Cooperative communication method for multi-link device, and wireless communication device

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide a cooperative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), and a wireless communication device. The cooperative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD) comprises: by means of a field / element of a frame, a subordinate station of an MLD indicates a relay parameter information set of one or more associated MLDs, wherein the relay parameter information set is applied to a link capability or a working parameter of the subordinate station of the MLD in a relay mode and a second-hop link capability of one or more subordinate stations of the one or more associated MLDs in the relay mode.

Description

Cooperative communication method of multi-link device and wireless communication device TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of mobile communication technology, in particular to a cooperative communication method of multi-link device and a wireless communication device. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of wireless technology, a multi-link device (MLD) can support multi-link communication, and through multi-link transmission, multiple frequency bands and multiple channels can be integrated in the same MLD to improve user experience. However, the existing technology does not involve the data transmission process of a relay MLD, so the existing technology cannot expand the signal coverage / transmission distance of wireless communication through a relay MLD, which may adversely affect the efficiency and quality of wireless communication.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a cooperative communication method of multi-link device and a wireless communication device to improve the problems and other problems of the prior art.

[0005] The cooperative communication method of multi-link device MLD provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises: an affiliated station of an MLD indicating a set of relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs through a field / element of a frame, the set of relay parameter information being applied to link capabilities or operating parameters of the affiliated station of the MLD in a relay mode and link capabilities of one or more affiliated stations of the one or more related MLDs in a second hop in the relay mode.

[0006] Through the above technical solution, the affiliated station of the MLD indicates the set of relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs through the field / element of the frame, thereby effectively performing relay selection and relay transmission.

[0007] The cooperative communication method of multi-link device MLD provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises: an affiliated station in a first MLD sending a first frame to an affiliated station in a second MLD and / or an affiliated station in a third MLD 3; the first MLD receiving a second frame from the second MLD, wherein the second frame includes confirmation or modification for parameters in the first frame; wherein a field / element of the first frame is used to indicate a set of relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, the set of relay parameter information being applied to link capabilities of the affiliated station of the first MLD in a relay mode and link capabilities of one or more affiliated stations of the one or more related MLDs in a second hop in the relay mode, and / or link capabilities of a first hop, and / or link capabilities of a single hop.

[0008] By the technical solution, the fields / elements of the first frame are used to indicate relay parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, thereby effectively performing relay selection and relay transmission.

[0009] The method for cooperative communication of the MLD provided by the embodiment of the application comprises the following steps: a first MLD sends a first frame to a station in the second MLD and / or a station in a third MLD; whether the first MLD receives a second frame from the second MLD depends on a condition judgment and whether the second MLD becomes a backup relay MLD for relay transmission of the first MLD; wherein fields / elements of the first frame are used to indicate relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, and the relay parameter information set is applied to link capabilities of the station in the first MLD in a relay mode and second-hop link capabilities of one or more stations in the one or more related MLDs in the relay mode, and / or first-hop link capabilities, and / or single-hop link capabilities.

[0010] By the technical solution, the fields / elements of the first frame are used to indicate relay parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, thereby effectively performing relay selection and relay transmission.

[0011] The method for cooperative communication of the MLD provided by the embodiment of the application comprises the following steps: a first MLD sends a first frame to a station in the second MLD and / or a station in a third MLD; whether the first MLD receives a second frame from the second MLD depends on a condition judgment and whether the second MLD becomes a backup relay MLD for relay transmission of the first MLD; wherein fields / elements of the first frame are used to indicate relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, and the relay parameter information set is applied to link capabilities of the station in the first MLD in a relay mode and second-hop link capabilities of one or more stations in the one or more related MLDs in the relay mode, and / or first-hop link capabilities, and / or single-hop link capabilities.

[0012] By the technical solution, the fields / elements of the first frame are used to indicate relay parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, thereby effectively performing relay selection and relay transmission.

[0013] The method for cooperative communication of the MLD provided by the embodiment of the application comprises the following steps: a first MLD sends a first frame to a station in the second MLD and / or a station in a third MLD; whether the first MLD receives a second frame from the second MLD depends on a condition judgment and whether the second MLD becomes a backup relay MLD for relay transmission of the first MLD; wherein fields / elements of the first frame are used to indicate relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, and the relay parameter information set is applied to link capabilities of the station in the first MLD in a relay mode and second-hop link capabilities of one or more stations in the one or more related MLDs in the relay mode, and / or first-hop link capabilities, and / or single-hop link capabilities.

[0014] Through the technical solution, the fourth frame or the fifth frame indicates / configures a capability set / working parameter set, thereby achieving accurate and timely transmission, improving resource utilization efficiency, and facilitating relay energy saving.

[0015] The method for cooperative communication of the MLD provided in the embodiments of the present application includes: immediately starting countdown of a relay response timer after a sender sends a relay initial frame, and if a relay initial reply frame sent by a responder is received within a time corresponding to the relay response timer, subsequent transmission is performed according to an indication of the relay initial reply frame; if the relay initial reply frame sent by the responder is not received within the time corresponding to the relay response timer, the sender considers that relay transmission is failed.

[0016] Through the technical solution, if the relay initial reply frame sent by the responder is received within the time corresponding to the relay response timer, subsequent transmission is performed according to the indication of the relay initial reply frame, which can improve relay transmission efficiency.

[0017] The method for cooperative communication of the MLD provided in the embodiments of the present application includes: a first MLD sends a sixth frame to a second MLD, where the sixth frame is used to indicate a traffic identifier TIDx; in a direction from the first MLD to the second MLD, transmittable TIDs and corresponding links are a first TID set and a first link set respectively, and in a direction from the second MLD to a third MLD, transmittable TIDs and corresponding links are a second TID set and a second link set respectively; the first MLD receives a seventh frame from the second MLD, and determines transmittable TIDs and corresponding first-hop and / or second-hop links according to the seventh frame.

[0018] Through the technical solution, when relay transmission is performed, transmittable TIDs and corresponding first-hop and / or second-hop links are determined according to the seventh frame, which can realize smooth transmission of TIDs from the first hop to the second hop, and reduce interruption probability.

[0019] The method for cooperative communication of the multi-link device MLD provided in the embodiment of the application comprises: a first MLD sends a sixth frame to a second MLD, wherein the sixth frame indicates a link LINKx; the second MLD replies a seventh frame to the first MLD; wherein, in the direction from the first MLD to the second MLD, it is assumed that the transmissible traffic identifier TID set of the LINKx is {TIDSX-LINKx}; in the direction from the second MLD to the third MLD, it is assumed that the transmissible TID set of the LINKx is {TIDSY-LINKx}, and when relay transmission is performed, the transmissible TID set of the LINKx is selected by the seventh frame, the first MLD, or a predefined rule.

[0020] Through the technical solution, when relay transmission is performed, the transmissible TID set of the LINKx is selected by the second MLD, the first MLD, or a predefined rule, so that the TID can be smoothly transmitted from the first hop to the second hop, and the interruption probability is reduced.

[0021] The method for cooperative communication of the multi-link device MLD provided in the embodiment of the application comprises: a first MLD sends a sixth frame to a second MLD, wherein the sixth frame indicates a link LINKx; the first MLD receives a seventh frame sent by the second MLD, wherein the seventh frame comprises confirmation or modification of parameters in the sixth frame; wherein, in the direction from the first MLD to the second MLD, it is assumed that the transmissible traffic identifier TID set of the LINKx is {TIDSX-LINKx}; in the direction from the second MLD to the third MLD, it is assumed that the transmissible TID set of the LINKx is {TIDSY-LINKx}, and when relay transmission is performed, the transmissible TID set of the LINKx is selected by the seventh frame, the first MLD, or a predefined rule.

[0022] Through the technical solution, when relay transmission is performed, the transmissible TID set of the LINKx is selected by the seventh frame, the first MLD, or a predefined rule, so that the TID can be smoothly transmitted from the first hop to the second hop, and the interruption probability is reduced.

[0023] The method for cooperative communication of the multi-link device MLD provided in the embodiment of the application comprises: when there is no traffic identifier to link mapping TTLM mapping link between the direction from a first MLD to a second MLD and the direction from the second MLD to a third MLD, a MLD-level indication of the second MLD is used to set and analyze a relay frame address, so as to realize same-link forwarding or cross-link forwarding.

[0024] By the technical solution, the relay frame address is set and analyzed by using the indication of the MLD level of the second MLD, same-link forwarding can be realized, and cross-link forwarding can also be realized.

[0025] The method for cooperative communication of the MLD provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises: when a MLD transmits and / or receives a relay frame, the MLD indicates one or more intended stations or one or more intended links, and the content of the relay frame is for the one or more intended stations or the relay frame is forwarded and / or replied on the one or more intended links.

[0026] By the technical solution, when a MLD transmits and / or receives a relay frame, the MLD indicates one or more intended stations or one or more intended links, same-link forwarding / reply of the relay frame can be realized, and cross-link forwarding / reply can also be realized.

[0027] The method for cooperative communication of the MLD provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises: a first MLD aligns a target wake-up time (TWT) with a direction of a second MLD and a direction of a third MLD, and performs relay data transmission in a period of wake-up of the TWT, wherein the TWT comprises first TWT parameter information and second TWT parameter information.

[0028] By the technical solution, a first MLD aligns a target wake-up time (TWT) with a direction of a second MLD and a direction of a third MLD, and performs relay data transmission in a period of wake-up of the TWT, which can realize wake-up for data transmission and improve the probability of timely delivery of relay data.

[0029] The wireless communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is used for storing a computer program, and the processor is used for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to execute the relay communication method.

[0030] The relay communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises a processor and a memory. The memory is used for storing a computer program, and the processor is used for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to execute the relay communication method.

[0031] The first node provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises a processor and a memory. The memory is used for storing a computer program, and the processor is used for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to execute the relay communication method.

[0032] The chip provided in the embodiments of the present application is used for realizing the relay communication method.

[0033] Specifically, the chip includes a processor configured to call and run a computer program from a memory, so that a device installed with the chip performs the relay communication method.

[0034] The computer readable storage medium provided by the embodiment of the present application is used for storing a computer program, and the computer program causes a computer to perform the relay communication method.

[0035] The computer program product provided by the embodiment of the present application includes computer program instructions, and the computer program instructions cause a computer to perform the relay communication method.

[0036] The computer program provided by the embodiment of the present application, when running on a computer, causes the computer to perform the relay communication method.

[0037] Through the above technical solution, relay selection and relay transmission are effectively performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present application, constitute a part of the present application and illustrate the illustrative embodiments of the present application and their description serve to explain the present application, and do not constitute improper limitations on the present application. In the drawings:

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of relay multi-link cooperative transmission provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a cooperative communication method of a multi-link device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a cooperative communication method of a multi-link device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a cooperative communication method of a multi-link device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a cooperative communication method of a multi-link device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a cooperative communication method of a multi-link device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a cooperative communication method of a multi-link device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a cooperative communication method of a multi-link device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a cooperative communication method of a multi-link device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method for cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method for cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0056] It should be understood that the term “and / or” in the present document merely describes an association relationship of associated objects, and indicates that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent three cases of existence of A alone, existence of A and B simultaneously, and existence of B alone. In addition, the character “ / ” in the present document generally represents an “or” relationship between the front and rear associated objects.

[0057] For the convenience of understanding, Table 1 gives the interpretation of the main abbreviations involved in the present application.

[0058] Table 1: Abbreviation Interpretation

[0059] Some embodiments of the present application relate to the field of relay technology and multi-link transmission technology in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) IEEE 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8, Ultra High Reliability, referred to as UHR) and later standards, which can expand the signal coverage / transmission distance of wireless (such as Wi-Fi), improve the rate of users at the edge of the cell, reduce latency, and improve user experience through relay. Through multi-link transmission, multiple frequency bands and multiple channels can be integrated in the same device (referred to as multi-link device, MLD), which can improve user experience.

[0060] Some embodiments of the present application implement a method for multi-link cooperative transmission under the MLD architecture, and a method for relay transmission under the MLD architecture, including multi-link relay parameter information indication, multi-link relay discovery method, multi-link relay transmission process and method, multi-link relay service mapping method, multi-link relay frame address resolution rule, multi-link relay frame intention station indication method, and periodic relay transmission method design, to more effectively exert the multi-link advantage of MLD over single-link device (SLD), fully utilize multi-band resources, improve edge coverage, and achieve load balancing, etc.

[0061] Some embodiments of the present application design a communication method for multi-link cooperative transmission of MLD and relay MLD, which is conducive to better implementation of cooperative transmission and relay transmission based on MLD in future IEEE 802.11bn and later standards. The existing standard mainly discusses single-station relay (Relay STA), while MLD is a key technical breakthrough introduced in IEEE 802.11be standard and Wi-Fi 7. In the IEEE 802.11bn standardization process, new thinking and discussion are carried out on multi-link transmission of MLD and relay MLD, so the content designed in some embodiments of the present application will become a key technical point of IEEE 802.11bn standard.

[0062] In summary, in order to realize the relay multi-link cooperative transmission, more detailed solutions need to be designed to solve the above problems. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of relay multi-link cooperative transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application. Some embodiments of the present application refer to the link from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2) as the first hop link, refer to the link from the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3) as the second hop link, and refer to the link from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the third MLD (MLD 3) as the single hop link. At this time, the function of the second MLD (MLD 2) is a relay MLD. The relay transmission from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the third MLD (MLD 3) needs to go through the first hop and the second hop to complete, but the link capabilities of the two hops are very likely to be mismatched, such as mismatched maximum transmission rates supported, mismatched TID-to-Link mapping (TTLM) supported, and the like. Therefore, in order to more effectively perform relay selection and relay transmission, reduce problems such as transmission timeout or transmission failure caused by mismatched link capabilities of the two hops, new methods, signaling and processes need to be designed to mutually notify or even negotiate the link capabilities of the two hops, or at least to notify the sender of the relay transmission.

[0063] In order to realize the multi-link cooperative transmission of the MLD, some embodiments of the present application make the following multi-aspect designs: a multi-link relay parameter information indication method, a multi-link relay discovery method, a multi-link relay transmission process and method, a trigger-based relay transmission process and method design, a multi-link relay service mapping method, a multi-link relay frame address resolution rule, a multi-link relay frame intended station indication method, and a periodic relay transmission method.

[0064] It should be understood that some embodiments of the present application propose a new design of indication method, but do not limit the representation of the indication value in the progress system, for example, do not limit binary, decimal, hexadecimal, and do not limit the number of bits used for indication. It should be understood that some embodiments of the present application design the length and name of each field only as an example, and do not limit it, as long as the function of the above design can be realized. It should be understood that some embodiments of the present application do not limit whether the sending MLD is a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD. It should be understood that some embodiments of the present application take the relay transmission of the first MLD (MLD 1), the second MLD (MLD 2), and the third MLD (MLD 3) as an example for illustration, and the first MLD (MLD 1) can also transmit simultaneously with one or more relay second MLDs (MLD 2) and one or more receiving third MLDs (MLD 3), that is, multi-user (MU) transmission, and the designed method can be used multiple times. Some embodiments of the present application do not limit the relay to be an AP entity, a non-AP STA entity, or a STA entity with an AP entity. It should be understood that some embodiments of the present application are described from the perspective of MLD, and there can be only one station working on the MLD, that is, some embodiments of the present application are also applicable to single-station devices.

[0065] The schemes of some embodiments of the present application are designed in detail as follows. In order to express clearly, some embodiments of the present application refer to the link from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2) as the first hop link, refer to the link from the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3) as the second hop link, and refer to the link from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the third MLD (MLD 3) as the single hop link, at this time the function of the second MLD (MLD 2) is a relay MLD.

[0066] The first embodiment designs the indication of the relay parameter information of the MLD. The second to fourth embodiments further design the frame interaction process of the relay discovery using the relay parameter information. The fifth to sixth embodiments further design the multi-link relay transmission process and method. The seventh to ninth embodiments further design the multi-link relay service mapping method. The tenth embodiment designs the multi-link relay frame address resolution rule. The eleventh to thirteenth embodiments design the multi-link relay service mapping method. The fourteenth embodiment designs the relay frame address resolution rule of the MLD. The fifteenth embodiment designs the indication method of the intended station of the relay frame of the MLD. The sixteenth embodiment designs the method of periodic relay transmission.

[0067] First embodiment: design of the indication method of the relay parameter information of the MLD

[0068] The embodiment proposes that the affiliated station in the MLD can also indicate the link capability of the second hop in the relay mode, and / or the link capability of the first hop, and / or the link capability of the single hop of one or more other affiliated stations on the MLD, in addition to indicating the link capability of the station itself in the relay mode.

[0069] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the cooperative communication method of the multi-link device provided by the embodiment of the application. As shown in Figure 2, the cooperative communication method of the multi-link device includes at least one operation: operation 201: an affiliated station of an MLD indicates a set of relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs through a field / element of a frame, and the set of relay parameter information is applied to the link capability or working parameter of the affiliated station of the MLD in the relay mode and the link capability of the second hop of one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs in the relay mode.

[0070] Through the above technical solution, the affiliated station of the MLD indicates the set of relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs through the field / element of the frame, thereby effectively performing relay selection and relay transmission.

[0071] In some embodiments of the application, the link from the first MLD to the second MLD is a first-hop link, the link from the second MLD to the third MLD is a second-hop link, and the link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single-hop link, wherein the MLD is the first MLD, the second MLD, or the third MLD, wherein the one or more related MLDs are a set of MLDs, and the one or more related MLDs include one or more of the first MLD, the second MLD, and the third MLD. In some embodiments of the application, the set of relay parameter information of the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following: link parameter information of one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; power saving parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop power saving parameter information, and / or first-hop power saving parameter information, and / or single-hop power saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; information of reachable station addresses of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs for relay selection; coordinated spatial reuse (CoSR) information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; traffic identifier to link mapping (TTLM) parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information; block acknowledgement (BA) related parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; mobile access point (AP) MLD information of the one or more related MLDs, for indicating whether the MLD is a mobile AP MLD; and cooperative communication information of the one or more related MLDs, for indicating cooperative communication of the MLD.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present application, the link parameter information of the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: link budget information including maximum / minimum / average data rate of uplink / downlink, and / or result of channel measurement, and / or bandwidth usage; link physical layer capability information including supported stream number information, and / or modulation and coding set (MCS) information, and / or bandwidth information, and / or transmit power information, and / or resource unit (RU) information, and / or multi-resource unit (MRU) information; link cooperative communication parameter information including primary channel location, and / or whether to support preamble puncturing, and / or whether to support secondary channel access, and / or whether to support distributed RU with subcarrier discontinuous allocation. In some embodiments of the present application, the power saving parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs includes at least one of the following information: target wake time (TWT) information; restricted target wake time (R-TWT) information. In some embodiments of the present application, the capability information parameter of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs includes at least one of the following information: extremely high throughput (EHT) / high efficiency (HE) / extremely high throughput (VHT) / high throughput (HT) function element; HE 6GHz band function element; extended function element; MLD non-simultaneous transmit / receive (NSTR) parameter information. In some embodiments of the present application, wherein the CoSR information parameter of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs includes whether to support CoSR. In some embodiments of the present application, the CoSR information parameter supports the CoSR, and the information parameter indicating the CoSR includes one or more of the following parameters: demodulation threshold during CoSR, acceptable interference level, transmit power limit during CoSR, MCS during CoSR.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present application, the TTLM parameter information of the one or more related MLDs indicates the TIDs supported by each link / site STA for transmission. In some embodiments of the present application, the TTLM parameter information of the one or more related MLDs carries a TID-to-link mapping element to indicate on which links the frames of each TID can be transmitted. In some embodiments of the present application, the TTLM parameter information of the one or more related MLDs indicates whether a default TTLM mode is supported, which means that all TIDs are mapped to all established links for downlink and uplink, and all established links are enabled. In some embodiments of the present application, the default TTLM mode is indicated by 1 bit. In some embodiments of the present application, the BA-related parameter information of the one or more related MLDs includes whether to turn on the BA parameter information, BA protocol parameter information, and BA scoreboard parameter information. In some embodiments of the present application, the BA-related parameter information of the one or more related MLDs includes the sending window size and the receiving window size. In some embodiments of the present application, when the MLD is a non-relay MLD, the second-hop link parameter information represents the relay second-hop link parameter information of the affiliated site of the MLD. In some embodiments of the present application, the link parameter information of the one or more related MLDs refers to a set of shared link parameter information or multiple sets of link parameter information indicated by the affiliated site of the MLD. In some embodiments of the present application, the indication of the information of the reachable site address of the one or more related MLDs includes an MLD address, or an MLD address and a link identifier ID bitmap, or an MLD address and a link ID, or an MLD ID, or an association identifier AID.

[0074] For example, in some embodiments of the present application, the MLD of the affiliated site in one MLD transmits a frame containing a relay mode field / element to indicate a set of relay parameter information {CAP1}. Effect: These relay parameter information functions are to more effectively perform relay selection and relay transmission, reduce problems such as transmission timeout or transmission failure caused by the mismatch of two-hop link capabilities, and more effectively perform relay selection and relay transmission.

[0075] For example, in some embodiments of the present application, the MLD can be a non-relay MLD (end MLD of a relay) or a relay MLD. For example, in some embodiments of the present application, the {CAP1} includes at least one of the following information: link information of one or more affiliated stations in the MLD respectively, including second-hop link parameters, and / or first-hop link parameters, and / or single-hop link parameters. The link information of each station includes at least one of the following information: link budget information: uplink / downlink maximum / minimum / average data rates (DL / UL maximum / minimum / mean data rates), and / or channel measurement results, and / or bandwidth usage.

[0076] For example, the indication of the data rate is as follows: the indication parameter has x bits, representing 2^x values, and the step is y, so the range of the rate that can be indicated is [0, 2^(x-1)*y]. For example, a rate field of 3 bits is used to indicate, with a step of 6 Mb / s, the range of the indication is 0-24 Mb / s (x=3, y=6 Mb / s). Here, a design is given, and in practice, other bit numbers and other indication granularity can also be used, and a non-uniform interval indication method can also be used.

[0077] The channel measurement result can be a received signal strength indication RSSI or a channel state information CSI. The bandwidth usage can be the occupation of each channel, for example, indicating the channel occupation with a granularity of 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320 MHz subchannels. It can be indicated in the form of a bitmap, 1 indicating that the current subchannel is occupied and cannot be used for relaying; 0 indicating that it can be used for relaying. Or the meaning of the indication is reversed.

[0078] For example, in some embodiments of the present application, the link physical layer capability information can be: supported flow number, modulation and coding set MCS, bandwidth, transmit power, resource unit (Resource unit, RU), multiple resource unit (multiple resource unit, MRU) information, such as maximum number of transmission / reception streams (number of spatial streams, NSS), maximum MCS, maximum bandwidth, supported MCS and NSS set (Supported MCS And NSS Set), supported maximum / minimum transmit power, supported RU and / or MRU size and combination, etc.

[0079] For example, in some embodiments of the present application, the link other parameter information (cooperative communication information) can be: main channel location, and / or whether to support preamble puncturing, and / or whether to support secondary channel access, and / or whether to support distributed RU (DRU) of subcarrier discontinuous allocation, etc.

[0080] For example, in some embodiments of the present application, when the frame is sent by a non-relay MLD, the indicated second-hop link parameter information can represent the relay second-hop link parameter information suggested or required by the affiliated stations on the MLD. The affiliated stations on the MLD can indicate a set of shared link parameter information, or can respectively indicate a set of link parameter information.

[0081] For example, in some embodiments of the present application, the service quality QoS parameter information (QoS requirements information) of one or more affiliated stations in the MLD respectively includes second-hop QoS parameters, and / or first-hop QoS parameters, and / or single-hop QoS parameters. The QoS parameter information of each station includes at least one of the following information: QoS parameters of different TIDs, different transmission directions (uplink, downlink, direct link) can be indicated by carrying one or more existing QoS characteristic elements, and each QoS characteristic element describes the parameters of one TID in one transmission direction. The format and description of the QoS QoS characteristic element can refer to the existing standard.

[0082] The relay transmission delay parameter information (Delay Bound Requirement of the connection through the relay) considers that the relay forwarding transmission can introduce additional processing time and delay, and uses the parameter to specify the invalid time of relay transmission. The relay transmission delay indication parameter has w bits, representing 2^w values, and step is z, so the time range that can be indicated is [0, 2^(w-1)*z]. When the frame is sent by a non-relay MLD, the indicated second-hop QoS parameter can represent the second-hop QoS parameter suggested or required by the affiliated stations on the MLD. The affiliated stations on the MLD can indicate a set of shared QoS parameter information, or can respectively indicate a set of QoS parameter information. The energy saving parameter information of one or more affiliated stations on the MLD respectively includes second-hop energy saving parameters, and / or first-hop energy saving parameters, and / or single-hop energy saving parameters.

[0083] The power saving parameter information of each station includes at least one of the following information: target wake time (TWT) information, restricted target wake time (R-TWT) information, when the sending station is a non-relay MLD, the indicated second-hop power saving parameter can represent the second-hop power saving parameter suggested or required by the affiliated station on the MLD, the capability information parameter of one or more affiliated stations on the MLD respectively, including second-hop capability information, and / or first-hop capability information, and / or single-hop capability information.

[0084] The capability information of each station includes at least one of the following information, the specific format refers to IEEE 802.11 standard: EHT / HE / VHT / HT Capabilities element, HE 6GHz Band Capabilities element, Extended Capabilities element.

[0085] When the sending station is a non-relay MLD, the indicated second-hop capability information parameter can represent the second-hop capability information parameter suggested or required by the affiliated station on the MLD, the non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) parameter information of the MLD, including second-hop NSTR parameter, and / or first-hop NSTR parameter, and / or single-hop NSTR parameter. Through the NSTR parameter, it is indicated whether each link / STA on the MLD can transmit and receive simultaneously. When the sending station is a non-relay MLD, the indicated second-hop NSTR parameter can represent the second-hop NSTR parameter suggested or required by the MLD. Whether the MLD is a mobile AP MLD (Mobile AP MLD). If yes, optionally, the mobile AP MLD (Mobile AP MLD) capability related information is indicated. When the sending station is a non-relay MLD, the indicated second-hop mobile AP MLD (Mobile AP MLD) information can represent the second-hop parameter suggested or required by the MLD.

[0086] The information of one or more affiliated stations on the MLD reachable station address (Reachable Address). The function of this information is to perform relay selection. This information is equivalent to the neighbor list of the relay. The indication method of the reachable station address can be MLD address, or MLD address and link identifier ID bitmap, or MLD address and link ID, or MLD ID, or association identifier AID, etc.

[0087] Coordinated Spatial Reuse (CoSR) information parameters of one or more affiliated stations on the MLD respectively, including second-hop CoSR information, and / or first-hop CoSR information, and / or single-hop CoSR information.

[0088] Whether to support CoSR: if supported, optionally, further indicate the relevant parameter information of CoSR, such as one or more of the following parameters: demodulation threshold when CoSR is performed (the transmission / reception signal strength below the threshold cannot be demodulated, such as xx dBm), acceptable interference level (the interference signal strength above the threshold cannot be correctly parsed, such as xx dBm), transmission power limit for CoSR (the transmission power of the participating CoSR device cannot exceed the limit, such as xx mW), MCS for CoSR (the MCS used by the participating CoSR sender).

[0089] TTLM parameter information of the MLD, including second-hop TTLM parameters, and / or first-hop TTLM parameters, and / or single-hop TTLM parameters. The TID supported by each link / STA for transmission is indicated by the TTLM parameter, for example, the TID-to-Link Mapping element can be used to indicate the frames belonging to each TID on which link can be transmitted. Optionally, indicate whether to support the default TTLM mode, that is, all TIDs are mapped to all established links of DL and UL, and all established links are enabled. For example, this information can be indicated by 1 bit.

[0090] When the sending station is a non-relay MLD, the indicated second-hop TTLM parameter can represent the second-hop TTLM parameter that the MLD suggests or requires to use.

[0091] Block Ack (BA) related parameter information of the MLD, including second-hop BA parameters, and / or first-hop BA parameters, and / or single-hop BA parameters. For example, the BA related parameter information of the MLD set includes BA on / off parameter information, BA agreement parameter information, BA scoreboarding parameter information, etc. More specifically, for example, the transmission window size Winsize_O and the reception window size Winsize_R.

[0092] When the frame is sent by a non-relay MLD, the indicated second-hop BA parameter can represent the second-hop BA parameter suggested or required to be used by the MLD. Mobile AP MLD (Mobile AP MLD) information: used to indicate whether the current device is a Mobile AP MLD (Mobile AP MLD) (as well as supported capability / parameter information, etc. when acting as a Mobile AP MLD (Mobile AP MLD)). If it is a Mobile AP MLD (Mobile AP MLD), since the Mobile AP MLD (Mobile AP MLD) is usually limited in power and capability, other MLDs can not establish a relay link with it in order to make the relay communication more stable. Mobile Access Point (AP) Multi-Link Device (MLD): Mobile AP MLD, AP Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) in which all affiliated APs are located in the same place and are mobile APs.

[0093] Other information: maximum PPDU duration, number of MPDUs that can be aggregated in an A-MPDU, maximum number of TIDs in a multi-TID A-MPDU, total number of payload bytes in a PPDU, minimum MPDU start spacing, MAC frame processing (e.g. fragmentation) on / off, etc.

[0094] In particular, low-band stations on an MLD can help high-band stations indicate the above information, for example, 2.4GHz and 5GHz stations can help 6GHz stations indicate the above information. In particular, when multiple MLDs form an MLD set, a station on a certain MLD in the set can help other stations in the set indicate the above information. Note: the above design also applies to single-station STAs, assuming there are N affiliated stations on the MLD, then the single station is a special case of N = 1, which will not be described again.

[0095] Non-Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (NSTR) link pair: refers to a pair of links corresponding to a station (STA) affiliated to a multi-link device (MLD) [NSTR link pair], the receiver requirements specified in 36.3.21 (receiver specification) are not met on one of the links when the STA affiliated to the MLD is transmitting on the other link.

[0096] Resource unit refers to: [RU] a set of 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, 996, or 2x996, or 4x996 subcarriers as an allocation of subcarriers for transmission.

[0097] Multi-Resource Unit (RU) refers to: [MRU] a group of subcarriers composed of multiple RUs such as 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, 242-tone RU, 484-tone RU, 996-tone RU, etc., and 2x996 2-tone RU.

[0098] Second to fourth embodiments: relay discovery process and method design of MLD.

[0099] The first embodiment designs the relay parameter information indication of MLD, and the second to fourth embodiments design the frame interaction design carrying the information, i.e., the frame interaction process design using the information for relay discovery.

[0100] The relay discovery process and method of MLD mainly have a) the relay MLD responds to the request and replies the frame to the solicited relay discovery process of the sending MLD, and b) the relay MLD actively sends the frame (unsolicited) without request.

[0101] The beneficial effects of the second to fourth embodiments: design the parameter information frame interaction process and method necessary for multi-link relay, perform mutual notification or even negotiation of the two-hop link capability of relay, reduce the problems such as transmission timeout or transmission failure caused by the mismatch of the two-hop link capability, and more effectively perform relay selection and relay transmission.

[0102] Second embodiment: the first MLD (MLD 1) initiates a relay request, and the second MLD (MLD 2) (relay MLD) replies a frame to respond to the relay request.

[0103] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the cooperative communication method of the multi-link device provided by the embodiments of the application. As shown in Figure 3, the cooperative communication method of the multi-link device includes at least one operation: operation 301: the affiliated station in the first MLD sends a first frame to the affiliated station in the second MLD and / or the affiliated station in the third MLD 3; operation 302: the first MLD receives a second frame from the second MLD, wherein the second frame includes confirmation or modification for the parameters in the first frame; wherein the fields / elements of the first frame are used to indicate the relay parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, and the relay parameter information set is applied to the link capability of the affiliated station of the first MLD in the relay mode and the link capability of the second hop of one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs in the relay mode, and / or the link capability of the first hop, and / or the link capability of the single hop.

[0104] By the technical solution, the field / element of the first frame is used to indicate the relay parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, thereby effectively performing relay selection and relay transmission.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present application, the link from the first MLD to the second MLD is a first-hop link, the link from the second MLD to the third MLD is a second-hop link, and the link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single-hop link, wherein the one or more related MLDs are a set of MLDs, and the one or more related MLDs include one or more of the first MLD, the second MLD, and the third MLD. In some embodiments of the present application, the set of relay parameter information in the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: link parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; energy saving parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop energy saving parameter information, and / or first-hop energy saving parameter information, and / or single-hop energy saving parameter information; capability information parameter of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameter, and / or first-hop capability information parameter, and / or single-hop capability information parameter; information of reachable station addresses of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, used for relay selection; cooperative spatial reuse (CoSR) information parameter of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameter, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameter, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameter; traffic identifier to link mapping (TTLM) parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information; block acknowledgement (BA) related parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; mobile access point (AP) MLD information of the first MLD in the one or more related MLDs, used to indicate whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; and cooperative communication information in the one or more related MLDs, used to indicate cooperative communication of the first MLD.

[0106] In some embodiments of the application, the first frame is further used to request parameter information of the second MLD and / or the third MLD. In some embodiments of the application, the first frame comprises: a probe request / response frame, or a multi-link probe request / response frame, or an association request / response frame, or a re-association request / response frame, or a relay activation request / response frame, or an action unconfirmed frame, or an action confirmed frame, or a fast basic service set switching (FT) request / response frame, or a link reconfiguration request frame, or an FT action frame, or a beacon frame. In some embodiments of the application, the second frame comprises one or more of the following information: a match confirmation of part or all of the parameter information of each affiliated station / each link sent by the first frame; a rejection and / or suggestion of part or all of the parameter information of each affiliated station / each link sent by the first frame; carrying the parameter information of the affiliated station of the second MLD; if the first frame requests the parameter information of the affiliated station of the second MLD, the second frame carries the requested information of the first frame. In some embodiments of the application, after the second MLD receives the first frame, a status code is used to indicate the reason for the match in the second frame. In some embodiments of the application, the second frame comprises: a probe request / response frame, or a multi-link probe request / response frame, or an association request / response frame, or a re-association request / response frame, or a relay activation request / response frame, or an action unconfirmed frame, or an action confirmed frame, or an FT request / response frame, or an FT action frame, or a beacon frame. In some embodiments of the application, the first MLD sends a third frame to the second MLD to indicate acceptance of the link parameters indicated by the second MLD in the second frame.

[0107] Second embodiment:

[0108] Stage 1:

[0109] An affiliated station of the first MLD (MLD 1) sends a first frame (Request frame) to the second MLD (MLD 2) and / or the third MLD (MLD 3) (upper affiliated station) to initiate a relay discovery process. The first MLD (MLD 1) / third MLD (MLD 3) can be an AP MLD or a non-AP MLD, and the second MLD (MLD 2) has the function of a relay MLD. The sent frame can be a probe request / response frame, or a multi-link probe request / response frame, or an (re)association request / response frame, or an association request / response frame, or a relay activation request / response frame, or an action unconfirmed frame, or an action frame (with Ack frame), or an FT request / response frame, or a link reconfiguration request frame, or an FT action frame, or a beacon frame, without limitation.

[0110] The first frame needs to contain the Relay Mode field / element designed in the first embodiment to indicate the relay parameter information. Optionally, the first frame can request some parameter information of the second MLD (MLD 2) and / or the third MLD (MLD 3), for example, when the first MLD (MLD 1) does not have these parameters or is outdated because it has not been updated for a long time.

[0111] Some embodiments of the present application do not limit that the first frame is initiated by the AP MLD or the non-AP MLD, but considering that the downlink transmission power is generally greater than the uplink, the non-AP station is more likely to need relay assistance to transmit the frame to the associated AP station, so the non-AP MLD is more likely to be the initiator.

[0112] Stage 2:

[0113] After the second MLD (MLD 2) receives the first frame, it parses the information of the above-mentioned Relay Mode field / element, and replies to the first MLD (MLD 1) with a second frame. Frame 2 can contain one or more of the following: a matching confirmation (i.e. accepts the indication parameter and capability information carried by frame 2) of part or all of the parameter information of each station / each link sent by the first frame, which can be detailed confirmation / explanation for each type of parameter, or only give a result indication of matching or not; rejection and / or suggestion (i.e. modification or suggestion of more appropriate parameter information) of part or all of the parameter information of each station / each link sent by the first frame, which can be detailed confirmation / rejection / explanation / suggestion for each type of parameter, or only give a result indication of matching or not; optionally, carrying the parameters / information of the second MLD (MLD 2) station itself; optionally, if the first frame requests other parameter information of the second MLD (MLD 2) station, the second frame can carry the information requested by the first frame.

[0114] The reply frame (second frame, Response frame) can be sent by any station on the second MLD (MLD 2), not necessarily the station that received the first frame. The reply frame (second frame) can be a probe request / response frame, or a multi-link probe request / response frame, or a (re)association request / response frame, or an association request / response frame, or a relay activation request / response frame, or an operation without acknowledgement frame, or an operation frame (with Ack frame), or an FT request / response frame, or an FT action frame, or a beacon frame, without limitation.

[0115] After the second MLD (MLD 2) receives the first frame, it optionally indicates the reason for the match in the reply frame. One method is to use a status code. The following table provides examples of new status codes for some embodiments of the present application. The specific meanings and functions are described below. These are only some examples, and other examples can be used to indicate the relay parameter information indicated in the first embodiment. The first table does not limit the name of the status code, as long as it can indicate the meaning and function.

[0116] First table: Status code

[0117] Stage 3 (optional):

[0118] Optionally, the first MLD (MLD 1) sends a third frame (Confirm frame) to the second MLD (MLD 2) to indicate acceptance of the link parameters (if any) suggested by the second MLD (MLD 2) in the second frame.

[0119] Third embodiment: The first MLD (MLD 1) sends a frame to initiate the relay discovery process, and the second MLD (MLD 2) (relay MLD) decides whether to reply to the frame in response to the relay discovery process based on the judgment condition.

[0120] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, the method for cooperative communication of a multi-link device includes at least one of the following operations: operation 401: a station in a first MLD sends a first frame to a station in a second MLD and / or a station in a third MLD 3; operation 402: whether the first MLD receives a second frame from the second MLD depends on a condition judgment and whether the second MLD becomes an alternative relay MLD for relay transmission by the first MLD; wherein a field / element of the first frame is used to indicate relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, and the relay parameter information set applies to link capabilities of the station in the first MLD in a relay mode and second-hop link capabilities of one or more stations in the one or more related MLDs in the relay mode, and / or first-hop link capabilities, and / or single-hop link capabilities.

[0121] Through the above technical solution, the field / element of the first frame is used to indicate the relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, thereby effectively performing relay selection and relay transmission.

[0122] In some embodiments of the present application, the link from the first MLD to the second MLD is a first-hop link, the link from the second MLD to the third MLD is a second-hop link, and the link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single-hop link, wherein the one or more related MLDs are a set of MLDs, and the one or more related MLDs include one or more of the first MLD, the second MLD, and the third MLD. In some embodiments of the present application, the set of relay parameter information of the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following: link parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; energy saving parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop energy saving parameter information, and / or first-hop energy saving parameter information, and / or single-hop energy saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; information of reachable station addresses of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs for relay selection; coordinated spatial reuse (CoSR) information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; traffic identifier to link mapping (TTLM) parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information; block acknowledgement (BA) related parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; mobile access point (AP) MLD information of the one or more related MLDs for indicating whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; and cooperative communication information of the one or more related MLDs for indicating cooperative communication of the first MLD.

[0123] In some embodiments of the application, the conditions include one or more of the following information: if the relay parameter information indicated by the second frame requires no match with the parameter configuration of all the affiliated stations in the second MLD, the second MLD cannot become the candidate relay MLD, the second MLD does not respond to the first MLD, or the second MLD responds to the first MLD through the second frame, which indicates the reason for the mismatch; if the relay parameter information indicated by the second frame requires match with the parameter configuration of part or all of the affiliated stations in the second MLD, the second MLD chooses not to become the candidate relay MLD, the second MLD does not respond to the first MLD, or the second MLD responds to the first MLD through the second frame, which indicates whether each affiliated station / each link in the second MLD matches and / or the reason for the mismatch; if the relay parameter information indicated by the second frame requires match with the parameter configuration of the part or all of the affiliated stations in the second MLD, the second MLD chooses to become the candidate relay MLD, becomes a candidate relay station / link on the affiliated station / link in the second MLD for which the parameter configuration matches, the second MLD responds to the first MLD through the second frame, which indicates whether the affiliated station / link in the second MLD matches and / or the reason for the mismatch; if the relay parameter information indicated by the second frame requires complete match with the parameter configuration of all the affiliated stations in the second MLD, the second MLD chooses to become the candidate relay MLD, the second MLD responds to the first MLD through the second frame, which indicates that the affiliated station / link in the second MLD completely matches.

[0124] Third embodiment:

[0125] Stage 1: The first MLD (MLD 1) - STA 11 sends a first frame, the behavior is the same as designed in the second embodiment-1. The difference lies in the behavior of the second MLD (MLD 2), which is explained in detail below.

[0126] Stage 2: After the second MLD (MLD 2) receives the first frame, it analyzes the information of the above-mentioned relay mode field / element, and judges whether to reply a second frame to the first MLD (MLD 1) and whether to become a candidate relay MLD for the first MLD (MLD 1) for relay transmission according to the following conditions.

[0127] If the relay parameter information indicated in the frame requires a match with the parameter configuration of all the affiliated stations on the second MLD (MLD 2), it cannot be a candidate relay MLD, at this time one option is to not reply, another option is to reply and indicate in the reply frame the reason(s) of the mismatch (if any).

[0128] If the relay parameter information indicated in the frame requires a match with the parameter configuration of some or all the affiliated stations on the second MLD (MLD 2), one outcome is not to be a candidate relay MLD, at this time one option is to not reply, another option is to reply and indicate in the reply frame whether each station / link matches, and / or the reason(s) of the mismatch (if any). Another outcome is to be a candidate relay MLD, to be a candidate relay station on the stations / links whose parameter configuration matches. At this time the second MLD (MLD 2) replies the frame, and indicates in the reply frame whether each station / link matches, or indicates which stations / links match successfully, and / or the reason(s) of the mismatch (if any), and / or gives a suggestion.

[0129] If the relay parameter information indicated in the frame requires a match with the parameter configuration of all the affiliated stations on the second MLD (MLD 2), the second MLD (MLD 2) can choose to be a candidate relay MLD. At this time the second MLD (MLD 2) replies the frame, and indicates a complete match. The reply frame (second frame, Response frame) can be sent by any station on the second MLD (MLD 2), not necessarily the station that receives the first frame.

[0130] The reply frame (second frame) can be a Probe Request / Response frame, or a Multi-Link Probe Request / Response frame, or an (Re)Association Request / Response frame, or an Association Request / Response frame, or a Relay Activation Request / Response frame, or an Action No Ack frame, or an Action frame (with Ack frame), or an FT Request / Response frame, or an FT Action frame, or a Beacon frame, without limitation.

[0131] Upon receiving the first frame, the second MLD (MLD 2) can optionally indicate in the reply frame the reason(s) of the match. One method is to use status code, see the design in embodiment 2-1.

[0132] Stage 3 (optional):

[0133] Optionally, the first MLD (MLD 1) sends a third frame (Confirm frame) to the second MLD (MLD 2) to indicate the acceptance of the link parameter suggested by the second MLD (MLD 2) in the second frame (if any).

[0134] Fourth embodiment: The second MLD (MLD 2) (relay MLD) initiates the active relay discovery procedure as an unsolicited response transmission.

[0135] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method of cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the method of cooperative communication of the multi-link device includes at least one operation of: operation 501: a station in a second MLD sends a third frame to a station in a first MLD and / or a station in a third MLD; wherein a field / element of the third frame is used to indicate relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, and the relay parameter information set applies to link capabilities of the station in the second MLD in a relay mode and link capabilities of one or more stations in the second MLD in a second hop in the relay mode, and / or link capabilities of a first hop, and / or link capabilities of a single hop.

[0136] Through the above technical solution, the field / element of the third frame is used to indicate the relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, thereby effectively performing relay selection and relay transmission.

[0137] In some embodiments of the present application, the link from the first MLD to the second MLD is a first-hop link, the link from the second MLD to the third MLD is a second-hop link, and the link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single-hop link, wherein the one or more related MLDs are a set of MLDs, and the one or more related MLDs include one or more of the first MLD, the second MLD, and the third MLD. In some embodiments of the present application, the set of relay parameter information in the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following: link parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; energy saving parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop energy saving parameter information, and / or first-hop energy saving parameter information, and / or single-hop energy saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; information of reachable station addresses of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs for relay selection; coordinated spatial reuse (CoSR) information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; traffic identifier to link mapping (TTLM) parameter information of the first MLD, including second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information; block acknowledgement (BA) related parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; mobile access point (AP) MLD information of the first MLD in the one or more related MLDs, for indicating whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; and coordinated communication information in the one or more related MLDs, for indicating coordinated communication of the first MLD.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present application, the first MLD sends a first frame to the affiliated station in the second MLD and / or the affiliated station in the third MLD; the first frame is used to request the second MLD to become an alternative relay MLD for relay transmission.

[0139] In some embodiments of the present application, the second MLD (MLD 2) can also actively send a third frame to the first MLD (MLD 1) to initiate an active relay discovery process without the first MLD (MLD 1) sending a frame. The third frame needs to contain the relay mode field / element designed in the first embodiment-1 to indicate the relay parameter information.

[0140] When the first MLD (MLD 1) receives the third frame, it parses the information of the above-mentioned relay mode field / element and determines whether to accept the second MLD (MLD 2) as a candidate relay MLD for relay transmission. Optionally, the first MLD (MLD 1) can continue to use the method designed in the second embodiment to initiate a relay request, and the function of the first frame is to request the second MLD (MLD 2) to become a candidate relay MLD for relay transmission. According to the situation, the parameters known to each other in the first embodiment-1 can be omitted in the first frame. The beneficial effect of this method is to provide the first MLD (MLD 1) with prior information of available relays and relay parameters, avoid blind sending of the first frame, and improve transmission efficiency.

[0141] Fifth to sixth embodiments: relay transmission process and method design of MLD.

[0142] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a cooperative communication method of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, the cooperative communication method of the multi-link device includes at least one of the following operations: operation 601: a fourth MLD sends a fourth frame to a fifth MLD and / or a sixth MLD for relay transmission, wherein the fourth frame indicates that a relay third party is the sixth MLD; operation 602: the fourth MLD receives a fifth frame sent by the fifth MLD, and the fifth frame includes confirmation or modification of parameters in the fourth frame; wherein the fourth frame or the fifth frame indicates / configures a capability set / working parameter set.

[0143] Through the above technical solution, the fourth frame or the fifth frame indicates / configures a capability set / working parameter set, thereby accurately and timely transmitting, improving resource utilization efficiency, and facilitating relay energy saving.

[0144] In some embodiments of the present application, the capability set / working parameter set includes a capability set of a first hop and / or a second hop, wherein a link from a first MLD to a second MLD is a first hop link, a link from the second MLD to a third MLD is a second hop link, and a link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single hop link. In some embodiments of the present application, the capability set of the first hop and / or the second hop is not higher than a relay parameter information set.

[0145] In some embodiments of the application, the set of relay parameter information in the one or more related MLDs comprises one or more of the following: link parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second hop link parameter information, and / or first hop link parameter information, and / or single hop link parameter information; quality of service, QoS, parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second hop QoS parameter information, and / or first hop QoS parameter information, and / or single hop QoS parameter information; energy saving parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second hop energy saving parameter information, and / or first hop energy saving parameter information, and / or single hop energy saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second hop capability information parameters, and / or first hop capability information parameters, and / or single hop capability information parameters; information of reachable station addresses of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs for relay selection; coordinated spatial reuse, CoSR, information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single hop CoSR information parameters; traffic identifier to link mapping, TTLM, parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including second hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first hop TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, and / or single hop TTLM parameter information; block acknowledgement, BA, related parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including second hop BA parameter information, and / or first hop BA parameter information, and / or single hop BA parameter information; mobile access point, AP, MLD information of the first MLD in the one or more related MLDs for indicating whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; cooperative communication information in the one or more related MLDs for indicating cooperative communication of the first MLD.

[0146] In some embodiments of the present application, the capability set / working parameter set indicates / configures the working parameter set of the relay MLD. In some embodiments of the present application, the capability set / working parameter set further comprises one or more of the following subsequent transmission related information of the first hop and / or the second hop: traffic priority information; packet size information to be transmitted; traffic flow information of one or more stations on the MLD; information whether to be transmitted in multiple transmission opportunity (TXOP); information whether to share TXOP for the second hop to relay transmission; information whether to need to accept acknowledgement; time limit / delay information of relay data. In some embodiments of the present application, the fifth frame comprises one or more of the following subsequent transmission related information of the first hop and / or the second hop: if the traffic identifier to link mapping (TTLM) of the second hop needs to be renegotiated, the delay indicating the need of renegotiation; whether the second hop is available.

[0147] In some embodiments of the present application, the fourth frame and the fifth frame comprise one of the following combinations:

[0148] Request to send (RTS) frame and clear to send (CTS) frame, multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) frame and the CTS frame, MU-RTS frame and the CTS frame, buffer status report poll (BSRP) frame and buffer status report frame, block acknowledgement request (BAR) frame and acknowledgement frame, the BAR frame and block acknowledgement (BA) frame, the BAR frame and multi-station block acknowledgement (M-BA) frame, multi-user block acknowledgement request (MU-BAR) frame and the acknowledgement frame, the MU-BAR frame and the BA frame, the MU-BAR frame and the M-BA frame, beamforming report poll (BFRP) frame and beamforming report (BFR) frame, trigger frame and trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) frame carrying quality of service (QoS) null / data, QoS null frame and the acknowledgement frame, the QoS null frame and the BA frame, the QoS null frame and the M-BA frame.

[0149] Because the {CAP1} indicated in the first embodiment will change with the channel condition and the device condition, it is more beneficial to provide real-time capability information for successful relay transmission, and can improve resource utilization efficiency. Several embodiments of this chapter propose that the MLDs start the relay transmission of this time by using the relay initial frame and the relay initial reply frame, and synchronize the relay parameters used in this time transmission.

[0150] In the fifth embodiment, the relay initial frame indicates / configures the relay transmission parameters. In the fifth embodiment, the relay initial reply frame indicates / configures the relay transmission parameters. Advantage: through capability negotiation and indication, it can not only ensure more accurate and timely transmission, but also improve resource utilization efficiency, and is also beneficial to relay energy saving.

[0151] Fifth embodiment: MLD4 initiates relay transmission request and sets transmission parameters / capabilities, fifth MLD (MLD 5) replies frame responding relay transmission request MLD4 or fifth MLD (MLD 5) is relay MLD (relay MLD). When MLD4 is relay MLD, third party sixth MLD (MLD 6) is relay source, when fifth MLD (MLD 5) is relay MLD, third party sixth MLD (MLD 6) is relay destination.

[0152] Stage 1: MLD4 sends relay initial frame (fourth frame) to fifth MLD (MLD 5) and / or sixth MLD (MLD 6) to start this relay transmission, indicates relay third party sixth MLD (MLD 6) in the fourth frame, and indicates / configures the capability set / working parameter set {CAP2} of the first hop and / or the second hop.

[0153] {CAP2} includes part or all of the information indicated in {CAP1} in the first embodiment. It can be understood as link adaptation, which is also real-time adjustment of transmission capability. {CAP2} has the following two options.

[0154] Option 1: {CAP2} indicates / configures the capability set of the first hop and / or the second hop.

[0155] Optionally, the capability in {CAP2} is not higher than the capability {CAP1} of the first hop and / or the second hop indicated in the first embodiment.

[0156] In an implementation, the fourth frame can be a control frame.

[0157] Option 2: {CAP2} indicates / configures the working parameter set of the relay MLD.

[0158] {CAP2} also includes one or more of the following subsequent transmission related information of the first hop and / or the second hop: traffic priority information, such as TID information, packet size information to be transmitted, traffic flow information of one or more stations on the MLD, such as traffic indication map TIM information, information whether to be sent in multiple TXOPs, information whether to share TXOP for the second hop for relay transmission, information whether to need to accept confirmation, such as whether to need Ack, time effectiveness / delay information of relay data, such as if the relay data is not relayed within a given time, the relay data is invalid and can be discarded.

[0159] In an implementation, the fourth frame can be a control frame, which can be a trigger frame.

[0160] Stage 2: The fifth MLD (MLD 5) replies the Relay Initiation frame (referred to as Relay Initiation Reply frame, the fifth frame) to MLD4 and / or the sixth MLD (MLD 6), indicating whether to start this relay transmission.

[0161] The fifth frame includes the following one or more subsequent transmission related information of the first hop and / or the second hop. If the TTLM of the second hop needs to be re-negotiated, the delay indicating the re-negotiation need is indicated. Whether the second hop is available (for example, whether it is temporarily unavailable due to energy saving, whether it cannot be used due to interference, or whether the second hop link measurement information recently given to the first MLD (MLD 1) is expired).

[0162] In an embodiment, the fourth frame and the fifth frame can be any combination of the following, but are not limited to the following combinations:

[0163] The second table: the fourth frame and the fifth frame:

[0164] The Relay Initiation frame can be sent on any link, and the Relay Initiation Reply frame can be replied on any link.

[0165] The sixth embodiment: MLD4 initiates a relay transmission request, and the fifth MLD (MLD 5) replies a frame in response to the relay transmission request and sets transmission parameters / capabilities.

[0166] The MLD4 or the fifth MLD (MLD 5) is a relay MLD (relay MLD). When the MLD4 is the relay MLD, the third party sixth MLD (MLD 6) is the relay source, and when the fifth MLD (MLD 5) is the relay MLD, the third party sixth MLD (MLD 6) is the relay destination.

[0167] Stage 1: MLD4 sends a Relay Initiation frame (the fourth frame) to the fifth MLD (MLD 5) and / or the sixth MLD (MLD 6) to start this relay transmission, indicating the relay third party sixth MLD (MLD 6) in the fourth frame.

[0168] In an embodiment, the fourth frame can be a control frame, and can be a trigger frame.

[0169] Stage 2: The fifth MLD (MLD 5) replies the Relay Initiation frame (referred to as Relay Initiation Reply frame, the fifth frame) to MLD4 and / or the sixth MLD (MLD 6), indicating whether to start this relay transmission, and indicating / configuring the capability set / working parameter set {CAP2} of the first hop and / or the second hop.

[0170] {CAP2} includes part or all of the information of {CAP1} indicated in the first embodiment.

[0171] Option 1: {CAP2} indicates / configures the capability set of the first hop and / or the second hop.

[0172] Optionally, the capability in {CAP2} is not higher than the capability {CAP1} of the first hop and / or the second hop indicated in the first embodiment.

[0173] In an embodiment, the fourth frame can be a control frame.

[0174] Option 2: {CAP2} indicates / configures the set of operating parameters of the first hop and / or the second hop.

[0175] {CAP2} further includes one or more of the following information related to subsequent transmission of the first hop and / or the second hop: traffic priority information, such as TID information, size information of the amount of packets to be transmitted, traffic flow information of one or more stations on the MLD, such as traffic indication map (TIM) information, information whether to be sent in multiple TXOPs, information whether to share TXOP for the second hop to relay transmission, information whether to require an acknowledgement, such as whether to require an Ack, time-sensitive / delay information of the relayed data, such as the relayed data is invalid and can be discarded if not transmitted within a given time.

[0176] The fifth frame includes one or more of the following information related to subsequent transmission of the first hop and / or the second hop: if the TTLM of the second hop needs to be renegotiated, the delay indicating the need for renegotiation. Whether the second hop is available (e.g., whether it is temporarily unavailable due to energy saving, whether it cannot be used due to interference, or whether the second hop link measurement information to the first MLD (MLD 1) is expired recently).

[0177] In an embodiment, the fourth frame and the fifth frame can be any combination of the following, but are not limited to the following combinations:

[0178] Table 3: The fourth frame and the fifth frame:

[0179] The relay initial frame can be sent on any link, and the relay initial reply frame can be replied on any link.

[0180] Seventh embodiment: relay response timer design.

[0181] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7, the method of cooperative communication of the multi-link device includes at least one operation: operation 701: after the sender sends the relay initial frame, the relay response timer is immediately started. If the relay initial reply frame sent by the responder is received within the time corresponding to the relay response timer, subsequent transmission is performed according to the indication of the relay initial reply frame. If the relay initial reply frame sent by the responder is not received within the time corresponding to the relay response timer, the sender considers that the relay transmission is failed.

[0182] Through the technical solution, if the sender receives the relay initial reply frame sent by the responder within the time corresponding to the relay response timer, the sender performs subsequent transmission according to the indication of the relay initial reply frame, and the relay transmission efficiency can be improved.

[0183] In some embodiments of the present application, the duration of the relay response timer is indicated to the receiver in the relay initial frame. In some embodiments of the present application, the relay response timer is also used for error recovery processing. After the relay response timer expires, the sender re-sends the relay initial frame or looks for a relay site, and the receiver considers that the relay transmission is cancelled if no subsequent transmission is received after the relay response timer expires plus a first duration.

[0184] The relay initial frame can be sent on any link, and the relay initial reply frame can be replied on any link. In order to avoid that the time interval between the relay initial reply frame and the relay initial frame is too long and affects the timeliness of relay transmission, the present embodiment proposes to design a relay response timer. The timer is used to constrain the time interval between when the sender sends the relay initial frame and when the responder sends the relay initial reply frame.

[0185] In one embodiment, after the sender sends the relay initial frame, the relay response timer is immediately started. If the relay initial reply frame sent by the responder is received within the time corresponding to the relay response timer, subsequent transmission is performed according to the indication of the frame. If the relay initial reply frame sent by the responder is not received within the time corresponding to the relay response timer, the sender considers that the relay transmission start fails. If relay operation needs to be continued, the sender can wait and then retry or look for other relay sites. Alternatively, the duration of the relay response timer can be indicated to the receiver in the relay initial frame.

[0186] The timer can also be used for error recovery processing. For example, when the receiver does not receive the relay initial frame, or receives but cannot parse, or replies the relay initial reply frame but the receiver does not receive, etc., after the timer expires, the sender can re-send the relay initial frame or look for other relay sites. After the timer expires plus a duration T (for example, T = SIFS / PIFS / DIFS / EIFS, etc.), if no subsequent transmission is received, the receiver can also consider that the relay transmission is cancelled.

[0187] Eighth to tenth embodiments: trigger-based relay transmission process and method design. The eighth to tenth embodiments are sub-embodiment designs of some of the previous embodiments.

[0188] Eighth embodiment: Trigger frame.

[0189] In some embodiments of the present application, the fourth frame is a trigger frame, the trigger frame contains one or more user information fields for indicating that the target receiver is the fifth MLD and / or the sixth MLD, and / or transmission parameters of the relay link. In some embodiments of the present application, when the fourth MLD is a relay MLD and the sixth MLD is a relay source, the parameter information of the first user information field of the trigger frame indicates the communication parameters between the fourth MLD and the fifth MLD, and the parameter information of the second user information field of the trigger frame indicates the communication parameters between the fourth MLD and the sixth MLD. In some embodiments of the present application, when the fifth MLD is a relay MLD and the sixth MLD is a relay destination, the parameter information of the first user information field of the trigger frame indicates the communication parameters between the fourth MLD and the fifth MLD, and the parameter information of the second user information field of the trigger frame indicates the communication parameters between the fifth MLD and the sixth MLD. In some embodiments of the present application, the transmission parameters of the relay link are indicated by the first user information field and the second user information field.

[0190] The present embodiment proposes a method of starting relay transmission and setting transmission parameters based on a trigger frame. The relay initial frame of the fifth embodiment to the seventh embodiment can be a trigger frame, and the relay initial reply frame is a frame replying to the trigger frame, and the information is indicated in the trigger frame and / or the reply frame. The trigger frame can be sent by the relay MLD or sent to the relay MLD. The basic format of the trigger frame can refer to the existing standard. Further, the present embodiment can add one or more user information list fields in the user information list field of the trigger frame to indicate the specific target receiver and / or the transmission parameters of the relay link (first hop and / or second hop).

[0191] In an implementation, the MLD 4 sends a trigger frame to the fifth MLD (MLD 5) and / or the sixth MLD (MLD 6), and the specific target receiver is indicated by one or more User Info fields in the User Info List. A first User Info field is added to indicate that the parameter information therein is applicable to the fifth MLD (MLD 5), and / or a second User Info field is added to indicate that the parameter information therein is applicable to the sixth MLD (MLD 6). When the MLD 4 is a relay MLD, the third party sixth MLD (MLD 6) is a relay source, the parameter information of the first User Info field indicates the communication parameters between the MLD 4 and the fifth MLD (MLD 5), and the parameter information of the second User Info field indicates the communication parameters between the MLD 4 and the sixth MLD (MLD 6). When the fifth MLD (MLD 5) is a relay MLD, the third party sixth MLD (MLD 6) is a relay destination, the parameter information of the first User Info field indicates the communication parameters between the MLD 4 and the fifth MLD (MLD 5), and the parameter information of the second User Info field indicates the communication parameters between the fifth MLD (MLD 5) and the sixth MLD (MLD 6). At this time, the transmission parameter {CAP2} is indicated by the first User Info field and the second User Info field together. The trigger frame can be a Basic, MU-BAR, MU-RTS, BSRP, etc. trigger frame. Different types of trigger frames can be used to adapt to different scenarios and obtain different functional reply frames.

[0192] Ninth embodiment: MU-RTS trigger frame.

[0193] In some embodiments of the present application, the trigger frame is a MU-RTS trigger frame. In some embodiments of the present application, the uplink target receive power field of the MU-RTS trigger frame is used to indicate the target receive power of the receiving link. In some embodiments of the present application, the resource unit (RU) allocation subfield of the first User Info field and the RU allocation subfield of the second User Info field of the MU-RTS trigger frame are used to indicate the bandwidth and channel information of the first hop and / or the second hop of the relay transmission, and the association identifier (AID) 12 subfield of the first User Info field and the AID 12 subfield of the second User Info field are used to indicate that the target receiver is the fifth MLD and / or the sixth MLD.

[0194] The method of starting relay transmission and setting transmission parameters based on a MU-RTS (multi-user request to send) trigger frame is a sub-embodiment of the eighth embodiment. The relay initial frame of the fifth embodiment to the seventh embodiment can be a MU-RTS trigger frame, and the relay initial reply frame is a CTS frame, and the information is indicated in the MU-RTS frame and / or the CTS frame. The MU-RTS frame can be sent by the relay MLD, or it can be sent to the relay MLD.

[0195] Optionally, the specific target receiver is the fifth MLD (MLD 5) and / or the sixth MLD (MLD 6) indicated by the user information field in the user information list in the MU-RTS TXS TF. At this time, the reserved field in the MU-RTS frame can appear to indicate the relay transmission related information. For example, the UL target receiving power field of the user information field can appear to indicate the target receiving power of the receiving link. Alternatively, as in the eighth embodiment, a first user information field and a second user information field are added to indicate the transmission parameters of the relay link (first hop and / or second hop) {CAP2}.

[0196] For the MU-RTS frame, the RU allocation subfield in the user information field addressed to the STA indicates whether the CTS frame is sent on the primary 20MHz channel, the primary 40MHz channel, the primary 80MHz channel, the 160MHz channel, or the 80+80MHz channel. Optionally, the RU allocation subfield of the first user information field and the second user information field can indicate the bandwidth and channel information of the first hop and / or the second hop of the subsequent relay transmission, and the AID12 subfield can indicate that the target receiver is the fifth MLD (MLD 5) and / or the sixth MLD (MLD 6).

[0197] Tenth embodiment: MU-RTS TXS trigger frame.

[0198] In some embodiments of the present application, the MU-RTS trigger frame is a multi-user request to send transmission time sharing MU-RTS TXS trigger frame. In some embodiments of the present application, the parameter information of the first user information field of the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame is applicable to the fifth MLD, the parameter information of the second user information field of the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame is applicable to the sixth MLD, and the transmission parameters of the relay link are indicated by the first user information field and the second user information field. In some embodiments of the present application, the trigger transmission opportunity TXOP sharing mode subfield in the common information field of the MU-RTS trigger frame is used to indicate whether the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame is the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame that starts relay transmission.

[0199] The embodiment proposes a method of starting relay transmission and setting transmission parameters based on the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame, which is a sub-embodiment of embodiment 9. In one embodiment, MLD 4 sends a MU-RTS TXS trigger frame to the fifth MLD (MLD 5) and / or the sixth MLD (MLD 6), and the specific target receiver is indicated by one or more User Info fields in the User Info List in the MU-RTS TXS frame. A first User Info field is added to indicate that the parameter information therein is applicable to the fifth MLD (MLD 5), and / or a second User Info field is added to indicate that the parameter information therein is applicable to the sixth MLD (MLD 6). At this time, the transmission parameter {CAP2} is indicated by the first User Info field and the second User Info field. Optionally, the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame that starts relay transmission is indicated by the triggered TXOP sharing mode subfield in the common information field of the MU-RTS frame. For example, the triggered TXOP sharing mode subfield = reserved value 3 is used for indication.

[0200] Eleventh to thirteenth embodiments: service mapping method for multi-link relay.

[0201] Because the TID-to-Link mapping (TTLM) mode of the first hop and the second hop can be different, a TTLM method needs to be designed for relay transmission to achieve smooth transmission of a certain TID from the first hop to the second hop and reduce the interruption probability.

[0202] Eleventh embodiment: selecting a transmittable link for a TID.

[0203] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the method of cooperative communication of the multi-link device includes at least one of the following operations: operation 801: a first MLD sends a sixth frame to a second MLD, wherein the sixth frame is used to indicate a service identifier TIDx; wherein in the direction from the first MLD to the second MLD, the transmittable TIDs and the corresponding links are respectively a first TID set and a first link set, and in the direction from the second MLD to a third MLD, the transmittable TIDs and the corresponding links are respectively a second TID set and a second link set; operation 802: the first MLD receives a seventh frame from the second MLD and determines the transmittable TIDs and the corresponding first hop and / or second hop links according to the seventh frame.

[0204] Through the technical solution, in relay transmission, the seventh frame is used to determine the transmittable TID and the corresponding first hop and / or second hop link, so that the TID can be smoothly transmitted from the first hop to the second hop, and the interruption probability is reduced.

[0205] In some embodiments of the present application, the relay parameter information set of the sixth frame includes the {LINKSX-TIDx}, and in relay transmission, the second MLD compares the {LINKSX-TIDx} with the {LINKSY-TIDx}, and indicates a link set {RELAYLINKS-TIDx} receiving the TIDx in the seventh frame. In some embodiments of the present application, the second MLD indicates the {LINKSY-TIDx} in the seventh frame, and in relay transmission, the first MLD compares the {LINKSY-TIDx} with the {LINKSX-TIDx} to determine a link set {RELAYLINKS-TIDx} receiving the TIDx. In some embodiments of the present application, the predefined rule specifies that a default traffic identifier to link mapping TTLM mode is established between the second MLD and the third MLD, that is, in relay transmission, all TIDs are allowed to be sent on all associated links.

[0206] The embodiment proposes that in the relay transmission, the relay link can be selected as needed according to the required transmission TID. The additional beneficial effect of the scheme is that the data plane of the relay MLD does not need to maintain the TTLM module and / or the link merging module, and the link for the TID to be transmitted can be selected in relay transmission, which can simplify the design and reduce the cost.

[0207] Method design:

[0208] The first MLD (MLD 1) sends the sixth frame, and the relay MLD replies the seventh frame. The sixth frame indicates TIDx. In the direction from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2), assuming that the transmittable link set of TIDx is {LINKSX-TIDx}; in the direction from the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3), the transmittable link set of TIDx is {LINKSY-TIDx}, then:

[0209] Method one: the relay MLD (second MLD (MLD 2)) decides. The {CAP1} of the sixth frame includes the set {LINKSX-TIDx}, and the relay MLD compares with the local {LINKSY-TIDx} to indicate the link set {RELAYLINKS-TIDx} that can receive TIDx in the seventh frame.

[0210] Method two: first MLD (MLD 1) decision: the relay MLD indicates {LINKSX-TIDx} in the seventh frame, the first MLD (MLD 1) decides which link to send TIDx according to the comparison with local {LINKSX-TIDx}, that is, decides {RELAYLINKS-TIDx}. At this time, {RELAYLINKS-TIDx} can be indicated to the relay MLD or not.

[0211] Method three: design rule: it is stipulated that a default TTLM mode is established between the relay MLD and the third MLD (MLD 3), that is, all TIDs are allowed to be sent on all associated links. The requirement for the relay MLD is higher, because all links need to have the ability and resources to send all TIDs.

[0212] One implementation is to select when the relay parameter information is indicated, at this time the sixth frame and the seventh frame can be the first frame and the second frame in some of the above embodiments. One implementation is to select when the relay transmission process is started, at this time the sixth frame and the seventh frame can be the fourth frame and the fifth frame in some of the above embodiments. One implementation result is that the TTLM of TIDx from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2) is mapped to link1 and link2, that is, {LINKSX-TIDx}={link1, link2}. While the TTLM of TIDx from the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3) is mapped to link2 and link3, that is, {LINKSY-TIDx}={link3, link2}, which means that TIDx can only be transmitted to the third MLD (MLD 3) through link2 and / or link3. Then without re-performing TTLM, TIDx needs to be relayed on link2 to go from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2) and then to the third MLD (MLD 3), that is, {RELAYLINKS-TIDx}={link2}. The first MLD (MLD 1) and the second MLD (MLD 2) can reach an agreement on this by using the above method, so as to realize smooth and timely relay of the TIDx.

[0213] It should be understood that the above link (set) can be indicated by a Link Bitmap or a Link ID. Since the TTLM has directionality, the relay transmission of the third MLD (MLD 3) to the first MLD (MLD 1) also needs the above-mentioned negotiation, the method is consistent with the above, which can be performed together or separately. A set of transmittable links can be selected for multiple TIDx, and the method can be used multiple times.

[0214] Twelfth embodiment: selecting transmittable TIDs for links:

[0215] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method of cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9, the method of cooperative communication of the multi-link device includes at least one of the following operations: operation 901: a first MLD sends a sixth frame to a second MLD, wherein the sixth frame indicates a link LINKx; the second MLD replies to the first MLD with a seventh frame; wherein in a direction from the first MLD to the second MLD, it is assumed that a set of transmittable traffic identifiers (TIDs) of the LINKx is {TIDSX-LINKx}; in a direction from the second MLD to the third MLD, it is assumed that a set of transmittable TIDs of the LINKx is {TIDSY-LINKx}, operation 902: when relaying transmission, a set of transmittable TIDs for the LINKx is selected by the seventh frame, the first MLD, or a predefined rule.

[0216] Through the above technical solution, when relaying transmission, a set of transmittable TIDs for the LINKx is selected by the second MLD, the first MLD, or a predefined rule, which can realize smooth transmission of TIDs from a first hop to a second hop and reduce the probability of interruption.

[0217] In some embodiments of the present application, the set of relay parameter information of the sixth frame includes the {TIDSX-LINKx}, and when relaying transmission, the seventh frame indicates a set of TIDs {RELAYTIDS-LINKx} received by the LINKx. In some embodiments of the present application, the seventh frame indicates the {TIDSY-LINKx}, and when relaying transmission, the first MLD compares the {TIDSY-LINKx} with the {TIDSX-LINKx} to determine a set of links {RELAYTIDS-LINKx} receiving the LINKx. In some embodiments of the present application, the predefined rule specifies that a default traffic identifier to link mapping (TTLM) mode is established between the second MLD and the third MLD, that is, all associated links are allowed to send all TIDs.

[0218] According to the present embodiment, when relaying transmission is enabled, a TID for relaying transmission can be selected according to current link resources. Optionally, a data plane of a relay MLD does not need to maintain a TTLM module and / or a Link Merging module, and a transmittable TID for a link can be selected when relaying transmission, which can simplify design and reduce cost.

[0219] Method design:

[0220] The first MLD (MLD 1) sends a sixth frame, and the relay MLD replies a seventh frame. LINKx is indicated in the sixth frame, which is not necessarily the link on which the sixth frame is currently transmitted. Assuming that the set of transmittable TIDs on LINKx is {TIDSX-LINKx} in the direction from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2), and the set of transmittable TIDs on LINKx is {TIDSY-LINKx} in the direction from the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3), then:

[0221] Method one: The relay MLD (the second MLD (MLD 2)) decides that {CAP1} of the sixth frame includes the set {TIDSX-LINKx}, and the relay MLD indicates the set of receivable TIDs {RELAYTIDS-LINKx} on LINKx in the seventh frame according to comparison with the local {TIDSY-LINKx}.

[0222] Method two: The first MLD (MLD 1) decides that the relay MLD indicates {TIDSY-LINKx} in the seventh frame, and the first MLD (MLD 1)

[0223] decides which TIDs to transmit on LINKx according to comparison with the local {TIDSX-LINKx}, that is, decides {RELAYTIDS-LINKx}.

[0224] {RELAYTIDS-LINKx} can or can not be indicated to the relay MLD at this time.

[0225] Method three: Design rule: It is specified that a default TTLM mode is established between the relay MLD and the third MLD (MLD 3), that is, all associated links are allowed to transmit all TIDs. The relay MLD is required to have higher capability and resources to transmit all TIDs on all links.

[0226] In an implementation, the sixth frame and the seventh frame can be the first frame and the second frame in some of the foregoing embodiments when the relay parameter information is indicated. In an implementation, the sixth frame and the seventh frame can be the fourth frame and the fifth frame in some of the foregoing embodiments when the relay transmission process is started.

[0227] Note that the above TIDs (sets) can be indicated by TID bitmaps (TID Bitmaps) or by TIDs. Since TTLM has directionality, the relay transmission from the third MLD (MLD 3) to the first MLD (MLD 1) also needs the above-mentioned negotiation, the method is consistent with the above, and can be performed together or separately. The transmittable TIDs can be selected for multiple LINKx, and the method can be used multiple times.

[0228] Thirteenth embodiment: two-hop TTM two-dimensional selection

[0229] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10, the method of cooperative communication of the multi-link device includes at least one of the following operations: operation 1001: a first MLD sends a sixth frame to a second MLD, where the sixth frame indicates a link LINKx; the first MLD receives a seventh frame sent by the second MLD, where the seventh frame includes an acknowledgement or modification to a parameter in the sixth frame; where in the direction from the first MLD to the second MLD, it is assumed that the set of transmissible traffic identifiers TIDs for the LINKx is {TIDSX-LINKx}; in the direction from the second MLD to the third MLD, it is assumed that the set of transmissible TIDs for the LINKx is {TIDSY-LINKx}, operation 1002: the set of transmissible TIDs for the LINKx is selected by the seventh frame, the first MLD, or a predefined rule during relay transmission.

[0230] Through the above technical solution, the set of transmissible TIDs for each link is indicated by the seventh frame, the first MLD, or a predefined rule during relay transmission, which can realize smooth transmission of TIDs from the first hop to the second hop and reduce the probability of interruption.

[0231] In some embodiments of the present application, the seventh frame indicates the TID mapping TTLM-RELAY received on each link. In some embodiments of the present application, the first MLD compares the TTLMY and the TTLMX to determine the TID mapping TTLM-RELAY received on each link. In some embodiments of the present application, the predefined rule specifies that a default TTLM mode is established between the second MLD and the third MLD, i.e., all associated links allow transmission of all TIDs.

[0232] This embodiment proposes that the intersection or a subset of the intersection of the TTLM of the first hop and the TTLM of the second hop is used to determine the TTLM-RELAY during relay. During subsequent relay transmission, the first hop and the second hop both follow the TTLM-RELAY.

[0233] Under this scheme, the data plane of the relay MLD needs to maintain a TTLM module and / or a Link Merging module, and the beneficial effect is that the selectable range of the combination of the links of the first hop and the second hop during relay transmission is large. The TTLM of the first hop is denoted as TTLMX, and the TTLM of the second hop is denoted as TTLMY. The first MLD (MLD 1) sends a sixth frame, and the relay MLD replies with a seventh frame.

[0234] Method 1: Relay MLD (second MLD (MLD 2)) decision: The sixth frame includes TTLMX. The relay MLD indicates the TID mapping TTLM-RELAY that can be received on each link in the seventh frame based on comparison with the local TTLMY.

[0235] Method 2: First MLD (MLD 1) Decision: The relay MLD indicates TTLMY in the seventh frame. The first MLD (MLD 1) determines TTLM-RELAY based on the comparison with the local TTLMX. At this time, TTLM-RELAY may or may not be indicated to the relay MLD.

[0236] Method 3: Design rules: Establish a default TTLM mode between the relay MLD and the third MLD (MLD 3). This means that all associated links are allowed to send all TIDs. This places higher demands on the relay MLD because all links must have the ability and resources to send all TIDs.

[0237] In one embodiment, the relay parameter information is selected when indicated. In this case, the sixth and seventh frames can be the first and second frames in some of the previous embodiments. In another embodiment, the relay transmission process is selected when the sixth and seventh frames can be the fourth and fifth frames in some of the previous embodiments. In one embodiment, TTLMX and TTLMY are indicated using the TTLM element or its variants, including the TID I link mapping field, where I = 0, 1, 2, ... The figure below shows the baseline TTLM element.

[0238] The following illustrates TTLM-RELAY. An implementation result is that, from a first MLD (MLD 1) to a second MLD (MLD 2), TTLMX, TID0 is mapped to link1 and link2 and link3, and TID1 is mapped to link1 and link2. And from the second MLD (MLD 2) to a third MLD (MLD 3), TTLMY, TID0 is mapped to link2 and link3, and TID1 is mapped to link2. Then, without re-performing TTLM, TID0 needs to be relayed on link2 and / or link3 to go from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3), and TID1 needs to be relayed on link2 to go from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3). The first MLD (MLD 1) and the second MLD (MLD 2) can reach an agreement on this by using the above method, to achieve smooth and timely relaying of TID0 and TID1. At this time, the result of TTLM-RELAY can be that TID0 is mapped to link2 and / or link3, and TID1 is mapped to link2.

[0239] Note that the above link (set) can be indicated by a link bitmap, or can be indicated by a link ID. The above TID (set) can be indicated by a TID bitmap, or can be indicated by a TID. Since TTLM has directionality, relay transmission from the third MLD (MLD 3) to the first MLD (MLD 1) also needs the above negotiation, the method is consistent with the above, and can be performed together or separately.

[0240] Fourteenth embodiment: relay frame address resolution rule of MLD.

[0241] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11, the method of cooperative communication of the multi-link device includes at least one operation of: operation 1101: when there is no TTLM mapping link between the direction from a first MLD to a second MLD and the direction from the second MLD to a third MLD, using an indication of an MLD level of the second MLD to set and resolve a relay frame address, to implement same-link forwarding or cross-link forwarding.

[0242] By using the indication of the MLD level of the second MLD to set and resolve the relay frame address, same-link forwarding or cross-link forwarding can be implemented.

[0243] In some embodiments of the application, TTLM negotiation is re-performed between the first MLD and the second MLD, and / or between the second MLD and the third MLD, so that the traffic identifier TIDx is transmitted on the same link from the first MLD to the second MLD and then to the third MLD. In some embodiments of the application, cross-link relaying is enabled between the first MLD and the second MLD, and between the second MLD and the third MLD, so that TIDx is transmitted from the first MLD to the second MLD and then to the third MLD. In some embodiments of the application, the indication of the MLD level of the second MLD includes the MAC address of the second MLD, the association identifier AID, or the MLD identifier ID.

[0244] In some embodiments of the application, the use of the indication of the MLD level of the second MLD to set and resolve the relay frame address satisfies one or more of the following rules: frame transmission from the second MLD to an access point AP MLD, the indication of the transmitting device uses the indication of the MLD level of the second MLD; frame transmission from the AP MLD to the second MLD, the indication of the receiving device uses the indication of the MLD level of the second MLD; frame transmission from the second MLD to a non-access point non-AP MLD, the indication of the transmitting device uses the indication of the MLD level of the second MLD; frame transmission from the non-AP MLD to the second MLD, the indication of the receiving device uses the indication of the MLD level of the second MLD.

[0245] When there is no overlapping TTLM mapping link between the first hop and the second hop, the embodiment designs the address setting and resolution rules of TIDx from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2) and then to the third MLD (MLD 3).

[0246] Application scenarios For example, in the direction from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2), the set of transmissible links is {link1, link2}; in the direction from the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3), the set of transmissible links is {link3}, it can be seen that there is no overlapping TTLM mapping link between the first hop and the second hop, and TIDx cannot be transmitted to the third MLD (MLD 3).

[0247] Method 1: TTLM negotiation is re-done between the first MLD (MLD 1) and the second MLD (MLD 2), and / or between the second MLD (MLD 2) and the third MLD (MLD 3), so that TIDx can be transmitted on the same link from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3). At this time, the base link address setting and resolution rules are used. Method 2: Cross-link relaying can be enabled between multiple links of an MLD, so that TIDx can go from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3). This method proposes that, when an MLD transmits and / or receives a relayed frame, the MLD-level indication is used in the frame address bit setting and resolution to indicate the relayed MLD (rather than the STA-level indication), which can achieve both same-link forwarding and cross-link forwarding.

[0248] More specifically, the frame address setting and resolution design is designed as follows: At least one of the following rules is met:

[0249] Frame transmission from the relayed MLD to the AP MLD: Modify the indication method of the sending device, use the MLD-level indication of the relayed MLD (rather than the STA-level indication), such as using the MAC address or AID of the MLD ID of the relayed MLD

[0250] In this case, the addressing of the four-address frame should be as follows:

[0251] Address 1 is the MAC address of the AP (MPDU receiver).

[0252] Address 2 is the MAC address or AID or MLD ID of the relayed MLD (the sending MLD of the MPDU).

[0253] Address 3 is the DA of the MSDU (the destination address of the MSDU).

[0254] Address 4 is the SA of the MSDU (the source address of the MSDU).

[0255] If the four-address frame is a PV1 QoS data frame containing A-MSDU, the DA and / or SA field should not appear in any A-MSDU subframe header, unless the DA and / or SA for the MSDU contained in the A-MSDU subframe is not equal to the value contained in the address 3 and / or address 4 of the frame.

[0256] Otherwise, in this case, the addressing of the frame containing A-MSDU should be as follows:

[0257] Address 1 is the MAC address of the AP (MPDU receiver).

[0258] Address 2 is the MAC address or AID or MLD ID of the Relay MLD (transmitting MLD of the MPDU)

[0259] Address 3 is the MAC address of the AP (BSSID).

[0260] If the frame is a PV1 QoS Data frame, Address 3 is not present.

[0261] The DA in the A-MSDU subframe header is the DA of the MSDU (destination address of the MSDU).

[0262] The SA in the A-MSDU subframe header is the SA of the MSDU (source address of the MSDU).

[0263] AP MLD to Relay MLD frame transmission: modified indication of the receiving device, using MLD level indication of the Relay MLD

[0264] (instead of STA level indication), e.g. using the MAC address or AID or MLD ID of the Relay MLD.

[0265] In this case, the addressing of the four-address frame shall be as follows:

[0266] Address 1 is the MAC address or AID or MLD ID of the Relay MLD (receiving MLD of the MPDU).

[0267] Address 2 is the MAC address of the AP (transmitter of the MPDU).

[0268] Address 3 is the DA of the MSDU (destination address of the MSDU).

[0269] Address 4 is the SA of the MSDU (source address of the MSDU).

[0270] If the four-address frame is a PV1 QoS Data frame containing A-MSDU, the DA and / or SA fields shall not be present in any A-MSDU subframe header, unless the DA and / or SA are different for the MSDU contained in the A-MSDU subframe from the values contained in Address 3 and / or Address 4 of the frame. Otherwise, in this case, the addressing of the frame containing A-MSDU shall be as follows:

[0271] Address 1 is the MAC address or AID or MLD ID of the Relay MLD (receiving MLD of the MPDU).

[0272] Address 2 is the MAC address of the AP (transmitter of the MPDU).

[0273] Address 3 is the MAC address of the AP (BSSID).

[0274] If the frame is a PV1 QoS data frame, address 3 is not present.

[0275] The DA in the A-MSDU subframe header is the DA of the MSDU (destination address of the MSDU).

[0276] The SA in the A-MSDU subframe header is the SA of the MSDU (source address of the MSDU).

[0277] When the frame is a PV1 QoS data frame and the intended recipient has acknowledged storing A3 and / or A4 (as described in 10.57 (Generation and header compression procedure for PV1 MPDUs)), the DA and / or SA shall not be present in A3 and / or the A4 field of the frame or the DA and / or SA of the A-MSDU subframe headers contained in the frame, unless the DA and / or SA of the MSDU is different from the stored value. Frame transmission by a relay MLD to a non-AP MLD: indication by the transmitting device is modified, using an MLD-level indication of the relay MLD, e.g. using the MAC address or AID or MLD ID of the relay MLD.

[0278] Frame transmission by a non-AP MLD to a relay MLD: indication by the receiving device is modified, using an MLD-level indication of the relay MLD, e.g. using the MAC address or AID or MLD ID of the relay MLD.

[0279] Fifteenth embodiment: MLD's relay frame intended station site indication method:

[0280] Fig. 12 is a flow diagram of a method of cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 12, the method of cooperative communication of the multi-link device includes at least one operation of: operation 1201: indicating, by the MLD, one or more intended stations or one or more intended links when transmitting and / or receiving a relay frame, the content of the relay frame being for the one or more intended stations or the relay frame being forwarded and / or replied on the one or more intended links.

[0281] By the above technical solution, the one or more intended stations or the one or more intended links are indicated by the MLD when transmitting and / or receiving the relay frame, so that the same-link forwarding / reply of the relay frame can be realized, and cross-link forwarding / reply can also be realized.

[0282] In some embodiments of the present application, the one or more intended stations or the one or more intended links are different from the stations or links indicated by the frame receiving address (RA) of the relay frame. In some embodiments of the present application, the one or more intended stations or the one or more intended links include the stations or links indicated by the frame RA of the relay frame. In some embodiments of the present application, the one or more intended stations or the one or more links of the relay frame are indicated using the link identifier (ID) bitmap field of the multi-link operation (MLO) link information element of the relay frame. In some embodiments of the present application, the one or more intended stations are indicated using the medium access control (MAC) address of the station, the basic service set (BSS) in which the station is located, the BSS color of the BSS in which the station is located, and the association identifier (AID). In some embodiments of the present application, the one or more intended links are indicated using the link ID.

[0283] The embodiments of the present application propose a method for indicating intended stations / links of a relay frame in cross-link relaying, so as to realize cross-link forwarding / reply and exert the advantage of multi-link cooperation. When an MLD transmits and / or receives a relay frame, the MLD adds an indication of intended stations or links of the relay frame, which indicates that the content (the content refers to, for example, a frame body, or an MPDU, or an MMPDU) of the frame is for the intended stations, or the frame can be forwarded and / or replied on the intended links. The intended stations / links can be different from the stations / links indicated by the frame receiving address (RA). There can be multiple intended stations / links, which can all be different from the stations / links indicated by the frame RA, or can include the stations / links indicated by the frame RA. The method can realize same-link forwarding / reply of the relay frame, and can also realize cross-link forwarding / reply.

[0284] In an implementation, the link ID bitmap (Link ID Bitmap) field of the MLO / link information element (MLO Link Info element) is used to indicate one or more intended stations / links of the relay frame. Other methods can also be used, for example, the MAC address of the one or more intended stations, the BSSID of the BSS in which the station is located, the BSS color of the BSS in which the station is located, the AID, or the intended link (Link) ID, etc.

[0285] For example, the relay frame is transmitted from a first MLD (MLD 1) to a second MLD (MLD 2) and then to a third MLD (MLD 3), and the second MLD (MLD 2) is a relay MLD. When transmitted from the first MLD (MLD 1) to the second MLD (MLD 2), the transmission is on link 1, and the intended station / link is link 1 and link 2. Then, the second MLD (MLD 2) can determine to forward the frame to the third MLD (MLD 3) on link 1 and / or link 2 according to its own link state, and / or determine to reply the frame to the first MLD (MLD 1) on link 1 and / or link 2. When transmitted from the second MLD (MLD 2) to the third MLD (MLD 3), the intended station is link 1 and link 2 and link 3, and then the third MLD (MLD 3) can select to reply the frame on link 1 and / or link 2 and / or link 3 according to its own link state.

[0286] Sixteenth embodiment: method for periodic relay transmission

[0287] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for cooperative communication of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 13, the method for cooperative communication of the multi-link device includes at least one operation: operation 1301: aligning a target wake-up time (TWT) in a direction from a first MLD to a second MLD and in a direction from the second MLD to a third MLD, and performing relay data transmission in a period in which the TWT wakes up, wherein the TWT includes first TWT parameter information and second TWT parameter information.

[0288] By the above technical solution, the target wake-up time (TWT) in the direction from the first MLD to the second MLD and in the direction from the second MLD to the third MLD is aligned, and relay data transmission is performed in a period in which the TWT wakes up, so that the data transmission in the wake-up state is realized, and the probability of timely delivery of relay data is improved.

[0289] In some embodiments of the present application, the first MLD and the second MLD perform TWT negotiation to determine the first TWT parameter information and a first time period. In some embodiments of the present application, the second MLD multiplexes the first time period, and negotiates the second TWT parameter information and a second time period with the third MLD. In some embodiments of the present application, the first MLD and the second MLD use a TWT element to determine the first TWT parameter information and the first time period, or the second MLD and the third MLD use the TWT element to negotiate the second TWT parameter information and the second time period.

[0290] In some embodiments of the application, the control field and / or the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element carries the first TWT parameter information and the second TWT parameter information. In some embodiments of the application, the second TWT parameter information multiplexes one or more TWT parameters in the first TWT parameter information. In some embodiments of the application, the one or more TWT parameters in the first TWT parameter information include: TWT, nominal minimum TWT wake-up duration, TWT wake-up interval, TWT channel subfield value indicated in the TWT element. In some embodiments of the application, the first TWT parameter information and / or the second TWT parameter information includes part or all of the relay parameter information set.

[0291] In some embodiments of the application, the relay parameter information set in the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: link parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; power saving parameter information of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop power saving parameter information, and / or first-hop power saving parameter information, and / or single-hop power saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; information of reachable station addresses of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs for relay selection; coordinated spatial reuse (CoSR) information parameters of the one or more affiliated stations in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; traffic identifier to link mapping (TTLM) parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information; block acknowledgement (BA) related parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; mobile access point (AP) MLD information of the first MLD in the one or more related MLDs for indicating whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; coordinated communication information in the one or more related MLDs for indicating coordinated communication of the first MLD.

[0292] The embodiment proposes a method of periodic relay transmission. The first hop and the second hop of the relay can be aligned with TWT, and the relay data transmission is performed in the period of TWT wake-up. The method has the beneficial effect of simultaneous wake-up for data transmission, thereby improving the probability of timely delivery of relay data.

[0293] An implementation method is as follows. A first MLD (MLD 1) and a second MLD (MLD 2) perform TWT negotiation to determine TWT parameters {TWT1} and a time period of TWT. The second MLD (MLD 2) multiplexes the time period of TWT and negotiates corresponding TWT parameter information {TWT2} and a time period with a third MLD (MLD 3). The TWT negotiation can use a TWT element, and the TWT element can refer to the TWT element in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0294] The indication information of {TWT1} and {TWT2} can be placed in the control field and / or the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element. In an implementation, {TWT2} multiplexes one or more TWT parameters in {TWT1}, that is, multiplexes one or more of the following in {TWT1}: TWT, nominal minimum TWT wake-up duration, TWT wake-up interval, TWT channel subfield value indicated in the TWT element. The trigger subfield value indicated in the TWT element is also a TWT parameter of the HE STA. The meaning information of each parameter can be found in the standard text. {TWT1} can contain part or all of the information of {CAP1} indicated in the first embodiment. {TWT2} can contain part or all of the information of {CAP1} indicated in the first embodiment. Optionally, the relay transmission in the TWT wake-up period uses the process designed in the fifth embodiment. The above design is also applicable to a single-site STA. Assuming that there are N affiliated sites on the MLD, the single site is a special case of N = 1, and details are not repeated.

[0295] FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a wireless communication device 500 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The wireless communication device can be a relay communication device, an AP, or a STA. The wireless communication device 500 shown in FIG. 14 includes a processor 510, which can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments of the present application, the AP includes an AP STA or an AP MLD, and the STA includes an AP STA or a non-AP STA or an AP MLD or a non-AP MLD.

[0296] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the wireless communication device 500 can further include a memory 520. The processor 510 can invoke and run a computer program from the memory 520 to implement the method in the embodiments of the present application. The memory 520 can be a separate device independent of the processor 510, or can be integrated in the processor 510.

[0297] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the wireless communication device 500 can further include a transceiver 530, and the processor 510 can control the transceiver 530 to communicate with other devices, specifically, to send information or data to other devices, or receive information or data sent by other devices. The transceiver 530 can include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 530 can further include an antenna, and the number of antennas can be one or more.

[0298] Optionally, the wireless communication device 500 can be specifically a relay communication device in the embodiments of the present application, and the wireless communication device 500 can implement the corresponding procedures implemented by the relay communication device in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, details are not repeated here.

[0299] Optionally, the wireless communication device 500 can be specifically a mobile AP in the embodiments of the present application, and the wireless communication device 500 can implement the corresponding procedures implemented by the AP in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, details are not repeated here.

[0300] Optionally, the wireless communication device 700 can be specifically a STA in the embodiments of the present application, and the wireless communication device 700 can implement the corresponding procedures implemented by the STA in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, details are not repeated here. In some embodiments of the present application, the STA includes an AP STA or a non-AP STA or an AP MLD or a non-AP MLD.

[0301] FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 600 shown in FIG. 15 includes a processor 610, which can invoke and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiments of the present application.

[0302] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 15, the chip 600 can further include a memory 620. The processor 610 can invoke and run a computer program from the memory 620 to implement the method in the embodiments of the present application. The memory 620 can be a separate device independent of the processor 610, or can be integrated in the processor 610.

[0303] Optionally, the chip 600 can further include an input interface 630. The processor 610 can control the input interface 630 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, can acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0304] Optionally, the chip 600 can further include an output interface 640. The processor 610 can control the output interface 640 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, can output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0305] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the relay communication device in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes realized by the relay communication device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0306] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the AP in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes realized by the AP in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0307] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the STA in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes realized by the STA in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0308] FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication system 700 provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 16, the communication system 700 includes a first MLD (MLD 1) 710, a second MLD (MLD 2) (relay MLD) 720, and a third MLD (MLD 3) 730. The first MLD (MLD 1) 710 can be configured to implement the corresponding functions realized by the AP in the above methods, the second MLD (MLD 2) (relay MLD) 720 can be configured to implement the corresponding functions realized by the relay communication device in the above methods, and the third MLD (MLD 3) 730 can be configured to implement the corresponding functions realized by the STA in the above methods. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0309] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip having a processing capability of signals. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by an integrated logic circuit or an instruction in the form of software in the processor.

[0310] It is to be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. It should be noted that the memory of the system and method described herein is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable type of memory. The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

[0311] Optionally, the computer readable storage medium can be applied to the relay communication device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program makes the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the relay communication device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the computer readable storage medium can be applied to the AP in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program makes the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the AP in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the computer readable storage medium can be applied to the STA in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program makes the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the STA in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0312] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, comprising computer program instructions.

[0313] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the relay communication device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions make the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the relay communication device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the computer program product can be applied to the AP in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions make the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the AP in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the computer program product can be applied to the STA in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions make the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the STA in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0314] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program.

[0315] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the relay communication device in the embodiments of the present application, and when the computer program runs on the computer, the computer is caused to execute the corresponding processes realized by the relay communication device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not described herein. Alternatively, the computer program can be applied to the AP in the embodiments of the present application, and when the computer program runs on the computer, the computer is caused to execute the corresponding processes realized by the AP in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not described herein. Alternatively, the computer program can be applied to the STA in the embodiments of the present application, and when the computer program runs on the computer, the computer is caused to execute the corresponding processes realized by the STA in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0316] Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized in electronic hardware or in combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solutions. The skilled person can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0317] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any skilled person in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed in the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be limited to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: The subordinate station of the MLD indicates the relay parameter information set of one or more related MLDs through the field / element of the frame, and the relay parameter information set is applied to the link capability or working parameters of the subordinate station of the MLD in the relay mode and the link capability of the second hop of one or more subordinate stations in the one or more related MLDs in the relay mode.

2. The collaborative communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The link from the first MLD to the second MLD is a first-hop link, the link from the second MLD to the third MLD is a second-hop link, and the link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single-hop link, wherein the MLD is the first MLD, the second MLD, or the third MLD, wherein the one or more related MLDs are an MLD set, and the one or more related MLDs include one or more MLDs among the first MLD, the second MLD, and the third MLD.

3. The collaborative communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The relay parameter information set of the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: Link parameter information of one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; Quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; Energy-saving parameter information of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or first-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or single-hop energy-saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; Information on reachable site addresses of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, used for relay selection; Cooperative Space Multiplexing CoSR information parameters of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; The service identifier to link mapping TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs includes second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information; Block confirmation BA related parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; Mobile access point AP MLD information in the one or more related MLDs is used to indicate whether the MLD is a mobile AP MLD; The cooperative communication information in the one or more related MLDs is used to indicate the cooperative communication of the MLDs.

4. The collaborative communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The link parameter information of the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: Link budget information, including maximum / minimum / average uplink / downlink data rates, and / or channel measurement results, and / or bandwidth usage; Link physical layer capability information, including supported stream number information, and / or modulation and coding set (MCS) information, and / or bandwidth information, and / or transmit power information, and / or resource unit (RU) information, and / or multiple resource unit (MRU) information; Link cooperative communication parameter information, including the primary channel position, and / or whether preamble puncturing is supported, and / or whether secondary channel access is supported, and / or whether distributed RU with discontinuous subcarrier allocation is supported. The collaborative communication method according to claim 3 , wherein: The energy-saving parameter information of the one or more subordinate stations in the one or more related MLDs includes at least one of the following information: Target wake-up time TWT information; Restricted target wake time R-TWT information. The collaborative communication method according to claim 3 , wherein: The capability information parameters of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs include at least one of the following information: Very high throughput EHT / high efficiency HE / very high throughput VHT / high throughput HT functional elements; HE 6GHz band functional elements; Extended functional elements; MLD does not send and receive NSTR parameter information simultaneously.

7. The collaborative communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The CoSR information parameters of the one or more subordinate stations in the one or more related MLDs include whether CoSR is supported. The collaborative communication method according to claim 7 , wherein: The CoSR information parameter supports the CoSR, and the information parameter indicating the CoSR includes one or more of the following parameters: a demodulation threshold when CoSR is performed, an acceptable interference level, a transmit power limit for CoSR, and an MCS for CoSR.

9. The collaborative communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The TTLM parameter information of the one or more related MLDs indicates the TIDs that each link / station STA supports for transmission.

10. The collaborative communication method according to claim 9, wherein: The TTLM parameter information of the one or more related MLDs carries a TID to link map element to indicate on which links frames of each TID can be transmitted.

11. The collaborative communication method according to claim 9, wherein: The TTLM parameter information of the one or more related MLDs indicates whether a default TTLM mode is supported, where the default TTLM mode means that all TIDs are mapped to all established links in downlink and uplink, and all established links are enabled.

12. The collaborative communication method according to claim 11, wherein: The default TTLM mode is indicated by 1 bit.

13. The collaborative communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The BA-related parameter information of the one or more related MLDs includes whether to enable BA parameter information, BA protocol parameter information, and BA scoreboard parameter information.

14. The collaborative communication method according to claim 13, wherein: The BA-related parameter information of the one or more related MLDs includes a sending window size and a receiving window size.

15. The collaborative communication method according to claim 3, wherein: When the MLD is a non-relay MLD, the second-hop link parameter information indicates relay second-hop link parameter information of the affiliated station of the MLD.

16. The collaborative communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The link parameter information of the one or more related MLDs refers to a set of shared link parameter information or multiple sets of link parameter information indicated by the affiliated sites of the MLDs.

17. The collaborative communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The information of the reachable site addresses of the one or more related MLDs may be indicated in the form of an MLD address, or a bitmap of an MLD address and a link identifier ID, or an MLD address and a link ID, or an MLD ID, or an association identifier AID.

18. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: The subordinate stations in the first MLD send the first frame to the subordinate stations in the second MLD and / or the subordinate stations in the third MLD3; The first MLD receives a second frame from the second MLD, wherein the second frame includes confirmation or modification of parameters in the first frame; The field / element of the first frame is used to indicate the relay parameter information of the one or more related MLDs, and the relay parameter information set is applied to the link capability of the affiliated site of the first MLD in the relay mode and the link capability of the second hop of one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs in the relay mode, and / or the link capability of the first hop, and / or the link capability of a single hop.

19. The collaborative communication method according to claim 18, wherein: The link from the first MLD to the second MLD is a first-hop link, the link from the second MLD to the third MLD is a second-hop link, and the link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single-hop link, wherein the one or more related MLDs are an MLD set, and the one or more related MLDs include one or more MLDs among the first MLD, the second MLD, and the third MLD.

20. The collaborative communication method according to claim 18, wherein: The relay parameter information set in the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: link parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; Quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; Energy-saving parameter information of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or first-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or single-hop energy-saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; Information on reachable site addresses of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, used for relay selection; Cooperative Space Multiplexing CoSR information parameters of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; The service identifier to link mapping TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs includes the second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or the first-hop TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, and / or the single-hop TTLM parameter information; the block acknowledgment BA related parameter information in the one or more related MLDs includes the second-hop BA parameter information, and / or the first-hop TTLM parameter information. hop BA parameter information and / or single-hop BA parameter information; Mobile access point AP MLD information of the first MLD in the one or more related MLDs, used to indicate whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; The coordinated communication information in the one or more related MLDs is used to indicate the coordinated communication of the first MLD.

21. The collaborative communication method according to claim 18, wherein: The first frame is further used to request parameter information of the second MLD and / or the third MLD.

22. The collaborative communication method according to claim 18, wherein: The first frame includes: Probe request / response frame, or multilink probe request / response frame, or association request / response frame, or reassociation request / response frame, or relay activation request / response frame, or action unconfirmed frame, or action confirmed frame, or fast basic service set switching FT request / response frame, or link reconfiguration request frame, or FT action frame, or beacon frame.

23. The collaborative communication method according to claim 18, wherein: The second frame includes one or more of the following information: Performing matching confirmation on part or all of the parameter information of each subsidiary site / each link sent in the first frame; Reject and / or make suggestions on part or all of the parameter information of each affiliated site / each link sent in the first frame; Carrying parameter information of the affiliated site of the second MLD; If the first frame requests parameter information of the affiliated site of the second MLD, the second frame carries the information requested by the first frame.

24. The collaborative communication method according to claim 23, wherein: After receiving the first frame, the second MLD uses a status code to indicate the reason for whether there is a match in the second frame.

25. The collaborative communication method according to claim 18, wherein: The second frame includes: Probe request / response frame, or multilink probe request / response frame, or association request / response frame, or reassociation request / response frame, or relay activation request / response frame, or action unconfirmed frame, or action confirmed frame, or FT request / response frame, or FT action frame, or beacon frame.

26. The collaborative communication method according to claim 18, wherein: The first MLD sends a third frame to the second MLD, indicating that the first MLD accepts the link parameters indicated by the second MLD in the second frame.

27. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: The subordinate stations in the first MLD send the first frame to the subordinate stations in the second MLD and / or the subordinate stations in the third MLD3; Whether the first MLD receives the second frame from the second MLD depends on a conditional judgment and whether the second MLD becomes a candidate relay MLD for relay transmission by the first MLD; The field / element of the first frame is used to indicate the relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, and the relay parameter information set is applied to the link capability of the affiliated site of the first MLD in the relay mode and the link capability of the second hop of one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs in the relay mode, and / or the link capability of the first hop, and / or the link capability of a single hop.

28. The collaborative communication method according to claim 27, wherein: The link from the first MLD to the second MLD is a first-hop link, the link from the second MLD to the third MLD is a second-hop link, and the link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single-hop link, wherein the one or more related MLDs are an MLD set, and the one or more related MLDs include one or more MLDs among the first MLD, the second MLD, and the third MLD.

29. The collaborative communication method according to claim 27, wherein: The relay parameter information set of the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: link parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; Quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; Energy-saving parameter information of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or first-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or single-hop energy-saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; Information on reachable site addresses of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, used for relay selection; Cooperative Space Multiplexing CoSR information parameters of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; The service identifier to link mapping TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including the second hop TTLM parameter Information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information; Block confirmation BA related parameter information in the one or more related MLDDs, including second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; Mobile access point AP MLD information in the one or more related MLDs is used to indicate whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; The coordinated communication information in the one or more related MLDs is used to indicate the coordinated communication of the first MLD.

30. The collaborative communication method according to claim 27, wherein: The conditions include one or more of the following: If the relay parameter information requirement indicated by the second frame does not match the parameter configuration of all affiliated sites in the second MLD, the second MLD cannot become the backup relay MLD, the second MLD does not respond to the first MLD, or the second MLD responds to the first MLD via the second frame, and the second frame indicates the reason for the mismatch; If the relay parameter information indicated by the second frame requires matching with parameter configurations of some or all of the subordinate sites in the second MLD, the second MLD chooses not to become the standby relay MLD, the second MLD does not respond to the first MLD, or the second MLD responds to the first MLD via the second frame, where the second frame indicates whether each subordinate site / each link in the second MLD matches and / or the reason for the mismatch; If the relay parameter information indicated by the second frame requires matching the parameter configurations of some or all of the subsidiary sites in the second MLD, the second MLD selects to become the alternative relay MLD, and becomes the alternative relay site / link on the subsidiary sites / links in the second MLD where the parameter configuration matches, and the second MLD responds to the first MLD through the second frame, and the second frame indicates whether the subsidiary sites / links in the second MLD match, and / or the reasons for the mismatch; if the relay parameter information indicated by the second frame requires complete matching the parameter configurations of all subsidiary sites in the second MLD, the second MLD selects to become the alternative relay MLD, and the second MLD responds to the first MLD through the second frame, and the second frame indicates that the subsidiary sites / links in the second MLD completely match.

31. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: The affiliated sites in the second MLD send a third frame to the affiliated sites in the first MLD and / or the affiliated sites in the third MLD; wherein the fields / elements of the third frame are used to indicate relay parameter information of one or more related MLDs, and the relay parameter information set is applied to the link capability of the affiliated sites of the second MLD in the relay mode and the link capability of the second hop of one or more affiliated sites in the second MLD in the relay mode, and / or the link capability of the first hop, and / or the link capability of a single hop.

32. The collaborative communication method according to claim 31, wherein: The link from the first MLD to the second MLD is a first-hop link, the link from the second MLD to the third MLD is a second-hop link, and the link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single-hop link, wherein the one or more related MLDs are an MLD set, and the one or more related MLDs include one or more MLDs among the first MLD, the second MLD, and the third MLD.

33. The collaborative communication method according to claim 31, wherein: The relay parameter information set in the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: link parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; Quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; Energy-saving parameter information of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or first-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or single-hop energy-saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; Information on reachable site addresses of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, used for relay selection; Cooperative Space Multiplexing CoSR information parameters of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; The service identifier to link mapping TTLM parameter information of the first MLD includes second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information; Block confirmation BA related parameter information in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; Mobile access point AP MLD information of the first MLD in the one or more related MLDs, used to indicate whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; The coordinated communication information in the one or more related MLDs is used to indicate the coordinated communication of the first MLD.

34. The collaborative communication method according to claim 31, wherein: The first MLD sends a first frame to the subordinate station in the second MLD and / or the subordinate station in the third MLD3; The first frame is used to request the second MLD to become a candidate relay MLD for relay transmission.

35. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: The fourth MLD sends a fourth frame to the fifth MLD and / or the sixth MLD for relay transmission, wherein the fourth frame indicates that the relay third party is the sixth MLD; The fourth MLD receives a fifth frame sent by the fifth MLD, where the fifth frame includes confirmation or modification of parameters in the fourth frame; The fourth frame or the fifth frame indicates / configures a capability set / working parameter set.

36. The collaborative communication method according to claim 35, wherein: The capability set / working parameter set includes the capability set of the first hop and / or the second hop, wherein the link from the first MLD to the second MLD is a first-hop link, the link from the second MLD to the third MLD is a second-hop link, and the link from the first MLD to the third MLD is a single-hop link.

37. The collaborative communication method according to claim 36, wherein: The capability set of the first hop and / or the second hop is not higher than the relay parameter information set.

38. The collaborative communication method according to claim 37, wherein: The relay parameter information set in the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: link parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; Quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; Energy-saving parameter information of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or first-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or single-hop energy-saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; Information on reachable site addresses of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, used for relay selection; Cooperative Space Multiplexing CoSR information parameters of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; The service identifier to link mapping (TTLM) parameter information in the one or more related MLDs includes second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs; the block acknowledgement (BA) related parameter information in the one or more related MLDs includes second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; Mobile access point AP MLD information of the first MLD in the one or more related MLDs, used to indicate whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; The coordinated communication information in the one or more related MLDs is used to indicate the coordinated communication of the first MLD.

39. The collaborative communication method according to claim 35, wherein: The capability set / operating parameter set indicates / configures the operating parameter set of the relay MLD.

40. The collaborative communication method according to claim 35, wherein: The capability set / operating parameter set further includes one or more of the following subsequent transmission-related information of the first hop and / or the second hop: Business priority information; Information about the size of the packet to be transmitted; Traffic flow information of one or more sites on the MLD; Whether to send information in multiple transmission opportunities TXOP; Whether to share TXOP with the second hop to relay the transmitted information; Whether to receive confirmation information; Timeliness / delay information of relay data.

41. The collaborative communication method according to claim 35, wherein: The fifth frame includes the following one or more subsequent transmission related information of the first hop and / or the second hop: If the second-hop service identifier to link mapping (TTLM) needs to be renegotiated, indicate the delay required for the renegotiation; Whether the second hop is available.

42. The collaborative communication method according to claim 35, wherein: The fourth frame and the fifth frame include one of the following combinations: a request to send RTS frame and a clear to send CTS frame, a multi-user request to send MU-RTS frame and the CTS frame, a multi-user request to send MU RTS frame and the CTS frame, a buffer status report polling BSRP frame and a buffer status report frame, a block acknowledgement request BAR frame and an acknowledgement frame, the BAR frame and a block acknowledgement BA frame, the BAR frame and a multi-site block acknowledgement M-BA frame, a multi-user block acknowledgement request MU-BAR frame and the acknowledgement frame, the MU-BAR frame and the BA frame, the MU-BAR frame and the M-BA frame, a beamforming report polling BFRP frame and a beamforming report BFR frame, a trigger frame and a trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit TB PPDU frame carrying quality of service QoS empty / data, a QoS empty frame and the acknowledgement frame, the QoS empty frame and the BA frame, the QoS empty frame and the M-BA frame.

43. The collaborative communication method according to claim 35, wherein: The fourth frame is a trigger frame, and the trigger frame includes one or more user information fields, which are used to indicate that the target receiver is the fifth MLD and / or the sixth MLD, and / or transmission parameters of the relay link.

44. The collaborative communication method according to claim 34, wherein: When the fourth MLD is a relay MLD and the sixth MLD is a relay source, the parameter information of the first user information field of the trigger frame indicates the communication parameters between the fourth MLD and the fifth MLD, and the parameter information of the second user information field of the trigger frame indicates the communication parameters between the fourth MLD and the sixth MLD.

45. The collaborative communication method according to claim 34, wherein: When the fifth MLD is a relay MLD and the sixth MLD is a relay destination, the parameter information of the first user information field of the trigger frame indicates the communication parameters between the fourth MLD and the fifth MLD, and the parameter information of the second user information field of the trigger frame indicates the communication parameters between the fifth MLD and the sixth MLD.

46. ​​The collaborative communication method according to claim 44 or 45, wherein: The transmission parameters of the relay link are jointly indicated by the first user information field and the second user information field.

47. The collaborative communication method according to claim 44, wherein: The trigger frame is a MU-RTS trigger frame.

48. The collaborative communication method according to claim 47, wherein: The uplink target received power field of the MU-RTS trigger frame is used to indicate the target received power of the receiving link.

49. The collaborative communication method according to claim 47, wherein: The resource unit RU allocation subfield of the first user information field and the RU allocation subfield of the second user information field of the MU-RTS trigger frame are used to indicate the bandwidth and channel information of the first hop and / or the second hop of relay transmission, and the association identifier AID12 subfield of the first user information field and the AID12 subfield of the second user information field are used to indicate that the target recipient is the fifth MLD and / or the sixth MLD.

50. The collaborative communication method according to claim 47, wherein: The MU-RTS trigger frame is a multi-user request to send a transmission time sharing MU-RTS TXS trigger frame.

51. The collaborative communication method according to claim 47, wherein: The parameter information of the first user information field of the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame is applicable to the fifth MLD, the parameter information of the second user information field of the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame is applicable to the sixth MLD, and the transmission parameters of the relay link are jointly indicated by the first user information field and the second user information field.

52. The collaborative communication method according to claim 47, wherein: The TXOP shared mode subfield in the common information field of the MU-RTS trigger frame is used to indicate whether it is the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame for enabling relay transmission.

53. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: After the sender sends the relay initial frame, it immediately starts the countdown of the relay response timer. If the relay initial reply frame sent by the responder is received within the time corresponding to the relay response timer, the subsequent transmission is carried out according to the instructions of the relay initial reply frame; if the relay initial reply frame sent by the responder is not received within the time corresponding to the relay response timer, the sender considers that the relay transmission has failed to start.

54. The collaborative communication method according to claim 53, wherein: The duration of the relay response timer is indicated to the receiver in the relay initial frame.

55. The collaborative communication method according to claim 53, wherein: The relay response timer is also used to handle error recovery. After the relay response timer expires, the sender resends the relay initial frame or searches for a relay site. If the receiver does not receive a subsequent transmission after the relay response timer expires plus the first duration, it is considered that this relay transmission is canceled.

56. The collaborative communication method according to claim 55, wherein: The first duration is equal to a short interframe space SIFS, a priority interframe space PIFS, a distributed interframe space DIFS, or an extended interframe space EIFS.

57. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: The first MLD sends a sixth frame to the second MLD, where the sixth frame is used to indicate a service identifier TIDx; In the direction from the first MLD to the second MLD, the transmittable TIDs and the corresponding links are respectively the first TID set and the first link set; in the direction from the second MLD to the third MLD, the transmittable TIDs and the corresponding links are respectively the second TID set and the second link set; The first MLD receives the seventh frame from the second MLD, and determines a transmittable TID and a corresponding first-hop and / or second-hop link according to the seventh frame.

58. The collaborative communication method according to claim 57, wherein: The relay parameter information set of the sixth frame includes the {LINKSX-TIDx}. During relay transmission, the second MLD compares the {LINKSX-TIDx} with the {LINKSY-TIDx} and indicates the link set {RELAYLINKS-TIDx} for receiving the TIDx in the seventh frame.

59. The collaborative communication method according to claim 57, wherein: The second MLD indicates the {LINKSY-TIDx} in the seventh frame. During relay transmission, the first MLD compares the {LINKSY-TIDx} with the {LINKSX-TIDx} to determine the link set {RELAYLINKS-TIDx} that receives the TIDx.

60. The collaborative communication method according to claim 57, wherein: The predefined rule stipulates that a default service identifier to link mapping (TTLM) mode is established between the second MLD and the third MLD, that is, during relay transmission, all TIDs are allowed to be sent on all associated links.

61. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: The first MLD sends a sixth frame to the second MLD, wherein the sixth frame indicates the link LINKx; The first MLD receives a seventh frame sent by the second MLD, wherein the seventh frame includes confirmation or modification of parameters in the sixth frame; In the direction from the first MLD to the second MLD, it is assumed that the transmittable service identifier TID set of LINKx is {TIDSX-LINKx}; in the direction from the second MLD to the third MLD, it is assumed that the transmittable TID set of LINKx is {TIDSY-LINKx}. During relay transmission, the transmittable TID set is selected for LINKx by the seventh frame, the first MLD, or a predefined rule.

62. The collaborative communication method according to claim 61, wherein: The relay parameter information set of the sixth frame includes the {TIDSX-LINKx}. During relay transmission, the seventh frame indicates the TID set {RELAYTIDS-LINKx} for receiving the LINKx.

63. The collaborative communication method according to claim 61, wherein: The seventh frame indicates the {TIDSY-LINKx}. During relay transmission, the first MLD compares the {TIDSY-LINKx} with the {TIDSX-LINKx} to determine the link set {RELAYTIDS-LINKx} for receiving the LINKx.

64. The collaborative communication method according to claim 61, wherein: The predefined rule stipulates that a default traffic identifier to link mapping TTLM mode is established between the second MLD and the third MLD, that is, all associated links are allowed to send all TIDs.

65. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: The first MLD sends a sixth frame to the second MLD, wherein the sixth frame indicates that the service identifier to link mapping TTLM of the first hop is represented as TTLMX; The first MLD receives a seventh frame sent by the second MLD, wherein the seventh frame includes confirmation or modification of parameters in the sixth frame, wherein the seventh frame indicates that the TTLM of the second hop is represented as TTLMY; During relay transmission, the TID mapping TTLM-RELAY received on each link is indicated by the seventh frame, the first MLD, or a predefined rule.

66. The collaborative communication method according to claim 65, wherein: The seventh frame indicates the TID mapping TTLM-RELAY received on each link.

67. The collaborative communication method according to claim 65, wherein: The first MLD compares the TTLMY with the TTLMX to determine the TID mapping TTLM-RELAY received on each link.

68. The collaborative communication method according to claim 65, wherein: The predefined rule stipulates that a default TTLM mode is established between the second MLD and the third MLD, that is, all associated links are allowed to send all TIDs.

69. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: When there is no overlapping service identifier to link mapping (TTLM) mapping link between the direction from the first MLD to the second MLD and the direction from the second MLD to the third MLD, the MLD level indication of the second MLD is used to set and resolve the relay frame address to achieve same-link forwarding or cross-link forwarding.

70. The collaborative communication method according to claim 69, wherein: A TTLM negotiation is performed again between the first MLD and the second MLD, and / or between the second MLD and the third MLD, so that the service identifier TIDx is transmitted from the first MLD to the second MLD and then to the third MLD on the same link.

71. The collaborative communication method according to claim 69, wherein: Cross-link relaying is enabled between the first MLD and the second MLD, and between the second MLD and the third MLD, such that TIDx is transmitted from the first MLD to the second MLD and then to the third MLD.

72. The collaborative communication method according to claim 69, wherein: The indication of the MLD level of the second MLD includes a MAC address, an association identifier AID, or an MLD identifier ID of the second MLD.

73. The collaborative communication method according to claim 69, wherein: Setting and resolving the relay frame address using the MLD level indication of the second MLD satisfies one or more of the following rules: When transmitting a frame from the second MLD to the access point AP MLD, the sending device uses the MLD level indication of the second MLD; In the frame transmission from the AP MLD to the second MLD, the indication mode of the receiving device uses the MLD level indication of the second MLD; When transmitting a frame from the second MLD to a non-AP MLD, the sending device uses the MLD-level indication of the second MLD; The frame transmission from the non-AP MLD to the second MLD uses the MLD level indication of the second MLD as the indication mode of the receiving device.

74. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: When sending and / or receiving a relay frame, MLD indicates one or more intended sites or one or more intended links. The content of the relay frame is for the one or more intended sites, or the relay frame is forwarded and / or replied to on the one or more intended links.

75. The collaborative communication method according to claim 74, wherein: The one or more intended sites or the one or more intended links are different from the sites or links indicated by the frame reception address RA of the relay frame.

76. The collaborative communication method according to claim 74, wherein: The one or more intended sites or the one or more intended links include sites or links indicated by the frame RA of the relay frame.

77. The collaborative communication method according to claim 74, wherein: The link identifier ID bitmap field of the multi-link operation MLO link information element of the relay frame is used to indicate the one or more intended sites or the one or more links of the relay frame.

78. The collaborative communication method according to claim 74, wherein: The one or more intended stations are indicated using the media access control MAC address, the BSSID of the basic service set BSS where they are located, the BSS coloring of the BSS where they are located, and the association identifier AID.

79. The collaborative communication method according to claim 74, wherein: The one or more intended links are indicated using the one or more intended link IDs.

80. A collaborative communication method for a multi-link device (MLD), comprising: A direction from the first MLD to the second MLD and a direction from the second MLD to the third MLD are aligned with a target wake-up time TWT, and relay data transmission is performed during a period in which the TWT wakes up, wherein the TWT includes first TWT parameter information and second TWT parameter information.

81. The collaborative communication method according to claim 80, wherein: The first MLD and the second MLD perform TWT negotiation to determine the first TWT parameter information and a first time period.

82. The collaborative communication method according to claim 81, wherein: The second MLD reuses the first time period and negotiates the second TWT parameter information and the second time period with the third MLD.

83. The collaborative communication method according to claim 80, wherein: The first MLD and the second MLD determine the first TWT parameter information and the first time period using a TWT element, or the second MLD and the third MLD negotiate the second TWT parameter information and the second time period using the TWT element.

84. The collaborative communication method according to claim 83, wherein: The control field and / or TWT parameter information field of the TWT element carries the first TWT parameter information and the second TWT parameter information.

85. The collaborative communication method according to claim 80, wherein: The second TWT parameter information multiplexes one or more TWT parameters in the first TWT parameter information.

86. The collaborative communication method according to claim 85, wherein: The one or more TWT parameters in the first TWT parameter information include: TWT, nominal minimum TWT wake-up duration, TWT wake-up interval, and TWT channel subfield value indicated in the TWT element.

87. The collaborative communication method according to claim 85, wherein: The first TWT parameter information and / or the second TWT parameter information includes part or all of the information of the relay parameter information set.

88. The collaborative communication method according to claim 87, wherein: The relay parameter information set in the one or more related MLDs includes one or more of the following information: The link parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including the second hop link parameter information, and / or first-hop link parameter information, and / or single-hop link parameter information; Quality of service (QoS) parameter information of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop QoS parameter information, and / or first-hop QoS parameter information, and / or single-hop QoS parameter information; Energy-saving parameter information of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or first-hop energy-saving parameter information, and / or single-hop energy-saving parameter information; capability information parameters of the one or more affiliated sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop capability information parameters, and / or first-hop capability information parameters, and / or single-hop capability information parameters; Information on reachable site addresses of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, used for relay selection; Cooperative Space Multiplexing CoSR information parameters of the one or more subordinate sites in the one or more related MLDs, including second-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or first-hop CoSR information parameters, and / or single-hop CoSR information parameters; The service identifier to link mapping (TTLM) parameter information in the one or more related MLDs includes second-hop TTLM parameter information, and / or first-hop TTLM parameter information and / or single-hop TTLM parameter information in the one or more related MLDs; the block acknowledgement (BA) related parameter information in the one or more related MLDs includes second-hop BA parameter information, and / or first-hop BA parameter information, and / or single-hop BA parameter information; Mobile access point AP MLD information of the first MLD in the one or more related MLDs, used to indicate whether the first MLD is a mobile AP MLD; The coordinated communication information in the one or more related MLDs is used to indicate the coordinated communication of the first MLD.

89. A wireless communication device comprising: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the collaborative communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 88.

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