Communication method, device, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of communications, and provide a communication method, a device, and a storage medium. The method is applied to an AP MLD, and comprises: the AP MLD determines at least one first radio frame, wherein each first radio frame comprises secondary channel information of one first communication link, each first radio frame is used for instructing a Non-AP MLD to switch to a secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and perform communication within a transmission opportunity (TXOP) duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link, and each first communication link is an enhanced multi-link single radio (eMLSR) link or an enhanced multi-link multi-radio (eMLMR) link; and the AP MLD sends each first radio frame. The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for instructing to perform secondary channel switching under an eMLMR link or an eMLMR link to perform communication.

Description

Communication methods, devices and storage media Technical Field

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

[0002] In the existing technology, access point multi-link devices (AP MLDs) and non-access point multi-link devices (Non-AP MLDs) can support enhanced multi-link single radio (eMLSR) and enhanced multi-link multi-radio (eMLMR) operating modes. The process of switching between AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs to secondary channels under eMLMR or eMLSR links for communication needs further research.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, a device, and a storage medium.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0006] The access point device (AP MLD) supporting multiple connections determines at least one first radio frame, each of the first radio frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each of the first radio frames is used to instruct the site device (Non-AP MLD) supporting multiple connections to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the transmission opportunity (TXOP) duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0007] Each of the aforementioned first communication links is either an enhanced multi-link single-radio eMLSR link or an enhanced multi-link multi-radio eMLMR link.

[0008] The aforementioned AP MLD transmits each of the aforementioned first radio frames.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0010] The Non-AP MLD receives at least one first radio frame, each of which includes secondary channel information of a first communication link. Each of the first radio frames is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0011] Each of the aforementioned first communication links is either an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link between the aforementioned Non-AP MLD and the aforementioned AP MLD.

[0012] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP MLD, comprising:

[0013] The processing module is configured to determine at least one first radio frame, each of the first radio frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each of the first radio frames is configured to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0014] Each of the aforementioned first communication links is an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link;

[0015] The transceiver module is used to send each of the aforementioned first wireless frames.

[0016] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a Non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0017] The transceiver module is used to receive at least one first radio frame, each of the first radio frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each of the first radio frames is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0018] Each of the aforementioned first communication links is either an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

[0019] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including one or more processors; wherein, when the communication device is used as an AP MLD, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect of this disclosure, and when the communication device is used as a Non-AP MLD, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0020] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method provided in the first or second aspect of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising an AP MLD and a Non-AP MLD; wherein the AP MLD determines and transmits at least one first radio frame, each of the first radio frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, each of the first radio frames being used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link; wherein each of the first communication links is an eMLSR link or an electrical eMLMR link; and the Non-AP MLD receives each of the first radio frames.

[0022] Based on the communication method, device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method can be provided to indicate a secondary channel switch for communication on or under an eMLMR link.

[0023] 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

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Non-AP MLD shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium.

[0034] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0035] The access point device (AP MLD) supporting multiple connections determines at least one first radio frame, each of the first radio frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each of the first radio frames is used to instruct the site device (Non-AP MLD) supporting multiple connections to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the transmission opportunity (TXOP) duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0036] Each of the aforementioned first communication links is either an enhanced multi-link single-radio eMLSR link or an enhanced multi-link multi-radio eMLMR link.

[0037] The aforementioned AP MLD transmits each of the aforementioned first radio frames.

[0038] In the above embodiments, when an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link is established between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, the AP MLD can instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the eMLSR link or at least one eMLMR link for communication via the first radio frame, thereby improving the channel switching mechanism under the eMLSR and eMLMR mechanisms and improving spectrum utilization and communication efficiency.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AP MLD transmits each of the first radio frames including one or more of the following:

[0040] When the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame through the eMLSR link, and the first communication link corresponding to the first radio frame is the eMLSR link.

[0041] When the aforementioned AP MLD and the aforementioned Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, the aforementioned AP MLD transmits at least one first radio frame through at least one eMLMR link, and each of the aforementioned first radio frames is transmitted by the aforementioned AP MLD through different eMLMR links, and the first communication link corresponding to each of the aforementioned first radio frames is the eMLMR link that transmits the corresponding first radio frame.

[0042] In the above embodiments, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, the AP MLD can instruct the Non-AP MLD to perform secondary channel handover under the eMLSR link and communicate within the corresponding TXOP duration under the eMLSR link through a first radio frame. When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR operating mode, the AP MLD can instruct the Non-AP MLD to perform secondary channel handover under each eMLMR link that sends the first radio frame through at least one first radio frame and communicate within the corresponding TXOP duration under each eMLMR link that sends the first radio frame. Therefore, when the Non-AP MLD needs to perform secondary channel handover under multiple eMLMR links for communication, the AP MLD can send the first radio frame through different eMLMR links, thereby improving the indication efficiency of secondary channel handover and improving spectrum utilization and communication efficiency.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, each of the aforementioned first radio frames further includes a first identification field, the first identification field being used to indicate the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0044] In the above embodiments, when the AP MLD instructs the Non-AP MLD to perform a secondary channel handover on the eMLSR link or eMLMR link, it can also indicate the TXOP duration corresponding to the eMLSR link or eMLMR link where the secondary channel handover is performed through the first radio frame. This allows the Non-AP MLD to directly perform the secondary channel handover and determine the TXOP duration for communication after receiving the first radio frame, which helps to save signaling resources and improve communication efficiency.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0046] The aforementioned AP MLD receives a second radio frame, which is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0047] The aforementioned Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR and / or eMLMR operating modes;

[0048] The handover delay of the aforementioned Non-AP MLD for link handover is less than or equal to the handover delay of the aforementioned Non-AP MLD for dynamic channel handover.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the Non-AP MLD can pre-indicate to the AP MLD via a second radio frame that the Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR or eMLMR operating modes, which facilitates the AP MLD in quickly establishing an eMLSR or eMLMR link and improving communication efficiency. Furthermore, the Non-AP MLD can pre-indicate to the AP MLD the handover delay for link switching via the second radio frame, which helps the AP MLD determine when to instruct the Non-AP MLD to perform a secondary channel handover and the duration of communication on the secondary channel, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0051] The aforementioned AP MLD receives a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLSR link or eMLMR link between the aforementioned Non-AP MLD and the aforementioned AP MLD.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the Non-AP MLD can indicate the eMLMR link or eMLSR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD through the third radio frame. This is beneficial for the AP MLD to quickly determine and instruct the Non-AP MLD to perform secondary channel switching and communication under a specific eMLSR link or eMLMR link, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0053] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0054] The Non-AP MLD receives at least one first radio frame, each of which includes secondary channel information of a first communication link. Each of the first radio frames is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0055] Each of the aforementioned first communication links is either an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link between the aforementioned Non-AP MLD and the aforementioned AP MLD.

[0056] In the above embodiments, when an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link is established between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD, the AP MLD can instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the eMLSR link or at least one eMLMR link for communication via the first radio frame, thereby improving the channel switching mechanism under the eMLSR and eMLMR mechanisms and improving spectrum utilization and communication efficiency.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the Non-AP MLD receives each of the first radio frames, including one or more of the following:

[0058] When the aforementioned AP MLD and the aforementioned Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, the aforementioned Non-AP MLDAP MLD receives a aforementioned first radio frame through the eMLSR link, and the first communication link corresponding to the aforementioned first radio frame is the aforementioned eMLSR link.

[0059] When the aforementioned AP MLD and the aforementioned Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, the aforementioned Non-AP MLD receives at least one first radio frame through at least one eMLMR link, and each of the aforementioned first radio frames is sent by the aforementioned AP MLD through different eMLMR links, and the first communication link corresponding to each of the aforementioned first radio frames is the eMLMR link that sends the corresponding first radio frame.

[0060] In the above embodiments, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, the AP MLD can instruct the Non-AP MLD to perform secondary channel handover under the eMLSR link and communicate within the corresponding TXOP duration under the eMLSR link through a first radio frame. When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR operating mode, the AP MLD can instruct the Non-AP MLD to perform secondary channel handover under each eMLMR link that sends the first radio frame through at least one first radio frame and communicate within the corresponding TXOP duration under each eMLMR link that sends the first radio frame. Therefore, when the Non-AP MLD needs to perform secondary channel handover under multiple eMLMR links for communication, the AP MLD can send the first radio frame through different eMLMR links, thereby improving the indication efficiency of secondary channel handover and improving spectrum utilization and communication efficiency.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, each of the aforementioned first radio frames further includes a first identification field, which is used to indicate the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0062] In the above embodiments, when the AP MLD instructs the Non-AP MLD to perform a secondary channel handover on the eMLSR link or eMLMR link, it can also indicate the TXOP duration corresponding to the eMLSR link or eMLMR link where the secondary channel handover is performed through the first radio frame. This allows the Non-AP MLD to directly perform the secondary channel handover and determine the TXOP duration for communication after receiving the first radio frame, which helps to save signaling resources and improve communication efficiency.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0064] The aforementioned Non-AP MLD transmits a second radio frame, which is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0065] The aforementioned Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR and / or eMLMR operating modes;

[0066] The handover delay of the aforementioned Non-AP MLD for link handover is less than or equal to the handover delay of the aforementioned Non-AP MLD for dynamic channel handover.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the Non-AP MLD can pre-indicate to the AP MLD via a second radio frame that the Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR or eMLMR operating modes, which facilitates the AP MLD in quickly establishing an eMLSR or eMLMR link and improving communication efficiency. Furthermore, the Non-AP MLD can pre-indicate to the AP MLD the handover delay for link switching via the second radio frame, which helps the AP MLD determine when to instruct the Non-AP MLD to perform a secondary channel handover and the duration of communication on the secondary channel, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0069] The aforementioned Non-AP MLD sends a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLSR link or eMLMR link between the aforementioned Non-AP MLD and the aforementioned AP MLD.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the Non-AP MLD can indicate the eMLMR link or eMLSR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD through the third radio frame. This is beneficial for the AP MLD to quickly determine and instruct the Non-AP MLD to perform secondary channel switching and communication under a specific eMLSR link or eMLMR link, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0072] After completing the secondary channel communication within the TXOP duration corresponding to each of the aforementioned first communication links, when the aforementioned Non-AP MLD is in eMLSR or eMLMR working mode, the aforementioned Non-AP MLD switches to the corresponding first communication link and maintains the channel listening state or enters the power saving mode.

[0073] In the above embodiments, after the Non-AP MLD completes the secondary channel handover and communication within the TXOP duration corresponding to each first communication link, the Non-AP MLD can switch to the corresponding eMLSR link or eMLMR link while in eMLSR or eMLMR working mode and maintain the channel listening state or enter the power saving mode, which is beneficial to improving the relevant mechanisms of the Non-AP MLD after completing the secondary channel handover and communication.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0075] After completing secondary channel communication within the TXOP corresponding to each of the aforementioned first communication links, when the aforementioned Non-AP MLD is not in eMLSR or eMLMR working mode, the aforementioned Non-AP MLD switches to the primary channel under the corresponding first communication link and remains in a wake-up state or enters a power-saving mode.

[0076] In the above embodiments, after the Non-AP MLD completes the secondary channel handover and communication within the TXOP duration corresponding to each first communication link, the Non-AP MLD can switch to the corresponding eMLSR link or eMLMR link and maintain the channel listening state or enter the power saving mode when exiting the eMLSR working mode or eMLMR working mode. This is beneficial to improving the relevant mechanisms of the Non-AP MLD after completing the secondary channel handover and communication.

[0077] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP MLD, comprising:

[0078] The processing module is configured to determine at least one first radio frame, each of the first radio frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each of the first radio frames is configured to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0079] Each of the aforementioned first communication links is an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link;

[0080] The transceiver module is used to send each of the aforementioned first wireless frames.

[0081] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a Non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0082] The transceiver module is used to receive at least one first radio frame, each of the first radio frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each of the first radio frames is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0083] Each of the aforementioned first communication links is either an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

[0084] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including one or more processors;

[0085] When the communication device is used as an AP MLD, the processor executes the communication method provided by the first aspect and its optional embodiments; or when it is used as a Non-AP MLD, the processor executes the communication method provided by the second aspect and its optional embodiments.

[0086] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, and optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, and optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0088] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, and optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0089] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, and optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0090] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising an AP MLD and a Non-AP MLD; wherein the AP MLD determines and transmits at least one first radio frame, each of the first radio frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, each of the first radio frames being used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link; wherein each of the first communication links is an eMLSR link or an electrical eMLMR link; and the Non-AP MLD receives each of the first radio frames.

[0091] It is understood that the aforementioned AP MLD, Non-AP MLD, communication system, communication device, 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.

[0092] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "communication device" and "information processing device," and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the aforementioned," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0097] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0103] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0104] 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”.

[0105] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0106] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0107] 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.

[0108] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be further described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0109] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes AP MLD101 and Non-AP MLD102.

[0111] AP MLD101 can include multiple affiliated APs, and Non-AP MLD102 can include multiple affiliated STAs. Multiple communication links can be established between AP MLD101 and Non-AP MLD102. Specifically, one affiliated AP of AP MLD101 can establish a communication link with one affiliated STA of Non-AP MLD102.

[0112] The communication links between AP MLD101 and Non-AP MLD102 can be communication links at different frequencies, such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, or several communication links with the same or different bandwidths at 2.4GHz. Furthermore, each communication link can have multiple channels, such as a primary channel and secondary channels.

[0113] In some embodiments, the associated AP of AP MLD101 and the associated STA of Non-AP MLD102 can be terminal devices or network devices with wireless fidelity chips.

[0114] In some embodiments, after multiple communication links are established between AP MLD101 and Non-AP MLD102, AP MLD101 and Non-AP MLD102 can be in eMLSR working mode or eMLMR working mode.

[0115] In eMLSR mode, both AP MLD101 and Non-AP MLD102 utilize multiple communication links simultaneously on a single radio for data transmission; however, when one communication link is active, the others remain idle. eMLMR mode allows AP MLD101 and Non-AP MLD102 to simultaneously utilize multiple communication links on multiple radios for data transmission. These communication links can operate concurrently, achieving higher data transmission rates and lower latency.

[0116] In some embodiments, when AP MLD101 and AP MLD102 are both in eMLSR or eMLMR operating mode, AP MLD101 may determine and send at least one first radio frame to Non-AP MLD102.

[0117] Each first radio frame includes secondary channel information of a first communication link. Each first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD103 to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the transmission opportunity (TXOP) duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0118] Specifically, when AP MLD101 and Non-AP MLD102 are in eMLSR working mode, AP MLD101 determines and sends a first radio frame, which is an eMLSR link; when AP MLD101 and Non-AP MLD102 are in eMLMR working mode, AP MLD101 determines and sends at least one first radio frame, and each first radio frame is an eMLMR link.

[0119] After receiving each first radio frame, the Non-AP MLD102 can switch to the secondary channel under the first communication link corresponding to each first radio frame, and perform secondary channel communication within the TXOP duration corresponding to the first communication link.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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 link relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The link may be in any form, such as a direct link or an indirect link, a wired link or a wireless link.

[0122] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as to IEEE 802.11 system standards, including 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11bf, 802.11be, or their next generation, such as 802.11bn. Alternatively, the embodiments disclosed herein can also be applied to WLAN systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments disclosed herein can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, and 5th generation (5G) communication systems, etc.

[0123] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method shown in Figure 2 includes:

[0124] S21, Non-AP MLD sends a second radio frame, which is used to indicate that Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR working mode, and / or that Non-AP MLD supports eMLMR working mode, and / or that Non-AP MLD performs a handover delay for link switching.

[0125] In some embodiments, during the multi-link establishment process between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, the Non-AP MLD may determine and send a second radio frame to the AP MLD.

[0126] The second radio frame can be any radio frame in the multi-link establishment process, such as an association request frame or a reassociation request frame, without any restrictions.

[0127] The second radio frame is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0128] Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR working mode;

[0129] Non-AP MLD supports eMLMR working mode;

[0130] The handover delay of non-AP MLD for link switching.

[0131] Specifically, when the second radio frame is used to indicate that the Non-AP MLD supports the eMLSR operating mode and the AP MLD supports the eMLSR operating mode, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can communicate in the eMLSR operating mode.

[0132] Specifically, when the second radio frame is used to indicate that the Non-AP MLD supports the eMLMR operating mode and the AP MLD supports the eMLMR operating mode, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can communicate in the eMLMR operating mode.

[0133] The second wireless frame can indicate whether the Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR or eMLMR operating modes through different capability information values.

[0134] Among them, the handover delay of Non-AP MLD for link handover is less than or equal to the handover delay of Non-AP MLD for dynamic channel handover.

[0135] S22, the Non-AP MLD sends a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLSR link or eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0136] In some embodiments, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD negotiate to adopt either the eMLSR or eMLMR operating mode during the multi-link establishment process. After the multi-link establishment is completed, the Non-AP MLD may determine and send a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLMR link or eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0137] As an example, the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD negotiate to adopt the eMLSR working mode during the multi-link establishment process. After the multi-link establishment is completed, the Non-AP MLD can determine and send a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0138] There is an eMLSR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0139] As an example, the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD negotiate to adopt the eMLMR working mode during the multi-link establishment process. After the multi-link establishment is completed, the Non-AP MLD can determine and send a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0140] There are multiple eMLMR links between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD.

[0141] In some embodiments, after the Non-AP MLD and AP MLD negotiate to adopt the eMLSR working mode or the eMLMR working mode during the multi-link establishment process, the Non-AP MLD can indicate at least one first link identifier (Link ID) through a third radio frame to indicate that the communication link corresponding to each first link identifier is an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

[0142] S23, the AP MLD sends at least one first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one secondary channel information of a first communication link, each first radio frame being used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0143] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, the AP MLD can determine and send a first radio frame through the first communication link. The first radio frame includes the secondary channel information of the first communication link. The first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the first communication link and communicate with the AP MLD within the TXOP duration corresponding to the first communication link.

[0144] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, the first communication link is the eMLSR link.

[0145] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR operating mode, the AP MLD can determine and transmit at least one first radio frame through at least one first communication link.

[0146] In this process, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame through a first communication link.

[0147] Each first communication link is an eMLMR link, and the eMLMR links (first communication links) that send different first radio frames are different from each other.

[0148] The first radio frame sent by the AP MLD through any first communication link (eMLMR link) includes the secondary channel information of the first communication link. The first radio frame sent by the AP MLD through the first communication link is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the first communication link and to communicate with the AP MLD within the TXOP duration corresponding to the first communication link.

[0149] In some embodiments, before receiving the first radio frame, the Non-AP MLD may also indicate to the AP MLD via the radio frame that the Non-AP MLD supports secondary channel communication within a TXOP duration, such as by indicating that the Non-AP MLD has the capability for secondary channel communication within a TXOP duration through a fixed identifier value of an identifier field.

[0150] Non-AP MLD can be indicated through a second or third radio frame, or through other radio frames; no restrictions are placed here.

[0151] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD needs to switch to a secondary channel under the eMLSR link or eMLMR link to communicate with the AP MLD, the AP MLD may determine and send at least one first radio frame.

[0152] Each first radio frame includes secondary channel information of a first communication link.

[0153] Each first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the first communication link.

[0154] The first radio frame can be an initial control frame.

[0155] Each first communication link is either an eMLMR link or an eMLSR link that the AP MLD needs to communicate with the Non-AP MLD via a secondary channel.

[0156] Wherein, for any first radio frame, the first communication link corresponding to the first radio frame is the eMLMR link or eMLSR link that sends the first radio frame. The first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the first communication link that sends the first radio frame, and to communicate with the AP MLD within the TXOP duration of the first communication link that sends the first radio frame.

[0157] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, the AP MLD determines and transmits a first radio frame through a single eMLSR link.

[0158] In this case, the first communication link is the eMLSR link.

[0159] In other words, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, the AP MLD determines and sends a first radio frame through the unique eMLSR link. At this time, the first radio frame includes the secondary channel information corresponding to the eMLSR link. The first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the eMLSR link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the eMLSR link.

[0160] Among them, the TXOP corresponding to the eMLSR link is the TXOP obtained by the AP MLD under the eMLSR link.

[0161] For example, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, the AP MLD determines the first radio frame and transmits it through the single eMLSR link. At this time, the first radio frame includes the secondary channel information of the eMLSR link and the TXOP duration obtained by the AP MLD under the eMLSR link. This first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the eMLSR link and to communicate through the secondary channel under the eMLSR link within the TXOP duration indicated by the first radio frame.

[0162] Optionally, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR operating mode, the AP MLD determines and transmits at least one first radio frame through at least one eMLMR link, and each first radio frame is transmitted by the AP MLD through a different first communication link, each first communication link being an eMLMR link.

[0163] In other words, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, the AP MLD transmits a first radio frame through at least one eMLMR link. Each first radio frame includes secondary channel information for the eMLMR link corresponding to that first radio frame. Each first radio frame instructs the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the eMLMR link that transmitted the first radio frame, and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to that eMLMR link.

[0164] Among them, the TXOP corresponding to each eMLMR link is the TXOP obtained under the corresponding eMLMR link of AP MLD.

[0165] The TXOPs corresponding to any two eMLMR links can be the same or different, and there is no restriction on this.

[0166] For example, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, multiple eMLMR links are established between the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD. When it is necessary to communicate with Non-AP MLD through the secondary channels under n eMLMR links, such as when it is necessary to communicate with Non-AP MLD through the secondary channels under eMLMR-link(1)-eMLMR-link(n), the AP MLD can determine n first radio frames, and send the first first radio frame through eMLMR-link(1), send the second second radio frame through eMLMR-link(2), ..., send the nth first radio frame through eMLMR-link(n).

[0167] The first radio frame sent by the AP MLD via eMLMR-link(i) includes the secondary channel information of eMLMR-link(i) and the TXOP duration obtained by the AP MLD under eMLMR-link(i). The first radio frame sent by the AP MLD via eMLMR-link(i) is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under eMLMR-link(i) and to communicate within the TXOP duration indicated by the first radio frame via the secondary channel under eMLMR-link(i).

[0168] Where i is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n, and i and n are positive integers.

[0169] In some embodiments, each first radio frame includes a first identification field, which is used to indicate the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0170] Optionally, the first identifier field can be any information field in the first radio frame, such as the duration field or the length field in the first radio frame, without any limitation.

[0171] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, the AP MLD determines and transmits a first radio frame via a unique eMLSR link. The first radio frame includes a first identification field, which indicates the TXOP obtained by the AP MLD for communication under this eMLSR link.

[0172] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR operating mode, the AP MLD determines and transmits at least one first radio frame via at least one eMLMR link, and each first radio frame is transmitted by the AP MLD via a different eMLMR link. Each first radio frame includes a first identification field, which indicates the TXOP obtained by the AP MLD for communication under the eMLMR mode in which the first radio frame is transmitted.

[0173] S24, the Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel under each first communication link and communicates with the AP MLD within the corresponding TXOP duration.

[0174] In some embodiments, after receiving the first radio frame, the Non-AP MLD can switch to the secondary channel under each first communication link and communicate with the AP MLD within the TXOP duration corresponding to the first communication link.

[0175] When both the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, after the Non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame sent by the AP MLD through the unique eMLSR link, the Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel under that eMLSR link according to the secondary channel information indicated in the first radio frame. After completing the secondary channel switch, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD on the secondary channel under that eMLSR link within the TXOP duration indicated in the first radio frame for that eMLSR.

[0176] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, after the Non-AP MLD receives at least one first radio frame sent by the AP MLD through at least one eMLMR link, for each first radio frame, the Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel under the eMLMR that sent the first radio frame according to the secondary channel information indicated by the first radio frame. After completing the secondary channel switch, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD on the secondary channel under the eMLMR link that sent the first radio frame within the TXOP duration indicated by the first radio frame.

[0177] Among them, the communication process between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD on the secondary channel under multiple eMLMR links can be carried out simultaneously.

[0178] In some embodiments, the number of spatial streams (NSS), modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and other operating parameters supported by the Non-AP MLD on the secondary channels under each first communication link are consistent with those sent by the Non-AP MLD to the AP MLD during the establishment of multiple communication links. That is, the operating parameters used by the Non-AP MLD when communicating on the secondary channels under each first communication link are the same as those used by the Non-AP MLD when communicating on the first communication link (or the primary channel under that first communication link).

[0179] S25, after the Non-AP MLD completes secondary channel communication within the TXOP duration corresponding to each first communication link, when the Non-AP MLD is in eMLSR or eMLMR working mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the corresponding first communication link and maintains channel listening state or enters power saving mode; when the Non-AP MLD is not in eMLSR or eMLMR working mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the main channel under the corresponding first communication link and maintains wake-up state or enters power saving mode.

[0180] In some embodiments, when both the Non-AP MLD and AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel under the eMLSR link and communicates with the AP MLD via the secondary channel during the TXOP duration corresponding to the eMLSR link. If the Non-AP MLD continues to operate in eMLSR mode after completing communication on the secondary channel under the eMLSR link, the Non-AP MLD switches to the eMLSR link and maintains channel listening or enters power save (PS) mode, i.e., the Non-AP MLD maintains listening or enters power save mode under the eMLSR link. If the Non-AP MLD exits eMLSR operating mode after completing communication on the secondary channel under the eMLSR link, the Non-AP MLD switches to the primary channel under the eMLSR link and maintains awake or enters power save mode, i.e., the Non-AP MLD maintains awake or enters power save mode on the primary channel under the eMLSR link.

[0181] In some embodiments, when the Non-AP MLD and AP MLD are in Non-AP MLD operating mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel of each first communication link (each first communication link is an eMLMR link) and communicates with the AP MLD via the secondary channel within the TXOP duration corresponding to each first communication link. If the Non-AP MLD continues to operate in eMLMR mode after completing communication via the secondary channel under each first communication link, the Non-AP MLD switches to the corresponding first communication link and maintains channel listening or enters power-saving mode; that is, the AP MLD maintains channel listening or enters power-saving mode on each first communication link. If the Non-AP MLD exits eMLMR operating mode after completing communication via the secondary channel under each first communication link, the Non-AP MLD switches to the primary channel under the corresponding first communication link and maintains wake-up or enters power-saving mode; that is, the Non-AP MLD maintains wake-up or enters power-saving mode on the primary channel under each first communication link.

[0182] When both the Non-AP MLD and AP MLD are in Non-AP MLD operating mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel of each first communication link (each first communication link is an eMLMR link) and communicates with the AP MLD via the secondary channel within the TXOP duration corresponding to each first communication link. If the TXOPs corresponding to each first communication link are not completely identical, for each first communication link, after the Non-AP MLD completes communication on the secondary channel of that first communication link, it continues to communicate on the secondary channel of at least one other first communication link. This indicates that the Non-AP MLD has not exited eMLMR operating mode. For that first communication link, while communicating on the secondary channel of other first communication links, the Non-AP MLD switches to that first communication link and maintains a listening state or enters a power-saving mode.

[0183] When the Non-AP MLD switches to any first communication link and remains in listening mode, it can maintain channel monitoring or signal monitoring under that first communication link to receive information or instructions from the AP MLD. Furthermore, the Non-AP MLD can periodically enter listening mode under that first communication link.

[0184] When the Non-AP MLD switches to the main channel under any first communication link and remains in a wake-up state, the Non-AP MLD can remain fully active and available on the main channel under that first communication link, and can receive and send data in real time.

[0185] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD through the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link, if the Non-AP MLD does not perform a secondary channel switch, the Non-AP MLD actually communicates with the AP MLD through the main channel under the eMLSR link or the eMLMR link.

[0186] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one or any combination of steps S21-S25 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0187] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the method is executed by the AP MLD and includes:

[0188] S31, determine at least one first radio frame, the first radio frame includes at least one secondary channel information of a first communication link, each first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0189] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, the AP MLD determines and sends a first radio frame through a unique eMLSR link, and the first communication link corresponding to the first radio frame is the eMLSR link.

[0190] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, the AP MLD determines and sends at least one first radio frame through at least one eMLMR link, and each first radio frame is sent by the AP MLD through a different eMLMR link. The first communication link corresponding to each first radio frame is the eMLMR link that sends the corresponding first radio frame.

[0191] In some embodiments, each first radio frame further includes a first identification field, which is used to indicate the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0192] S32, transmit at least one first radio frame.

[0193] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, the AP MLD can send a first radio frame through one eMLMR link; when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, the AP MLD can send a first radio frame through a single eMLSR link.

[0194] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0195] The AP MLD receives a second radio frame, which indicates at least one of the following:

[0196] Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR working mode and / or eMLMR working mode;

[0197] The handover delay for Non-AP MLD link switching is less than or equal to the handover delay for Non-AP MLD dynamic channel switching.

[0198] During the multi-link establishment process between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD, AP MLD can receive the second radio frame sent by Non-AP MLD.

[0199] The second radio frame can be any radio frame in the multi-link establishment process, such as an association request frame or a reassociation request frame, without any restrictions.

[0200] The second wireless frame can indicate whether the Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR or eMLMR operating modes through different capability information values.

[0201] Among them, the handover delay of Non-AP MLD for link handover is less than or equal to the handover delay of Non-AP MLD for dynamic channel handover.

[0202] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0203] The AP MLD receives a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLSR link or eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0204] After the multi-link establishment process between AP MLD and Non-AP MLD is completed, AP MLD can receive the third radio frame sent by Non-AP MLD.

[0205] As an example, the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD negotiate to adopt the eMLSR working mode during the multi-link establishment process. After the multi-link establishment is completed, the AP MLD receives a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0206] There is an eMLSR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0207] As an example, the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD negotiate to adopt the eMLMR working mode during the multi-link establishment process. After the multi-link establishment is completed, the AP MLD receives a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0208] There are multiple eMLMR links between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD.

[0209] In some embodiments, after the Non-AP MLD and AP MLD negotiate to adopt the eMLSR or eMLMR working mode during the multi-link establishment process, the third radio frame is also used to indicate at least one first link identifier (Link ID) to indicate that the communication link corresponding to each first link identifier is an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

[0210] Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel under each first communication link and communicates with AP MLD within the corresponding TXOP duration.

[0211] In some embodiments, after the AP MLD sends the first radio frame, it can switch to the secondary channel under each first communication link and communicate with the Non-AP MLD within the TXOP duration corresponding to the first communication link.

[0212] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, after the AP MLD sends the first radio frame through the only eMLSR link, the AP MLD switches to the secondary channel under the eMLSR link according to the secondary channel information indicated by the first radio frame. After the secondary channel switch is completed, the AP MLD communicates with the Non-AP MLD under the secondary channel of the eMLSR link within the TXOP duration corresponding to the eMLSR indicated by the first radio frame.

[0213] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, after the AP MLD transmits at least one first radio frame through at least one eMLMR link, for each first radio frame, the AP MLD switches to the secondary channel under the eMLMR that transmitted the first radio frame according to the secondary channel information indicated by the first radio frame. After the secondary channel switch is completed, the AP MLD communicates with the Non-AP MLD on the secondary channel under the eMLMR link that transmitted the first radio frame within the TXOP duration indicated by the first radio frame.

[0214] In particular, the communication process between the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can be carried out simultaneously on the secondary channels of multiple eMLMR links.

[0215] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S31-S32 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0216] Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the method is executed by a Non-AP MLD, and the method includes:

[0217] S41, receive at least one first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one secondary channel information of a first communication link, each first radio frame being used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0218] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, the AP MLD determines and sends a first radio frame through a unique eMLSR link, and the first communication link corresponding to the first radio frame is the eMLSR link.

[0219] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, the AP MLD determines and sends at least one first radio frame through at least one eMLMR link, and each first radio frame is sent by the AP MLD through a different eMLMR link. The first communication link corresponding to each first radio frame is the eMLMR link that sends the corresponding first radio frame.

[0220] In some embodiments, each first radio frame further includes a first identification field, which is used to indicate the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0221] In some embodiments, during the multi-link establishment process between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, the Non-AP MLD may determine and send a second radio frame to the AP MLD.

[0222] The second radio frame can be any radio frame in the multi-link establishment process, such as an association request frame or a reassociation request frame, without any restrictions.

[0223] The second radio frame is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0224] Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR working mode;

[0225] Non-AP MLD supports eMLMR working mode;

[0226] The handover delay of non-AP MLD for link switching.

[0227] Specifically, when the second radio frame is used to indicate that the Non-AP MLD supports the eMLSR operating mode and the AP MLD supports the eMLSR operating mode, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can communicate in the eMLSR operating mode.

[0228] Specifically, when the second radio frame is used to indicate that the Non-AP MLD supports the eMLMR operating mode and the AP MLD supports the eMLMR operating mode, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD can communicate in the eMLMR operating mode.

[0229] The second wireless frame can indicate whether the Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR or eMLMR operating modes through different capability information values.

[0230] Among them, the handover delay of Non-AP MLD for link handover is less than or equal to the handover delay of Non-AP MLD for dynamic channel handover.

[0231] In some embodiments, the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD negotiate to adopt either the eMLSR or eMLMR operating mode during the multi-link establishment process. After the multi-link establishment is completed, the Non-AP MLD may determine and send a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLMR link or eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0232] As an example, the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD negotiate to adopt the eMLSR working mode during the multi-link establishment process. After the multi-link establishment is completed, the Non-AP MLD can determine and send a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0233] There is an eMLSR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0234] As an example, the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD negotiate to adopt the eMLMR working mode during the multi-link establishment process. After the multi-link establishment is completed, the Non-AP MLD can determine and send a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0235] There are multiple eMLMR links between Non-AP MLD and AP MLD.

[0236] In some embodiments, after the Non-AP MLD and AP MLD negotiate to adopt the eMLSR working mode or the eMLMR working mode during the multi-link establishment process, the Non-AP MLD can indicate at least one first link identifier (Link ID) through a third radio frame to indicate that the communication link corresponding to each first link identifier is an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

[0237] In some embodiments, after receiving the first radio frame, the Non-AP MLD can switch to the secondary channel under each first communication link and communicate with the AP MLD within the TXOP duration corresponding to the first communication link.

[0238] When both the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR operating mode, after the Non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame sent by the AP MLD through the unique eMLSR link, the Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel under that eMLSR link according to the secondary channel information indicated in the first radio frame. After completing the secondary channel switch, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD on the secondary channel under that eMLSR link within the TXOP duration indicated in the first radio frame for that eMLSR.

[0239] When the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, after the Non-AP MLD receives at least one first radio frame sent by the AP MLD through at least one eMLMR link, for each first radio frame, the Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel under the eMLMR that sent the first radio frame according to the secondary channel information indicated by the first radio frame. After completing the secondary channel switch, the Non-AP MLD communicates with the AP MLD on the secondary channel under the eMLMR link that sent the first radio frame within the TXOP duration indicated by the first radio frame.

[0240] Among them, the communication process between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD on the secondary channel under multiple eMLMR links can be carried out simultaneously.

[0241] In some embodiments, after the Non-AP MLD completes secondary channel communication within the TXOP duration corresponding to each first communication link, when the Non-AP MLD is in eMLSR or eMLMR working mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the corresponding first communication link and maintains channel listening state or enters power saving mode; when the Non-AP MLD is not in eMLSR or eMLMR working mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the main channel under the corresponding first communication link and maintains wake-up state or enters power saving mode.

[0242] When both the Non-AP MLD and AP MLD are in Non-AP MLD operating mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the secondary channel of each first communication link (each first communication link is an eMLMR link) and communicates with the AP MLD via the secondary channel within the TXOP duration corresponding to each first communication link. If the TXOPs corresponding to each first communication link are not completely identical, for each first communication link, after the Non-AP MLD completes communication on the secondary channel of that first communication link, it continues to communicate on the secondary channel of at least one other first communication link. This indicates that the Non-AP MLD has not exited eMLMR operating mode. For that first communication link, while communicating on the secondary channel of other first communication links, the Non-AP MLD switches to that first communication link and maintains a listening state or enters a power-saving mode.

[0243] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the AP MLD 500 may include a processing module 510 and a transceiver module 520.

[0244] In some embodiments, the processing module 510 is configured to determine at least one first radio frame, each of the first radio frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, each of the first radio frames being configured to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link, wherein each of the first communication links is an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

[0245] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 520 described above is used to transmit each first wireless frame.

[0246] Optionally, the processing module 510 is used to execute at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S31, but not limited thereto) performed by the AP MLD in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The transceiver module 520 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps S23, steps S32, but not limited thereto) performed by the AP MLD in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0247] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the Non-AP MLD proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the Non-AP MLD 600 may include a transceiver module 610.

[0248] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 610 is configured to receive at least one first wireless frame, each of the first wireless frames including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each of the first wireless frames is configured to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link.

[0249] Each of the aforementioned first communication links is either an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

[0250] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (such as step S21, step S22, but not limited thereto) executed by the Non-AP MLD in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0251] Optionally, the Non-AP MLD600 may also include a processing module 620, which is used to execute at least one of the processing steps (such as step S23, step S24, but not limited thereto) of the Non-AP MLD in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0252] It should be understood that the above division of units or modules 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, units or modules can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, including a processor connected to memory, with instructions stored in the memory, and the processor calling the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the above units or modules. 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.

[0253] 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).

[0254] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 700 can be an AP MLD or a Non-AP MLD, or it can be a chip, chip system, logic entity, or processor that supports AP MLD or Non-AP MLD to implement any of the above methods. The communication device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and for details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0255] As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 includes one or more processors 701. The 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. The communication device 700 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0256] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 702 may be located outside the communication device 700.

[0257] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more transceivers 703. When the communication device 700 includes one or more transceivers 703, the transceivers 703 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S21-S23, S32, S41, but not limited thereto), and the processor 701 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S24-S25, S31, but not limited thereto).

[0258] 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.

[0259] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may include one or more interface circuits 704. Optionally, the interface circuit 704 is connected to the memory 702, and the interface circuit 704 can be used to receive signals from the memory 702 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 702 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 704 can read instructions stored in the memory 702 and send the instructions to the processor 701.

[0260] The communication device 700 described in the above embodiments may be a first network device or a second network device, but the scope of the communication device 700 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 700 may not be limited by FIG. 7. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the above-mentioned communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above-mentioned IC collection 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.

[0261] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 800 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The chip 800 includes one or more processors 801, and the chip 800 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0262] In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more interface circuits 803. Optionally, the interface circuit 803 is connected to memory 802, and the interface circuit 803 can be used to receive signals from memory 802 or other devices, and the interface circuit 803 can be used to send signals to memory 802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 803 can read instructions stored in memory 802 and send the instructions to processor 801.

[0263] 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 S21-S23, S32, S41, but not limited thereto), and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S24-S25, S31, but not limited thereto).

[0264] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0265] 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.

[0266] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 700, cause the communication device 700 to perform any of the above methods. 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.

[0267] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 700, causes the communication device 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0268] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features disclosed in this disclosure that have similar functions.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The Access Point Device (AP MLD) supporting multiple connections determines at least one first radio frame, each first radio frame including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD supporting multiple connections to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the transmission opportunity (TXOP) duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link. Each of the first communication links is an enhanced multi-link single-radio eMLSR link or an enhanced multi-link multi-radio eMLMR link; The AP MLD transmits each of the first radio frames.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AP MLD transmits each of the first radio frames, including one or more of the following: When the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame through the eMLSR link, and the first communication link corresponding to the first radio frame is the eMLSR link; When the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, the AP MLD sends at least one first radio frame through at least one eMLMR link, and each first radio frame is sent by the AP MLD through a different eMLMR link. The first communication link corresponding to each first radio frame is the eMLMR link that sends the corresponding first radio frame.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the first radio frames also includes a first identification field, which is used to indicate the TXOP duration corresponding to the first communication link.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The AP MLD receives a second radio frame, the second radio frame being used to indicate at least one of the following: The Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR working mode and / or eMLMR working mode; The handover delay of the Non-AP MLD for link switching is less than or equal to the handover delay of the Non-AP MLD for dynamic channel switching.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The AP MLD receives a third radio frame, which is used to indicate an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The Non-AP MLD receives at least one first radio frame, each first radio frame including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link. Each of the first communication links is either an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The Non-AP MLD receives each of the first radio frames, including one or more of the following: When the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD are in eMLSR working mode, the Non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame through the eMLSR link, and the first communication link corresponding to the first radio frame is the eMLSR link; When the AP MLD and the Non-AP MLD are in eMLMR working mode, the Non-AP MLD receives at least one first radio frame through at least one eMLMR link, and each first radio frame is sent by the AP MLD through a different eMLMR link. The first communication link corresponding to each first radio frame is the eMLMR link that sends the corresponding first radio frame.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Each of the first radio frames also includes a first identification field, which is used to indicate the TXOP duration corresponding to the first communication link.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The Non-AP MLD transmits a second radio frame, the second radio frame being used to indicate at least one of the following: The Non-AP MLD supports eMLSR working mode and / or eMLMR working mode; The handover delay of the Non-AP MLD for link switching is less than or equal to the handover delay of the Non-AP MLD for dynamic channel switching.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The Non-AP MLD sends a third radio frame, which is used to indicate the eMLSR link or eMLMR link between the Non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

11. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: After completing secondary channel communication within the TXOP duration corresponding to each first communication link, when the Non-AP MLD is in eMLSR or eMLMR working mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the corresponding first communication link and maintains channel listening or enters power saving mode.

12. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: After completing secondary channel communication within the TXOP corresponding to each first communication link, when the Non-AP MLD is not in eMLSR or eMLMR working mode, the Non-AP MLD switches to the main channel under the corresponding first communication link and remains in a wake-up state or enters a power-saving mode.

13. An AP MLD, characterized in that, include: The processing module is configured to determine at least one first radio frame, each first radio frame including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each first radio frame is configured to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link. Each of the first communication links is an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link; A transceiver module is used to send each of the first wireless frames.

14. [Amended according to Rule 26, August 19, 2024] A Non-AP MLD, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive at least one first radio frame, each first radio frame including secondary channel information of a first communication link, and each first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link. Each of the first communication links is either an eMLSR link or an eMLMR link.

15. [Amended according to Rule 26, August 19, 2024] A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-5 or 6-12.

16. [Amended according to Rule 26, August 19, 2024] A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-5 or 6-12.

17. [Amended according to Rule 26, August 19, 2024] A communication system comprising an AP MLD and a Non-AP MLD; wherein, The AP MLD determines and transmits at least one first radio frame, each first radio frame including secondary channel information of a first communication link. Each first radio frame is used to instruct the Non-AP MLD to switch to the secondary channel under the corresponding first communication link and to communicate within the TXOP duration corresponding to the corresponding first communication link. Each first communication link is an eMLSR link or an electrical eMLMR link. The Non-AP MLD receives each first radio frame.

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