Multi-link data processing method and related apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a multi-link data processing method and a related apparatus. In the method, a first apparatus sends first instruction information on a second link, wherein the first instruction information is used for instructing that a beam configuration parameter before a first link is disconnected be used for performing link recovery. There is no need to perform beam forming training again, thereby avoiding a waste of time. Therefore, the method can assist a disconnected first link in rapid link recovery, thereby facilitating an improvement in the data transmission efficiency. The present application is applied to wireless local area network systems supporting the next-generation Wi-Fi protocols (such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7 or EHT) following IEEE 802.11ax, or the next-generation Wi-Fi protocols (such as Wi-Fi 8 or UHR) following IEEE 802.11be, or Wi-Fi AI, or millimeter wave (mmWave), or ultra-wideband (UWB), or sensing.

Description

A multi-link data processing method and related device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202310874335.5 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on July 17, 2023, and priority to the Chinese patent application with the invention name “A multi-link data processing method and related device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a multi-link data processing method and related devices. Background Art

[0003] In order to meet the high throughput and low latency transmission requirements of emerging services such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (XR), millimeter wave links (also called high-frequency links) can be added to the current multi-link device (MLD) communication model. When the multi-links included in the MLD communication model include at least one millimeter wave link, the MLD device can transmit data through the millimeter wave link. When the MLD device transmits data through the millimeter wave link, if the millimeter wave link is blocked (for example, there is a physical obstruction between the access point multi-link device (AP MLD) and the non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD)), how to use the low-frequency link in the MLD to efficiently assist in the recovery of the millimeter wave link becomes a problem to be solved.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a multi-link data processing method and related devices, which can assist in rapid link recovery of disconnected millimeter wave links.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a multi-link data processing method, which is performed by a first device. The first device is a transmitting end. For example, in downlink data transmission, the first device is an access point multi-link device, or a component of an access point multi-link device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module that can implement all or part of the functions of an access point multi-link device, and is used to send downlink data; or in uplink data transmission, the first device is a non-access point multi-link device, or a component of a non-access point multi-link device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module that can implement all or part of the functions of a non-access point multi-link device, and is used to send uplink data. The first device sends first indication information on the second link, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected are used to perform link recovery. The first device performs link recovery on the first link.

[0007] In this method, when the first link (such as a millimeter wave link) is blocked and disconnected, the first device can instruct the data transmitter and receiver to try to restore the link on the first link through the first indication information, rather than directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link. For example, after the millimeter wave link is blocked and disconnected, the obstruction may end in a very short time. If the position of the receiving end has not moved, the transmitter and receiver can directly use the beamforming configuration before the link is disconnected to restore the link without re-performing beamforming training, thereby avoiding wasting time. Therefore, this method can assist the disconnected first link in rapid link recovery, which is beneficial to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first device configures a maximum retransmission time, where the maximum retransmission time represents a maximum duration for link recovery on the first link, wherein the maximum retransmission time is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between an access point and a non-access point.

[0009] In this method, the first device can configure the maximum retransmission time, thereby limiting the time within which the sending end and the receiving end can attempt to restore the link, rather than attempting to restore the link in an unlimited time, thereby avoiding wasting time.

[0010] In one possible implementation, if the first link is successfully recovered within the longest retransmission time, the first device sends data on the first link; or, if the first link fails to recover after the longest retransmission time has passed, the first device re-performs beamforming training for the first link.

[0011] In this method, if the link recovery attempt is successful within the longest retransmission time, the first device can directly switch from the second link (such as a link below 10 gigahertz (GHz) or a link below 7 GHz) to the first link (such as a millimeter wave link) for data transmission, avoiding time waste and helping to improve data transmission efficiency; if it fails, the first device can directly perform beamforming training.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first device configures a maximum number of retransmissions, where the maximum number of retransmissions represents a maximum number of attempts to recover the link on the first link, wherein the maximum number of retransmissions is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between the access point and the non-access point.

[0013] In this method, the first device can configure the maximum number of retransmissions, thereby limiting the number of times the transmitter and receiver can attempt to recover the link, rather than attempting to recover the link an unlimited number of times, to avoid wasting time.

[0014] In one possible implementation, if the first link is successfully recovered within a maximum number of retransmissions, the first device sends data on the first link; or, if the first link fails to recover after exceeding the maximum number of retransmissions, the first device re-performs beamforming training for the first link.

[0015] In this method, if the link recovery attempt is successful within the maximum number of retransmissions, the first device can directly switch from the second link (such as a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz) to the first link (such as a millimeter wave link) for data transmission, avoiding time waste and helping to improve data transmission efficiency; if it fails, the first device can directly perform beamforming training.

[0016] In a possible implementation, when link recovery is performed on the first link using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected, the first device uses a short data frame, a control frame, or a management frame to perform link recovery.

[0017] In this method, the first device can use the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected to send short data frames or control frames or management frames on the first link to try to restore the link information, thereby assisting the disconnected millimeter wave link to quickly recover the link.

[0018] In one possible implementation, when a first modulation and coding scheme is used to perform link recovery on a first link, the first device uses data frames of the first modulation and coding scheme to perform link recovery. The modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of a second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected.

[0019] In this method, the first device can use a lower modulation and coding scheme (such as a modulation and coding scheme with a lower modulation order and / or a lower code rate) to send data frames on the first link to try to restore link information, thereby assisting the disconnected millimeter wave link to quickly recover the link.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is carried in a data frame, or the first indication information is a management frame or a control frame.

[0021] In this method, the first indication information can be transmitted in the form of a management frame, or in the form of a control frame, or in the form of a data frame piggybacked transmission, which makes the implementation more flexible.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first device configures a first service period for each of the first and second links. The first service period starts at a first moment, which is a designated moment when the transmitter and receiver of the first link are synchronized after the first link is disconnected. The operating frequency of the second link is lower than the operating frequency of the first link. Alternatively, the first device configures the first service period for the first link.

[0023] In this method, the first device can set a first service period (such as a target wake-up time service period TWT SP) on both the millimeter wave link and the link below 10 GHz or the link below 7 GHz, or the first device can set a first service period only on the millimeter wave link, so that both the transmitting end and the receiving end of the first link can attempt to perform first link recovery within the first service period.

[0024] In one possible implementation, when the second link is not configured with the first service period, the first device sends second indication information, which is used to indicate to the receiving end that the sending end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz.

[0025] In this method, if the second link is not configured with the first service period, the sending end needs to notify the receiving end that data needs to be sent on the second link, so that the second link can be quickly awakened to transmit the data originally on the first link, which is conducive to ensuring the continuity of data transmission.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is included in the first field, or the first indication information is included in a combination of the first field and the second field. When the first indication information is included in the first field, the first field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be re-performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails; when the first indication information is included in the combination of the first field and the second field, the combination of the first field and the second field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed without beamforming training, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails.

[0027] In this method, two different field indication modes are defined, thereby being able to efficiently instruct the receiving end and the transmitting end to utilize the second link to assist the first link in link recovery.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the second link includes a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz; and the first link is a millimeter wave link.

[0029] In a second aspect, the present application provides a multi-link data processing method, which is performed by a first device. The first device sends a first indication message on the second link, and the first indication message is used to indicate that the first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within the longest retransmission time or the maximum number of retransmissions. The modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected. The first device performs link recovery on the first link.

[0030] In this method, when the first link is blocked and disconnected, the first device can instruct the data transmitter and receiver to attempt to recover the link on the first link through the first indication information, rather than directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link. For example, after the millimeter wave link is blocked and disconnected, the obstruction may end in a very short time. If the position of the receiving end has not moved, the receiving end can use a lower modulation and coding scheme to recover the link, rather than directly re-performing beamforming training, to avoid wasting time. Therefore, this method can assist the disconnected first link in rapid link recovery, which is beneficial to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0031] It can be understood that other possible implementations in the second aspect can refer to the specific descriptions of other possible implementations in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0032] In a third aspect, the present application provides a multi-link data processing method, which is performed by a second device. The second device is a receiving end. For example, in downlink data transmission, the second device is a non-access point multi-link device, or a component of a non-access point multi-link device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module that can implement all or part of the functions of a non-access point multi-link device, and is used to receive downlink data; or in uplink data transmission, the second device is an access point multi-link device, or a component of an access point multi-link device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module that can implement all or part of the functions of an access point multi-link device, and is used to receive uplink data. The second device receives first indication information on the second link, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected are used to perform link recovery. The second device performs link recovery on the first link.

[0033] In this method, when the first link is blocked and disconnected, the second device can receive the first indication information and then attempt to recover the link on the first link using a lower modulation and coding scheme within a preset time period or a preset maximum number of times, rather than directly re-training beamforming on the first link, thus avoiding wasted time. This method can facilitate rapid recovery of the disconnected first link, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the second device configures a maximum retransmission time, where the maximum retransmission time represents a maximum duration for link recovery on the first link, wherein the maximum retransmission time is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between the access point and the non-access point.

[0035] In this method, the second device can configure the maximum retransmission time, thereby limiting the time within which the sending end and the receiving end can attempt to restore the link, rather than attempting to restore the link in an unlimited time, thereby avoiding wasting time.

[0036] In one possible implementation, if the first link is successfully recovered within the maximum retransmission time, the second device receives data on the first link; or, if the first link fails to recover after the maximum retransmission time has passed, the second device re-performs beamforming training for the first link.

[0037] In this method, if the link recovery attempt is successful within the longest retransmission time, the second device can directly switch from the second link to the first link for data transmission, avoiding time waste and helping to improve data transmission efficiency; if it fails, the second device can directly perform beamforming training.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the second device configures a maximum number of retransmissions, where the maximum number of retransmissions represents a maximum number of attempts to recover the link on the first link. The maximum number of retransmissions is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between the access point and the non-access point.

[0039] In this method, the second device can configure the maximum number of retransmissions, thereby limiting the number of times the transmitter and receiver can attempt to recover the link, rather than attempting to recover the link an unlimited number of times, to avoid wasting time.

[0040] In one possible implementation, if the first link is successfully recovered within a maximum number of retransmissions, the second device receives data on the first link; or, if the first link fails to recover after exceeding the maximum number of retransmissions, the second device re-performs beamforming training for the first link.

[0041] In this method, if the link recovery attempt is successful within the maximum number of retransmissions, the second device can directly switch from the second link to the first link for data transmission, avoiding time waste and helping to improve data transmission efficiency; if it fails, the second device can directly perform beamforming training.

[0042] In a possible implementation, when link recovery is performed on the first link using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected, the second device uses a short data frame, a control frame, or a management frame to perform link recovery.

[0043] In this method, the second device can use the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected to receive short data frames or control frames or management frames on the first link to try to restore the link information, thereby assisting the disconnected millimeter wave link to quickly recover the link.

[0044] In one possible implementation, when a first modulation and coding scheme is used to perform link recovery on a first link, the second device uses data frames of the first modulation and coding scheme to perform link recovery. The modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected.

[0045] In this method, the second device can use a lower modulation and coding scheme (such as a modulation and coding scheme with a lower modulation order and / or a lower code rate) to receive data frames on the first link to attempt to restore link information, thereby assisting the disconnected millimeter wave link to quickly recover the link.

[0046] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is carried in a data frame, or the first indication information is a management frame or a control frame.

[0047] In this method, the first indication information can be transmitted in the form of a management frame, or in the form of a control frame, or in the form of a data frame piggybacked transmission, which makes the implementation more flexible.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the second device configures a first service period for each of the first and second links. The first service period begins at a first moment, which is a designated moment at which the transmitter and receiver of the first link are synchronized after the first link is disconnected. The operating frequency of the second link is lower than the operating frequency of the first link. Alternatively, the second device configures the first service period for the first link.

[0049] In this method, the second device can set a first service period (such as a target wake-up time service period TWT SP) on both the millimeter wave link and the link below 10 GHz or the link below 7 GHz, or the second device can set a first service period only on the millimeter wave link, so that both the transmitting end and the receiving end of the first link can attempt to perform first link recovery within the first service period.

[0050] In one possible implementation, when the second link is not configured with the first service period, the second device receives second indication information, which is used to indicate to the receiving end that the sending end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz.

[0051] In this method, if the second link is not configured with the first service period, the sending end needs to notify the receiving end that data needs to be sent on the second link, so that the second link can be quickly awakened to transmit the data originally on the first link, which is conducive to ensuring the continuity of data transmission.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is included in the first field, or the first indication information is included in a combination of the first field and the second field. When the first indication information is included in the first field, the first field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be re-performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails; when the first indication information is included in the combination of the first field and the second field, the combination of the first field and the second field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be re-performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed without beamforming training, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails.

[0053] In this method, two different field indication modes are defined, thereby being able to efficiently instruct the receiving end and the transmitting end to utilize the second link to assist the first link in link recovery.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the second link includes a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz; and the first link is a millimeter wave link.

[0055] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a multi-link data processing method, performed by a second device. The first device receives first indication information on the second link, the first indication information being used to indicate the use of a first modulation and coding scheme for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions; the modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; and the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected. The second device performs link recovery on the first link.

[0056] In this method, when the first link is blocked and disconnected, the second device can receive the first indication information and then attempt to recover the link on the first link using a lower modulation and coding scheme within a preset time period or a preset maximum number of times, rather than directly re-training beamforming on the first link, thus avoiding wasted time. This method can facilitate rapid recovery of the disconnected first link, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0057] It can be understood that other possible implementations in the fourth aspect can refer to the specific descriptions of other possible implementations in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be an access point multi-link device or a non-access point multi-link device, or a device that is an access point multi-link device or a non-access point multi-link device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with an access point multi-link device or a non-access point multi-link device. In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a functional module, which may be implemented as a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software. It is understood that the communication device in the fifth aspect can be used to implement the multi-link data processing methods described in the first and second aspects above.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to send first indication information on the second link, the first indication information being configured to indicate link recovery using beam configuration parameters used before the first link was disconnected. The processing unit is configured to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to send first indication information on the second link, where the first indication information is configured to indicate that a first modulation and coding scheme be used for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions. The modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link was disconnected. The processing unit is configured to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to configure a maximum retransmission time, where the maximum retransmission time represents a maximum duration for link recovery on the first link, wherein the maximum retransmission time is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between the access point and the non-access point.

[0062] In one possible implementation, if the first link is successfully recovered within the maximum retransmission time, the communication unit is used to send data on the first link; or, if the first link fails to recover after exceeding the maximum retransmission time, the processing unit is used to re-perform beamforming training for the first link.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to configure a maximum number of retransmissions, where the maximum number of retransmissions represents a maximum number of attempts to recover the link on the first link. The maximum number of retransmissions is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between the access point and the non-access point.

[0064] In one possible implementation, if the first link is successfully recovered within a maximum number of retransmissions, the communication unit is used to send data on the first link; or, if the first link fails to recover after exceeding the maximum number of retransmissions, the first device re-performs beamforming training for the first link.

[0065] In a possible implementation, when link recovery is performed on the first link using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected, the processing unit is configured to use a short data frame, a control frame, or a management frame to perform link recovery.

[0066] In one possible implementation, when a first modulation and coding scheme is used to perform link recovery on a first link, the processing unit is configured to perform link recovery using data frames of the first modulation and coding scheme. The modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of a second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected.

[0067] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is carried in a data frame, or the first indication information is a management frame or a control frame.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to configure a first service period for each of the first link and the second link. The first service period begins at a first moment, which is a specified moment at which the transmitter and receiver of the first link are synchronized after the first link is disconnected. The operating frequency of the second link is lower than the operating frequency of the first link. Alternatively, the processing unit is configured to configure the first service period for the first link.

[0069] In one possible implementation, when the second link is not configured with the first service period, the communication unit is used to send second indication information, which is used to indicate to the receiving end that the sending end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is included in the first field, or the first indication information is included in a combination of the first field and the second field. When the first indication information is included in the first field, the first field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be re-performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails; when the first indication information is included in the combination of the first field and the second field, the combination of the first field and the second field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be re-performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed without beamforming training, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails.

[0071] In a possible implementation, the second link includes a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz; and the first link is a millimeter wave link.

[0072] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be an access point multi-link device or a non-access point multi-link device, or a device that is an access point multi-link device or a non-access point multi-link device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with an access point multi-link device or a non-access point multi-link device. In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a functional module, which may be implemented as a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. It is understood that the communication device in the sixth aspect can be used to implement the multi-link data processing methods described in the third and fourth aspects above.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to receive first indication information on the second link, the first indication information being configured to indicate link recovery using beam configuration parameters used before the first link was disconnected. The processing unit is configured to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is configured to receive first indication information on the second link, the first indication information being configured to indicate that a first modulation and coding scheme be used for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions; wherein the modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; and the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected. The processing unit is configured to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to configure a maximum retransmission time, where the maximum retransmission time represents a maximum duration for link recovery on the first link, wherein the maximum retransmission time is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between the access point and the non-access point.

[0076] In one possible implementation, if the first link is successfully recovered within the maximum retransmission time, the communication unit is used to receive data on the first link; or, if the first link fails to recover after exceeding the maximum retransmission time, the processing unit is used to re-perform beamforming training for the first link.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to configure a maximum number of retransmissions, where the maximum number of retransmissions represents a maximum number of attempts to recover the link on the first link. The maximum number of retransmissions is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between the access point and the non-access point.

[0078] In one possible implementation, if the first link is successfully recovered within a maximum number of retransmissions, the communication unit is used to receive data on the first link; or, if the first link fails to recover after exceeding the maximum number of retransmissions, the processing unit is used to re-perform beamforming training for the first link.

[0079] In a possible implementation, when link recovery is performed on the first link using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected, the processing unit is configured to use a short data frame, a control frame, or a management frame to perform link recovery.

[0080] In one possible implementation, when a first modulation and coding scheme is used to perform link recovery on a first link, the processing unit is configured to perform link recovery using data frames of the first modulation and coding scheme. The modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of a second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected.

[0081] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is carried in a data frame, or the first indication information is a management frame or a control frame.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to configure a first service period for each of the first link and the second link. The first service period begins at a first moment, which is a specified moment at which the transmitter and receiver of the first link are synchronized after the first link is disconnected. The operating frequency of the second link is lower than the operating frequency of the first link. Alternatively, the processing unit is configured to configure the first service period for the first link.

[0083] In one possible implementation, when the second link is not configured with the first service period, the communication unit is used to receive second indication information, which is used to indicate to the receiving end that the sending end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is included in the first field, or the first indication information is included in a combination of the first field and the second field. When the first indication information is included in the first field, the first field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be re-performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails; when the first indication information is included in the combination of the first field and the second field, the combination of the first field and the second field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be re-performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed without beamforming training, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails.

[0085] In a possible implementation, the second link includes a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz; and the first link is a millimeter wave link.

[0086] With respect to the fifth or sixth aspect, as an example, the processing unit may be a processor, and the communication unit may be a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a communication interface. It is understood that when the communication device is a communication device (e.g., an access point multi-link device), the communication unit may be a transceiver in the communication device, such as implemented by an antenna, a feeder, and a codec in the communication device. Alternatively, if the communication device is a chip provided in the device, the processing unit may be a processing circuit, a logic circuit, etc. of the chip, and the communication unit may be an input / output interface of the chip, such as an input / output circuit, a pin, etc.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides an access point multi-link device, comprising: a processor configured to execute instructions; optionally, the access point multi-link device further comprising a memory configured to store the instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, the communication device implements the method of any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, as well as any of the first to fourth aspects. Optionally, the processor and the memory are coupled.

[0088] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a non-access point multi-link device, comprising: a processor configured to execute instructions; optionally, the non-access point multi-link device further comprising a memory configured to store the instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, the communication device implements the method of any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, as well as any of the first to fourth aspects. Optionally, the processor and the memory are coupled.

[0089] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes multiple devices or equipment in the above-mentioned fifth to eighth aspects, so that the devices or equipment execute the methods in the first to fourth aspects, and any possible implementation methods of the first to fourth aspects.

[0090] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method of any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, and the first to fourth aspects.

[0091] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a chip system comprising a processor and an interface, and optionally, a memory, for implementing the method of any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects above. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0092] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the method of any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects, and any one of the first to fourth aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by the present application;

[0094] FIG1B is a schematic diagram of a specific implementation of the communication system provided in this application;

[0095] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a multi-link device including low-frequency and millimeter-wave links provided by the present application;

[0096] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a low-frequency link assisting a millimeter wave link in data transmission and link recovery;

[0097] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of another low-frequency link assisting a millimeter wave link in data transmission and link recovery;

[0098] FIG5 is a flow chart of a multi-link data processing method provided by the present application;

[0099] FIG6 is a flow chart of another multi-link data processing method provided by the present application;

[0100] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of link recovery using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected under the constraint of the maximum number of retransmissions provided by the present application;

[0101] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another method of link recovery provided by the present application using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected under the constraint of the maximum number of retransmissions;

[0102] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of link recovery using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected under the constraint of the maximum retransmission time provided by the present application;

[0103] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of another method of link recovery provided by the present application using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected under the constraint of the maximum number of retransmissions;

[0104] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of link recovery using a first modulation and coding scheme under the constraint of a maximum number of retransmissions provided by the present application;

[0105] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of link recovery using a first modulation and coding scheme under the constraint of a maximum retransmission time provided by the present application;

[0106] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the device provided by the present application;

[0107] 14-16 are schematic diagrams of the multi-link device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] In the embodiments of this application, " / " can indicate that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe the existence of three relationships between associated objects. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exists simultaneously, or B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the words "first" and "second" may be used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish between technical features with the same or similar functions. The words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different. In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0109] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0110] The present application provides a multi-link data processing method based on the communication system shown in Figure 1A. The method can assist in the rapid link recovery of the disconnected millimeter wave link, thereby improving the transmission efficiency. The communication system 100 shown in Figure 1A includes at least two multi-link devices (MLD); one of which is an access point (AP) multi-link device 101 (abbreviated as AP MLD), and the other is a non-access point (non-AP) multi-link device 102 (abbreviated as non-APMLD, also known as a station multi-link device (STA MLD)) as an example.

[0111] The access point multi-link device 101 includes one or more APs (e.g., AP1 to AP n). The non-access point multi-link device 102 includes one or more non-AP STAs (e.g., STA1 to STA n). The non-access point multi-link device 102 can establish a multi-link (referred to as multi-link establishment or multi-link association) with the access point multi-link device 101 and then communicate with it. During the multi-link establishment (or multi-link association) process, a STA in the non-access point multi-link device 102 can send an association request frame to an AP in the access point multi-link device 101. The association request frame carries a multi-link element (MLE, or multi-link information element) to carry information about the non-access point multi-link device 102 and / or information about other STAs in the non-access point multi-link device 102. Similarly, the association response frame sent by the AP in the access point multi-link device 101 to the corresponding (associated) STA can also carry an MLE to carry information about the access point multi-link device 101 and / or information about other APs in the access point multi-link device 101. For example, STA1 can establish a link with AP1 (also referred to as STA1 associating with AP1 and using link 1 for communication), AP2 can establish a link with STA2 (also referred to as STA2 associating with AP2 and using link 2 for communication), and so on. After establishing links 1 to n as shown in FIG1A , the non-access point multi-link device 102 can communicate with the access point multi-link device 101 via links 1 to n.

[0112] 1. Relevant concepts of this application.

[0113] 1. Communication system:

[0114] In the present application, the communication system may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network, or other wireless communication system that supports multiple links for communication in parallel. The embodiments of the present application are mainly described by taking the network deployed with IEEE 802.11 as an example, and the various aspects involved in the present application can be extended to other networks that adopt various standards or protocols, for example, BLUETOOTH (Bluetooth), high performance wireless LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard, mainly used in Europe) and wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN) or other networks now known or developed later. The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, regardless of the coverage range and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in the present application can be applied to any suitable wireless network. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that with the evolution of communication network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0115] 2. Multi-link devices:

[0116] The WLAN standards currently under discussion include 802.11be and 802.11bn. 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) is called extremely high throughput (EHT), and 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8) is called ultra high reliability (UHR). 802.11be introduces a multi-link (ML) mechanism, and multi-link means the ability to work in multiple frequency bands or multiple channels. For example, the multi-link mechanism can establish new spectrum management, coordination and transmission mechanisms at 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz, mainly including enhanced multi-link aggregation MAC architecture, multi-link channel access and multi-link transmission and other related technologies. Among them, this application refers to the links on 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz as links below 10GHz or links below 7GHz, which can also be called low-frequency links. This application is applied to wireless LAN systems that support the IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocol (such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7 or EHT), or the IEEE 802.11be next-generation Wi-Fi protocol (such as Wi-Fi 8, UHR), or Wi-Fi AI, or millimeter wave (mmWave), or ultra wideband (UWB), or sensing.

[0117] The multi-link mechanism can be implemented using multi-link devices. For example, multi-link devices can communicate simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, or simultaneously on different channels in the same band. This improves the communication rate between devices and enables efficient use of spectrum resources. Multi-link devices can implement wireless communications using the 802.11 series of protocols, such as EHT stations or stations based on or compatible with 802.11be, to communicate with other devices. These other devices may or may not be multi-link devices.

[0118] A multi-link device typically includes multiple STAs or multiple APs, each operating on a specific frequency band or channel. A multi-link device can be an access point device (AP MLD) or a station device (non-AP MLD or non-AP STA MLD). An access point device (such as access point multi-link device 101 shown in Figure 1A ) includes one or more APs; a station device (such as non-access point multi-link device 102 shown in Figure 1A ) includes one or more non-AP STAs. A station device can establish multiple links with an access point device (referred to as multi-link establishment or multi-link association) before communicating.

[0119] In this application, a multi-link device (such as the AP MLD and non-AP MLD in Figure 1A) is a device with wireless communication capabilities. The device can be a complete device or a chip or processing system installed in the complete device. Devices installed with these chips or processing systems can implement the methods and functions of this application under the control of these chips or processing systems. For example, a multi-link device can be a multi-link device with a single antenna (or a single radio frequency module) or a multi-link device with multiple antennas (or multiple radio frequency modules). The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of antennas included in the multi-link device.

[0120] In this application, non-AP MLD has wireless transceiver functions and can support 802.11 series protocols to communicate with AP MLD or other non-AP MLD or single-link devices. For example, non-AP MLD can be any user communication device that allows users to communicate with AP and then communicate with WLAN, such as but not limited to tablet computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, ultra-mobile personal computers, etc.

[0121] The non-AP MLD can also be a chip or processing system in these terminals.

[0122] In this application, an AP MLD is a device that provides services for non-AP MLDs and can support the 802.11 series of protocols. For example, an AP MLD can be a communication entity such as a communication server, router, switch, or bridge. Alternatively, an AP MLD can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, and relay stations. Of course, an AP MLD can also be a chip or processing system within these various devices, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application.

[0123] For example, Figure 1B illustrates a specific implementation of the communication system provided herein. Assume that an AP MLD includes base stations 1 and 2, and a non-AP MLD includes terminals 1 and 2. Base station 1 is associated with terminal 1 and communicates via link 1; base station 2 is associated with terminal 2 and communicates via link 2.

[0124] In addition, multi-link devices can support high-speed and low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of wireless LAN application scenarios, multi-link devices 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, display screens, TVs, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (e.g., wearable devices such as AR and VR), smart devices in smart offices (e.g., printers, projectors, etc.), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, and some infrastructure in daily life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, self-service navigation counters in supermarkets, self-service cash registers, self-service ordering machines, etc.). In the embodiments of the present application, there is no special restriction on the specific forms of AP MLD and non-AP MLD, which are only illustrative. Among them, the 802.11 protocol can be a protocol that supports 802.11be or is compatible with 802.11be.

[0125] 3. MLD communication model using low-frequency links and millimeter-wave links:

[0126] Currently, it's being proposed to add millimeter-wave links (also known as high-frequency links) to current MLD. For example, Figure 2 shows an MLD communication model that includes both low-frequency and millimeter-wave links. This communication model consists of two parts: the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. The AP MLD contains up to four AP sites, while the non-AP MLD can contain four non-AP sites, operating on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and millimeter-wave links. The MLD communication model can also include any two of these four links. When at least one of the included links is a millimeter-wave link, the MLD device can transmit data via millimeter waves.

[0127] In one possible implementation, when a millimeter wave link is blocked, the MLD can use a low-frequency link to assist the millimeter wave link in data transmission and link recovery. Specific implementation methods may include but are not limited to the following:

[0128] (1) Method 1: When the millimeter wave link is blocked, the low-frequency link is awakened for data transmission, and new beamforming training (BFT) is scheduled through the low-frequency link.

[0129] For example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a low-frequency link assisting a millimeter wave link for data transmission and link recovery. Figure 3 takes the downlink transmission from AP MLD to non-AP MLD as an example. Assuming that the millimeter wave link has completed BFT, the AP MLD starts downlink data transmission through the millimeter wave link. Optionally, before data transmission, the MLD device can set a target wake time service period (TWT SP) on the millimeter wave link, such as TWT SP1 in Figure 3; and also set TWT SP as a backup link on a low-frequency link (including 2.4GHz link, 5GHz link, 6GHz link, which can be collectively referred to as links below 10GHz or links below 7GHz), so that after the millimeter wave link is blocked, the data can be switched to the low-frequency link for transmission as soon as possible.

[0130] To save power, when the millimeter wave link is transmitting data (the millimeter wave link of the non-AP MLD is in an active state), the low-frequency link of the non-AP MLD is in a sleep state. After TWT SP1 ends, if the data transmission is not completed, the MLD device continues to set TWT SP2 on the millimeter wave link and the low-frequency link respectively, and continues to transmit data on the millimeter wave link until the high-frequency link is blocked. For example, a method for determining whether the millimeter wave link is blocked may be: after the transmitter of the millimeter wave link sends data, the transmitter does not receive confirmation information; the receiver of the millimeter wave link does not receive data information within a period of time (such as a preset timeout threshold). The receiver and transmitter of the millimeter wave link can then determine that the millimeter wave link is blocked. When the millimeter wave link is blocked, to save power, the millimeter wave link of the non-AP MLD enters a sleep state, and at the same time, the low-frequency link of the non-AP MLD changes from a sleep state to an active state. The low-frequency link sends a multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) signal downlink and a clear to send (CTS) signal uplink to protect data transmission from hidden nodes. After a period of data transmission, the low-frequency link sends a new beamforming training schedule (BFT) signal downlink. After TWT SP2, the millimeter-wave link performs new beamforming training according to the new BFT schedule information in the low-frequency link.

[0131] In this method, when the millimeter wave link is blocked, the MLD device can instruct the millimeter wave link to re-train beamforming through the low-frequency link, thereby achieving link recovery. However, after the millimeter wave link is blocked, if the non-AP MLD position does not move (for example, the blockage ends very quickly), the MLD device can directly restore the link by using the BF configuration before the link was blocked. If beamforming training is directly re-trained in this case, it will waste time and reduce transmission efficiency.

[0132] Method 2: When the millimeter wave link is blocked, the low-frequency link is awakened for data transmission, and a lower modulation and coding scheme (MCS) recommendation is sent through the low-frequency link.

[0133] For example, Figure 4 shows another method for using a low-frequency link to assist a millimeter-wave link for data transmission and link recovery. The overall process is similar to that in Figure 3 and is not detailed here. However, the difference from Figure 3 is that when the millimeter-wave link is blocked, the non-AP MLD's low-frequency link sends a "recommend lower MCS" message uplink to the AP MLD, instructing the AP MLD to use a lower MCS for data transmission on the millimeter-wave link, as shown in Figure 4.

[0134] In this second method, when the millimeter wave link is blocked, the MLD device can instruct the millimeter wave link to use a lower MCS for transmission through the low-frequency link, thereby achieving link recovery. However, even with a lower MCS, the millimeter wave link may still be unable to resume data transmission, reducing transmission efficiency.

[0135] 2. The multi-link data processing method provided by this application:

[0136] 1. The first indication information is used to indicate that the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected are used to perform link recovery.

[0137] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a multi-link data processing method provided by the present application. The multi-link data processing method can be applied to the communication system shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 2. For example, the multi-link data processing method can be implemented by the interaction between the first device and the second device. The first device can be a transmitting end or a device capable of implementing data sending and processing functions, and the second device can be a receiving end or a device capable of implementing data receiving and processing functions. For example, in downlink data transmission, the first device is an access point multi-link device, and the second device is a non-access point multi-link device; or, in uplink data transmission, the first device is a non-access point multi-link device, and the second device is an access point multi-link device. The multi-link data processing method includes the following steps:

[0138] S101, a first device sends first indication information on a second link, where the first indication information is used to indicate link recovery using beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected; correspondingly, a second device receives the first indication information on the second link.

[0139] The second link is a low-frequency link, that is, a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz. For example, the second link can be a link at 2.4 GHz, a link at 5 GHz, or a link at 6 GHz. The first link is a millimeter wave (mmWave) link, for example, a link above 10 GHz. It is understood that the operating frequency of the second link is lower than the operating frequency of the first link.

[0140] Specifically, when the first indication information is used to indicate that the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected are used for link recovery, it means that the first indication information is used to instruct the MLD device to use the BF parameters before the millimeter wave link is disconnected instead of directly re-performing BFT after the millimeter wave link is disconnected. Link recovery (recovery) may also be referred to as link reconstruction (reconstruction) or link reconnection (reconnection). For example, in downlink data transmission, the first device may send the first indication information via a low-frequency link, thereby instructing the second device to use the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected for link recovery, rather than instructing the second device to schedule a new BFT.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is carried in a data frame, or the first indication information is a management frame or a control frame. For example, the first indication information can be transmitted in the form of a management frame, or in the form of a control frame, or in the form of a data frame piggybacked transmission. The management frame or control frame can be a management frame or control frame newly designed in the present application, different from the existing management frame or control frame. The data frame can be a multiplexed existing data frame and carried in the existing data frame. Optionally, the management frame or control frame can also reuse the existing management frame or control frame and carry the first indication information by adding a new field.

[0142] S102a: The first device performs link recovery on the first link.

[0143] S102b: The second device performs link recovery on the first link.

[0144] The first device and the second device can both perform link recovery on the first link based on the first indication information. For example, the first device performs link recovery on the first link using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected; and the second device performs link recovery on the first link using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected.

[0145] In one possible implementation, if the link recovery is successful using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected, the first device and the second device can directly switch to the millimeter wave link for data transmission, which can save time and improve transmission efficiency compared to scheduling a new BFT for data transmission.

[0146] In one possible implementation, the first device may further configure a constraint condition so that the first device or the second device uses the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected to perform link recovery under the constraint condition. The configured constraint condition may include, but is not limited to, configuring a maximum retransmission time, configuring a maximum number of retransmissions, and the like. The maximum retransmission time represents the maximum duration for link recovery on the first link, and the maximum retransmission time is predefined by the protocol or determined by negotiation between the first device and the second device (e.g., an access point and a non-access point). For example, within the maximum retransmission time, the first device and the second device may use the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected to perform link recovery on the first link; if the first link is successfully recovered within the maximum retransmission time, the first device and the second device may switch from the second link to the first link for data transmission. For another example, within the maximum number of retransmissions, the first device and the second device may use the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected to perform link recovery on the first link; if the first link is successfully recovered within the maximum number of retransmissions, the first device and the second device may switch from the second link to the first link for data transmission.

[0147] Optionally, S102a and S102b are similar operations executed on different devices, and there is no specific order in which they are executed. For example, S102a may be executed first and then S102b, or S102b may be executed first and then S102a, or S102a and S102b may be executed simultaneously, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0148] In this embodiment, when the millimeter wave link is blocked and disconnected, the first device can instruct the data transmitter and receiver to use the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected through the first indication information to attempt to recover the link on the first link, instead of directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link; if the link recovery is successful, there is no need to re-perform beamforming training, which avoids wasting time and is conducive to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0149] 2. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within the longest retransmission time or the maximum number of retransmissions.

[0150] FIG6 is a flow chart of another multi-link data processing method provided by the present application. The multi-link data processing method can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG1A, FIG1B, and FIG2. For example, the multi-link data processing method can be implemented by interaction between a first device and a second device. The multi-link data processing method includes the following steps:

[0151] S201, the first device sends first indication information on the second link, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions; correspondingly, the second device receives the first indication information.

[0152] Among them, the modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme. The second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme adopted before the first link is disconnected. That is, within the longest retransmission time or the maximum number of retransmissions, the first device and the second device can try to adopt a lower modulation and coding scheme for link recovery. For example, assuming that the first modulation and coding scheme includes a modulation order of 4 (such as using 16-bit quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)) and a code rate of 340, the second modulation and coding scheme can be designed to include a modulation order of 2 (such as using quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK)) and a code rate of 120. Within the longest retransmission time or the maximum number of retransmissions, the first device and the second device can adopt QPSK modulation and a coding method with a code rate of 120 to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0153] Specifically, when the first indication information is used to indicate that the first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within the maximum retransmission time or the maximum number of retransmissions, it means that the first indication information is used to instruct the MLD device to attempt link recovery on the millimeter wave link within a limited time or number of times after the millimeter wave link is disconnected. Even if the first link cannot be recovered using the lower modulation and coding scheme, this embodiment limits the maximum retransmission time and the maximum number of retransmissions, allowing the first device and the second device to make a limited number of attempts. If recovery is not possible, other operations (such as re-beamforming training) can be performed as soon as possible, which is conducive to improving transmission efficiency.

[0154] Optionally, the specific description of the first link, the second link, and the first indication information being carried in the data frame in S201, or the first indication information being a management frame or a control frame, etc. can refer to the corresponding description in S101 and will not be repeated here.

[0155] S202a: The first device performs link recovery on the first link.

[0156] S202b: The second device performs link recovery on the first link.

[0157] The specific implementation of S202a and S202b can refer to the corresponding descriptions in S102a and S102b, which will not be repeated here.

[0158] In this embodiment, when the millimeter wave link is blocked and disconnected, the first device can instruct the data transmitter and receiver to use a lower modulation and coding scheme to attempt to recover the link on the first link within a preset time or a preset maximum number of times through the first indication information, instead of directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link; if the link recovery is successful, there is no need to re-perform beamforming training, thereby avoiding wasting time; if the lower modulation and coding scheme cannot restore the link, since the maximum retransmission time or the maximum number of retransmissions is set, the first device can re-perform beamforming training on the first link as soon as possible after the attempt fails, which is beneficial to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0159] III. Specific implementation methods of the multi-link data processing method provided in this application when the first indication information is different:

[0160] 1. Example 1: Link recovery is performed using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected under the constraint of the maximum number of retransmissions.

[0161] For example, FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a link recovery using the beam configuration parameters before the disconnection of the first link under the constraint of the maximum number of retransmissions provided by the present application. Among them, FIG7 describes the downlink transmission from AP MLD to non-AP MLD as an example. Assume that the millimeter wave link has completed BFT, and the target wake-up time service period has been configured on both the first link and the second link. For example, the first link and the second link have been configured with a first service period (TWT SP3 as shown in FIG7). The start time of the first service period is the first moment. The first moment is the designated moment when the transmitter and receiver of the first link are synchronized after the first link is disconnected (that is, the first device and the second device both know the first moment and can try to recover the link from the first moment), as shown in the first moment of FIG7. Among them, the first service period is a newly set TWT SP of the present application, in which the first device and the second device can try to recover the link on the first link. Optionally, similar to FIG3, the first link and the second link in FIG7 are both configured with TWT SP1, so that when the millimeter wave link is blocked, the data can be switched to the low-frequency link for transmission as soon as possible.

[0162] In order to save power, when the first link is transmitting data (the millimeter wave link of the non-AP MLD is in an active state), the low-frequency link of the non-AP MLD is in a sleep state. After TWT SP1 ends, if the data transmission is not completed, TWT SP2 is continued to be configured on the first link and the second link respectively, and data transmission on the first link continues until the first link is blocked. For example, a method for determining whether the first link is blocked may be: after the AP MLD sends data through the first link, the AP MLD does not receive confirmation information (no ACK); the non-AP MLD does not receive data within a period of time (such as a preset timeout threshold). Then the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can determine that the first link is blocked. After the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD identify that the first link is blocked, in order to save power, the first link of the non-AP MLD enters a sleep state, and at the same time, the second link of the non-AP MLD changes from a sleep state to an active state.

[0163] After the second link is converted to an active state, a multi-user-request to send (MU-RTS) is sent downlink and clear to send (CTS) is fed back uplink to protect data transmission from being affected by hidden nodes. After a period of data transmission, the second link sends a first indication message downlink to indicate that the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected are used to recover the link. The maximum number of retransmissions is also configured on the first link, and the maximum number of retransmissions represents the maximum number of attempts to recover the link on the first link; the maximum number of retransmissions is predefined by the protocol or determined by negotiation between the access point and the non-access point, that is, the maximum number of retransmissions can be negotiated by the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, or specified in the protocol. For example, the maximum number of retransmissions shown in Figure 7 is 3, that is, the maximum number of attempts to recover the link on the first link is 3. After the end of TWT SP2, according to the first indication message sent in the second link, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD attempt to recover the link on the first link. For example, starting at the first moment, AP MLD and non-AP MLD use the BF parameter configuration before the first link was blocked to attempt link recovery on the mmWave link, as shown by the gray squares in Figure 7. Each gray square represents the transmission of a reconnection attempt (that is, the transmission of a short data frame, control frame, or management frame). Based on the configured maximum number of retransmissions, a maximum of three gray squares in Figure 7 can be sent to attempt link recovery. Each gray square can be a short data frame, a control frame, or a management frame. In other words, AP MLD and non-AP MLD use short data frames, control frames, or management frames to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0164] If the first link is successfully restored within the maximum number of retransmissions, it will directly switch to the first link for data transmission. For example, in the downlink transmission scenario shown in Figure 7, the AP MLD can switch to the first link to send downlink data, and the non-AP MLD can switch to the first link to receive uplink data. If the first link fails to recover after exceeding the maximum number of retransmissions, beamforming training will be re-performed for the first link. During the attempt to restore the first link, the second link can continue to transmit data, thereby ensuring the integrity of data transmission. The first indication information can be transmitted in the form of a management frame, a control frame, or a data frame piggybacked form. The first indication information can be sent by the AP MLD or by the non-AP MLD.

[0165] In one possible implementation, the second link is not configured with a TWT SP, and only the TWT SP is configured on the first link. For example, FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment provided by the present application for link recovery using the beam configuration parameters before the disconnection of the first link under the constraint of the maximum number of retransmissions. FIG8 is still described by taking the downlink transmission from AP MLD to non-AP MLD as an example. Different from FIG7, the first link and the second link are not configured with a TWT SP (such as there is no TWT SP1 / TWT SP2 / TWT SP3 on the second link in FIG8). When the first link is transmitting data, the second link can be in a sleep state. When the first link is blocked, the first device can send a second indication message, and the second indication message is used to indicate to the receiving end that the transmitting end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz. For example, the second indication message in FIG8 is used to indicate to the non-AP MLD that the AP MLD has data that needs to be sent on the second link. Then the second link switches from the sleep state to the wake-up state, and the receiving end of the second link (such as the non-AP MLD in FIG8) wakes up to compete for the channel. The contention channel may include one or more low-frequency links, that is, multiple low-frequency links may wake up and compete for the channel, and multiple low-frequency links may send power save polling (PS-Poll) frames respectively. The contention channel may be multiple low-frequency links under different non-AP MLDs; for each non-AP MLD, there may be one or more low-frequency links to participate in the competition. When the transmitting end receives the PS-Poll from a second link, the transmitting end may send MU-RTS downlink on the second link, and the receiving end replies CTS, and then data may be transmitted on the second link. For example, after the non-AP MLD in Figure 8 receives the second indication information, it participates in the channel competition. If the competition is successful, it sends PS-Poll to the AP MLD uplink through the second link. The AP MLD sends MU-RTS downlink, and the non-AP MLD feeds back CTS uplink. The non-AP MLD and the AP MLD switch to the second link for data transmission. Subsequent steps (such as AP MLD sending the first indication information downlink, attempting link recovery on the first link using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected, etc.) can refer to the corresponding description in Figure 7 and will not be repeated here.

[0166] In this example, the maximum number of retransmissions is further configured, thereby limiting the number of link recovery attempts that the sender and receiver can make to a certain number of times, rather than attempting link recovery indefinitely. This avoids wasting time and helps improve transmission efficiency.

[0167] 2. Example 2: Under the constraint of the maximum retransmission time, the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected are used to recover the link.

[0168] For example, FIG9 is a schematic diagram provided by the present application of using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected for link recovery under the constraint of the maximum retransmission time. FIG9 describes the downlink transmission from AP MLD to non-AP MLD as an example. Assume that the millimeter wave link has completed BFT, and the target wake-up time service period has been configured on both the first link and the second link, for example, TWT SP1 / TWT SP2 / TWT SP3 have been configured on both the first link and the second link, as shown in FIG9.

[0169] The difference from the previous example 1 is that the first indication information sent downlink on the second link no longer constrains the maximum number of retransmissions, but rather constrains the maximum retransmission time. For example, a maximum retransmission time is also configured on the first link, which represents the maximum duration of link recovery on the first link. The maximum retransmission time is predefined by the protocol or determined by negotiation between the access point and the non-access point. That is, the maximum retransmission time can be negotiated between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, or specified in the protocol. For example, the maximum retransmission time shown in Figure 9 is the duration of the gray arrow in the figure. After TWT SP2 ends, according to the first indication information sent on the second link, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD attempt to recover the link on the first link. For example, starting from the first moment, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD use the BF parameter configuration before the first link was blocked, and attempt to recover the link on the mmWave link, as shown by the gray arrow in Figure 9. During this maximum retransmission time, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can attempt to recover the link. AP MLD and non-AP MLD use short data frames, control frames, or management frames to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0170] If the first link is successfully restored within the maximum retransmission time, it will directly switch to the first link for data transmission. For example, in the downlink transmission scenario shown in Figure 9, the AP MLD can switch to the first link to send downlink data, and the non-AP MLD can switch to the first link to receive uplink data. If the first link fails to recover after the maximum retransmission time, the beamforming training will be re-performed for the first link. During the attempt to restore the first link, the second link can continue to transmit data, thereby ensuring the integrity of the data transmission. The first indication information can be transmitted in the form of a management frame, or in the form of a control frame, or in the form of a data frame piggybacked. The first indication information can be sent by the AP MLD or by the non-AP MLD.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the second link is not configured with a TWT SP, and only the TWT SP is configured on the first link. For example, FIG10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment provided by the present application for link recovery using the beam configuration parameters before the disconnection of the first link under the constraint of the maximum number of retransmissions. FIG10 still describes the downlink transmission from the AP MLD to the non-AP MLD as an example. Different from FIG9, the first link and the second link are not configured with a TWT SP (such as there is no TWT SP1 / TWT SP2 / TWT SP3 on the second link in FIG10). When the first link is transmitting data, the second link can be in a sleep state. When the first link is blocked, the first device can send a second indication message, and the second indication message is used to indicate to the receiving end that the transmitting end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz. For example, the second indication message in FIG10 is used to indicate to the non-AP MLD that the AP MLD has data that needs to be sent on the second link. Then the second link switches from the sleep state to the awake state, and the receiving end of the second link (the non-AP MLD in FIG10) wakes up to compete for the channel. The specific implementation method of the competition and subsequent steps (such as AP MLD sending the first indication information downlink, using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected on the first link to attempt link recovery, etc.) can refer to the corresponding descriptions in Figures 7 and 8 and will not be repeated here.

[0172] In this second example, a maximum retransmission time is further configured, thereby limiting the time within which the sender and receiver can attempt link recovery, rather than attempting link recovery indefinitely. This avoids wasting time and helps improve transmission efficiency.

[0173] 3. Example 3: Using the first modulation and coding scheme for link recovery under the constraint of the maximum number of retransmissions.

[0174] For example, FIG11 is a schematic diagram of link recovery using a first modulation and coding scheme under the constraint of a maximum number of retransmissions provided by the present application.

[0175] Figure 11 uses downlink transmission from an AP MLD to a non-AP MLD as an example. Assume that the millimeter wave link has completed BFT and that target wake-up time service periods have been configured on both the first and second links. For example, TWT SP1 / TWT SP2 / TWT SP3 have been configured on both the first and second links, as shown in Figure 11.

[0176] The difference from Example 1 above is that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within the maximum number of retransmissions, rather than using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected for link recovery within the maximum number of retransmissions. For the description of the first modulation and coding scheme, reference can be made to the corresponding description of the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here. For example, when the first link is disconnected, the non-AP MLD may send the first indication information uplink via the second link to indicate that the first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery on the first link within the maximum number of retransmissions. Starting from the first moment, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may send information on attempting to reconnect on the first link within the maximum number of retransmissions, thereby recovering the link.

[0177] The difference from the previous example 1 also includes that each gray square in Figure 11 can be a data frame of the first modulation and coding scheme, that is, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD use the data frame of the first modulation and coding scheme to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0178] If the first link is successfully restored within the maximum number of retransmissions, data is directly switched to the first link for transmission. Specific implementations of other processes in FIG11 can refer to the corresponding descriptions in Example 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0179] In one possible implementation, the second link is not configured with TWT SP, and TWT SP is only configured on the first link. When the first link is transmitting data, the second link can be in a sleep state. When the first link is blocked, the first device can send a second indication message, and the second indication message is used to indicate to the receiving end that the sending end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz. This implementation method can refer to Figure 11 and the description of Figure 8 and its process, for example, including that the AP MLD can send the second indication message downlink on the second link, and after the non-AP MLD receives the second indication message, it participates in the channel competition and tells the AP MLD through PS-Poll and other steps, which will not be repeated here.

[0180] In Example 3, a maximum number of retransmissions is further configured, limiting the number of link recovery attempts by the transmitter and receiver to a certain number, rather than attempting them indefinitely. Even if a lower modulation and coding scheme fails to restore the link, the maximum number of retransmissions allows this method to re-run BFT on the primary link as quickly as possible, improving transmission efficiency.

[0181] 4. Example 4: Using the first modulation and coding scheme for link recovery under the constraint of the maximum retransmission time.

[0182] For example, FIG12 is a schematic diagram of link recovery using a first modulation and coding scheme under the constraint of a maximum retransmission time provided by the present application.

[0183] Figure 12 uses downlink transmission from an AP MLD to a non-AP MLD as an example. Assume that the millimeter wave link has completed BFT and that target wake-up time service periods have been configured on both the first and second links. For example, TWT SP1 / TWT SP2 / TWT SP3 have been configured on both the first and second links, as shown in Figure 12.

[0184] The difference from the previous example 2 is that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within the longest retransmission time, rather than using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected to recover the link within the longest retransmission time. The description of the first modulation and coding scheme can refer to the corresponding description of the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here. For example, when the first link is disconnected, the non-AP MLD can send the first indication information uplink through the second link to indicate that the first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery on the first link within the longest retransmission time. Starting from the first moment, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can send information on attempting to reconnect on the first link within the longest retransmission time to recover the link.

[0185] The difference from Example 2 above is that in FIG12 , data frames using the first modulation and coding scheme are used to attempt link recovery during the longest retransmission time. That is, AP MLD and non-AP MLD use data frames using the first modulation and coding scheme to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0186] If the first link is successfully restored within the maximum number of retransmissions, data is directly switched to the first link for transmission. Specific implementations of other processes in FIG12 can refer to the corresponding descriptions in Example 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0187] In one possible implementation, the second link is not configured with TWT SP, and TWT SP is only configured on the first link. When the first link is transmitting data, the second link can be in a sleep state. When the first link is blocked, the first device can send a second indication message, and the second indication message is used to indicate to the receiving end that the sending end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz. This implementation method can refer to Figure 12 and the description of Figure 10 and its process, for example, including that the AP MLD can send the second indication message downlink on the second link, and after the non-AP MLD receives the second indication message, it participates in the channel competition and tells the AP MLD through PS-Poll and other steps, which will not be repeated here.

[0188] In Example 4, a maximum retransmission time is further configured, limiting the time within which the transmitter and receiver can attempt link recovery, rather than attempting it indefinitely. Even if a lower modulation and coding scheme fails to restore the link, the maximum retransmission time allows BFT to be re-performed on the primary link as quickly as possible, improving transmission efficiency.

[0189] In summary, Examples 1 to 4 are described using the downlink transmission process as an example, but the multi-link data processing method provided in this application is also applicable to uplink transmission and can be adaptively modified to obtain the corresponding process.

[0190] IV. Field design of the first indication information in the multi-link data processing method provided by this application:

[0191] 1. Example 1: The first indication information is included in one field.

[0192] Among them, the first indication information can be included in the first field, and the first field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be re-performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails. That is, the first field can indicate that no link recovery attempt is to be made and BFT is to be re-performed directly (such as the solution shown in Figure 3), or it can indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails (such as the solution provided in this application), and this can be achieved through different values ​​of the first field. This implementation method can reuse existing fields for indication, or design new fields for indication, which is not limited in this application.

[0193] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information is used to indicate link recovery using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected, the first indication information is included in a first field as shown in Table 1.

[0194] Table 1: Values ​​and meanings of a first field

[0195] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information is used to indicate that the first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within the longest retransmission time or the maximum number of retransmissions, the first indication information is included in another first field as shown in Table 2.

[0196] Table 2: Another value of the first field and its meaning

[0197] 2. Example 2: The first indication information is included in two fields.

[0198] Among them, the first indication information can be contained in a combination of a first field and a second field, and the combination of the first field and the second field is used to indicate that beamforming training is performed on the first link, or to indicate that link recovery is performed without beamforming training, or to indicate that link recovery is performed and beamforming training is performed again after link recovery fails. That is, the combination of the first field and the second field can indicate that no link recovery attempt is performed and BFT is directly re-performed (such as the solution shown in Figure 3), or it can indicate that link recovery is performed and beamforming training is performed again after link recovery fails (such as the solution provided in this application), or it can indicate that only link recovery attempts are performed, and beamforming training is not performed regardless of whether the attempt succeeds or fails, and this is achieved by different values ​​of the combination of the first field and the second field. This implementation method can reuse existing fields for indication, or design new fields for indication, and this application does not limit it.

[0199] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information is used to indicate link recovery using the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected, the first indication information is included in a combination of a first field and a second field as shown in Table 3.

[0200] Table 3: Values ​​and meanings of a combination of the first field and the second field

[0201] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information is used to indicate that the first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within the longest retransmission time or the maximum number of retransmissions, the first indication information is included in another combination of the first field and the second field as shown in Table 4.

[0202] Table 4: Values ​​and meanings of another combination of the first field and the second field

[0203] Optionally, if the maximum number of retransmissions or the maximum retransmission time is predefined by the protocol, no additional fields are required. If they are determined through negotiation between AP MLD and non-AP MLD, additional fields are required. For example, when an additional field is required to indicate the maximum number of retransmissions or the maximum retransmission time, a new field (e.g., a third field) can be added to Tables 1 to 4 to indicate the maximum number of retransmissions or the maximum retransmission time. For example, Table 1 can be updated to Table 5.

[0204] Table 5: Values ​​and meanings of the first field of the extension

[0205] In the above two examples, two different field indication methods are defined, so as to efficiently instruct the receiving end and the transmitting end to use the second link to assist the first link in link recovery.

[0206] In order to realize the various functions in the method provided by the present application, the device or equipment provided by the present application may include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and realize the above-mentioned various functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module. Whether a certain function among the above-mentioned functions is executed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. The division of modules in the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. In addition, the various functional modules in the various embodiments of the present application can be integrated into a processor, or they can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The above-mentioned integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules.

[0207] FIG13 shows an apparatus 1300 provided by the present application. The apparatus may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the method embodiments corresponding to FIG5 to FIG12 . The modules may be implemented as hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0208] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a communication unit 1301 and a processing unit 1302, configured to implement the method performed by the first apparatus in the aforementioned embodiment. For example, in downlink data transmission, the first apparatus is an access point multi-link device, or in uplink data transmission, a non-access point multi-link device. The communication unit 1301 is configured to send first indication information on the second link, the first indication information being configured to indicate link recovery using the beam configuration parameters used before the first link was disconnected. The processing unit 1302 is configured to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0209] The specific execution process of the communication unit 1301 and the processing unit 1302 in this example refers to the detailed description of the steps executed by the first device in the aforementioned invention content and the specific implementation method, which will not be repeated here. The method implemented by the device is that when the millimeter wave link is blocked and disconnected, the transmitter and receiver of the data are instructed by the first indication information to attempt to perform link recovery on the first link, rather than directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link, thereby avoiding wasting time. Therefore, this method can assist the disconnected first link in rapid link recovery, which is beneficial to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0210] In one embodiment, the communication unit 1301 is configured to send first indication information, which indicates that a first modulation and coding scheme should be used for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions. The modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected. The processing unit 1302 is configured to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0211] The specific execution process of the communication unit 1301 and the processing unit 1302 in this example refers to the detailed description of the steps executed by the first device in the aforementioned invention content and the specific implementation method, which will not be repeated here. The method implemented by the device is that when the millimeter wave link is blocked and disconnected, the transmitter and receiver of the data are instructed by the first indication information to attempt to perform link recovery on the first link, rather than directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link, thereby avoiding wasting time. Therefore, this method can assist the disconnected first link in rapid link recovery, which is beneficial to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0212] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a communication unit 1301 and a processing unit 1302. The communication unit 1301 is configured to receive first indication information on the second link, the first indication information being used to instruct the use of beam configuration parameters before the first link was disconnected for link recovery. The processing unit 1302 is configured to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0213] The specific execution process of the communication unit 1301 and the processing unit 1302 in this example refers to the detailed description of the steps executed by the second device in the aforementioned invention content and the specific implementation method, which will not be repeated here. The method implemented by the device is that when the millimeter wave link is blocked and disconnected, by receiving the first indication information, the receiving end can attempt to perform link recovery on the first link instead of directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link to avoid wasting time. Therefore, this method can assist the disconnected first link to quickly recover the link, which is beneficial to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0214] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a communication unit 1301 and a processing unit 1302. The communication unit 1301 is configured to receive first indication information on the second link, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first modulation and coding scheme is to be used for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions; wherein the modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; and the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected. The processing unit 1302 is configured to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0215] The specific execution process of the communication unit 1301 and the processing unit 1302 in this example refers to the detailed description of the steps executed by the second device in the aforementioned invention content and the specific implementation method, which will not be repeated here. The method implemented by the device is that when the millimeter wave link is blocked and disconnected, by receiving the first indication information, the receiving end can attempt to perform link recovery on the first link instead of directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link to avoid wasting time. Therefore, this method can assist the disconnected first link to quickly recover the link, which is beneficial to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0216] The following describes a multi-link device including the multiple functional units shown in Figure 13. The multi-link device described in this application includes an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) and a non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD). An AP MLD includes one or more APs, and a non-AP MLD includes one or more STAs.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the processing unit and communication unit shown in FIG13 are functional units within the AP in the AP MLD. For example, FIG14 illustrates a first multi-link device 1400 provided herein, configured to implement the multi-link data processing method in the aforementioned method embodiment. The multi-link device 1400 may also be a system-on-a-chip. The multi-link device 1400 includes one or more access points 1401 (two APs are used as an example in FIG14 ), each of which includes a communication interface 1401a and a processor 1401b. The communication interface 1401a may be, for example, a transceiver, an interface, a bus, a circuit, or a device capable of performing transceiver functions. The communication interface 1401a is configured to communicate with other devices via a transmission medium, thereby enabling the multi-link device 1400 to communicate with other devices. The processor 1401b and the communication interface 1401a are configured to implement the methods in the embodiments corresponding to FIG5 through FIG12 . It is understood that the first multi-link device shown in Figure 14 can also be a non-AP MLD. In this case, the processing unit and communication unit shown in Figure 13 are functional units in the STA of the non-AP MLD. The specific implementation is similar to that described for the AP MLD and will not be repeated here.

[0218] In another possible implementation, the processing unit shown in FIG13 is a functional unit in an AP MLD. When there are multiple APs, the multiple APs share the processing unit. The communication unit is a functional unit within the AP within the AP MLD. For example, FIG15 illustrates a second multi-link device 1500 provided herein, which is used to implement the multi-link data processing method in the above-described method embodiment. The multi-link device 1500 may also be a system-on-chip. The multi-link device 1500 includes one or more access points 1501 (two APs are used as an example in FIG15 ), each of which includes a communication interface 1501a. The multi-link device 1500 includes a processor 1502, which is shared by one or more access points 1501. The processor 1502 and the communication interface 1501a are used to implement the methods in the embodiments corresponding to FIG5 to FIG12. It is understood that the second multi-link device shown in FIG15 may also be a non-AP MLD. In this case, the processing unit shown in FIG13 is a functional unit within the non-AP MLD, and the communication unit is a functional unit within the STA within the non-AP MLD. The specific implementation is similar to that described for AP MLD and is not repeated here.

[0219] In another possible implementation, the processing unit shown in FIG13 is a functional unit within an AP in an AP MLD. The communication unit is a functional unit within an AP MLD. When multiple APs exist, the multiple APs share the communication unit. For example, FIG16 illustrates a third multi-link device 1600 provided herein, configured to implement the multi-link data processing method in the aforementioned method embodiment. The multi-link device 1600 may also be a system-on-chip. The multi-link device 1600 includes one or more access points 1601 (two APs are used as an example in FIG16 ), each of which includes a processor 1601a. ​​The multi-link device 1600 includes a communication interface 1602, which is shared by one or more access points 1601. The processor 1601a and the communication interface 1602 are configured to implement the methods in the embodiments corresponding to FIG5 to FIG12. It is understood that the third multi-link device shown in FIG16 may also be a non-AP MLD. In this case, the communication unit shown in FIG13 is a functional unit within the non-AP MLD, and the processing unit is a functional unit within the STA within the non-AP MLD. The specific implementation is similar to that described for AP MLD and is not repeated here.

[0220] Exemplarily, a communication interface and a processor (e.g., processor 1401b and communication interface 1401a in FIG. 14 , or processor 1502 and communication interface 1501a in FIG. 15 , or processor 1601a and communication interface 1602 in FIG. 16 ) are used to implement the multi-link data processing method described in the aforementioned invention and specific embodiments. The communication interface is used to send first indication information on the second link, where the first indication information is used to instruct the use of beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected for link recovery. The processor is used to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0221] The specific execution process of the communication interface and the processor in this example refers to the detailed description of the method executed by the first device in the aforementioned embodiment, which will not be repeated here. In this example, the steps executed by the communication interface and the processor instruct the transmitter and receiver of the data to attempt to recover the link on the disconnected millimeter wave link through the first indication information, rather than directly re-performing beamforming training on the millimeter wave link to avoid wasting time. Therefore, this method can assist in the rapid recovery of the disconnected millimeter wave link, which is beneficial to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0222] Exemplarily, a communication interface and a processor (e.g., the processor 1401b and the communication interface 1401a in FIG. 14 , or the processor 1502 and the communication interface 1501a in FIG. 15 , or the processor 1601a and the communication interface 1602 in FIG. 16 ) are used to implement the multi-link data processing method in the aforementioned invention content and specific embodiments. The communication interface is used to send a first indication message, which is used to indicate that a first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions. The modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is less than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is less than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected. The processor is used to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0223] The specific execution process of the communication interface and the processor in this example refers to the detailed description of the method executed by the first device in the aforementioned embodiment, which will not be repeated here. In this example, the steps executed by the communication interface and the processor instruct the transmitter and receiver of the data to attempt to recover the link on the disconnected millimeter wave link through the first indication information, rather than directly re-performing beamforming training on the millimeter wave link to avoid wasting time. Therefore, this method can assist in the rapid recovery of the disconnected millimeter wave link, which is beneficial to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0224] Exemplarily, a communication interface and a processor (e.g., processor 1401b and communication interface 1401a in FIG. 14 , or processor 1502 and communication interface 1501a in FIG. 15 , or processor 1601a and communication interface 1602 in FIG. 16 ) are used to implement the multi-link data processing method described in the aforementioned invention and specific embodiments. The communication interface is used to receive first indication information on the second link, where the first indication information is used to instruct the use of beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected for link recovery. The processing unit 1302 is used to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0225] The specific execution process of the communication interface and processor in this example is described in detail in the method executed by the second device in the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here. In this example, the steps executed by the communication interface and processor, by receiving the first indication information, enable the receiving end to attempt link recovery on the first link, rather than directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link, thus avoiding wasted time. Therefore, this method can assist in rapid link recovery of the disconnected first link, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0226] Exemplarily, a communication interface and a processor (e.g., the processor 1401b and the communication interface 1401a in FIG. 14 , or the processor 1502 and the communication interface 1501a in FIG. 15 , or the processor 1601a and the communication interface 1602 in FIG. 16 ) are used to implement the multi-link data processing method in the aforementioned invention content and specific embodiments. The communication interface is used to receive first indication information on the second link, and the first indication information is used to indicate that a first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions; wherein the modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is less than the modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or the code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is less than the code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; and the second modulation and coding scheme is the modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected. The processing unit 1302 is used to perform link recovery on the first link.

[0227] The specific execution process of the communication interface and processor in this example is described in detail in the method executed by the second device in the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here. In this example, the steps executed by the communication interface and processor, by receiving the first indication information, enable the receiving end to attempt link recovery on the first link, rather than directly re-performing beamforming training on the first link, thus avoiding wasted time. Therefore, this method can assist in rapid link recovery of the disconnected first link, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0228] Optionally, the multi-link device may further include at least one memory (e.g., memory 1402 in FIG. 14 , memory 1503 in FIG. 15 , or memory 1603 in FIG. 16 ) for storing program instructions and / or data. In one embodiment, the memory and the processor are coupled. Coupling in this application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor may operate in conjunction with the memory. The processor may execute program instructions stored in the memory. The at least one memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0229] The specific connection medium between the above-mentioned communication interface, processor, and memory is not limited in this application. For example, the memory, processor, and communication interface are connected via a bus, and the bus is represented by a bold line in Figures 14 to 16 (such as 1403 in Figure 14, 1504 in Figure 15, and 1604 in Figure 16). The connection method between other components is only for schematic illustration and is not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one bold line is used in Figures 14 to 16, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0230] In this application, a processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in this application may be directly executed by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0231] In the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the present application may also be a circuit or any other device that can implement a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0232] The present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program or instruction. When the program or instruction is executed on a computer, the computer executes the multi-link data processing method in the embodiments corresponding to Figures 5 to 12 .

[0233] The present application provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes instructions. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the multi-link data processing method in the embodiments corresponding to Figures 5 to 12.

[0234] The present application provides a chip or a chip system, which includes at least one processor and an interface, wherein the interface and the at least one processor are interconnected via a line, and the at least one processor is used to run a computer program or instruction to execute the multi-link data processing method in the embodiments corresponding to Figures 5 to 12.

[0235] The interface in the chip may be an input / output interface, a pin, or a circuit.

[0236] The chip system may be a system on chip (SOC) or a baseband chip, wherein the baseband chip may include a processor, a channel encoder, a digital signal processor, a modem, an interface module, and the like.

[0237] In one implementation, the chip or chip system described above in this application further includes at least one memory, in which instructions are stored. The memory may be a storage unit within the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc., or a storage unit of the chip (e.g., a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.).

[0238] The technical solutions provided in this application can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, they can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in this application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a terminal device, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium.

[0239] In this application, under the premise that there is no logical contradiction, the various embodiments may reference each other, for example, the methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device embodiments and method embodiments may reference each other.

[0240] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A multi-link data processing method, characterized in that: include: Sending first indication information on the second link, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected are used to perform link recovery; Link recovery is performed on the first link.

2. A multi-link data processing method, characterized in that: include: Sending first indication information on the second link, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions; wherein a modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than a modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or a code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than a code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; and the second modulation and coding scheme is a modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected; Link recovery is performed on the first link.

3. A multi-link data processing method, characterized in that: include: Receiving first indication information on the second link, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the beam configuration parameters before the first link is disconnected are used to perform link recovery; Link recovery is performed on the first link.

4. A multi-link data processing method, characterized in that: include: receiving first indication information on the second link, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first modulation and coding scheme is used for link recovery within a maximum retransmission time or a maximum number of retransmissions; wherein a modulation order of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than a modulation order of the second modulation and coding scheme, and / or a code rate of the first modulation and coding scheme is smaller than a code rate of the second modulation and coding scheme; and the second modulation and coding scheme is a modulation and coding scheme used before the first link is disconnected; Link recovery is performed on the first link.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A maximum retransmission time is configured, where the maximum retransmission time represents a maximum value of a duration for link recovery on the first link; the maximum retransmission time is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between an access point and a non-access point.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the first link is successfully recovered within the longest retransmission time, transmitting data on the first link; Alternatively, if the first link fails to recover within the longest retransmission time, beamforming training is performed again for the first link.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A maximum number of retransmissions is configured, where the maximum number of retransmissions represents a maximum value of attempts to perform link recovery on the first link; the maximum number of retransmissions is predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between an access point and a non-access point.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the first link is successfully recovered after exceeding the maximum number of retransmissions, transmitting data on the first link; Alternatively, if the first link fails to recover after exceeding the maximum number of retransmissions, beamforming training is performed again for the first link.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The performing link recovery on the first link includes: Link recovery is performed on the first link using short data frames, control frames or management frames.

10. The method according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that: The performing link recovery on the first link includes: The data frame using the first modulation and coding scheme performs link recovery on the first link.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The first indication information is carried in a data frame, or the first indication information is a management frame or a control frame.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: configuring a first service period for the first link and the second link respectively, wherein the start time of the first service period is a first time, and the first time is a designated time when the transmitting end and the receiving end of the first link are synchronized after the first link is disconnected; and the operating frequency of the second link is lower than the operating frequency of the first link; Alternatively, a first service period is configured for the first link.

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the second link is not configured with the first service period, second indication information is sent, where the second indication information is used to indicate to the receiving end that the sending end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz.

14. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the second link is not configured with the first service period, second indication information is received, and the second indication information is used to indicate to the receiving end that the sending The sending end has data that needs to be sent on a link below 10 GHz or a link below 7 GHz.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first indication information is included in the first field, or the first indication information is included in a combination of the first field and the second field; When the first indication information is included in the first field, the first field is used to indicate that beamforming training is to be re-performed on the first link or to indicate that link recovery is to be performed and beamforming training is to be re-performed after link recovery fails; When the first indication information is included in a combination of a first field and a second field, the combination of the first field and the second field is used to indicate re-performing beamforming training on the first link, or to indicate link recovery without beamforming training, or to indicate link recovery and then re-performing beamforming training after link recovery fails.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The second link includes a link below 10 gigahertz (GHz) or a link below 7 GHz; the first link is a millimeter wave link.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit or a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A multi-link device, comprising: A processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the processor, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a first device and / or a second device, wherein the first device is used to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2 and 5 to 16, and the second device is used to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 3 and 4 and 5 to 16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

21. A chip system, characterized in that: The chip system comprises a processor and an interface, wherein the processor is configured to execute a computer program so that the chip system implements the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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