FIRST ACCESS POINT, COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT, AND METHODS FOR EXPLORING MULTI-LINK EQUIPMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a first access point, a method for probing multi-route devices and communication devices, a chip, a computer-readable storage device and a communication system, applicable to a wireless local area network supporting the 802.11be standard. The method includes: A station multi-route device (Station, STA) generating a probing request frame, in which the probing request frame carries first indicator information used to indicate the access point multi-route device (AP) to respond with communication information of the AP operating on at least one route and located within the AP multi-route device; communication information used by the STA multi-route device to perform multi-route communication with the AP multi-route device, at least one route including a second route, and the second route different from the first route; and the STA multi-route device transmitting the probing request frame on the first route.Furthermore, the STA multi-line device receives, on the first line, AP communication information on at least one line and is responded to by the AP multi-line device. It can be known that, based on the method described in the invention, the STA multi-line device can at the right time obtain AP communication information operating on the second line.

Description

Detection methods and communication devices for multi-link devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010629027.2, filed on July 2, 2020, entitled "Detection Method and Communication Apparatus for Multi-Link Devices", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a detection method and communication device for multi-link devices. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of wireless technology, more and more wireless devices support multi-link communication, such as communicating simultaneously on 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 60GHz frequency bands, or communicating simultaneously on different channels within the same (or different) frequency bands, thereby improving the communication rate between devices. Such devices are commonly referred to as multi-band devices or multi-link devices (MLDs), and sometimes also as multi-link entities or multi-band entities. The following explanation uses a multi-link device as an example.

[0004] Multi-link devices can be either access point multi-link devices or site multi-link devices. Access point multi-link devices contain one or more access points (APs); site multi-link devices contain one or more non-access point stations (non-AP STAs), which can be simply referred to as stations. For example, as shown in Figure 1, AP multi-link devices include AP1 to APn, and STA multi-link devices include STA1 to STAn. The n STAs in a STA multi-link device can establish associations with the n APs in an AP multi-link device and then communicate. For example, STA1 is associated with AP1, STA2 with AP2, ..., STAn with APn.

[0005] In a multi-link STA device, a STA can initiate an active scanning process to discover APs in an AP multi-link device for subsequent association. For example, STA1 in a multi-link STA device sends a probe request frame via link 1. After receiving the probe request frame via link 1, AP1 can reply with a probe response frame. This probe response frame carries the communication information of AP1, which is used for subsequent multi-link communication between the STA and the AP multi-link device. Typically, to detect APs on multiple links, a multi-link STA device needs to send probe request frames on multiple links to obtain the communication information of APs on multiple links. However, when a link cannot send probe request frames (e.g., due to a fault or link congestion), the multi-link STA device will not be able to obtain the communication information of the APs operating on that link in a timely manner.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a method and communication device for detecting multi-link devices, which is beneficial for timely acquisition of AP communication information.

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a method for detecting multi-link devices. The method includes: a site (STA) multi-link device generating a probe request frame, the probe request frame carrying first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct an access point (AP) multi-link device to provide communication information of an AP operating on at least one link in the AP multi-link device, the communication information being used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device, the at least one link including a second link, the second link being different from the first link; and the STA multi-link device sending a probe request frame on the first link.

[0009] Optionally, the at least one link may also include a first link.

[0010] In the first aspect of the method, the probe request frame sent by the STA multi-link device on one link can request communication information from the APs in the AP multi-link devices on other links. Therefore, based on the method described in the first aspect, when the STA multi-link device cannot send a probe request frame through the second link, it can promptly obtain the communication information of the APs operating on the second link. Furthermore, the STA multi-link device only sends probe request frames on the first link, only needing to monitor the status of the first link, which facilitates management. Also, since it only needs to listen to the response frames on the first link, it helps save power consumption for the STA multi-link device. Moreover, if the STA multi-link device needs to associate with the AP multi-link device on multiple links, it does not need to send probe request frames on every single link, thus saving transmission overhead.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the STA multi-link device receives a probe response frame sent by the AP multi-link device on the first link. This probe response frame carries communication information of the APs operating on at least one link in the AP multi-link device. Based on this possible implementation, the STA multi-link device can successfully receive the communication information of the APs operating on at least one link in the AP multi-link device.

[0012] Secondly, this application provides a method for detecting multi-link devices. The method includes: an access point (AP) multi-link device receiving a probe request frame sent by a site (STA) multi-link device on a first link. The probe request frame carries first indication information, which instructs the AP multi-link device to provide communication information of APs operating on at least one link within the AP multi-link device. This communication information is used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device. The at least one link includes a second link, which is different from the first link. The AP multi-link device then sends a probe response frame to the STA multi-link device on the first link. This probe response frame carries the communication information of APs operating on at least one link within the AP multi-link device. The beneficial effects of the second aspect are similar to those of the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first indication information includes a first field;

[0014] The first field carries the address of the AP multi-link device. That is, the first field uses the address of the AP multi-link device to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information from at least one AP operating on a link. This accurately indicates the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information; or

[0015] The first field carries the identifier of the AP multi-link device. That is, the first field uses the AP multi-link device identifier to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information from an AP operating on at least one link. This accurately identifies the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information; or

[0016] The first field carries the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the AP multi-link device. That is, the first field uses the SSID of the AP multi-link device to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to report communication information from APs operating on at least one link. This accurately identifies the AP multi-link device that needs to report communication information; or

[0017] The first field carries the SSID of the AP multi-link device on the first link. That is, the first field uses the SSID of the AP multi-link device on the first link to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information from at least one AP operating on that link. This accurately indicates the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information; or

[0018] The value of the first field is a preset value. The first indication information is specifically used to instruct the AP multi-link device that receives the probe request frame to report the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link. This method does not need to carry the addresses / identifiers / SSIDs of multiple AP multi-link devices. It only needs to set the value of the first field to a special value, such as all 1s or all 0s, to enable all AP multi-link devices that receive the probe request frame to report the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link. Therefore, based on this possible implementation method, it is beneficial to save signaling overhead.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first indication information further includes a second field, which is used to indicate the aforementioned at least one link; that is, the second field indicates which link's AP communication information the AP needs to relay. By indicating the aforementioned at least one link through the second field, the AP's communication information can be flexibly obtained according to the needs of the STA multi-link device.

[0020] Optionally, the second field carries a feedback type, which takes a first value to indicate that the AP multi-link device provides feedback on the communication information of APs operating on all links within the AP multi-link device. Optionally, when the feedback type takes a second value, it indicates that the AP multi-link device provides feedback on the communication information of APs operating on the first link within the AP multi-link device. Optionally, this second field is located in the multi-link element (ML element). Further, this second field can be located in the multi-link device common (MLD common) field of the multi-link element. Since the feedback type can be indicated with a small number of bits, indicating the link through the feedback type helps to save signaling overhead.

[0021] Optionally, the second field carries the identifier of at least one link. Optionally, this second field is located in a multi-link element (ML element). Further, this second field may be located in the multi-link device common (MLD common) field of the multi-link element, and this second field includes at least one optional sub-element. Based on this optional method of indicating links, links can be accurately indicated by their identifiers.

[0022] Optionally, the second field carries a bitmap, which includes bits corresponding to links. The first bit is any bit in the bitmap. When the value of the first bit is a first value, it instructs the AP multi-link device to feedback communication information of the APs operating on the link corresponding to the first bit. When the value of the first bit is a second value, it instructs the AP multi-link device not to feedback communication information of the APs operating on the link corresponding to the first bit. Optionally, when the second field carries a bitmap, this second field can be located within the multi-link element. Indicating links based on this optional method helps to save signaling overhead.

[0023] In another possible implementation, the second field may not indicate the link for which communication information needs to be fed back. Instead, the second field indicates a known link, which is a link whose communication information the STA multi-link device already knows about the AP. For example, if the STA multi-link device already knows the communication information of AP1 operating on link 1 in AP multi-link device 1, then the STA multi-link device only needs to indicate link 1 through the second field. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 parses the second field to determine that the STA multi-link device already knows the communication information of AP1. Therefore, AP multi-link device 1 only needs to feed back the communication information of AP2 and AP3. It is evident that indicating a known link through the second field helps reduce signaling overhead.

[0024] Optionally, the second field can indicate a known link by carrying an identifier of the known link. Alternatively, it can indicate a known link by carrying a bitmap. This bitmap includes bits corresponding to the links, where the first bit is any bit in the bitmap. When the value of the first bit is a first value, it indicates that the link corresponding to the first bit is a known link; when the value of the first bit is a second value, it indicates that the link corresponding to the first bit is not a known link.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first field is located in the multi-link element of the probe request frame. By using the existing multi-link element in the standard to carry the first field, no new information element needs to be defined, resulting in minimal changes to the standard and making it easier to implement.

[0026] Optionally, the first field is the multi-link device address (MLD address) field in the multi-link element. The MLD address field carries the address of the AP multi-link device, or its value is a preset value. By using existing fields in the standard to carry the address of the AP multi-link device or a preset value, no new fields need to be defined, resulting in less modification to the standard and easier implementation.

[0027] Optionally, the multi-link element also carries second indication information, which indicates that the multi-link device address field is used to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to provide feedback communication information. This optional approach helps the AP multi-link device accurately identify the content carried in the multi-link device address field.

[0028] Optionally, when the first field is the multi-link device address field in a multi-link element, the multi-link element does not carry optional sub-elements to indicate that the multi-link device address field is used to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the above links. Based on this optional approach, it is beneficial for the AP multi-link device to accurately identify the content carried by the multi-link device address field.

[0029] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This device can be an STA multi-link device, a component within an STA multi-link device, or a device compatible with an STA multi-link device. The communication device can also be a chip system. This communication device can execute the method described in the first aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the aforementioned functions. These units can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the communication device and its beneficial effects are described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0030] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This device can be an AP multi-link device, a component within an AP multi-link device, or a device compatible with an AP multi-link device. The communication device can also be a chip system. This communication device can execute the method described in the second aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented in hardware or by executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the aforementioned functions. These units can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the communication device and its beneficial effects are described in the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0031] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, which may be an STA multi-link device or a chip system. The communication device includes at least one processor, and when the processor calls a computer program in memory, the method executed by the STA multi-link device as described in the first aspect is executed.

[0032] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device, which may be an AP multi-link device or a chip system. The communication device includes at least one processor, and when the processor calls a computer program in memory, the method executed by the AP multi-link device as described in the second aspect is executed.

[0033] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device, which may be an STA multi-link device or a chip system. The communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method executed by the STA multi-link device as described in the first aspect.

[0034] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device, which may be an AP multi-link device or a chip system. The communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method performed by the AP multi-link device as described in the second aspect.

[0035] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be an STA multi-link device. The communication device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver is used to receive or transmit signals. The memory is used to store a computer program. The processor is used to call the computer program from the memory to execute the method executed by the STA multi-link device as described in the first aspect.

[0036] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication device, which can be an AP multi-link device. The communication device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver is used to receive or transmit signals. The memory is used to store a computer program. The processor is used to call the computer program from the memory to execute the method executed by the AP multi-link device as described in the second aspect.

[0037] Eleventhly, this application provides a communication device, which may be an STA multi-link device or a chip system, the communication device including at least one processor and a communication interface, the processor running a computer program to perform the method performed by the STA link device as described in the first aspect.

[0038] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a communication device, which may be an AP multi-link device or a chip system, the communication device including at least one processor and a communication interface, the processor running a computer program to perform the method performed by the AP multi-link device as described in the second aspect.

[0039] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method performed by the STA multi-link device as described in the first aspect to be implemented.

[0040] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method performed by the AP multi-link device as described in the second aspect to be implemented.

[0041] In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause the method performed by the STA multilink device as described in the first aspect to be implemented.

[0042] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause the method performed by the AP multilink device as described in the second aspect to be implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an existing multi-link device;

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 3c is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting multi-link devices provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another probe request frame structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of another probe request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 29a is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 29b is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0076] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0077] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0078] This application provides a method and communication device for detecting multi-link devices. The method provided in this application is applied to a wireless communication system. This 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 the communication device. The communication device can be a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission across multiple links, for example, referred to as a multi-link device or a multi-band device. 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.

[0079] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the system architecture involved in the embodiments of this application will be described first below:

[0080] The system architecture provided in this application includes multiple multi-link devices. A multi-link device (MLD) includes one or more affiliated sites. The affiliated sites are logical sites. The phrase "multi-link device includes affiliated sites" is also briefly described in this application 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 or multi-link AP device or AP multi-link device, and a multi-link device whose affiliated site is a non-AP STA as a multi-link STA or multi-link STA device or STA multi-link device.

[0081] 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.

[0082] In a multi-link device, each station can operate on a separate link, but multiple stations are allowed to operate on the same link.

[0083] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a system architecture diagram provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 shows an example system architecture including two AP multi-link devices and one STA multi-link device. The system architecture may also include more or fewer AP multi-link devices, or more STA multi-link devices.

[0084] If a multi-link device contains one or more access points (APs), then the multi-link device can be called an AP multi-link device. An AP multi-link device can also be called a multi-link AP or a multi-link AP device. For example, as shown in Figure 2, AP multi-link device 1 includes AP1, AP2, and AP3, and AP multi-link device 2 includes AP4 and AP5.

[0085] If a multi-link device contains one or more non-access point stations (non-AP STAs), then the multi-link device can be called a STA multi-link device. For ease of description, non-access point stations will be referred to simply as stations in the following text. STA multi-link devices can also be called multi-link STAs or multi-link STA devices. For example, as shown in Figure 2, a STA multi-link device includes STA1 and STA2.

[0086] The frequency bands in which the multi-link devices in this application operate can include, but are not limited to, one or more combinations of the following: sub-1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and high-frequency 60GHz. For example, as shown in Figure 2, in the STA multi-link device, STA1 operates at 2.4GHz and STA2 operates at 5GHz. The AP multi-link device 1 includes AP1 operating at 2.4GHz, AP2 operating at 5GHz, and AP3 operating at 6GHz. In the AP multi-link device 2, AP4 operates at 2.4GHz and AP5 operates at 5GHz. Each frequency band corresponds to one link. It should be noted that the frequency bands supported by the AP multi-link device and STA multi-link device shown in Figure 2 are only examples. In practical applications, the AP multi-link device and STA multi-link device can also support more or fewer frequency bands, that is, the AP multi-link device and STA multi-link device can operate on more or fewer links, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0087] Please refer to Figures 3a and 3b, which show schematic diagrams of the structure of AP multi-link device 2 and STA multi-link device. The structure of AP multi-link device 1 is the same as that of AP multi-link device 2, and will not be described in detail here. The 802.11 standard focuses on the 802.11 physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layer portions of AP multi-link devices and STA multi-link devices (such as mobile phones and laptops).

[0088] As shown in Figure 3a, the multiple APs included in the AP multi-link device 2 are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and PHY layer, and are also independent of each other in the high MAC layer; the multiple STAs included in the STA multi-link device are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and PHY layer, and are also independent of each other in the high MAC layer.

[0089] As shown in Figure 3b, the multiple APs included in the AP multi-link device 2 are independent in the low MAC layer and PHY layer, but share the high MAC layer. The multiple STAs included in the STA multi-link device are independent in the low MAC layer and PHY layer, but share the high MAC layer.

[0090] Of course, the STA multi-link device can adopt an independent high MAC layer structure, while the AP multi-link device 2 adopts a shared high MAC layer structure; alternatively, the STA multi-link device can adopt a shared high MAC layer structure, while the AP multi-link device 1 adopts 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.

[0091] The multi-link device in this application embodiment can be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, 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 3c illustrates this with an AP multi-link device having multiple antennas and a STA multi-link device having a single antenna. In this application embodiment, 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.

[0092] The multi-link device in this application embodiment is a device with wireless communication function. The device can be a complete device, or it can be a chip or processing system installed in the complete device. The device with these chips or processing systems installed can implement the methods and functions of this application embodiment under the control of these chips or processing systems.

[0093] For example, the multi-link STA in this embodiment has wireless transceiver functionality, can support the 802.11 series of 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 an AP and thus with a WLAN. For example, a multi-link STA can be a network-connected user device 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 (IoT), or an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). A multi-link STA can also be the chip and processing system in these terminals.

[0094] The multi-link AP in this application embodiment is a device that provides services to multi-link STAs and can support the 802.11 series of protocols. For example, the multi-link AP can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity. Alternatively, the multi-link AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Of course, the multi-link AP can also be the chip and processing system in these various forms of devices, thereby realizing the methods and functions of this application embodiment. Furthermore, the multi-link device can support high-speed, low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of wireless LAN application scenarios, the multi-link device can also be applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air detection 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 this application embodiment are not particularly limited, and are merely illustrative examples. The 802.11 series protocols may include: 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc.

[0095] The detection method and communication device for multi-link devices provided in the embodiments of this application are further described in detail below:

[0096] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting multi-link devices according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the method for detecting multi-link devices includes steps 401 and 402. The execution subject of the method shown in Figure 4 can be a STA multi-link device or an AP multi-link device. Alternatively, the execution subject of the method shown in Figure 4 can be a chip in a STA multi-link device or a chip in an AP multi-link device. Figure 4 illustrates the method using STA multi-link devices and AP multi-link devices as examples. Wherein:

[0097] 401. The STA multi-link device generates a probe request frame, which carries first indication information. The first indication information is used to instruct the AP multi-link device to provide feedback on the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link in the AP multi-link device. The communication information is used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device. The at least one link includes a second link, which is different from the first link.

[0098] In this embodiment of the application, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct one or more AP multi-link devices to feedback communication information of the APs operating on at least one link among the AP multi-link devices. Referring to FIG2, for example, the first indication information instructs AP multi-link device 1 to feedback communication information of the APs operating on at least one link among AP multi-link device 1, and instructs AP multi-link device 2 to feedback communication information of the APs operating on at least one link among AP multi-link device 2. Alternatively, the first indication information instructs AP multi-link device 1 to feedback communication information of the APs operating on at least one link among AP multi-link device 1. Alternatively, the first indication information instructs AP multi-link device 2 to feedback communication information of the APs operating on at least one link among AP multi-link device 2.

[0099] In this embodiment, the aforementioned at least one link includes a second link, and the second link is different from the first link, which is the link that sends the probe request frame. The aforementioned at least one link includes the following three cases: a. At least one link includes only one second link. b. At least one link includes multiple second links. c. At least one link includes a first link and one or more second links. That is, the first indication information sent on the first link can instruct the AP multi-link device to report communication information of APs on other links.

[0100] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the STA multi-link device generates a probe request frame to be sent on link 1. This probe request frame carries first indication information, which instructs the AP multi-link device 1 to provide communication information of the APs operating on at least one link. The AP multi-link device 1 may provide communication information of AP2 operating on link 2. Alternatively, it may provide communication information of both AP2 and AP3 operating on link 3. Or, it may provide communication information of AP1 operating on link 1, AP2 operating on link 2, and AP3 operating on link 3.

[0101] In one possible implementation, at least one of the aforementioned links includes the link operated by the STA in the STA multi-link device. For example, as shown in Figure 2, AP multi-link device 1 relays communication information between AP1 and AP2. Since the STA multi-link device only operates in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, it will not associate with AP3, which operates at 6GHz. Therefore, AP multi-link device 1 does not need to relay communication information from AP3. This helps save transmission resources.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the first link is the link operated by any one of the STAs in the STA multi-link device. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the STA multi-link device can select link 1 or link 2 to send a probe request frame.

[0103] In another possible implementation, the first link can be a link predefined by the protocol for sending probe request frames.

[0104] In another possible implementation, the first link can be the link corresponding to the smallest frequency band in which the STA multi-link device operates. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first link can be link 1. Typically, the smallest frequency band can be supported by a large number of multi-link devices. By sending a probe request frame on the link corresponding to the smallest frequency band in which the STA multi-link device operates, it is beneficial for more other AP multi-link devices to receive the probe request frame.

[0105] In this embodiment, the communication information is used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device. For example, the communication information is used to associate the STA in the STA multi-link device with the AP in the AP multi-link device, or to establish multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device, or after the STA in the STA multi-link device is associated with the AP in the AP multi-link device, the communication information can also be used for data transmission.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the communication information includes a capability information unit and an operational information unit. The capability information unit carries the AP's capability information, i.e., which features it supports and which it does not, as well as parameters such as the supported MCS set, the maximum aggregated Media Access Control Protocol Data Unit (A-MPDU) length, and the minimum interval between MPDU start positions. The operational information unit carries the AP's current operating parameters, such as the operating channel position, maximum bandwidth, the set of basic modulation and coding schemes (MCS) and stream numbers, and the transmission RTS threshold.

[0107] Optionally, the capability information unit carries the following information: HT capabilities, VHT capabilities, HE capabilities, and EHT capabilities. The operation information unit carries the following information: EDCA parameter set, HT operation, VHT operation, HE operation, and EHT operation. Optionally, when the frequency band of the first link is 6GHz, these four pieces of information—HT capabilities, HT operation, VHT capabilities, and VHT operation—may not be included in the communication information.

[0108] Optionally, the communication information may also include one or more of the following elements: 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, SIG beacon compatibility, short beacon interval, SIG capabilities, and SIG operation(11ah) etc.

[0109] 402. The STA multi-link device sends the probe request frame on the first link.

[0110] If the AP multi-link device receives the probe request frame, it sends a probe response frame to the STA multi-link device on the first link. This probe response frame carries communication information of the APs operating on at least one link within the AP multi-link device. Correspondingly, the STA multi-link device can receive the probe response frame sent by the AP multi-link device on the first link.

[0111] If the AP multilink device that needs to provide feedback communication information as indicated by the first indication information does not receive the probe request frame, then the STA multilink device will not receive the probe response frame.

[0112] As can be seen, by implementing the method described in Figure 4, the STA multi-link device can receive communication information from the AP operating on the second link in the AP multi-link device by sending a probe request frame on the first link. Based on the method described in Figure 4, the STA multi-link device can promptly obtain the communication information of the AP operating on the second link when it cannot send a probe request frame through the second link. Furthermore, the STA multi-link device only sends probe request frames on the first link, only needing to monitor the status of the first link, which facilitates management. Also, since it only needs to listen to response frames on the first link, it helps save power consumption for the STA multi-link device. Moreover, if the STA multi-link device needs to associate with the AP multi-link device on multiple links, it does not need to send probe request frames on each of the multiple links, thus saving transmission overhead.

[0113] The following is a detailed introduction to the specific implementation method of the AP multi-link device that requires feedback of the above communication information in the first indication information:

[0114] The first indication information includes a first field, which indicates the AP multi-link device that needs to provide communication information from the AP operating on at least one of the aforementioned links. The first field indicates the AP multi-link device that needs to provide this communication information in one of the following five ways:

[0115] Method 1: The first field carries the address of the AP multi-link device. That is, the first field indicates the AP multi-link device that needs to relay communication information from an AP operating on at least one link, using the address of the AP multi-link device. Optionally, the address of the AP multi-link device can be a MAC address or a MAC SAP (service access point) address, etc.

[0116] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the STA multi-link device sends a probe request frame through link 1. This probe request frame includes a first field, which carries the address of AP multi-link device 1. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 determines that the address of AP multi-link device carried in the first field is the same as its own address. Then, AP multi-link device 1 sends a probe response frame on link 1. This probe response frame carries the communication information of AP1 to AP3 in AP multi-link device 1.

[0117] After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 2 determines that the address of the AP multi-link device carried in the first field is different from its own address. Then, AP multi-link device 2 sends a probe response frame on link 1, which carries the communication information of AP4 in AP multi-link device 1. Alternatively, AP multi-link device 2 may choose not to reply with a probe response frame.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the name of the first field may be multi-link device address field, target multi-link device address field, AP multi-link device address field, device address field, or address field, or may be called other names.

[0119] The first field can be in the information element, or it can be not in the information element.

[0120] For example, let's take the first field as an example within an information element. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for a probe request frame. As shown in Figure 5, a multi-link device address element (MLD address element) can be added to the frame body of the probe request frame. The MLD address element includes an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, and an MLD address field. As shown in Figure 5, the first field is the MLD address field, which carries the address of AP multi-link device 1. Of course, the MLD address element can also be added to other locations in the probe request frame, such as other locations in the frame body, or outside the frame body; this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0121] For another example, let's consider a scenario where the first field is not present in the information element. Figure 6 shows another frame structure diagram of a probe request frame. As shown in Figure 6, a multi-link device address (MLD address) field can be added to the frame body of the probe request frame. The first field is the MLD address field, which carries the address of AP multi-link device 1. Of course, the MLD address field can also be added to other locations in the probe request frame, such as other locations in the frame body, or outside the frame body; this embodiment of the application does not impose any limitations.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the first field is located in the multi-link element of the probe request frame; that is, the first field is located in an existing information element in the standard. Carrying the first field using an existing information element in the standard avoids defining new information elements, resulting in less modification to the standard and making it easier to implement.

[0123] Optionally, the first field is the multi-link device address (MLD address) field in the multi-link element. That is, the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back the aforementioned communication information (i.e., the communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the aforementioned links) is indicated using the existing multi-link device address field in the existing standard. By carrying the address of the AP multi-link device using an existing field in the standard, no additional new fields need to be defined, resulting in less modification to the standard and easier implementation.

[0124] For example, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another frame structure for a probe request frame. As shown in Figure 7, the probe request frame includes a multi-link element. The first field is the multi-link device address field in the multi-link device common (MLD common) field. The difference between Figures 5, 6, and 7 is that the multi-link device address field in Figures 5 and 6 is a newly added field, used to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to provide feedback on communication information. However, the multi-link device address field in Figure 7 is an existing field in the standard. In existing standards, the multi-link device address field in the multi-link device common field is used to carry the address of the STA multi-link device. In this embodiment, the multi-link device address field in the multi-link device common field is used to carry the address of the AP multi-link device that needs to provide feedback on the communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the aforementioned links; that is, the multi-link device address field in the multi-link device common field is used to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to provide feedback on the communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the aforementioned links.

[0125] Optionally, when the first field is the multi-link device address field in a multi-link element, the probe request frame also carries second indication information. This second indication information indicates that the multi-link device address field is used to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to provide feedback on communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the aforementioned links. Based on this optional approach, it is beneficial for the AP multi-link device to accurately identify the content carried by the multi-link device address field.

[0126] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the probe request frame carries a second indication information before the multi-link device address field. After detecting the second indication information, the AP multi-link device can distinguish the content carried in the multi-link device address field. For example, the second indication information can be 1 bit. If the value of the second indication information is 1, it indicates that the multi-link device address field is used to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to report communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the above links, that is, the multi-link device address field carries the address of the AP multi-link device that needs to report communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the above links. After the AP multi-link device recognizes that the bit value of the second indication information is 1, it will check whether the address carried in the multi-link device address field is the same as its own address. If they are the same, the AP multi-link device will report the communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the above links. Optionally, if the bit value of the second indication information is 0, it indicates that the multi-link device address field does not carry the address of the AP multi-link device that needs to be reported, for example, it indicates that the multi-link device address field carries the address of the STA multi-link device.

[0127] Optionally, when the first field is the multi-link device address field in a multi-link element, the multi-link element does not carry optional sub-elements to indicate that the multi-link device address field is used to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the above links. Based on this optional approach, it is beneficial for the AP multi-link device to accurately identify the content carried in the multi-link device address field without adding extra information to indicate the content carried in the multi-link device address field, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0128] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the multi-link element does not carry optional sub-elements. After detecting a multi-link element, if the AP multi-link device finds that the multi-link element does not carry optional sub-elements, it determines that the multi-link device address field is used to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the aforementioned links. The AP multi-link device will then check whether the address carried in the multi-link device address field is the same as its own address. If they are the same, the AP multi-link device will feed back the communication information of the AP operating on at least one of the aforementioned links.

[0129] The above describes two ways to distinguish the content carried in the address field of a multi-link device. Of course, the protocol can specify that the address field of the multi-link device only carries the address of the AP multi-link device. In this way, the AP multi-link device can default to carrying the address of the AP multi-link device in the address field, without needing other additional information to indicate the content carried in the address field.

[0130] Optionally, the first field may not be the multi-link device address field in the multi-link element. For example, as shown in Figure 10, a target multi-link device address field can be added to the common field of the multi-link device in the multi-link element to carry the address of AP multi-link device 1. This eliminates the need to carry additional signaling to distinguish the content carried by the existing multi-link address field in the standard.

[0131] The following describes the case where the first indication information includes multiple first fields, each carrying the address of an AP multi-link device:

[0132] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the STA multi-link device sends a probe request frame through link 1. This probe request frame includes a first field 1 and a first field 2. The first field 1 carries the address of AP multi-link device 1, and the first field 2 carries the address of AP multi-link device 2. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 determines that the address of the AP multi-link device carried in the first field 1 includes its own address. Then, AP multi-link device 1 sends a probe response frame on link 1. This probe response frame carries the communication information of AP1 to AP3.

[0133] After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 2 determines that the address of the AP multi-link device carried in the first field 2 includes its own address. Then, AP multi-link device 2 sends a probe response frame on link 1, which carries the communication information of AP4 and AP5.

[0134] In one possible implementation, multiple first fields may be located in a multilink device address list element, which may also be called a target multilink device address list element, an AP multilink device address list element, a device address list element, or an address list element, or may be called by other names.

[0135] For example, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for a probe request frame. As shown in Figure 11, a multi-link device address list element can be added to the frame body of the probe request frame. The multi-link device address list element includes an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, and a multi-link device address list field. As shown in Figure 11, the multi-link device address list field carries multi-link device address element 1 and multi-link device address element 2. Multi-link device address element 1 carries multi-link device address field 1, i.e., first field 1. Multi-link device address element 2 carries multi-link device address field 2, i.e., first field 2. Of course, the multi-link device address list element can also be added to other positions in the probe request frame, such as other positions in the frame body, or outside the frame body; this embodiment does not limit this. Alternatively, multi-link device address field 1 may not be located in multi-link device address element 1, and multi-link device address field 2 may not be located in multi-link device address element 2, for example, as shown in Figure 12.

[0136] In one possible implementation, multiple first fields may be located in the multilink device address list field, which may also be called the target multilink device address list field, the AP multilink device address list field, the device address list field, or the address list field, or any other name. The probe request frame also carries address quantity indication information to indicate the number of multilink device addresses carried in the multilink address list field. This helps the AP multilink device accurately obtain the multilink device addresses carried in the multilink address list field.

[0137] For example, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for a probe request frame. As shown in Figure 13, a multi-link device address list field and address quantity indication information can be added to the frame body of the probe request frame. The multi-link device address list field includes multi-link device address element 1 and multi-link device address element 2. Multi-link device address element 1 carries multi-link device address field 1, i.e., first field 1. Multi-link device address element 2 carries multi-link device address field 2, i.e., first field 2. Of course, the multi-link device address list field can also be added to other positions in the probe request frame, such as other positions in the frame body, or outside the frame body; this embodiment does not limit this. Alternatively, multi-link device address field 1 may not be located in multi-link device address element 1, and multi-link device address field 2 may not be located in multi-link device address element 2, for example, as shown in Figure 14. Optionally, the probe request frame may not carry address quantity indication information. For example, if the address quantity carried by the multi-link address list field is a fixed value, no additional signaling is needed to indicate the number of addresses carried by the multi-link address list field.

[0138] In one possible implementation, multiple first fields may be located in the multi-link element field of the probe request frame. For example, as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0139] In one possible implementation, multiple first fields may not reside in the same multilink element. For example, first field 1 may reside in multilink element 1, and first field 2 may reside in multilink element 2.

[0140] Method 2: The first field carries the identifier (ID or index) of the AP multi-link device. That is, the first field uses the identifier of the AP multi-link device to indicate the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information of the AP that is working on at least one link.

[0141] Optionally, the length of the identifier of the AP multi-link device can be shorter than the length of the AP multi-link device address. For example, the length of the AP multi-link device address is typically 48 bits, while the identifier of the AP multi-link device can be 8 bits or 4 bits, etc. Optionally, a portion of the AP multi-link device address can be used as the identifier of the AP multi-link device, or the identifier of the AP multi-link device can be obtained based on other information. Optionally, the identifier of the AP multi-link device can be obtained by the STA multi-link device in advance from the AP multi-link device, or obtained through other means; this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0142] The first field indicates the specific implementation principle of the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information of the AP operating on at least one link by using the AP multi-link device identifier. This is the same as the specific implementation principle of the AP multi-link device that indicates the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link by using the address of the AP multi-link device in Method 1 above. Therefore, no further examples will be given here.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the name of the first field may be multi-link device identification field, target multi-link device identification field, AP multi-link device identification field, device identification field, or identification field, or may be called other names.

[0144] The first field may or may not be in the information element. For example, the multi-link device address in Figures 5 and 6 can be replaced with the multi-link device identifier.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the first field is located in the multi-link element of the probe request frame; that is, the first field is located in an existing information element in the standard. Carrying the first field using an existing information element in the standard avoids defining new information elements, resulting in minimal changes to the standard and easier implementation. For example, the target multi-link device address in Figure 10 can be replaced with the multi-link device identifier.

[0146] When the first field carries the identifier of an AP multi-link device, the probe request frame can also carry multiple first fields, each carrying the identifier of one AP multi-link device. The principle of instructing multiple AP multi-link devices to report communication information of APs operating on at least one link is the same as the principle in Method 1 above, which uses multiple first fields to instruct multiple AP multi-link devices to report communication information of APs operating on at least one link, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the position of the multiple first fields in the probe request frame in Method 2 can be found in the description of the position of the multiple first fields in the probe request frame in Method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0147] Method 3: The first field carries a service set identifier (SSID) for the AP multi-link device. That is, the SSID of the AP multi-link device in the first field indicates the AP multi-link device that needs to report communication information from APs operating on at least one link. The SSID is used to distinguish different networks. The SSID of the AP multi-link device refers to the multi-link device-level SSID; one AP multi-link device corresponds to one multi-link device-level SSID.

[0148] The first field indicates the specific implementation principle of the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information of the AP operating on at least one link by using the AP multi-link device identifier. This is the same as the specific implementation principle of the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information of the AP operating on at least one link by using the AP multi-link device identifier in Method 2 above. Therefore, no further examples will be given here.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the name of the first field can be the multi-link device SSID field, the target multi-link device SSID field, the AP multi-link device SSID field, the device SSID field, or the SSID field, or it can be called any other name. In Method 3, the position of the first field in the probe request frame is similar to that in Method 2, and can be found in the description of the position of the first field in the probe request frame in Method 2 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0150] In one possible implementation, when the first field carries the SSID of the AP multi-link device, the first field can be the SSID field of the frame body of the probe request frame. For example, as shown in Figure 17.

[0151] Similarly, in Method 3, when the first field carries the SSID of the AP multi-link device, the probe request frame can also carry multiple first fields, each carrying the SSID of one AP multi-link device. The principle by which multiple AP multi-link devices indicate communication information of APs operating on at least one link is the same as the principle in Method 1 above, which uses multiple first fields to indicate communication information of APs operating on at least one link, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the positions of the multiple first fields in the probe request frame in Method 3 can be found in the description of the positions of the multiple first fields in the probe request frame in Method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0152] Method 4: The first field carries the SSID of an AP multi-link device on the first link. That is, the first field indicates the AP multi-link device that needs to provide communication information about the AP operating on at least one link, using the SSID of the AP multi-link device on the first link. In this case, the SSID refers to a link-level SSID; one AP multi-link device corresponds to one SSID for each link. The link-level SSID can also be called a Short Multi-Link (ML) SSID.

[0153] The first field indicates the specific implementation principle of the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information of the AP operating on at least one link by using the AP multi-link device's identifier on the first link. This is the same as the specific implementation principle of the AP multi-link device that needs to feed back communication information of the AP operating on at least one link by using the AP multi-link device's identifier in Method 2 above. Therefore, no further examples will be given here.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the name of the first field can be the multi-link device SSID field, the target multi-link device SSID field, the AP multi-link device SSID field, the device SSID field, or the SSID field, or it can be called any other name. In Method 4, the position of the first field in the probe request frame is similar to that in Method 2, and can be found in the description of the position of the first field in the probe request frame in Method 2 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0155] In one possible implementation, when the first field carries the SSID of the AP multi-link device on the first link, the first field can be the SSID field of the frame body of the probe request frame. For example, as shown in Figure 18.

[0156] Similarly, in Method 4, when the first field carries the SSID of the AP multi-link device on the first link, the probe request frame can also carry multiple first fields, each carrying the SSID of one AP multi-link device on the first link. The principle by which multiple AP multi-link devices indicate the communication information of APs operating on at least one link is the same as the principle in Method 1 above, which uses multiple first fields to indicate the communication information of APs operating on at least one link, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the position of the multiple first fields in the probe request frame in Method 4 can be found in the description of the position of the multiple first fields in the probe request frame in Method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0157] Method 5: The value of the first field is a preset value. The first indication information is specifically used to instruct the AP multi-link device that received the probe request frame to provide communication information of the AP operating on at least one link. The preset value can be a special value, for example, all values ​​of the first field are 0 or all values ​​of 1. If the AP multi-link device detects that the value of the first field is this special value, the AP multi-link device sends a probe response frame, carrying the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link in the probe response frame. The first field in Method 5 can be any of the first fields described in Methods 1 to 4 above. The location and name of the first field can be found in the descriptions of Methods 1 to 4 above, and will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the first field in Method 5 may not be the first field described in Methods 1 to 4 above. For example, the name of the first field in Method 5 can be a wildcard field, etc.

[0158] For example, let's take the multi-link device identifier field in Method 2 as an example. As shown in Figure 19, the multi-link device identifier field has a total of 8 bits. If all bits of the multi-link device identifier field are 1, it indicates that all AP multi-link devices that receive the probe request frame should report the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link. After receiving the probe request frame, the AP multi-link device needs to report the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link. If not all bits of the multi-link device identifier field are 1, after receiving the probe request frame, the AP multi-link device needs to determine whether its own identifier is the same as the identifier carried in the multi-link device identifier field. If they are the same, the AP multi-link device needs to report the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link.

[0159] The following describes the specific implementation method of the link where the AP that needs to feed back communication information is located, as indicated by the first indication information:

[0160] In addition to any of the aforementioned first fields, the first indication information also includes a second field. This second field indicates which of the aforementioned at least one link, specifically which link's communication information the AP multi-link device needs to relay. Using the second field to indicate the at least one link allows for more flexible acquisition of the required AP communication information. Alternatively, the first indication information may not include the second field, allowing the AP multi-link device to determine which link's communication information to relay, or the AP multi-link device may default to relaying communication information from all APs operating on all links within the AP multi-link device.

[0161] The second field can indicate at least one of the above links in the following three ways:

[0162] Method 1: The second field carries the feedback type, which takes the first value and is used to instruct the AP multi-link device to provide feedback on the communication information of APs operating on all links in the AP multi-link device. Since the feedback type can be indicated with a small number of bits, using the feedback type to indicate the link helps save signaling overhead. Optionally, when the feedback type takes the second value, it is used to instruct the AP multi-link device to provide feedback on the communication information of APs operating on the first link in the AP multi-link device. For example, if the feedback type is 1 bit, a value of 1 indicates that the AP multi-link device provides feedback on the communication information of APs operating on all links in the AP multi-link device. A value of 0 indicates that the AP multi-link device provides feedback on the communication information of APs operating on the first link in the AP multi-link device. Of course, the feedback type can also be multiple bits, such as 2 bits, 3 bits, etc.

[0163] In one possible implementation, when the second field carries a feedback type, the second field is located within the multi-link element (ML element). Optionally, the second field is located in the multi-link device common (MLD common) field of the multi-link element, as shown in Figure 20. Of course, the second field can also be located outside the multi-link element; this embodiment does not limit this. Optionally, when the second field carries a feedback type, the name of the second field can be feedback type field, feedback field, type field, etc., or other names.

[0164] Method 2: The second field carries the identifier of at least one of the aforementioned links. For example, the second field carries the identifiers of link 1 and link 2. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 replies with the communication information of AP1 and AP2. Based on this method 2 for indicating links, the links can be accurately indicated through their identifiers.

[0165] In one possible implementation, when the second field carries the identifier of at least one of the aforementioned links, the second field is located in the multi-link element (ML element). Optionally, the second field is located in the multi-link device common (MLD common) field of the multi-link element. The second field may include one or more optional sub-elements. Each optional sub-element carries the identifier of one link. Carrying the identifier of at least one of the aforementioned links using existing fields avoids defining new fields, requires less modification to the standard, and is easier to implement.

[0166] For example, as shown in Figure 21. The second field includes two optional sub-elements: optional sub-element 1 carries the identifier of link 1, and optional sub-element 2 carries the identifier of link 2. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 feeds back the communication information of the APs operating on link 1 and link 2, that is, it feeds back the communication information of AP1 and AP2.

[0167] Optionally, different link identifiers can be indicated for different AP multi-link devices. There can be multiple first fields and multiple second fields, with one first field corresponding to one second field. This allows for more flexible indication of link identifiers for different AP multi-link devices.

[0168] For example, as shown in Figure 22, the probe request frame includes two first fields and two second fields. First field 1 and second field 1 are located in multi-link element 1, and first field 2 and second field 2 are located in multi-link element 2. Second field 1 includes optional sub-elements 1 to 3. Optional sub-elements 1 carry the identifier of link 1, optional sub-elements 2 carry the identifier of link 2, and optional sub-elements 3 carry the identifier of link 3. Second field 2 includes optional sub-elements 4 and 5. Optional sub-elements 4 carry the identifier of link 1, and optional sub-elements 5 carry the identifier of link 2. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 feeds back the communication information of the APs operating on links 1 to 3, i.e., it feeds back the communication information of AP1, AP2, and AP3. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 2 feeds back the communication information of the APs operating on links 1 and 2, i.e., it feeds back the communication information of AP4 and AP5.

[0169] Optionally, when there are multiple first fields, these multiple first fields can also correspond to a single second field. That is, the same link identifier can be indicated for different AP multi-link devices. Only one second field is needed to indicate the links corresponding to multiple AP multi-link devices, which helps save signaling overhead. For example, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the probe request frame includes two first fields and one second field. First field 1, first field 2, and second field are located in a multi-link element. The second field includes optional sub-element 1 and optional sub-element 2. Optional sub-element 1 carries the identifier of link 1, and optional sub-element 2 carries the identifier of link 2. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 feeds back the communication information of the APs operating on links 1 and 2, that is, it feeds back the communication information of AP1 and AP2. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 2 feeds back the communication information of the APs operating on links 1 and 2, that is, it feeds back the communication information of AP4 and AP5.

[0170] Optionally, when the second field carries the identifier of at least one of the links mentioned above, the name of the second field can be a link identifier field or a link identifier list field, etc.

[0171] Method 3: The second field carries a bitmap, which includes bits corresponding to links. The first bit is any bit in the bitmap. When the value of the first bit is the first value, it instructs the AP multi-link device to report communication information of the APs operating on the link corresponding to the first bit. When the value of the first bit is the second value, it instructs the AP multi-link device not to report communication information of the APs operating on the link corresponding to the first bit. Using Method 3 to indicate links helps save signaling overhead.

[0172] For example, if the bitmap includes 3 bits, with the first bit corresponding to link 1, the second bit to link 2, and the third bit to link 3, assuming a bit value of 1 indicates that the AP multi-link device is instructing the AP multi-link device to report communication information of the APs operating on the link corresponding to that bit. A bit value of 0 indicates that the AP multi-link device is not instructing the AP multi-link device to report communication information of the APs operating on the link corresponding to that bit. Then, if the bitmap value is 111, it indicates that the AP multi-link device is instructing the AP multi-link device to report communication information of the APs operating on links 1 through 3. If the bitmap value is 110, it indicates that the AP multi-link device is instructing the AP multi-link device to report communication information of the APs operating on links 1 and 2. When the second field carries the bitmap, the second field can be located within the multi-link element, for example, as shown in Figure 25. Of course, when the second field carries the bitmap, the second field can also be located in other positions; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0173] Optionally, when the second field carries a bitmap, the name of the second field can be Link Bitmap Field, Link Bitmap Field, Bitmap Field, etc.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the second field carries the feedback type, or the identifier of at least one of the aforementioned links, or the aforementioned bitmap. In this case, the second field may be carried in an element other than the multi-link element, for example, in a newly added information element.

[0175] For example, as shown in Figure 26, a request link element can be added to the frame body. This request link element is used to indicate which AP's communication information on which link needs to be fed back. As shown in Figure 26, the request link element specifically includes a request link information field, which carries a link identifier list field. The second field is the link identifier list field. The link identifier list field carries the identifiers of link 1 and link 2. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 parses the second field to determine that the STA multi-link device requests the communication information of APs on link 1 and link 2. Then, AP multi-link device 1 feeds back the communication information of AP1 and AP2. Similarly, if the second field carrying the above bitmap is a link bitmap field, the link identifier list field can be replaced with the link bitmap field. Or, if the second field carrying the above feedback type is a feedback type field, the link identifier list field can be replaced with the feedback type field. Of course, when the second field carries the feedback type, or the identifier of at least one of the above links, or the above bitmap, it can also be other field names. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0176] The above describes how the second field indicates the link that needs to provide communication information. In another possible implementation, the second field may not indicate the link that needs to provide communication information. Instead, the second field indicates a known link, which is a link whose communication information the STA multi-link device already knows about the AP. For example, if the STA multi-link device already knows the communication information of AP1 operating on link 1 in AP multi-link device 1, then the STA multi-link device only needs to indicate link 1 through the second field. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 parses the second field to determine that the STA multi-link device already knows the communication information of AP1. Therefore, AP multi-link device 1 only needs to provide the communication information of AP2 and AP3. It is evident that indicating a known link through the second field helps reduce signaling overhead.

[0177] Optionally, the second field can indicate a known link by carrying an identifier of the known link. Alternatively, it can indicate a known link by carrying a bitmap. This bitmap includes bits corresponding to the link, where the first bit is any bit in the bitmap. When the value of the first bit is a first value, it indicates that the link corresponding to the first bit is a known link; when the value of the first bit is a second value, it indicates that the link corresponding to the first bit is not a known link. Indicating a known link using a bitmap is the same principle as indicating a link requiring feedback communication information using a bitmap as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0178] For example, as shown in Figure 27, a known link element can be added to the frame body. This known link element indicates which links the STA multi-link device already knows about the communication information of the APs. The known link element specifically includes a known link information field, which carries a link identifier list field. The second field is the link identifier list field, which carries the identifier of link 1. After receiving the probe request frame, AP multi-link device 1 parses the second field to determine that the STA multi-link device already knows the communication information of AP1. Therefore, AP multi-link device 1 only needs to report the communication information of AP2 and AP3. Similarly, if the second field carrying the bitmap is a link bitmap field, the link identifier list field can be replaced with the link bitmap field.

[0179] Please refer to Figure 28, which shows a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device shown in Figure 28 can be used to perform some or all of the functions of a STA multi-link device or an AP multi-link device in the method embodiment described in Figure 4 above. This device can be a multi-link device, a device within a multi-link device, or a device compatible with a multi-link device. The communication device can also be a chip system. The communication device shown in Figure 28 may include a communication unit 2801 and a processing unit 2802. The processing unit 2802 is used for data processing. The communication unit 2801 integrates a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The communication unit 2801 can also be called a transceiver unit. Alternatively, the communication unit 2801 can be split into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The processing unit 2802 and the communication unit 2801 described below are similar and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0180] The communication device shown in Figure 28 is used to execute the STA multi-link device in the method embodiment described in Figure 4 above: Processing unit 2802 is used to generate a probe request frame. The probe request frame carries first indication information. The first indication information is used to instruct the access point AP multi-link device to feed back the communication information of the AP working on at least one link in the AP multi-link device. The communication information is used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device. At least one link includes a second link, which is different from the first link; Communication unit 2801 is used to send the probe request frame on the first link.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 2801 is further configured to receive a probe response frame sent by the AP multi-link device on the first link, the probe response frame carrying communication information of the AP operating on at least one link in the AP multi-link device.

[0182] The communication device shown in Figure 28 is used to execute the AP multi-link device in the method embodiment described in Figure 4 above: the communication unit 2801 is used to receive a probe request frame sent by the STA multi-link device on the first link. The probe request frame carries first indication information, which is used to instruct the AP multi-link device to provide feedback on the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link in the AP multi-link device. The communication information is used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device. The at least one link includes a second link, which is different from the first link. The communication unit 2801 is also used to send a probe response frame to the STA multi-link device on the first link. The probe response frame carries the communication information of the AP operating on at least one link in the AP multi-link device.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes a first field;

[0184] The first field carries the address of the AP multi-link device, or

[0185] The first field carries the identifier of the AP multi-link device, or

[0186] The first field carries the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the AP multi-link device, or

[0187] The first field carries the SSID of the AP multi-link device on the first link, or

[0188] The value of the first field is a preset value. This first field is specifically used to indicate the communication information to be fed back by the AP multilink device that receives the probe request frame.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also includes a second field, which is used to indicate at least one link.

[0190] In one possible implementation, the second field carries a feedback type, which takes the first value and is used to instruct the AP multi-link device to provide feedback on the communication information of the APs operating on all links in the AP multi-link device; or,

[0191] The second field carries the identifier of at least one link; or,

[0192] The second field carries a bit map, which includes bits corresponding to links. The first bit is any bit in the bit map. When the value of the first bit is a first value, it instructs the AP multi-link device to feed back the communication information of the APs operating on the link corresponding to the first bit in the AP multi-link device. When the value of the first bit is a second value, it instructs the AP multi-link device not to feed back the communication information of the APs operating on the link corresponding to the first bit in the AP multi-link device.

[0193] In one possible implementation, the first field is located in the multi-link element of the probe request frame.

[0194] In one possible implementation, the first field is the multi-link device address (MLD address) field in the multi-link element, which carries the address of the AP multi-link device, or the value of the multi-link device address is a preset value.

[0195] In one possible implementation, the multilink element also carries a second indication information, which indicates that the multilink device address field is used to indicate the AP multilink device that needs to provide feedback communication information.

[0196] Figure 29a shows a communication device 290 provided in an embodiment of this application, used to implement the functions of the STA multi-link device or AP multi-link device in Figure 4 above. This device can be a multi-link device or a device for a multi-link device. The device for a multi-link device can be a chip system or a chip within the multi-link device. The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0197] The communication device 290 includes at least one processor 2920 for implementing the data processing functions of the STA multi-link device or AP multi-link device in the method provided in this application embodiment. The device 290 may also include a communication interface 2910 for implementing the transmit and receive operations of the STA multi-link device or AP multi-link device in the method provided in this application embodiment. In this application embodiment, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface for communicating with other devices via a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 2910 enables the device in device 290 to communicate with other devices. The processor 2920 uses the communication interface 2910 to transmit and receive data and is used to implement the method described in FIG. 4 of the above method embodiment.

[0198] Device 290 may further include at least one memory 2930 for storing program instructions and / or data. Memory 2930 is coupled to processor 2920. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. Processor 2920 may operate in conjunction with memory 2930. Processor 2920 may execute program instructions stored in memory 2930. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0199] This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 2910, processor 2920, and memory 2930. In Figure 29a, the memory 2930, processor 2920, and communication interface 2910 are connected via a bus 2940, indicated by a thick line. The connection methods between other components are merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting. The bus can be categorized as an address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 29a, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0200] When device 290 is specifically a chip or chip system, the communication interface 2910 can output or receive baseband signals. When device 290 is specifically a multi-link device, the communication interface 2910 can output or receive radio frequency signals. In the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, which can implement or execute the various methods, operations, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The operation of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly reflected as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0201] As an example, Figure 29b is a schematic diagram of another communication device 2900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 2900 can be a STA multi-link device or an AP multi-link device. The communication device 2900 can perform the operations performed by the STA multi-link device or AP multi-link device in the above method embodiments.

[0202] For ease of explanation, Figure 29b only shows the main components of the communication device 2900. As shown in Figure 29b, the communication device 2900 includes a processor, memory, radio frequency circuitry, antenna, and input / output devices. The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device 2900, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs, for example, to support the communication device 2900 in executing the process described in Figure 4. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The communication device 2900 may also include input / output devices, such as touch screens, displays, and keyboards, mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of communication devices 2900 may not have input / output devices.

[0203] When the communication device 2900 is powered on, the processor can read the software program in the storage unit, interpret and execute the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device 2900, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0204] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for ease of explanation, Figure 29b shows only one memory and processor. In an actual communication device 2900, multiple processors and memories may exist. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium or storage device, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0205] As an optional implementation, the processor may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is mainly used for processing communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is mainly used for controlling the entire communication device 2900, executing software programs, and processing data from the software programs. Optionally, the processor may also be a network processor (NP) or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor may further include hardware chips. The aforementioned hardware chips may be application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or combinations thereof. The aforementioned PLDs may be complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), generic array logic (GALs), or any combination thereof. Memory may include volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM); memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD); memory may also include combinations of the above types of memory.

[0206] For example, in the embodiments of this application, as shown in FIG29b, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver function can be regarded as the communication unit 2901 of the communication device 2900, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing unit 2902 of the communication device 2900.

[0207] The communication unit 2901, also known as a transceiver, transceiver device, or transceiver unit, is used to implement transmission and reception functions. Optionally, the device in the communication unit 2901 used for receiving functions can be considered a receiving unit, and the device in the communication unit 2901 used for transmitting functions can be considered a transmitting unit; that is, the communication unit 2901 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. For example, the receiving unit can also be called a receiver, receiver circuit, or receiving device, and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0208] In some embodiments, the communication unit 2901 and the processing unit 2902 may be integrated into one device or separated into different devices. In addition, the processor and the memory may be integrated into one device or separated into different devices.

[0209] The communication unit 2901 can be used to perform the transmit and receive operations of the communication device 2900 in the above method embodiment. The processing unit 2902 can be used to perform the data processing operations of the communication device 2900 in the above method embodiment.

[0210] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a processor, enable the implementation of the method flow described in the above method embodiments.

[0211] This application also provides a computer program product, which, when run on a processor, enables the implementation of the method flow described in the above method embodiments.

[0212] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some operations can be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0213] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this application can be referenced mutually. Each embodiment has its own emphasis, and parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the sake of convenience and brevity, for example, the functions and operations of the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The method embodiments and the device embodiments can also be referenced, combined or cited from each other.

[0214] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized by The communication device is applied to a station STA multi-link device, and the communication device comprises: a processing unit configured to generate a probe request frame, wherein the probe request frame carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct an access point AP multi-link device to feed back communication information of an AP working on at least one link in the AP multi-link device, and the communication information is used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device, and the at least one link comprises a second link which is different from a first link; and a communication unit configured to send the probe request frame on the first link.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is further configured to receive a probe response frame sent by the AP multi-link device on the first link, and the probe response frame carries the communication information of the AP working on the at least one link in the AP multi-link device.

3. A communication device, characterized by The communication device is applied to an access point AP multi-link device, and the communication device comprises: a communication unit configured to receive a probe request frame sent by a station STA multi-link device on a first link, wherein the probe request frame carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the AP multi-link device to feed back communication information of an AP working on at least one link in the AP multi-link device, and the communication information is used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device, and the at least one link comprises a second link which is different from the first link; and the communication unit is further configured to send a probe response frame to the STA multi-link device on the first link, and the probe response frame carries the communication information of the AP working on the at least one link in the AP multi-link device.

4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by The first indication information comprises a first field; the first field carries an address of the AP multi-link device, or the first field carries an identifier of the AP multi-link device, or the first field carries a service set identifier SSID of the AP multi-link device, or the first field carries an SSID of the AP multi-link device on the first link, or a value of the first field is a preset value, and the first field is specifically used to instruct the AP multi-link device receiving the probe request frame to feed back the communication information.

5. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first indication information further comprises a second field, and the second field is used to instruct the at least one link.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the second field carries a feedback type, and the feedback type takes a first value to instruct the AP multi-link device to feed back the communication information of the AP working on all links in the AP multi-link device; or the second field carries an identifier of the at least one link; or The second field carries a bit map, and the bit map includes a bit corresponding to a link. A first bit in the bit map is any bit, and a first value of the first bit indicates that the AP multi-link device feeds back communication information of an AP in the AP multi-link device operating on a link corresponding to the first bit. A second value of the first bit indicates that the AP multi-link device does not feed back the communication information of the AP in the AP multi-link device operating on the link corresponding to the first bit.

7. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein The first field is located in a multi-link element of the probe request frame.

8. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The first field is a multi-link device address (MLD address) field in the multi-link element, and the multi-link device address carries an address of the AP multi-link device or has the preset value.

9. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The multi-link element further carries second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the multi-link device address field is used to indicate an AP multi-link device that needs to feed back the communication information.

10. A method of probing for a multi-link device, the method comprising: The method comprises: A station STA multi-link device generates a probe request frame, and the probe request frame carries first indication information used to indicate an access point AP multi-link device to feed back communication information of an AP in the AP multi-link device operating on at least one link, the communication information being used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device, and the at least one link including a second link different from a first link. The STA multi-link device sends the probe request frame on the first link.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further comprises: The STA multi-link device receives, on the first link, a probe response frame sent by the AP multi-link device, and the probe response frame carries the communication information of the AP in the AP multi-link device operating on the at least one link.

12. A method of sounding of a multi-link device, the method comprising: The method comprises: An access point AP multi-link device receives, on a first link, a probe request frame sent by a station STA multi-link device, and the probe request frame carries first indication information used to indicate the AP multi-link device to feed back communication information of an AP in the AP multi-link device operating on at least one link, the communication information being used for multi-link communication between the STA multi-link device and the AP multi-link device, and the at least one link including a second link different from the first link. The AP multi-link device sends, on the first link, a probe response frame to the STA multi-link device, and the probe response frame carries the communication information of the AP in the AP multi-link device operating on the at least one link.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The first indication information includes a first field. The first field carries an address of the AP multi-link device, or The first field carries an identifier of the AP multi-link device, or The first field carries a service set identifier (SSID) of the AP multi-link device, or The first field carries a service set identifier (SSID) of the AP multi-link device, or The first field carries an SSID of the AP multi-link device on the first link, or The first field has a preset value, and the first field is specifically used to instruct the AP multi-link device that receives the probe request frame to feed back the communication information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The first indication information further includes a second field, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one link.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The second field carries a feedback type, and the feedback type takes a first value to instruct the AP multi-link device to feed back communication information of an AP in the AP multi-link device that works on all links. The second field carries an identity of the at least one link, or The second field carries a bit map, and the bit map includes a bit corresponding to a link, a first bit in the bit map, a first value of the first bit instructs the AP multi-link device to feed back communication information of an AP in the AP multi-link device that works on a link corresponding to the first bit, and a second value of the first bit instructs the AP multi-link device not to feed back communication information of an AP in the AP multi-link device that works on the link corresponding to the first bit. The first field is located in a multi-link element of the probe request frame.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The first field is a multi-link device address (MLD address) field in the multi-link element, the MLD address field carries an address of the AP multi-link device, or the MLD address field has the preset value.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The multi-link element further carries second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the MLD address field is used to instruct the AP multi-link device to feed back the communication information.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory to enable the communication device to perform the method in any one of claims 10 to 18.

19. A communications device, characterized by The communication device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver, the transceiver is used to receive or send a signal, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the method in any one of claims 10 to 18.

20. A communications device, characterized by The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface is used to input or output a signal, and the processor executes a computer program to perform the method in any one of claims 10 to 18.

21. A chip, characterized by The computer readable storage medium is used to store instructions, and when the instructions are executed, the method in any one of claims 10 to 18 is implemented.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed, the method in any one of claims 10 to 18 is implemented.

23. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that, ​ 24. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises a station STA multi-link device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 10, 11, 13-18 and an access point AP multi-link device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 12-18.

Images