Communication method, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, a communication device and a communication system. The communication method comprises: a non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD) determining a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information is used for indicating: a non-access point station (non-AP STA) corresponding to one or more links entering a doze state, and / or time information about the non-AP STA entering the doze state; and sending, by means of a first link, the first radio frame to an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD, wherein the first link comprises at least one link among a plurality of links that have been established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD. By means of the present disclosure, efficient and rapid switching of a power-saving mode of a multi-link device is realized, the duration for the multi-link device to enter a doze state is shortened, and the energy consumption of the multi-link device is further reduced.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, research on Wi-Fi technology includes topics such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), with the vision of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connections, reducing latency, improving manageability, increasing throughput at different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels, and reducing device-level power consumption.

[0003] In UHR, the power-saving mechanism will be further enhanced to ensure the latency requirements of low-latency services.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system to further enhance power-saving mechanisms.

[0006] On one hand, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0007] The multi-connection site device (non-AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0008] The first radio frame is sent to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via a first link; wherein the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0009] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0010] The AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the first link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which is used to indicate that: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to the link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0011] The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

[0012] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD comprising:

[0013] A determining module is used to determine a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0014] The transmitting module is configured to transmit the first radio frame to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via a first link; wherein the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0015] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is an AP MLD, the AP MLD comprising:

[0016] A receiving module is configured to receive a first radio frame transmitted by a non-AP MLD through a first link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate that: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0017] The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

[0018] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0019] One or more processors;

[0020] The non-AP MLD is used to execute the communication method described in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is an AP MLD, comprising:

[0022] One or more processors;

[0023] The AP MLD is used to execute the communication method described in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] This disclosure also provides a communication system including a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD; wherein the non-AP MLD determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0025] The non-AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via the first link; wherein, the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0026] The AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the first link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which is used to indicate that: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links enter a sleep state, and / or the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0027] The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

[0028] This disclosure also provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in this disclosure.

[0029] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a multi-connection site device (non-AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which is used to indicate that: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state; the first radio frame is sent to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD through a first link; wherein the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, thereby realizing efficient and fast power-saving mode switching of the multi-connection device, reducing the duration of the multi-connection device entering the sleep state, and further reducing the power consumption of the multi-connection device.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 is an exemplary interactive diagram of a method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0041] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0042] The multi-connection site device (non-AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0043] The first radio frame is sent to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via a first link; wherein the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0044] In the above embodiments, by sending a first radio frame on a link to instruct one or more non-AP STAs to enter a sleep state, the non-AP MLD avoids performing frame switching on each enabled link separately, reducing transmission latency, enabling efficient and fast switching of power-saving modes for multi-connected devices, reducing the duration of multi-connected devices entering a sleep state, and further reducing the power consumption of multi-connected devices.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first identification information includes at least one of the following:

[0046] The first identifier field is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0047] The second identification field includes indication information corresponding to each link, and each indication information is used to indicate whether the non-AP STA operating under the corresponding link enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0048] The third identifier field is used to indicate the time information when the non-AP STA, which was indicated by the second identifier field, enters the sleep state.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the first identifier field indicates that one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link enter a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information, which helps with energy management of devices in multi-link connections and avoids unnecessary data transmission. The second identifier field indicates whether one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link enter a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information. By accurately identifying whether one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link enter a sleep state within a specified time, more refined energy management and data transmission control are achieved, which helps improve the energy efficiency of the system. The third identifier field is used to indicate the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state as indicated by the second identifier field. By accurately identifying the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state, invalid data transmission can be reduced and network resources optimized.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second identifier field includes an identifier bit corresponding to each of the one or more links;

[0051] The flag bit set to the first parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0052] The flag bit set to the second parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit does not enter a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0053] In this case, the flag bit of the disabled link is reserved or set to the second parameter value.

[0054] In the above embodiments, setting the second identifier field to different parameter values ​​indicates whether the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the identifier bit enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information, thereby achieving more refined energy management and data transmission control.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time at which the non-AP STA enters the sleep state, indicated by the second identifier field, is the same as the time synchronization function (TSF) time of the first link.

[0056] In the above embodiments, by using TSF time for time synchronization, it can be ensured that the non-AP STA corresponding to each link indicated by the second identifier field enters a sleep state within the same time period, thereby managing energy consumption more effectively and improving the energy efficiency of the system.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the Power Management subfield in the Frame Control field of the first wireless frame is set to a fourth parameter value.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the Power Management subfield in the Frame Control field of the first wireless frame is typically used in conjunction with at least one of the first identifier field, the second identifier field, and the third identifier field to indicate the power status of the device and related management information.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame is an action frame, and the first identification information is carried in the action domain of the first radio frame.

[0060] In the above embodiments, by carrying the first identification information in the action frame, this disclosure can transmit information on whether one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link have entered a sleep state and / or the time of entering the sleep state without additional signaling. This reduces signaling overhead in the network, improves channel utilization, and simplifies the communication process, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the system.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0062] The second radio frame sent by the AP MLD is received through the first link;

[0063] The second radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates one or more of the following:

[0064] Whether the indication for the non-AP STA to enter a sleep state corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field is accepted;

[0065] Whether the indication for one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link to enter a sleep state is accepted;

[0066] Whether the indication of the first identification information is accepted.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the non-AP MLD can know through the second radio frame whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state, thereby adjusting its own power management strategy and behavior accordingly to optimize network performance and resource utilization.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second identification information includes a status code field;

[0069] The status code field is used to indicate whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field and enters the sleep state.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second identification information includes at least one of a status code field and a fourth identification field;

[0071] The status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state, and the fourth identifier field indicates the non-AP STA that enters the sleep state at the time of the sleep state, and the parameter value set in the fourth identifier field is the same as that in the second identifier field.

[0072] In the above embodiment, when the status code field in the second identification information indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA on the corresponding link entering a sleep state, the non-AP STA corresponding to the link indicated by the second identification field in the first radio frame enters a sleep state when the sleep time indicated by the third identification field in the first radio frame arrives. The purpose of setting the parameter values ​​of the four identification fields and the second identification field to be the same is to ensure consistent sleep management and communication protocols, ensuring that the non-AP STA enters a sleep state at the correct time and resumes its active state when needed.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after receiving the second radio frame sent by the AP MLD, the method further includes:

[0074] After a short frame interval (SIFS), a third radio frame is sent to the AP MLD, the third radio frame indicating that the non-AP MLD has received the second radio frame.

[0075] In the above embodiment, after an interval of one SIFS, the non-AP MLD sends a third radio frame to the AP MLD to indicate that the second radio frame has been received. This can promptly confirm the data reception status, ensure the reliability and stability of communication, and thus improve the performance and efficiency of the network.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0077] Acknowledgment (ACK) frame, Block ACK frame.

[0078] In the above embodiments, the AP MLD confirms that the non-AP MLD has received the second radio frame by receiving an ACK frame or a Block ACK frame. This helps to establish a two-way communication confirmation mechanism, ensures reliable data transmission, and thus improves network stability and performance.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after sending the third radio frame, the method includes:

[0080] The status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state, and the non-AP STA enters the sleep state within the time period identified by the time information;

[0081] The status code field indicates that the AP MLD refuses the non-AP STA from entering the sleep state. The non-AP STA operating on the first link enters the sleep state, while the non-AP STA on other links maintains the current power management mode.

[0082] In the above embodiments, if the load on a certain link is heavy, or there is real-time data transmission, the status code field indicates that the AP MLD refuses the non-AP STA from entering the sleep state to ensure network stability and service quality.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0084] If the non-AP MLD does not receive the second radio frame within at least one SIFS before the time indicated by the time information arrives, the non-AP STA operating under the first link enters the sleep state when the time indicated by the time information arrives, while the non-AP STA operating under other links maintains the current power management mode.

[0085] In the above embodiment, if the non-AP MLD does not receive the second radio frame within at least one SIFS before the time indicated by the time information arrives, the non-AP STA operating under the first link enters the sleep state when the time indicated by the time information arrives, while the non-AP STA operating under other links maintains the current power management mode, which can extend battery life and save energy.

[0086] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0087] The AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the first link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which is used to indicate that: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to the link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0088] The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first identification information includes at least one of the following:

[0090] The first identifier field is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0091] The second identification field includes indication information corresponding to each link, and each indication information is used to indicate whether the non-AP STA of one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0092] The third identifier field is used to indicate the time information when the non-AP STA, which was indicated by the second identifier field, enters the sleep state.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second identifier field includes an identifier bit corresponding to each of the one or more links;

[0094] The flag bit set to the first parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0095] The flag bit set to the second parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit does not enter a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information, and the link corresponding to the flag bit is a non-working link;

[0096] In this case, the flag bit of the disabled link is reserved or set to the second parameter value.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the non-AP MLD through the first link, the method further includes:

[0098] A second radio frame is determined, the second radio frame including second identification information, the second identification information being used to indicate one or more of the following:

[0099] Whether the indication for the non-AP STA to enter a sleep state corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field is accepted;

[0100] Whether the indication for one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link to enter a sleep state is accepted;

[0101] Whether the indication of the first identification information is accepted;

[0102] On the first link, the second radio frame is transmitted.

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second identification information includes a status code field:

[0104] The status code field is used to indicate whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field and enters the sleep state.

[0105] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second identification information includes at least one of a status code field and a fourth identification field;

[0106] The status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state, and the fourth identifier field indicates the non-AP STA that enters the sleep state at the time of the sleep state, and the parameter value set in the fourth identifier field is the same as that in the second identifier field.

[0107] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after transmitting the second radio frame, the method further includes:

[0108] A third radio frame is received, the third radio frame being used to indicate that the non-AP MLD has received the second radio frame.

[0109] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0110] Acknowledgment (ACK) frame, Block ACK frame.

[0111] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, wherein the non-AP MLD includes at least one of a determining module and a transmitting module; wherein the non-AP MLD is used to execute the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0112] Fourthly, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is an AP MLD, including: a receiving module; wherein the AP MLD is used to execute the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0113] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0114] One or more processors;

[0115] The non-AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0116] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is an AP MLD, comprising:

[0117] One or more processors;

[0118] The AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0119] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD;

[0120] Wherein, the non-AP MLD determines the first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0121] The non-AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via the first link; wherein, the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0122] The AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the first link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which is used to indicate that: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links enter a sleep state, and / or the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0123] The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

[0124] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the optional implementations described in the first and second aspects.

[0125] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0126] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0127] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first and second aspects above.

[0128] It is understood that the aforementioned non-AP MLD, AP MLD, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0129] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, and communication systems. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0130] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0131] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0132] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0133] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0134] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0135] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0136] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0137] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0138] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0139] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0140] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0141] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0142] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0143] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0144] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0145] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD) 101, an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) 102, and an auxiliary multi-access point station (non-AP STA) 103. The number of auxiliary multi-access point devices 103 may be one or more, and this embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0147] In some embodiments, the multi-connection site device 101 and the auxiliary multi-connection site device 103 may include, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports WiFi communication. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal may be at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an IoT device that supports WiFi communication, a car with WiFi communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, or a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0148] Specifically, the multi-connection site device 101 and the auxiliary multi-connection site device 103 can be terminal devices or network devices equipped with Wi-Fi chips. Optionally, the multi-connection site device 101 and the auxiliary multi-connection site device 103 can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but are not limited to these.

[0149] In some embodiments, the multi-connection access point device 102 can be an access point for mobile terminals to access a wired network. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to an Ethernet network. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device or network device with a wireless fidelity chip. Optionally, the AP can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0150] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, AP and STA can be devices that support multiple connections. For example, they can be represented as Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) and Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), respectively. AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multiple connection communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a station that supports multiple connection communication functions.

[0151] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0152] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0153] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as LANs using the 802.11 series of protocols. In a WLAN, a Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental component. An BSS network consists of site devices with some association within a specific coverage area. One type of association is where sites communicate directly with each other in a self-organizing network; this is called an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Another more common scenario is that in a BSS network, there is only one central site dedicated to managing the BSS, called the Access Point (AP) device, and all other STAs in the network are associated with it. Other sites in the BSS network that are not the central site are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs; terminals and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between APs and non-AP STAs. Within the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away; they are each other's hidden nodes.

[0154] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0155] Step 201, the multi-connection site device (non-AP MLD) 101 determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) 103 corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state.

[0156] In wireless networks, a channel access mechanism based on Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) as the basic unit allows an AP or STA that obtains a TXOP to continuously use the channel during the TXOP duration to meet the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of different services. When an AP acts as the TXOP holder, not all associated STAs need to receive data. Therefore, to reduce device power consumption, a power-saving mechanism is proposed, allowing the device to enter a power-saving mode (PS Mode) when idle. This is mainly controlled by the Power Management subdomain of the frame control sent by the STA. Specifically, the STA indicates its power mode after completing the current frame exchange through the Power Management subdomain. For example, when Power Management is set to 0, it indicates that the STA is in Active Mode after completing the current frame exchange. In this state, the STA can transmit or receive data, all RF links are active, and power consumption is relatively high. When Power Management is set to 1, it indicates that the STA enters PS Mode after completing the current frame exchange. PS Mode primarily includes Awake Mode and Doze Mode. When a STA enters Doze Mode, it stops sending and receiving data, resulting in very low power consumption. When an AP has data to send to a STA in Doze Mode, it first buffers the data. In PS Mode, the STA periodically wakes up (DTIM period) to receive and listen for Traffic Indication Map (TIM) elements and / or Multi-Link Traffic Indication elements in Beacon frames to determine if the AP has buffered data to send. If it determines that the AP has buffered data to send, the STA switches to Awake Mode and sends a Power Saving Polling (PS-Poll) frame or other wireless frame to inform the AP that it is in Awake state. Upon receiving the PS-Poll frame or other wireless frame, the AP sends its buffered data to the STA. In Awake Mode, the STA consumes the same power as in Active Mode and can both receive and send data.

[0157] To achieve higher throughput and lower network latency, related technologies have introduced the Multi-Link Operation (MLO) mechanism. Devices supporting MLO are called Multi-Link Devices (MLDs), or simply multi-connection devices. With MLO technology, multiple links can be established across frequency bands between multi-connection access point devices (AP MLDs) and multi-connection site devices (Non-AP MLDs). In the multiple links established between AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs, the power-saving capabilities of each link are independent. The non-AP MLD needs to indicate the non-AP STA power management mode of the corresponding non-AP MLD associated with each link through each link. That is, when a non-AP MLD intends to enter PS mode on multiple or even all links, frame switching must be performed separately on each enabled link. This method of switching PS modes by exchanging frames link by link is inefficient and may cause non-AP STAs attached to non-AP MLDs to enter sleep mode for too long. Since UHRs are designed to improve the reliability of WLAN connections, reduce latency, and lower device-level power consumption, and most UHRs are set up as MLD devices, power-saving mechanisms need to be further enhanced when APs and STAs use multi-link methods for data transmission.

[0158] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the non-AP MLD carries first identification information through a first radio frame. The first identification information indicates that one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state. The sleep state includes PS mode. For example, the first identification information indicates whether one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link are in PS mode. The time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state includes the time point or time period information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state from the active state in Active Mode. For example, the first identification information indicates that one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link enter a sleep state immediately after completing the current frame exchange, or enter a sleep state after a specified time interval.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first identification information may be used only to indicate that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links enter a sleep state, or it may be used only to indicate the time information when one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links enter a sleep state. If the first identification is used only to indicate the time information when one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links enter a sleep state, then by default, one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to one or more links enter a sleep state.

[0160] Specifically, in the multi-link system established between AP MLD and non-AP MLD, each non-AP STA may have different requirements. For example, some non-AP STAs may need to remain active and respond to data in real time, while others may need to enter a low-power mode to save energy. In this case, if the non-AP MLD performs frame switching on each enabled link to indicate the power management mode of the corresponding non-AP STA, it will introduce additional transmission latency, reducing the overall system efficiency and network throughput.

[0161] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when one or more non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD need to enter a sleep state, or when the non-AP MLD detects that one or more non-AP STAs can enter a sleep state, the non-AP MLD sends a first radio frame via a first link to the AP MLD associated with the non-AP MLD. This first radio frame indicates that one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to the link should enter a sleep state, and / or provides the time information of the non-AP STAs entering the sleep state. This embodiment of the disclosure avoids the non-AP MLD performing frame switching on each enabled link separately by sending a first radio frame indicating that one or more non-AP STAs should enter a sleep state on a single link. This reduces transmission latency, enables efficient and fast switching of power-saving modes for multiple connected devices, reduces the duration of sleep state for multiple connected devices, and further reduces the power consumption of multiple connected devices.

[0162] Step 202: Non-AP MLD 101 sends the first radio frame to AP MLD 102 associated with it via the first link.

[0163] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the non-AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the associated AP MLD via a first link. The first radio frame carries first identification information indicating that one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to the first link have entered a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state. The first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD. An enabled link refers to some links among the multiple links established between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD that are already in an available state, i.e., configured to support data transmission.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first identification information includes at least one of a first identification field, a second identification field, and a third identification field:

[0165] The first identifier field is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information, which helps with energy management of devices in multi-link connections and avoids unnecessary data transmission.

[0166] The second identification field includes indication information corresponding to each link. Each indication information is used to indicate whether the non-AP STA operating under the corresponding link enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information. By accurately identifying whether the non-AP STA corresponding to one or more links enters a sleep state within a specified time, more refined energy management and data transmission control are achieved, which helps to improve the energy efficiency of the system, reduce invalid data transmission, and optimize network resources.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second identifier field includes an identifier bit corresponding to each of the one or more links;

[0168] The flag bit set to the first parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0169] The flag bit set to the second parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit does not enter a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0170] In some embodiments, the flag bit of the disabled link is reserved or set to the second parameter value.

[0171] For example, the second identifier field can be a 16-bit Power Saving Mode bitmap field or a Power Saving Mode Link bitmap field, with each bit corresponding to one link. A bit set to 1 indicates that the non-AP STA of the corresponding working link enters the sleep state within the time specified in the time information. A bit set to 0 indicates that the non-AP STA of the corresponding working link does not enter the sleep state within the time specified in the time information. For example, setting the lowest bit to 1 and the highest bit to 1 indicates that non-AP STA_1 and non-AP STA_16 corresponding to Link 1 and Link 16, respectively, enter the sleep state within the time specified in the time information. Bits corresponding to disabled links are set to 0.

[0172] The third identifier field indicates the time information when a non-AP STA, as indicated by the second identifier field, enters a sleep state. This time information can be the Time Synchronization Function (TSF) time of the link that sent the first radio frame. TSF is a mechanism for network devices to synchronize their time, ensuring they remain synchronized within the network. For example, if the first radio frame is sent on link 1, and the TSF time of link 1 indicates that the STA entered a sleep state at a specific time, the third identifier field will record this time. By using TSF time for synchronization, it can be ensured that the non-AP STAs corresponding to each link indicated by the second identifier field enter a sleep state within the same time period, thereby more effectively managing energy consumption and improving system energy efficiency.

[0173] In some embodiments, the Power Management subfield in the Frame Control field of the first radio frame is set to a fourth parameter value. For example, setting the Power Management subfield to "1" indicates that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link that transmitted the first radio frame enters power-saving mode after transmitting the first radio frame and the response frame. Furthermore, when the Power Management subfield is set to "1", it is typically used in conjunction with at least one of the first, second, and third identifier fields to indicate the device's power status and related management information.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first radio frame is an action frame, and the first identification information is carried in the action domain of the first radio frame. By carrying the first identification information in the action frame, this disclosure embodiment can transmit information on whether one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link have entered a sleep state and / or the time of entering the sleep state without additional signaling, thereby reducing signaling overhead in the network, improving channel utilization, and simplifying the communication process, thus improving the efficiency and performance of the system.

[0175] Step 203: AP MLD 102 receives the first radio frame transmitted by non-AP MLD 101 through the first link.

[0176] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the first link, and can learn that one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to the non-AP MLD have entered a sleep state, and / or the time information of the non-AP STAs entering the sleep state. Based on this, the AP MLD can determine whether to accept the instruction for non-AP STAs to enter a sleep state according to the network requirements and the current link status, so as to balance the network's power consumption and service quality.

[0177] Step 204, AP MLD 102 determines a second radio frame, the second radio frame including second identification information, the second identification information being used to indicate one or more of the following:

[0178] Whether the indication for the non-AP STA to enter a sleep state corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field is accepted;

[0179] Whether the indication for one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link to enter a sleep state is accepted;

[0180] Whether the indication of the first identification information is accepted.

[0181] In some embodiments, the second identification information includes at least one of a status code field and a fourth identification field:

[0182] The status code field is used to indicate whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state.

[0183] In some embodiments, the status code field in the second identification information may contain two status codes: 0 and 1. Status code 0 indicates that the AP MLD does not accept non-AP STAs on the corresponding link entering a sleep state, while status code 1 indicates that the AP MLD accepts non-AP STAs on the corresponding link entering a sleep state. For example, when determining the second radio frame, the AP MLD checks the status of each link and the network load to determine whether to accept non-AP STAs entering a sleep state. If the load on a link is light and the network service quality is not affected, the AP MLD may choose to set the status code to 1, indicating that it accepts non-AP STAs on that link entering a sleep state, thereby saving energy and optimizing network resource utilization. Conversely, if the load on a link is heavy, or there is real-time data transmission, the AP MLD may set the status code to 0, not accepting non-AP STAs on the corresponding link entering a sleep state, to ensure network stability and service quality. In this example, the status code values ​​0 and 1 are only examples; other values ​​are also possible and are not limited here.

[0184] In this configuration, the status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identification field to enter the sleep state. The fourth identification field indicates the non-AP STA that enters the sleep state at the specified time. The parameter value of the fourth identification field is the same as that of the second identification field. The purpose of ensuring that the parameter value of the fourth identification field is the same as that of the second identification field, when the status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identification field to enter the sleep state, is to ensure consistent sleep management and communication protocols, guaranteeing that the non-AP STA enters the sleep state at the correct time and resumes activity when needed. For example, if the second identification field indicates that a non-AP STA corresponding to a certain link enters sleep mode within a specified time period, then the setting of the fourth identification field needs to match this to ensure that the non-AP STA is in sleep mode within the specified time period, thereby achieving energy saving and resource optimization. If the parameter value of the fourth identification field differs from that of the second identification field, the non-AP STA may enter or exit sleep mode at an incorrect time, affecting network performance and energy efficiency. Therefore, in order to maintain the stability and reliability of the network, the parameter values ​​of the fourth identifier field need to be consistent with those of the second identifier field.

[0185] Step 205, AP MLD 102 transmits the second radio frame on the first link.

[0186] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP MLD can send a second radio frame to indicate whether it accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep mode, thereby enabling those non-AP STAs that can enter the sleep state to enter the sleep state within the time specified by the third identifier field, saving energy, reducing power consumption, and optimizing network resource utilization.

[0187] Step 206: On the first link, non-AP MLD 101 receives the second radio frame sent by AP MLD 102.

[0188] The second wireless frame includes second identification information, which indicates whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identification field to enter a sleep state.

[0189] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the non-AP MLD can know through the second radio frame whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state, thereby adjusting its own power management strategy and behavior accordingly to optimize network performance and resource utilization.

[0190] In some embodiments, when the status code field in the second identification information indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA on the corresponding link entering a sleep state, the non-AP STA corresponding to the link indicated by the second identification field in the first radio frame enters a sleep state when the sleep time indicated by the third identification field in the first radio frame arrives.

[0191] In some embodiments, when the status code field in the second identification information indicates that the AP MLD does not accept the non-AP STA on the corresponding link entering the sleep state, the non-AP STA operating on the first link enters the sleep state when the sleep time indicated by the third identification field in the first radio frame arrives, while the non-AP STAs on other links maintain their current power management mode.

[0192] In some embodiments, if the non-AP MLD does not receive the second radio frame within at least one SIFS before the time indicated by the time information arrives, the non-AP STA operating under the first link enters the sleep state when the sleep time indicated by the third identifier field in the first radio frame arrives, while the non-AP STA operating under other links maintains the current power management mode.

[0193] Step 207: After a short interframe space (SIFS), non-AP MLD 101 sends a third radio frame to AP MLD 102, the third radio frame indicating that non-AP MLD 101 has received the second radio frame.

[0194] In some embodiments, the third wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0195] Acknowledgment (ACK) frame, Block Acknowledgment (Block ACK) frame.

[0196] SIFS is used to delineate the transmission interval between different types of frames. At the physical layer, SIFS is the shortest interval used to separate received data frames from ACK frames, or to separate received data frames from the time interval between requests to send the next data frame. SIFS is shorter than other intervals because it needs to prioritize the transmission of low-latency real-time applications and provide a fast response during frame transmission.

[0197] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after an interval of one SIFS, the non-AP MLD sends a third radio frame to the AP MLD to indicate that the second radio frame has been received. This can promptly confirm the data reception status, ensure the reliability and stability of communication, and thus improve the performance and efficiency of the network.

[0198] In some embodiments, after the non-AP MLD sends the third radio frame, the corresponding non-AP STA enters a sleep state when the time indicated by the third identification field arrives. Specifically, if the status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identification field entering the sleep state, then after the non-AP MLD sends the third radio frame, the non-AP STA enters the sleep state within the time indicated by the time information, thereby saving energy. If the status code field indicates that the AP MLD refuses the non-AP STA from entering the sleep state, this may be because there is important data transmission or specific quality of service requirements on the requested link, requiring the non-AP STA corresponding to each link indicated by the second identification field to remain active to ensure timely data transmission and quality of service satisfaction. In this case, to maintain network stability and quality of service, only the non-AP STA operating on the first link will enter a sleep state, while non-AP STAs on other links need to maintain their current power management mode to ensure normal network operation and service continuity. This setting can be flexibly adjusted according to network needs and real-time conditions to maximize the satisfaction of needs in different scenarios.

[0199] Step 208, AP MLD 102 receives a third radio frame, the third radio frame indicating that the non-AP MLD 101 has received the second radio frame.

[0200] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after the AP MLD receives the third radio frame, it confirms that the non-AP MLD has received the second radio frame. This helps to establish a two-way communication confirmation mechanism, ensures reliable data transmission, and thus improves the stability and performance of the network.

[0201] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0202] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0203] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0204] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0205] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0206] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0207] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 207 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 201 and step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 202 and step 203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 203 and step 204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 204 and step 205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 205 and step 206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 206 and step 207 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 207 and step 208 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0208] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2.

[0209] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] As shown in Figure 3, the above method can be applied to non-AP MLD 101, and the method includes:

[0211] Step 301, the multi-connection site device (non-AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state.

[0212] Step 302: Send the first radio frame to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via the first link; wherein the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0213] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identification information includes at least one of the following:

[0214] The first identifier field is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0215] The second identification field includes indication information corresponding to each link, and each indication information is used to indicate whether the non-AP STA operating under the corresponding link enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0216] The third identifier field is used to indicate the time information when the non-AP STA, which was indicated by the second identifier field, enters the sleep state.

[0217] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identifier field includes an identifier bit corresponding to each of the one or more links;

[0218] The flag bit set to the first parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0219] The flag bit set to the second parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit does not enter a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0220] In this case, the flag bit of the disabled link is reserved or set to the second parameter value.

[0221] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the time at which the non-AP STA enters the sleep state, as indicated by the second identifier field, is the same as the time synchronization function (TSF) time of the first link.

[0222] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the Power Management subfield in the Frame Control field of the first wireless frame is set to the fourth parameter value.

[0223] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame is an action frame, and the first identification information is carried in the action domain of the first wireless frame.

[0224] Step 303: Receive the second radio frame sent by the AP MLD through the first link;

[0225] The second radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates one or more of the following:

[0226] Whether the indication for the non-AP STA to enter a sleep state corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field is accepted;

[0227] Whether the indication for one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link to enter a sleep state is accepted;

[0228] Whether the indication of the first identification information is accepted.

[0229] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identification information includes at least one of a status code field and a fourth identification field:

[0230] The status code field is used to indicate whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field and enters the sleep state.

[0231] The status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state. The fourth identifier field indicates the non-AP STA that enters the sleep state at the time of entering the sleep state. The parameter value set in the fourth identifier field is the same as that in the second identifier field.

[0232] Step 304: After a short frame interval (SIFS), a third radio frame is sent to the AP MLD, the third radio frame indicating that the non-AP MLD has received the second radio frame.

[0233] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the third wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0234] Acknowledgment (ACK) frame, Block ACK frame.

[0235] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identification field to enter the sleep state, and the non-AP STA enters the sleep state within the time period identified by the time information;

[0236] The status code field indicates that the AP MLD refuses the non-AP STA from entering the sleep state. The non-AP STA operating on the first link enters the sleep state, while the non-AP STA on other links maintains the current power management mode.

[0237] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0238] If the non-AP MLD does not receive the second radio frame within at least one SIFS before the time indicated by the time information arrives, the non-AP STA operating under the first link enters the sleep state when the time indicated by the time information arrives, while the non-AP STA operating under other links maintains the current power management mode.

[0239] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 301 and step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 303 and step 304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0240] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG3.

[0241] Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] As shown in Figure 4, the above method can be applied to AP MLD 102, and the method includes:

[0243] Step 401, the AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the first link; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links have entered a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0244] The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

[0245] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identification information includes at least one of the following:

[0246] The first identifier field is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0247] The second identification field includes indication information corresponding to each link, and each indication information is used to indicate whether the non-AP STA of one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0248] The third identifier field is used to indicate the time information when the non-AP STA, which was indicated by the second identifier field, enters the sleep state.

[0249] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identifier field includes an identifier bit corresponding to each of the one or more links;

[0250] The flag bit set to the first parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information;

[0251] The flag bit set to the second parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit does not enter a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information, and the link corresponding to the flag bit is a non-working link;

[0252] In this case, the flag bit of the disabled link is reserved or set to the second parameter value.

[0253] Step 402: Determine a second radio frame, the second radio frame including second identification information, the second identification information being used to indicate one or more of the following:

[0254] Whether the indication for the non-AP STA to enter a sleep state corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field is accepted;

[0255] Whether the indication for one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link to enter a sleep state is accepted;

[0256] Whether the indication of the first identification information is accepted.

[0257] Step 403: On the first link, send the second radio frame.

[0258] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identification information includes at least one of a status code field and a fourth identification field:

[0259] The status code field is used to indicate whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field and enters the sleep state.

[0260] The status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state. The fourth identifier field indicates the non-AP STA that enters the sleep state at the time of entering the sleep state. The parameter value set in the fourth identifier field is the same as that in the second identifier field.

[0261] Step 404: Receive a third radio frame, the third radio frame indicating that the non-AP MLD has received the second radio frame.

[0262] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the third wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0263] Acknowledgment (ACK) frame, Block ACK frame.

[0264] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 401 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 402 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step 403 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; the combination of step 401 and step 402 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, the combination of step 402 and step 403 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and the combination of step 403 and step 404 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0265] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 4.

[0266] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0267] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0268] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0269] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the non-AP MLD 500 may include at least one of the following: a determining module 501, a sending module 502, etc.

[0270] In some embodiments, the determining module 501 is configured to determine a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more associated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link have entered a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state; the sending module 502 is configured to send the first radio frame to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via the first link; wherein the first link includes at least one of the multi-links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0271] Optionally, the determining module 501 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201 and 301, but not limited thereto) performed by the non-AP MLD 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The sending module 502 is used to perform at least one of steps 202 and 302.

[0272] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the AP MLD 600 may include a receiving module 601.

[0273] In some embodiments, the receiving module 601 described above is used as a receiving module to receive a first radio frame sent by a non-AP MLD through a first link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links have entered a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state;

[0274] The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

[0275] Optionally, the receiving module 601 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (such as step 203, step 401, but not limited thereto) performed by AP MLD 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0276] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 700 (e.g., a user equipment) proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The terminal 700 may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports network devices in implementing any of the above methods, or it may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The terminal 700 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0277] As shown in Figure 7, terminal 700 includes one or more processors 701. Processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Terminal 700 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0278] In some embodiments, terminal 700 further includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 702 may be located outside of terminal 700.

[0279] In some embodiments, the terminal 700 further includes one or more transceivers 704. When the terminal 700 includes one or more transceivers 704, the transceivers 704 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 202, 203, 205, 206, 207, 208, 302, 303, 304, 401, 403, 404, but not limited thereto), and the processor 701 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 204, 301, 402, but not limited thereto).

[0280] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0281] In some embodiments, terminal 700 may include one or more interface circuits 703. Optionally, interface circuit 703 is connected to memory 702, and interface circuit 703 can be used to receive signals from memory 702 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 702 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 703 can read instructions stored in memory 702 and send the instructions to processor 701.

[0282] The terminal 700 described in the above embodiments can be a user equipment or other communication device, but the scope of the terminal 700 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the terminal 700 may not be limited by FIG. 7. The communication device may be an independent device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC set may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0283] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 800 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the terminal 700 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 800 shown in Figure 8, but it is not limited thereto.

[0284] Chip 800 includes one or more processors 801, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0285] In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more 803s. Optionally, interface circuitry 803 is connected to memory 802, and interface circuitry 803 can be used to receive signals from memory 802 or other devices, and interface circuitry 803 can be used to send signals to memory 802 or other devices. For example, interface circuitry 803 can read instructions stored in memory 802 and send the instructions to processor 801.

[0286] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 803 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 202, 203, 205, 206, 207, 208, 302, 303, 304, 401, 403, 404, but not limited thereto), and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 204, 301, 402, but not limited thereto).

[0287] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0288] In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more memories 802 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 802 may be located outside of chip 800.

[0289] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal 700, cause the terminal 700 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0290] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by terminal 700, causes terminal 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0291] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The multi-connection site device (non-AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state; The first radio frame is sent to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via a first link; wherein the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first identification information includes at least one of the following: The first identifier field is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information; The second identification field includes indication information corresponding to each link, and each indication information is used to indicate whether the non-AP STA operating under the corresponding link enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information; The third identifier field is used to indicate the time information when the non-AP STA, which was indicated by the second identifier field, enters the sleep state.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second identifier field includes identifier bits corresponding to each of the one or more links; The flag bit set to the first parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information; The flag bit set to the second parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit does not enter a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information; In this case, the flag bit of the disabled link is reserved or set to the second parameter value.

4. The communication method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, The time at which the non-AP STA enters the sleep state, as indicated by the second identifier field, is the same as the time synchronization function (TSF) time of the first link.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, In the first wireless frame, the Power Management subfield in the Frame Control field is set to the fourth parameter value.

6. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first radio frame is an action frame, and the first identification information is carried in the action domain of the first radio frame.

7. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second wireless frame sent by the AP MLD is received through the first link; The second radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates one or more of the following: Whether the indication for the non-AP STA to enter a sleep state corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field is accepted; Whether the indication for one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link to enter a sleep state is accepted; Whether the indication of the first identification information is accepted.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second identification information includes a status code field; The status code field is used to indicate whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field and enters the sleep state.

9. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second identification information includes at least one of a status code field and a fourth identification field; The status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state, and the fourth identifier field indicates the non-AP STA that enters the sleep state at the time of the sleep state, and the parameter value set in the fourth identifier field is the same as that in the second identifier field.

10. The communication method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third radio frame is sent to the AP MLD, the third radio frame being used to indicate that the non-AP MLD has received the second radio frame.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, After sending the third radio frame, the method includes: The status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state, and the non-AP STA enters the sleep state within the time period identified by the time information; The status code field indicates that the AP MLD refuses the non-AP STA from entering the sleep state. The non-AP STA operating on the first link enters the sleep state, while the non-AP STA on other links maintains the current power management mode.

12. The communication method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the non-AP MLD does not receive the second radio frame within at least one SIFS before the time indicated by the time information arrives, the non-AP STA operating under the first link enters the sleep state when the time indicated by the time information arrives, while the non-AP STA operating under other links maintains the current power management mode.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the first link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which is used to indicate that: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to the link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state; The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first identification information includes at least one of the following: The first identifier field is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information; The second identification field includes indication information corresponding to each link, and each indication information is used to indicate whether the non-AP STA of one or more links enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information; The third identifier field is used to indicate the time information when the non-AP STA, which was indicated by the second identifier field, enters the sleep state.

15. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second identifier field includes identifier bits corresponding to each of the one or more links; The flag bit set to the first parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit enters a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information; The flag bit set to the second parameter value is used to indicate that the non-AP STA corresponding to the link corresponding to the flag bit does not enter a sleep state at the time indicated by the time information, and the link corresponding to the flag bit is a non-working link; In this case, the flag bit of the disabled link is reserved or set to the second parameter value.

16. The communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, After receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the non-AP MLD through the first link, the method further includes: A second radio frame is determined, the second radio frame including second identification information, the second identification information being used to indicate one or more of the following: Whether the indication for the non-AP STA to enter a sleep state corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field is accepted; Whether the indication for one or more non-AP STAs corresponding to a link to enter a sleep state is accepted; Whether the indication of the first identification information is accepted; On the first link, the second radio frame is transmitted.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second identification information includes a status code field: The status code field is used to indicate whether the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field and enters the sleep state.

18. The communication method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second identification information includes at least one of a status code field and a fourth identification field; The status code field indicates that the AP MLD accepts the non-AP STA corresponding to each link identified by the second identifier field to enter the sleep state, and the fourth identifier field indicates the non-AP STA that entered the sleep state during the sleep state period. The parameter values ​​set for the fourth identifier field and the second identifier field are the same.

19. The communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, After transmitting the second wireless frame, the method further includes: A third radio frame is received, the third radio frame being used to indicate that the non-AP MLD has received the second radio frame.

20. A communication device, wherein the communication device is a non-AP MLD, characterized in that, The non-AP MLD includes: A determining module is used to determine a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state; The transmitting module is configured to transmit the first radio frame to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via a first link; wherein the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

21. A communication device, wherein the communication device is an AP MLD, characterized in that, The AP MLD includes: A receiving module is configured to receive a first radio frame transmitted by a non-AP MLD through a first link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate that: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state; The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

22. A communication device, wherein the communication device is a non-AP MLD, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The non-AP MLD is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

23. A communication device, wherein the communication device is an AP MLD, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The AP MLD is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 19.

24. A communication system, characterized in that, Including non-AP MLD and AP MLD; Wherein, the non-AP MLD determines the first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: that one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to a link enter a sleep state, and / or, the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state; The non-AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD) associated with the non-AP MLD via the first link; wherein, the first link includes at least one of the multiple links established and enabled by the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD. The AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD through the first link; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which is used to indicate that: one or more affiliated multi-connection site devices (non-AP STAs) corresponding to one or more links enter a sleep state, and / or the time information of the non-AP STA entering the sleep state; The first link includes at least one of the non-AP MLD and the multiple links established and enabled by the AP MLD.

25. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19.

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