Multi-link communication method, system and apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a multi-link communication method, system and apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications. A master device and a slave device can exchange control information by means of a link of a first medium, so as to establish a link of a second medium. Thus, the master device and the slave device can simultaneously communicate with each other by means of the links of the two different mediums, i.e., the first medium and the second medium. On this basis, provided in the present application is a scheme for negotiating and establishing multiple hybrid-medium links.

Description

Multi-link communication method, system and device

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Chinese patent application No. 202411245638.1 filed on September 5, 2024, and entitled "Multi-link communication method, system and device", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, in particular to a multi-link communication method, system and device. BACKGROUND

[0003] Multi-link technology is a technology that utilizes multiple links for communication at the same time, which can increase bandwidth and improve communication performance. For example, in the field of wireless local area network (WLAN), a terminal device and a router can simultaneously establish wireless links of two frequency bands, 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5 GHz, for communication, thereby improving the communication rate between the router and the terminal device.

[0004] In some networking scenarios, two devices have the ability of wireless communication in addition to being connected by optical fiber or network cable. Therefore, the two devices can not only communicate through passive optical network (PON) or local area network (LAN), but also communicate wirelessly based on WLAN. As a technical concept, devices with multiple communication capabilities can simultaneously utilize multiple different communication media to establish communication links, such as WLAN+PON or WLAN+LAN, to improve communication performance. However, there is currently no protocol standard in the art that implements this technical solution. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a multi-link communication method, system and device to solve the problem that there is no protocol standard for establishing multiple links using multiple different media in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a multi-link communication method, which is applied to a master device, and can also be applied to a module or component in the master device, such as a chip or chip system. The multi-link communication method can include: in a case where the master device communicates with a slave device through a first link of a first medium, the master device sends a beacon frame to the slave device through the first link, the beacon frame being used to indicate that the master device supports communication through a link of at least one medium, the at least one medium including a second medium. Then, the master device receives a probe frame from the slave device through the first link, the probe frame being used to request communication through a link of the second medium, the link of the second medium having one or more. After that, the master device sends an add frame to the slave device through the first link, the add frame being used to indicate that a second link is added between the master device and the slave device, the second link belonging to the link of the second medium. Further, the master device receives an add response frame from the slave device through the first link, the add response frame being used to indicate that the second link is confirmed.

[0007] Based on this scheme, the master device and the slave device can interact control information through the link of the first medium to establish the link of the second medium. In turn, the master device and the slave device can simultaneously communicate through the links of the first medium and the second medium of two different media.

[0008] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first medium and the second medium are any two of PON, LAN and WLAN. Based on this, the scheme of the present application can be used to establish a hybrid multi-link of PON, LAN and WLAN, which has a very wide application scenario.

[0009] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation, the beacon frame carries a medium type and / or a communication address, the medium type indicating the at least one medium, and the communication address being an address used by the master device when communicating through the link of the at least one medium. Based on this implementation, the master device can directly advertise the medium capability of the link supported by itself through the beacon frame indicating the medium type, or the master device can also indirectly advertise the medium capability of the link supported by itself through the beacon frame indicating the communication address.

[0010] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation, the beacon frame further carries rate information and / or frequency band information, the rate information indicating the rate of the link of the at least one medium, and the frequency band information indicating the frequency band of the link of the at least one medium. Based on this implementation, the master device can also specifically indicate the detailed parameters of the link of various media supported by itself.

[0011] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation, the beacon frame further carries a link ID of the link of the at least one medium.

[0012] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the probe frame carries target medium type and / or target communication address, the target medium type indicates the second medium, and the target communication address is an address used by the master device for communication through the link of the second medium.

[0013] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the probe frame further carries target rate information and / or target frequency band information, the target rate information indicates a rate of the second link, and the target frequency band information indicates a frequency band of the second link.

[0014] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the probe frame is used for requesting communication through the link of the second medium, and specifically includes: the probe frame is used for requesting communication through the second link. The probe frame carries a link ID of the second link.

[0015] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the probe frame carries communication parameters of the second link. The communication parameters of the second link are used for the slave device to communicate with the master device through the second link, and / or the communication parameters of the second link are used for the slave device to authenticate the master device.

[0016] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second medium is a WLAN, the second link is a WLAN link, and the communication parameters of the second link include at least one of a BSSID, an SSID, a channel, and a password.

[0017] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device sends a first information update frame to the slave device through the first link or the second link, the first information update frame carries first link performance parameters, and the first link performance parameters include performance parameters of the first link and / or the second link measured by the master device.

[0018] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device receives a second information update frame from the slave device through the first link or the second link, the second information update frame carries second link performance parameters, and the second link performance parameters include performance parameters of the first link and / or the second link measured by the slave device.

[0019] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the performance parameters include at least one of a maximum bandwidth limit, a rate, a packet loss rate, a packet loss rate, a bit error rate, a time delay, a queue depth, or a link priority.

[0020] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device sends, to the slave device, a first QoS frame through the first link or the second link, the first QoS frame being used to indicate a Qos priority of a packet sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link.

[0021] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device receives, from the slave device, a second QoS frame through the first link or the second link, the second QoS frame being used to indicate a Qos priority of a packet sent by the master device to the slave device through the first link or the second link.

[0022] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device sends, to the slave device, a first control frame through the first link, the first control frame being used to indicate that the second link is to be put to sleep, woken up or deleted.

[0023] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the multi-link communication method further includes: the master device receives, from the slave device, a second control frame through the first link, the second control frame being used to indicate that the second link is to be put to sleep, woken up or deleted.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present application provides a multi-link communication method, which is applied to a master device, and can also be applied to a module or component in the master device, such as a chip or a chip system. The multi-link communication method can include: in a case where a slave device communicates with a master device through a first link of a first medium, the slave device receives, from the master device, a beacon frame through the first link, the beacon frame being used to indicate that the master device supports communication through a link of at least one medium, the at least one medium including a second medium. Then, the slave device sends, to the slave device, a probe frame through the first link, the probe frame being used to request communication through a link of the second medium. After that, the slave device receives, from the master device, an add frame through the first link, the add frame being used to indicate that a second link is to be added between the master device and the slave device, the second link belonging to the link of the second medium. Further, the slave device sends, to the slave device, an add response frame through the first link, the add response frame being used to indicate that the second link is confirmed to be added.

[0025] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first medium and the second medium are any two of a PON, a LAN and a WLAN.

[0026] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the beacon frame further carries a medium type and / or a communication address, the medium type indicating at least one medium, and the communication address being an address used by the master device for communication via a link of the at least one medium. Based on this implementation, the master device can directly indicate the medium capability of the link supported by the master device through the medium type in the beacon frame, or the master device can also indirectly indicate the medium capability of the link supported by the master device through the communication address in the beacon frame.

[0027] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the beacon frame further carries rate information and / or frequency band information, the rate information indicating a rate of a link of the at least one medium, and the frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the link of the at least one medium. Based on this implementation, the master device can specifically indicate detailed parameters of the link of each medium supported by the master device.

[0028] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the beacon frame further carries a link ID of the link of the at least one medium.

[0029] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the probe frame carries a target medium type and / or a target communication address, the target medium type indicating the second medium, and the target communication address being an address used by the master device for communication via a link of the second medium.

[0030] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the probe frame further carries target rate information and / or target frequency band information, the target rate information indicating a rate of the second link, and the target frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the second link.

[0031] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the probe frame is used to request communication via the link of the second medium, specifically including: the probe frame is used to request communication via the second link. The probe frame carries a link ID of the second link.

[0032] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the addition frame carries a communication parameter of the second link. The communication parameter of the second link is used for communication between the slave device and the master device via the second link, and / or the communication parameter of the second link is used for authentication between the slave device and the master device.

[0033] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the second medium is a WLAN, the second link is a WLAN link, and the communication parameter of the second link includes at least one of a BSSID, an SSID, a channel, and a password.

[0034] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the multi-link communication method further includes: receiving, by the slave device, a first information update frame from the master device via the first link or the second link, the first information update frame carrying a first link performance parameter, the first link performance parameter including a performance parameter of the first link or the second link measured by the master device.

[0035] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the multi-link communication method further includes: sending, by the slave device, a second information update frame to the master device via the first link or the second link, the second information update frame carrying a second link performance parameter, the second link performance parameter including a performance parameter of the first link or the second link measured by the slave device.

[0036] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the performance parameter includes at least one of a maximum bandwidth limit, a rate, a packet error rate, a packet loss rate, a bit error rate, a latency, a queue depth, or a link priority.

[0037] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the multi-link communication method further includes: receiving, by the slave device, a first QoS frame from the master device via the first link or the second link, the first QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the slave device to the master device via the first link or the second link.

[0038] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the multi-link communication method further includes: sending, by the slave device, a second QoS frame to the master device via the first link or the second link, the second QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the master device to the slave device via the first link or the second link.

[0039] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the multi-link communication method further includes: receiving, by the slave device, a first control frame from the master device via the first link, the first control frame being used to indicate dormancy, wake-up, or deletion of the second link.

[0040] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the multi-link communication method further includes: sending, by the slave device, a second control frame to the master device via the first link, the second control frame being used to indicate dormancy, wake-up, or deletion of the second link.

[0041] The technical effects brought by any implementation form of the second aspect can refer to the description of the corresponding implementation form of the first aspect.

[0042] In a third aspect, a communication system is provided, including a master device and a slave device, the master device being configured to indicate the multi-link communication method of any implementation form of the first aspect, and the slave device being configured to indicate the multi-link communication method of any implementation form of the second aspect.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the multi-link communication method of any one of the first aspect or the second aspect. The communication apparatus comprises modules, units, or means for implementing the corresponding functions of the above-described method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by a combination of hardware and software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor is configured to couple with a memory and read instructions in the memory, and execute the multi-link communication method of any one of the first aspect or the second aspect according to the instructions.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further comprises a memory; the memory is configured to store computer instructions.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface; the communication interface is configured to enable the communication apparatus to communicate with other devices. For example, the communication interface is a transceiver, an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuitry.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication apparatus is a chip system, the communication apparatus can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0048] In a possible implementation, when the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system, the communication interface described above can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuitry on the chip or chip system. The processor described above can also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions, when the instructions are run on a computer, causing the computer to execute the multi-link communication method of any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, when the computer program product is run on a processor, causing the processor to execute the multi-link communication method of any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0051] The technical effects brought by any one of the design manners of the third aspect to the seventh aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by different design manners of the first aspect or the second aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication scenario according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a multi-link communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a format of a beacon frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a format of an add frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a format of an add response frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a format of a first information update frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a format of a first QoS frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a format of a first control frame for indicating a dormant second link according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a format of a first control frame for indicating a deletion of a second link according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Before introducing the embodiments of the present application, some terms and related technologies involved in the embodiments of the present application are explained and described. It should be noted that the following explanation and description are for the purpose of making the embodiments of the present application more easily understood, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by the embodiments of the present application.

[0065] WLAN: WLAN in a broad sense is a network formed by replacing part or all of the transmission medium in a wired LAN with a wireless channel of various radio waves. WLAN in a narrow sense is a LAN defined by the institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.11 related standards, which uses high-frequency wireless radio frequency (such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or 6 GHz frequency band radio electromagnetic wave) as transmission medium. WiFi is a WLAN technology defined by the IEEE 802.11 related standards.

[0066] FTTH (fiber to the home): refers to a technology that directly introduces an optical fiber into a user's home to provide broadband access services for users. FTTH networking includes optical fiber, optical modem, router, network cable and other facilities. Among them, the optical fiber is laid to the user's home, the optical fiber is connected with the optical modem, and the optical modem is also connected with the router through the network cable. The optical modem is used for converting optical signals and electrical signals, and the optical modem and the router communicate through LAN. The router is used for converting electrical signals and wireless signals, and the terminal device and the router communicate through WLAN.

[0067] Optionally, the optical modem and the router communicate through LAN, and the communication medium between the optical modem and the router can also be referred to as LAN.

[0068] Optionally, the terminal device and the router communicate through WLAN, and the communication medium between the terminal device and the router can also be referred to as WLAN.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the router in the FTTH networking can also be connected with the terminal device through the network cable, so that the terminal device and the router can also communicate through LAN.

[0070] AC+AP networking: an AC+AP networking architecture based on centralized management, which is composed of an AC and multiple APs. The AC serves as a network management center and is responsible for controlling and managing all APs. The AP serves as an access point and is responsible for covering wireless signals and accessing users. Among them, the AC and the AP communicate through LAN or WLAN, and the AP and the terminal device communicate through WLAN.

[0071] As a possible implementation, the AC+AP networking can be implemented based on the FTTH networking. For example, the optical modem in the FTTH can serve as the AC, and the optical modem can be connected with multiple APs to implement the AC+AP networking architecture. Optionally, the router connected with the optical modem can be used as the AP.

[0072] Fiber to the room (FTTR): refers to a technology of introducing optical fibers directly into user rooms to provide broadband access services for users. The FTTR network includes a master optical modem, a slave optical modem, an optical splitter, optical fibers, and the like. Among them, the optical fibers are laid into the user's home, the optical fibers are connected with the master optical modem, the master optical modem is connected with the optical splitter through the optical fibers, and the optical splitter is connected with the slave optical modems in multiple rooms through the optical fibers. The master optical modem and the slave optical modem communicate through PON. The slave optical modem is used for converting optical signals and wireless signals, and the terminal device and the slave optical modem communicate through WLAN.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the master optical modem and the slave optical modem in the FTTR network both have wireless communication capabilities, so that the master optical modem and the slave optical modem can also communicate through WLAN.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the slave optical modem in the FTTR network can also be connected with the terminal device through a network cable, and the terminal device and the slave optical modem can also communicate through LAN.

[0075] Multi-link: a technology of simultaneously using multiple links for communication, which can increase the communication bandwidth and improve the communication rate.

[0076] Multi-link operation (MLO): a key technology in the WiFi 7 standard, which allows the terminal device and the wireless access device to simultaneously establish multiple wireless links of different frequency bands for communication. Using this technology can obtain greater communication bandwidth and higher communication rate. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 101 and the wireless access device 102 can simultaneously establish wireless links of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz for communication.

[0077] The current multi-link technology is only applied in a single medium scenario such as WiFi communication. However, with the continuous enrichment of networking modes, different devices support communication through multiple different media. For example, the master optical modem and the slave optical modem in the FTTR support PON communication and WLAN communication, and the router and the terminal device support LAN communication and WLAN communication. In theory, devices supporting multiple different medium communications can establish multiple links using multiple different media, thereby improving communication performance. However, there is currently no related protocol specification for this implementation.

[0078] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a multi-link communication method, which can enable the master device and the slave device to interact control information through a link of a first medium, thereby establishing a link of a second medium. Further, the master device and the slave device can simultaneously communicate through links of two different media of the first medium and the second medium.

[0079] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents an "or" relationship between the objects before and after the " / ", for example, A / B can represent A or B; in the present application, "and / or" is only a description of the relationship between the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the following three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of the items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second", and the like are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same function and role. Those skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second", and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second", and the like do not necessarily mean different. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, "exemplary" or "for example" means to serve as an example, illustration or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, the use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concept in a specific manner, so as to facilitate understanding. In addition, the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can know that, as the network architecture evolves and new business scenarios appear, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0080] Before introducing the multi-link communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the communication system to which the multi-link communication method of the present application is applied will be introduced.

[0081] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by the present application, as shown in Fig. 2, the communication system includes a master device 201 and a slave device 202, and the master device 201 and the slave device 202 support communication through links of multiple different media.

[0082] As a possible implementation manner, the master device 201 is a network access device, and the slave device 202 is a terminal device. For example, the master device 201 is an optical modem, a power modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) device, a router, or a customer-premises equipment (CPE), etc. The slave device 202 is a host, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a television, a set-top box, or an Internet of Things device, etc. The optical modem is an optical network unit (ONU) or an optical network terminal (ONT).

[0083] As a possible implementation manner, the master device 201 and the slave device 202 are network access devices with a master-slave relationship, and the master device 201 and the slave device 202 can both be an optical modem, a power modem, a DSL device, a router, or a CPE, etc. For example, the communication system shown in FIG. 2 is an FTTH networking scenario, the master device 201 is an optical modem, and the slave device 202 is a router. For another example, the communication system shown in FIG. 2 is an AC+AP networking scenario, the master device 201 is an AC, and the slave device 202 is an AP. For another example, the communication system shown in FIG. 2 is an FTTR networking scenario, the master device 201 is a master optical modem, and the slave device 202 is a slave optical modem.

[0084] As a possible implementation manner, the medium for communication between the master device 201 and the slave device 202 includes a PON, a LAN, and a WLAN.

[0085] As a possible implementation manner, when the master device 201 and the slave device 202 establish a link by using a WLAN, multiple frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz can be selected.

[0086] As a possible implementation manner, when the master device 201 and the slave device 202 establish a link by using a PON or a LAN, interfaces with multiple different rates can be selected.

[0087] It should be understood that the above examples of the implementation of the communication network shown in FIG. 2, and the master device and the slave device in the network are illustrative, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. It can be known by those skilled in the art that, as the network architecture evolves and new service scenarios appear, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar network architectures.

[0088] The multi-link communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the communication network shown in FIG. 2. The multi-link communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in combination with the communication network shown in FIG. 2. Optionally, in the following multi-link communication method embodiments, the master device is the master device 201 in FIG. 2, and the slave device is the slave device 202 in FIG. 2.

[0089] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a multi-link communication method provided by the present application. As shown in FIG. 3, the method can include the following steps S301-S304.

[0090] S301, in the case that the master device and the slave device communicate through a first link of a first medium, the master device sends a beacon frame to the slave device through the first link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives the beacon frame from the master device through the first link. The beacon frame is used to indicate that the master device supports communication through a link of at least one medium, and the at least one medium includes a second medium.

[0091] In the embodiments of the present application, the master device and the slave device have the capability of multi-medium communication, and the master device can indicate its multi-medium communication capability through the beacon frame. The first medium and the second medium are two different media supported by the master device for communication.

[0092] As a possible implementation manner, the first medium is PON, and the second medium is LAN and WLAN. Alternatively, the first medium is LAN, and the second medium is PON and WLAN. Alternatively, the first medium is WLAN, and the second medium is PON and LAN. Wherein, the WLAN can be WiFi.

[0093] Optionally, the beacon frame can indicate the multiple media supported by the master device, or the beacon frame can indicate the media other than the first medium in the multiple media supported by the master device, which is not limited in the present application.

[0094] Optionally, the master device supports communication through a link of at least one medium, specifically including that the master device supports communication through one or more links of each medium in the at least one medium.

[0095] Optionally, the beacon frame carries a medium type and / or a communication address, the medium type indicates the at least one medium supported by the master device, and the communication address is an address used by the master device when communicating through a link of the at least one medium. It should be understood that the beacon frame carrying the medium type is a direct indication manner of the medium capability of the master device, and the slave device can directly determine the medium capability supported by the master device according to the medium type in the beacon frame. The beacon frame carrying the communication address is an indirect indication manner of the medium capability of the master device, and the slave device can determine the medium capability supported by the master device by querying the medium type corresponding to the communication address.

[0096] Optionally, in the case that the beacon frame carries the communication address, the slave device can send a test packet with the communication address as the destination address to detect the medium type corresponding to the communication address. For example, the slave device sends a WiFi probe request frame with the communication address in the beacon frame as the destination address, and if the slave device receives a WiFi probe response frame replied by the master device, it can be determined that the communication address is the WiFi communication address of the master device, and further that the master device supports the WiFi medium. For another example, the slave device sends an Ethernet request frame through the LAN port with the communication address in the beacon frame as the destination address, and if the slave device receives an Ethernet response frame replied by the master device, it can be determined that the communication address is the LAN communication address of the master device, and further that the master device supports the LAN medium.

[0097] As a possible implementation, the communication address can be a media access control (MAC) address. Optionally, in the case that the master device supports communication through a link of a WLAN medium, the MAC address can be the MAC address of the wireless network card of the master device. In the case that the master device supports communication through a link of a PON medium, the MAC address can be the MAC address of the PON interface of the master device. In the case that the master device supports communication through a link of a LAN medium, the MAC address can be the MAC address of the LAN interface of the master device.

[0098] Optionally, the beacon frame further carries rate information and / or frequency band information, the rate information indicating a rate of a link of at least one medium supported by the master device, and the frequency band information indicating a frequency band of a link of at least one medium supported by the master device.

[0099] As a possible implementation, the rate information is specifically a rate value, for example, 100 megabits per second (Mbps), 500 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps, etc. Alternatively, the rate information can also be a parameter indicating the rate value, for example, an agreed parameter value 0 indicating 100 Mbps, a parameter value 1 indicating 500 Mbps, and a parameter value 2 indicating 1000 Mbps. Similarly, the frequency band information can be specifically a frequency band value, for example, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, etc. Alternatively, the frequency band information can also be a parameter indicating the frequency band value, for example, an agreed parameter value 0 indicating 2.4 GHz, a parameter value 1 indicating 5 GHz, and a parameter value 2 indicating 6 GHz.

[0100] It should be understood that the beacon frame carries the frequency band information only in the case that at least one medium supported by the master device includes a WLAN medium, and the frequency band information indicates the WLAN frequency band. Optionally, the frequency band of the WLAN link can include 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, etc.

[0101] As a possible implementation, in the case that the master device supports a link of a WLAN medium, the medium type in the beacon frame can indicate both the WLAN medium and the frequency band of the link of the WLAN medium. For example, the medium type carried by the beacon frame can specifically indicate that the master device supports a link of a WLAN medium in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, a link of a WLAN medium in the 5 GHz frequency band, or a link of a WLAN medium in the 6 GHz frequency band.

[0102] Optionally, the beacon frame can also carry a link identification (ID) of the link of at least one medium supported by the master device.

[0103] Optionally, the beacon frame can also carry preference information indicating the priority of the link of at least one medium supported by the master device.

[0104] Optionally, the beacon frame can also carry role information of the master device. The role information is divided into two types, master device and slave device, and the role information in the beacon frame sent by the master device is naturally that of the master device.

[0105] Optionally, the number of links of at least one medium supported by the master device can include multiple links, and the master device indicates multiple links of at least one medium through the beacon frame. As a possible implementation, one beacon frame indicates one link of one medium of at least one medium, and the master device sends multiple beacon frames to indicate multiple links of at least one medium respectively. As another possible implementation, one beacon frame simultaneously indicates multiple links of at least one medium. The present application does not limit this.

[0106] In the case that one beacon frame indicates one link of one medium of at least one medium, the beacon frame carries the medium type, communication address, rate information, frequency band information, preference information, or link ID corresponding to the one link of the one medium of at least one medium.

[0107] In the case that one beacon frame simultaneously indicates multiple links of at least one medium, the beacon frame carries the medium type, communication address, rate information, frequency band information, preference information, or link ID corresponding to the multiple links of at least one medium. In this case, the number of parameters such as the medium type, communication address, rate information, frequency band information, preference information, or link ID carried by the beacon frame is multiple.

[0108] For example, taking a link of one of the at least one medium indicated by the beacon frame as an example, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a format of a beacon frame provided by the present application, as shown in FIG. 4, the beacon frame comprises the following fields in sequence: element ID, length, link ID and sub-element. The element ID field is used to indicate that the current frame is a beacon frame. The length field is used to indicate the length of the beacon frame, the link ID field is used to carry the link ID of a link of one of the at least one medium, and the sub-element field is used to carry related parameters of the link of one of the at least one medium. For example, the sub-element field can carry medium type, communication address, rate information, frequency band information, priority information and the like.

[0109] As a possible implementation, continuing to refer to FIG. 4, the sub-element field can include MAC, medium type, role, rate and priority fields. The MAC field carries the MAC address used by the master device when communicating through a link of one of the at least one medium, the medium type field indicates one of the at least one medium, the role field carries role information of the master device, the rate field carries rate information of the link, and the priority field carries priority information of the link.

[0110] S302, the slave device sends a probe frame to the master device through the first link, and correspondingly, the master device receives the probe frame from the slave device through the first link. The probe frame is used to request communication through a link of the second medium.

[0111] It should be understood that based on the information indicated by the beacon frame, the slave device can determine that the master device also supports communication through a link of at least one medium other than the first medium. In the embodiment of the present application, the slave device can select a link of the second medium to communicate with the master device from the links of the at least one medium other than the first medium. Based on this, the slave device sends a probe frame to the master device to indicate that the slave device wants to communicate with the master device through a link of the second medium.

[0112] Optionally, the indication information carried by the probe frame includes a target medium type and / or a target communication address. The target medium type indicates the second medium, so that the probe frame can directly indicate to the master device that the slave device requests to communicate through a link of the second medium. The target communication address is an address used by the master device when communicating through a link of the second medium, so that the probe frame can indirectly indicate to the master device that the slave device requests to communicate through a link of the second medium. In this case, the probe frame does not indicate which link of the second medium is used, and a link of the second medium can be selected by the master device to communicate with the slave device subsequently.

[0113] Optionally, in the case that the probe frame carries the target medium type and / or the target communication address, the probe frame can also carry target rate information and / or target frequency band information, the target rate information indicating a rate of a link of the second medium requested to be used by the slave device, and the target frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the link of the second medium requested to be used by the slave device. In the embodiments of the present application, the master device is taken as an example to determine to use the second link of the second medium to communicate with the slave device, and then the target rate information specifically indicates the rate of the second link, and the target frequency band information specifically indicates the frequency band of the second link.

[0114] Optionally, in the case that the probe frame carries the target medium type and / or the target communication address, the probe frame can also carry target priority information, the target priority information indicating a priority of the link of the second medium requested to be used by the slave device. In the embodiments of the present application, the master device is taken as an example to determine to use the second link of the second medium to communicate with the slave device, and then the target priority information specifically indicates the priority of the second link.

[0115] Optionally, the link ID of the second link can be directly carried in the probe frame. The probe frame is used to request to communicate through the link of the second medium, and specifically includes that the probe frame is used to request to communicate through the second link. In this case, the probe frame specifically indicates the link that the slave device wants to use, instead of being selected by the master device.

[0116] Optionally, in the case that the link ID of the second link is directly carried in the probe frame, the medium type, the communication address, the rate information, the frequency band information or the priority information corresponding to the second link can also be carried in the probe frame.

[0117] Optionally, the probe frame can also carry role information, and the role information is the slave device.

[0118] As a possible implementation manner, the frame format of the probe frame can be the same as that of the beacon frame, for example, the frame format of the probe frame can be as shown in FIG. 4. In the figure, the value of the element ID field is different from that in the probe frame, and the element ID in the probe frame is used to indicate that the current frame is the probe frame.

[0119] S303, the master device sends an increase frame to the slave device through the first link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives the increase frame from the master device through the first link. The increase frame is used to indicate to add the second link between the master device and the slave device, and the second link belongs to the link of the second medium.

[0120] In the embodiments of the present application, the master device can determine to use the second link to communicate with the slave device according to the indication of the probe frame. Based on this, the master device sends the increase frame to the slave device to add the second link.

[0121] Optionally, the link ID of the second link is carried in the increase frame to indicate the slave device to increase the second link.

[0122] For example, FIG. 5 is a format diagram of an increase frame provided by the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, the increase frame sequentially includes the following fields: element ID, length, and link ID. The element ID field is used to indicate that the current frame is an increase frame. The length field is used to indicate the length of the increase frame. The link ID field is used to carry the link ID of the second link.

[0123] Optionally, the increase frame also carries the communication parameters of the second link. The communication parameters of the second link are used for the slave device to communicate with the master device through the second link, and / or the communication parameters of the second link are used for the slave device to authenticate with the master device.

[0124] As a possible implementation, when the second medium is WLAN, the communication parameters of the second link carried in the increase frame include at least one of the following: basic service set identification (BSSID), service set identification (SSID), channel, password, and the like. For example, taking the link of the second link as WLAN medium as an example, with reference to FIG. 5, the increase frame can further include BSSID field, SSID field, channel field, and password field to carry the above parameters.

[0125] As a possible implementation, when the second medium is PON or LAN, the communication parameters of the second link carried in the increase frame can include the MAC address used by the master device to communicate through the second link. Optionally, it can further include the parameters used by the master device and the slave device to perform PON or LAN authentication.

[0126] S304, the slave device sends an increase response frame to the master device through the first link, and correspondingly, the master device receives the increase response frame from the slave device through the first link. The increase response frame is used to indicate that the second link is confirmed to be increased.

[0127] Optionally, the increase response frame carries state information, and the state information is used to indicate that the creation of the second link is successful.

[0128] For example, FIG. 6 is a format diagram of an increase response frame provided by the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, the increase response frame sequentially includes the following fields: element ID, length, link ID, and state. The element ID is used to indicate that the current frame is an increase response frame, the length field is used to indicate the length of the increase response frame, the link ID field carries the link ID of the second link, and the state field indicates that the second link is confirmed to be increased.

[0129] As a possible implementation, in the case that the second medium is WLAN, the BSSID, SSID, channel, password and other parameters in the increase response frame can also be carried in the increase frame. For example, continuing to refer to FIG. 6, the BSSID field, SSID field, channel field and password field can also be included in the increase response frame to carry the above information. It should be understood that FIG. 6 is exemplarily illustrated with the BSSID field, SSID field, channel field and password field located between the link ID field and the state field.

[0130] Optionally, after S304, the master device and the slave device can simultaneously utilize the first link and the second link to perform data transmission in parallel.

[0131] Based on the above scheme, the master device and the slave device exchange control information through the link of the first medium, so as to establish the communication link of the second medium. Further, the master device and the slave device can simultaneously communicate through the links of the first medium and the second medium of two different media. The method of the present application provides a scheme for creating a multi-link of mixed media between devices.

[0132] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S305, the master device sends a first information update frame to the slave device through the first link or the second link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives the first information update frame from the master device through the first link or the second link. The first information update frame carries the first link performance parameter, and the first link performance parameter includes the performance parameter of the first link and / or the second link measured by the master device.

[0133] It should be understood that the first link performance parameter sent by the master device to the slave device is used to make the slave device adjust the strategy of sending data to the master device, so as to make the data transmission performance optimal.

[0134] As a possible implementation, the first link performance parameter includes at least one of the maximum bandwidth limit, rate, error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, delay, queue depth and link priority of the first link measured by the master device.

[0135] As another possible implementation, the first link performance parameter includes at least one of the maximum bandwidth limit, rate, error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, delay, queue depth and link priority of the second link measured by the master device.

[0136] For example, FIG. 7 is a format diagram of a first information update frame provided by the present application, as shown in FIG. 7, the first information update frame includes an element ID, a length and a sub-element field. The element ID field is used to indicate that the type of the current frame is the first information update frame, the length field is used to indicate the length of the first information update frame, and the sub-element field is used to carry the first link performance parameter.

[0137] For example, with reference to FIG. 7, the sub-element field includes a link ID, a length, a parameter type, a parameter length, and a parameter value, etc. Where the first link performance parameter carried in the sub-element field is a performance parameter of the first link measured by the master device, the link ID field carries the link ID of the first link. Where the first link performance parameter carried in the sub-element field is a performance parameter of the second link measured by the master device, the link ID field carries the link ID of the second link. The length field is used to indicate the length of the sub-element field. The parameter type is used to indicate the type of the link parameter, such as the maximum bandwidth limit, the rate, the error rate, the packet error rate, the packet loss rate, the delay, the queue depth, or the link priority. The parameter length field is used to indicate the length of the parameter value field. The parameter value field carries the value of the maximum bandwidth limit, the rate, the error rate, the packet error rate, the packet loss rate, the delay, the queue depth, or the link priority, etc.

[0138] Optionally, the sub-element field in FIG. 7 is of variable length, and the sub-element field can include multiple sets of parameter type, parameter length, and parameter value fields, for carrying multiple link parameters. Where the multiple link parameters are multiple ones of the maximum bandwidth limit, the rate, the error rate, the packet error rate, the packet loss rate, the delay, the queue depth, and the link priority.

[0139] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S306, the slave device sends a second information update frame to the master device through the first link or the second link, and correspondingly, the master device receives the second information update frame from the slave device through the first link or the second link. Where the second information update frame carries a second link performance parameter, and the second link performance parameter includes a performance parameter of the first link and / or the second link measured by the slave device.

[0140] It should be understood that the second link performance parameter sent by the slave device to the master device is used to enable the master device to adjust the data sending strategy to the slave device, so as to make the data transmission performance optimal.

[0141] As a possible implementation manner, the second link performance parameter includes at least one of the maximum bandwidth limit, the rate, the error rate, the packet error rate, the packet loss rate, the delay, the queue depth, and the link priority of the first link measured by the slave device.

[0142] As another possible implementation manner, the second link performance parameter includes at least one of the maximum bandwidth limit, the rate, the error rate, the packet error rate, the packet loss rate, the delay, the queue depth, and the link priority of the second link measured by the slave device.

[0143] Optionally, the frame format of the second information update frame is the same as the frame format of the first information update frame, which can be described with reference to the frame format of the first information update frame, and details are not described herein. For example, the second information update frame is the frame format shown in FIG. 7, and the sub-element field in FIG. 7 is used to carry the second link performance parameter.

[0144] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S307, the master device sends a first quality of service (QoS) frame to the slave device through the first link or the second link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives the first QoS frame from the master device through the first link or the second link. The first QoS frame is used to indicate the Qos priority of the packet sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link.

[0145] Based on this scheme, the link used by the slave device to send the packet to the master device can be controlled according to the Qos priority indicated by the master device, which is more flexible. For example, the master device can instruct the slave device to transmit high-priority packets through the PON or LAN link, thereby ensuring that high-priority packets can quickly and reliably reach the destination. The application can adjust the link for packet transmission as needed to better meet business needs.

[0146] For example, FIG. 8 is a format diagram of a first QoS frame provided by the application, as shown in FIG. 8, the first QoS frame includes element ID, length, link ID, and Qos priority fields. The element ID is used to indicate that the current frame is a first QoS frame, the length field is used to indicate the length of the first QoS frame, the link ID field is used to carry the link ID of the first link or the second link, and the Qos priority field is used to carry the Qos priority corresponding to the first link or the second link.

[0147] As a possible implementation manner, the first QoS frame specifically indicates the differentiated services code point (DSCP) priority of the packet sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link, and the DSCP priority is a specific type of Qos priority.

[0148] For example, in the case where the Qos priority is the DSCP priority, the Qos priority field in FIG. 8 can carry a DSCP bitmap.

[0149] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further comprises: S308, the slave device sends a second QoS frame to the master device through the first link or the second link, and correspondingly, the master device receives the second QoS frame from the slave device through the first link or the second link. The second QoS frame is used to indicate the Qos priority of the packet sent by the master device to the slave device through the first link or the second link.

[0150] Based on this scheme, the link used by the master device to send the packet to the slave device can be more flexible according to the Qos priority control indicated by the slave device. The technical effect type of S308 and S307 is not repeated here.

[0151] Optionally, the frame format of the second QoS frame is the same as that of the first QoS frame, which can be described with reference to the frame format of the first QoS frame, and will not be repeated here. For example, the second QoS frame is in the frame format shown in FIG. 7.

[0152] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further comprises: S309, the master device sends a first control frame to the slave device through the first link, and correspondingly, the slave device receives the first control frame from the master device through the first link. The first control frame is used to indicate the dormancy, wake-up or deletion of the second link.

[0153] Optionally, in the case where the first control frame is used to indicate the dormancy of the second link, the control frame carries the indication information of the dormancy function and the link ID of the second link. For example, FIG. 9 is a format diagram of a first control frame provided by the present application for indicating the dormancy of the second link. As shown in FIG. 9, the control frame includes an element ID, a length and a link ID field. The element ID field is used to indicate that the current frame is a control frame for indicating the dormancy function, the length field is used to indicate the length of the current frame, and the link ID field is used to carry the link ID of the second link.

[0154] As a possible implementation, the first control frame for indicating the dormancy of the second link further includes time delay information, which is used to indicate the dormancy behavior after a period of time. For example, the first control frame for indicating the dormancy of the second link shown in FIG. 9 further includes a time delay field, which carries the above-mentioned time delay information.

[0155] As a possible implementation, the first control frame for indicating the dormancy of the second link further includes time length information, which is used to indicate the dormancy time length of the second link. For example, the first control frame for indicating the dormancy of the second link shown in FIG. 9 further includes a time length field, which carries the above-mentioned time length information.

[0156] It should be understood that the master device will send the first control frame for indicating the wake-up of the second link to the slave device only when the second link has been dormant.

[0157] Optionally, in the case that the first control frame is used to indicate to wake up the second link, the first control frame carries indication information of the sleep function and the link ID of the second link.

[0158] As a possible implementation, the format of the first control frame used to indicate to wake up the second link can be the same as the format of the first control frame used to indicate to sleep the second link, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, including an element ID, a length, and a link ID field, wherein the element ID field is used to indicate that the current frame is a control frame indicating the wake-up function.

[0159] Optionally, in the case that the first control frame is used to indicate to delete the second link, the first control frame carries indication information of the deletion function and the link ID of the second link. For example, FIG. 10 is a format diagram of a first control frame provided by the present application for indicating to delete the second link, as shown in FIG. 10, the first control frame includes an element ID, a length, and a link ID field. Wherein the element ID field is used to indicate that the current frame is a control frame indicating the deletion function, the length field is used to indicate the length of the current frame, and the link ID field is used to carry the link ID of the second link.

[0160] Optionally, in the case that the first control frame is used to indicate to delete the second link, the first control frame can also indicate the reason for deleting the second link. For example, continuing to refer to FIG. 10, the first control frame used to indicate to delete the second link also includes a reason field, which is used to carry the reason for deleting the second link.

[0161] Optionally, the multi-link communication method further includes: S310, the slave device sends a second control frame to the master device through the first link, and correspondingly, the master device receives the second control frame from the slave device through the first link. Wherein the second control frame is used to indicate to sleep, wake up, or delete the second link. Wherein the content and frame format of the second control frame can be the same as the first control frame, which can be referred to the related description of the first control frame in S309, and the present application will not be repeated here.

[0162] As a possible implementation, the master device and the slave device in the present application can be connected and controlled based on the Easy mesh protocol, the master device can be a controller role defined in the Easy mesh protocol, and the slave device can be an agent role defined in the Easy mesh protocol. The beacon frame, the probe frame, the add frame, the add response frame, the first information update frame, the second information update frame, the first Qos frame, the second Qos frame, the first control frame, or the second control frame in the present application can belong to the Easy mesh protocol message. The frame format shown in FIGS. 4-10 of the present application can be a TLV in the Easy mesh protocol.

[0163] Optionally, in the case that the medium of the link is PON, the beacon frame, the probe frame, the add frame, the add response frame, the first information update frame, the second information update frame, the first Qos frame, the second Qos frame, the first control frame or the second control frame in the present application can be carried in the payload of the PON frame. For example, the frame formats shown in FIGS. 4-10 of the present application are located in the payload of the PON frame.

[0164] Optionally, in the case that the medium of the link is LAN, the beacon frame, the probe frame, the add frame, the add response frame, the first information update frame, the second information update frame, the first Qos frame, the second Qos frame, the first control frame or the second control frame in the present application can be carried in the payload of the Ethernet frame. For example, the frame formats shown in FIGS. 4-10 of the present application are located in the payload of the Ethernet frame.

[0165] Optionally, in the case that the medium of the link is WLAN, the beacon frame, the probe frame, the add frame, the add response frame, the first information update frame, the second information update frame, the first Qos frame, the second Qos frame, the first control frame or the second control frame in the present application can be carried in the payload of the WLAN frame. For example, the frame formats shown in FIGS. 4-10 of the present application are located in the payload of the WLAN frame.

[0166] The embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. The communication device can also be the master device in the method embodiments described above, or a component usable for the master device. Alternatively, the communication device can also be the slave device in the method embodiments described above, or a component usable for the slave device. It can be understood that the communication device contains the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function in order to implement the above functions. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is implemented in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0167] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functions of the communication device according to the method embodiments described above, for example, each function module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or software function module. It should be noted that the division of the modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. There can be another division way when actually implemented.

[0168] FIG. 11 shows a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus provided in the present application. Referring to FIG. 11, the communication apparatus 110 can include a sending unit 1101 and a receiving unit 1102. Optionally, the communication apparatus 110 further includes a processing unit 1103.

[0169] The communication apparatus 110 can be used to implement the functions of the master device described above. The sending unit 1101 can be used to support the communication apparatus to perform the sending behaviors of the master device in the method embodiments described above, the receiving unit 1102 can be used to support the communication apparatus to perform the receiving behaviors of the master device in the method embodiments described above, and the processing unit 1103 can be used to support the communication apparatus to perform the processing behaviors of the master device in the method embodiments described above.

[0170] Alternatively, the communication apparatus 110 can be used to implement the functions of the slave device described above. The sending unit 1101 can be used to support the communication apparatus to perform the sending behaviors of the slave device in the method embodiments described above, the receiving unit 1102 can be used to support the communication apparatus to perform the receiving behaviors of the slave device in the method embodiments described above, and the processing unit 1103 can be used to support the communication apparatus to perform the processing behaviors of the slave device in the method embodiments described above.

[0171] All the related contents of the steps involved in the method embodiments described above can be cited to the function description of the corresponding function modules, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0172] It should be understood that the division of the modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. When actually implemented, there can be another division manner. For example, two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. In addition, the integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or software function module, and the present application does not limit this.

[0173] In the present embodiment, the communication apparatus 110 is presented in the form of dividing each function module in an integrated manner. The "module" here can refer to a specific ASIC, a circuit, a processor and a memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the functions described above. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art can think that the communication apparatus 120 can be in the form of the communication apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 12.

[0174] FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 12, the communication device 120 includes one or more processors 1201, a communication line 1202, and at least one communication interface (only an example of the communication interface 1203 is shown in FIG. 12, and the processor 1201 is taken as an example for description). Optionally, a memory 1204 can also be included. The processor 1201 can be a CPU, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling program execution of the solutions of the present application. The communication line 1202 can include a channel for communication between different components. The communication interface 1203 can be a transceiver module for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, RAN, wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. For example, the transceiver module can be a transceiver or a device of the like. Optionally, the communication interface 1203 can also be a transceiver circuit located in the processor 1201, for realizing signal input and signal output of the processor. The memory 1204 can be a device having a storage function. For example, it can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory can exist independently and be connected to the processor through the communication line 1202. The memory can also be integrated with the processor. The memory 1204 is used to store computer execution instructions for executing the solutions of the present application, and the processor 1201 controls the execution. The processor 1201 is used to execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1204, so as to realize the multi-link communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application.Alternatively, the processor 1201 in the embodiments of the present application performs the processing-related functions in the multi-link communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application below, and the communication interface 1203 is responsible for communication with other devices or communication networks, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. The computer-executed instructions in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as application program codes, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. As an embodiment, the processor 1201 can include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG. 12.

[0175] As an embodiment, the communication device 120 can include multiple processors, such as the processor 1201 and the processor 1207 in FIG. 12. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processor here can include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor, and various computing devices running software, each of which can include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing.

[0176] As an embodiment, the communication device 120 can also include an output device 1205 and an input device 1206. The output device 1205 communicates with the processor 1201 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 1205 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 1206 communicates with the processor 1201 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 1206 can be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensing device, etc.

[0177] The processor 1201 in the communication device 120 shown in FIG. 12 can make the communication device 120 perform the multi-link communication method in the above-mentioned method embodiments by invoking the computer-executed instructions stored in the memory 1204. Since the communication device 120 provided in the embodiments of the present application can perform the above-mentioned multi-link communication method, the technical effects it can obtain can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0178] The sequence of the above processes does not mean the execution order in various embodiments of the present application, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to the functions and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be described here. In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic, and the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there can be another division manner in actual implementation, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms. The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purposes of the embodiments. In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. In the above embodiments, all or part can be realized by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When realized by software, it can be realized in the form of a computer program product in whole or in part. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on the computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable device.The computer instructions can be stored in and / or transmitted across a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy diskette, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, other memory of a computer, etc., and / or a data signal embodied in a carrier wave, such as an infrared signal, a digital signal, etc. The computer-readable medium can be a computer program product. The computer program product can be transmitted to a computer, such as a server, over a computer network, such as the Internet.

[0179] As used in this application, the terms "component," "module," "system" and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and / or thread of execution and a component can be localized, partially and / or entirely, in one computer or distributed between two or more computers. Also, these components can execute from various computer-readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components can communicate by way of local and / or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and / or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). The aspects, embodiments, and features relate to a system that can include one or more of the devices, components, modules, etc. described herein. It is to be understood and appreciated that such a system can include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and / or can not include all of the devices, components, modules etc.

[0180] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the word "example" is used to mean an instance, an illustration, or an exemplification. No embodiment or design presented as an "example" in the present application should be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. In fact, the word "example" is used herein to present one or more concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of the present application, information, signal, message, and channel can be used interchangeably, and it should be indicated that the meanings expressed are consistent when the differences are not emphasized. "Of", "corresponding", and "corresponding" can be used interchangeably, and it should be indicated that the meanings expressed are consistent when the differences are not emphasized. "System" and "network" can be used interchangeably, and it should be indicated that the meanings expressed are consistent when the differences are not emphasized, such as "communication network" also means "communication system". The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can know that, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0181] The above merely describes the specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of multi-link communication, the method comprising: The method is applied to a master device, and the method comprises the following steps: In a case that the master device communicates with a slave device through a first link of a first medium, the master device sends a beacon frame to the slave device through the first link, the beacon frame being used for indicating that the master device supports communication through a link of at least one medium, the at least one medium comprising a second medium; The master device receives a probe frame from the slave device through the first link, the probe frame being used for requesting communication through a link of the second medium; The master device sends an add frame to the slave device through the first link, the add frame being used for indicating that a second link between the master device and the slave device is added, the second link belonging to the link of the second medium; The master device receives an add response frame from the slave device through the first link, the add response frame being used for indicating that the second link is confirmed to be added.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first medium and the second medium are any two of a passive optical network (PON), a local area network (LAN) and a wireless local area network (WLAN).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The beacon frame carries a medium type and / or a communication address, the medium type indicating the at least one medium, and the communication address being an address used by the master device when communicating through the link of the at least one medium.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The beacon frame further carries rate information and / or frequency band information, the rate information indicating a rate of the link of the at least one medium, and the frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the link of the at least one medium.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The beacon frame further carries a link identification (ID) of the link of the at least one medium.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The probe frame carries a target medium type and / or a target communication address, the target medium type indicating the second medium, and the target communication address being an address used by the master device when communicating through the link of the second medium.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The probe frame further carries target rate information and / or target frequency band information, the target rate information indicating a rate of the second link, and the target frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the second link.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The probe frame is used for requesting communication through the link of the second medium, and the probe frame is used for requesting communication through the second link. The probe frame carries a link ID of the second link.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The add frame carries a communication parameter of the second link, the communication parameter being used for the slave device to communicate with the master device through the second link, and / or the communication parameter being used for the slave device to authenticate the master device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further comprises the following steps: The master device sends a first information update frame to the slave device through the first link or the second link, the first information update frame carrying a first link performance parameter, the first link performance parameter comprising a performance parameter of the first link and / or the second link measured by the master device; And / or, the master device receives a second information update frame from the slave device through the first link or the second link, the second information update frame carrying a second link performance parameter, the second link performance parameter including a performance parameter of the first link and / or the second link measured by the slave device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The performance parameter includes at least one of a maximum bandwidth limit, a rate, a packet error rate, a packet loss rate, a bit error rate, a latency, a queue depth, or a link priority.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The master device sends a first quality of service (QoS) frame to the slave device through the first link or the second link, the first QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link; And / or, the master device receives a second QoS frame from the slave device through the first link or the second link, the second QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the master device to the slave device through the first link or the second link.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The master device sends a first control frame to the slave device through the first link, the first control frame being used to indicate dormancy, wake-up, or deletion of the second link; And / or, the master device receives a second control frame from the slave device through the first link, the second control frame being used to indicate dormancy, wake-up, or deletion of the second link.

14. A multi-link communication method, comprising: Applied to the slave device, the method includes: In a case where the slave device communicates with a master device through a first link of a first medium, the slave device receives a beacon frame from the master device through the first link, the beacon frame being used to indicate that the master device supports communication through a link of at least one medium, the at least one medium including a second medium; The slave device sends a probe frame to the master device through the first link, the probe frame being used to request communication through a link of the second medium; The slave device receives an addition frame from the master device through the first link, the addition frame being used to indicate addition of a second link between the master device and the slave device, the second link belonging to the link of the second medium; The slave device sends an addition response frame to the master device through the first link, the addition response frame being used to indicate confirmation of addition of the second link.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first medium and the second medium are any two of a passive optical network (PON), a local area network (LAN), and a wireless local area network (WLAN).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The beacon frame carries a medium type and / or a communication address, the medium type indicating the at least one medium, and the communication address being an address used by the master device when communicating through the link of the at least one medium.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The beacon frame further carries rate information and / or frequency band information, the rate information indicating a rate of the link of the at least one medium, and the frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the link of the at least one medium.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein, The beacon frame further carries a link identification (ID) of the link of the at least one medium.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized by, The probe frame carries a target medium type and / or a target communication address, the target medium type indicating the second medium, and the target communication address being an address used by the master device to communicate through a link of the second medium.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The probe frame further carries target rate information and / or target frequency band information, the target rate information indicating a rate of the second link, and the target frequency band information indicating a frequency band of the second link.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized by, The probe frame is used to request communication through a link of the second medium, including that the probe frame is used to request communication through the second link. The probe frame carries a link ID of the second link.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14-21, characterized by, The increase frame carries a communication parameter of the second link; the communication parameter is used for the slave device to communicate with the master device through the second link, and / or the communication parameter is used for the slave device to authenticate with the master device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14-22, characterized by, The method further includes: The slave device receives a first information update frame from the master device through the first link or the second link, the first information update frame carrying a first link performance parameter, the first link performance parameter including a performance parameter of the first link or the second link measured by the master device; And / or, the slave device sends a second information update frame to the master device through the first link or the second link, the second information update frame carrying a second link performance parameter, the second link performance parameter including a performance parameter of the first link or the second link measured by the slave device.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The performance parameter includes at least one of a maximum bandwidth limit, a rate, a packet error rate, a packet loss rate, a bit error rate, a delay, a queue depth, or a link priority.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14-24, characterized by, The method further includes: The slave device receives a first quality of service (QoS) frame from the master device through the first link or the second link, the first QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the slave device to the master device through the first link or the second link; And / or, the slave device sends a second QoS frame to the master device through the first link or the second link, the second QoS frame being used to indicate a QoS priority of a packet sent by the master device to the slave device through the first link or the second link.

26. The method of any one of claims 14-25, wherein, The method further includes: The slave device receives a first control frame from the master device through the first link, the first control frame being used to indicate dormancy, wake-up, or deletion of the second link; And / or, the slave device sends a second control frame to the master device through the first link, the second control frame being used to indicate dormancy, wake-up, or deletion of the second link.

27. A communication system, characterized by The communication system includes a master device and a slave device; wherein the master device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-13, and the slave device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 14-26.

28. A communications device, characterized by The communication device includes a processor and a memory. The memory is for storing program instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method of any of claims 1-13 or 14-26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of claims 1-13 or 14-26.

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