Link handover method and apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

A link handover method and apparatus, a device, and a storage medium, relating to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: a first AP sends first information to a second AP, wherein the first information is used for indicating context transfer content between the first AP and a STA, a link has been established between the STA and the first AP, and the second AP is a target AP for link handover of the STA (310). The first AP may indicate, to the second AP, context transfer content between the first AP and the STA, so that the second AP may perform data transmission with the STA on the basis of the context transfer content, thereby ensuring the stability of data transmission of the STA during a link handover process, avoiding data loss.

Description

Link switching methods, devices, equipment and storage media Technical Field

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

[0002] In Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) networks, a Station (STA) can quickly switch from its current Access Point (AP) to a target AP. However, related technologies only consider link switching, not data stream switching. If data transmission occurs between the STA and the current AP, Fast Transition (FT) may result in data loss between the STA and the current AP.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a link switching method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. The technical solutions provided by this application are as follows:

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a link switching method is provided, the method being executed by a first AP, the method comprising:

[0006] Send first information to the second AP. The first information is used to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. The STA and the first AP have established a link. The second AP is the target AP for the STA link switching.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a link switching method is provided, the method being executed by a second AP, the method comprising:

[0008] The system receives first information sent by the first AP, which indicates the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. The STA and the first AP have established a link, and the second AP is the target AP for the STA link switching.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a link switching method is provided, the method being executed by a STA, the method comprising:

[0010] Send a second request message to the second AP. The second request message is used to request the establishment of a link between the STA and the second AP. The STA has already established a link with the first AP. The second AP is the target AP for the STA's link switching.

[0011] Receive a second response message from the second AP, the second response message being used to indicate the context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP.

[0012] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a link switching device is provided, the device comprising:

[0013] The sending module is used to send first information to the second AP. The first information is used to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. The STA and the first AP have established a link. The second AP is the target AP for the STA link switching.

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a link switching device is provided, the device comprising:

[0015] The receiving module is used to receive first information sent by the first AP. The first information is used to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. The STA and the first AP have established a link. The second AP is the target AP for the STA link switching.

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a link switching device is provided, the device comprising:

[0017] The sending module is used to send a second request message to the second AP. The second request message is used to request the establishment of a link between the STA and the second AP. The STA has already established a link with the first AP. The second AP is the target AP for the STA's link switching.

[0018] A receiving module is configured to receive second response information from the second AP, the second response information being used to indicate the context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP.

[0019] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to implement the above-described link switching method.

[0020] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program for execution by a processor to implement the above-described link switching method.

[0021] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a chip is provided, the chip including programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is running, are used to implement the above-described link switching method.

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and a processor reading from the computer-readable storage medium and executing the computer instructions to implement the above-described link switching method.

[0023] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment may have the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The first AP can indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA to the second AP, so that the second AP can transmit data with the STA based on the context transmission content, ensuring the stability of data transmission during the link switching process and avoiding data loss. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a DSFT (Distributed Scheduling Fast Transition) resource request method in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a link switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a DSFT resource request method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a DSFT resource request method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an MPDU transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the MAC data service architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an MPDU forwarding process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the MAC data service architecture provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an MPDU forwarding process provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the MAC data service architecture provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of PPDU or MPDU transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a link switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a link switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a link switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0043] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system, New Radio (NR) system, evolution of NR system, LTE-based access to unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) system, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), and Wireless Fidelity (WF). Fidelity (WiFi), 5th-Generation (5G) systems, B5G (Beyound 5G) systems, 6th-Generation (6G) systems, or other communication systems.

[0044] Traditional communication systems typically support a limited number of connections and are easy to implement. However, with the development of communication technology, mobile communication systems will not only support traditional communication but also, for example, device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. The embodiments of this application can also be applied to these communication systems.

[0045] The communication system in this application embodiment can be applied to carrier aggregation (CA) scenarios, dual connectivity (DC) scenarios, and standalone (SA) network deployment scenarios.

[0046] The communication system in this application embodiment can be applied to unlicensed spectrum, wherein unlicensed spectrum can also be considered as shared spectrum; or, the communication system in this application embodiment can also be applied to licensed spectrum, wherein licensed spectrum can also be considered as non-shared spectrum.

[0047] The embodiments of this application can be applied to both non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and terrestrial networks (TN). NTN typically uses satellite communication to provide communication services to terrestrial users. Currently, NTN systems include NR-NTN and IoT-NTN systems, and other NTN systems may be included in the future.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 1, which shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture 100 provided in one embodiment of this application. The network architecture 100 may include: a terminal device 10, an access network device 20, and a core network element 30.

[0049] Terminal device 10 can refer to UE (User Equipment), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment. In some embodiments, terminal device 10 can also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) phone, WLL (Wireless Local Loop) station, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, terminal device in 5GS (5th Generation System), or terminal device in the future evolved PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network), etc., and this application embodiment is not limited thereto. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as terminal devices. The number of terminal devices 10 is usually multiple, and one or more terminal devices 10 can be distributed within the cell managed by each access network device 20. Terminal equipment can also be simply referred to as terminal or UE, the meaning of which can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0050] Access network device 20 is a device deployed in an access network to provide wireless communication functionality to terminal device 10. Access network device 20 may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, access points, etc. In systems employing different wireless access technologies, the name of the device with access network device functionality may differ; for example, in a 5G NR system, it is called gNodeB or gNB. As communication technologies evolve, the name "access network device" may change. For ease of description, in this embodiment, the aforementioned devices providing wireless communication functionality to terminal device 10 are collectively referred to as access network devices. In some embodiments, a communication relationship can be established between terminal device 10 and core network element 30 through access network device 20. For example, in an LTE (Long Term Evolution) system, access network device 20 may be one or more eNodeBs in an EUTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) or EUTRAN; in a 5G NR system, access network device 20 may be one or more gNBs in a RAN (Radio Access Network). In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the term "network device" refers to access network device 20, such as a base station.

[0051] Core network element 30 is a network element deployed in the core network. Its main functions are to provide user connectivity, manage users, and bear services, serving as an interface to external networks. For example, core network elements in a 5G NR system may include AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) entities, UPF (User Plane Function) entities, and SMF (Session Management Function) entities.

[0052] In some embodiments, the access network device 20 and the core network element 30 communicate with each other via some air interface technology, such as the NG interface in a 5G NR system. The access network device 20 and the terminal device 10 communicate with each other via some air interface technology, such as the Uu interface.

[0053] The "5G NR system" in this application embodiment can also be referred to as a 5G system or an NR system, but those skilled in the art will understand its meaning. The technical solutions described in this application embodiment can be applied to LTE systems, 5G NR systems, and subsequent evolution systems of 5G NR systems (such as B5G (Beyound 5G) systems, 6G systems (6th Generation System), and other communication systems such as NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) systems. This application does not limit these applications.

[0054] In this embodiment, the network device can provide services to a cell. The terminal device communicates with the network device through the transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) on the carrier used by the cell. The cell can be the cell corresponding to the network device (e.g., a base station). The cell can belong to a macro base station or to a base station corresponding to a small cell. The small cell can include: metro cell, micro cell, pico cell, femto cell, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage area and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0055] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technologies involved in this application will be described first. The following relevant technologies are optional solutions and can be arbitrarily combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, all of which fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application include at least some of the following contents.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 2, which shows a flowchart of a DS FT resource request method in an RSN provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0057] Distributed Scheduling Fast Transit (DSFT) is a mechanism for resource requesting and scheduling in wireless networks to improve network efficiency and response speed. In DSFT, stations (such as Wi-Fi devices) can request network resources for rapid data transmission. This request typically involves the following steps:

[0058] Resource Request: The STA sends a resource request to the access point (AP) to indicate its data transmission needs.

[0059] Resource allocation: The access point allocates corresponding resources based on the current network conditions and the STA's request.

[0060] Fast transition: To reduce latency when switching access points, the fast transition mechanism allows STAs to switch quickly between different APs without significantly interrupting service.

[0061] Confirmation and scheduling: After receiving confirmation of resource allocation, the STA will transmit data according to the allocated resources.

[0062] The key feature of the DSFT resource request protocol is that it allows for distributed resource management and rapid network switching, thereby improving overall network performance and user experience.

[0063] As shown in Figure 2, the session and data transmission between the STA and the current AP MLD (Multi-Link Device) are successful (secure). The STA determines that it needs to switch to the target AP MLD. At this time, the STA sends an FT Request to the current AP MLD. After receiving the FT Request, the current AP MLD forwards it to the target AP MLD and forwards the FT Response sent by the target AP MLD to the STA. After receiving the FT Response, the STA sends an FT Confirm to the target AP MLD. After receiving the FT Confirm, the current AP MLD forwards it to the target AP MLD and forwards the FT ACK (Acknowledgment) sent by the target AP MLD to the STA.

[0064] After receiving the FT ACK, the STA sends a Reassociation Request to the target AP MLD. After receiving the Reassociation Response from the target AP MLD, the 802.1x controlled port between the STA and the target AP MLD is unlocked, and the session and data transmission are successful (secure).

[0065] It is important to note that reassociation will only be successful if the time between the FT request and the Reassociation Request does not exceed the reassociation deadline.

[0066] Among them, STA can also be called non-AP MLD; current AP MLD can also be simply called current AP, and target AP MLD can also be simply called target AP.

[0067] The above information may be related to the following:

[0068] FTO (Fast Transition Operation) refers to a network protocol used to reduce service interruption time when an STA switches access points.

[0069] Target AP (Target Access Point) refers to the next access point that the STA attempts to connect to.

[0070] RSNE (Robust Security Network Element) is a set of parameters used to define network security settings.

[0071] PMKR0Name (Pairwise Master Key Re-authentication Name) is a parameter used for secure re-authentication on the network.

[0072] MDE (Mobility Domain Element) is a parameter used to identify the mobility domain, allowing STAs to seamlessly switch between different access points.

[0073] FTE (Fast Transition Element) typically contains security-related information, such as R0KH-ID (Re-authentication, R0 key holder identifier), used for quickly and securely switching access points. SNonce (Supplicant Nonce) is a random number generated by the requesting end (e.g., STA) during network authentication, used to create temporary keys. ANonce (Authenticator Nonce) is a random number generated by the authenticating end (e.g., access point) during network authentication, used together with SNonce for key generation. R1KH-ID (R1 Key Holder Identifier) ​​is an identifier used to identify the entity responsible for generating and managing R1 keys. RIC-Request (Resource Information Container Request) is a signal used to request a connection between different access points. RIC Response is a response signal to a RIC-Request. MIC (Message Integrity Check) is a technology used to ensure that messages have not been tampered with during transmission. GTK (Group Temporal Key) is a key used in a wireless network to encrypt multicast or broadcast traffic transmitted to all clients. BIGTK[Q] (Broadcast / Multicast Individual GTK with Queue) is a key used to encrypt broadcast or multicast traffic sent to a specific client. MLO GTKn (Multi-Link Operation Group Temporal Key number) is the group temporary key number used in multi-link operations. MLO IGTKn (Multi-Link Operation Individual Group Key number) is the individual group key number used in multi-link operations. MLO BIGTKn (Multi-Link Operation Broadcast / Multicast Individual GTK number) is the broadcast / multicast individual GTK number used in multi-link operations.RSNXE (Robust Secure Network Extended Event) refers to a specific event or condition that occurs in a robust secure network environment.

[0074] The Basic Multi-link element is a parameter used to implement multi-link operation in a wireless network, allowing a device to establish connections with multiple access points simultaneously.

[0075] The format of EHT MU PPDU is shown in Table 1.

[0076] Table 1: EHT MU PPDU Format

[0077] Among them, L-STF (L-Short Training Field) is used for signal detection. L-LTF (L-Long Training Field) is used for channel estimation. L-SIG (Long Signaling Field) is a signaling field used to transmit longer control information within a communication frame. U-SIG (Ultra-Short Signaling Field) is a signaling field used to transmit very little control information, such as synchronization signals or control commands. EHT-STF (Extremely High Throughput STF) is a short training sequence used for synchronization and channel estimation, suitable for high-throughput systems. EHT-LTF is a long training sequence used for channel estimation, suitable for high-throughput systems. Data represents the data carried in the PPDU. PE (Post-Equalization) is a step used to improve signal quality after signal reception.

[0078] The U-SIG-1 format is shown in Table 2.

[0079] Table 2: U-SIG-1 Format

[0080] Among them, PHY Version Identifier is a parameter used to identify the version or revision of a wireless communication standard. Bandwidth refers to the frequency range available in a wireless channel or communication system, usually measured in Hertz (Hz). UL / DL (Uplink / Downlink) indicates the transmission direction of this U-SIG-1. BSS Color (Basic Service Set Color) is used in wireless networks to distinguish different Basic Service Sets (BSS) to avoid interference between wireless networks. TXOP (Transmit Opportunity) is the transmission time window allocated to a specific user equipment or service in wireless communication. Disregard is an instruction to ignore certain signals or parameters under specific circumstances. Validate checks whether a parameter or condition meets the expected or specified requirements.

[0081] The U-SIG-2 format is shown in Table 3.

[0082] Table 3: U-SIG-2 Format

[0083] Among them, PPDU Type and Compression Mode refers to the data transmission mode, such as whether it contains control information or only data. Compression mode refers to the compression techniques applied to the PPDU before transmission to reduce the size of the transmitted data. Punctured Channel Information (PSI) refers to the intentional deletion of some data bits in some modulation schemes to adjust error detection and correction capabilities or change the data rate. EHT-SIG MCS is the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) associated with EHT. Number of EHT-SIG Symbols is the total number of symbols used in the PPDU to transmit EHT signals. CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) is an error detection method implemented by adding specific check bits to the data block. Tail is the end part of a data packet or signal, which may contain extra bits for signal attenuation or to end transmission.

[0084] The MAC frame format is shown in Table 4.

[0085] Table 4: MAC Frame Format

[0086] Frame Control, part of the frame header, contains frame type, subtype, and control information to identify the frame's purpose and format. Duration / ID indicates the time required for the frame to travel through the air, used to avoid signal collisions. Address 1 is the first MAC address field of the frame, typically containing the receiver's MAC address. Address 2 is the second MAC address field, which may contain the sender's MAC address or an associated MAC address. Address 3 is the third MAC address field, used for multicast or specific network operations. Sequence Control contains sequence and fragment numbers to ensure the order and integrity of data frames. Address 4 is an optional fourth MAC address field used for specific network functions such as QoS (Quality of Service). QoS Control is an optional field containing QoS-related information to provide different levels of service priority. HT Control is used to support high-speed transmission and MIMO operation. The frame body is the main part of the frame, containing the actual data or management information transmitted. The FCS (Frame Check Sequence) is a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code used for error detection to ensure the integrity of the frame.

[0087] The relevant technologies only consider link switching during the FT process, but not data flow switching. This will result in data loss between the site and the current access point (AP) during the FT process.

[0088] Please refer to Figure 3, which shows a flowchart of a link switching method provided in one embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 1. The method may include the following step 310.

[0089] Step 310: The first AP sends first information to the second AP. The first information is used to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. A link has been established between the STA and the first AP. The second AP is the target AP for the STA link switching.

[0090] Accordingly, the second AP receives the first information.

[0091] In some embodiments, during seamless roaming, a context transfer is required between the current AP and the target AP to ensure that data transmission can be smoothly switched from the current AP to the target AP.

[0092] In some embodiments, the context transport content includes at least one of the following:

[0093] Downlink data from the first AP;

[0094] The transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP;

[0095] Scoreboard context control parameters for the first AP;

[0096] First AP receiver reordering buffer control parameters;

[0097] The key between the first AP and STA;

[0098] The encryption method between the first AP and STA;

[0099] The retransmission counter between the first AP and STA.

[0100] In some embodiments, the downlink data of the first AP refers to the downlink data cached in the first AP that has not yet been sent to the STA.

[0101] In some embodiments, the transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, the scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, the receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, the key between the first AP and the STA, the encryption method between the first AP and the STA, and the retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA are parameters required by the MAC layer to process downlink data.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first AP is the current AP, i.e., the AP that has established a link with the STA, and the second AP is the target AP, i.e., the AP to which the STA is switching links.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate that the context transmission content is used for the second AP to send an MPDU to the STA, and / or for the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA. In some embodiments, when the first information is used to indicate that the context transmission content is used for the second AP to send an MPDU to the STA, the context transmission content may include downlink data of the first AP. In some embodiments, when the first information is used to indicate that the context transmission content is used for the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA, the context transmission content may not include downlink data of the first AP.

[0104] In some embodiments, the context transmission content used for the second AP to send an MPDU to the STA may be the same as or different from the context transmission content used for the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA. In some embodiments, the first information may indicate the context transmission content used for the second AP to send an MPDU to the STA and the context transmission content used for the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA, respectively. In some embodiments, the context transmission content indicated by the first information may be used for the second AP to send an MPDU to the STA or for the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA.

[0105] In some embodiments, the parameters contained in the context transmission content are different, and the processing of MPDU by the second AP is also different. This will be described in detail in the embodiments below.

[0106] In some embodiments, before sending downlink data, the MAC layer of the AP processes the downlink data to obtain an MPDU, which may include at least one of the following steps: A-MSDU aggregation, PS delay queuing, sequence number allocation, packet number allocation, and MPDU encryption. Taking the processing of downlink data by the first AP as an example, after receiving the MSDU from the upper layer, the first AP sequentially performs A-MSDU Aggregation (TX), PS Defer Queuing (AP MLD Only), Sequence Number Assignment, Packet Number Assignment, and MPDU Encryption. The upper layer refers to the layer above the MAC layer, such as the LLC (Logical Link Control) layer.

[0107] In some embodiments, if the second AP only needs to receive the MPDU sent by the STA to the first AP, the first AP does not need to send downlink data of the first AP to the second AP.

[0108] The technical solution provided in this application embodiment allows the first AP to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA to the second AP, enabling the second AP to transmit data with the STA based on the context transmission content, ensuring the stability of data transmission during link switching and avoiding data loss.

[0109] In some embodiments, before sending the first information to the second AP, the first AP communicates with the second AP about the context transmission content it supports. In some embodiments, the first AP may send capability information to the second AP indicating the context transmission content that the first AP supports.

[0110] In some embodiments, the amount of context data to be transmitted between the first AP and the second AP is small, and a fast transmission method can be used to complete the transmission of the context data. In other embodiments, the amount of context data to be transmitted between the first AP and the second AP is large, so it is necessary to plan an appropriate transmission time for the transmission of the context data to ensure that data transmission continues normally after the STA switches the link to the second AP.

[0111] 1. Instant Context Transfer

[0112] In some embodiments, step 310 above can be implemented as step 311 below.

[0113] Step 311: The first AP sends a first response message to the second AP. The first response message includes first information, which is used to respond to the first request information. The first request information is used to request the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA.

[0114] Accordingly, the second AP receives the first response information.

[0115] In some embodiments, the second AP sends a first request message to the first AP. Accordingly, the second AP receives the first request message.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first response information may further include a first MSDU or MPDU, which is forwarded to the STA by the second AP.

[0117] In some embodiments, the MAC layer of the first AP processes the downlink data to obtain a first MSDU or MPDU. In some embodiments, after receiving the first MPDU, the second AP does not need to process the first MPDU and can directly forward it to the STA. In some embodiments, after receiving the first MSDU, the second AP also needs to process the first MSDU to generate a first MPDU, and then send the first MPDU to the STA. In some embodiments, the first MSDU, MPDU header, and CRC constitute the first MPDU.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first request information and the first response information are newly added information during the FT process. For example, the first request information is specifically used to request context transfer content between the first AP and the STA, and the first response information is used to respond to the first request information. For example, the first request information is context transfer request information, and the first response information is context transfer response information. For example, as shown in FIG4, compared to the DS FT resource request method shown in FIG2, a Context Transfer Request and a Context Transfer Response are added. The Context Transfer Request is used to request context transfer content between the first AP and the STA, and the Context Transfer Response is used to respond to the Context Transfer Request.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first request information is used to indicate the context transmission content requested by the second AP.

[0120] In some embodiments, before requesting context transmission content from the first AP, the second AP communicates with the first AP about the context transmission content that the first AP supports transmitting.

[0121] In some embodiments, prior to step 311, the method further includes at least one of steps 312 to 313.

[0122] Step 312: The first AP sends first capability information to the second AP. The first capability information is used to indicate the context transmission content that the first AP supports.

[0123] Accordingly, the second AP receives the first capability information.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first capability information may be newly added separate information, or it may be information or information fields carried in other information during the FT process. For example, the first capability information is Context Transfer Capability. For example, as shown in FIG4, Context Transfer Capability is carried in the FT Confirm frame forwarded by the first AP to the second AP.

[0125] Step 313: The first AP receives the second capability information sent by the second AP. The second capability information is used to indicate the context transmission content that the second AP supports.

[0126] Accordingly, the second AP sends the second capability information.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second capability information may be newly added separate information, or it may be information or information fields carried in other information during the FT process. For example, the second capability information is Context Transfer Capability. For example, as shown in FIG4, Context Transfer Capability is carried in the FT ACK (FT affirmative acknowledgment) sent by the second AP and forwarded by the first AP to the STA.

[0128] In some embodiments, the context transmission content included in both the first capability information and the second capability information is determined as the context transmission content sent by the first AP to the second AP.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first AP may perform only one of steps 312 and 313 above, or it may perform both steps 312 and 313 above.

[0130] For example, if the first AP only executes step 312, then after receiving the first capability information, the second AP determines the context transmission content that the first AP will send to the second AP based on the context transmission content that the first AP supports transmitting, as indicated in the first capability information. In some embodiments, after determining the context transmission content that the first AP will send to the second AP, the second AP may indicate the context transmission content to be sent by the first AP to the second AP in the first request information. For example, the first capability information indicates that the first AP supports transmitting downlink data of the first AP, the first AP's transmission buffer control parameters, the first AP's scoreboard context control parameters, and the first AP's receiver reordering buffer control parameters. The context transmission content that the second AP supports transmitting includes the first AP's downlink data, the first AP's transmission buffer control parameters, the first AP's scoreboard context control parameters, the first AP's receiver reordering buffer control parameters, the key between the first AP and the STA, the encryption method between the first AP and the STA, and the retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA. Then the second AP can determine that the context transmission content sent by the first AP to the second AP includes: the first AP's downlink data, the first AP's transmission buffer control parameters, the first AP's scoreboard context control parameters, and the first AP's receiver reordering buffer control parameters. The first request information can be used to request the first AP to transmit downlink data of the first AP, the transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, the scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, and the receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP.

[0131] For example, if the first AP only executes step 313, then after receiving the second capability information, the first AP determines the context transmission content to be sent to the second AP based on the context transmission content supported by the second AP as indicated in the second capability information. In some embodiments, the first request information may not indicate the context transmission content requested from the first AP, but may also carry the second capability information. For example, the second capability information indicates that the second AP supports the transmission of the first AP's downlink data, the first AP's transmission buffer control parameters, the first AP's scoreboard context control parameters, and the first AP's receiver reordering buffer control parameters. The context transmission content supported by the first AP includes the first AP's downlink data, the first AP's transmission buffer control parameters, the first AP's scoreboard context control parameters, the first AP's receiver reordering buffer control parameters, the key between the first AP and the STA, the encryption method between the first AP and the STA, and the retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA. Then the first AP can determine that the context transmission content sent to the second AP includes: the first AP's downlink data, the first AP's transmission buffer control parameters, the first AP's scoreboard context control parameters, and the first AP's receiver reordering buffer control parameters. The first request message may not indicate the requested context transmission content, or it may be used to request downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, the key between the first AP and the STA, the encryption method between the first AP and the STA, and the retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA. Regardless of whether the first request message indicates the context transmission content requested by the second AP, the first AP will only send its downlink data, transmission buffer control parameters, scoreboard context control parameters, and receiver reordering buffer control parameters to the second AP.

[0132] For example, the first AP performs steps 312 and 313 as described above, and the first AP and the second AP respectively determine the context transmission content that the first AP sends to the second AP. For example, the first AP determines the context transmission content that it sends to the second AP based on the second capability information, and the second AP determines the context transmission content that it sends to the second AP based on the first capability information. In this case, the first request information may or may not indicate the context transmission content requested by the second AP.

[0133] For example, as shown in Figure 4, Context Transfer Capability is added to the FT confirm frame and FT ACK frame. The Context Transfer Capability in the FT confirm frame indicates the context transfer content supported by the first AP. The Context Transfer Capability in the FT ACK frame indicates the context transfer content supported by the second AP. A context transfer content can only be forwarded if both the first and second APs support it.

[0134] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of steps 320 to 330.

[0135] Step 320: The second AP receives the second request information sent by the STA. The second request information is used to request the establishment of a link between the STA and the second AP.

[0136] Accordingly, STA sends a second request message.

[0137] Step 330: The second AP sends a second response message to the STA, which indicates the context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP.

[0138] Accordingly, the STA receives the second response information.

[0139] In some embodiments, after the STA receives the second response information, it indicates that the second AP has successfully established a link with the STA.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first AP sends first information to the second AP before the STA establishes a link with the second AP. For example, as shown in FIG4, after receiving the Context Transfer Response, the second AP sends a Reassociation Response Frame to the STA. For example, context transfer can occur between the first AP and the second AP between the Reassociation Request Frame and the Reassociation Response Frame. The second AP sends a Context Transfer Request to the first AP. Simultaneously, the first AP replies with a Context Transfer Response.

[0141] In some embodiments, the second response information includes at least one of the following:

[0142] First MSDU forwarding information, the first MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate the sending address of the MPDU associated with the first AP;

[0143] RIC response information, which is used to indicate the BA parameters of the uplink TID of the STA when switching from the first AP to the second AP;

[0144] Context transmission indication information is used to indicate the data transmission status between the STA and the second AP.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second request information includes at least one of the following:

[0146] The second MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate the receive address of the MPDU associated with the first AP;

[0147] RIC request information is used to indicate the BA parameters of the TID of the downlink between the STA and the first AP.

[0148] In some embodiments, in order for the STA to determine whether the MPDU sent by the second AP is from the second AP or the first AP when it receives the MPDU, and for the second AP to determine whether the MPDU sent by the STA is sent to the first AP or the second AP when it receives the MPDU, MSDU forwarding information can be added to the interaction information between the STA and the second AP. The MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate the sending address or receiving address of the MPDU associated with the first AP.

[0149] For example, the MSDU forwarding information includes first MSDU forwarding information and second MSDU forwarding information, wherein the first MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate the sending address of the MPDU associated with the first AP, and the second MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate the receiving address of the MPDU associated with the first AP.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first MSDU forwarding information may be carried in the information sent by the second AP to the STA, and the second MSDU forwarding information may be carried in the information sent by the STA to the second AP. For example, as shown in FIG4, the first MSDU forwarding information (MSDU forward) is carried in the Reassociation Response Frame, and the second MSDU forwarding information (MSDU forward) is carried in the Reassociation Request Frame.

[0151] Add an MSDU forward to the Reassociation Request Frame and Reassociation Response Frame. Its main purpose is to allow the second AP to determine the sending and receiving addresses of the MPDU when sending it to or receiving it from the STA related to the first AP.

[0152] In some embodiments, when the context transmission content sent by the first AP to the second AP includes the first type of parameters, the interaction information between the second AP and the STA needs to carry RIC-related information, wherein the RIC-related information is used to indicate the BA parameter of the TID of the link from the first AP to the second AP.

[0153] In some embodiments, the RIC information includes RIC request information and RIC response information. The RIC request information indicates the BA parameters of the TID of the downlink between the STA and the first AP, while the RIC response information indicates the BA parameters of the TID of the uplink when the STA switches from the first AP to the second AP.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first type of parameters includes at least one of the following: the scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, the receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, and the transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP.

[0155] For example, as shown in Figure 4, when the context transmission content includes at least one of the first AP's Transmit Buffer Control parameters, the first AP's Scoreboard Context Control parameters, and the Recipient Reordering Buffer Control parameters, the STA must add a RIC-Request to the Reassociation Request Frame. The RIC-Request needs to include the Block ACK Parameter (BA parameter) for all downlink TIDs established between the STA and the first AP (each TID can be represented by a block ack parameter set field). Simultaneously, the second AP must include a RIC-Response in its Reassociation Response Frame. The RIC-Response needs to include the Block ACK Parameter for the uplink TIDs switched from the first AP between the STA and the second AP (each TID can be represented by a block ack parameter set field).

[0156] In some embodiments, the second AP may also send context transmission indication information to the STA, which is used to indicate the data transmission status between the STA and the second AP.

[0157] In some embodiments, data transmission includes at least one of the following:

[0158] The context content is transferred to the second AP;

[0159] The SN associated with the first AP.

[0160] In some embodiments, context transmission indication information may be carried in downlink information sent by the second AP to the STA. For example, context transmission indication information is carried in a Reassociation Response Frame.

[0161] For example, when the second AP sends the Reassociation Response Frame, it adds a Context Transfer Indication. The Context Transfer Indication tells the STA which context transfer content has been transferred to the second AP. It also tells the STA which MSDUs within the SN range are associated with the first AP. MSDUs outside the SN range are not associated with the first AP. After the STA and the second AP have finished sending and receiving MSDUs within the SN range, the second AP can continue transmitting with the STA using the Block ACK Session (BA session) that continues using the first AP, or it can establish a new BA session. Simultaneously, the second AP will use the key and encryption protection shared with the STA for data encryption and a new replay counter for replay detection.

[0162] In some embodiments, the interaction information between the first AP and the second AP can be transmitted over the air in the form of a frame (management frame or action frame) or via DS.

[0163] Using the above method, the first AP and the second AP can complete real-time interaction of context transmission content during the process of establishing a link between the STA and the second AP. This allows the STA to continue data transmission with the second AP after establishing a link, avoiding the problem of data loss.

[0164] 2. Slow Context Transfer

[0165] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of steps 340 to 350.

[0166] Step 340: The first AP receives a first request message sent by the second AP. The first request message is used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA.

[0167] Accordingly, the second AP sends the first request information.

[0168] Step 350: The first AP sends a first response message to the second AP. The first response message includes first capability information, which is used to indicate the context transmission content that the first AP supports.

[0169] Accordingly, the second AP receives the first response information.

[0170] In some embodiments, the above embodiments illustrate the case where the first response information includes the first information. In some cases, the first response information does not include the first information, but only includes the first capability information or only includes part of the context transmission content. Next, we will describe how the first AP sends the context transmission content to the second AP in this case.

[0171] In some embodiments, due to the large size of the MSDU or MPDU, transmission may take a certain amount of time, or because the second AP needs to obtain the latest context transmission content, some downlink data may be sent to the STA but has not yet been acknowledged by the STA, or it may not be possible to determine whether this part of the downlink data needs to be retransmitted. In order to avoid the failure of the STA to establish a link with the second AP, the STA needs to establish a link with the second AP first.

[0172] In some embodiments, after the STA establishes a link with the second AP, the second AP may instruct the first AP to send first information to the second AP.

[0173] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of steps 360 to 370.

[0174] Step 360: The first AP receives the first indication information sent by the second AP. The first indication information is used to instruct the first AP to send the first information.

[0175] Accordingly, the second AP sends the first instruction information.

[0176] Step 370: The first AP sends a second indication message to the second AP. The second indication message is used to indicate that the first message has been sent.

[0177] Accordingly, the second AP receives the second instruction information.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first indication information is context transmission start indication information, the second indication information is context transmission completion indication information, and the first information is transmitted between the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0179] In some embodiments, after the STA and the second AP establish a link, the second AP sends a Context Transfer Start Indication to the first AP, notifying the first AP that it can begin forwarding its context transfer content to the second AP. The second AP then sends the downlink data from the context transfer content to the STA.

[0180] In some embodiments, when the first AP has finished forwarding its context transfer content, it can send a Context Transfer End Indication to the second AP to notify the second AP that it has finished forwarding.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first indication information and the second indication information may be transmitted via a frame or via a signal transmitted via a DS.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first indication information and / or the second indication information includes the STA's identification information. Exemplarily, this includes the STA's ID. For example, it may include the MLD MAC address, or any STA MAC address.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second AP may send a first indication message before establishing a link with the STA. For example, the second AP sends the first indication message before sending the second response message. For example, as shown in FIG5, the second AP sends a Context Transfer Start Indication to the first AP before sending a Reassociation Response Frame.

[0184] In some embodiments, in the slow context transmission embodiment, there may also be interaction between the first AP and the second AP of first capability information, second capability information, first request information and first response information. This application will not repeat the details here, but can refer to the description in the above-described instant context transmission embodiment and the example shown in FIG5.

[0185] Using the above method, even if the downlink data volume of the first AP is large, the interaction of context transmission content between the first AP and the second AP can be guaranteed. This allows the STA to continue data transmission with the second AP after establishing a link, thus avoiding the problem of data loss.

[0186] Please refer to Figure 6, which shows a flowchart of an MPDU transmission method provided in one embodiment of this application. The method may include at least one of the following steps 610 to 660.

[0187] Step 610: If a link is established between the STA and the first AP, the first AP sends a second MPDU to the STA.

[0188] Accordingly, the STA receives the second MPDU.

[0189] The second MPDU is the downlink data sent by the first AP to the STA.

[0190] Step 620: If a link is established between the STA and the second AP, the first AP sends a second MSDU or MPDU to the second AP. The second MPDU includes the second MSDU, MPDU header and CRC.

[0191] Accordingly, the second AP receives the second MSDU or MPDU.

[0192] Step 630: If a link is established between the STA and the second AP, the second AP forwards the second MSDU or MPDU to the STA.

[0193] Accordingly, the STA receives a second MSDU or MPDU.

[0194] Step 640: If a link is established between the STA and the first AP, the STA sends a third MPDU to the first AP.

[0195] Accordingly, the first AP receives the third MPDU.

[0196] The third MPDU is the uplink data sent by the STA to the first AP.

[0197] Step 650: If a link is established between the STA and the second AP, the STA sends a third MPDU to the second AP.

[0198] Accordingly, the second AP receives the third MPDU.

[0199] Step 660: With a link established between the STA and the second AP, the second AP forwards the third MPDU to the first AP.

[0200] Accordingly, the first AP receives the third MPDU.

[0201] In some embodiments, the content contained in the first information may differ, and the second AP may also process the MPDU differently. The following will categorize and explain the cases where the first information contains different content.

[0202] 1. Only share downlink data from the first AP.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least the downlink data of the first AP. In some embodiments, the first information includes only the downlink data of the first AP. In some embodiments, the first information includes the downlink data of the first AP and the transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP.

[0204] 1.1 The AP sends an MPDU to the STA.

[0205] In some embodiments, if the STA has not established a link with the second AP, the first AP sends a second MPDU to the STA via the TID between the first AP and the STA. In some embodiments, the first AP sends an encrypted second MPDU to the STA.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first AP sends the second MPDU to the STA via the lower MAC sublayer. In some embodiments, there may be multiple links between the first AP and the STA, and the first AP may choose any one of these links to send the second MPDU to the STA.

[0207] For example, as shown in Figure 7, when the STA has not established a link with the second AP, the first AP will pass the encrypted MPDU to the lower MAC sublayer of one of the links between the STA and the first AP through TID-to-Link mapping, and transmit it through that link.

[0208] In some embodiments, if a link is established between the STA and the second AP, and the link between the STA and the first AP still exists, the STA can still transmit data directly with the first AP or through the second AP. For example, if the STA can maintain link connections with both the first and second APs simultaneously and transmit downlink data, the first AP can choose to send data to the STA through one of its links or forward it to the second AP for data transmission.

[0209] In some embodiments, if the link between the STA and the first AP is broken when the STA establishes a link with the second AP, the STA can transmit data with the first AP through the second AP.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first AP sends a second MSDU or a second MPDU to the second AP, which then forwards the second MPDU to the STA. In some embodiments, the first AP sends the second MPDU to the upper MAC sublayer of the second AP, and the second AP sends the second MPDU to the STA via the TID between the second AP and the STA.

[0211] In some embodiments, the second AP sends the second MPDU to the STA via the lower MAC sublayer. In some embodiments, there may be multiple links between the second AP and the STA, and the second AP may choose any one of these links to send the second MPDU to the STA.

[0212] For example, as shown in Figure 7, when the STA and the second AP establish a link, the second AP will pass the second MPDU to the lower MAC sublayer of one of the links between the STA and the second AP through TID-to-Link mapping, and transmit it through that link.

[0213] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG8, when the second AP transmits the second MPDU from the first AP, the preamble of the PPDU used can be set to the preamble sent by the second AP to the STA.

[0214] 1.2 The AP receives the MPDU from the STA.

[0215] In some embodiments, if the STA has not established a link with the second AP, the STA sends a third MPDU to the first AP via the TID between the STA and the first AP. In some embodiments, there are multiple links between the STA and the first AP, and the STA can send the third MPDU to the first AP via any one of these links.

[0216] In some embodiments, if a link is established between the STA and the second AP, and the link between the STA and the first AP also exists, the STA can still transmit data directly to the first AP or transmit data through the second AP. For example, if the STA can maintain link connections with both the first and second APs simultaneously, the STA can choose to send data to the first AP or forward it to the second AP via one of its links for data transmission.

[0217] In some embodiments, if the link between the STA and the first AP is broken when the STA establishes a link with the second AP, the STA can transmit data with the first AP through the second AP.

[0218] For example, after the STA and the second AP establish a link, the STA can send data to the second AP through either link. If the STA sends a data frame that establishes a BA session with the first AP, the second AP will return a BA frame. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the preamble of the PPDU carrying the BA frame will be the preamble of the second AP. Then, the second AP forwards the received third MPDU to the upper-layer MAC sublayer of the first AP, starting from Link Merging to complete the subsequent MPDU reception process as shown in Figure 9.

[0219] Using the above method, the second AP can forward the MPDU received from the first AP to the first AP, and the first AP can process the MPDU to realize data transmission between the STA and the first AP after the link switch.

[0220] 2. Shared BA parameters

[0221] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, and receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP.

[0222] In some embodiments, the receiving end confirms the frame reception status in two ways: overall confirmation and individual confirmation. Overall confirmation confirms the reception status of all MPDUs, while individual confirmation checks and confirms each subframe separately. Compared with overall confirmation, the data length detected by each FCS in the individual confirmation mechanism is shorter, thus reducing the probability of detecting bit errors and improving the success rate of data transmission. The Block Acknowledgement (BA) mechanism checks the FCS contained in all MPDUs of the A-MPDU. Through the BA bitmap contained in the BA frame, it indicates the reception status of each MPDU (one-to-one correspondence). The first bit in the BA bitmap corresponds to the reception status of the MSDU with the first Sequence Number (SN) in the BA Start Sequence Control field, and so on.

[0223] In some embodiments, if the second AP needs to complete the two steps of duplicate detection and block acknowledgment buffer and scoreboard, the second AP needs to obtain the receiver reordering buffer control parameters and the scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, respectively.

[0224] In some embodiments, the method by which the first AP sends the second MPDU to the STA is the same as the scheme described above that only shares the downlink data of the first AP. Please refer to the description of the above embodiments, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0225] In some embodiments, when a link is established between the STA and the first AP, the first AP receives a third MPDU sent by the STA. Accordingly, the STA sends a third MPDU to the first AP.

[0226] In some embodiments, if the STA does not establish a link with the second AP, the STA and the first AP can directly transmit data. In some embodiments, if a link is established between the STA and the second AP, and the STA maintains its link with the first AP, then the STA and the first AP can directly transmit data, or they can transmit data indirectly through the second AP. Further details regarding these two scenarios are omitted here.

[0227] In some embodiments, when a link is established between the STA and the second AP, and the first AP maintains the scoreboard context control parameters and the receiver reordering buffer control parameters, the first AP receives the third MPDU sent by the STA, or receives the third MPDU forwarded by the second AP.

[0228] Accordingly, the STA sends the third MPDU to the first AP, or the STA sends the third MPDU to the second AP.

[0229] In some embodiments, after receiving the third MPDU, the second AP can process the third MPDU to obtain the first uplink data and then forward the first uplink data to the first AP; alternatively, it can not process the third MPDU and directly forward the third MPDU to the first AP.

[0230] In some embodiments, when a link is established between the STA and the second AP, and the first AP does not maintain the scoreboard context control parameters and the receiver reordering buffer control parameters, it receives the first uplink data forwarded by the second AP. The first uplink data is obtained by the second AP processing the third MPDU based on the parameters included in the context transmission content.

[0231] In some embodiments, the second AP may perform at least one of the following processes on the third MPDU: duplicate detection, block acknowledgment buffer, and reordering. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the first AP performs MPDU decryption and / or retransmission detection on the third MPDU.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second AP receives the Scoreboard Context Control parameters and the Recipient Reordering Buffer Control parameters from the first AP. If the first AP only performs MPDU decryption and replay detection on the MPDU, then after the STA establishes a link with the second AP, the STA can only send data to the second AP.

[0233] In some embodiments, if the first AP re-processes the Scoreboard Context and Recipient Reordering Buffer for the MPDU forwarded from the second AP, then after the STA establishes a link with the second AP, the STA can send data to both the second AP and the first AP. The first AP and the second AP need to synchronize the Scoreboard Context and Recipient Reordering Buffer.

[0234] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG10, the first AP sends the second MPDU to the upper MAC sublayer of the second AP, which then forwards it to the STA; the second AP forwards the third MPDU sent by the STA to the upper MAC sublayer of the first AP.

[0235] Using the above method, the second AP can reorder the MPDUs received from the first AP before forwarding them to the first AP. The first AP then processes the MPDUs, enabling data transmission between the STA and the first AP after link switching.

[0236] 3. TK (Temporal Key) Sharing

[0237] In some embodiments, the TK is used to encrypt transmitted data frames. The TK is dynamically generated and replaced periodically to reduce the risk of the key being compromised. The use of the TK is an important component of Wi-Fi security, helping to protect user data from unauthorized access.

[0238] In some embodiments, if the first AP and the second AP share a TK, then the second AP can also perform operations such as MPDU decryption and retransmission detection on the MPDU associated with the first AP.

[0239] In some embodiments, when a link is established between the STA and the first AP, the first AP receives a third MPDU sent by the STA. Accordingly, the STA sends a third MPDU to the first AP.

[0240] In some embodiments, if the STA does not establish a link with the second AP, the STA and the first AP can directly transmit data. In some embodiments, if a link is established between the STA and the second AP, and the STA maintains its link with the first AP, then the STA and the first AP can directly transmit data, or they can transmit data indirectly through the second AP. Further details regarding these two scenarios are omitted here.

[0241] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, key between the first AP and STA, encryption method between the first AP and STA, and retransmission counter between the first AP and STA.

[0242] In some embodiments, when a link is established between the STA and the second AP, the first AP receives second uplink data forwarded by the second AP. The second uplink data is obtained by the second AP processing a third MPDU based on parameters included in the context transmission content.

[0243] In some embodiments, when a link is established between the STA and the second AP, the first AP sends first downlink data to the second AP, and the second MSDU or MPDU is obtained by the second AP processing the first downlink data based on parameters included in the context transmission content.

[0244] In some embodiments, this scheme copies all parameters required for MPDU transmission and reception from the first AP to the second AP. Therefore, when the second AP receives an MPDU sent from the STA to the first AP (the PPDU preamble indicates it was sent to the second AP), the second AP can use the parameters from the first AP to complete the upper-layer MAC sublayer processing locally. When the second AP sends an MPDU (or MSDU) forwarded from the first AP to the STA, the second AP can use the parameters from the first AP to complete the upper-layer MAC sublayer processing locally and transmit it with the STA on any link. For example, as shown in FIG11, when sending a second MPDU, the second AP can locally complete the upper-layer MAC sublayer operation on the first downlink data, then obtain the second MPDU and forward it to the STA; when receiving a third MPDU, it can also locally complete the upper-layer MAC sublayer operation and then forward the second uplink data to the first AP or DS.

[0245] Using the above method, the second AP can directly process the downlink data to obtain the second MPDU and send it to the STA, or it can process the third MPDU sent by the STA to obtain the second uplink data and send it to the first AP, thus realizing data transmission between the STA and the first AP after link switching.

[0246] For the formats of various information, data frames, etc. mentioned in the embodiments of this application, exemplary embodiments are also provided. The following will use the transmission of PPDU or MPDU as shown in Figure 12 as an example for illustrative explanation. Here, AP1 refers to the first AP, and AP2 refers to the second AP.

[0247] In some embodiments, the parameters of the preamble of the PPDU or MPDU can be set in accordance with the methods described in related technologies. For example, setting the BSS Color field in the U-SIG of PPDU to AP2 and PPDU from AP2 to the BSS Color of AP2 indicates that PPDU to AP2 is sent to AP2, and PPDU from AP2 is sent by AP2. For example, setting the STA-ID in the User field of PPDU to AP2 and PPDU from AP2 to the AID (i.e., 11 LSBs of the AID) obtained when STA1 and AP2 are associated. That is, only AP2 can determine the STA based on the AID in the STA-ID; AP1 cannot determine the STA based on the AID in the STA-ID.

[0248] In some embodiments, to clearly indicate that the data in PPDU to AP2 and PPDU from AP2 is related to the first AP, it is necessary to set the sending and receiving addresses of the PPDU or MPDU. For example, when setting the Address 1 field in the MAC frame of the PPDU to AP2, it is set to the MAC address of AP1. This way, when AP2 forwards the received MPDU from the PHY (physical layer) to the lower MAC sublayer for processing, it can know through the Address 1 field that the MPDU needs to be sent to the upper MAC sublayer of AP1 for processing. When AP2 sends a DL PPDU, the Address 2 field of the MPDU within the DL PPDU can be set to the MAC address of AP1. In some embodiments, when AP1 is a link of an AP, the Address 1 field can be the MAC address of the AP MLD, the MAC address of AP1 (one of the APs in the AP MLD), or a MAC address set by the AP. Which of the three MAC addresses is used can be determined by the CurrentAP field in the MSDU forwarding element.

[0249] For example, the format of PPDU to AP2 is shown in Table 5.

[0250] Table 5: Format of PPDU to AP2

[0251] For example, the format of PPDU from AP2 is shown in Table 6.

[0252] Table 6: Format of PPDU from AP2

[0253] In some embodiments, the format of the first capability information and / or the second capability information is shown in Table 7, wherein the first capability information and / or the second capability information are collectively referred to as Context Transfer Capability.

[0254] Table 7: Format of Context Transfer Capability

[0255] Among them, Key Sharing Capability indicates whether the transmission of TK is supported, and Block Ack Information Sharing Capability indicates whether the transmission of BA parameters is supported.

[0256] In some embodiments, each field in Context Transfer Capability can be set to one or more bits. Taking a field set to 1 bit as an example, setting Key Sharing Capability to a first value indicates that the AP supports TK transmission; conversely, setting Key Sharing Capability to a second value indicates that the AP does not support TK transmission. In some embodiments, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0. In other embodiments, the first value is 0 and the second value is 1.

[0257] In some embodiments, the Key Sharing Capability may further indicate the TK (Transmission Key) supported by the AP. For example, the format of the Key Sharing Capability is shown in Table 8.

[0258] Table 8: Format of Key Sharing Capability

[0259] In some embodiments, each field in Key Sharing Capability can be set to one or more bits. Taking a field set to 1 bit as an example, setting the GTK (Group Temporal Key) to a first value indicates that the AP supports GTK transmission; conversely, setting the GTK to a second value indicates that the AP does not support GTK transmission. In some embodiments, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0. In other embodiments, the first value is 0 and the second value is 1.

[0260] GTK is used to encrypt broadcast and multicast traffic sent to all STAs in the wireless network. PTK (Pairwise Transient Key) is generated during the Wi-Fi network authentication process and is used to encrypt and verify communication between the STA and AP. PMK (Pairwise Master Key) is used to generate PTK and other encryption keys; it is generated during the STA-AP authentication process and stored on both the STA and AP. IGTK (Integrity Group Temporal Key) is used to protect the integrity of broadcast and multicast traffic, ensuring that data is not tampered with during transmission. BIGTK (Broadcast Integrity Group Temporal Key) is a type of IGTK specifically designed to protect the integrity of broadcast traffic in a wireless network.

[0261] In some embodiments, the Block Ack Information Sharing Capability may further indicate the BA parameters that the AP supports transmitting. For example, the format of the Block Ack Information Sharing Capability is shown in Table 9.

[0262] In some embodiments, each field in Block Ack Information Sharing Capability can be set to one or more bits. Taking a field set to 1 bit as an example, setting the Transmit Buffer to a first value indicates that the AP supports transmitting the Transmit Buffer; conversely, setting the Transmit Buffer to a second value indicates that the AP does not support transmitting the Transmit Buffer. In some embodiments, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0. In other embodiments, the first value is 0 and the second value is 1.

[0263] Table 9: Format of Block Ack Information Sharing Capability

[0264] In some embodiments, the format of the first request information is shown in Table 10, wherein the first request information is referred to as Context Transfer Request.

[0265] Table 10: Format of Context Transfer Request

[0266] In some embodiments, Context Transfer Capability (second capability information) can be set to one or more bits. For example, setting Context Transfer Capability to one bit means that the AP supports Context Transfer Capability transmission if it is set to a first value, and vice versa if it is set to a second value if it is not. In some embodiments, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0. In other embodiments, the first value is 0 and the second value is 1.

[0267] In some embodiments, the format of the first response information is shown in Table 11, wherein the first response information is referred to as Context Transfer Response.

[0268] Table 11: Format of Context Transfer Response

[0269] The Context Transfer Capability indicates whether the content related to the context transfer is sent to the second AP. The Keylist can contain multiple key information between the first AP and the STA. The Transmit Buffer Control Parameter contains parameters for the Transmit Buffer Control between the first AP and the STA. The Scoreboard Context Control Parameters contain parameters for the Scoreboard Context Control between the first AP and the STA. The Recipient Reordering Buffer Control Parameters contain parameters for the Recipient Reordering Buffer Control between the first AP and the STA. The FT SN Boundary indicates which SN ranges the MSDU is associated with the STA and the first AP.

[0270] In some embodiments, the second AP may use its own MAC address in the MAC header of the MPDU forwarded from the first AP (using the AP MAC address of the second AP on the link transmitting the MPDU). For example, MPDUs within the FT SN Boundary may be encrypted or decrypted using the STA and the TK of the first AP. MPDUs outside the FT SN Boundary may be encrypted or decrypted using the STA and the TK of the second AP.

[0271] In some embodiments, the format of the context transfer indication information is shown in Table 12, wherein the context transfer indication information is referred to as Context Transfer Indication.

[0272] Table 12: Format of Context Transfer Indication

[0273] Context Transfer Capability indicates the context transfer content transferred to the second AP, and FT SN Boundary indicates the SN associated with the first AP. In some embodiments, the context transfer indication information is carried in the second response information.

[0274] In some embodiments, the transmission buffer control parameters are shown in Table 13.

[0275] RA is used to indicate the MAC address of the STA. Each bit in the bitmap represents an MSDU or A-MSDU within a window. For example, setting it to "1" indicates that the MSDU is in the Transmit Buffer of the first AP. Conversely, setting it to "0" indicates that the MSDU is not in the Transmit Buffer of the first AP.

[0276] Table 13: Transmit Buffer Control Parameter

[0277] In some embodiments, the scoreboard context control parameters are shown in Table 14.

[0278] Table 14: Scoreboard Context Control Parameters

[0279] Here, TA is used to indicate the MAC address of the STA. Each bit in the bitmap represents an MSDU or A-MSDU within the window. For example, setting it to "1" indicates that the MSDU is in the Transmit Buffer of the first AP. Conversely, setting it to "0" indicates that the MSDU is not in the Transmit Buffer of the first AP.

[0280] In some embodiments, the receiver reordering buffer control parameters are shown in Table 15.

[0281] Here, TA is used to indicate the MAC address of the STA. Each bit in the bitmap represents an MSDU or A-MSDU within the window. For example, setting it to "1" indicates that the MSDU is in the Recipient Reordering Buffer of the first AP. Conversely, setting it to "0" indicates that the MSDU is not in the Recipient Reordering Buffer of the first AP.

[0282] Table 15: Scoreboard Context Control Parameters

[0283] In some embodiments, the Keylist mentioned in the above embodiments refers to a list of keys used in the MAC. The Keylist may contain one or more Key information. In some embodiments, the format of the Key information is shown in Table 16, where the Key information is referred to as Key Information.

[0284] Table 16: Format of Key Information

[0285] Here, Key indicates the value of the temporary key. KeyID indicates the identification information of the Key. Key Type indicates whether the Key is GTK, TK, TPK-TK, IGTK, BIGTK, or WIGTK. STA Address is only valid if Key Type meets at least one of the following conditions: Pairwise; Group and the STA is located in IBSS or PBSS (but not MBSS); PeerKey. Receive Sequence Count is the initial value (or current value) of the retransmission counter, and this parameter is only valid if the Key Type value is Group, IGTK, BIGTK, or WIGTK. Lifetime indicates the time limit for which the key can be used; after which the key will expire.

[0286] In some embodiments, if the PTKSA maintains a retransmission counter for each TID, then each bit in the PTKSA Replay Bitmap indicates whether the corresponding Replay Counter for TID field exists. Replay Counter for TIDx (x = 0, 1, 2, ..., 7) represents the value of the retransmission counter corresponding to TIDx under the PTKSA.

[0287] In some embodiments, the format of the FT SN Boundary is shown in Table 17.

[0288] The TID Bitmap contains downlink TIDs (8 bits or 16 bits), with each bit corresponding to one TID. For example, setting it to "1" indicates that the Starting Sequence Number (SN) and Ending Sequence Number (SN) of that TID are displayed in this field. Conversely, setting it to "0" indicates otherwise. The Starting Sequence Number of TIDx represents the SN of the first MSDU of that TID in the first AP's transmit buffer. The Ending Sequence Number of TIDx represents the SN of the last MSDU of that TID in the first AP's transmit buffer.

[0289] Table 17: Format of FT SN Boundary

[0290] In some embodiments, the format of the MSDU forwarding information is shown in Table 18. The MSDU forwarding information can be implemented as either first MSDU forwarding information or second MSDU forwarding information. The MSDU forwarding information is referred to as the MSDU Forward Element.

[0291] Table 18: Format of MSDU Forward Element

[0292] In some embodiments, when an AP receives the MSDU forwarding information, it indicates that the STA has established a link with the AP and sends or receives an MSDU after the link is established.

[0293] The Element ID field and Element ID Extension field indicate that the Element is a Channel Information Element.

[0294] The first AP field represents the MAC address of the first AP. When this field represents a link within the first AP, the second AP field represents the corresponding link within the second AP. This allows for a mapping relationship; when a STA sends a PPDU to a link within the second AP, its MPDU header's Address 1 can be set to the first AP. In this case, multiple Relay Elements can exist within a single management frame or Action Frame. Alternatively, a single Relay Element can carry multiple mapping relationships (this can be indicated by adding a number of pair field or by specifying the length). When this field represents the MAC address of the primary associated first AP or any MAC address, the second AP field represents the MAC address of the second AP. When a STA sends a PPDU to any link within the second AP, its MPDU header's Address 1 can be set to the first AP.

[0295] The second AP field indicates the MAC address of the second AP.

[0296] It should be noted that the format in the above embodiments can be a field (called a domain or field), an element, or a single frame (Action Frame or Management Frame).

[0297] The link switching method provided in this application embodiment can be implemented based on the information format described in the above embodiments, providing a basis for the implementation of the link switching method.

[0298] The following are embodiments of the apparatus described in this application, which can be used to execute the embodiments of the method described in this application. For details not disclosed in the apparatus embodiments of this application, please refer to the embodiments of the method described in this application.

[0299] Please refer to Figure 13, which shows a block diagram of a link switching device provided in one embodiment of this application. This device has the function of implementing the link switching method on the first AP side described above. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. This device can be the first AP described above, or it can be located within the first AP. As shown in Figure 13, the device 1300 may include: a transmitting module 1310.

[0300] The sending module 1310 is used to send first information to the second AP. The first information is used to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. The STA and the first AP have established a link. The second AP is the target AP for the STA link switching.

[0301] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes at least one of the following:

[0302] Downlink data of the first AP;

[0303] The transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP;

[0304] The scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP;

[0305] The receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP;

[0306] The key between the first AP and the STA;

[0307] The encryption method between the first AP and the STA;

[0308] The retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to instruct the context transmission content to be used by the second AP to send an MPDU to the STA, and / or to be used by the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA.

[0310] In some embodiments, the sending module 1310 is configured to send first response information to the second AP. The first response information includes the first information and is used to respond to first request information. The first request information is used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA.

[0311] In some embodiments, the device 1300 further includes a receiving module (not shown).

[0312] The sending module 1310 is further configured to send first capability information to the second AP, the first capability information being used to indicate the context transmission content supported by the first AP; and / or,

[0313] The receiving module is used to receive second capability information sent by the second AP, the second capability information being used to indicate the context transmission content supported by the second AP.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first response information may further include a first MSDU or MPDU, which is forwarded by the second AP to the STA.

[0315] In some embodiments, the receiving module is further configured to receive first request information sent by the second AP, the first request information being used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA;

[0316] The sending module 1310 is further configured to send first response information to the second AP, the first response information including first capability information, the first capability information being used to indicate the context transmission content supported by the first AP.

[0317] In some embodiments, the receiving module is further configured to receive first indication information sent by the second AP, the first indication information being used to instruct the first AP to send the first information;

[0318] The sending module 1310 is further configured to send a second indication message to the second AP, the second indication message being used to indicate that the first message has been sent.

[0319] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 1310 is further configured to transmit a second MPDU to the STA when a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or,

[0320] The sending module 1310 is further configured to send a second MSDU or MPDU to the second AP when a link is established between the STA and the second AP. The second MPDU includes the second MSDU, an MPDU header, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

[0321] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data from the first AP, and the receiving module is configured to receive a third MPDU sent by the STA when a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or...

[0322] The receiving module 1310 is used to receive the third MPDU forwarded by the second AP when a link is established between the STA and the second AP.

[0323] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, and receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP. The receiving module is configured to, when a link is established between the STA and the second AP, and while the first AP maintains the scoreboard context control parameters and the receiver reordering buffer control parameters, receive a third MPDU sent by the STA, or receive a third MPDU forwarded by the second AP; or...

[0324] The receiving module is configured to, when a link is established between the STA and the second AP, receive first uplink data forwarded by the second AP, provided that the first AP does not maintain the scoreboard context control parameters and the receiver reordering buffer control parameters. The first uplink data is obtained by the second AP processing the third MPDU based on parameters included in the context transmission content; or...

[0325] The receiving module is used to receive the third MPDU sent by the STA when a link is established between the STA and the first AP.

[0326] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption method between the first AP and the STA, and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA. The receiving module is configured to receive second uplink data forwarded by the second AP when a link is established between the STA and the second AP. The second uplink data is obtained by the second AP processing a third MPDU based on the parameters included in the context transmission content.

[0327] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption method between the first AP and the STA, and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA. The sending module 1310 is used to send first downlink data to the second AP. The second MSDU or MPDU is obtained by the second AP processing the first downlink data based on the parameters included in the context transmission content.

[0328] The technical solution provided in this application embodiment allows the first AP to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA to the second AP, enabling the second AP to transmit data with the STA based on the context transmission content, ensuring the stability of data transmission during link switching and avoiding data loss.

[0329] Please refer to Figure 14, which shows a block diagram of a link switching device provided in one embodiment of this application. This device has the function of implementing the link switching method on the second AP side described above. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. This device can be the second AP described above, or it can be located within a second AP. As shown in Figure 14, the device 1400 may include a receiving module 1410.

[0330] The receiving module 1410 is used to receive first information sent by the first AP. The first information is used to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. The STA and the first AP have established a link. The second AP is the target AP for the STA link switching.

[0331] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes at least one of the following:

[0332] Downlink data of the first AP;

[0333] The transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP;

[0334] The scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP;

[0335] The receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP;

[0336] The key between the first AP and the STA;

[0337] The encryption method between the first AP and the STA;

[0338] The retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to instruct the context transmission content to be used by the second AP to send an MPDU to the STA, and / or to be used by the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA.

[0340] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1410 is configured to receive first response information sent by the first AP, the first response information including the first information, the first response information being used to respond to first request information, and the first request information being used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA.

[0341] In some embodiments, the device 1400 further includes a transmitting module (not shown).

[0342] The receiving module 1410 is further configured to receive first capability information sent by the first AP, the first capability information being used to indicate the context transmission content supported by the first AP; and / or,

[0343] The sending module is used to send second capability information to the first AP, the second capability information being used to indicate the context transmission content supported by the second AP.

[0344] In some embodiments, the first response information may further include a first MSDU or MPDU, which is forwarded by the second AP to the STA.

[0345] In some embodiments, the sending module is configured to send a first request message to the first AP, the first request message being used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA;

[0346] The receiving module 1410 is further configured to receive first response information sent by the first AP, the first response information including first capability information, the first capability information being used to indicate the context transmission content supported by the first AP.

[0347] In some embodiments, the sending module is configured to send first indication information to the first AP, the first indication information being used to instruct the first AP to send the first information;

[0348] The receiving module 1410 is further configured to receive second indication information sent by the first AP, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first information has been sent.

[0349] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1410 is further configured to receive a second request message sent by the STA, the second request message being used to request the establishment of a link between the STA and the second AP;

[0350] The sending module is used to send a second response information to the STA, the second response information being used to indicate the context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP.

[0351] In some embodiments, the second response information includes at least one of the following:

[0352] First MSDU forwarding information, the first MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate the sending address of the MPDU associated with the first AP;

[0353] Resource information element RIC response information, the RIC response information is used to indicate the block confirmation BA parameter of the uplink transaction identifier TID of the STA when switching from the first AP to the second AP;

[0354] Context transmission indication information, which is used to indicate the data transmission status between the STA and the second AP.

[0355] In some embodiments, the data transmission includes at least one of the following:

[0356] The context content is transferred to the second AP;

[0357] The serial number SN associated with the first AP.

[0358] In some embodiments, the second request information includes at least one of the following:

[0359] The second MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate the receive address of the MPDU associated with the first AP;

[0360] RIC request information, which is used to indicate the BA parameters of the TID of the downlink between the STA and the first AP.

[0361] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1410 is further configured to receive a second MSDU or MPDU sent by the first AP when a link is established between the STA and the second AP. The second MPDU includes the second MSDU, an MPDU header, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

[0362] The sending module is used to forward the second MSDU or MPDU to the STA.

[0363] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, and the receiving module 1410 is further configured to receive a third MPDU sent by the STA when a link is established between the STA and the second AP;

[0364] The sending module is used to forward the third MPDU to the first AP.

[0365] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, and receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP. The receiving module 1410 is also configured to receive a third MPDU sent by the STA when a link is established between the STA and the second AP.

[0366] The sending module is used to forward the third MPDU or the first uplink data to the first AP. The first uplink data is obtained by the second AP processing the third MPDU based on the parameters included in the context transmission content.

[0367] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, key between the first AP and the STA, encryption method between the first AP and the STA, and retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA. The receiving module 1410 is further configured to receive a third MPDU sent by the STA when a link is established between the STA and the second AP.

[0368] The sending module is used to forward second uplink data to the second AP. The second uplink data is obtained by the second AP processing the third MPDU based on the parameters included in the context transmission content.

[0369] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption method between the first AP and the STA, and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA. The receiving module 1410 is used to receive the first downlink data sent by the first AP. The second MSDU or MPDU is obtained by the second AP processing the first downlink data based on the parameters included in the context transmission content.

[0370] The technical solution provided in this application embodiment allows the first AP to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA to the second AP, enabling the second AP to transmit data with the STA based on the context transmission content, ensuring the stability of data transmission during link switching and avoiding data loss.

[0371] Please refer to Figure 15, which shows a block diagram of a link switching device provided in one embodiment of this application. This device has the function of implementing the link switching method on the STA side described above. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The device can be the STA described above, or it can be located within the STA. As shown in Figure 15, the device 1500 may include a transmitting module 1510 and a receiving module 1520.

[0372] The sending module 1510 is used to send a second request message to the second AP. The second request message is used to request the establishment of a link between the STA and the second AP. The STA has already established a link with the first AP. The second AP is the target AP for the STA's link switching.

[0373] The receiving module 1520 is configured to receive second response information from the second AP, the second response information being used to indicate the context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP.

[0374] In some embodiments, the second response information includes at least one of the following:

[0375] First MSDU forwarding information, the first MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate the sending address of the MPDU associated with the first AP;

[0376] Resource information element RIC response information, the RIC response information is used to indicate the BA parameters of the uplink TID of the STA when it switches from the first AP to the second AP;

[0377] Context transmission indication information, which is used to indicate the data transmission status between the STA and the second AP.

[0378] In some embodiments, the data transmission includes at least one of the following:

[0379] The context transmission content is transferred to the second AP, and the context transmission content is the context transmission content between the STA and the first AP;

[0380] The serial number SN associated with the first AP.

[0381] In some embodiments, the context transmission content includes at least one of the following:

[0382] Downlink data of the first AP;

[0383] The transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP;

[0384] The scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP;

[0385] The receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP;

[0386] The key between the first AP and the STA;

[0387] The encryption method between the first AP and the STA;

[0388] The retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA.

[0389] In some embodiments, the second request information includes at least one of the following:

[0390] The second MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate the receive address of the MPDU associated with the first AP;

[0391] RIC request information, which is used to indicate the BA parameters of the TID of the downlink between the STA and the first AP.

[0392] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1520 is further configured to receive a second MPDU sent by the first AP when a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or,

[0393] The receiving module 1520 is further configured to receive a second MSDU or MPDU forwarded by the second AP when a link is established between the STA and the second AP. The second MPDU includes the second MSDU, an MPDU header, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

[0394] In some embodiments, the sending module 1510 is further configured to send a third MPDU to the first AP when a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or,

[0395] The sending module 1510 is also used to send a third MPDU to the second AP when a link is established between the STA and the second AP.

[0396] The technical solution provided in this application embodiment allows the first AP to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA to the second AP, enabling the second AP to transmit data with the STA based on the context transmission content, ensuring the stability of data transmission during link switching and avoiding data loss.

[0397] It should be noted that the above embodiments only illustrate the division of the above functional modules when implementing the device. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules according to actual needs, that is, the content structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0398] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here. For details not described in detail in the apparatus embodiments, please refer to the above method embodiments.

[0399] Please refer to Figure 16, which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application. This communication device can be the first AP, second AP, or STA described above. The communication device 1600 may include at least one of a processor 1601, a transceiver 1602, and a memory 1603. The processor 1601 is used to implement various processing functions of the communication device 1600, such as generating information to be sent, processing received information, and controlling transmission and / or reception. The transceiver 1602 is used to implement transmission and / or reception functions, such as implementing the functions of the transmission module 1310, transmission module 1510, and / or the reception module 1410 and reception module 1520 described above.

[0400] The processor 1601 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 1601 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0401] The transceiver 1602 may include a receiver and a transmitter, for example, the receiver and transmitter may be implemented as the same wireless communication component, which may include a wireless communication chip and a radio frequency antenna.

[0402] The memory 1603 can be connected to the processor 1601 and the transceiver 1602.

[0403] The memory 1603 can be used to store a computer program executed by the processor, and the processor 1601 is used to execute the computer program to implement the various steps in the above method embodiments.

[0404] In some embodiments, the communication device 1600 is the first AP described in the above embodiments, and the transceiver 1602 is used to send first information to the second AP. The first information is used to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. A link has been established between the STA and the first AP, and the second AP is the target AP for the STA link switching.

[0405] In some embodiments, the communication device 1600 is the second AP in the above embodiment, and the transceiver 1602 is used to receive the first information sent by the first AP. The first information is used to indicate the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. A link has been established between the STA and the first AP, and the second AP is the target AP for the STA link switching.

[0406] In some embodiments, the communication device 1600 is a STA in the above embodiment, and the transceiver 1602 is used to send a second request message to a second access point (AP), the second request message being used to request the establishment of a link between the STA and the second AP, the STA having already established a link with a first AP, and the second AP being the target AP for the STA link switching; and / or, to receive a second response message from the second AP, the second response message being used to indicate the context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP.

[0407] For details not described in this embodiment, please refer to the embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0408] Furthermore, the memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, statically accessible memory, read-only memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory.

[0409] This application embodiment also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for execution by a processor to implement the link switching method on the first AP side or the link switching method on the second AP side. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may include ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drives), or optical disc, etc. The random access memory may include ReRAM (Resistance Random Access Memory) and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0410] This application also provides a chip, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions. When the chip is running, it is used to implement the link switching method on the first AP side or the link switching method on the second AP side.

[0411] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor reads and executes the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium to implement the link switching method on the first AP side or the link switching method on the second AP side described above.

[0412] It should be understood that the term "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction, an indirect instruction, or an indication of a relationship. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being able to obtain information through A; it can also mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, so B can obtain information through C; or it can mean that there is a relationship between A and B.

[0413] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "correspondence" may indicate that there is a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or that there is an association between two things, or that there is a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0414] In some embodiments of this application, "predefined" can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to what is defined in the protocol.

[0415] In some embodiments of this application, the term "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as BLE protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and related protocols applied in future communication systems. This application does not limit the scope of these protocols.

[0416] In this article, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0417] In this article, "greater than or equal to" can mean greater than or equal to, and "less than or equal to" can mean less than or equal to.

[0418] Furthermore, the step numbers described herein are merely illustrative of one possible execution order between steps. In some other embodiments, the steps may not be executed in the order of their numbers, such as two steps with different numbers being executed simultaneously, or two steps with different numbers being executed in the reverse order of the illustration. This application does not limit this.

[0419] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions described in the embodiments of this application in one or more of the above examples can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0420] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A link switching method characterized by, The method is performed by a first access point (AP), and the method comprises: sending first information to a second AP, the first information being used to indicate context transmission content between the first AP and a station (STA), a link between the STA and the first AP being established, the second AP being a target AP for link switching of the STA.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The context transmission content comprises at least one of: downlink data of the first AP; transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP; scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP; receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP; a key between the first AP and the STA; an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA; a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate that the context transmission content is used for the second AP to send a media access control layer protocol data unit (MPDU) to the STA, and / or, used for the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sending of the first information to the second AP comprises: sending first response information to the second AP, the first response information comprising the first information, the first response information being used to respond to first request information, the first request information being used to request the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further comprises: sending first capability information to the second AP, the first capability information being used to indicate that the first AP supports the context transmission content for transmission; and / or, receiving second capability information sent by the second AP, the second capability information being used to indicate that the second AP supports the context transmission content for transmission.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first response information further comprises a first media access control layer service data unit (MSDU) or MPDU, the first MSDU or MPDU being forwarded to the STA by the second AP.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving first request information sent by the second AP, the first request information being used to request the context transmission content between the first AP and the STA; sending first response information to the second AP, the first response information comprising first capability information, the first capability information being used to indicate that the first AP supports the context transmission content for transmission.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving first indication information sent by the second AP, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first AP sends the first information; sending second indication information to the second AP, the second indication information being used to indicate that the sending of the first information is completed.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method further comprises: in a case where a link is established between the STA and the first AP, sending a second MPDU to the STA; or, in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, sending a second MSDU or MPDU to the second AP, the second MPDU comprising the second MSDU, a MPDU header and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The context transmission content comprises downlink data of the first AP, and the method further comprises: receiving a third MPDU sent by the STA in a case that a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or receiving a third MPDU forwarded by the second AP in a case that a link is established between the STA and the second AP.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, and receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, and the method further includes: receiving a third MPDU sent by the STA in a case that a link is established between the STA and the second AP, and in a case that the first AP maintains the scoreboard context control parameters and the receiver reordering buffer control parameters; or receiving a first uplink data forwarded by the second AP in a case that a link is established between the STA and the second AP, and in a case that the first AP does not maintain the scoreboard context control parameters and the receiver reordering buffer control parameters, the first uplink data being obtained by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content and processing the third MPDU; or receiving a third MPDU sent by the STA in a case that a link is established between the STA and the first AP.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA, and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA, and the method further includes: receiving a second uplink data forwarded by the second AP in a case that a link is established between the STA and the second AP, the second uplink data being obtained by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content and processing a third MPDU.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA, and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA, and the sending the second MSDU or MPDU to the second AP includes: sending first downlink data to the second AP, the second MSDU or MPDU being obtained by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content and processing the first downlink data.

14. A method of link switching, characterized by, The method is performed by a second access point (AP), and the method includes: receive first information sent by a first AP, the first information being used to indicate context transmission content between the first AP and a station STA, a link between the STA and the first AP being established, the second AP being a target AP for link switching of the STA.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The context transmission content comprises at least one of: downlink data of the first AP; transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP; scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP; receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP; a key between the first AP and the STA; an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA; a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The first information is further used to indicate that the context transmission content is used for the second AP to send a media access control layer protocol data unit MPDU to the STA, and / or, used for the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The receiving first information sent by the first AP comprises: receive first response information sent by the first AP, the first response information comprising the first information, the first response information being used to respond to first request information, the first request information being used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further comprises: receive first capability information sent by the first AP, the first capability information being used to indicate that the first AP supports context transmission content for transmission; and / or, send second capability information to the first AP, the second capability information being used to indicate that the second AP supports context transmission content for transmission.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The first response information further comprises a first media access control layer service data unit MSDU or MPDU, the first MSDU or MPDU being forwarded to the STA by the second AP.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The method further comprises: send first request information to the first AP, the first request information being used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA; receive first response information sent by the first AP, the first response information comprising first capability information, the first capability information being used to indicate that the first AP supports context transmission content for transmission.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further comprises: send first indication information to the first AP, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first AP sends the first information; receive second indication information sent by the first AP, the second indication information being used to indicate that the sending of the first information is completed.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receive second request information sent by the STA, the second request information being used to request establishment of a link between the STA and the second AP; send second response information to the STA, the second response information being used to indicate context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP. The second response information comprises at least one of:

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, first MSDU forwarding information, the first MSDU forwarding information being used to indicate a sending address of an MPDU related to the first AP; ​ The resource information element RIC response information is used to indicate block acknowledgement BA parameters of a transaction identifier TID of an uplink of the STA switched to the second AP by the first AP; Context transmission indication information is used to indicate data transmission between the STA and the second AP.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The data transmission includes at least one of the following: Context transmission content transferred to the second AP; Sequence number SN related to the first AP.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, The second request information includes at least one of the following: Second MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate a receiving address of an MPDU related to the first AP; RIC request information is used to indicate BA parameters of a TID of a downlink between the STA and the first AP.

26. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: In a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, receiving a second MSDU or MPDU sent by the first AP, wherein the second MPDU includes the second MSDU, an MPDU header and a cyclic redundancy check CRC; Forwarding the second MSDU or MPDU to the STA.

27. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 26, characterized in that, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, and the method further includes: In a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, receiving a third MPDU sent by the STA; Forwarding the third MPDU to the first AP.

28. The method of any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP and receiver reorder buffer control parameters of the first AP, and the method further includes: In a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, receiving a third MPDU sent by the STA; Forwarding the third MPDU or first uplink data to the first AP, wherein the first uplink data is obtained by processing the third MPDU by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content.

29. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 26, characterized in that, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reorder buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA, and the method further includes: In a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, receiving a third MPDU sent by the STA; Forwarding second uplink data to the second AP, wherein the second uplink data is obtained by processing the third MPDU by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA, and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA, and the second MSDU or MPDU received by the first AP includes: The first downlink data sent by the first AP, and the second MSDU or MPDU is obtained by processing the first downlink data based on the parameters included in the context transmission content.

31. A method of link switching, the method comprising: The method is performed by a station STA, and the method includes: sending second request information to a second access point AP, the second request information being used to request to establish a link between the STA and the second AP, the STA having established a link with a first AP, and the second AP being a target AP for link switching of the STA; receiving second response information from the second AP, the second response information being used to indicate context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein, The second response information includes at least one of: first medium access control layer service data unit MSDU forwarding information, the first MSDU forwarding information being used to indicate a transmission address of a medium access control layer protocol data unit MPDU related to the first AP; resource information element RIC response information, the RIC response information being used to indicate block acknowledgement BA parameters of a transaction identifier TID of an uplink of the STA switched from the first AP to the second AP; context transmission indication information, the context transmission indication information being used to indicate a data transmission situation between the STA and the second AP. The data transmission situation includes at least one of:

33. The method of claim 32, wherein, context transmission content transferred to the second AP, the context transmission content being context transmission content between the STA and the first AP; a sequence number SN related to the first AP. The context transmission content includes at least one of:

34. The method of claims 31-33, wherein, downlink data of the first AP; transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP; scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP; receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP; a key between the first AP and the STA; an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA; a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA. The second request information includes at least one of:

35. The method of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein, second MSDU forwarding information, the second MSDU forwarding information being used to indicate a reception address of an MPDU related to the first AP; RIC request information, the RIC request information being used to indicate BA parameters of a TID of a downlink between the STA and the first AP. The method further includes:

36. The method of any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein, ​ receive a second MPDU sent by the first AP in a case that a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or receive a second MSDU or MPDU forwarded by the second AP in a case that a link is established between the STA and the second AP, the second MPDU comprising the second MSDU, a MPDU header and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

37. The method of any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein, The method further comprises: send a third MPDU to the first AP in a case that a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or send a third MPDU to the second AP in a case that a link is established between the STA and the second AP.

38. A link switching apparatus, comprising: The apparatus comprises: a sending module configured to send first information to a second access point (AP), the first information being used to indicate context transmission content between the first AP and a station (STA), a link being established between the STA and the first AP, and the second AP being a target AP for link switching of the STA.

39. The device of claim 38, wherein, The context transmission content comprises at least one of: downlink data of the first AP; transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP; scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP; receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP; a key between the first AP and the STA; an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA; a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA.

40. The apparatus of claim 38 or 39, wherein, The first information is further used to indicate that the context transmission content is used for the second AP to send a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) to the STA, and / or used for the second AP to receive a MAC PDU sent by the STA.

41. The apparatus of any one of claims 38-40, wherein, The sending module is configured to send first response information to the second AP, the first response information comprising the first information, and the first response information being used to respond to first request information, the first request information being used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA.

42. The device of claim 41, wherein, The apparatus further comprises a receiving module. The sending module is further configured to send first capability information to the second AP, the first capability information being used to indicate that the first AP supports context transmission content for transmission. And / or, The receiving module is configured to receive second capability information sent by the second AP, the second capability information being used to indicate that the second AP supports context transmission content for transmission. The first response information further comprises a first media access control (MAC) service data unit (SDU) or MAC PDU, the first SDU or MAC PDU being forwarded to the STA by the second AP.

43. The device of claim 41 or 42, wherein, The apparatus further comprises a receiving module.

44. The apparatus of any one of claims 38-40, wherein, The receiving module is configured to receive first request information sent by the second AP, the first request information being used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. The sending module is further configured to send first response information to the second AP, the first response information comprising first capability information, and the first capability information being used to indicate that the first AP supports context transmission content for transmission. ​ 45. The device of claim 44, wherein, The receiving module is further configured to receive first indication information sent by the second AP, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first AP sends the first information. The sending module is further configured to send second indication information to the second AP, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first information sending is completed.

46. The device of any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein, The sending module is further configured to send a second MPDU to the STA in a case where a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or The sending module is further configured to send a second MSDU or MPDU to the second AP in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, where the second MPDU includes the second MSDU, an MPDU header and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

47. The device of any one of claims 38 to 46, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, and the apparatus further includes a receiving module; The receiving module is configured to receive a third MPDU sent by the STA in a case where a link is established between the STA and the first AP. Or The receiving module is configured to receive a third MPDU forwarded by the second AP in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP.

48. The device of any one of claims 38 to 47, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, score board context control parameters of the first AP and receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, and the apparatus further includes a receiving module; The receiving module is configured to receive a third MPDU sent by the STA or a third MPDU forwarded by the second AP in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, in a case where the first AP maintains the score board context control parameters and the receiver reordering buffer control parameters; or The receiving module is configured to receive first uplink data forwarded by the second AP in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, in a case where the first AP does not maintain the score board context control parameters and the receiver reordering buffer control parameters, where the first uplink data is obtained by processing the third MPDU based on parameters included in the context transmission content. Or The receiving module is configured to receive a third MPDU sent by the STA in a case where a link is established between the STA and the first AP.

49. The device of any one of claims 38 to 47, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, score board context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA, and the apparatus further includes a receiving module; The receiving module is configured to receive second uplink data forwarded by the second AP in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, the second uplink data being obtained by processing a third MPDU by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content.

50. The device of claim 47, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, a transmission buffer control parameter of the first AP, a scoreboard context control parameter of the first AP, a receiver reordering buffer control parameter of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA, and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA. The sending module is configured to send first downlink data to the second AP, and the second MSDU or MPDU is obtained by processing the first downlink data by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content.

51. A link switching apparatus, comprising: The device comprises: The receiving module is configured to receive first information sent by a first access point (AP), the first information being used to indicate context transmission content between the first AP and a station (STA), and a link has been established between the STA and the first AP, and the second AP is a target AP for link switching of the STA.

52. The device of claim 51, wherein, The context transmission content includes at least one of the following: Downlink data of the first AP; A transmission buffer control parameter of the first AP; A scoreboard context control parameter of the first AP; A receiver reordering buffer control parameter of the first AP; A key between the first AP and the STA; An encryption mode between the first AP and the STA; A retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA.

53. The device of claim 51 or 52, wherein, The first information is also used to indicate that the context transmission content is used for the second AP to send a medium access control layer protocol data unit (MPDU) to the STA, and / or, is used for the second AP to receive an MPDU sent by the STA.

54. The apparatus of any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein, The receiving module is configured to receive first response information sent by the first AP, the first response information including the first information, and the first response information being used to respond to first request information, the first request information being used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA.

55. The device of claim 54, wherein, The device further comprises a sending module; The receiving module is further configured to receive first capability information sent by the first AP, the first capability information being used to indicate context transmission content supported by the first AP for transmission; And / or, The sending module is configured to send second capability information to the first AP, the second capability information being used to indicate context transmission content supported by the second AP for transmission.

56. The device of claim 54 or 55, wherein, The first response information further includes a first medium access control layer service data unit (MSDU) or MPDU, and the first MSDU or MPDU is forwarded to the STA by the second AP.

57. The device of any one of claims 51 to 56, wherein, The device further comprises a sending module; The sending module is configured to send first request information to the first AP, where the first request information is used to request context transmission content between the first AP and the STA. The receiving module is further configured to receive first response information sent by the first AP, where the first response information includes first capability information, and the first capability information is used to indicate that the first AP supports the context transmission content.

58. The device of claim 57, wherein, The device further includes a sending module. The sending module is configured to send first indication information to the first AP, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first AP to send the first information. The receiving module is further configured to receive second indication information sent by the first AP, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first information sending is completed.

59. The device of any one of claims 51 to 58, wherein, The device further includes a sending module. The receiving module is further configured to receive second request information sent by the STA, where the second request information is used to request to establish a link between the STA and the second AP. The sending module is configured to send second response information to the STA, where the second response information is used to indicate context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP.

60. The device of claim 59, wherein, The second response information includes at least one of the following: First MSDU forwarding information, where the first MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate a sending address of an MPDU related to the first AP; Resource information element (RIC) response information, where the RIC response information is used to indicate block acknowledgement (BA) parameters of a transaction identifier (TID) of an uplink of the STA switched from the first AP to the second AP; Context transmission indication information, where the context transmission indication information is used to indicate data transmission between the STA and the second AP.

61. The device of claim 60, wherein, The data transmission includes at least one of the following: Context transmission content transferred to the second AP; A sequence number (SN) related to the first AP.

62. The device of any one of claims 59 to 61, wherein, The second request information includes at least one of the following: Second MSDU forwarding information, where the second MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate a receiving address of an MPDU related to the first AP; RIC request information, where the RIC request information is used to indicate BA parameters of a TID of a downlink between the STA and the first AP.

63. The device of any one of claims 51 to 62, wherein, The device further includes a sending module. The receiving module is further configured to, in a case where the link is established between the STA and the second AP, receive a second MSDU or MPDU sent by the first AP, where the second MPDU includes the second MSDU, an MPDU header, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The sending module is configured to forward the second MSDU or MPDU to the STA.

64. The device of any one of claims 51 to 63, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, and the device further includes a sending module. The receiving module is further configured to, in a case where the link is established between the STA and the second AP, receive a third MPDU sent by the STA. The sending module is configured to forward the third MPDU to the first AP.

65. The device of any one of claims 51 to 63, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, and receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, and the apparatus further includes a sending module; The receiving module is further configured to receive a third MPDU sent by the STA in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP; The sending module is configured to forward the third MPDU or first uplink data to the first AP, wherein the first uplink data is obtained by processing the third MPDU by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content.

66. The device of any one of claims 51 to 63, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA, and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA, and the apparatus further includes a sending module; The receiving module is further configured to receive a third MPDU sent by the STA in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP; The sending module is configured to forward second uplink data to the second AP, wherein the second uplink data is obtained by processing the third MPDU by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content.

67. The device of claim 63, wherein, The context transmission content includes downlink data of the first AP, transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP, scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP, receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP, a key between the first AP and the STA, an encryption mode between the first AP and the STA, and a retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA, and the receiving module is configured to receive first downlink data sent by the first AP, wherein the second MSDU or MPDU is obtained by processing the first downlink data by the second AP based on parameters included in the context transmission content.

68. A link switching apparatus, comprising: The apparatus includes: A sending module configured to send second request information to a second access point (AP), wherein the second request information is used to request establishment of a link between the STA and the second AP, the STA has established a link with a first AP, and the second AP is a target AP for link switching of the STA; A receiving module configured to receive second response information from the second AP, wherein the second response information is used to indicate context transmission content transferred from the first AP to the second AP.

69. The device of claim 68, wherein, The second response information includes at least one of the following: First medium access control (MAC) service data unit (MSDU) forwarding information, wherein the first MSDU forwarding information is used to indicate a sending address of a MAC protocol data unit (MPDU) related to the first AP; The resource information element RIC response information is used to indicate block acknowledgement BA parameters of a transaction identifier TID of an uplink of the STA switched to the second AP by the first AP. Context transmission indication information is used to indicate data transmission between the STA and the second AP.

70. The device of claim 69, wherein, The data transmission includes at least one of the following: Context transmission content of the STA transferred to the second AP, the context transmission content being context transmission content between the STA and the first AP; Sequence number SN related to the first AP.

71. The device of claims 68-70, wherein, The context transmission content includes at least one of the following: Downlink data of the first AP; Transmission buffer control parameters of the first AP; Scoreboard context control parameters of the first AP; Receiver reordering buffer control parameters of the first AP; A key between the first AP and the STA; An encryption mode between the first AP and the STA; A retransmission counter between the first AP and the STA.

72. The device of any one of claims 68 to 71, wherein, The second request information includes at least one of the following: Second MSDU forwarding information used to indicate a receiving address of an MPDU related to the first AP; RIC request information used to indicate BA parameters of a TID of a downlink between the STA and the first AP.

73. The device of any one of claims 68 to 72, wherein, The receiving module is further configured to receive a second MPDU sent by the first AP in a case where a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or The receiving module is further configured to receive a second MSDU or MPDU forwarded by the second AP in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP, the second MPDU including the second MSDU, an MPDU header and a cyclic redundancy check CRC.

74. The device of any one of claims 68 to 73, wherein, The sending module is further configured to send a third MPDU to the first AP in a case where a link is established between the STA and the first AP; or The sending module is further configured to send a third MPDU to the second AP in a case where a link is established between the STA and the second AP.

75. A communications device, characterized by The communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or implement the method of any one of claims 14 to 30, or implement the method of any one of claims 31 to 37.

76. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising, The storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to be executed by a processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or implement the method of any one of claims 14 to 30, or implement the method of any one of claims 31 to 37.

77. A chip, comprising: The chip comprises programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions for implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or for implementing the method of any one of claims 14 to 30, or for implementing the method of any one of claims 31 to 37, when the chip is in operation.

78. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which are read and executed by a processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or to implement the method of any one of claims 14 to 30, or to implement the method of any one of claims 31 to 37.

Images