Electronic device and operation method therefor

Abstract

This method for operating an electronic device may comprise the steps of: receiving first data from a first device through a first link set as a reception link, and transmitting second data to the first device through a second link set as a transmission link while receiving the first data; and communicating with a second device through a third link of the same frequency band as one of the first link and the second link identified on the basis of information corresponding to the first link and the second link.

Description

Electronic devices and their operating methods

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device capable of wireless communication with an external device and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Wi-Fi is a technology that establishes wireless local area networks (WLANs) and supports wireless communications. It has been standardized internationally by standards organizations and is widely used worldwide. Wi-Fi technology allows multiple wireless client devices to wirelessly connect to a wireless access point (AP), allowing them to connect to the network via the AP, exchange data, and access the wireless Internet. Wi-Fi technology primarily operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, each with its own radio channels to minimize interference between multiple devices.

[0003] Examples of Wi-Fi-based short-range communication methods include Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (or Wi-Fi Direct) and Wi-Fi Aware. Wi-Fi P2P is a technology that provides direct connections between Wi-Fi electronic devices by utilizing existing Wi-Fi interfaces, without going through an access point (AP). Wi-Fi Aware is a low-power discovery technology for interacting with the surrounding environment, using a more service-friendly protocol. Wi-Fi-based short-range communication can be used in various applications, such as smart home devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and content sharing between wireless clients.

[0004] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a memory storing one or more instructions, a communication module, and at least one processor connected to the communication module to execute one or more instructions. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by the at least one processor executing one or more instructions, the electronic device may receive first data from a first device through a first link set as a reception link, and transmit second data to the first device through a second link set as a transmission link while receiving the first data. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by the at least one processor executing one or more instructions, the electronic device may communicate with a second device through a third link having the same frequency band as one of the first link and the second link identified based on information corresponding to the first link and the second link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequency band of the first link and the frequency band of the second link may be different from each other.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may include the steps of receiving first data from a first device via a first link set as a receiving link and transmitting second data to the first device via a second link set as a transmitting link while receiving the first data. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method of operating an electronic device may include the step of communicating with a second device via a third link having the same frequency band as one of the first link and the second link identified based on information corresponding to the first link and the second link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequency band of the first link and the frequency band of the second link may be different from each other.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a program for performing an operating method of an electronic device on a computer can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0007] FIG. 1 may illustrate an example in which an electronic device communicates with an access point (AP) device and a non-AP device based on wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 may illustrate an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection based on MLO (Multi Link Operation) between an electronic device and an AP device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device wirelessly communicating with an AP device via an MLO-based WLAN connection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device wirelessly communicating with an AP device via an MLO-based WLAN connection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3c is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device wirelessly communicating with an AP device via an MLO-based WLAN connection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 may illustrate an example of a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link being established in a frequency band and channel of a WLAN transmission link of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for an electronic device to communicate with a non-AP device via Wi-Fi P2P / Aware according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6A may illustrate an example of a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link being established in a frequency band and channel of a WLAN transmission link of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6b may illustrate an example of a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link being established in a frequency band and channel of a WLAN receiving link of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method by which an electronic device communicates with a non-AP device through Wi-Fi P2P / Aware according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device simultaneously operating WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] This disclosure may be subject to various modifications and various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the disclosure.

[0021] When describing embodiments, detailed descriptions of related known technologies are omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the main point. Furthermore, numbers (e.g., "first," "second," etc.) used in the description of embodiments are merely identifiers used to distinguish one component from another. Furthermore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are understood to include plural references.

[0022] It should also be understood that the blocks and combinations of flowcharts in each flowchart can be executed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. The one or more computer programs may be stored entirely in a single memory, or may be stored in separate portions across multiple different memories.

[0023] All functions or operations described in this document may be performed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuitry that performs processing, and may include circuitry such as an Application Processor (AP), a Communication Processor (CP), a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a Microprocessor Unit (MPU), a System on Chip (SoC), or an Integrated Chip (IC).

[0024] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail to facilitate implementation by those skilled in the art. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Before proceeding with a detailed description of the invention, the terms used herein are defined or understood as follows.

[0025] When a component is referred to herein as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but may also be connected or connected via another component in between, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, "connection" may include a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0026] In addition, in this specification, components expressed as 'unit', 'module', etc. may be two or more components combined into one component, or one component may be divided into two or more components with more detailed functions. In addition, each component described below may additionally perform some or all of the functions performed by other components in addition to its own main function, and of course, some of the main functions performed by each component may be performed exclusively by other components.

[0027] In the present disclosure, the expression 'at least one of a, b, or c' can refer to 'a', 'b', 'c', 'a and b', 'a and c', 'b and c', 'all of a, b, and c', or variations thereof. In the present disclosure, the expression 'a or b' can refer to 'a', 'b', 'a and b', or variations thereof. In the present disclosure, the expression 'a (or, b, c)' can refer to 'a', 'b', 'c', 'a and b', 'a and c', 'b and c', 'all of a, b, and c', or variations thereof.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a "connection" or "communication connection" may include a state in which communication is possible between devices. For example, a "connection" or "communication connection" may include a state in which devices can exchange data with each other. For example, a "connection" or "communication connection" may include a logical or physical connection relationship created to enable communication between devices.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a 'link' may include a path or interface through which communication is performed between devices. For example, a 'link' may include a logical or physical connection relationship that enables communication between devices through a specific frequency band and specific channel. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a 'connection' between two devices may include 'one or more links' between the two devices. For example, a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection between two devices may include multiple WLAN communication links between the two devices. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the terms 'connection' and 'link' may be used interchangeably.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, 'a connection (or link) established (or established) in frequency band A (or with respect to frequency band A)' may include a connection (or link) established (or established) to enable wireless communication between devices using frequency band A (or a frequency of frequency band A). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, 'a connection (or link) established (or established) in channel B (or with respect to channel B)' may include a connection (or link) established (or established) to enable wireless communication between devices using channel B (or a frequency of channel B). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, communicating via (or using) frequency band A and / or channel B may include communicating using radio frequency resources of frequency band A and / or channel B.

[0031] In the present disclosure, 'a connection (or link) being configured' may include a connection (or link) being established, a connection (or link) being created, or a connection (or link) being set up.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, "WLAN communication" may include wireless communication between an electronic device and an access point (AP) device. For example, "WLAN communication" may include Wi-Fi-based data transmission and data reception between the electronic device and the AP device. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, "WLAN data" may include data transmitted and received in WLAN communication. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, "WLAN connection" may include a state in which WLAN communication between devices can be performed.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, 'Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) P2P (peer-to-peer) / Aware communication' may include wireless communication between an electronic device and a non-AP device. For example, 'Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication' may include data transmission and data reception between an electronic device and a non-AP device. For example, 'Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication' may include at least one of Wi-Fi P2P communication and Wi-Fi Aware communication. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, 'Wi-Fi P2P / Aware data' may include data transmitted and received in Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, 'Wi-Fi P2P / Aware connection' may include a state in which Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication can be performed between devices.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the term 'mode' may include the meaning of state, manner, type, format, form, or setting.

[0035] FIG. 1 may illustrate an example in which an electronic device communicates with an AP device and a non-AP device based on Wi-Fi according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] The electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may include a device or terminal that transmits or receives data by wirelessly connecting to other external devices based on Wi-Fi. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1 may include a STA (station) device that includes a Wi-Fi interface as a non-AP device. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a television (TV) (hereinafter, “TV device”) as an example of the electronic device (100), the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the electronic device (100) may include a television, an audio device, a home camera, a smart home device such as a refrigerator, a client device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a game console, a wireless printer, etc.

[0037] The AP device (110) illustrated in FIG. 1 may include a device that creates and manages a local network. For example, the AP device (110) may create a local network by establishing connections with multiple STA devices. The AP device (110) may be connected to a wired network (e.g., Ethernet) and may access the Internet or other network services. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP device (110) may include a soft AP device (e.g., a mobile device). For example, the AP device (110) may access the Internet or other network services through wireless communication with a base station.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, a WLAN connection (or WLAN interface) may be established between an electronic device (100) and an AP device (110). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more links may be established (or created, formed, or established) for one or more frequency bands as a WLAN connection between the electronic device and the AP device (110). For example, as a WLAN connection between the electronic device (100) and the AP device (110), a single link may be established (or formed, or established) for a single frequency band and a single channel (e.g., a single radio frequency) based on a single MAC layer.

[0039] The electronic device (100) and the AP device (110) can transmit and receive data to each other by wirelessly communicating (i.e., WLAN communication) through an established WLAN connection. The electronic device (100) can connect to a local network through the WLAN connection with the AP device (110) and can access the Internet or other network services to which the AP device (110) has accessed. For example, the electronic device (100) can transmit data to the Internet or other network services through the AP device (110), or receive data from the Internet or other network services through the AP device (110).

[0040] The non-AP devices (120, 130) illustrated in FIG. 1 may include devices or terminals capable of Wi-Fi-based wireless communication with external devices in a wireless network. For example, the non-AP devices (120, 130) may include smart home devices such as televisions (TVs), audio devices, home cameras, refrigerators, client devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, wireless printers, etc. FIG. 1 illustrates an audio device as an example of a first non-AP device (120), and a mobile device as an example of a second non-AP device (130), but is not limited thereto.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a Wi-Fi P2P (peer to peer) connection (or, Wi-Fi P2P interface, Wi-Fi Direct connection) may be established between an electronic device (100) and a first non-AP device (120). For example, the electronic device (100) and the first non-AP device (120) may be directly connected to each other by forming a distributed network as peers with equal status without a central server. The electronic device (100) and the first non-AP device (120) may transmit and receive data to each other by wirelessly communicating (i.e., Wi-Fi P2P communication) through the established P2P connection. For example, the electronic device (100) and the first non-AP device (120) may be directly connected without going through the AP device (110) and may communicate based on Wi-Fi.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a Wi-Fi Aware connection (or Wi-Fi Aware interface) may be established between an electronic device (100) and a second non-AP device (130). The electronic device (100) and the second non-AP device (130) may transmit and receive data to each other by wirelessly communicating (i.e., Wi-Fi Aware communication) through the established Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi Aware communication may include Wi-Fi-based communication that detects and recognizes devices located in the surrounding environment and interacts with them.

[0043] The electronic device (100), AP device (110), and non-AP devices (120, 130) may include hardware such as a wireless network card (e.g., a Wi-Fi card), an antenna, etc., to transmit and receive wireless signals. The electronic device (100), AP device (110), and other non-AP devices (120, 130) may include hardware and / or software that support a protocol for communication performed by each device.

[0044] The electronic device (100) can operate a WLAN connection and a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware connection simultaneously. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware connection between the electronic device (100) and a non-AP device (120, 130) can be set for the frequency band and channel of the WLAN connection between the electronic device (100) and the AP device (110). For example, the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware connection between the electronic device (100) and a non-AP device (120, 130) can be set for a single frequency band and a single channel of the WLAN connection between the electronic device (100) and the AP device (110), so that the WLAN connection and the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware connection can be operated in a single channel concurrent manner.

[0045] In this case, the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication and WLAN communication of the electronic device (100) can share limited radio frequency resources of the same frequency band and channel, and can occupy and use the radio frequency resources by dividing them in the time domain (i.e., time-divisionally). For example, the electronic device (100) can allocate radio frequency resources to the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication and WLAN communication in a time-division manner by scheduling the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication and WLAN communication in the time domain for the radio frequency resources.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, while the electronic device (100) is receiving data from an external device (e.g., an AP device (110) or a non-AP device (120, 130)) through a specific frequency band and a specific channel, the electronic device (100) cannot transmit data to the external device through the same frequency band and channel, or transmit or receive data with another external device. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, while the electronic device (100) is transmitting data to the external device (e.g., an AP device (110) or a non-AP device (120, 130)) through the specific frequency band and a specific channel, the electronic device (100) cannot receive data from the external device through the same frequency band and channel, or transmit or receive data with another external device.

[0047] When WLAN connections and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware connections are configured for a single frequency band and a single channel, the characteristics of WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication occupying radio frequency resources in a time-division manner may result in variable latency for each communication, which may result in non-constant jitter. In other words, the delay interval between packets may not be constant and may fluctuate depending on the situation.

[0048] In this case, packet drops or loss may occur due to increased jitter and latency in WLAN communication services or Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication services. In addition, when providing jitter-sensitive voice service applications or real-time video and voice transmission applications through Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication, it may be difficult to consistently maintain synchronization (e.g., audio / video synchronization). In addition, if the WLAN communication volume increases due to the variability of physical usage scenarios (e.g., in the case of 4K, 8K streaming service provision scenarios), non-constant jitter may occur in Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication services, which may degrade service quality.

[0049] The TV device illustrated as an example of an electronic device (100) in FIG. 1 can support services such as the Internet, video streaming, and application downloading through WLAN communication with an AP device (110). Referring to FIG. 1, the TV device can transmit and receive data with an audio device connected to Wi-Fi P2P and / or a mobile device connected to Wi-Fi Aware while transmitting and receiving data with the AP device (110) through a WLAN connection.

[0050] For example, a TV device may receive data for a video streaming service from an AP device (110) and transmit audio data of a video output by the TV device to an audio device via a Wi-Fi P2P connection. The audio device may output the received audio data. For example, a TV device may receive data for a video streaming service from an AP device (110) and transmit data of a video output by the TV device to a mobile device via a Wi-Fi Aware connection. The mobile device may provide a mirroring service by outputting the received data. In this case, depending on the data traffic volume of WLAN communication, a variable latency may occur in Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication, and the quality of jitter-sensitive voice service applications and real-time video and voice transmission services may deteriorate.

[0051] Accordingly, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure seek to provide a method for optimizing concurrent operation of AP-STA communication (e.g., WLAN communication) and STA-STA communication (e.g., Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication).

[0052] In FIG. 1, an audio device is illustrated as being connected to a TV device via Wi-Fi P2P, and a mobile device is illustrated as being connected to a TV device via Wi-Fi Aware, but this is not limited thereto, and an audio device may be connected to a TV device via Wi-Fi Aware, or a mobile device may be connected to a TV device via Wi-Fi P2P.

[0053] In FIG. 1, Wi-Fi P2P communication and Wi-Fi Aware communication are illustrated as examples of communication between an electronic device (100) and a non-AP device (120, 130), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and communication between an electronic device (100) and a non-AP device (120, 130) may include WLAN communication and other types of communication that share and occupy a frequency band and / or channel.

[0054] FIG. 2 may illustrate an example of a Multi Link Operation (MLO)-based WLAN connection between an electronic device and an AP device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] In explaining Fig. 2, any explanation that overlaps with the explanation given above in Fig. 1 may be omitted.

[0056] Multi-link operation (MLO) technology allows an electronic device (100) to wirelessly communicate with external devices through different frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) and channels. Through MLO technology, Wi-Fi 7 can support multiple link setups between STA devices (e.g., TV devices, mobile devices) and AP devices (e.g., router devices). By supporting wireless communication through multiple frequency bands, MLO technology can increase throughput, reduce latency, and improve reliability. MLO technology can be used for applications that require a large amount of communication, such as virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR), online games, remote offices, and cloud computing.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (100) may wirelessly communicate with an AP device (110) through multiple frequency bands based on MLO technology. The electronic device (100) and the AP device (110) may include hardware and software that support WLAN communication through multiple frequency bands. For example, the electronic device (100) and the AP device (110) may include an antenna that supports a first frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz) and an antenna that supports a second frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz).

[0058] A WLAN connection between an electronic device (100) and an AP device (110) may include multiple independently established links for different frequency bands based on a single MAC (media access control). For example, the electronic device (100) (or the AP device (110)) may establish multiple links between the electronic device (100) and the AP device (110) for different frequency bands and channels.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a first link (210) and a second link (220) may be established for WLAN communication between an electronic device (100) and an AP device (110). The frequency band of the first link (210) and the frequency band of the second link (220) may be different from each other. For example, the first link (210) may be set to a first frequency band, and the second link (220) may be set to a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band. The channel of the first link (210) and the channel of the second link (220) may be different from each other. For example, the channel of the first link (210) may be one of a plurality of channels in the first frequency band, and the channel of the second link (220) may be one of a plurality of channels in the second frequency band.

[0060] When multiple links are established (or set up) for WLAN communication between an electronic device (100) and an AP device (110), the amount of radio frequency resources available for WLAN communication between the electronic device (100) and the AP device (110) may increase compared to a single link. For example, the electronic device (100) may transmit and receive data with the AP device (110) using not only radio frequency resources of a first frequency band and a first channel, but also radio frequency resources of a second frequency band and a second channel.

[0061] FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which two links are established (or set up) between an electronic device (100) and an AP device (110), but is not limited thereto.

[0062] The specific operation of WLAN communication through MLO-based WLAN connection between an electronic device (100) and an AP device (110) can be described later with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3c.

[0063] FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of an electronic device wirelessly communicating with an AP device via an MLO-based WLAN connection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIGS. 3A to 3C may illustrate examples of communication operations (e.g., reception (RX), transmission (TX)) of an electronic device via multiple links in the time domain. In describing FIGS. 3A to 3C, any description that overlaps with the descriptions given above in FIGS. 1 to 2 may be omitted.

[0065] The MLO mode (or scheme) of Wi-Fi 7 may include STR (simultaneous transmit and receive operation) mode (or scheme) and NSTR (nonsimultaneous transmit and receive operation) mode (or scheme). STR mode may include simultaneous transceiver mode or asynchronous mode. For example, in STR mode, two or more links operate completely independently and may not interfere with each other. NSTR mode may include asynchronous transceiver mode or synchronous mode. In NSTR mode, simultaneous receive and transmit operations are not allowed, and all links can only receive data at a time, or all links can only transmit data.

[0066] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B may illustrate an example of an electronic device wirelessly communicating with an AP device via multiple links (210, 220) in a non-simultaneous transmit and receive operation (NSTR) mode of MLO. FIG. 3A may illustrate an example of an electronic device receiving data from an AP device via multiple links in a NSTR mode of MLO. FIG. 3B may illustrate an example of an electronic device transmitting data to an AP device via multiple links in a NSTR mode of MLO.

[0067] In the MLO NSTR mode, the electronic device can communicate with the AP device in half duplex. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the MLO NSTR mode, the electronic device can only perform reception or transmission operations for multiple links (210, 220) at the same time. That is, in the MLO NSTR mode, the electronic device cannot perform reception and transmission operations for multiple links (210, 220) simultaneously. In order to transmit and receive data with the AP device through the multiple links (210, 220), the electronic device can schedule transmission or reception operations for multiple links (210, 220) in the time domain.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3A, an electronic device in MLO NSTR mode can receive data from an AP device through a second link (220) while receiving data from the AP device through a first link (210). While an electronic device in MLO NSTR mode receives data from an AP device through a first link (210), it cannot transmit data to the AP device through the second link (220) as well as the first link (210).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3b, while the electronic device transmits data to the AP device via the first link (210), it can also transmit data to the AP device via the second link (220). While the electronic device in the MLO NSTR mode transmits data to the AP device via the first link (210), it cannot receive data from the AP device via the second link (220) as well as the first link (210).

[0070] FIG. 3C may illustrate an example in which an electronic device wirelessly communicates with an AP device via multiple links (210, 220) in a Simultaneous Transmit and Receive Operation (STR) mode of MLO. In the STR mode of MLO, the electronic device may communicate with the AP device in full duplex. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the STR mode of MLO, the electronic device may simultaneously perform a receiving operation and a transmitting operation via multiple links (210, 220). For example, since the multiple links (210, 220) between the electronic device and the AP device in the MLO STR mode are mutually independent and do not interfere with each other, the electronic device may perform a receiving operation via a specific link while simultaneously performing a transmitting operation via another link.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3C, there may be an overlapping time between a time period in which the electronic device receives data from the AP device via the first link (210) and a time period in which the electronic device transmits data to the AP device via the second link (220). For example, the electronic device may transmit data to the AP device via the second link (220) even while receiving data from the AP device via the first link (210). For example, the electronic device may receive data from the AP device via the first link (210) even while transmitting data to the AP device via the second link (220).

[0072] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of a plurality of links (210, 220) between an electronic device and an AP device may be set as a transmission link or a reception link of the electronic device for WLAN communication. For example, the electronic device (or AP device) may determine the first link (210) as a reception link of the electronic device and a transmission link of the AP device. For example, the electronic device (or AP device) may determine the second link (220) as a transmission link of the electronic device and a reception link of the AP device. For example, the electronic device (or AP device) may set each of the plurality of links (210, 220) as a transmission link or a reception link of the electronic device based on the frequency band of each link, the communication status, the amount of resources, the amount of traffic, the amount of data transmitted / received by the electronic device (or AP device), the type of service, the type of content to be communicated, and the like.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the multiple links between the electronic device and the AP device is not limited to a receiving link or a transmitting link, and can support both data transmission and reception by the electronic device. For example, the electronic device cannot simultaneously transmit and receive data through the first link (210), but can transmit and receive data in a time-division manner through the first link (210). Similarly, the electronic device cannot simultaneously transmit and receive data through the second link (220), but can transmit and receive data in a time-division manner through the second link (220). In this case, the electronic device can transmit or receive data through the second link (220) while transmitting or receiving data through the first link (210).

[0074] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, some of the links (210, 220) between the electronic device and the AP device may be set as transmission links or reception links of the electronic device, and the remaining links may be set as links that enable both transmission and reception of the electronic device.

[0075] FIG. 3c illustrates an example in which the first link (210) is set as a receiving link of an electronic device and the second link (220) is set as a transmitting link of the electronic device, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second link (220) may be set as a receiving link of an electronic device and the first link (210) may be set as a transmitting link of the electronic device.

[0076] FIG. 4 may illustrate an example of a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link being established in a frequency band and channel of a WLAN transmission link of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] In explaining Fig. 4, any explanation that overlaps with the explanations given above in Figs. 1 to 3c may be omitted.

[0078] A Wi-Fi P2P / Aware connection between an electronic device and a non-AP device can be set up (or established) in a frequency band and channel that the electronic device uses to communicate with the AP device. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a link for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication between the electronic device and a non-AP device (hereinafter, referred to as a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link) can be set up (or established) in the same frequency band and channel as at least one link among a plurality of links (hereinafter, referred to as a WLAN link) between the electronic device and the AP device. For example, the electronic device can determine the frequency band and channel of at least one WLAN link as the frequency band and channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware. The electronic device can transmit and receive data with the non-AP device through the set up (or established) Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device can communicate with a non-AP device via a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link having the same frequency band as one of a plurality of WLAN links identified based on information about a plurality of WLAN links. For example, the electronic device can wirelessly communicate with the non-AP device via a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link configured (or established) for the same frequency band as one of the plurality of WLAN links selected based on information about the plurality of WLAN links. For example, the electronic device can select (or determine) one of the plurality of WLAN links using information about the plurality of WLAN links (e.g., configuration information of the WLAN link, information about whether it is a receiving link or a transmitting link). The electronic device can configure (or establish) a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link between the electronic device and the non-AP device for the frequency band and channel of the selected (or determined) WLAN link.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information corresponding to the first link (210) and the second link (220) may include information indicating that the first link (210) is set as a receiving link and information indicating that the second link (220) is set as a transmitting link. For example, the electronic device may identify the second link (220) set as a transmitting link among the first link (210) and the second link (220) based on the information corresponding to the first link (210) and the second link (220), and communicate with the second device through a third link (410) of the same frequency band as the identified second link (220). For example, in the MLO STR mode, the electronic device may determine a frequency band and channel for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication based on the information corresponding to the first link (210) and the information corresponding to the second link (220). For example, the electronic device may select (or determine) the frequency band and channel of the second link (220) set as the transmission link among the first link (210) set as the reception link and the second link (220) set as the transmission link as the frequency band and channel for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. The electronic device may set (or establish) a third link (410) between the electronic device and the non-AP device for the selected (or determined) frequency band and channel for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the electronic device determines the frequency band and channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link, information on whether to select a WLAN transmission link or a WLAN reception link may be predefined (or stored) in the electronic device (e.g., memory). For example, whether the electronic device selects the frequency band and channel of the WLAN transmit link or the frequency band and channel of the WLAN receive link as the frequency band and channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link may be predefined (or stored) in the electronic device (e.g., in memory).For example, an electronic device may pre-store information regarding which frequency band and channel of a transmission link and which of a reception link to use for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. For example, since a TV device typically receives more data than transmits data in WLAN communication, a command, data, or information that causes the frequency band and channel of the transmission link to be used for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication may be pre-stored (or defined) in the memory of the TV device.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, in the MLO STR mode, the electronic device may select one link from among the first link (210) and the second link (220) based on information corresponding to the first link (210) and information corresponding to the second link (220). For example, the electronic device may select the second link (220) set as the transmission link from among the first link (210) and the second link (220) based on information about which operation of the WLAN communication the first link (210) and the second link (220) are for (e.g., information about whether the first link (210) and the second link (220) are for). The electronic device may set (or establish) a third link (410) for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication between the electronic device and a non-AP device for the frequency band and channel of the selected second link (220). Accordingly, the frequency band and channel of the second link (220) and the third link (410), which are transmission links of the electronic device, may be the same as the second frequency band and the second channel.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a signal corresponding to a connection request with another non-AP device is received, the electronic device can communicate with the other non-AP device through a fourth link in the same frequency band as the third link (410). For example, when the electronic device is connected to a non-AP device through a second frequency band and a second channel to enable Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication, the electronic device can also communicate with another non-AP device through the second frequency band and the second channel. For example, after a link (e.g., the third link (410)) between the electronic device and the non-AP device is established for the second frequency band and the second channel, a link between an additional non-AP device and the electronic device can be established for the second frequency band and the second channel. For example, when a frequency band and channel for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication between an electronic device and a non-AP device are determined (or selected), additionally connected non-AP devices can communicate with the electronic device through Wi-Fi P2P / Aware through the determined (or selected) frequency band and channel.

[0083] FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which an electronic device selects one WLAN link from among multiple WLAN links and sets (or establishes) a third link for the frequency band and channel of the selected WLAN link, but is not limited thereto. For example, a non-AP device or an AP device may select (or determine) one WLAN link from among multiple WLAN links. For example, a non-AP device or an AP device may set (or establish) a third link for the frequency band and channel of the selected (or determined) WLAN link.

[0084] Although FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which an electronic device selects a second link (220) set as a transmission link among the first link (210) and the second link (220), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the electronic device has previously stored a command, data, or information for using the frequency band and channel of the reception link for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication, the electronic device may select the first link (210) set as the reception link and set (or establish) a third link (410) for the frequency band and channel of the first link (210).

[0085] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for an electronic device to communicate with a non-AP device via Wi-Fi P2P / Aware according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] In explaining Fig. 5, any explanation that overlaps with the explanations given above in Figs. 1 to 4 may be omitted.

[0087] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method (500) for an electronic device to perform Wi-Fi-based wireless communication with a non-AP device. Referring to FIG. 5 , the method (500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include steps 510 to 530. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps 510 to 530 of the method (500) may be executed by at least one processor included in the electronic device. The method (500) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 5 , and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 5 may be further included, or some steps may be omitted.

[0088] In step 510, the electronic device may identify (or receive) a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection request between the electronic device and a non-AP device, or determine a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection between the electronic device and a non-AP device.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may determine to create (or establish) a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection with a non-AP device and transmit a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection request to the non-AP device. For example, the electronic device may determine to establish a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection between the electronic device and the non-AP device based on the execution of a service or application (e.g., a mirroring application, etc.) that requires a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may receive a signal (e.g., a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection request) corresponding to a connection request from a non-AP device. For example, upon receiving the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection request from the non-AP device, the electronic device may determine to create (or establish) a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection with the non-AP device. For example, the non-AP device may transmit the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection request to the electronic device based on executing a service or application (e.g., a mirroring application, etc.) that requires a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may identify (or receive) a user input signal indicating a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection request. For example, the electronic device may determine to create (or establish) a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection with a non-AP device upon identifying a user input signal requesting a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection with the non-AP device, the user input signal being input via an input device (e.g., a touch screen, etc.). In one example, the electronic device may determine to establish a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection between the electronic device and the non-AP device based on identifying a user input that executes a service or application requiring a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection.

[0092] In step 520, the electronic device may determine whether the data traffic volume of the transmission link in the WLAN communication exceeds the data traffic volume of the reception link. For example, the electronic device may compare the data traffic volume of the transmission link with the data traffic volume of the reception link. For example, the electronic device may compare the data traffic volume of the transmission link with the data traffic volume of the reception link to determine the frequency band and channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link.

[0093] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may, but is not limited to, determine whether a data traffic volume of a transmission link in a WLAN communication exceeds a data traffic volume of a reception link in response to identifying a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection request or determining a P2P / Aware communication connection. For example, the electronic device may determine whether a data traffic volume of a transmission link in a WLAN communication exceeds a data traffic volume of a reception link in response to any operation, message, or request during a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection procedure with a non-AP device. For example, in response to the electronic device or the AP device executing a service or application requiring a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection, the electronic device may determine whether a data traffic volume of a transmission link in a WLAN communication exceeds a data traffic volume of a reception link.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the data communication volume of the transmission link and the reception link may include statistically collected information regarding data communication between the electronic device and the AP device. For example, the data communication volume of the transmission link and the reception link may include the data communication volume through each link during a certain period of time. For example, the data communication volume of the transmission link and the reception link may include the data communication volume per unit time of each link. For example, the data communication volume of the transmission link may include the WLAN transmission data rate (or bit rate), and the data communication volume of the reception link may include the WLAN reception data rate (or bit rate).

[0095] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the data communication volume of the transmission link may include the amount of data waiting to be transmitted, and the data communication volume of the reception link may include the amount of data waiting to be received. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the data communication volume of the transmission link may include WLAN transmission statistical information (e.g., history information) for a service or application provided by the electronic device using WLAN communication, and the data communication volume of the reception link may include WLAN reception statistical information for a service or application provided by the electronic device using WLAN communication.

[0096] In step 522, based on determining that the data communication volume of the transmission link exceeds the data communication volume of the reception link, the electronic device may determine the channel of the reception link as a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication channel. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the data communication volume of the transmission link exceeds the data communication volume of the reception link in WLAN communication, the electronic device may configure a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication channel based on information of the reception link. For example, in response to determining that the data communication volume of the transmission link exceeds the data communication volume of the reception link, the electronic device may determine the frequency band and channel of the reception link as a frequency band and channel for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication.

[0097] In step 524, based on the determination that the data communication volume of the transmission link does not exceed the data communication volume of the reception link (i.e., the data communication volume of the transmission link is less than or equal to the data communication volume of the reception link), the electronic device may determine the channel of the transmission link as a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication channel. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the data communication volume of the transmission link does not exceed the data communication volume of the reception link in WLAN communication, the electronic device may configure a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication channel based on information of the transmission link. For example, in response to the determination that the data communication volume of the transmission link does not exceed the data communication volume of the reception link, the electronic device may determine the frequency band and channel of the transmission link as a frequency band and channel for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication.

[0098] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device can set up (or establish) a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link with a non-AP device for the frequency band and channel for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication determined in steps 522 and 524. For example, for the frequency band and channel for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication determined in steps 522 and 524, the electronic device and the non-AP device can perform operations for setting up (or establishing) a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link.

[0099] In step 530, the electronic device may perform a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication operation with a non-AP device via the established (or set up) Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link. For example, the electronic device may receive data from the non-AP device or transmit data to the non-AP device via the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link and the transmission link or reception link of the WLAN communication may share the same frequency band and channel, and the radio frequency resources of the frequency band and channel may be time-shared and occupied by the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication and the WLAN communication (transmission or reception).

[0100] The electronic device may perform steps 510 to 524 of the method (500) of FIG. 5 as a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection procedure (i.e., a connection establishment procedure) between the electronic device and the non-AP device. For example, the electronic device may perform steps 510 to 524 during the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection procedure. The electronic device may perform step 530 after the electronic device and the non-AP device are Wi-Fi P2P / Aware connected (e.g., after a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link is established).

[0101] In step 520 of FIG. 5, the electronic device determines whether the data communication volume of the transmission link exceeds the data communication volume of the reception link, but is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device may determine whether the data communication volume of the transmission link is greater than or equal to the data communication volume of the reception link. In this case, if the data communication volumes of the transmission link and the reception link are equal, the electronic device may determine the frequency band and channel of the reception link as the frequency band and channel of Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication.

[0102] FIG. 5 illustrates, but is not limited to, an electronic device comparing data communication volumes of a transmission link and a reception link and determining a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication channel during a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection procedure (i.e., a connection establishment procedure).

[0103] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, after a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection is established with a non-AP device, the electronic device may perform steps 520 to 524 periodically or aperiodically. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, after a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection is established with a non-AP device, the electronic device may perform steps 520 to 524 when a preset condition is satisfied. For example, the electronic device may perform steps 520 to 524 when a data communication amount of a frequency band and channel of a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link increases (e.g., when the data communication amount exceeds a preset standard).

[0104] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, after establishing a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection with a non-AP device, the electronic device may perform steps 520 to 524 to change or maintain a frequency band and channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, after establishing a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection with a non-AP device, the electronic device may perform steps 520 to 524 to establish (or establish) a new link between the electronic device and the non-AP for the re-determined frequency band and channel, and release the existing link.

[0105] FIG. 6A may illustrate an example of establishing a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link in a frequency band and channel of a WLAN transmission link of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B may illustrate an example of establishing a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link in a frequency band and channel of a WLAN reception link of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] In explaining FIGS. 6a and 6b, any explanation that overlaps with the explanations given above in FIGS. 1 to 5 may be omitted.

[0107] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device can communicate with the non-AP device through a third link (410) of the same frequency band as one link identified based on the data communication volume of the first link (210) and the data communication volume of the second link (220). For example, the electronic device can wirelessly communicate with the non-AP device through the third link (410) set for the same frequency band as one link selected based on the data communication volume of the first link (210) and the data communication volume of the second link (220). For example, when a signal corresponding to a connection request with a non-AP device is received, the electronic device can communicate with the non-AP device through the third link (410) of the same frequency band as the link with a smaller data communication volume among the first link (210) and the second link (220).

[0108] For example, the electronic device may select a link with a lower data traffic volume among the first link (210) and the second link (220) based on (or in response to) identifying (or receiving) a signal corresponding to a connection request with a non-AP device (e.g., a communication connection request signal). For example, the electronic device may select a link with a lower data traffic volume among the first link (210) and the second link (220) based on (or in response to) determining a communication connection with a non-AP device. A third link (410) for communication between the electronic device and the non-AP device may be set (or established) for the same frequency band as the selected link with a lower data traffic volume.

[0109] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a signal corresponding to a connection request with another non-AP device is received, the electronic device can communicate with the other non-AP device via a fourth link in the same frequency band as the third link (410). For example, after the frequency band and channel used for communication with the non-AP device are identified (or determined, selected), when a signal corresponding to a connection request is received from an additional non-AP device, the electronic device can communicate with the additional other non-AP device via the same frequency band and channel. For example, when a link (e.g., the third link (410)) between the electronic device and the non-AP device is established for a specific frequency band and a specific channel, a link between the electronic device and another additional non-AP device can also be established for the same specific frequency band and specific channel.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6A, when the electronic device determines that the data communication volume of the second link (220) set as the transmission link is less than the data communication volume of the first link (210) set as the reception link, the electronic device (or, non-AP device) can establish (or set) a third link (410) for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication with the non-AP device for the second frequency band and the second channel of the second link (220). Accordingly, the electronic device can receive data from the AP device through the first link (210), transmit data to the AP device through the second link (220), and transmit data to or receive data from the non-AP device through the third link (410).

[0111] In this case, since the first link (210) is set for the first frequency band and the first channel, while the second link (220) and the third link (410) are set for the second frequency band and the second channel, the electronic device can receive data from the AP device through the first link (210) independently of the communication through the second link (220) and the third link (410). That is, the electronic device can receive data from the AP device through the first link (210) simultaneously with the data transmission through the second link (220) and the data transmission and reception through the third link (410).

[0112] Meanwhile, since data transmission through the second link (220) of the electronic device and data transmission / reception through the third link (410) are performed through the same second frequency band and second channel, transmission through the second link (220) and communication through the third link (410) may be dependent on each other. For example, transmission through the second link (220) and communication through the third link (410) may occupy the radio frequency resources of the second frequency band and second channel in a time-division manner. For example, during the time when the electronic device is transmitting data to an AP device through the second link (220), data transmission / reception through the third link (410) cannot be performed. For example, during the time when the electronic device is receiving data from a non-AP device through the third link (410), data transmission through the third link (410) and data transmission through the second link (220) cannot be performed. For example, while the electronic device is transmitting data to a non-AP device via the third link (410), data reception via the third link (410) and data transmission via the second link (220) are not possible.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 6B, when the electronic device determines that the data communication volume of the first link (210) set as the receiving link is less than the data communication volume of the second link (220) set as the transmitting link, the electronic device (or, non-AP device) can establish (or set) a third link (410) for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication with the non-AP device for the first frequency band and the first channel of the first link (210). Accordingly, the electronic device can receive data from the AP device through the first link (210), transmit data to the AP device through the second link (220), and transmit data to or receive data from the non-AP device through the third link (410).

[0114] In this case, since the second link (220) is set for the second frequency band and the second channel, while the first link (210) and the third link (410) are set for the first frequency band and the first channel, the electronic device can transmit data to the AP device through the second link (220) independently of the communication through the first link (210) and the third link (410). That is, the electronic device can transmit data to the AP device through the second link (220) simultaneously with the reception of data through the first link (210) and the transmission and reception of data through the third link (410).

[0115] Meanwhile, since data reception through the first link (210) of the electronic device and data transmission / reception through the third link (410) are performed through the same first frequency band and first channel, reception through the first link (210) and communication through the third link (410) may be interdependent. For example, reception through the first link (210) and communication through the third link (410) may occupy the radio frequency resources of the first frequency band and the first channel in a time-division manner. For example, during the time when the electronic device is receiving data from an AP device through the first link (210), data transmission through the third link (410) cannot be performed. For example, during the time when the electronic device is receiving data from a non-AP device through the third link (410), data transmission through the third link (410) and data reception through the first link (210) cannot be performed. For example, while the electronic device is transmitting data to a non-AP device via the third link (410), data reception via the third link (410) and data reception via the first link (210) are not possible.

[0116] In WLAN communication, a link with a relatively large amount of data traffic can occupy a frequency band and channel on its own, and by allowing Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication to share the frequency band and channel of a link with a relatively small amount of data traffic, communication latency and latency variability can be reduced when an electronic device co-operates with WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication, and communication service quality can be improved.

[0117] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the data communication volumes of the first link (210) set as the receiving link and the second link (220) set as the transmitting link are the same (or, when the difference in the data communication volumes is below a predetermined standard), the electronic device may determine the frequency band and channel of the third link (410) for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication according to a predefined (or stored) algorithm. For example, when the data communication volumes of the first link (210) and the second link (220) are the same, the electronic device may determine the first frequency band and the first channel of the first link (210) set as the receiving link as the frequency band and channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link (i.e., the third link (410)) according to a predefined (or stored) algorithm. For example, when the data communication volumes of the first link (210) and the second link (220) are the same, the electronic device can determine the second frequency band and the second channel of the second link (220) set as the transmission link as the frequency band and channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link according to a predefined (or stored) algorithm.

[0118] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method by which an electronic device communicates with a non-AP device through Wi-Fi P2P / Aware according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] In explaining Fig. 7, any explanation that overlaps with the explanations given above in Figs. 1 to 6b may be omitted.

[0120] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a method (700) for an electronic device to perform Wi-Fi-based wireless communication with a non-AP device. Referring to FIG. 7 , the method (700) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include steps 710 to 740. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps 710 to 740 of the method (700) may be executed by at least one processor included in the electronic device. The method (700) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 7 , and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 7 may be further included, or some steps may be omitted.

[0121] In step 710, the electronic device may activate the MLO function. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function during a WLAN connection procedure (e.g., a connection establishment procedure) with the AP device. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function after establishing a WLAN connection with the AP device.

[0122] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function upon identifying an increase in data traffic on a single WLAN link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function upon executing a specific service or application requiring WLAN communication. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function to execute a specific service or application requiring WLAN communication. For example, the electronic device may activate the MLO function upon identifying (or receiving) a user input signal requesting a video streaming service.

[0123] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may activate an MLO function based on a signal or information received from an AP device. For example, the electronic device may activate the MLO function of the electronic device upon receiving information indicating that the MLO function of the AP device is activated. For example, the electronic device may activate the MLO function of the electronic device upon identifying information indicating that the AP device supports the MLO function. For example, the electronic device may activate the MLO function of the electronic device upon receiving an MLO function activation request signal from the AP device.

[0124] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may activate an MLO function of the electronic device based on identifying a user input signal requesting activation of the MLO function, which is input through an input device. For example, the electronic device may activate the MLO function of the electronic device in response to a user input signal indicating a request for activation of the MLO function.

[0125] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function of the electronic device upon identifying a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection request. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function of the electronic device upon determining a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function upon executing a specific service or application requiring Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function to execute a specific service or application requiring Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. For example, the electronic device may activate the MLO function based on identifying (or receiving) a user input signal requesting execution of a mirroring application.

[0126] In step 720, the electronic device can set (or change, control, switch) the MLO function to STR mode (or mode). For example, the electronic device can change the mode of the MLO function (e.g., the mode of the MLO) from NSTR mode to STR mode. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device can set the MLO function to STR mode during a WLAN connection procedure with an AP device. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device can set the MLO function to STR mode after being WLAN connected to the AP device.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in response to activating the MLO function, the electronic device may set the MLO function to STR mode. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function to STR mode after activating the MLO function. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may activate the MLO function and set it to STR mode. For example, the electronic device may activate the MLO function to STR mode. In this case, the electronic device may perform steps 710 and 720 of FIG. 7 simultaneously.

[0128] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function to STR mode upon identifying an increase in the amount of data received or transmitted in WLAN communication. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function to STR mode upon executing a specific service or application requiring WLAN communication. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function to STR mode to execute a specific service or application requiring WLAN communication. For example, the electronic device may set the MLO function to STR mode in response to identifying (or receiving) a user input signal requesting a video streaming service.

[0129] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function to STR mode based on a signal or information (e.g., AP Beacon, MLO IE) received from an AP device (or non-AP device). For example, the electronic device may set the MLO function of the electronic device to STR mode upon receiving information indicating that the MLO function of the AP device is in STR mode. For example, the electronic device may set the MLO function of the electronic device to STR mode upon identifying information indicating that the AP device supports the STR mode of the MLO function. For example, the electronic device may set the MLO function of the electronic device to STR mode upon receiving a request signal for setting the STR mode of the MLO function from an AP device (or non-AP device).

[0130] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function to the STR mode based on identifying a user input signal requesting STR mode setting, which is input through an input device. For example, the electronic device may set the MLO function to the STR mode in response to a user input signal indicating a STR mode setting request.

[0131] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function of the electronic device to the STR mode upon identifying a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection request. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function of the electronic device to the STR mode upon determining a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function of the electronic device to the STR mode upon executing a specific service or application requiring Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set the MLO function of the electronic device to the STR mode to execute a specific service or application requiring Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. For example, the electronic device may set the MLO function of the electronic device to the STR mode upon identifying (or receiving) a user input signal requesting execution of a mirroring application.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the MLO function is set (or changed) to the STR mode, the electronic device may set (or determine) at least one link among the plurality of links for WLAN communication with the AP device as a receiving link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the MLO function is set (or changed) to the STR mode, the electronic device may set (or determine) at least one link among the plurality of links for WLAN communication with the AP device as a transmitting link.

[0133] In step 730, based on setting (or changing) the MLO function to STR mode, the electronic device can determine whether the data communication volume of the transmission link exceeds the data communication volume of the reception link. For example, after setting (or changing) the MLO function to STR mode, the electronic device can determine whether the data communication volume of the transmission link exceeds the data communication volume of the reception link. For example, the electronic device can collect information about WLAN communication with the AP device and calculate the data transmission volume of the transmission link and the data reception volume of the reception link.

[0134] In step 732, based on determining that the data communication volume of the transmission link exceeds the data communication volume of the reception link, the electronic device may determine the channel of the reception link to be a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication channel.

[0135] In step 734, based on determining that the data communication volume of the transmission link does not exceed the data communication volume of the reception link, the electronic device may determine the channel of the transmission link to be a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication channel.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device can set up (or establish) a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link with a non-AP device for the frequency band and channel for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication determined in steps 732 and 734.

[0137] In step 740, the electronic device may perform Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication operations with a non-AP device via the established (or established) Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link. For example, the electronic device may transmit data to a non-AP device or receive data from a non-AP device via the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication link.

[0138] The method (700) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 7, and in one or more embodiments, it may further include steps not illustrated in FIG. 7, or some steps may be omitted.

[0139] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may transmit a signal to the AP device requesting activation of the MLO function of the AP device. For example, the electronic device may identify that the MLO function of the AP device is inactive and transmit the MLO function activation request signal to the AP device. For example, the electronic device may transmit a signal to the AP device requesting activation of the MLO function of the AP device upon activating the MLO function of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may identify information indicating that the AP device supports the MLO function and transmit the MLO function activation request signal to the AP device.

[0140] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may transmit a signal to the AP device requesting that the MLO function of the AP device be set to the STR mode. For example, the electronic device may identify that the MLO function of the AP device is in the NSTR mode and transmit a signal to the AP device requesting that it be set (or changed) to the STR mode. For example, as the electronic device sets the MLO function of the electronic device to the STR mode, the electronic device may transmit a signal to the AP device requesting that the MLO function of the AP device be set to the STR mode. For example, the electronic device may identify information indicating that the AP device supports the STR mode of the MLO function and transmit a signal to the AP device requesting that the MLO function of the AP device be set to the STR mode.

[0141] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device in which the MLO function is fixedly activated in STR mode may not perform steps 710 and 720.

[0142] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device simultaneously operating WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] In explaining Fig. 8, any explanation that overlaps with the explanations given above in Figs. 1 to 7 may be omitted.

[0144] A link for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication between an electronic device and a non-AP device (i.e., a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link) can be established for a frequency band and a channel of at least one WLAN link between the electronic device and the AP device. That is, the frequency band and the channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link and the at least one WLAN link can be the same. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device can distribute (or allocate) radio frequency resources of the frequency band and the channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link to the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication and the WLAN communication (e.g., WLAN data transmission or reception). The electronic device can schedule the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication and the WLAN communication (e.g., WLAN data transmission or reception) in the time domain for the frequency band and the channel of the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware link.

[0145] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a third link (410) for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication with a non-AP device is set (or established) for the frequency band and channel (i.e., the first frequency band and the first channel) of the first link (210) set as the receiving link in WLAN communication, the electronic device may distribute the radio frequency resources of the first frequency band and the first channel to data reception of the WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. For example, the electronic device may schedule data reception of the WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication in the time domain for the radio frequency resources of the first frequency band and the first channel. For example, the electronic device may distribute the radio frequency resources of the first frequency band and the first channel to data reception of the WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication in the time domain.

[0146] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a third link (410) for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication with a non-AP device is set (or established) for the frequency band and channel (i.e., the second frequency band and the second channel) of the second link (220) set as a transmission link in WLAN communication, the electronic device may distribute radio frequency resources of the second frequency band and the second channel to data reception of the WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. For example, the electronic device may schedule data transmission of the WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication in the time domain for the radio frequency resources of the second frequency band and the second channel. For example, the electronic device may distribute radio frequency resources of the second frequency band and the second channel to data transmission of the WLAN communication and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication in the time domain.

[0147] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of wireless communication of an electronic device through each link in the time domain when a third link (410) for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication is set (or established) for a second frequency band and a second channel of a second link (220). Referring to FIG. 8 , the electronic device can receive data from an AP device through the first link (210) independently of the wireless communication through the second link (220) and the third link (410). As illustrated, the electronic device can receive data from the AP device through the first link (210) even while transmitting data to the AP device through the second link (220), and can receive data from a non-AP device through the third link (410) or receive data from the AP device through the first link (210) even while transmitting data to the AP device.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device can schedule WLAN data transmission via the second link (220) and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication via the third link (410) in the time domain. For example, since WLAN data transmission via the second link (220) and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication via the third link (410) are performed via the same second frequency band and second channel, they cannot be performed simultaneously, and the electronic device can schedule WLAN data transmission, Wi-Fi P2P / Aware data reception, and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware data transmission. Accordingly, the electronic device can determine a time to transmit WLAN data, a time to receive Wi-Fi P2P / Aware data, or a time to transmit Wi-Fi P2P / Aware data so that the times of WLAN data transmission, Wi-Fi P2P / Aware data reception, or Wi-Fi P2P / Aware data transmission via the second frequency band and second channel do not overlap. As illustrated, at a time when the electronic device transmits data to the AP device via the second link (220), it cannot transmit data to a non-AP device via the third link (410) or receive data from a non-AP device via the third link (410), and conversely, at a time when the electronic device transmits data to a non-AP device via the third link (410) or receives data from a non-AP device via the third link (410), it cannot transmit data to the AP device via the second link (220).

[0149] When the amount of data received from the AP device is greater than the amount of data transmitted to the AP device, the electronic device can avoid the influence of Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication by using the radio frequency resources of the first frequency band and the first channel only for receiving data from the AP device. The electronic device can share the radio frequency resources of the second frequency band and the second channel, which have a relatively small amount of WLAN data communication, for both WLAN transmission and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication.

[0150] FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which a third link (410) is set for a second frequency band and a second channel of a second link (220), but is not limited thereto. For example, in the case in which a third link (410) is set for a first frequency band and a first channel of a first link (210), an electronic device can schedule WLAN data reception and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication in the time domain for radio frequency resources of the first frequency band and the first channel. In this case, the electronic device cannot perform Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication during a time in which it receives data from an AP device, and conversely, the electronic device cannot receive data from the AP device during a time in which it performs Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication. The Wi-Fi P2P / Aware connection can be maintained even during a time in which the electronic device cannot perform Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication.

[0151] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] In explaining Fig. 9, any explanation that overlaps with the explanations given above in Figs. 1 to 8 may be omitted.

[0153] FIG. 9 may illustrate an example of a method by which an electronic device (e.g., a non-AP device, a STA device) communicates with a first device and a second device. Referring to FIG. 9 , an operating method (900) of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include steps 910 and 920. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps 910 and 920 of the method (900) may be executed by at least one processor included in the electronic device. The operating method (900) of the electronic device is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 9 , and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 9 may be further included, or some steps may be omitted.

[0154] In step 910, the electronic device may receive first data from the first device via a first link set as a receiving link, and transmit second data to the first device via a second link set as a transmitting link while receiving the first data. For example, the electronic device may wirelessly communicate (e.g., WLAN communication) with the first device by receiving first data from the first device via the first link set as a receiving link in wireless communication with the first device (e.g., an AP device), and transmitting second data to the first device via the second link set as a transmitting link while receiving the first data. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequency band of the first link and the frequency band of the second link may be different from each other. For example, the channel of the first link and the channel of the second link may be different from each other. Each link may be established for one or more frequency bands and one or more links.

[0155] In step 920, the electronic device may communicate with a second device (e.g., a non-AP device, a STA device) via a third link having the same frequency band as one of the first and second links identified based on information corresponding to the first and second links. For example, the electronic device may identify one of the first and second links based on information corresponding to the first and second links, and communicate with the second device via a third link having the same frequency band as the identified one link.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may perform wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi-based P2P / Aware communication) with a second device through a third link established for the same frequency band as one of the first and second links, based on information about the first and second links. For example, the electronic device may select one of the first and second links using information about the first and second links, and establish a third link for wireless communication with the second device for the frequency band and channel of the selected one link. For example, the operation of selecting one of the first and second links may include the operation of selecting (or determining) a frequency band and channel of the third link for communication with the second device from among the frequency bands and channels of each of the first and second links.

[0157] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may identify a second link set as a transmission link among the first link and the second link based on information corresponding to the first link and the second link, and communicate with a second device through a third link in the same frequency band as the identified second link. The information corresponding to the first link and the second link may include information indicating that the first link is set as a reception link and information indicating that the second link is set as a transmission link. For example, the electronic device may select the second link set as a transmission link among the first link and the second link, and establish a third link for wireless communication with the second device for the frequency band and channel of the selected second link.

[0158] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may communicate with a second device via a third link in the same frequency band as a link identified based on the data communication volume of a first link and the data communication volume of a second link. For example, when a signal corresponding to a connection request with a second device is received, the electronic device may communicate with the second device via a third link in the same frequency band as a link with a lower data communication volume among the first and second links. For example, when determining a communication connection with the second device, the electronic device may select a link with a lower data communication volume among the first and second links, and wirelessly communicate with the second device via a third link established for the same frequency band as the selected link with a lower data communication volume. For example, the electronic device may establish a third link for communication with the second device in the frequency band of the selected link with a lower data communication volume.

[0159] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a signal corresponding to a connection request with a third device (e.g., a non-AP device different from the second device) is received, the electronic device may communicate with the third device via a fourth link having the same frequency band as the third link. For example, when the electronic device receives a signal corresponding to a connection request from the third device after being connected to the second device, the electronic device may communicate with the third device via a fourth link that is set (or established) for the same frequency band as the third link. For example, when the third link with the second device is set (or established) and a signal corresponding to a connection request is received from the third device, the electronic device may communicate with the third device via a fourth link that is set (or established) for the same frequency band as the third link.

[0160] The method of operating the electronic device (900) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 9, and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 9 may be further included or some steps may be omitted.

[0161] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may allocate radio frequency resources in the frequency band of the third link to communication with a second device via the third link and communication with a first device via a link in the same frequency band as the third link. For example, the electronic device may schedule wireless communication with the first device via a selected link and wireless communication with the second device via the third link in the time domain.

[0162] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device can activate MLO for Wi-Fi communication for access point (AP)-based short-range network connection. For example, by activating MLO for Wi-Fi communication, the electronic device can transmit and receive data with the AP device through multiple frequency bands. For example, the Wi-Fi communication may include wireless communication between the electronic device and the AP-based short-range network. For example, the Wi-Fi communication may include wireless communication based on a protocol according to a standard specification (e.g., IEEE 802.11).

[0163] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may change (or set) the MLO mode (e.g., the mode of the MLO function) to the STR mode for Wi-Fi communication. For example, the electronic device may change (or set) the MLO mode from the NSTR mode to the STR mode based on information received from the first device regarding the MLO mode of the first device.

[0164] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] In explaining Fig. 10, any explanation that overlaps with the explanations given above in Figs. 1 to 9 may be omitted.

[0166] The electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 10 is an electronic device capable of wireless communication with an external device, and may be an AP device or a non-AP device. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device (100) may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor (1010), memory (1020), and communication module (1030).

[0167] The processor (1010) is electrically connected to the components included in the electronic device (100) and can execute operations or data processing related to control and / or communication of the components included in the electronic device (100). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (1010) can load and process requests, commands, or data received from at least one of the other components into a memory and store the processing result data in the memory. The processor (1010) is a component that controls a series of processes so that the electronic device (100) operates according to the above-described embodiments, and can be configured with one or more processors.

[0168] One or more processors included in the processor (1010) may be circuitry such as a System on Chip (SoC), an Integrated Circuit (IC), etc. One or more processors included in the processor (1010) may include at least one of a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a Micro Processor Unit (MPU), an application processor (AP), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a graphics-only processor such as a GPU (graphic processing unit) or a VPU (vision processing unit), an artificial intelligence-only processor such as an NPU (neural processing unit), or a communication-only processor such as a CP (communication processor). When one or more processors included in the processor (1010) are artificial intelligence-only processors, the artificial intelligence-only processor may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific artificial intelligence model.

[0169] The processor (1010) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used in this disclosure, including the claims, may include various processing circuits including at least one processor. One or more of the at least one processor may be configured to perform one or more functions of the present disclosure, individually and / or collectively in a distributed manner. In this disclosure, when "processor," "at least one processor," or "one or more processors" is described as being configured to perform multiple functions, this may include situations where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the functions, and situations where a single processor performs all of the functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various functions in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0170] The processor (1010) can write data to the memory (1020), read data stored in the memory (1020), and in particular, process data according to predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models by executing a program or at least one instruction stored in the memory (1020). The processor (1010) can process input data or control other components to process it according to the data, operation rules, algorithms, methods, or models stored in the memory (1020). The processor (1010) can perform operations of predefined operation rules, algorithms, methods, or models stored in the memory (1020) using the input data.

[0171] The memory (1020) is electrically connected to the processor (1010) and can store one or more modules, algorithms, operation rules, models, programs, commands, or data related to the operations of the components included in the electronic device (100). For example, the memory (1020) can store one or more modules, algorithms, operation rules, models, programs, commands, or data for processing and controlling the processor (1010). The memory (1020) may be configured as a storage medium or a combination of storage media, such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc., but is not limited thereto. The memory (1020) may not exist separately and may be configured to be included in the processor (1010). The memory (1020) may be configured as volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory (1020) may store a program or at least one instruction for performing operations according to the above-described embodiments. The memory (1020) may also provide stored data to the processor (1010) upon request of the processor (1010).

[0172] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory (1020) may store data and / or information identified, acquired, generated, or determined by the electronic device (100). For example, the memory (1020) may store data and / or information identified, acquired, generated, or determined by the electronic device (100) in a compressed form. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory (1020) may store predefined or determined information.

[0173] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (100) may include a module that performs (or is used to perform) at least one operation. Some modules of the electronic device (100) that perform at least one operation may be composed of multiple sub-modules or may constitute a single module.

[0174] Some modules that perform at least one operation of the electronic device (100) may be implemented as hardware modules, software modules, and / or a combination thereof. The software modules included in the electronic device (100) may be included in the memory (1020). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the modules included in the memory (1020) may be executed by the processor (1010) to perform operations. For example, the modules (i.e., software modules) included in the memory (1020) may include programs, models, or algorithms that are executed according to the control or instructions of the processor (1010) and are configured to perform operations that derive output data for input data.

[0175] The electronic device (100) may include a communication module (1030) (or a communication interface, a transceiver) for communicating with an external AP device or an external non-AP device. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1030) of the electronic device (100) may support the establishment of a wired or wireless communication channel (or connection, link) with another external device or server and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the external AP device or the external non-AP device may include a communication module for communicating with the electronic device (100).

[0176] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1030) may receive signals, information, requests, and / or data from another external electronic device or server via wired communication or wireless communication, or transmit signals, information, requests, and / or data to another external electronic device or server. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1030) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module), and may communicate with an external electronic device or server via at least one network, for example, a short-range communication network (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, Wi-Fi P2P, Wi-Fi Aware, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a long-range communication network (e.g., a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN)) using any one of the communication modules.

[0177] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device (100) can exchange signals, data, requests, and / or information with an external AP device or an external non-AP device via a network and communication module (1030). For example, the electronic device (100) and the external AP device or the external non-AP device can directly exchange signals, data, requests, and / or information, but is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (100) and the external AP device or the external non-AP device can also indirectly exchange signals, data, requests, and / or information via another electronic device.

[0178] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1030) may support Wi-Fi-based communication. For example, the communication module (1030) may support Wi-Fi-based WLAN communication. For example, the communication module (1030) may support Wi-Fi-based P2P communication and / or Aware communication.

[0179] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1030) may support MLO functionality. For example, the communication module (1030) may support the STR mode of the MLO functionality. For example, the communication module (1030) may support communication across multiple frequency bands.

[0180] The electronic device (100) may include more components than those illustrated in FIG. 10. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device (100) may further include an input / output device and / or an input / output interface.

[0181] In the present disclosure, embodiments for wireless communication may also be applied to wired communication or wired / wireless integrated communication.

[0182] In the present disclosure, overlapping descriptions in FIGS. 1 to 10 may be omitted, and one or more embodiments described above in FIGS. 1 to 10 may be applied / implemented in combination with each other. In the present disclosure, an operation described as being performed by an electronic device may be executed / performed by a module (e.g., a communication module) included or stored in the electronic device, executed / performed by at least one processor of the electronic device, or performed by the control of at least one processor of the device using a module included or stored in the electronic device.

[0183] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a memory storing one or more instructions, a communication module, and at least one processor connected to the communication module to execute one or more instructions. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by the at least one processor executing one or more instructions, the electronic device may receive first data from a first device through a first link set as a reception link, and transmit second data to the first device through a second link set as a transmission link while receiving the first data. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by the at least one processor executing one or more instructions, the electronic device may communicate with a second device through a third link having the same frequency band as one of the first link and the second link identified based on information corresponding to the first link and the second link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequency band of the first link and the frequency band of the second link may be different from each other.

[0184] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a scenario where AP-STA communication (i.e., WLAN communication) and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication operate simultaneously, latency and jitter can be minimized and simultaneous operation can be optimized. For example, in an electronic device such as a TV, when applications that require low latency and low jitter, such as streaming services via AP and mirroring services, audio services, and AV transmission services via Wi-Fi P2P / Aware, are simultaneously executed, the radio frequency resource occupancy method can be improved, thereby minimizing (or eliminating) interference between each interface and minimizing jitter. Accordingly, data communication quality can be improved.

[0185] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, latency between data transmission and reception can be minimized, and jitter can be maintained at a constant level. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, interference between a WLAN communication connection and a Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection can be minimized, and the half-duplex characteristics of the WLAN communication connection and the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication connection can be minimized, thereby enabling operation similar to full-duplex multiplexing.

[0186] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor executes one or more instructions, so that the electronic device can communicate with the second device through a third link in the same frequency band as one link identified based on the data communication volume of the first link and the data communication volume of the second link.

[0187] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a TV device that primarily operates on streaming services has a lower frequency of WLAN transmission than WLAN reception, and thus, by utilizing the frequency band and channel information of the link allocated to WLAN transmission for Wi-Fi P2P / Aware, mutual interference between the WLAN interface and the Wi-Fi P2P / Aware interface can be minimized.

[0188] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when at least one processor executes one or more commands, the electronic device can communicate with the second device through a third link having the same frequency band as a link with a lower data traffic volume among the first link and the second link, when a signal corresponding to a connection request with the second device is received. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when at least one processor executes one or more commands, the electronic device can select a link with a lower data traffic volume among the first link and the second link, based on identifying a communication connection request signal with the second device. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when at least one processor executes one or more commands, the electronic device can wirelessly communicate with the second device through a third link set for the same frequency band as the selected link with a lower data traffic volume.

[0189] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor executes one or more commands, so that the electronic device can select a link with a lower data traffic volume among the first link and the second link based on which a communication connection with the second device is determined. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor executes one or more commands, so that the electronic device can wirelessly communicate with the second device through a third link set for the same frequency band as the selected link with a lower data traffic volume.

[0190] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, information corresponding to the first link and the second link may include information indicating that the first link is set as a receiving link and information indicating that the second link is set as a transmitting link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor may execute one or more commands, so that the electronic device may identify a second link set as a transmitting link among the first link and the second link based on the information corresponding to the first link and the second link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor may execute one or more commands, so that the electronic device may communicate with the second device through a third link in the same frequency band as the identified second link.

[0191] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when at least one processor executes one or more instructions, the electronic device can communicate with the third device through a fourth link having the same frequency band as the third link when a third link is established and a signal corresponding to a connection request with the third device is received.

[0192] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, mutual interference in the radio frequency domain between WLAN reception and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication can be eliminated, latency of data transmission and reception can be minimized, and jitter can be maintained constant, thereby ensuring consistent quality in user scenarios where WLAN reception and Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication operate simultaneously. For example, regardless of the status or level of a streaming service via WLAN reception, latency of Wi-Fi P2P / Aware communication can be minimized and jitter can be maintained constant. Therefore, the service quality of jitter-sensitive applications can be improved.

[0193] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor executes one or more instructions, so that the electronic device can schedule wireless communication with a first device through a selected link and wireless communication with a second device through a third link in the time domain. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor executes one or more instructions, so that the electronic device can distribute radio frequency resources of a frequency band of the third link to communication with the first device through the identified one link and communication with the second device through the third link.

[0194] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device can activate MLO for Wi-Fi communication for short-range network connection based on an access point (AP) device by having at least one processor execute one or more instructions.

[0195] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by having at least one processor execute one or more instructions, the electronic device can change the MLO mode to the STR mode for Wi-Fi communication.

[0196] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor executes one or more instructions, so that the electronic device can switch the MLO mode from the NSTR mode to the STR mode based on information about the MLO mode of the first device received from the first device.

[0197] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may be an AP device, and the electronic device and the second device may be non-AP devices.

[0198] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may include the steps of receiving first data from a first device via a first link set as a receiving link and transmitting second data to the first device via a second link set as a transmitting link while receiving the first data. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method of operating an electronic device may include the step of wirelessly communicating with a second device via a third link in the same frequency band as one of the first link and the second link identified based on information corresponding to the first link and the second link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequency band of the first link and the frequency band of the second link may be different from each other.

[0199] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of communicating with the second device may include the step of communicating with the second device through a third link in the same frequency band as one link identified based on the data communication volume of the first link and the data communication volume of the second link.

[0200] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of communicating with the second device through a third link in the same frequency band as one link identified based on the data communication volume of the first link and the data communication volume of the second link may include the step of communicating with the second device through the third link in the same frequency band as a link having a smaller data communication volume among the first link and the second link, when a signal corresponding to a connection request with the second device is received.

[0201] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of wirelessly communicating with the second device through a third link set for the same frequency band as one link selected based on the data communication volume of the first link and the data communication volume of the second link may include a step of selecting a link having a smaller data communication volume among the first link and the second link based on determining a communication connection with the second device. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of wirelessly communicating with the second device through a third link set for the same frequency band as one link selected based on the data communication volume of the first link and the data communication volume of the second link may include a step of wirelessly communicating with the second device through the third link set for the same frequency band as the selected link having a smaller data communication volume.

[0202] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of communicating with the second device through a third link having the same frequency band as one of the first link and the second link identified based on the information corresponding to the first link and the second link may include the step of identifying a second link set as a transmission link among the first link and the second link based on the information corresponding to the first link and the second link. The information corresponding to the first link and the second link may include information indicating that the first link is set as a reception link and information indicating that the second link is set as a transmission link. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of communicating with the second device through a third link having the same frequency band as one of the first link and the second link identified based on the information corresponding to the first link and the second link may include the step of communicating with the second device through the third link having the same frequency band as the identified second link.

[0203] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may include, when a third link is established and a signal corresponding to a connection request with a third device is received, communicating with the third device through a fourth link in the same frequency band as the third link.

[0204] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may schedule wireless communication with a first device through a selected link and wireless communication with a second device through a third link in the time domain. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method of operating an electronic device may include a step of allocating radio frequency resources of a frequency band of the third link to communication with the first device through the identified link and communication with the second device through the third link.

[0205] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may include a step of activating MLO for Wi-Fi communication for short-range network connection based on an AP device.

[0206] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may include a step of changing an MLO method to a STR method for Wi-Fi communication.

[0207] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, for the Wi-Fi communication, the step of changing the MLO mode to the STR mode may include the step of changing the MLO mode from the NSTR mode to the STR mode based on information about the MLO mode of the first device received from the first device.

[0208] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a program for performing an operating method of an electronic device on a computer can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0209] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (100), A memory (1020) storing one or more instructions; Communication module (1030); and At least one processor connected to the above communication module (1030) and executing one or more commands, The electronic device, by causing at least one processor (1010) to execute the one or more instructions, Receive first data from the first device through the first link (210) set as a receiving link, and transmit second data to the first device through the second link (220) set as a transmitting link while receiving the first data, Communicate with the second device through a third link (410) of the same frequency band as one of the first link (210) and the second link (220) identified based on information corresponding to the first link (210) and the second link (220), An electronic device in which the frequency band of the first link (210) and the frequency band of the second link (220) are different from each other.

2. In paragraph 1, The electronic device causes the at least one processor to execute the one or more instructions, An electronic device that communicates with the second device through a third link (410) of the same frequency band as one link identified based on the data communication amount of the first link (210) and the data communication amount of the second link (220).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The electronic device causes the at least one processor to execute the one or more instructions, An electronic device that, when a signal corresponding to a connection request with the second device is received, communicates with the second device through the third link (410) of the same frequency band as a link with a lower data communication volume among the first link (210) and the second link (220).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The information corresponding to the first link (210) and the second link (220) includes information indicating that the first link (210) is set as the receiving link and information indicating that the second link (220) is set as the transmitting link. The electronic device causes the at least one processor to execute the one or more instructions, Based on the information corresponding to the first link (210) and the second link (220), the second link (220) set as the transmission link is identified among the first link (210) and the second link (220). An electronic device communicating with the second device via the third link (410) of the same frequency band as the second link (220) identified above.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The electronic device causes the at least one processor to execute the one or more instructions, An electronic device that, when a signal corresponding to a connection request with a third device is received, communicates with the third device through a fourth link of the same frequency band as the third link (410).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The electronic device causes the at least one processor to execute the one or more instructions, An electronic device that distributes radio frequency resources of the frequency band of the third link (410) to communication with the first device through the one link and communication with the second device through the third link (410).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The electronic device causes the at least one processor to execute the one or more instructions, An electronic device that enables MLO (multi link operation) for Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) communication for short-range network connection based on AP (access point) devices.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The electronic device causes the at least one processor to execute the one or more instructions, An electronic device that changes the MLO method to the STR (simultaneous transmit and receive operation) method for Wi-Fi communications.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The electronic device causes the at least one processor to execute the one or more instructions, An electronic device that switches the mode of the MLO from a non simultaneous transmit and receive operation (NSTR) mode to the STR mode based on information about the mode of the MLO of the first device received from the first device.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, A method wherein the first device is an AP (access point) device, and the electronic device (100) and the second device are non-AP devices.

11. In the operating method of an electronic device (100), A step of receiving first data from the first device through a first link (210) set as a receiving link, and transmitting second data to the first device through a second link (220) set as a transmitting link while receiving the first data; and A step of communicating with a second device through a third link (410) of the same frequency band as one of the first link (210) and the second link (220) identified based on information corresponding to the first link (210) and the second link (220), A method wherein the frequency band of the first link (210) and the frequency band of the second link (220) are different from each other.

12. In paragraph 11, The step of communicating with the second device is: A method comprising the step of communicating with the second device through a third link (410) of the same frequency band as one link identified based on the data communication amount of the first link (210) and the data communication amount of the second link (220).

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, The information corresponding to the first link (210) and the second link (220) includes information indicating that the first link (210) is set as the receiving link and information indicating that the second link (220) is set as the transmitting link. A step of communicating with a second device through a third link (410) of the same frequency band as one of the first link (210) and the second link (220) identified based on information corresponding to the first link (210) and the second link (220), A step of identifying a second link (220) set as the transmission link among the first link (210) and the second link (220) based on information corresponding to the first link (210) and the second link (220); and A method comprising the step of communicating with the second device through the third link (410) of the same frequency band as the identified second link (220).

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, A method comprising the step of communicating with the third device through a fourth link of the same frequency band as the third link (410) when a signal corresponding to a connection request with a third device is received.

15. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing the method of any one of claims 11 to 14 on a computer.

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