

[0326] The “all AP MLDs” mentioned in the above implementation can be AP MLDs of other APs that belong to the same MBSSID set as the AP, which are known or agreed upon in advance, and / or AP MLDs of other APs that share the same address as the AP.

[0327] Another known MLD element structure is shown in Figure 12c. This known MLD element includes fields such as "Element ID", "Length", "Element ID Extension", and "Multi-link Element". The "Multi-link Element" carries "MLD Public Information" and "Link Configuration Sub-element". The "MLD Public Information" can carry "MLD Address or MLD Identifier", and the "Link Configuration Sub-element" indicates the known link among the multiple links in the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD Address or MLD Identifier".

[0328] The AP responsible for responding to the probe request frame will reply in the probe response frame with the communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD address or MLD identifier", excluding the known links indicated by the "link configuration sub-element".

[0329] The way the "link configuration sub-element" indicates known links can be by carrying the identifier or index number of the known links, or by carrying a link index bitmap to indicate which links are known.

[0330] The "Link Configuration Sub-Element" indicates the known links. It can also use a field indicating whether all links of the AP MLD corresponding to the "MLD Address or MLD Identifier" are known, or only one link. This field can be 1 bit. For example, setting this 1 bit to 1 indicates that all links of the corresponding AP MLD are known, while setting it to 0 indicates that a specific link is known. This specific link can be defined by a protocol.

[0331] In this embodiment, the "link configuration sub-element" can be carried directly in the known MLD element, or it can be carried in the known MLD element through the multi-link element.

[0332] The multi-link element, known MLD element, and request MLD element described in the foregoing embodiments can be combined as needed to carry the communication parameters of different probe AP MLDs and multiple links of AP MLDs in the probe request frame.

[0333] The following section will introduce how the probe response frame is implemented.

[0334] In Example 1, regardless of whether the non-AP STA sends the probe request frame using an implicit or explicit indication method, if the logical AP receiving the probe request frame is configured as a non-transmitted BSSID, it will reply with a probe response frame through other transmitted BSSID APs belonging to the same MSSID set.

[0335] When the transmitted BSSID AP replies to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame, the multiple BSSID element in the probe response frame carries information about the non-transmitted BSSID AP. As shown in Figure 10, the transmitted BSSID AP carries the non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP in the multiple BSSID element to carry the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP. Furthermore, the multi-link element included in the non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP carries the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD where the non-transmitted BSSID AP is located. Specifically, the link profile subelement carries the communication parameters of other APs. There can be multiple link profile subelements to correspond to the communication parameters of multiple APs.

[0336] For example, as shown in Figure 4, AP11 carries the communication parameters of multiple links supported by AP MLD2 in the probe response frame sent back to the non-AP STA. Specifically, this can be carried in the multiple BSSID element, that is, the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP12 is carried in the multiple BSSID element to carry the information of AP12. The multi-link element is carried in the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP12 to carry the information of AP22.

[0337] Accordingly, in Embodiment 2, regardless of whether the non-AP STA sends the probe request frame using an implicit or explicit indication method, if the logical AP receiving the probe request frame is a transmitted BSSID AP, it can directly reply with a probe response frame to the non-AP STA.

[0338] When the transmitted BSSID AP replies to the non-AP STA with a probe response frame, the information of the non-transmitted BSSID AP can be carried in the multiple BSSID element of the probe response frame.

[0339] As shown in Figure 10, the transmitted BSSID AP carries the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP in the multiple BSSID element to carry the communication parameters of the non-transmitted BSSID AP. Furthermore, the multi-link element included in the non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the non-transmitted BSSID AP carries the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD where the non-transmitted BSSID AP is located.

[0340] For example, as shown in Figure 4, AP21 is a transmitted BSSID AP. After receiving the probe request frame, it carries the communication parameters of one or more links supported by one or more AP MLDs (AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3) in the probe response frame sent back to the non-AP STA. In other words, it carries the communication parameters of one or more APs (AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and AP MLD3) in the probe response frame sent back to the non-AP STA.

[0341] Specifically, when the probe request frame requests the communication parameters of AP MLD1, where AP21 is located, the probe response frame carries the communication parameters of AP MLD1 in a multi-link element. Specifically, the communication parameters of AP11, AP21, and AP31 can be carried by the three link profile sub-elements in the multi-link element respectively.

[0342] When the AP MLD requested in the probe request frame further includes communication parameters for AP MLD2 and / or AP MLD3, these parameters can be carried in the multiple BSSID element of the probe response frame. Specifically, the multiple BSSID element carries the two nontransmitted BSSID profiles corresponding to AP21 to carry the communication parameters for AP22 and AP23 respectively. The nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP22 carries the link profile subelement of the multi-link element to carry the information for AP12. The nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to AP23 carries the link profile subelement of the multi-link element to carry the communication parameters for AP33.

[0343] In the various implementations of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 above, when the non-AP MLD does not need to obtain the complete communication parameters of the AP in the AP MLD, but only needs to obtain some information units of the AP, the non-AP MLD can carry a list of identifiers of information units in the probe request frame to request the AP MLD to reply with the content of the corresponding information unit, as shown in Figure 13. This list of identifiers of information units is carried by a probing element, for example, it can be carried by a "list of element IDs" field, with each element ID corresponding to a requested information unit. In another implementation, the non-AP STA can also directly carry a non-inheritance element in the probe request to carry the aforementioned requested partial information units.

[0344] Correspondingly, if the probe response frame contains communication parameters of multiple APs, the communication parameters of each AP contain the content of the information unit corresponding to the element ID carried in the list of element IDs.

[0345] Alternatively, the probe request frame may carry a list of identifiers for each AP, allowing different communication parameter information units to be requested for different APs. In this case, the probe response frame may carry the communication parameter information unit corresponding to each AP.

[0346] The information unit mentioned in this embodiment refers to a portion of the communication parameters of the aforementioned AP.

[0347] By implementing this embodiment, a portion of the AP's communication parameters can be flexibly requested, saving the overhead of requests and responses.

[0348] The apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail below.

[0349] This application embodiment can divide the access point (AP) (e.g., the AP in an AP multi-link device) or site into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0350] Figure 14 illustrates a possible structural schematic of a communication device 1400 when using integrated units. This communication device 1400 can be a multi-link device or a chip or processing system within a multi-link device. The communication device 1400 can perform the operations of the multi-link device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1400 includes a processing unit 1401 and a transceiver unit 1402.

[0351] In one example, the communication device 1400 is the aforementioned access point (AP) (e.g., an AP in an AP multi-link device) or a site.

[0352] In one example, the communication device 1400 is the aforementioned access point or a chip within an access point.

[0353] The processing unit 1401 can be used to control and manage the operation of the communication device 1400. For example, it can generate a probe request frame. Another example is controlling the operation of the transceiver unit 1402. Optionally, if the communication device 1400 includes a storage unit, the processing unit 1401 can also execute programs or instructions stored in the storage unit to enable the communication device 1400 to implement the methods and functions involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0354] For example, the processing unit 1401 described above can control the transceiver unit to execute, for example, step S101 in FIG5, or S201 in FIG6, or other processes for executing the technology described herein. All relevant content regarding each step in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0355] For example, the processing unit 1401 described above can control the transceiver unit to execute, for example, step S102 in FIG5, or S202 in FIG6, or other processes for executing the technology described herein. All relevant content regarding each step in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0356] For example, the transceiver unit 1402 described above can transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted on one link, or it can transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted on multiple links. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1402 can be a single transceiver module, or it can include multiple transceiver modules. When the transceiver unit 1402 is a single transceiver module, it can transmit and receive data on multiple links. For example, if the first multi-link device operates on two links, then when the transceiver unit 1402 includes two transceiver modules, one transceiver module operates on one link, and the other transceiver module operates on the other link. For example, the transceiver unit 1402 described above can be used to execute, for example, step S101 in FIG. 5, or step S201 in FIG. 6, or other processes used in the technology described herein. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0357] For example, the communication device 1400 can be the communication device shown in FIG15, the processing unit 1401 can be the processor 1501 in FIG11, and the transceiver unit 1402 can be the transceiver 1503 in FIG15. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a memory for storing program code and data corresponding to the communication device 1400 executing any of the multi-link device communication methods provided above. All descriptions of the components involved in FIG15 above can be referenced to the functional descriptions of the corresponding components of the communication device 1400, and will not be repeated here.

[0358] For example, the communication device 1400 may also be a chip or processor, wherein the processing unit 1402 is a processing circuit in the chip or processor, and the transceiver unit 1402 may be an input / output circuit in the chip or processor. The input / output circuit is an interface for the chip or processor to communicate or exchange data with other coupled components, which can ensure that signaling or data information or program instructions are input into the chip or processor for processing, and output the processed data or signaling to other coupled components, and control the first multi-link device on which the chip or processor is installed to perform functions.

[0359] In another example, the communication device 1400 is the aforementioned site or a chip within the site.

[0360] The processing unit 1401 can be used to control and manage the operation of the communication device 1400. For example, it can generate probe request frames or probe response frames. Another example is controlling the operation of the transceiver unit 1402. Optionally, if the communication device 1400 includes a storage unit, the processing unit 1401 can also execute programs or instructions stored in the storage unit to enable the communication device 1400 to implement the methods and functions involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0361] For example, the processing unit 1401 described above can be used to generate a probe request frame or a probe response frame. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0362] For example, the transceiver unit 1402 described above can transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted on one link, or it can transmit and receive data or signaling transmitted on multiple links. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1402 can be a single transceiver module, or it can include multiple transceiver modules. When the transceiver unit 1402 is a single transceiver module, it can transmit and receive data on multiple links. For example, if the first station operates on two links, then when the transceiver unit 1402 includes two transceiver modules, one transceiver module operates on one link, and the other transceiver module operates on the other link. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0363] For example, the communication device 1400 can be the communication device shown in FIG15, the processing unit 1401 can be the processor 1501 in FIG11, and the transceiver unit 1402 can be the transceiver 1503 in FIG15. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a memory for storing program code and data corresponding to the execution of any of the methods provided above by the communication device 1400. All descriptions of the components involved in FIG15 above can be referenced to the functional descriptions of the corresponding components of the communication device 1400, and will not be repeated here.

[0364] For example, the communication device 1400 can also be a chip or processor, wherein the processing unit 1402 is a processing circuit in the chip or processor, and the transceiver unit 1402 can be an input / output circuit in the chip or processor. The input / output circuit is an interface for the chip or processor to communicate or exchange data with other coupled components, which can ensure that signaling or data information or program instructions are input into the chip or processor for processing, and output the processed data or signaling to other coupled components, and control the device on which the chip or processor is installed to perform functions.

[0365] It should be noted that, in the device embodiment section, the structure of the probe request frame and the probe response frame can be referred to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0366] Figure 15 illustrates a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of this application. This device can be an access point (AP) (e.g., an AP in an AP multi-link device) or a station as described in the above embodiments, or it can be a chip or processing system within the access point (AP) or station, capable of implementing the methods and functions of any embodiment of this application. Due to differences in integration, the communication device may include one or more of the components shown in Figure 15. The components shown in Figure 15 may include at least one processor 1501, a memory 1502, a transceiver 1503, and a communication bus 1504.

[0367] The following is a detailed description of each component of the communication device 1100 with reference to Figure 15:

[0368] Processor 1501 is the control center of communication device 1500. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 1501 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Processor 1501 can perform various functions of the communication device by running or executing software programs stored in memory 1502 and by calling data stored in memory 1502. In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, processor 1501 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG. 15.

[0369] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 1500 may include multiple processors, such as processors 1501 and 1505 shown in FIG. 15. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). Here, "processor" may refer to one or more communication devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0370] The memory 1502 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage communication device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage communication device capable of storing information and instructions, or it may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage communication device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 1502 may exist independently and be connected to the processor 1501 via the communication bus 1504. The memory 1502 may also be integrated with the processor 1501. The memory 1502 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and the processor 1501 controls its execution.

[0371] Transceiver 1503 is used for communication with other devices (such as stations STA102 or STA202 in the embodiment shown in FIG1). Of course, transceiver 1503 can also be used to communicate with a communication network, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Transceiver 1503 may include a receiving unit to implement receiving functions and a transmitting unit to implement transmitting functions.

[0372] The communication bus 1504 can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 15, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0373] In one example, the communication device 1500 is a complete device, which may include: a processor 1501, a memory 1502, a transceiver 1503, and a communication bus 1504. Optionally, it may also include other components, such as a display.

[0374] Optionally, the communication device 1500 is an access point (AP) (e.g., an AP in an AP multi-link device), which can be used to implement the methods and functions of the AP involved in the foregoing embodiments. For example, a computer program (instructions) is stored in the memory. When the processor calls the computer program, the above-mentioned methods and functions are implemented. For instance, the processor is used to generate a probe response frame, and the transceiver is used to receive a probe request frame and send a probe response frame. In one example, the processor is used to control the transceiver to execute step S102. Of course, the process of generating the probe response frame involved in step S102 can also be performed by the processor. In another example, for example, the processor is used to control the transceiver to execute step S202. Of course, the process of generating the probe response frame involved in step S202 can also be performed by the processor.

[0375] In another implementation, the communication device 1500 is a station, which can be used to implement the methods and functions of the station involved in the aforementioned embodiments. For example, a computer program is stored in the memory, and when the processor calls the computer program, the above-mentioned methods and functions are implemented. For example, the processor is used to generate signaling or frames (such as probe request frames), and the transceiver is used to send signaling or frames (such as sending probe request frames and receiving probe response frames). In one example, for example, the processor is used to control the transceiver to send the probe request frame in step S101, and then the processor determines the structure of the multi-AP multi-link device and the information of each AP based on the probe response frame, and can further determine which APs to associate with. In another example, for example, the processor is used to control the transceiver to send the probe request frame in step S201 and control the transceiver to receive the probe response frame fed back by the AP in S202, and then the processor determines the structure of the multi-AP multi-link device and the information of each AP based on the probe response frame, and can further determine which APs to associate with.

[0376] In another example, the communication device 1500 is a chip system or processing system in the access point (AP), enabling the device with the chip system or processing system installed to implement the methods and functions related to the AP in the aforementioned embodiments. The communication device 1500 may include some components as shown in FIG11, such as a processor coupled to a memory, which can call and execute instructions in the memory to configure the device with the chip system or processing system installed to implement the methods and functions of the aforementioned embodiments. Optionally, the memory may be a component in the chip system or processing system, or it may be a component externally coupled to the chip system or processing system. In one example, the chip system or processing system is installed in the access point (AP) (e.g., a reporting AP in an AP multi-link device), enabling the access point (AP) to execute steps S102 or S202 in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0377] In another example, the communication device 1500 is a chip system or processing system in the site, enabling the device with the chip system or processing system installed to implement the methods and functions related to the site in the foregoing embodiments. The communication device 1500 may include some components as shown in FIG. 15, such as a processor coupled to a memory, which can call and execute instructions in the memory, thereby configuring the device with the chip system or processing system installed to implement the methods and functions of the foregoing embodiments. Optionally, the memory may be a component in the chip system or processing system, or it may be a component externally coupled to the chip system or processing system. In one example, the chip system or processing system installed in the site enables the site to execute steps S101 or S201 in the foregoing embodiments.

[0378] This chip system or processing system supports communication using the 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, and 802.11ac. This chip system can be installed in various devices that support WLAN transmission. Devices in WLAN transmission scenarios have been described at the beginning of this manual and will not be repeated here.

[0379] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer program code, which, when executed by the processor, causes the electronic device (such as an AP or site) in which the processor resides to perform the method of any embodiment.

[0380] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer (such as an AP or site) to perform the method of any embodiment.

[0381] This application also provides a communication device that can exist in the form of a chip. The device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is used to communicate with other devices through a receiving circuit, so that the device can perform the method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0382] This application also provides a communication system comprising an access point (AP) (e.g., an AP in an AP multi-link device) and a station. The AP and station can execute the methods described in any of the above embodiments (e.g., the methods in Figures 5 and 6). The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with this application disclosure can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can 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, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a core network interface device. Of course, the processor and storage media can also exist as discrete components in the core network interface device.

[0383] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described in this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0384] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solution of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, include: A processor is configured to generate the probe request frame, which is used to request the first AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located; The first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports; The transceiver is used to send probe request frames to the first AP.

2. A method for detecting requests from multi-link devices at an access point, characterized in that, The method is performed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and includes: The probe request frame is generated to request the first AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located; the first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports. Send a probe request frame to the first AP.

3. The site as described in claim 1 or the method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The probe request frame carries first indication information, which is used to indicate the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located.

4. The site or method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in any of the following elements: multi-link element, request MLD element, and known MLD element.

5. The site as described in claim 1 or the method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive a probe response frame from the second AP, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located.

6. The site or method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The probe response frame carries the communication parameters of the first AP through a multiple BSSID element, and carries the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD where the first AP is located in the multi-link element of the non-transmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP.

7. The site as described in claim 1 or the method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The probe request frame carries indication information in a non-inherited element to indicate a portion of the information unit used to indicate the request AP MLD.

8. The site or method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The multi-link element, request MLD element, and known MLD element also carry indication information of a portion of the information unit of the request AP MLD.

9. A station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, include: The processor is configured to generate the probe request frame, which requests the second AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; the second AP is a Transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports; The transceiver is used to send probe request frames to the second AP.

10. A method for detecting requests from multi-link devices at an access point, characterized in that, The method is performed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and includes: The probe request frame is generated to request the second AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; the second AP is a Transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports; Send a probe request frame to the second AP.

11. The site as described in claim 9 or the method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The probe request frame carries second indication information, which is used to instruct the second AP to feed back communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP.

12. The site or method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP include at least one of the following: Communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located; The communication parameters of the AP MLD of other APs belonging to the same Multitransmission Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID) set as the second AP; The communication parameters of the AP MLD where the other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

13. The site as described in claim 9 or the method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The second indication information is carried in the probe request frame. The second indication information is used to indicate the MLD identifier or MLD address. The MLD identifier or MLD address is used to indicate the communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address fed back by the second AP.

14. The site as described in claim 9 or the method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The second indication information carries any of the following elements: multi-link element, request MLD element, and known MLD element.

15. A first access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the first AP is a nontransmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, characterized in that, include: A transceiver is used to receive probe request frames from a site, the probe request frames being used to request the first AP to return the communication parameters of the AP MLD to which it is located; The communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports; The transceiver is also configured to request a second AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to assist it in sending a probe response frame back to the site, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

16. A method for detecting the response of a multi-link device at an access point, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the first AP is a nontransmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, including: The system receives a probe request frame from a site, which requests the first AP to provide the communication parameters of its AP MLD; the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports. The system requests assistance from a second AP that belongs to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to send a probe response frame to the site, the probe response frame carrying the communication parameters of the AP's MLD.

17. A second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the second AP is a transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, characterized in that, include: A transceiver is used to receive probe request frames from a first AP. The probe request frames are used to request the second AP to assist the first AP in providing feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD to which it belongs. The first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, which belongs to the same MBSSID set as the second AP. The communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports. A processor is used to generate a probe response frame, which carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

18. A method for detecting the response of a multi-link device at an access point, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the second AP is a transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, and includes: A probe request frame is received from the first AP. The probe request frame is used to request the second AP to assist the first AP in providing feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD to which it belongs. The first AP is a nontransmitted BSSID AP, which belongs to the same MBSSID set as the second AP. The communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports. A probe response frame is generated, which carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD.

19. The method of the second AP as described in claim 17 or the method of claim 18, characterized in that, The detection response frame carries a portion of the information elements from the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP.

20. A second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the second AP is a transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, characterized in that, include: A transceiver used to receive probe request frames from a site; The probe request frame is used to request the second AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; The communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports; A processor is configured to generate a probe response frame, the probe response frame carrying communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; A transceiver used to send probe response frames to the site.

21. A method for detecting the response of a multi-link device at an access point, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), where the second AP is a transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP, and includes: Receive a probe request frame from the site; the probe request frame is used to request the second AP to return the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports; Generate a probe response frame, the probe response frame carrying communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP; Send a probe response frame to the site.

22. The method of claim 20 (second AP) or 21, wherein... The communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP include at least one of the following: Communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located; Communication parameters of the AP MLD of other APs belonging to the same set of Multiple Transport Basic Service Set Identifiers (MBSSIDs) as the second AP; Communication parameters of the AP MLD where other APs co-located with the second AP are located.

23. The method of claim 20 (second AP) or 21, wherein... When the probe request frame carries second indication information, and the second indication information indicates an MLD identifier or MLD address, the probe response frame carries communication parameters of the AP MLD corresponding to the MLD identifier or MLD address of the probe request frame.

24. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein... The probe response frame carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD of the first AP associated with the second AP; wherein the first AP is the first AP that belongs to the same MSSID set as the second AP, and / or the first AP that shares the same address as the second AP.

25. The second AP or method as described in claim 24, characterized in that, The probe response frame contains multiple BSSID elements that carry the communication parameters of the first AP, and also contains multi-link elements in the nontransmitted BSSID profile corresponding to the first AP to carry the communication parameters of other APs in the AP MLD where the first AP is located.

26. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein... The detection response frame carries a portion of the information elements from the communication parameters of the AP MLD associated with the second AP.

27. A station in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, include: A processor is used to generate a probe request frame, which requests the AP to provide feedback on the communication parameters of the AP MLD it is located in; the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports. A transceiver is used to send the probe request frame to the AP.

28. A method for detecting requests from multi-link devices at an access point, characterized in that, The method is performed by a station in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and includes: The probe request frame is generated to request the AP to return the communication parameters of the AP MLD it is located in, and the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports. Send a probe request frame to the AP.

29. The site as described in claim 27 or the method as described in claim 28, characterized in that, The station carries a list of identifiers for an information element in the probe request frame to request a portion of the information elements of the AP in the AP MLD.

30. The site or method as described in claim 29, characterized in that, The station receives a probe response frame, which contains communication parameters of multiple APs in the AP MLD. The communication parameters of each AP include the content of the information unit corresponding to the list of identifiers of the information unit.

31. The site as described in claim 27 or the method as described in claim 28, characterized in that, In the probe request frame, the station carries a list of identifiers for each AP in the AP MLD, for each AP, to request the content of the information element of each AP in the AP MLD.

32. The site or method as described in claim 31, characterized in that, The station receives a probe response frame, which includes information elements of communication parameters corresponding to a list of identifiers for information elements of each AP.

33. The site or method as described in claim 29 or 31, characterized in that, The list of identifiers for the information units is carried in the multi-link element of the probe request frame.

34. The site or method as described in claims 27 to 33, characterized in that, The AP requested by the probe request frame is the first AP, which is a nontransmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP.

35. The site or method as described in claim 34, characterized in that, The station receives a probe response frame from the second AP, which carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the first AP is located.

36. The site or method as described in claims 27 to 33, characterized in that, The AP requested by the probe request frame is the second AP, which is the Transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP.

37. The site or method as described in claim 36, characterized in that, The station receives a probe response frame from the second AP, which carries the communication parameters of the AP MLD where the second AP is located.

38. An access point in a wireless local area network (WLAN), characterized in that, include: A transceiver is used to receive probe request frames from a site; the probe request frame is used to request the access point (AP) to return the communication parameters of the AP MLD it is located in; the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports; A processor is configured to generate a probe response frame or request other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the AP to assist in sending a probe response frame back to the site; the probe response frame carries communication parameters with the AP's MLD.

39. A method for detecting the response of a multi-link device at an access point, characterized in that, The method is applied to access points (APs) in wireless local area networks (WLANs), including: The system receives a probe request frame from a site, which requests the access point (AP) to provide the communication parameters of the AP MLD it is located in; the communication parameters of the AP MLD are the communication parameters of the multiple links it supports. Generate a probe response frame, or request other APs belonging to the same MBSSID set as the AP to assist in sending a probe response frame back to the site; the probe response frame carries communication parameters with the AP's MLD.

40. The access point as described in claim 38 or the method as described in claim 39, characterized in that, The probe request frame carries a list of identifiers for an information unit, used to request the acquisition of a portion of the information units of the AP in the AP MLD.

41. The access point or method as described in claim 40, characterized in that, The probe response frame contains communication parameters of multiple APs in the AP MLD, and the communication parameters of each AP include the content of the information unit corresponding to the list of information unit identifiers carried in the probe request frame.

42. The access point as described in claim 38 or the method as described in claim 39, characterized in that, The probe request frame carries a list of identifiers for each AP in the AP MLD, which is used to request the content of the information element of each AP in the AP MLD.

43. The access point or method as described in claim 42, characterized in that, The detection response frame includes information units of communication parameters corresponding to each AP.

44. The access point or method as described in claim 40 or 42, characterized in that, The list of identifiers for the information units is carried in the multi-link element of the probe request frame.

45. The access point as described in claim 38 or the method as described in claim 39, characterized in that, The access point is a first AP, which is a non-transmitted BSSID AP; the first AP requests a second AP belonging to the same MBSSID set as the first AP to assist it in sending a probe response frame back to the site; the second AP is a transmitted BSSID AP.

46. ​​The access point as described in claim 38 or the method as described in claim 39, characterized in that, The access point is the second AP, which is a Transmitted Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) AP. The second AP generates and sends the probe response frame.

47. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is coupled to a memory for reading and executing program instructions stored in the memory, such that the method as described in any one of claims 2-8, or the method as described in any one of claims 10-14, or the method as described in claim 16, or the method as described in any one of claims 18-19, or the method as described in any one of claims 21-26, or the method as described in any one of claims 28-37, or the method as described in any one of claims 39-46 is executed.

48. A communication device, characterized in that, It is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 2-8, or the method as described in any one of claims 10-14, or the method as described in claim 16, or the method as described in any one of claims 18-19, or the method as described in any one of claims 21-26, or the method as described in any one of claims 28-37, or the method as described in any one of claims 39-46.

49. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method of any one of claims 2-8, or any one of claims 10-14, or the method of claim 16, or the method of any one of claims 18-19, or the method of any one of claims 21-26, or the method of any one of claims 28-37, or the method of any one of claims 39-46 to be performed.

50. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 2-8, or any one of claims 10-14, or the method of claim 16, or the method of any one of claims 18-19, or the method of any one of claims 21-26, or the method of any one of claims 28-37, or the method of any one of claims 39-46 to be performed.

51. A computer program, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the method of any one of claims 2-8, or the method of any one of claims 10-14, or the method of claim 16, or the method of any one of claims 18-19, or the method of any one of claims 21-26, or the method of any one of claims 28-37, or the method of any one of claims 39-46 to be performed.

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