Wireless communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided are a wireless communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) uses a first link to manage a second link, wherein a frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than a frequency band corresponding to the second link. In embodiments of the present application, the first link can be used to manage the second link, thus improving the reliability of managing the second link.

Description

Wireless communication method and communication device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a wireless communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, multi-link devices can use multiple links for parallel communication, significantly increasing transmission rates. However, for multi-link devices, communicating across multiple links inevitably increases power consumption. Therefore, to conserve power, multi-link devices can temporarily shut down some links during periods of low traffic. When traffic increases, all links can be enabled to ensure timely transmission. This helps balance energy consumption and transmission capacity for multi-link devices. However, managing these multiple links remains a pressing issue.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a wireless communication method and a communication device. The following introduces various aspects involved in the present application.

[0005] In a first aspect, a wireless communication method is provided, including: an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) uses a first link to manage a second link, wherein a frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0006] In a second aspect, a wireless communication method is provided, including: a first non-AP multi-link device (non-AP MLD) uses a first link to manage a second link, wherein a frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0007] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided, which is an access point multi-link device AP MLD, and includes: a processing unit for managing a second link using a first link, wherein a frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is a first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD, including: a processing unit for managing a second link using the first link, wherein the frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store one or more computer programs, and the processor is used to call the computer program in the memory so that the communication device executes part or all of the steps in the method of any of the above aspects.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the above-mentioned communication device. In another possible design, the communication system may also include other devices that interact with the communication device in the solution provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program enables a communication device to execute part or all of the steps in the methods of the above aspects.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer program product, wherein the computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is operable to cause a communication device to perform some or all of the steps of the methods described in each of the above aspects. In some implementations, the computer program product may be a software installation package.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the processor can call and run a computer program from the memory to implement some or all of the steps described in the methods of the above aspects.

[0014] In the embodiment of the present application, the first link can be used to manage the second link, which helps to improve the reliability of the management of the second link. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of a wireless communication system to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable.

[0016] FIG2 is a schematic flowchart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the first frame or the response frame of the first frame in an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a data frame applicable to the first frame in an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a power saving-poll (PS-POLL) frame applicable to the first frame in an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a link request applicable to the second frame in an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a data frame applicable to the second frame in an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a beacon frame applicable to the second frame in an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a data frame applicable to the second frame in another embodiment of the present application.

[0024] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a second link access method assisted by a first link in an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG11 is a schematic flow chart of interactive capability information in an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] FIG12 is a schematic flow chart of interactive capability information in another embodiment of the present application.

[0027] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a frame used to transmit capability information in an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] FIG14 is a flowchart of a method for managing the second link based on trigger mode 1 in an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] FIG15 is a flowchart of a method for managing the second link based on trigger mode 2 in an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] FIG16 is a flowchart of a method for managing the second link based on trigger mode 1 in another embodiment of the present application.

[0031] FIG17 is a flowchart of a method for managing the second link based on trigger mode 2 in another embodiment of the present application.

[0032] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 20 is a schematic structural diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The technical solution of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the following first introduces a communication system applicable to the embodiment of the present application with reference to FIG1 .

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless local area networks (WLAN), wireless fidelity (WiFi), high performance radio local area networks (HIPELAN), wide area networks (WAN), cellular networks, or other communication systems. For another example, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to communication systems that adopt the 802.11 standard. For example, the 802.11 standard includes but is not limited to the 802.11ax standard, the 802.11be standard, and the next generation 802.11 standard.

[0037] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG1 , the communication devices in the communication system 100 may include access points (APs) 111 and 112, and stations (STAs) 121 and 122. STA 121 may access the network through AP 111, and STA 122 may access the network through AP 112.

[0038] In some implementations, a STA may establish an association with one or more APs, after which the associated STAs and APs may communicate. For example, as shown in FIG1 , AP 111 and STA 121 may communicate after establishing an association, and AP 112 and STA 122 may communicate after establishing an association.

[0039] In some implementations, the communication in the communication system 100 may be communication between an AP and a non-AP STA, communication between a non-AP STA and a non-AP STA, or communication between a STA and a peer STA, where a peer STA may refer to a device that communicates with the STA peer, for example, the peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0040] It should be understood that FIG1 exemplarily shows two AP STAs and two non-AP STAs, and the communication system 100 may also include a larger number of AP STAs, or the communication system 100 may include other numbers of non-AP STAs, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0041] In addition, the above communication system can be applied to scenarios of multi-device collaboration, such as multi-AP (multiple access points, Multi-AP) collaboration, or multi-site collaboration.

[0042] In the embodiments of this application, the names of AP and / or STA are not limited. In some scenarios, AP can also be called AP STA, that is, in a sense, AP is also a type of STA. In other scenarios, STA can also be called non-AP STA.

[0043] In the embodiments of the present application, an AP may be a device in a wireless network. An AP may be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, or a bridge, or the AP device may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Of course, the AP may also be a chip, circuit, or processing system in these various forms of devices, thereby realizing the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application. The AP device can be applied to a variety of scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, 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 checkout devices, self-service ordering machines), etc.

[0044] In some implementations, the role of a STA in a communication system is not absolute; in some scenarios, a STA can function as an AP. For example, when a mobile phone is connected to a router, it can be a non-AP STA, while when it is acting as a hotspot for other phones, it functions as an AP.

[0045] In the embodiments of the present application, a STA device in the embodiments of the present application may be a device with wireless transceiver functions, such as a device that supports the 802.11 series of protocols and can communicate with an AP or other STAs. For example, a STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and, in turn, with a WLAN. STA devices include, for example, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device.

[0046] The STA in the embodiment of the present application may also be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connection function. Examples include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future-evolved public land mobile communication networks. The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc., is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0047] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of this application, the STA device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for wearable devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop wearable devices, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Examples include smart watches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on a specific application function and require integration with other devices, such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0048] In addition, in embodiments of the present application, the STA device can also be a terminal device in the Internet of Things (IoT) system. The IoT is an important component of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that interconnects people and machines and things. In embodiments of the present application, IoT technology can achieve massive connections, deep coverage, and terminal power saving through, for example, narrowband (NB) technology.

[0049] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, the STA device may be a device in a connected vehicle system. The communication methods in a connected vehicle system are collectively referred to as V2X (where X represents everything). For example, V2X communication includes vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0050] In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the STA device may also include sensors such as smart printers, train detectors, and gas stations. Its main functions include collecting data (partial terminal devices), receiving control information and downlink data from AP devices, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit data to AP devices.

[0051] In addition, the AP device in the embodiment of the present application may be a device for communicating with a STA device. The AP device may be a network device in a wireless local area network. The AP device may be used to communicate with the STA device through the wireless local area network.

[0052] From the perspective of the communication standards supported by the AP, in some implementations, the AP can be a device that supports the 802.11be standard. The AP can also be a device that supports various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0053] From the perspective of STA-supported communication standards, in some implementations, non-AP STAs can support the 802.11be standard. Non-AP STAs can also support various current and future 802.11 family wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, including 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0054] In the embodiments of the present application, there is no limitation on the frequency bands supported by WLAN technology. In some implementations, the frequency bands supported by WLAN technology may include, but are not limited to, low frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) and high frequency bands (e.g., 45 GHz, 60 GHz).

[0055] It should be understood that the specific forms of STA devices and AP devices in the embodiments of the present application are not particularly limited and are merely illustrative.

[0056] Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance

[0057] In some communication systems (e.g., WLAN systems based on IEEE802.11), the basic access mechanism of medium access control (MAC) is the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) mechanism. In some protocols, the CSMA / CA mechanism is also called the distributed coordination function (DCF) of IEEE802.11 MAC, and basically adopts a "listen before talk" access mechanism. In this type of access mechanism, the AP and / or STA senses the wireless channel or medium before starting to send a signal. As a result of the sensing, if it is determined that the medium is in an idle state, the frame is sent by using the medium. Otherwise, if it is sensed that the medium is in an occupied state (or busy state), the AP and / or STA does not start sending, but sets a delay duration for medium access and continues to wait.

[0058] In addition to APs and / or STAs directly sensing the physical carrier of the medium, the CSMA / CA mechanism also includes virtual carrier sensing, which is designed to compensate for issues that may occur during medium access (such as the hidden node problem). For virtual carrier sensing, the WLAN system's MAC uses a network allocation vector (NAV). The NAV is a value sent by an AP and / or STA currently using or authorized to use the medium to another AP or STA, indicating the remaining time until the medium returns to a usable state. Therefore, the value set to the NAV corresponds to the period reserved for use of the medium by the AP and / or STA currently transmitting the corresponding frame.

[0059] Power saving (PS) mode

[0060] Currently, most STAs using wireless networks are mobile devices, which rely primarily on batteries for power, a limited amount of which can be supplied by batteries. Therefore, PS mode has been introduced to improve STA power utilization. The primary purpose of PS mode is to reduce power consumption in Wi-Fi devices. Typically, a STA in PS mode can be in a dormant state (for example, with its transmit power amplifier turned off). The AP can buffer downlink data to be sent to the STA as a temporary frame. This prevents the STA from being constantly awake, which would cause rapid battery depletion.

[0061] Currently, the communication process in PS mode can include the following: First, the STA can notify the AP that it will enter PS mode. At this point, the AP begins to buffer the STA's data packets. After that, the AP can periodically send beacon frames. These beacon frames contain a traffic indication map (TIM) field, which is used to inform the STA whether there is any data buffered for it. Accordingly, after each listening interval, the STA will wake up to receive beacon frames. If the TIM in the beacon frame indicates that there is data buffered for it, the STA can send a PS-POLL frame to the AP. Accordingly, after successfully receiving the PS-POLL frame, the AP immediately responds with an ACK and sends the buffered downlink data to the STA.

[0062] In some implementations, a PS-POLL frame can correspond to a buffered frame. That is, a PS-POLL frame can trigger the AP to send a buffered frame to transmit downlink data. Afterwards, the STA can continue to send PS-POLL frames until all buffered frames are transmitted to the STA.

[0063] In the embodiments of the present application, for a multi-link device in PS mode, one or more links corresponding to the device may be in a dormant state. For example, the links corresponding to a non-AP STA may include link 1 and link 2. If the non-AP STA is in PS mode, link 2 may be in a dormant state, or both link 1 and link 2 may be in a dormant state. Link 1 may be, for example, the first link described below, and link 2 may be, for example, the second link described below.

[0064] Multi-link scenario

[0065] In some scenarios, the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1 can be used in multi-link scenarios. That is, some communication devices in the communication system can communicate via multiple links. Therefore, a communication device can also be referred to as a "multi-link device (MLD)" and sometimes also as a multi-link entity or a multi-band entity. Generally, if the multi-link device is an AP, the AP can also be referred to as a "multi-link AP" or AP MLD. If the multi-link device is a STA, the STA can also be referred to as a "multi-link STA" or a non-AP MLD.

[0066] In some implementations, the multiple communication links may include communication links in different frequency bands. Therefore, the above-mentioned multi-link communication can also be referred to as multi-band communication. In some implementations, the frequency bands in which the multiple communication links are located may include millimeter wave bands and / or low frequency bands. The frequency range corresponding to the millimeter wave band may include 30 to 300 GHz. For example, the millimeter wave band may be the 60 GHz band. The frequency range corresponding to the low frequency band (also known as the Sub-7 GHz band) may include 450 MHz to 6 GHz. For example, the low frequency band may be 2.4 GHz. For another example, the low frequency band may be 5 GHz. For another example, the low frequency band may be 6 GHz. In other implementations, the multiple communication links may occupy multiple channels. The multiple channels may be in different or the same frequency bands. The use of multi-link communication helps to improve the communication throughput and / or reliability between devices.

[0067] Compared to devices that only support single-link transmission, AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs can use link identifiers to identify a link or a station on a link during communication. In some embodiments, before communication begins, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD can negotiate or communicate the correspondence between the link identifier and the link or a station on the link.

[0068] In embodiments of the present application, a multi-link device may be a multi-link device with a single antenna (or a single radio frequency module, a single radio frequency), or a multi-link device with multiple antennas (or multiple radio frequency modules, multiple radio frequencies). In some embodiments, a multi-link device with a single antenna may mean that the multi-link device has only one physical STA, and the physical STA supports communication in multiple frequency bands. In some embodiments, a multi-link device with multiple antennas may mean that the multi-link device has multiple physical STAs, and each physical STA supports communication in one or more frequency bands.

[0069] If the distance between the channels used by the radio frequency modules of two STAs on a multi-link device is large enough, the two STAs can operate independently without interfering with each other. If the channels used by the radio frequency modules of two STAs on a multi-link device are close to each other, mutual interference will occur, especially when one STA is transmitting, which will interfere with the other STA that is receiving. Therefore, when multiple links are established between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, if any two links support transmission on one link while the other link is receiving, the two links can be considered to support simultaneous transmission and reception (STR). Otherwise, the two links can be considered to be non-STR (NSTR) and cannot transmit and receive simultaneously.

[0070] Multi-link establishment method

[0071] Some patents discuss the process of establishing multiple links. Multilink devices can establish links by sending a multilink association request frame, which carries information about supported and desired links. However, in practical applications, if there is no service demand, initially establishing multilink communication on all supported links by the MLD can result in low link resource utilization. During subsequent communications, the MLD may also need to update communication links. Traditional multilink communication suffers from poor flexibility and the inability to meet practical application requirements. Therefore, in the multilink management solutions proposed in some patents, the AP MLD and STA MLD can interact to determine the success of link establishment, addition, and deletion. These MLDs carry the identifiers of at least two links, allowing them to add or delete links from existing multilink communication links based on communication needs, further enhancing the flexibility of multilink communication. By carrying service-link mapping information, the mapping relationship between services and links can be established during multilink establishment, or updated after multilink establishment is complete, enabling more flexible management of service transmission and improving service quality.

[0072] Channel access technology for multi-link devices

[0073] In some implementations, for an MLD operating in STR mode, its multiple attached APs and STAs can autonomously and independently perform channel access on corresponding links. Each attached STA independently selects its own channel access parameters, with distinct and independent data transmission start and end times and ACK response times. For interference avoidance purposes, attached devices that lack STR capabilities on certain links, after obtaining a transmission opportunity through DCF or EDCA, may postpone channel access until other links are synchronized and aligned.

[0074] Channel contention access in the NSTR mode is divided into single-primary channel access and multi-primary channel access. Under the single-primary channel access mechanism, only one pre-set link (primary link) can perform channel contention, and channel access for other links depends on its access status. When the backoff counter of the primary link is reduced to 0, the remaining auxiliary links look back within a preset period of time before the main link backoff is completed. If they are idle, they can access the channel synchronously with the primary link. If the channel is busy within the auxiliary link detection time, only the primary link will perform data transmission. Under the multi-primary channel access mechanism, each link can compete for the channel. The link that backs off to 0 first becomes the primary link. The primary link waits for the remaining links to back off to 0 or for the remaining links to look back within a preset period of time before the main link backoff is completed to see if they are idle within the detection time, and then performs synchronous transmission with the primary link.

[0075] As described above, STR mode provides more channel transmission opportunities and high throughput, but it can also interfere with in-device coexistence (IDC) between multiple links. NSTR mode allows multiple links to transmit simultaneously, avoiding IDC interference, but throughput is significantly lower than in STR mode.

[0076] MLD enable / disable mechanism

[0077] Some protocols (eg, 802.11be draft) specify that an enable / disable mechanism and a TID to link mapping mechanism may be used to indicate whether a link is enabled or disabled.

[0078] In the disable mechanism, the AP MLD can request to temporarily stop the base station subsystem (BSS) corresponding to the attached AP of the multi-link device. For all associated non-AP MLDs, the link will be disabled, even if there are associated non-AP MLDs running on the link. In the enable mechanism, the AP MLD can request to restart the BSS corresponding to the attached AP, including on enabled links. When initiated by the AP MLD, the disable mechanism notifies all associated non-AP MLDs that all services on the link are stopped, including data transmission and reception, Beacon frames, and probe response frames.

[0079] Under the TID to link mapping mechanism, both AP MLD and non-AP MLD can initiate and carry TID to link mapping information. Non-AP MLD and AP MLD can negotiate the mapping between services and links, enabling flexible link management.

[0080] Currently, multi-link devices can communicate using multiple links in parallel, significantly increasing transmission rates. However, for multi-link devices, communicating across multiple links inevitably increases power consumption. Therefore, to conserve power, non-AP MLD can temporarily shut down some links when traffic is low. When traffic arrives, all links can be enabled to balance energy consumption and capacity. Traditional multi-link management solutions employ two implementation methods: AP MLD indication and non-AP MLD indication, depending on the initiator. In the AP MLD indication method, the AP MLD carries link indication information in the first frame, instructing the non-AP MLD to enable a second link. This enables rapid switching of the non-AP MLD's communication mode and reduces energy waste caused by blindly enabling all links. In the non-AP MLD indication method, the non-AP MLD can send a second frame to the AP MLD on the second link. This second frame carries information about the second link and the remaining associated links, indicating the shutdown of the second link, thereby reducing energy consumption for the multi-link device.

[0081] However, conventional multi-link management schemes do not specify the communication link used to transmit the first frame, which may prevent the first frame from being transmitted. During the transmission of the second frame, the second frame can be transmitted over the first link. This means that the managed link is the same link used to transmit the second frame, which may reduce the reliability of the second frame's transmission. For example, if the communication quality of the first link is low and it is desired to shut down the first link, continuing to transmit over the second link may result in the second frame not being correctly transmitted.

[0082] Therefore, to address the above issues, an embodiment of the present application provides a wireless communication method in which a first link can be used to manage a second link, thereby improving the reliability of the management of the second link. The wireless communication method of an embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to FIG2 . The method shown in FIG2 includes step S210 .

[0083] In step S210 , the multi-link device may manage the second link by using the first link, wherein the first link and the second link are different links.

[0084] In some implementations, a multi-link device may include a non-AP MLD and / or an AP MLD.

[0085] In some implementations, the frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than the frequency band corresponding to the second link. For example, the frequency band corresponding to the first link may be the low-frequency band described above, and correspondingly, the frequency band corresponding to the second link may be the millimeter-wave band described above. Therefore, the second link may also be referred to as the "millimeter-wave band."

[0086] In some implementations, the above step S210 may include: the multi-link device uses the first link to manage the opening and / or closing of the second link, or in other words, the multi-link device uses the first link to open the second link or close the second link.

[0087] Taking the second link as a millimeter wave link as an example, generally, the energy consumption required for communication based on the millimeter wave link is high, which may cause the power of the multi-link device to be consumed too quickly. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, the first link can be used to open or close the millimeter wave link, and the communication method based on the millimeter wave link can be used for temporary capacity expansion, which helps to save energy while taking into account transmission efficiency.

[0088] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the activation of the second link. In some implementations, activating the second link may include switching the second link from a dormant state to an activated state, or in other words, switching the state of the second link from a dormant state in an available state to an activated state in an available state. In other implementations, activating the second link may include switching the second link from a disabled state to an enabled state, or in other words, switching the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an available state. For example, activating the second link may include switching the second link from a disabled state to a dormant state. For another example, activating the second link may include switching the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an activated state in an available state.

[0089] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the shutting down of the second link. In some implementations, shutting down the second link may include switching the second link from an activated state to a dormant state, or in other words, switching the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to a dormant state in an available state. In other implementations, shutting down the second link may include switching the second link from an enabled state to a disabled state, or in other words, switching the state of the second link from an available state to an unavailable state. For example, shutting down the second link may include switching the second link from a dormant state to an unavailable state. For another example, shutting down the second link may include switching the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to an unavailable state.

[0090] Typically, the operating state of a link can be divided into an enable state (also known as an "enabled state") and a disable state (also known as a "disabled state"). The enable state indicates that the link is available. When the link is in the enable state, it means that the link can communicate (for example, transmit data). The disable state indicates that the link is disabled. If the link is in the disable state, it means that the link cannot communicate. Currently, switching the communication state of a link from the disable state to the enable state requires executing a link re-establishment process.

[0091] Later, to reduce power consumption, sleep mode and active mode were introduced for enabled links. When there is no data to be transmitted on the link, the link enters sleep mode. In sleep mode, the device disables the ability to receive and transmit data to conserve energy. When the device has data to transmit, the link switches from sleep mode to active mode. In active mode, the device can receive and transmit data. It should be noted that unlike when a link switches from disabled to enabled mode, link reestablishment is not required when switching from sleep mode to active mode.

[0092] In the embodiments of the present application, the decision strategy for opening or closing the second link is not limited. In some implementations, the opening or closing of the second link can be determined based on the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted. For example, if the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted is large, the second link can be opened. For another example, if the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted is small, the second link can be closed. In other implementations, the opening or closing of the second link can be determined based on the communication quality of the first link. For example, if the communication quality of the first link is poor, the second link can be opened. For another example, if the communication quality of the first link is good, the second link can be closed. Of course, in the embodiments of the present application, the opening or closing of the second link can also be determined based on a combination of the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted and the communication quality of the first link. For example, if the communication quality of the first link is poor and the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted is large, the second link can be opened. For another example, if the communication quality of the first link is good and the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted is small, the second link can be closed.

[0093] In some implementations, if a mapping relationship exists between the second link and at least one service flow, then a mapping relationship also exists between the at least one service flow and one or more first links. In other words, when at least one service flow identifier is mapped to the second link, the service flow identifier mapped by the second link must be mapped to at least one or more first links. In this way, when a corresponding service needs to be transmitted, the second link can be opened more quickly.

[0094] In some implementations, when no service flow identifier is mapped to the second link, all service flow identifiers can be mapped to one or more first links. This ensures that when a service corresponding to a TID mapped to the second link arrives, even if the second link is in a dormant state or the communication quality of the second link is poor, the corresponding service can be transmitted via the first link, thereby improving the reliability of transmitting the corresponding service.

[0095] The above describes the meaning of managing the second link in the embodiment of the present application. The following describes the scheme for triggering the management of the second link in the embodiment of the present application in combination with triggering modes 1 and 2.

[0096] Triggering mode 1: The management of the second link may be requested by a non-AP MLD.

[0097] That is, the above step S210 may include: the first non-AP MLD sends a first frame to the AP MLD on the first link, where the first frame is used to request to open or close the second link.

[0098] In some implementations, the first non-AP MLD may have one or more second links, and the first frame may be used to indicate whether to enable or disable some or all of the second links.

[0099] In some implementations, the first frame includes first indication information, and the first indication information includes one or more of the following: indication information for turning on or off the second link; identification information of the second link; indication information of the access method of the second link; and indication information of whether to perform beam training on the second link.

[0100] Taking the example of the first indication information including indication information for turning on or off the second link, or in other words, the first indication information is used to indicate turning on or off the second link, the first indication information can also be referred to as a "second link transmission indication." In some implementations, the indication information can occupy one bit, which helps reduce transmission overhead. If the value of the bit is the first value, it indicates that the second link is turned on. If the value of the bit is the second value, it indicates that the second link is turned off. The first value and the second value can be different. For example, the first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0. For another example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1. Of course, in the embodiments of the present application, the indication information can also occupy multiple bits.

[0101] It should be noted that, based on the meaning of enabling and disabling the second link described above, the first indication information can also be understood as indicating the status of the second link. For example, a value of 0 for the first indication information indicates that the second link is in a dormant state within an available state; a value of 1 for the first indication information indicates that the second link is in an activated state within an available state; and a value of 2 for the first indication information indicates that the second link is in an unavailable state. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 2 can be set as a reserved value.

[0102] For example, the first indication information includes identification information of the second link, or in other words, the first indication information is used to indicate the second link. The identification information of the second link may be an identifier of the link that the first non-AP MLD requests to enable or disable.

[0103] Take, for example, the case where the first indication information includes indication information of the access method of the second link, or in other words, the first indication information is used to indicate the access method of the second link. In some implementations, the access method of the second link may include one or more of the following: an access method based on assistance from the first link and an independent access mechanism. The independent access mechanism may include an independent access mechanism for the second link in STR mode and / or an independent access mechanism for the second link in NSTR mode. The independent access mechanism for the second link may include an access method based on channel scanning. In addition, the access method based on assistance from the first link will be described in detail below. Of course, the access method of the embodiments of the present application may also include other access methods.

[0104] In some scenarios, the above-mentioned access method can be understood as an access method for accessing a channel in the second link. Therefore, the above-mentioned access method can also be called "channel access method". Correspondingly, the above-mentioned first indication information can be called "channel access indication".

[0105] Taking the first indication information including indication information of whether to perform beam training on the second link as an example, or in other words, the first indication information is used to indicate whether to perform beam training on the beam corresponding to the second link, therefore, the indication information can also be called a "beam training indication field".

[0106] In some implementations, the beam training may include a sector-level sweep (SLS) phase and / or a beam refinement protocol (BRP) phase. Typically, after beam training is completed, the communicating parties may communicate using directional beams.

[0107] In some implementations, this indication information may occupy one bit, helping to reduce transmission overhead. If the value of this bit is a first value, it indicates that beam training is being performed. If the value of this bit is a second value, it indicates that beam training is not being performed. The first value and the second value may be different. For example, the first value may be 1 and the second value may be 0. For another example, the first value may be 0 and the second value may be 1. Of course, in the embodiments of the present application, this indication information may also occupy multiple bits.

[0108] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the method for determining whether to perform beam training. In some implementations, whether to perform beam training on the second link can be determined based on the link quality of the second link. For example, if the link quality of the second link is lower than threshold 1, it can be determined that beam training is performed on the second link. Conversely, if the link quality of the second link is lower than threshold 2, it can be determined that beam training is not performed on the second link. Threshold 1 and threshold 2 can be the same or different. In addition, threshold 1 and / or threshold 2 can be determined by one or more of the following information: predefined information; preconfigured information; and configuration information sent by the network device.

[0109] In some implementations, the method further includes: the AP MLD sending a response frame of the first frame to the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame of the first frame is used to indicate whether to agree to enable or disable the second link, or in other words, the response frame of the first frame is used to indicate whether to allow enabling or disabling the second link, or alternatively, the response frame of the first frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD allows enabling or disabling the second link.

[0110] In some implementations, the response frame of the first frame includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: whether to agree to open or close the second link; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link; identification information of the second link; and access method of the second link.

[0111] For example, the second indication information is used to indicate whether to approve opening or closing the second link, or in other words, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the AP MLD allows opening or closing the second link. Therefore, the second indication information can also be called "second link transmission indication".

[0112] In some implementations, this indication information may occupy one bit, which helps reduce transmission overhead. If the value of this bit is a first value, it indicates that the second link is allowed to be enabled or disabled. If the value of this bit is a second value, it indicates that the second link is not allowed to be enabled or disabled. The first value and the second value may be different. For example, the first value may be 1 and the second value may be 0. For another example, the first value may be 0 and the second value may be 1. Of course, in embodiments of the present application, this indication information may also occupy multiple bits.

[0113] It should be noted that, based on the meaning of enabling and disabling the second link described above, the second indication information can also be understood as indicating whether the state of the second link is allowed to be set. For example, when the value of the second indication information is 0, it indicates that the second link is allowed to be set to a dormant state in an available state. When the value of the second indication information is 1, it indicates that the second link is allowed to be set to an activated state in an available state; when the value of the second indication information is 2, it indicates that the second link is allowed to be set to an unavailable state. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 2 can be set as a reserved value.

[0114] Take the second indication information as an example, which is used to indicate identification information of the second link. In other words, the second indication information is used to indicate the second link.

[0115] Taking the second indication information as an example of indicating whether beam training of the second link is agreed, or in other words, the second indication information is used to indicate whether beam training of the beam corresponding to the second link is allowed, or in other words, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the AP MLD allows beam training of the beam corresponding to the second link. Therefore, the second indication information can also be called "beam training indication".

[0116] In some implementations, this indication information may occupy one bit, helping to reduce transmission overhead. If the value of this bit is a first value, beam training is permitted. If the value of this bit is a second value, beam training is not permitted. The first and second values ​​may be different. For example, the first value may be 1 and the second value may be 0. For another example, the first value may be 0 and the second value may be 1. Of course, in embodiments of the present application, this indication information may also occupy multiple bits.

[0117] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the method for determining whether beam training is allowed. In some implementations, whether to perform beam training on the second link can be determined based on the link quality of the second link. For example, if the link quality of the second link is lower than threshold 1, beam training on the second link can be allowed. Conversely, if the link quality of the second link is lower than threshold 2, beam training on the second link can be rejected. Threshold 1 and threshold 2 can be the same or different. In addition, threshold 1 and / or threshold 2 can be determined by one or more of the following information: predefined information; preconfigured information; and configuration information sent by the network device.

[0118] Take the example of the second indication information being used to indicate whether the access method of the second link is approved, or in other words, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the access method of the second link is allowed. In some implementations, the access method of the second link may include one or more of the following: an access method based on the assistance of the first link and an independent access mechanism. Among them, the independent access mechanism may include the second link independent access mechanism in the STR mode and / or the second link independent access mechanism in the NSTR mode. Among them, the second link independent access mechanism may include an access method based on channel scanning. In addition, the access method based on the assistance of the first link will be described in detail below. Of course, the access method of the embodiment of the present application may also include other access methods.

[0119] In some scenarios, the above-mentioned access method can be understood as an access method for accessing a channel in the second link. Therefore, the above-mentioned access method can also be called "channel access method". Correspondingly, the above-mentioned second indication information can be called "channel access indication".

[0120] In the embodiments of the present application, the types of the first frame and / or the response frame to the first frame are not limited. In some implementations, the first frame can be one or more of the following: a data frame; a management frame; and a control frame. In other implementations, the response frame to the first frame can be one or more of the following: a data frame; a management frame; and a control frame. For example, the first frame and the response frame to the first frame are both management frames. In another example, the first frame is a data frame and the response frame to the first frame is a control frame. In another example, the first frame and the response frame to the first frame are both control frames.

[0121] In other implementations, the first frame and the response frame of the first frame may be one of the following: the first frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a link response frame; the first frame is a data frame and the response frame of the first frame is an acknowledgment frame (ACK frame); the first frame is a PS-POLL frame, and the response frame of the first frame is an acknowledgment frame.

[0122] It should be noted that in some scenarios, if the response frame to the first frame is an ACK frame, the ACK frame may only indicate that the first frame was successfully received. In this case, the ACK frame may not carry the second indication information, and the ACK frame structure may adopt a traditional frame structure. Of course, in the embodiments of the present application, the ACK frame structure may also be improved so that the ACK frame can carry the above-mentioned second indication information.

[0123] Triggering mode 2: the management of the second link may be instructed by the AP MLD.

[0124] That is, step S210 includes: the AP MLD sends a second frame on the first link, where the second frame is used to manage the activation and / or deactivation of the second link corresponding to one or more non-AP MLDs, or in other words, the second frame is used to instruct activation and / or deactivation of the second link corresponding to one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0125] In this embodiment of the present application, if the AP MLD manages the second links corresponding to multiple non-AP MLDs, the AP MLD can simultaneously manage the second links corresponding to the multiple non-AP MLDs by sending a single second frame, thereby improving the efficiency of the AP MLD managing the multiple non-AP MLDs. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, the AP MLD can manage the second links corresponding to the multiple non-AP MLDs separately by sending multiple second frames, thereby improving the flexibility of the AP MLD managing the multiple non-AP MLDs.

[0126] It should be noted that the one or more non-AP MLDs may be part or all of all non-AP MLDs associated with the AP MLD, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0127] In some implementations, the second frame includes a first field, and the first field includes one or more of the following information: indication information of whether the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in one or more non-AP MLDs is turned on or off; identification information of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of the one or more non-AP MLDs; indication information of an access mode of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in one or more non-AP MLDs; and indication information of whether beam training is performed on the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0128] For example, the first field includes information indicating whether the second link is on or off. In other words, the information in the first field is used to indicate whether the second link is on or off. Therefore, this indication information can also be called a "second link transmission indication." In some implementations, this indication information can occupy one bit, which helps reduce transmission overhead. If the value of this bit is a first value, it indicates that the second link is on. If the value of this bit is a second value, it indicates that the second link is off. The first value and the second value can be different. For example, the first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0. For another example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1. Of course, in the embodiments of the present application, this indication information can also occupy multiple bits.

[0129] It should be noted that each of one or more non-AP MLDs can correspond to a different second link transmission indication to indicate whether to enable or disable the second link corresponding to the corresponding non-AP MLD, which helps to increase the flexibility of the indication information. For example, the multiple non-AP MLDs include non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2. In this case, the second link transmission indication corresponding to non-AP MLD1 can indicate that the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD1 is enabled, and the second link transmission indication corresponding to non-AP MLD2 can indicate that the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD2 is disabled.

[0130] Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, each of one or more non-AP MLDs can correspond to the same second link transmission indication to indicate whether to enable or disable the second link corresponding to the corresponding non-AP MLD, thereby reducing the overhead of transmission indication information. For example, if the multiple non-AP MLDs include non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2, the second link transmission indications corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 can indicate that the second links corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 are enabled.

[0131] For example, the first field includes the second link corresponding to each of the one or more non-AP MLDs. In other words, the information in the first field is used to indicate the second link corresponding to each of the one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0132] For example, the first field includes identification information of one or more non-AP MLDs. In other words, the information in the first field is used to indicate each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0133] Take the example where the first field includes information indicating the access mode of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in one or more non-AP MLDs, or in other words, the information in the first field is used to indicate the access mode of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in one or more non-AP MLDs. In some implementations, the access mode of the second link may include one or more of the following: an access mode based on assistance from the first link, and an independent access mode. The independent access mode may include an independent access mode for the second link in STR mode, and an independent access mode for the second link in NSTR mode. The independent access mode for the second link may include an access mode based on channel scanning. In addition, the access mode based on assistance from the first link will be described in detail below. Of course, the access mode of the embodiment of the present application may also include other access modes.

[0134] In some scenarios, the above-mentioned access method can be understood as an access method for accessing a channel in the second link. Therefore, the above-mentioned access method can also be called a "channel access method". Correspondingly, the above-mentioned indication information can be called a "channel access indication".

[0135] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the present application, each of one or more non-AP MLDs can correspond to a different channel access indication, which helps to improve the flexibility of the indication. For example, the multiple non-AP MLDs include non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2. In this case, the channel access indication corresponding to non-AP MLD1 can indicate that the access mode of the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD1 is access mode 1, and the channel access indication corresponding to non-AP MLD2 can indicate that the access mode of the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD2 is access mode 2.

[0136] Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, each of the one or more non-AP MLDs can correspond to the same channel access indication, which helps reduce the overhead of transmitting indication information. For example, the multiple non-AP MLDs include non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2. In this case, the channel access indications corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 can indicate that the access mode of the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 is access mode 1.

[0137] For example, the first field includes information indicating whether beam training is performed on the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in one or more non-AP MLDs. In other words, the information in the first field is used to indicate whether beam training is performed on the beam corresponding to the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in one or more non-AP MLDs. Therefore, this indication information can also be called a "beam training indication."

[0138] In some implementations, this indication information may occupy one bit, helping to reduce transmission overhead. If the value of this bit is a first value, it indicates that beam training is being performed. If the value of this bit is a second value, it indicates that beam training is not being performed. The first value and the second value may be different. For example, the first value may be 1 and the second value may be 0. For another example, the first value may be 0 and the second value may be 1. Of course, in the embodiments of the present application, this indication information may also occupy multiple bits.

[0139] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the present application, each of one or more non-AP MLDs may correspond to a different beam training instruction, thereby increasing instruction flexibility. For example, if the multiple non-AP MLDs include non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2, the beam training instruction corresponding to non-AP MLD1 may indicate that beam training is required for the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD1, while the beam training instruction corresponding to non-AP MLD2 may indicate that beam training is not required for the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD2.

[0140] Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, each of the one or more non-AP MLDs may correspond to the same aforementioned beam training indication to indicate whether beam training is required for the second link, thereby reducing the overhead of transmitting the indication information. For example, the multiple non-AP MLDs include non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2. In this case, the beam training indications corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 may indicate that beam training is required for the second links corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2.

[0141] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the method for determining whether to perform beam training. In some implementations, whether to perform beam training on the second link can be determined based on the link quality of the second link. For example, if the link quality of the second link is lower than threshold 1, it can be determined that beam training is performed on the second link. Conversely, if the link quality of the second link is lower than threshold 2, it can be determined that beam training is not performed on the second link. Threshold 1 and threshold 2 can be the same or different. In addition, threshold 1 and / or threshold 2 can be determined by one or more of the following information: predefined information; preconfigured information; and configuration information sent by the network device.

[0142] As can be seen from the preceding description, the information carried in the first field is used to manage the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in one or more non-AP MLDs. Therefore, this field can be referred to as a "user list." This will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 through 9 and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0143] In some implementations, the one or more non-AP MLDs may include a first non-AP MLD, and the method further includes: the first non-AP MLD sending a second response frame to the AP MLD on the first link, where the second response frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD agrees to enable or disable the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD.

[0144] In some implementations, the response frame of the second frame includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: whether to agree to enable or disable the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; identification information of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; and an access method of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD.

[0145] In the embodiment of the present application, the relevant content in the third indication information is similar to the relevant content in the second indication information. Please refer to the above introduction to the second indication information. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0146] In the embodiments of the present application, the type of the second frame and / or the response frame to the second frame is not limited. In some implementations, the second frame can be one or more of the following: a data frame; a management frame; and a control frame. For example, if the second frame is a control frame, the second frame can be a beacon frame. In other implementations, the response frame to the second frame can be one or more of the following: a data frame; a management frame; and a control frame. For example, the second frame and the response frame to the second frame are both management frames. In another example, the second frame is a data frame and the response frame to the second frame is a control frame.

[0147] In other implementations, the second frame and the response frame of the second frame can be one of the following: if the second frame is a link request frame, the response frame of the second frame is a link response frame; if the second frame is a data frame, the response frame of the second frame is a confirmation frame.

[0148] For ease of understanding, the following describes the frames and frame structures applicable to the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with Figures 3 to 9. It should be understood that the information content carried in the frame has been introduced above, and the following focuses on the fields carrying information in the embodiments of the present application.

[0149] Assuming that the first frame or the response frame to the first frame can be an action frame in a management frame, Figure 3 shows the frame structure of the first frame or the response frame to the first frame in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the action frame can include a media access control (MAC) header, a frame body, and a frame check sequence (FCS).

[0150] In some implementations, the frame body may be used to carry information to be transmitted. Continuing with FIG3 , the frame body may include one or more of the following: a category field, an action field, an element identifier field, a length field, an element identifier extension field, and a multi-link element field.

[0151] The category field indicates the function of the frame. For example, if the category field is set to N, it indicates that the frame is used for link management. Typically, the value of this field ranges from 30 to 125.

[0152] The action field is used to indicate the details of the action to be taken under the action category specified in the category field. Typically, an action frame may use the Xth byte of this field to specify the details of the action to be taken. For example, for a link request and / or link response frame, the value of the Xth byte of this field may be 0. Of course, in an embodiment of the present application, the value of the Xth byte of this field may be selected from the reserved values ​​corresponding to the existing categories. For example, the value of the Xth byte may be the first of the reserved values ​​in the link management category.

[0153] It should be noted that combining the Category field and the Action field can only determine that the frame is related to link management, for example, that the frame is used to manage the second link. However, based on these two fields, it is not possible to specifically determine whether the frame is for a link request or a link response. In this case, the frame can be distinguished based on the sender of the frame. For example, if the sender of the frame is an AP MLD, then the frame is for a link response. For another example, if the sender of the frame is a non-AP MLD, then the frame is for a link request. Of course, in the embodiments of the present application, the difference between link requests and link responses can also be distinguished based on the value of the Action field.

[0154] The multi-link element field is used to carry multi-link related information. In some implementations, the multi-link element may include one or more of the following: a multi-link control field (Multi-Link control); a common information field (common info) field and a link information (link info) field.

[0155] The multilink control field is used to support multilink communication and coordinate multiple links in the network. This field may include one or more of the following fields: a type field; a reserved field; and a presence bitmap field. The presence bitmap field indicates whether the information element corresponding to each bit in the bitmap is present in the action frame.

[0156] In an embodiment of the present application, the value of the multi-link control field can be a reserved value (for example, any value from 5 to 7), which is used to identify that the field is a new multi-link element type defined in an embodiment of the present application. For example, the field can indicate that this is a multi-link element associated with the second link.

[0157] The link information field may include one or more of the following fields: a subelement identifier (Subelement ID) field; a length field; a second link transmission indication field; a beam training indication field; and a channel access mode indication field. The subelement identifier is used to identify the link information field, or in other words, the subelement identifier is used to identify the content in the link information field as a second link management element. Typically, the value range of the subelement identifier can be 1 to 220. Of course, in an embodiment of the present application, the subelement identifier can take other values. The length is used to indicate the length of the link information field.

[0158] If the action frame is a link request, the second link transmission indication, beam training indication, and channel access mode indication may be used to carry the first indication information. For example, a value of 0 for the second link transmission indication indicates that the second link is in a dormant state within an available state; a value of 1 for the second link transmission indication indicates that the second link is in an activated state within an available state; and a value of 2 for the second link transmission indication indicates that the second link is in an unavailable state. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 2 may be set as a reserved value.

[0159] For example, when the beam training indication value is 0, it indicates that beam training is not performed on the beam in the second link; when the beam training indication value is 1, it indicates that beam training is performed on the beam in the second link. In the embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value.

[0160] For example, when the value of the channel access mode indication is 0, it indicates that the channel access mode based on the first link assistance is adopted; when the value of the channel access mode indication is 1, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the STR mode is adopted. When the value of the channel access mode indication is 2, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the NSTR mode is adopted. In the embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value.

[0161] If the action frame is a link response, the second link transmission indication, beam training indication, and channel access mode indication may be used to carry the second indication information. Specifically, the second link transmission indication indicates whether the state of the second link is permitted to be switched to the state of the second link indicated in the link request; the beam training indication indicates whether beam training is permitted for the beam in the second link based on the indication in the link request; and the channel access mode indication indicates whether the access mode of the second link indicated in the link request is permitted to be used.

[0162] In the embodiment of the present application, the length of each field in the frame is not limited. For ease of understanding, the following describes an example of the length of each field in the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the length of the category field can be 1 byte, the length of the action field can be 1 byte, the length of the element identification field can be 1 byte, the length of the length field can be 1 byte, the length of the element identification extension field can be 1 byte, the length of the multi-link control field can be 2 bytes, and the length of the common information field and the connection information field are variable length. In the multi-link control field, the length of the type field can be 3 bits; the length of the reserved field can be 1 bit; and the length of the presence bitmap field can be 12 bits. In the link information, the length of the sub-element identifier can be 16 bits; the length of the length field can be 16 bits; the length of the second link identification field can be 4 bits, the length of the second link transmission indication field can be 2 bits; the length of the beam training indication field can be 2 bits; and the length of the channel access mode indication field can be 2 bits.

[0163] Assuming the first frame can be a data frame, Figure 4 shows the frame structure of a data frame applicable to the first frame in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, the data frame may include a MAC header, a frame body, and an FCS. The MAC header may include one or more of the following fields: a frame control field; a duration field; an address 1 field; an address 2 field; an address 3 field; a sequence control field; an address 4 field; a QoS control field; and an HT control field.

[0164] As shown in Figure 4 , the HT Control field may include an Aggregation Control (A-Control) field, which may include a control ID and control information. The control information may be used to carry the second indication information described above. Specifically, the control information may include a link ID for the second link; a second link transmission indication; a beam training indication; and a channel access mode indication.

[0165] In the embodiments of the present application, the lengths of the various fields in the data frame are not limited. For ease of understanding, the following describes an example of the lengths of the various fields in the data frame in the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the length of the frame control field can be 2 bytes, the length of the duration field can be 2 bytes, the length of the address 1 field can be 6 bytes, the length of the address 2 field can be 6 bytes, the length of the address 3 field can be 6 bytes, the length of the sequence control field can be 2 bytes, the length of the address 4 field can be 6 bytes, the length of the QoS control field can be 2 bytes, the length of the HT field can be 4 bytes, the length of the frame body can be variable length, and the length of the FCS field can be 4 bytes. In the aggregation control (A-control) field in the HT field, the length of the control flag can be 4 bits, and the length of the control information can be variable length. In some scenarios, the content of the information carried in the control information varies, which may affect the length of the control information. Therefore, setting the length of the control information to a variable length helps improve the adaptability of the data frame to various scenarios. In the control information, the length of the link identifier may be 4 bits, the length of the second link transmission indication may be 2 bits, the length of the beam training indication may be 2 bits, and the length of the channel access mode indication may be 2 bits.

[0166] Taking the first frame as a PS-POLL frame in PS mode as an example, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a PS-POLL frame applicable to the first frame in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the PS-POLL frame may include one or more of the following fields: a MAC header, a common information field; a user information list field; a padding field; and an FCS field. The MAC header includes one or more of the following fields: frame control; duration; RA; and TA.

[0167] In some implementations, the user information list may be used to carry the second indication information described above. Specifically, the user information list may include one or more of the following fields: a link identifier field for the second link; a second link transmission indication field; a beam training indication field; or a channel access mode indication field.

[0168] For example, when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 0, it indicates that the second link is in a dormant state while in an available state; when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 1, it indicates that the second link is in an activated state while in an available state; and when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 2, it indicates that the second link is in an unavailable state. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 2 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0169] For example, when the value of the beam training indication field is 0, it indicates that beam training is not performed for the beam in the second link; when the value of the beam training indication field is 1, it indicates that beam training is performed for the beam in the second link. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0170] For example, when the value of the channel access mode indication field is 0, it indicates that the channel access mode based on the first link assistance is adopted; when the value of the channel access mode indication field is 1, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the STR mode is adopted. When the value of the channel access mode indication field is 2, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the NSTR mode is adopted. In the embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0171] The above describes the frame structure of the frame applicable to trigger mode 1 in the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figures 3 and 5. The following describes the frame structure of the frame applicable to trigger mode 2 in the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figures 6 to 9.

[0172] Taking the second frame as a link request frame as an example, Figure 6 shows the frame structure of the link request applicable to the second frame in an embodiment of the present application. In this frame structure, a new user list field can be added as the first field to carry the information of the first field introduced above.

[0173] As shown in Figure 6, the frame structure of the link request may include a MAC header, a frame body and an FCS. The frame body may include one or more of the following fields: an element identification field; a length field; an element identification extension field; a multi-link control field; a common information field and a link information field.

[0174] In some implementations, the link information field may include one or more of the following fields: a sub-element identification field; a length field; a second link transmission indication field; a beam training indication field; a channel access mode indication field; and a user list field.

[0175] In some implementations, the user list field may include the first field corresponding to user 1 to the first field corresponding to user N, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the user list field may include one or more of the following fields: user 1's second link transmission indication field; user 1's beam training indication field; user 1's channel access mode indication field; the link identifier of the second link corresponding to user 1; and the association identifier (AID) corresponding to user 1. User N's ​​second link transmission indication field; user N's ​​beam training indication field; user N's ​​channel access mode indication field; the link identifier of the second link corresponding to user N; and the association identifier (AID) corresponding to user N.

[0176] For example, when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 0, it indicates that the second link is in a dormant state while in an available state; when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 1, it indicates that the second link is in an activated state while in an available state; and when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 2, it indicates that the second link is in an unavailable state. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 2 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0177] For example, when the value of the beam training indication field is 0, it indicates that beam training is not performed for the beam in the second link; when the value of the beam training indication field is 1, it indicates that beam training is performed for the beam in the second link. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0178] For example, when the value of the channel access mode indication field is 0, it indicates that the channel access mode based on the first link assistance is adopted; when the value of the channel access mode indication field is 1, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the STR mode is adopted. When the value of the channel access mode indication field is 2, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the NSTR mode is adopted. In the embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0179] It should be noted that if the link request only carries the first field corresponding to one user, or the content of the first fields corresponding to multiple users carried by the link request is the same, then the first field can be carried in the second link transmission indication field; beam training indication field; channel access mode indication field in the link information field, without having to carry the above information in each field in the user list. In this case, the user list can only carry the link identifier of the second link corresponding to each user and / or the AID corresponding to each user. Of course, in the above scenario, the first field corresponding to each user can also be carried in the user list. In this case, the second link transmission indication field, beam training indication field, and channel access mode indication field in the link information field can be set to reserved values. For example, the value of the second link transmission indication field in the link information field can be the reserved value 3, the value of the beam training indication field can be the reserved value 2, and the value of the channel access mode indication field can be the reserved value 4.

[0180] If the contents of the first fields corresponding to multiple users carried by the link request are partially or completely different, then the first fields corresponding to each user can be carried in the user list field. At this time, the second link transmission indication field, the beam training indication field, and the channel access mode indication field in the link information field can be set as reserved values. In other words, if the second link transmission indication field, the beam training indication field, and the channel access mode indication field in the link information field are reserved values, it means that the link request carries the first fields corresponding to different users (i.e., non-AP MLD). For example, the value of the second link transmission indication field in the link information field can be the reserved value 3, the value of the beam training indication field can be the reserved value 2, and the value of the channel access mode indication field can be the reserved value 4.

[0181] In this embodiment of the present application, the lengths of the various fields in the link request are not limited. For ease of understanding, the following describes an example of the lengths of the various fields in this embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the length of the element identification field can be 1 byte. The length of the length field can be 1 byte. The length of the element identification extension field can be 1 byte. The length of the multi-link control field can be 2 bytes. The length of the control information field can be 1 byte. The length of the common information field can be variable. The length of the link information field can be variable. In the link information field, the length of the sub-element identification field can be 16 bits. The length of the length field can be 16 bits. The length of the second link transmission indication field can be 2 bits. The length of the beam training indication field can be 2 bits. The length of the channel access mode indication field can be 2 bits. The length of the user list field can be variable. In the user list field, the length of the second link transmission indication field of user N can be 2 bits; the length of the beam training indication field of user N can be 1 bit; the length of the channel access mode indication field of user N can be 2 bits; the length of the link identification field of the second link corresponding to user N can be 4 bits; the length of the association identifier AID field corresponding to user N can be 2 bytes.

[0182] Taking the second frame as a data frame as an example, Figure 7 shows the frame structure of a data frame applicable to the second frame in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, the data frame may include a MAC header, a frame body, and an FCS. The MAC header may include one or more of the following fields: a frame control field; a duration field; an address 1 field; an address 2 field; an address 3 field; a sequence control field; an address 4 field; a quality of service (QoS) control field; and a high-throughput (HT) control field.

[0183] As shown in Figure 7, the HT control field may include an aggregation control (A-control) field, which may include a control identifier and control information, wherein the control information may include one or more of the following fields: a sub-element identifier field; a length field; a second link transmission indication field; a beam training indication field; a channel access mode indication field and a user list field.

[0184] In some implementations, the user list field may include the first field corresponding to user 1 to the first field corresponding to user N, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the user list field may include one or more of the following fields: a beam training indication field for user N; a channel access mode indication field for user N; a link identifier of the second link corresponding to user N; and an association identifier AID corresponding to user N, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0185] For example, when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 0, it indicates that the second link is in a dormant state while in an available state; when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 1, it indicates that the second link is in an activated state while in an available state; and when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 2, it indicates that the second link is in an unavailable state. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 2 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0186] For example, when the value of the beam training indication field is 0, it indicates that beam training is not performed for the beam in the second link; when the value of the beam training indication field is 1, it indicates that beam training is performed for the beam in the second link. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0187] For example, when the value of the channel access mode indication field is 0, it indicates that the channel access mode based on the first link assistance is adopted; when the value of the channel access mode indication field is 1, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the STR mode is adopted. When the value of the channel access mode indication field is 2, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the NSTR mode is adopted. In the embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0188] It should be noted that if the data frame only carries the first field corresponding to one user, or the content of the first fields corresponding to multiple users carried by the data frame is the same, then the first field can be carried in the second link transmission indication field; beam training indication field; channel access mode indication field in the link information field, without having to carry the above information in each field in the user list. In this case, the user list can only carry the link identifier of the second link corresponding to each user and / or the AID corresponding to each user. Of course, in the above scenario, the first field corresponding to each user can also be carried in the user list. In this case, the second link transmission indication field, beam training indication field, and channel access mode indication field in the link information field can be set to reserved values. For example, the value of the second link transmission indication field in the link information field can be the reserved value 3, the value of the beam training indication field can be the reserved value 2, and the value of the channel access mode indication field can be the reserved value 4.

[0189] If the contents of the first fields corresponding to multiple users carried by the data frame are partially or completely different, then the first fields corresponding to each user can be carried in the user list field. At this time, the second link transmission indication field, the beam training indication field, and the channel access mode indication field in the link information field can be set as reserved values. In other words, if the second link transmission indication field, the beam training indication field, and the channel access mode indication field in the link information field are reserved values, it means that the data frame carries the first fields corresponding to different users (i.e., non-AP MLD). For example, the value of the second link transmission indication field in the link information field can be the reserved value 3, the value of the beam training indication field can be the reserved value 2, and the value of the channel access mode indication field can be the reserved value 4.

[0190] In this embodiment of the present application, there are no restrictions on the lengths of the various fields in the data frame. To facilitate understanding, the following describes an example of the lengths of the various fields in this embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the frame control field can be 2 bytes long, the duration field can be 2 bytes long, the address 1 field can be 6 bytes long, the address 2 field can be 6 bytes long, the address 3 field can be 6 bytes long, the sequence control field can be 2 bytes long, the address 4 field can be 6 bytes long, the QoS control field can be 2 bytes long, the HT field can be 4 bytes long, the frame body can be of variable length, and the FCS field can be of 4 bytes long. In the aggregation control field within the HT field, the control flag can be 4 bits long, and the control information can be of variable length. In some scenarios, the content of the control information varies, which may affect its length. Therefore, setting the control information length to a variable length helps improve the adaptability of the data frame to various scenarios. In the control information field, in the user list field, the length of the second link transmission indication field of user N can be 2 bits; the length of the beam training indication field of user N can be 1 bit; the length of the channel access mode indication field of user N can be 2 bits; the length of the link identification field of the second link corresponding to user N can be 4 bits; the length of the association identifier AID field corresponding to user N can be 2 bytes.

[0191] Taking the second frame in PS mode as an example, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a beacon frame applicable to the second frame in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the frame structure of the beacon frame may include a MAC header, a frame body, and an FCS. A second link management element field may be added to the frame body. Accordingly, the frame body of the beacon frame may include one or more of the following fields: an element identification field; a length field; an element identification extension field; and a second link management element field.

[0192] In some implementations, the second link management element field may include one or more of the following fields: a beam training indication field for user N; a channel access mode indication field for user N; a link identifier of the second link corresponding to user N; and an association identifier AID corresponding to user N, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0193] For example, when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 0, it indicates that the second link is in a dormant state while in an available state; when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 1, it indicates that the second link is in an activated state while in an available state; and when the value of the second link transmission indication field is 2, it indicates that the second link is in an unavailable state. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 2 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0194] For example, when the value of the beam training indication field is 0, it indicates that beam training is not performed for the beam in the second link; when the value of the beam training indication field is 1, it indicates that beam training is performed for the beam in the second link. In this embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0195] For example, when the value of the channel access mode indication field is 0, it indicates that the channel access mode based on the first link assistance is adopted; when the value of the channel access mode indication field is 1, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the STR mode is adopted. When the value of the channel access mode indication field is 2, it indicates that the second link independent access mode in the NSTR mode is adopted. In the embodiment of the present application, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value for this field.

[0196] It should be noted that if the PS-POLL frame only carries the first field corresponding to one user, or the content of the first fields corresponding to multiple users carried by the PS-POLL frame is the same, then the first field can be carried in the second link transmission indication field; beam training indication field; channel access mode indication field in the link information field, without having to carry the above information in each field in the user list. In this case, the user list can only carry the link identifier of the second link corresponding to each user and / or the AID corresponding to each user. Of course, in the above scenario, the first field corresponding to each user can also be carried in the user list. In this case, the second link transmission indication field, beam training indication field, and channel access mode indication field in the link information field can be set to reserved values. For example, the value of the second link transmission indication field in the link information field can be the reserved value 3, the value of the beam training indication field can be the reserved value 2, and the value of the channel access mode indication field can be the reserved value 4.

[0197] If the contents of the first fields corresponding to multiple users carried by the PS-POLL frame are partially or completely different, then the first fields corresponding to each user can be carried in the user list field. At this time, the second link transmission indication field, the beam training indication field, and the channel access mode indication field in the link information field can be set as reserved values. In other words, if the second link transmission indication field, the beam training indication field, and the channel access mode indication field in the link information field are reserved values, it means that the PS-POLL frame carries the first fields corresponding to different users (i.e., non-AP MLD). For example, the value of the second link transmission indication field in the link information field can be the reserved value 3, the value of the beam training indication field can be the reserved value 2, and the value of the channel access mode indication field can be the reserved value 4.

[0198] In this embodiment of the present application, the lengths of the various fields in the PS-POLL frame are not limited. For ease of understanding, the following describes an example of the lengths of the various fields in this embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the length of the element identification field can be 8 bits. The length of the length field can be 1 bit. The length of the element identification extension field can be 1 bit. The length of the second link transmission indication field can be 2 bits. The length of the beam training indication field can be 2 bits. The length of the channel access mode indication field can be 2 bits. The length of the user list field can be variable. In the user list field, the length of the second link transmission indication field for user N can be 2 bits; the length of the beam training indication field for user N can be 1 bit; the length of the channel access mode indication field for user N can be 2 bits; the length of the link identification field for the second link corresponding to user N can be 4 bits; and the length of the association identifier AID field corresponding to user N can be 2 bytes.

[0199] It should be noted that in some scenarios, the newly added second link management element field in the PS-POLL frame described in Figure 8 can also be carried in a data frame. As shown in Figure 9, the second link management element field can carry control information in a data frame (also known as a downlink data frame). For the relevant introduction to the second link association element field, please refer to the above description. For the sake of brevity, it is not repeated here.

[0200] The above text introduces the frame structure involved in the embodiments of the present application in combination with Figures 1 to 9. As the above text introduced the access method of the first link assisting in accessing the second link when introducing the access method of the second link, the following text introduces the access method proposed in the embodiments of the present application in combination with Figure 10.

[0201] In some implementations, the above step S210 may include: the MLD manages channel access of the second link by using the first link.

[0202] In some implementations, the AP MLD managing the channel access of the second link by using the first link includes the AP MLD determining whether a channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle in the frequency band corresponding to the first link.

[0203] In the embodiments of the present application, the method for determining whether the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle is not limited. In some implementations, the AP MLD may determine whether the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle based on the signal energy of the signal transmitted on the second link. For example, the AP MLD may determine whether the second link is idle by measuring the signal energy on the second link. Generally, if the signal energy on the second link is greater than a threshold, the second link can be determined to be busy. If the signal energy on the second link is less than or equal to the threshold, the second link can be determined to be idle.

[0204] In an embodiment of the present application, whether the second link is idle can be determined by measuring the signal energy in the second link. Compared with the traditional solution that requires scanning all frequency bands of the second link to determine whether the second link is idle, this solution helps to reduce the power consumption rate of the multi-link device, especially when the second link is a millimeter wave link. The frequency band range of the millimeter wave link is usually large. If all frequency bands of the millimeter wave link are scanned, a large amount of power is usually required.

[0205] In some implementations, if the AP MLD successfully competes for a channel on the frequency band corresponding to the first link, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle for a period of time before the frequency band corresponding to the first link successfully competes for a channel, the AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle.

[0206] In the embodiment of the present application, the length of the above period of time is not limited. For example, the period of time may be a priority inter-frame spacing (PIFS). Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, the period of time may also be a time period of any other length.

[0207] In some implementations, the method further includes: if the AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, then the AP MLD coordinates transmission on the first link and the second link. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, if the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, transmission can also be performed only on the second link.

[0208] In some implementations, the method further includes transmitting on the first link if the AP MLD determines that a channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is busy.

[0209] It should be noted that the AP MLD's determination of whether the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, as described above, can be applied to scenarios where the AP MLD has downlink data to transmit. Accordingly, if a non-AP MLD has uplink data to transmit, the AP MLD can determine whether the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, the scenario in which the AP MLD determines whether the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle is not limited.

[0210] In some implementations, step S210 may include: the first non-AP MLD may manage the second link using the first link. For example, the first non-AP MLD may manage channel access to the second link using the first link.

[0211] In some implementations, managing channel access to the second link using the first link may include the first non-AP MLD determining whether a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle in the frequency band corresponding to the first link.

[0212] In the embodiments of the present application, the method for determining whether the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle is not limited. In some implementations, the first non-AP MLD can determine whether the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle based on the signal energy of the signal transmitted in the second link. For example, the first non-AP MLD can determine whether the second link is idle by measuring the signal energy in the second link. Generally, if the signal energy in the second link is greater than a threshold, it can be determined that the second link is busy (or occupied). If the signal energy in the second link is less than or equal to the threshold, it can be determined that the second link is idle.

[0213] In some implementations, if the first non-AP MLD successfully competes for a channel on the frequency band corresponding to the first link, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle for a period of time before the first link successfully competes for a channel on the frequency band corresponding to the first link, the first non-AP MLD determines that the channel on the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle.

[0214] In the embodiment of the present application, the length of the above period of time is not limited, for example, the period of time may be PIFS. Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, the period of time may also be a time period of any other length.

[0215] In some implementations, the method further includes: if the first non-AP MLD determines that a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, the first non-AP MLD coordinates transmission on the first link and the second link. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, if the channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, transmission may also be performed only on the second link.

[0216] In some implementations, the method further includes: if the first non-AP MLD determines that a channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is busy, the first non-AP MLD transmits on the first link.

[0217] For ease of understanding, the following describes the first-link-assisted second-link access method in accordance with an embodiment of the present application, in conjunction with Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD can communicate via two links: Link 1 and Link 2. Link 2 is a millimeter-wave link operating at a frequency of 60 GHz. Link 1 is a low-frequency link operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.

[0218] During downlink data transmission, assume that the AP MLD successfully contends for the channel on the frequency band corresponding to link 1 and can transmit downlink data 1 over link 1. When the backoff counter for link 1 decrements to 0, the AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS period before transmitting downlink data 1. If link 2 is idle, the AP MLD can transmit downlink data 1 and downlink data 2 over link 1 and link 2, respectively. Accordingly, if downlink data 1 transmitted over link 1 is successfully received by the non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD sends an ACK to the AP MLD over link 1 after a short interframe space (SIFS). If data 2 transmitted over link 2 is successfully received by the non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD sends an ACK to the AP MLD over link 2 after a SIFS period.

[0219] During uplink data transmission, suppose the non-AP MLD successfully contends for a channel on the frequency band corresponding to link 1 and can transmit uplink data 3 over link 1. When the backoff counter for link 1 decrements to 0, the non-AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS period before transmitting uplink data 1. If link 2 is busy, the AP MLD transmits uplink data 3 over link 1. Accordingly, if uplink data 1 transmitted over link 1 is successfully received by the AP MLD, the AP MLD sends an ACK message to the non-AP MLD over link 1 after a SIFS interval.

[0220] In some scenarios, a communication system may include multiple types of communication devices. Some communication devices may support communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, while others may not. For communication devices that do not support communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, executing the aforementioned second link access method or transmitting frames used to manage the second link is meaningless, potentially increasing the overhead of the communication system.

[0221] Therefore, embodiments of the present application provide a method for exchanging capability information, such that a communication device informs other communication devices whether it supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, helping to avoid unnecessary second link access processes and / or transmission of frames used to manage the second link. Therefore, the capability information described above is also referred to as "second link capability information," or in other words, the capability information corresponds to the second link.

[0222] In the embodiments of the present application, a communication device can be an AP MLD, and correspondingly, other communication devices can be non-AP MLDs, meaning that the AP MLDs provide capability information. Alternatively, a communication device can be a non-AP MLD, and correspondingly, other communication devices can be AP MLDs, meaning that the non-AP MLDs provide capability information. Furthermore, the question of which communication link to use when a communication device exchanges capability information with other communication devices remains unresolved.

[0223] Therefore, to address the above issues, embodiments of the present application further propose using the first link to determine whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, or using the first link to determine whether the AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link. The following describes these two scenarios, respectively, with reference to Examples 1 and 2.

[0224] Example 1: The AP MLD uses the first link to determine whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link. This may include the AP MLD using the first link to determine whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0225] In some implementations, the AP MLD determining, using the first link, whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link includes: the AP MLD receiving a third frame sent by the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the third frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, or in other words, the third frame is used to indicate the capability information.

[0226] In some scenarios, after receiving the third frame, the AP MLD may also send a response frame to the third frame via the first link to indicate the AP MLD's capability information. That is, the method further includes: the AP MLD sending a response frame to the third frame to the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame to the third frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, the response frame to the third frame may only be used to indicate whether the AP MLD successfully received the third frame.

[0227] Furthermore, it should be noted that if the third frame indicates that the first non-AP MLD does not support communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, then even if the AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, the first non-AP MLD cannot communicate with the AP MLD via the second link. Therefore, in this case, to reduce the overhead of transmitting the response frame for the third frame, the AP MLD may not transmit the response frame for the third frame. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, if the above issue is not considered, even if the first non-AP MLD does not support communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, the AP MLD may continue to transmit the response frame for the third frame.

[0228] In the embodiment of the present application, the third frame and / or the response frame of the third frame are not limited. For example, the third frame is a probe request frame, and correspondingly, the response frame of the third frame is a probe response frame.

[0229] For ease of understanding, the following describes a schematic flowchart of exchanging capability information in accordance with an embodiment of the present application in conjunction with FIG11. The method shown in FIG11 includes steps S1110 to S1120. Assume that a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD can communicate over link 1 and link 2, where link 1 corresponds to a 2.4 GHz frequency band and link 2 corresponds to a 60 GHz frequency band.

[0230] In step S1110 , the non-AP MLD sends a probe request 1 to the AP MLD via link 1 . The probe request 1 is used to indicate whether the non-AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0231] In step S1120 , the AP MLD sends a probe response 1 to the non-AP MLD via link 1 . The probe response 1 is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0232] Example 2: The AP MLD determines, using the first link, whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link. This may include the AP MLD sending a fourth frame to one or more non-AP MLDs on the first link, where the fourth frame indicates whether the AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link. If the first non-AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, the AP MLD receives a fifth frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, where the fifth frame requests the AP MLD to transmit on the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0233] In some implementations, the fourth frame is broadcast by the AP MLD on the first link. For example, the fourth frame may be a beacon frame.

[0234] For ease of understanding, the following describes a schematic flowchart of exchanging capability information in another embodiment of the present application in conjunction with FIG12 . The method shown in FIG12 includes steps S1210 to S1220. Assume that a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD can communicate over link 1 and link 2, where link 1 corresponds to a 2.4 GHz frequency band and link 2 corresponds to a 60 GHz frequency band.

[0235] In step S1210 , the AP MLD broadcasts a beacon frame 1 through the link 1 . The beacon frame 1 is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0236] In step S1220, if non-AP MLD1 supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, non-AP MLD1 sends link request 1 to AP MLD via link 1. Link request 1 is used to indicate that non-AP MLD1 supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0237] In step S1230 , the AP MLD sends a link response 1 to the non-AP MLD1 via the link 1 .

[0238] The above describes the method flow of exchanging capability information in the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figures 11 and 12. The following describes the frame structure of the frame for carrying capability information provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0239] In some implementations, a new field may be added to the frame body to carry information indicating whether communication based on the second frequency band is supported. For example, if the second link is a millimeter wave link, this field may be called the "directional multi-gigabit (DMG) support (DMG Support) field." In some implementations, this field may serve as a second link capability element.

[0240] In some implementations, when the value of the above field is a first value, communication over the second link is supported. If the value of the above field is a second value, communication over the second link is not supported. The first value and the second value are different values. For example, the first value may be 1 and the second value may be 0. For another example, the first value may be 0 and the second value may be 1.

[0241] For ease of understanding, the following describes the frame structure of the frame used to transmit capability information in an embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, the frame structure 1300 may include a MAC header, a frame body, and an FCS, wherein the frame body may include one or more of the following fields: an element identification field; a length field; an element identification extension field, and a DMG support field. Among them, the DMG support field is used to carry information indicating whether communication based on the second link is supported. If the value of this field is 1, it indicates that communication based on the second link is supported. If the value of this field is 0, it indicates that communication based on the second link is not supported. In addition, a value greater than 1 can be set as a reserved value.

[0242] In the embodiments of the present application, the values ​​of the other fields are not limited. In some implementations, the values ​​of the Element Identification field and the Element Identification Extension field can be reserved values ​​to indicate that the frame carries the aforementioned capability information. For example, the value of the Element Identification field can be the reserved value 255, and the value of the Element Identification Extension field can be the reserved value 98. Of course, in the embodiments of the present application, the values ​​of the above two fields can also be other reserved values.

[0243] In the embodiment of the present application, the access method of the second link and the triggering method for managing the second link described above can be used independently, or the access method of the second link and the triggering method for managing the second link described above can be used in combination with each other. For ease of understanding, the following describes the solution of the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figures 14 to 18.

[0244] Figure 14 is a flow chart of a method for managing the second link based on trigger mode 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in Figure 14 can interact through link requests and link responses. It should be understood that the frame structures of the link requests and link responses can refer to those shown above. Of course, the link requests and link responses applicable to the embodiments of the present application can also have other frame structures, which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application. The method shown in Figure 14 includes steps S1410 to S1434.

[0245] Assume that the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD can communicate over link 1 and link 2. Link 1 corresponds to a 2.4 GHz frequency band, and link 2 corresponds to a 60 GHz frequency band.

[0246] In step S1410 , the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD determine, based on the interaction of capability information, that both parties have the capability to communicate over link 2 .

[0247] In some implementations, the interaction of the capability information described above may employ the method described above in conjunction with FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 , which will not be described here for the sake of brevity.

[0248] In some implementations, a multi-link connection can be established if both the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD are capable of communicating over link 2. During the multi-link connection establishment, link 1 and link 2 can be associated, and link 2 can be in a dormant state while being available.

[0249] In step S1412 , the non-AP MLD determines whether to open or close link 2 based on the first policy.

[0250] In some implementations, the first policy is determined based on the volume of the service to be transmitted. For example, the first policy indicates that if the volume of the service to be transmitted is greater than threshold 1, then link 2 is enabled. For another example, the first policy indicates that if the volume of the service to be transmitted is less than or equal to threshold 2, then link 2 is disabled.

[0251] In some implementations, if the non-AP MLD determines to open link 2, step S1412 is executed.

[0252] In step S1414, the non-AP MLD sends a link request 1 to the AP MLD on link 1, where the link request 1 carries the first indication information.

[0253] In some implementations, the first indication information includes indication information for starting link 2; identification information of link 2; indication information for access mode of link 2; and indication information for performing beam training on link 2.

[0254] In step S1416, after an interval of SIFS, the AP MLD sends a link response 1 to the non-AP MLD on link 1. The link response 1 may include: indication information for indicating permission to start link 2; identification information of link 2; indication information for indicating permission to use the access mode of link 2; and indication information for indicating permission to perform beam training on link 2.

[0255] In step S1418, the non-AP MLD checks whether the link 2 is idle within the PIFS. The manner in which the non-AP MLD checks whether the link 2 is idle within the PIFS can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0256] In some implementations, if link 2 is idle, step S1420 is performed. It should be understood that if link 2 is busy, non-AP MLD may continue to determine whether link 2 is idle after a period of time until link 2 is idle.

[0257] In step S1420 , the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD perform a beam training process on link 2 with the assistance of link 1 .

[0258] In some implementations, the process of performing beam training on link 2 with the assistance of link 1 can be understood as transmitting control information related to beam training through link 1, and the signal for beam training can be sent through the beam corresponding to link 2.

[0259] In some implementations, the beam training process may include a sector-level sweep (SLS) phase and / or a beam refinement protocol (BRP) phase. Typically, after beam training is completed, the communicating parties may communicate using directional beams.

[0260] In step S1422, the non-AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS. The manner in which the non-AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0261] In some implementations, if link 2 is idle, step S1424 is executed. It should be understood that if link 2 is busy, non-AP MLD may continue to determine whether link 2 is idle after a period of time until link 2 is idle.

[0262] In step S1424 , at an interval of SIFS, the non-AP MLD sends uplink data 1 and uplink data 2 to the AP MLD via link 1 and link 2 .

[0263] In step S1426 , after a SIFS interval, the AP MLD sends ACKs to the non-AP MLD via link 1 and link 2 .

[0264] In some implementations, before link 2 is shut down, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can be assisted in transmission via both link 1 and link 2. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can be transmitted only via link 2, which is not a limitation of this embodiment of the present application.

[0265] In step S1428 , based on the link information, it is determined whether to re-perform beam training on link 2.

[0266] In some implementations, the above step S1428 may be determined by AP MLD and / or non-AP MLD, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0267] In some implementations, if the link information indicates that the link quality is good, beam training is not performed again on link 2. If the link information indicates that the link quality is poor, beam training is performed again on link 2.

[0268] In step S1430 , the non-AP MLD determines to shut down link 2 based on the first policy.

[0269] For example, the first policy indicates that if the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted is less than or equal to threshold 2, then it is determined to close link 2.

[0270] In step S1432 , the non-AP MLD sends a link request 2 to the AP MLD via the link 1 . The link request 2 is used to request to shut down the link 2 .

[0271] In step S1434 , after an interval of SIFS, the AP MLD sends a link response 2 to the non-AP MLD via the link 1 . The link response 2 is used to indicate that the link 2 is allowed to be shut down.

[0272] Figure 15 is a flow chart of a method for managing the second link based on trigger mode 2 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in Figure 15 can interact through link requests and link responses. It should be understood that the frame structures of the link requests and link responses can refer to those shown above. Of course, the link requests and link responses applicable to the embodiments of the present application can also have other frame structures, which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application. The method shown in Figure 15 includes steps S1510 to S1540.

[0273] Assume that non-AP MLD1, non-AP MLD2, and AP MLD can communicate over link 1 and link 2. Link 1 corresponds to a 2.4 GHz frequency band, and link 2 corresponds to a 60 GHz frequency band.

[0274] In step S1510 , non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD determine that both parties have the ability to communicate over link 2 based on the interaction of capability information. Non-AP MLD2 and AP MLD determine that both parties have the ability to communicate over link 2 based on the interaction of capability information.

[0275] In some implementations, the interaction of the capability information described above may employ the method described above in conjunction with FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 , which will not be described here for the sake of brevity.

[0276] In some implementations, if both non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD have the ability to communicate based on link 2, a multi-link connection can be established. During the process of establishing the multi-link connection, link 1 and link 2 can be associated. At this time, link 2 can be in a dormant state in an available state. If both non-AP MLD2 and AP MLD have the ability to communicate based on link 2, a multi-link connection can be established. During the process of establishing the multi-link connection, link 1 and link 2 can be associated. At this time, link 2 can be in a dormant state in an available state.

[0277] In step S1512, the AP MLD determines to enable link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD2 based on the first policy.

[0278] In some implementations, the first policy is determined based on the volume of the service to be transmitted. For example, the first policy indicates that if the volume of the service to be transmitted is greater than threshold 1, then link 2 is enabled. For another example, the first policy indicates that if the volume of the service to be transmitted is less than or equal to threshold 2, then link 2 is disabled.

[0279] In some implementations, if non-AP MLD1 determines to open link 2, step S1512 is executed.

[0280] In step S1514 , the AP MLD sends a link request 1 on link 1 , where the link request 1 carries the first field.

[0281] In some implementations, the first field includes the following information: indication information indicating activation of the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2; identification information of the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2; identification information of non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2; indication information of the access mode of the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2; and indication information of performing beam training on the second link corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2.

[0282] In step S1516, after an interval of SIFS, non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 send link response 1 and link response 2, respectively, to AP MLD over link 1. Link response 1 and link response 2 may include: indication information for indicating permission to start link 2; identification information of link 2; indication information for indicating permission to use the access mode of link 2; and indication information for indicating permission to perform beam training on link 2.

[0283] In step S1518, the AP MLD checks whether the link 2 is idle within the PIFS. The manner in which the AP MLD checks whether the link 2 is idle within the PIFS can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0284] In some implementations, if link 2 is idle, step S1520 is performed. It should be understood that if link 2 is busy, non-AP MLD may continue to determine whether link 2 is idle after a period of time until link 2 is idle.

[0285] In step S1520 , non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD perform beam training on link 2 with the assistance of link 1 ; non-AP MLD2 and AP MLD perform beam training on link 2 with the assistance of link 1 .

[0286] In some implementations, the process of performing beam training on link 2 with the assistance of link 1 can be understood as transmitting control information related to beam training through link 1, and the signal for beam training can be sent through the beam corresponding to link 2.

[0287] In some implementations, the beam training process may include an SLS phase and / or a BRP phase. Typically, after beam training is completed, the communicating parties may communicate using directional beams.

[0288] In step S1522, the AP MLD checks whether the link 2 is idle within the PIFS. The manner in which the AP MLD checks whether the link 2 is idle within the PIFS can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0289] In some implementations, if link 2 is idle, step S1526 is executed. It should be understood that if link 2 is busy, non-AP MLD may continue to determine whether link 2 is idle after a period of time until link 2 is idle.

[0290] In step S1526 , after an interval of SIFS, the AP MLD sends downlink data 1 and downlink data 2 to the non-AP MLD1 via link 1 and link 2 .

[0291] In step S1528 , after an interval of SIFS, non-AP MLD2 sends ACK to AP MLD via link 1 and link 2 .

[0292] In some implementations, before link 2 is shut down, AP MLD and non-AP MLD1 can facilitate transmission via both link 1 and link 2. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, AP MLD and non-AP MLD1 can both be transmitted only via link 2, which is not a limitation of this embodiment of the present application.

[0293] In step S1530 , at an interval of SIFS, the AP MLD sends downlink data 3 and downlink data 4 to the non-AP MLD2 via link 1 and link 2 .

[0294] In step S1532 , after an interval of SIFS, non-AP MLD2 sends ACK to AP MLD via link 1 and link 2 respectively.

[0295] In some implementations, before link 2 is shut down, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD2 can be assisted in transmission via both link 1 and link 2. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD2 can be transmitted only via link 2, which is not a limitation of this embodiment of the present application.

[0296] In step S1534 , based on the link information, it is determined whether to re-perform beam training on link 2.

[0297] In some implementations, the above step S1534 may be determined by one or more of the AP MLD, non-AP MLD1, and non-AP MLD2, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0298] In some implementations, if the link information indicates that the link quality is good, beam training is not performed again on link 2. If the link information indicates that the link quality is poor, beam training is performed again on link 2.

[0299] In step S1536, the AP MLD determines to shut down the link 2 corresponding to the non-AP MLD2 based on the first policy.

[0300] For example, the first policy indicates that if the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted is less than or equal to threshold 2, then link 2 is determined to be closed. Accordingly, if the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted of non-AP MLD2 is less than threshold 2, then link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD2 is determined to be closed.

[0301] In step S1538, the AP MLD sends a link request 2 to the non-AP MLD2 via the link 1. The link request 2 is used to request to shut down the link 2 corresponding to the non-AP MLD2.

[0302] It should be noted that Link Request 2 may also carry the first field corresponding to other non-AP MLDs (e.g., non-AP MLD3), and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, Link Request 2 may not carry the first field corresponding to other non-AP MLDs.

[0303] In step S1540 , at an interval of SIFS, non-AP MLD2 sends link response 2 to AP MLD via link 1 , where link response 2 is used to indicate that link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD2 is allowed to be shut down.

[0304] Figure 16 is a flow chart of a method for managing the second link based on trigger mode 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in Figure 16 can be applied to PS mode. It should be understood that the frame structure involved in this method flow can be referred to as described above. Of course, the frame structure applicable to the embodiment of the present application can also be other frame structures, and this embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The method shown in Figure 16 includes steps S1610 to S1632.

[0305] Assume that the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD can communicate over link 1 and link 2. Link 1 operates at 2.4 GHz, and link 2 operates at 60 GHz. Furthermore, because the non-AP MLD is in PS mode, link 2 is in dormant state.

[0306] In step S1610 , the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD determine, based on interaction of capability information, that both parties have the capability to communicate over link 2 .

[0307] In some implementations, the interaction of the capability information described above may employ the method described above in conjunction with FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 , which will not be described here for the sake of brevity.

[0308] In some implementations, a multi-link connection can be established if both the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD are capable of communicating over link 2. During the multi-link connection establishment, link 1 and link 2 can be associated, and link 2 can be in a dormant state while being available.

[0309] In step S1612 , AP MLD broadcasts beacon frame 1 on link 1 .

[0310] In some implementations, beacon frame 1 is used to indicate whether there is cached data packet information corresponding to the non-AP MLD. If the non-AP MLD receives beacon frame 1 after waking up and checks the TIM field of beacon frame 1 to indicate that there is cached information corresponding to itself, step S1614 is executed.

[0311] In step S1614 , the non-AP MLD determines to open link 2 based on the first policy, and sends PS-POLL frame 1 on link 1 .

[0312] In some implementations, the first policy is determined based on the volume of the service to be transmitted. For example, the first policy indicates that if the volume of the service to be transmitted is greater than threshold 1, then link 2 is enabled. For another example, the first policy indicates that if the volume of the service to be transmitted is less than or equal to threshold 2, then link 2 is disabled.

[0313] In some implementations, if the non-AP MLD determines to enable link 2, the PS-POLL frame 1 carries first indication information, which includes indication information for enabling link 2; identification information of link 2; indication information for the access method of link 2; and indication information for performing beam training on link 2.

[0314] In step S1616 , after a SIFS interval, the AP MLD sends an ACK to the non-AP MLD on link 1 .

[0315] In step S1618, the non-AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS. The manner in which the non-AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0316] In some implementations, if link 2 is idle, step S1620 is performed. It should be understood that if link 2 is busy, non-AP MLD may continue to determine whether link 2 is idle after a period of time until link 2 is idle.

[0317] In step S1620 , the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD perform a beam training process on link 2 with the assistance of link 1 .

[0318] In some implementations, the process of performing beam training on link 2 with the assistance of link 1 can be understood as transmitting control information related to beam training through link 1, and the signal for beam training can be sent through the beam corresponding to link 2.

[0319] In some implementations, the beam training process may include an SLS phase and / or a BRP phase. Typically, after beam training is completed, the communicating parties may communicate using directional beams.

[0320] In step S1622, the non-AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS. The manner in which the non-AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0321] In some implementations, if link 2 is idle, step S1624 is executed. It should be understood that if link 2 is busy, non-AP MLD may continue to determine whether link 2 is idle after a period of time until link 2 is idle.

[0322] In step S1624 , the non-AP MLD sends a PS-POLL frame 2 to the AP MLD via link 1 to trigger the AP MLD to send downlink data.

[0323] In step S1626 , after a SIFS interval, the AP MLD sends an ACK to the non-AP MLD via link 1 .

[0324] In step S1628 , at an interval of DIFS, the AP MLD sends downlink data 1 and downlink data 2 to the non-AP MLD via link 1 and link 2 .

[0325] In step S1630 , after a SIFS interval, the non-AP MLD sends ACKs to the non-AP MLD via link 1 and link 2 .

[0326] In some implementations, before link 2 is shut down, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can be assisted in transmission via both link 1 and link 2. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can be transmitted only via link 2, which is not a limitation of this embodiment of the present application.

[0327] In step S1632 , based on the link information, it is determined whether to re-perform beam training on link 2.

[0328] In some implementations, the above step S1632 may be determined by AP MLD and / or non-AP MLD, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0329] In some implementations, if the link information indicates that the link quality is good, beam training is not performed again on link 2. If the link information indicates that the link quality is poor, beam training is performed again on link 2.

[0330] Figure 17 is a flow chart of a method for managing the second link based on trigger mode 2 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in Figure 17 can be applied to PS mode. It should be understood that the frame structure involved in this method flow can refer to that shown above. Of course, the frame structure applicable to the embodiment of the present application can also be other frame structures, and this embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The method shown in Figure 17 includes steps S1710 to S1734.

[0331] Assume that non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD can communicate over link 1 and link 2, and non-AP MLD2 can communicate over link 1 and link 2. Link 1 corresponds to the 2.4 GHz frequency band, and link 2 corresponds to the 60 GHz frequency band. Furthermore, because non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 are in PS mode, link 2, which corresponds to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2, is in dormant state.

[0332] In step S1710 , non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD determine that both parties have the ability to communicate over link 2 based on the interaction of capability information. Non-AP MLD2 and AP MLD determine that both parties have the ability to communicate over link 2 based on the interaction of capability information.

[0333] In some implementations, the interaction of the capability information described above may employ the method described above in conjunction with FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 , which will not be described here for the sake of brevity.

[0334] In some implementations, if both non-AP MLD1 and AP MLD are capable of communicating over link 2, a multi-link connection can be established. During the multi-link connection establishment process, link 1 and link 2 can be associated. In this case, link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD1 can be in a dormant state while in an available state. If both non-AP MLD2 and AP MLD are capable of communicating over link 2, a multi-link connection can be established. During the multi-link connection establishment process, link 1 and link 2 can be associated. In this case, link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD2 can be in a dormant state while in an available state.

[0335] In step S1712 , the AP MLD determines to open the link 2 corresponding to the non-AP MLD1 and the non-AP MLD2 based on the first policy, and the AP MLD broadcasts the beacon frame 1 on the link 1 .

[0336] In some implementations, the first policy is determined based on the volume of the service to be transmitted. For example, the first policy indicates that if the volume of the service to be transmitted is greater than threshold 1, then link 2 is enabled. For another example, the first policy indicates that if the volume of the service to be transmitted is less than or equal to threshold 2, then link 2 is disabled.

[0337] In some implementations, if AP MLD determines to enable link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2, PS-beacon frame 1 carries first indication information, where the first indication information includes indication information of enabling link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 respectively; identification information of link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 respectively; indication information of access mode of link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 respectively; and indication information of beam training for link 2 corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 respectively.

[0338] In some implementations, beacon frame 1 is used to indicate whether there is cached packet information corresponding to non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2. If non-AP MLD1 and non-AP MLD2 receive beacon frame 1 after waking up, they check the TIM field of beacon frame 1 to see if there is cached information corresponding to them.

[0339] In step S1714, the AP MLD checks whether the link 2 is idle within the PIFS. The manner in which the AP MLD checks whether the link 2 is idle within the PIFS can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0340] In some implementations, if link 2 is idle, step S1716 is executed. It should be understood that if link 2 is busy, non-AP MLD may continue to determine whether link 2 is idle after a period of time until link 2 is idle.

[0341] In step S1716 , AP MLD and non-AP MLD1 perform a beam training process on link 2 with the assistance of link 1 , and

[0342] In some implementations, the process of performing beam training on link 2 with the assistance of link 1 can be understood as transmitting control information related to beam training through link 1, and the signal for beam training can be sent through the beam corresponding to link 2.

[0343] In some implementations, the beam training process may include an SLS phase and / or a BRP phase. Typically, after beam training is completed, the communicating parties may communicate using directional beams.

[0344] In step S1718, non-AP MLD1 checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS. The manner in which AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0345] In some implementations, if link 2 is idle, step S1720 is performed. It should be understood that if link 2 is busy, non-AP MLD may continue to determine whether link 2 is idle after a period of time until link 2 is idle.

[0346] In step S1720 , non-AP MLD 1 sends PS-POLL frame 1 to AP MLD via link 1 to trigger AP MLD to send downlink data.

[0347] In step S1722 , after a SIFS interval, the AP MLD sends an ACK to the non-AP MLD via link 1 .

[0348] In step S1724 , at an interval of DIFS, the AP MLD sends downlink data 1 and downlink data 2 to the non-AP MLD1 via link 1 and link 2 .

[0349] In step S1726 , after an interval of SIFS, non-AP MLD1 sends ACK to AP MLD via link 1 and link 2 .

[0350] In some implementations, before link 2 is shut down, AP MLD and non-AP MLD1 can facilitate transmission via both link 1 and link 2. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, AP MLD and non-AP MLD1 can both be transmitted only via link 2, which is not a limitation of this embodiment of the present application.

[0351] In step S1728, non-AP MLD2 checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS. The manner in which AP MLD checks whether link 2 is idle within the PIFS can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0352] In some implementations, if link 2 is idle, step S1730 is performed. It should be understood that if link 2 is busy, non-AP MLD may continue to determine whether link 2 is idle after a period of time until link 2 is idle.

[0353] In step S1730 , non-AP MLD 2 sends PS-POLL frame 2 to AP MLD through link 1 to trigger AP MLD to send downlink data.

[0354] In step S1732 , after a SIFS interval, the AP MLD sends an ACK to the non-AP MLD2 via the link 1 .

[0355] In step S1734 , at an interval of DIFS, the AP MLD sends downlink data 3 and downlink data 4 to the non-AP MLD2 via link 1 and link 2 .

[0356] In step S1736 , after an interval of SIFS, non-AP MLD2 sends ACK to AP MLD via link 1 and link 2 .

[0357] In some implementations, before link 2 is closed (see step S1740), the AP MLD and non-AP MLD2 can be assisted in transmission via both link 1 and link 2. Of course, in this embodiment of the present application, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD2 can be transmitted only via link 2, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0358] In step S1738, based on the link information, it is determined whether to re-perform beam training on link 2.

[0359] In some implementations, the above step S1738 may be determined by one or more of the AP MLD, non-AP MLD1, and non-AP MLD2, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0360] In some implementations, if the link information indicates that the link quality is good, beam training is not performed again on link 2. If the link information indicates that the link quality is poor, beam training is performed again on link 2.

[0361] The method embodiment of the present application is described in detail above in conjunction with Figures 1 to 17 . The device embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 18 to 20 . It should be understood that the description of the method embodiment corresponds to the description of the device embodiment. Therefore, for portions not described in detail, reference can be made to the above method embodiment.

[0362] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1800 shown in FIG18 may be an AP MLD. The communication device 1800 includes a processing unit 1810.

[0363] The processing unit 1810 is configured to manage the second link by using the first link, wherein a frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0364] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to manage opening and / or closing of the second link by using the first link.

[0365] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to receive, on the first link, a first frame sent by a first non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD), where the first frame is used to request to enable or disable the second link.

[0366] In one possible implementation, the first frame includes first indication information, and the first indication information includes one or more of the following: indication information for turning on or off the second link; identification information of the second link; indication information of the access method of the second link; and indication information of whether to perform beam training on the second link.

[0367] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes: a first sending unit, configured to send a response frame to the first frame to the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame to the first frame is used to indicate whether to agree to open or close the second link.

[0368] In one possible implementation, the response frame of the first frame includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: whether to agree to open or close the second link; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link; identification information of the second link; and access method of the second link.

[0369] In a possible implementation, the first frame and the response frame to the first frame are both management frames; or the first frame is a data frame and the response frame to the first frame is a control frame; or the first frame and the response frame to the first frame are both control frames.

[0370] In a possible implementation, the first frame is a link request frame, and the response frame to the first frame is a link response frame; or

[0371] The first frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the first frame is an acknowledgment frame; or the first frame is a PS-POLL frame, and the response frame of the first frame is an acknowledgment frame.

[0372] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to send a second frame on the first link, where the second frame is used to manage enabling and / or disabling of a second link corresponding to one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0373] In one possible implementation, the second frame includes a first field, where the first field includes one or more of the following information: indication information indicating whether the second link corresponding to each of the one or more non-AP MLDs is turned on or off; identification information of the second link corresponding to each of the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of the one or more non-AP MLDs; indication information of an access mode of the second link corresponding to each of the one or more non-AP MLDs; and indication information indicating whether beam training is performed on the second link corresponding to each of the one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0374] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes: a first receiving unit, configured to receive a response frame to the second frame sent by a first non-AP MLD on the first link, wherein the response frame to the second frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD agrees to enable or disable a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD, where the first non-AP MLD is any one of the one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0375] In one possible implementation, the response frame of the second frame includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: whether to agree to enable or disable the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; identification information of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; and an access method of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD.

[0376] In a possible implementation manner, the second frame and the response frame to the second frame are both management frames; or the second frame is a data frame, and the response frame to the second frame is a control frame.

[0377] In a possible implementation, the second frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a link response frame; or the second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is an acknowledgment frame; or the second frame is a beacon frame.

[0378] In one possible implementation, the activation of the second link includes one or more of the following: changing the state of the second link from a dormant state in an available state to an activated state in an available state; changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an available state; changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to a dormant state in an available state; changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an activated state in an available state.

[0379] In one possible implementation, the closing of the second link includes one or more of the following: changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to a dormant state in an available state; changing the state of the second link from an available state to an unavailable state; changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to an unavailable state; changing the state of the second link from a dormant state in an available state to an unusable state.

[0380] In a possible implementation manner, whether to perform beam training on the second link is determined according to link quality of the second link.

[0381] In a possible implementation, if a mapping relationship exists between the second link and at least one service flow, then a mapping relationship also exists between the at least one service flow and one or more first links.

[0382] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to manage channel access to the second link by using the first link.

[0383] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to determine, in the frequency band corresponding to the first link, whether a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle.

[0384] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to determine, by the AP MLD, that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle if the AP MLD successfully competes for a channel on the frequency band corresponding to the first link, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle for a period of time before the frequency band corresponding to the first link successfully competes for a channel.

[0385] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes: if the AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, the second sending unit collaboratively transmits on the first link and the second link; and / or if the AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is busy, the second sending unit transmits on the first link.

[0386] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to determine, using the first link, whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0387] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to receive a third frame sent by the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the third frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0388] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes: a third sending unit, configured to send a response frame of the third frame to the first non-AP MLD on the first link, wherein the response frame of the third frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0389] In a possible implementation manner, the third frame is a probe request frame, and the response frame of the third frame is a probe response frame.

[0390] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to send a fourth frame to one or more non-AP MLDs on the first link, where the fourth frame indicates whether the AP MLDs support communication on a frequency band corresponding to the second link. If the first non-AP MLDs support communication on the frequency band corresponding to the second link, the second receiving unit is configured to receive a fifth frame sent by the first non-AP MLDs, where the fifth frame requests the AP MLDs to transmit on the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0391] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth frame is broadcast by the AP MLD on the first link.

[0392] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth frame is a beacon frame.

[0393] In a possible implementation, the frequency band corresponding to the first link belongs to the sub-7 GHz frequency band, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link belongs to the millimeter wave frequency band.

[0394] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1900 shown in FIG19 may be a first non-AP MLD, and the communication device 1900 includes a processing unit 1910 .

[0395] The processing unit 1910 is configured to manage the second link by using the first link, wherein a frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0396] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to manage opening and / or closing of the second link by using the first link.

[0397] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to send a first frame to an access point multi-link device AP MLD on the first link, where the first frame is used to request to enable or disable the second link.

[0398] In one possible implementation, the first frame includes first indication information, and the first indication information includes one or more of the following: indication information for turning on or off the second link; identification information of the second link; indication information of the access method of the second link; and indication information of whether to perform beam training on the second link.

[0399] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes: a first receiving unit, configured to receive a response frame to the first frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, wherein the response frame to the first frame is used to indicate whether to agree to open or close the second link.

[0400] In one possible implementation, the response frame of the first frame includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: whether to agree to open or close the second link; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link; identification information of the second link; and access method of the second link.

[0401] In a possible implementation, the first frame and the response frame to the first frame are both management frames; or the first frame is a data frame and the response frame to the first frame is a control frame; or the first frame and the response frame to the first frame are both control frames.

[0402] In a possible implementation, the first frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a link response frame; or the first frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a confirmation frame; or the first frame is a PS-POLL frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a confirmation frame.

[0403] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to receive a second frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the second frame is used to manage enabling and / or disabling of second links corresponding to one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0404] In one possible implementation, the second frame includes a first field, where the first field includes one or more of the following information: indication information of whether the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs is turned on or off; identification information of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of the one or more non-AP MLDs; indication information of an access mode of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; and indication information of whether beam training is performed on the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0405] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes: a first sending unit, configured to send a response frame to the second frame to the AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame to the second frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD agrees to enable or disable a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD, where the first non-AP MLD is any one of the one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0406] In one possible implementation, the response frame of the second frame includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: whether to agree to enable or disable the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; identification information of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; and an access method of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD.

[0407] In a possible implementation manner, the second frame and the response frame to the second frame are both management frames; or the second frame is a data frame, and the response frame to the second frame is a control frame.

[0408] In a possible implementation, the second frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a link response frame; or

[0409] The second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is an acknowledgment frame; or the second frame is a beacon frame.

[0410] In one possible implementation, the activation of the second link includes one or more of the following: changing the state of the second link from a dormant state in an available state to an activated state in an available state; changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an available state; changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to a dormant state in an available state; changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an activated state in an available state.

[0411] In one possible implementation, the closing of the second link includes one or more of the following: changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to a dormant state in an available state; changing the state of the second link from an available state to an unavailable state; changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to an unavailable state; changing the state of the second link from a dormant state in an available state to an unusable state.

[0412] In a possible implementation manner, whether to perform beam training on the second link is determined according to link quality of the second link.

[0413] In a possible implementation, if a mapping relationship exists between the second link and at least one service flow, then a mapping relationship also exists between the at least one service flow and one or more first links.

[0414] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to manage channel access to the second link by using the first link.

[0415] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to determine, in the frequency band corresponding to the first link, whether a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle.

[0416] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to, if the first non-AP MLD successfully competes for a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the first link, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle for a period of time before the first link successfully competes for a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the first link, determine, by the first non-AP MLD, that the channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle.

[0417] In one possible implementation, the communications device further includes: a second sending unit configured to collaboratively transmit on the first link and the second link if the first non-AP MLD determines that a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle; and / or a third sending unit configured to transmit on the first link if the first non-AP MLD determines that a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is busy.

[0418] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to determine, using the first link, whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0419] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to send a third frame to the AP MLD over the first link, where the third frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link; and the second receiving unit is configured to receive a response frame to the third frame sent by the AP MLD over the first link, where the response frame to the third frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0420] In a possible implementation manner, the third frame is a probe request frame, and the response frame of the third frame is a probe response frame.

[0421] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to receive a fourth frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the fourth frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

[0422] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth frame is broadcast by the AP MLD on the first link.

[0423] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth frame is a beacon frame.

[0424] In a possible implementation, the frequency band corresponding to the first link belongs to the sub-7 GHz frequency band, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link belongs to the millimeter wave frequency band.

[0425] Figure 20 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The dashed lines in Figure 20 indicate that the unit or module is optional. The device 2000 may be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. The device 2000 may be a chip, a terminal device, or a network device.

[0426] The device 2000 may include one or more processors 2010. The processor 2010 may support the device 2000 to implement the method described in the method embodiment above. The processor 2010 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor may be another general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc.

[0427] The apparatus 2000 may further include one or more memories 2020. The memories 2020 may store programs that can be executed by the processor 2010, causing the processor 2010 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The memories 2020 may be independent of the processor 2010 or integrated into the processor 2010.

[0428] The apparatus 2000 may further include a transceiver 2030. The processor 2010 may communicate with other devices or chips via the transceiver 2030. For example, the processor 2010 may transmit and receive data with other devices or chips via the transceiver 2030.

[0429] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program. The computer-readable storage medium can be applied to a terminal or network device provided in the present application, and the program enables a computer to execute the method performed by the terminal or network device in each embodiment of the present application.

[0430] The present application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a program. The computer program product can be applied to a terminal or network device provided in the present application, and the program causes a computer to execute the method performed by the terminal or network device in each embodiment of the present application.

[0431] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program. The computer program can be applied to the terminal or network device provided in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program enables a computer to execute the method performed by the terminal or network device in each embodiment of the present application.

[0432] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" in this application can be used interchangeably. In addition, the terms used in this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" in the specification and claims of this application and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0433] In the embodiments of this application, the term "indication" may refer to a direct indication, an indirect indication, or an indication of an association. For example, "A indicates B" may refer to a direct indication of B, e.g., B can obtain information through A; it may refer to an indirect indication of B, e.g., A indicates C, e.g., B can obtain information through C; or it may refer to an association between A and B.

[0434] In the embodiment of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A and B can be determined based on A. However, it should be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B based solely on A, but B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0435] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "corresponding" may indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between the two, or an association relationship between the two, or a relationship between indication and indication, configuration and configuration, etc.

[0436] In the embodiments of the present application, "pre-definition" or "pre-configuration" may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (e.g., a terminal device and a network device). The present application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, pre-definition may refer to information defined in a protocol.

[0437] In the embodiments of the present application, the “protocol” may refer to a standard protocol in the communications field, for example, it may include an LTE protocol, an NR protocol, and related protocols used in future communication systems, and the present application does not limit this.

[0438] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0439] In the embodiments of this application, the term "include" can refer to direct inclusion or indirect inclusion. Alternatively, the term "include" in the embodiments of this application can be replaced with "indicates" or "is used to determine." For example, "A includes B" can be replaced with "A indicates B" or "A is used to determine B."

[0440] In various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0441] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0442] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0443] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0444] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it 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 process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, 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 computer-readable storage medium. 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 a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be read by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0445] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The access point multi-link device AP MLD manages the second link by using the first link, wherein the frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The AP MLD manages the second link by using the first link, including: The AP MLD manages the opening and / or closing of the second link by using the first link.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The AP MLD manages the opening and / or closing of the second link by using the first link, including: The AP MLD receives a first frame sent by a first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD on the first link, where the first frame is used to request to open or close the second link.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first frame includes first indication information, and the first indication information includes one or more of the following: Instruction information for opening or closing the second link; identification information of the second link; indication information of the access mode of the second link; Indication information of whether to perform beam training on the second link.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The AP MLD sends a response frame of the first frame to the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame of the first frame is used to indicate whether to agree to open or close the second link.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The response frame of the first frame includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: Whether to agree to open or close the second link; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link; identification information of the second link; An access mode of the second link.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The first frame and the response frame of the first frame are both management frames; or The first frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a control frame; or The first frame and the response frame of the first frame are both control frames.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a link response frame; or The first frame is a data frame, and the response frame to the first frame is an acknowledgment frame; or The first frame is a power saving-polling PS-POLL frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a confirmation frame.

9. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The AP MLD manages the opening and / or closing of the second link by using the first link, including: The AP MLD sends a second frame on the first link, where the second frame is used to manage the opening and / or closing of a second link corresponding to one or more non-AP MLDs.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The second frame includes a first field, and the first field includes one or more of the following information: indication information of enabling or disabling the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of a second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of the one or more non-AP MLDs; Indication information of an access mode of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; Indication information of whether to perform beam training on a second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The AP MLD receives a response frame to the second frame sent by the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame to the second frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD agrees to open or close a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD, and the first non-AP MLD is any one of the one or more non-AP MLDs.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The response frame of the second frame includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: Whether to agree to open or close the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; identification information of a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; An access mode of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The second frame and the response frame of the second frame are both management frames; or The second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a control frame.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The second frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a link response frame; or The second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is an acknowledgment frame; or The second frame is a beacon frame.

15. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that The opening of the second link includes one or more of the following: Changing the state of the second link from a dormant state in an available state to an activated state in an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to a dormant state within an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an activated state within an available state; The closing of the second link includes one or more of the following: Changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to a dormant state in an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an available state to an unavailable state; Changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to an unavailable state; The state of the second link is changed from a dormant state in an available state to an unavailable state.

16. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that Whether to perform beam training on the second link is determined according to the link quality of the second link.

17. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 16, characterized in that If a mapping relationship exists between the second link and at least one service flow, then a mapping relationship also exists between the at least one service flow and one or more of the first links.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that The AP MLD manages the second link by using the first link, including: The AP MLD manages channel access of the second link by using the first link.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The AP MLD manages channel access to the second link by using the first link, including: The AP MLD determines whether a channel of a frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle in a frequency band corresponding to the first link.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The AP MLD determines, in the frequency band corresponding to the first link, whether a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, including: If the AP MLD successfully competes for a channel on the frequency band corresponding to the first link, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle for a period of time before the frequency band corresponding to the first link successfully competes for a channel, the AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, the AP MLD performs collaborative transmission on the first link and the second link; and / or If the AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is busy, the AP MLD transmits on the first link.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that The AP MLD manages the second link by using the first link, including: The AP MLD uses the first link to determine whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The AP MLD determines, by using the first link, whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link, including: The AP MLD receives a third frame sent by the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the third frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: The AP MLD sends a response frame of the third frame to the first non-AP MLD on the first link. The third frame The response frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that The third frame is a probe request frame, and the response frame of the third frame is a probe response frame.

26. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The AP MLD determines, by using the first link, whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link, including: The AP MLD sends a fourth frame to one or more non-AP MLDs on the first link, where the fourth frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link; If the first non-AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, the AP MLD receives a fifth frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, where the fifth frame is used to request the AP MLD to transmit in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The fourth frame is broadcast by the AP MLD on the first link.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The fourth frame is a beacon frame.

29. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that The frequency band corresponding to the first link belongs to the sub-7 GHz frequency band, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link belongs to the millimeter wave frequency band.

30. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD manages the second link by using the first link, wherein the frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD manages the second link by using the first link, including: The non-AP MLD manages the opening and / or closing of the second link by using the first link.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD manages the enabling and / or disabling of the second link by using the first link, including: The first non-AP MLD sends a first frame to the access point multi-link device AP MLD on the first link, where the first frame is used to request to open or close the second link.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The first frame includes first indication information, and the first indication information includes one or more of the following: Instruction information for opening or closing the second link; identification information of the second link; indication information of the access mode of the second link; Indication information of whether to perform beam training on the second link.

34. The method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first non-AP MLD receives a response frame to the first frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame to the first frame is used to indicate whether to agree to open or close the second link.

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that The response frame of the first frame includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: Whether to agree to open or close the second link; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link; identification information of the second link; An access mode of the second link.

36. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that The first frame and the response frame of the first frame are both management frames; or The first frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a control frame; or The first frame and the response frame of the first frame are both control frames.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that The first frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a link response frame; or The first frame is a data frame, and the response frame to the first frame is an acknowledgment frame; or The first frame is a PS-POLL frame, and the response frame of the first frame is an acknowledgment frame.

38. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD manages the enabling and / or disabling of the second link by using the first link, including: The first non-AP MLD receives a second frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the second frame is used to manage enabling and / or disabling of second links corresponding to one or more non-AP MLDs.

39. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that The second frame includes a first field, and the first field includes one or more of the following information: indication information of enabling or disabling the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of a second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of the one or more non-AP MLDs; Indication information of an access mode of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; Indication information of whether to perform beam training on a second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs.

40. The method according to claim 38 or 39, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first non-AP MLD sends a response frame of the second frame to the AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame of the second frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD agrees to open or close a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD, and the first non-AP MLD is any one of the one or more non-AP MLDs.

41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that The response frame of the second frame includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: Whether to agree to open or close the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; identification information of a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; An access mode of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD.

42. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 41, characterized in that The second frame and the response frame of the second frame are both management frames; or The second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a control frame.

43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that The second frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a link response frame; or The second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is an acknowledgment frame; or The second frame is a beacon frame.

44. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 43, characterized in that The opening of the second link includes one or more of the following: Changing the state of the second link from a dormant state in an available state to an activated state in an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to a dormant state within an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an activated state within an available state; The closing of the second link includes one or more of the following: Changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to a dormant state in an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an available state to an unavailable state; Changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to an unavailable state; The state of the second link is changed from a dormant state in an available state to an unavailable state.

45. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 44, characterized in that Whether to perform beam training on the second link is determined according to the link quality of the second link.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 31 to 45, characterized in that If a mapping relationship exists between the second link and at least one service flow, then a mapping relationship also exists between the at least one service flow and one or more of the first links.

47. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 46, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD manages the second link by using the first link, including: The first non-AP MLD manages channel access of the second link by using the first link.

48. The method according to claim 47, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD manages channel access to the second link by using the first link, including: The first non-AP MLD determines, in a frequency band corresponding to the first link, whether a channel in a frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle.

49. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD determines, in a frequency band corresponding to the first link, whether a channel in a frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, including: If the first non-AP MLD successfully competes for a channel in the frequency band corresponding to the first link, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle for a period of time before the frequency band corresponding to the first link successfully competes for a channel, the first non-AP MLD determines that the channel in the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle.

50. The method according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the first non-AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, the first non-AP MLD cooperates in transmission on the first link and the second link; and / or If the first non-AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is busy, the first non-AP MLD transmits on the first link.

51. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 50, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD manages the second link by using the first link, including: The first non-AP MLD uses the first link to determine whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

52. The method according to claim 51, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD determines, by using the first link, whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link, including: The first non-AP MLD sends a third frame to the AP MLD on the first link, where the third frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link; The first non-AP MLD receives a response frame to the third frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame to the third frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

53. The method according to claim 52, characterized in that The third frame is a probe request frame, and the response frame of the third frame is a probe response frame.

54. The method according to claim 51, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD determines, by using the first link, whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link, including: The first non-AP MLD receives a fourth frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the fourth frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

55. The method according to claim 54, characterized in that The fourth frame is broadcast by the AP MLD on the first link.

56. The method according to claim 54 or 55, characterized in that The fourth frame is a beacon frame.

57. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 56, characterized in that The frequency band corresponding to the first link belongs to the sub-7 GHz frequency band, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link belongs to the millimeter wave frequency band.

58. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is an access point multi-link device AP MLD, comprising: A processing unit is used to manage a second link by using a first link, wherein a frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

59. The communication device according to claim 58, characterized in that The processing unit is used for: The first link is used to manage the opening and / or closing of the second link.

60. The communication device according to claim 59, characterized in that The processing unit is used for: A first frame sent by a first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD is received on the first link, where the first frame is used to request to open or close the second link.

61. The communication device according to claim 60, characterized in that The first frame includes first indication information, and the first indication information includes one or more of the following: Instruction information for opening or closing the second link; identification information of the second link; indication information of the access mode of the second link; Indication information of whether to perform beam training on the second link.

62. The communication device according to claim 60 or 61, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises: The first sending unit is configured to send a response frame of the first frame to the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame of the first frame is used to indicate whether to agree to open or close the second link.

63. The communication device according to claim 62, characterized in that The response frame of the first frame includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: Whether to agree to open or close the second link; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link; identification information of the second link; An access mode of the second link.

64. The communication device according to any one of claims 60 to 63, characterized in that: The first frame and the response frame of the first frame are both management frames; or The first frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a control frame; or The first frame and the response frame of the first frame are both control frames.

65. The communication device according to claim 64, characterized in that The first frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a link response frame; or The first frame is a data frame, and the response frame to the first frame is an acknowledgment frame; or The first frame is a PS-POLL frame, and the response frame of the first frame is an acknowledgment frame.

66. The communication device according to claim 59, characterized in that The processing unit is used for: A second frame is sent on the first link, where the second frame is used to manage enabling and / or disabling of a second link corresponding to one or more non-AP MLDs.

67. The communication device according to claim 66, characterized in that The second frame includes a first field, and the first field includes one or more of the following information: indication information of enabling or disabling the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of a second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of the one or more non-AP MLDs; Indication information of an access mode of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; Indication information of whether to perform beam training on a second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs.

68. The communication device according to claim 66 or 67, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises: The first receiving unit is configured to receive a response frame to the second frame sent by a first non-AP MLD on the first link, wherein the response frame to the second frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD agrees to open or close a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD, and the first non-AP MLD is any one of the one or more non-AP MLDs.

69. The communication device according to claim 68, characterized in that The response frame of the second frame includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: Whether to agree to open or close the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; identification information of a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; An access mode of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD.

70. The communication device according to any one of claims 66 to 69, characterized in that: The second frame and the response frame of the second frame are both management frames; or The second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a control frame.

71. The communication device according to claim 70, characterized in that The second frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a link response frame; or The second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is an acknowledgment frame; or The second frame is a beacon frame.

72. The communication device according to any one of claims 59 to 71, characterized in that: The opening of the second link includes one or more of the following: Changing the state of the second link from a dormant state in an available state to an activated state in an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to a dormant state within an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an activated state within an available state; The closing of the second link includes one or more of the following: Changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to a dormant state in an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an available state to an unavailable state; Changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to an unavailable state; The state of the second link is changed from a dormant state in an available state to an unavailable state.

73. The communication device according to any one of claims 59 to 72, characterized in that: Whether to perform beam training on the second link is determined according to the link quality of the second link.

74. The communication device according to any one of claims 59 to 73, characterized in that: If a mapping relationship exists between the second link and at least one service flow, then a mapping relationship also exists between the at least one service flow and one or more of the first links.

75. The communication device according to any one of claims 58 to 74, characterized in that: The processing unit is used to manage the channel access of the second link by using the first link.

76. The communication device according to claim 75, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to determine whether a channel in a frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle in a frequency band corresponding to the first link.

77. The communication device according to claim 76, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to determine that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle if the AP MLD successfully competes for a channel on the frequency band corresponding to the first link, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle for a period of time before the frequency band corresponding to the first link successfully competes for a channel.

78. The communication device according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The communication device further comprises: If the AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, the second sending unit performs collaborative transmission on the first link and the second link; and / or If the AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is busy, the second sending unit transmits on the first link.

79. The communication device according to any one of claims 58 to 78, characterized in that: The processing unit is configured to determine, by using the first link, whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

80. The communication device according to claim 79, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to receive a third frame sent by the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the third frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

81. The communication device according to claim 80, characterized in that The communication device further comprises: The third sending unit is used to send a response frame of the third frame to the first non-AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame of the third frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

82. The communication device according to claim 80 or 81, characterized in that The third frame is a probe request frame, and the response frame of the third frame is a probe response frame.

83. The communication device according to claim 79, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to send a fourth frame to one or more non-AP MLDs on the first link, wherein the fourth frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link; If the first non-AP MLD supports communication in the frequency band corresponding to the second link, the second receiving unit is configured to receive a fifth frame sent by the first non-AP MLD, where the fifth frame is used to request the AP MLD to transmit in the frequency band corresponding to the second link.

84. The communication device according to claim 83, characterized in that The fourth frame is broadcast by the AP MLD on the first link.

85. The communication device according to claim 83 or 84, characterized in that The fourth frame is a beacon frame.

86. The communication device according to any one of claims 58 to 85, characterized in that: The frequency band corresponding to the first link belongs to the sub-7 GHz frequency band, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link belongs to the millimeter wave frequency band.

87. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is a first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD, including: A processing unit is used to manage a second link by using a first link, wherein a frequency band corresponding to the first link is lower than a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

88. The communication device according to claim 87, characterized in that The processing unit is used to manage the opening and / or closing of the second link by using the first link.

89. The communication device according to claim 88, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to send a first frame to an access point multi-link device AP MLD on the first link, where the first frame is used to request to open or close the second link.

90. The communication device according to claim 89, characterized in that The first frame includes first indication information, and the first indication information includes one or more of the following: Instruction information for opening or closing the second link; identification information of the second link; indication information of the access mode of the second link; Indication information of whether to perform beam training on the second link.

91. The communication device according to claim 89 or 90, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises: The first receiving unit is configured to receive a response frame to the first frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, wherein the response frame to the first frame is used to indicate whether to agree to open or close the second link.

92. The communication device according to claim 91, characterized in that The response frame of the first frame includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: Whether to agree to open or close the second link; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link; identification information of the second link; An access mode of the second link.

93. The communication device according to any one of claims 89 to 92, characterized in that: The first frame and the response frame of the first frame are both management frames; or The first frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a control frame; or The first frame and the response frame of the first frame are both control frames.

94. The communication device according to claim 93, characterized in that The first frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the first frame is a link response frame; or The first frame is a data frame, and the response frame to the first frame is an acknowledgment frame; or The first frame is a PS-POLL frame, and the response frame of the first frame is an acknowledgment frame.

95. The communication device according to claim 88, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to receive a second frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the second frame is used to manage the opening and / or closing of second links corresponding to one or more non-AP MLDs.

96. The communication device according to claim 95, characterized in that The second frame includes a first field, and the first field includes one or more of the following information: indication information of enabling or disabling the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of a second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; identification information of the one or more non-AP MLDs; Indication information of an access mode of the second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs; Indication information of whether to perform beam training on a second link corresponding to each non-AP MLD in the one or more non-AP MLDs.

97. The communication device according to claim 95 or 96, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises: A first sending unit is used to send a response frame of the second frame to the AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame of the second frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD agrees to open or close a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD, and the first non-AP MLD is any one of the one or more non-AP MLDs.

98. The communication device according to claim 97, characterized in that The response frame of the second frame includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: Whether to agree to open or close the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; whether to agree to perform beam training on the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; identification information of a second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD; An access mode of the second link corresponding to the first non-AP MLD.

99. The communication device according to any one of claims 95-98, characterized in that: The second frame and the response frame of the second frame are both management frames; or The second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a control frame.

100. The communication device according to claim 99, characterized in that The second frame is a link request frame, and the response frame of the second frame is a link response frame; or The second frame is a data frame, and the response frame of the second frame is an acknowledgment frame; or The second frame is a beacon frame.

101. The communication device according to any one of claims 88 to 100, characterized in that: The opening of the second link includes one or more of the following: Changing the state of the second link from a dormant state in an available state to an activated state in an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to a dormant state within an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an unavailable state to an activated state within an available state; The closing of the second link includes one or more of the following: Changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to a dormant state in an available state; Changing the state of the second link from an available state to an unavailable state; Changing the state of the second link from an activated state in an available state to an unavailable state; The state of the second link is changed from a dormant state in an available state to an unavailable state.

102. The communication device according to any one of claims 88 to 101, characterized in that: Whether to perform beam training on the second link is determined according to the link quality of the second link.

103. The communication device according to any one of claims 88 to 102, characterized in that: If a mapping relationship exists between the second link and at least one service flow, then a mapping relationship also exists between the at least one service flow and one or more of the first links.

104. The communication device according to any one of claims 87-103, characterized in that: The processing unit is used to manage the channel access of the second link by using the first link.

105. The communication device according to claim 104, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to determine whether a channel in a frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle in a frequency band corresponding to the first link.

106. The communication device according to claim 105, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to determine, by the first non-AP MLD, that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle if the first non-AP MLD successfully competes for a channel on the frequency band corresponding to the first link, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle for a period of time before the frequency band corresponding to the first link successfully competes for a channel.

107. The communication device according to claim 105 or 106, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises: If the first non-AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is idle, the second sending unit is configured to perform collaborative transmission on the first link and the second link; and / or If the first non-AP MLD determines that the channel of the frequency band corresponding to the second link is busy, the third sending unit is configured to transmit on the first link.

108. The communication device according to any one of claims 87-107, characterized in that: The processing unit is configured to use the first link to determine whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

109. The communication device according to claim 108, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to send a third frame to the AP MLD on the first link, where the third frame is used to indicate whether the first non-AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link; The second receiving unit is used to receive a response frame to the third frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the response frame to the third frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

110. The communication device according to claim 109, characterized in that The third frame is a probe request frame, and the response frame of the third frame is a probe response frame.

111. The communication device according to claim 108, characterized in that The processing unit is used to receive a fourth frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the fourth frame is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports communication in a frequency band corresponding to the second link.

112. The communication device according to claim 111, characterized in that The fourth frame is broadcast by the AP MLD on the first link.

113. The communication device according to claim 111 or 112, characterized in that: The fourth frame is a beacon frame.

114. The communication device according to any one of claims 87-113, characterized in that: The frequency band corresponding to the first link belongs to the sub-7 GHz frequency band, and the frequency band corresponding to the second link belongs to the millimeter wave frequency band.

115. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a memory and a processor, the memory is used to store a program, and the processor is used to call the program in the memory so that the communication device executes the method as described in any one of claims 1-57.

116. A device, characterized in that: It comprises a processor, which is used to call a program from a memory so that the device executes the method as described in any one of claims 1-57.

117. A chip, characterized in that: It comprises a processor, which is used to call a program from a memory so that a device equipped with the chip executes a method as described in any one of claims 1 to 57.

118. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: A program is stored thereon, the program causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 57.

119. A computer program product, characterized in that A program is included, which causes a computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 57.

120. A computer program, characterized in that The computer program causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 57.

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