Electronic device for wireless LAN communication, and operation method thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device and a method for performing wireless LAN communication in an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a communication circuit, at least one processor and a memory, wherein the memory can store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, instructs the electronic device to: identify an encryption key update period of respective links with an external electronic device; if it is determined that there is at least one link for updating an encryption key on the basis of the encryption key update period of the respective links, select at least one link to be used for updating of the encryption key from among the plurality of links on the basis of link quality of the respective links; and transmit, to the external electronic device, information related to the at least one selected link. Other embodiments are also possible.

Description

Electronic device for wireless LAN communication and method of operation thereof

[0001] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electronic device for wireless LAN communication and a method of operating the same.

[0002] A wireless local area network (WLAN) system can support wireless connections for various electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, or notebooks, using designated frequency bands (e.g., approximately 2.4 GHz band, approximately 5 GHz band, and / or approximately 6 GHz band).

[0003] Wireless LAN systems can be installed not only in private spaces such as homes but also in public spaces such as airports, train stations, offices, or department stores. Wireless LAN systems can be defined by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard. For example, the IEEE 802.11 standard is continuously evolving, such as IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, and IEEE 802.11be.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] When an electronic device is connected to an access point (AP) via wireless LAN communication, it can transmit and / or receive traffic to and from the AP using a broadcast method and / or a multicast method using an encryption key (e.g., group temporal key (GTK)) provided by the AP.

[0006] The cryptographic key (e.g., GTK) provided to the electronic device by the AP can be periodically updated based on a new cryptographic key (e.g., GTK) generated by the AP.

[0007] If an electronic device fails to receive information related to a new encryption key (e.g., GTK) from the AP due to entering a low-power mode (e.g., sleep mode or power save mode), a weak field environment, or an increase in channel utilization (e.g., CU (channel utilization)), the wireless LAN connection with the AP may be forcibly disconnected.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an apparatus and method for updating a cryptographic key for wireless LAN communication in an electronic device.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a communication circuit supporting wireless LAN communication, at least one processor including a processing circuit, and a memory for storing instructions. According to one embodiment, the instructions may cause the electronic device to establish a plurality of links with an external electronic device when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor. According to one embodiment, the instructions may cause the electronic device to check the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor. According to one embodiment, the instructions may cause the electronic device to check the link quality of each of the plurality of links when it is determined that at least one link exists for updating the cryptographic key based on the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor. According to one embodiment, the instructions may cause the electronic device to select at least one link among the plurality of links to be used for updating the cryptographic key based on the link quality of each of the plurality of links when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor. According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may transmit information related to at least one selected link to an external electronic device.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the method of operation of an electronic device may include the operation of establishing a plurality of links through wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device. According to one embodiment, the method of operation of an electronic device may include the operation of checking the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links. According to one embodiment, the method of operation of an electronic device may include the operation of checking the link quality of each of the plurality of links when it is determined that at least one link for updating the cryptographic key exists based on the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links. According to one embodiment, the method of operation of an electronic device may include the operation of selecting at least one link among the plurality of links to be used for updating the cryptographic key based on the link quality of each of the plurality of links. According to one embodiment, the method of operation of an electronic device may include the operation of transmitting information related to the selected at least one link to an external electronic device.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium (or computer program product) storing one or more programs may be described. According to one embodiment, the one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the following operations: establishing a plurality of links via wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device; checking the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links; if it is determined that at least one link exists for updating the cryptographic key based on the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links, checking the link quality of each of the plurality of links; selecting at least one link among the plurality of links to be used for updating the cryptographic key based on the link quality of each of the plurality of links; and transmitting information related to the selected at least one link to the external electronic device.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device can maintain wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (e.g., an access point (AP)) by updating the cryptographic key (e.g., GTK) of each link through at least one link that is determined to be the most stable among a plurality of links established with the external electronic device, considering channel quality.

[0014] In addition, various effects identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

[0015] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0016] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an example of a multi-link operation (MLO) in a wireless LAN system according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device for wireless LAN communication according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for updating a cryptographic key in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 5 is an example for verifying the cryptographic key renewal cycle of each link in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an example for verifying the cryptographic key renewal cycle of each link in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 7 is an example for verifying the cryptographic key renewal cycle of each link in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for selecting a link for updating a cryptographic key in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for selecting a link for cryptographic key renewal by considering a combination of candidate links in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for establishing a candidate link in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for updating a cryptographic key in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for updating the encryption key of an electronic device in an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 13 is an example of transmitting information related to the renewal of a cryptographic key from an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0030] The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0032] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0033] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of these, but is not limited to the examples mentioned above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0034] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0035] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0036] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0037] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0038] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by the touch.

[0039] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0040] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0041] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0042] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0043] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0044] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0045] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0046] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0047] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0048] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate (or throughput), for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate for eMBB realization (e.g., 20 Gbps or more), loss coverage for mMTC realization (e.g., 164 dB or less), or U-plane latency for URLLC realization (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less).According to one embodiment, the subscriber identification module (196) may include a plurality of subscriber identification modules. For example, the plurality of subscriber identification modules may store different subscriber identification information.

[0049] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a high frequency (e.g., mmWave) antenna module. According to one embodiment, the high frequency (e.g., mmWave) antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band. For example, the plurality of antennas may include a patch array antenna and / or a dipole array antenna.

[0051] At least some of the components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0052] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0053] An electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0054] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0055] As used in one embodiment of this document, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0056] One embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0057] A method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0058] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more of the components or operations among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to one embodiment, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0059] FIG. 2 is an example of a multi-link operation (MLO) in a wireless LAN system according to one embodiment. For example, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0060] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 2, the wireless LAN system (200) may include an electronic device (101) and / or an external electronic device (220) (e.g., the electronic device (102) of FIG. 1).

[0061] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) can perform wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220). For example, wireless LAN communication may include Wi-Fi, which is a communication method defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, the external electronic device (220) may perform the role of a base station that provides wireless LAN communication to at least one electronic device (101) located within the communication radius of the wireless LAN system (200). For example, the external electronic device (220) may include an access point (AP) of the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, the external electronic device (220) may include a plurality of APs (e.g., AP 1 (221), AP 2 (222), and / or AP 3 (223)) corresponding to a plurality of links (e.g., a first link (231), a second link (232), and / or a third link (233)) with the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a STA (station) of the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of STAs (e.g., STA 1 (211), STA 2 (212) and / or STA 3 (213)) corresponding to a plurality of links (e.g., a first link (231), a second link (232) and / or a third link (233)) with an external electronic device (220).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220) may support multi-link operation (MLO). MLO may include a communication method for transmitting and / or receiving data (or packets) through a plurality of links (e.g., a first link (231), a second link (232), and / or a third link (233)). For example, the plurality of links for MLO may include different media access control (MAC) addresses. For example, a plurality of STAs included in the electronic device (101) (e.g., STA 1 (211), STA 2 (212), and / or STA 3 (213)) may include different MAC addresses. For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220) may perform wireless LAN communication using a single internet protocol (IP) address.

[0063] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (101) supports MLO, it can perform wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220) through each link (e.g., a first link (231), a second link (232), and / or a third link (233)). For example, the electronic device (101) (e.g., STA 1 (211)) can transmit and / or receive data (or packets) with the external electronic device (220) through the first link (231). For example, data can be transmitted and / or received through a frequency band or channel corresponding to the first link (231). For example, the electronic device (101) (e.g., STA 2 (212)) can transmit and / or receive data with the external electronic device (220) through the second link (232). For example, data can be transmitted and / or received through a frequency band or channel corresponding to the second link (232). For example, an electronic device (101) (e.g., STA 3 (213)) can transmit and / or receive data with an external electronic device (220) through a third link (233). For example, data can be transmitted and / or received through a frequency band or channel corresponding to the third link (233).

[0064] According to one embodiment, if the external electronic device (220) supports MLO, it can perform wireless LAN communication with the electronic device (101) through each link (e.g., a first link (231), a second link (232) and / or a third link (233)). For example, the external electronic device (220) (e.g., AP 1 (221)) can transmit and / or receive data (or packets) with the electronic device (101) through the first link (231). For example, the external electronic device (220) (e.g., AP 2 (222)) can transmit and / or receive data with the electronic device (101) through the second link (232). For example, the external electronic device (220) (e.g., AP 3 (223)) can transmit and / or receive data with the electronic device (101) through the third link (233).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the frequency bands (or channels) of the first link (231), the second link (232), and the third link (233) may be set differently from each other. For example, the first link (231) may support a band of about 2.4 GHz, the second link (232) may support a band of about 5 GHz, and the third link (233) may support a band of about 6 GHz.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first link (231), the second link (232), and / or the third link (233) may be used by external devices other than the electronic device (101). For example, the external device may include other electronic devices that support wireless LAN communication, excluding the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220). For example, the electronic device (101) may support a CSMA / CA (carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance) method so that the electronic device (101) and the external device use the same link simultaneously and do not cause interference to each other. For example, if the electronic device (101) supports CSMA / CA, it can check whether the external device is transmitting data through a specific link (e.g., the first link (231), the second link (232), and / or the third link (233)). If the electronic device (101) determines that the external device is transmitting data through a specific link, it may restrict the transmission of data through the specific link. For example, if the electronic device (101) determines that an external device is not transmitting data through a specific link, it may transmit data through a specific link according to a specified method. For example, the specified method may include a clear channel assessment (CCA). For example, the first link (231), the second link (232), and / or the third link (233) may independently support CSMA / CA.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device for wireless LAN communication according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 3 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0068] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (300), a wireless LAN communication circuit (310), and / or a memory (320). According to one embodiment, the processor (300) may be substantially identical to the processor (120) of FIG. 1 (e.g., an application processor and / or a communication processor) or may be included in the processor (120). The wireless LAN communication circuit (310) may be substantially identical to the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1 or may be included in the wireless communication module (192). The memory (320) may be substantially identical to the memory (130) of FIG. 1 or may be included in the memory (130). According to one embodiment, the processor (300) may be operatively, functionally, and / or electrically connected to the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) and / or the memory (320). For example, the processor (300) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) can transmit and / or receive data (or packets) with at least one external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2) via wireless LAN communication. For example, the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) may include a first communication circuit (312) and / or a second communication circuit (314) that process a baseband signal for wireless LAN communication. For example, the first communication circuit (312) and the second communication circuit (314) may perform wireless LAN communication through different links (or frequency bands or at least some different frequency bands). For example, the first communication circuit (312) may support a first frequency band (e.g., about 2.4 GHz band) and / or a second frequency band (e.g., about 5 GHz band). For example, the second communication circuit (314) may support a second frequency band (e.g., about 5 GHz band) and / or a third frequency band (e.g., about 6 GHz band). For example, the first communication circuit (312) and the second communication circuit (314) may be logically (e.g., software) separated. For example, the first communication circuit (312) and the second communication circuit (314) may be composed of different circuits or different hardware.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the processor (300) can control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to set up a plurality of links (e.g., a first link (231), a second link (232), and / or a third link (233)) with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2). For example, the processor (300) can control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to set up a plurality of links with the external electronic device (220) through at least one link. For example, the processor (300) can obtain information related to the MLO of the external electronic device (220) from a beacon or probe response frame received from the external electronic device (220) via a first frequency band (or a first link (231)). For example, information related to MLO may include information related to a first frequency band (or first link (231)) that received a beacon or probe response frame, as well as information related to a second frequency band (or second link (232)) and / or a third frequency band (or third link (233)) that is supported for MLO in the external electronic device (220). For example, information related to the frequency band (or link) may include the BSSID (basic service set identifier) ​​of each frequency band (or link) and / or variables related to MLO. For example, the processor (300) may control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to transmit an association request frame related to multiple links to the external electronic device (220) through at least one link based on information related to MLO of the external electronic device (220). For example, the cooperation request frame may include information related to the establishment of the first link (231), the second link (232) and / or the third link (233), and information related to the capability and / or operational parameters of each link.For example, if the processor (300) obtains information related to acceptance from the external electronic device (220) in response to a negotiation request frame, it may determine that multiple links have been established with the external electronic device (220). For example, if the processor (300) obtains information related to rejection related to at least one of the multiple links from the external electronic device (220) in response to a negotiation request frame, it may determine that the establishment of at least one link corresponding to the information related to rejection has failed with the external electronic device (220). For example, at least one link corresponding to the information related to rejection may be excluded from the establishment of links with the external electronic device (220).

[0071] According to one embodiment, when the processor (300) establishes a plurality of links with an external electronic device (220), it may obtain an encryption key corresponding to each link from the external electronic device (220). The processor (300) may control a wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to transmit and / or receive traffic with the external electronic device (220) via each link in a broadcast and / or multicast manner using the encryption key corresponding to each link. For example, the encryption key may include a group temporal key (GTK) as a key for encrypting traffic transmitted and / or received via a broadcast and / or multicast manner with the external electronic device (220) to which a link for wireless LAN communication has been established with the electronic device (101).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the processor (300) can determine the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the multiple links established with the external electronic device (220). For example, the processor (300) can determine the cryptographic key update cycle of each link based on the cryptographic key update history for each link (e.g., multiple cryptographic key update information). For example, the processor (300) can obtain information related to the cryptographic key update cycle corresponding to each link from the external electronic device (220) (e.g., AP). For example, the information related to the cryptographic key update cycle may include at least one of the time when the cryptographic key was last updated or the cryptographic key update cycle. For example, the processor (300) can obtain information related to the cryptographic key update cycle corresponding to each link established between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220) from at least one peripheral device (e.g., STA) located within a specified distance from the electronic device (101).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the processor (300) can determine whether there exists at least one link for which the cryptographic key update cycle arrives, based on the cryptographic key update cycles of a plurality of links. For example, the processor (300) can determine whether there exists at least one link for which the cryptographic key update cycle arrives within a specified time range based on the time (or current time) at which the processor determines whether the cryptographic key update cycle arrives.

[0074] According to one embodiment, if the processor (300) determines that there is at least one link for which a cryptographic key update cycle is due, it may identify (or select) at least one link to be used for cryptographic key update based on the link quality of each of the plurality of links. For example, the processor (300) may select at least one candidate link among the plurality of links based on the channel usage (e.g., CU (channel utilization)) and received signal strength of each link. For example, the received signal strength may include at least one of RSSI (received signal strength indicator), RSRQ (reference signal received quality), or RSRP (reference signal received power). For example, the candidate links may include links in which the channel usage is less than or equal to a specified reference channel usage and the received signal strength exceeds a specified reference strength.

[0075] For example, the processor (300) may select at least one candidate link among a plurality of links based on the channel usage and received signal strength of each link. The processor (300) may identify at least one set of links that can be combined into at least one candidate link. The processor (300) may select one set of links as a candidate link set based on the link quality of at least one set of links. The processor (300) may select at least one candidate link included in the set of candidate links as a link to be used for updating the cryptographic key.

[0076] For example, if at least some of the at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key is operating in a low-power mode, the processor (300) can switch at least one candidate link operating in a low-power mode to an active mode.

[0077] For example, if the processor (300) identifies (or selects) at least one candidate link to use for updating the cryptographic key, it may restrict the switching of at least one candidate link to a low-power mode until the cryptographic key update of at least one link is completed.

[0078] For example, if there is at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key, the processor (300) can control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to perform re-association with the external electronic device (220) and the candidate link that is not established with the external electronic device (220).

[0079] According to one embodiment, when the processor (300) identifies (or selects) at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key, it may control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to transmit information related to at least one candidate link to an external electronic device (220). For example, the information related to at least one candidate link may include information requesting (or instructing) that at least one remaining link among a plurality of links, excluding at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key, be switched to a low-power mode. For example, the information related to at least one candidate link may include information requesting (or instructing) the updating of the cryptographic key through at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the processor (300) may obtain (or receive) information related to the renewal of the cryptographic key of at least one link through at least one candidate link from an external electronic device (220) based on the transmission of information related to at least one candidate link. Based on the information related to the renewal of the cryptographic key, the processor (300) may update the cryptographic key of each of at least one link for which the cryptographic key renewal cycle has arrived.

[0081] According to one embodiment, when the processor (300) establishes a link with an external electronic device (220), it can check the update cycle of the link established with the external electronic device (220). When the cryptographic key update cycle arrives, the processor (300) can obtain information related to the update of the cryptographic key from the external electronic device (220) using the link established with the external electronic device (220). Based on the information related to the update of the cryptographic key, the processor (300) can update the cryptographic key of the link established with the external electronic device (220). For example, if the link established with the external electronic device (220) is operating in a low-power mode, the processor (300) can switch the link operating in the low-power mode to an active mode. For example, the processor (300) can restrict the switching of the link established with the external electronic device (220) to a low-power mode until the cryptographic key update is completed.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the memory (320) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (300) or wireless LAN communication circuit (310)). For example, the memory (320) can store various instructions that can be executed individually or collectively through the processor (300) (e.g., at least one processor).

[0083] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) may include a communication circuit that supports wireless LAN communication (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1 or the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) of FIG. 2), at least one processor including a processing circuit (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (300) of FIG. 3), and a memory that stores instructions (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1 or the memory (320) of FIG. 3). According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may establish a plurality of links (e.g., the first link (231), the second link (232), and / or the third link (233)) with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2). According to one embodiment, the instructions may enable an electronic device to check the cryptographic key update cycle of each of a plurality of links when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor. According to one embodiment, the instructions may enable an electronic device to check the link quality of each of a plurality of links when it is determined that there is at least one link for updating the cryptographic key based on the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links. According to one embodiment, the instructions may enable an electronic device to select at least one link among a plurality of links to use for updating the cryptographic key based on the link quality of each of the plurality of links when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor. According to one embodiment, the instructions may enable an electronic device to transmit information related to the selected at least one link to an external electronic device when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor.

[0084] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may restrict the switching of at least one selected link to a low-power mode until the updating of the cryptographic key of at least one link for updating the cryptographic key through at least one selected link is completed.

[0085] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may determine the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links based on the update history of the cryptographic key for each link.

[0086] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may obtain information related to the cryptographic key update cycle of each of a plurality of links from an external electronic device or a peripheral device located within a specified distance from the electronic device.

[0087] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may select at least one link among a plurality of links in which at least one of the received signal strength or channel utilization satisfies a specified condition. According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may check the link quality of at least one set of links that can be combined based on at least one link satisfying a specified condition. According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may select any one set of at least one link based on the link quality of at least one set of links. According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may select at least one link included in the selected set of links as a link to be used for updating the cryptographic key.

[0088] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may additionally establish a link for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device if there is a link in a selected set of links where a connection for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device has not been established.

[0089] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may select at least one link to be used for updating a cryptographic key among at least one link included in a selected set of links.

[0090] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may transmit information related to the switching of at least one remaining link to a low-power mode, excluding at least one selected link among a plurality of links, to an external electronic device.

[0091] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may transmit a message requesting the renewal of a cryptographic key through at least one selected link to an external electronic device.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a flowchart (400) for updating a cryptographic key in an electronic device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 4 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3.

[0093] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 4, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (300) of FIG. 3) may, in operation 401, set up a plurality of links (e.g., the first link (231), the second link (232), and / or the third link (233)) with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2). For example, the processor (300) may set up a plurality of links with the external electronic device (220) through at least one frequency band (or link) among a plurality of frequency bands supported by the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (300) may obtain information regarding links supported for MLO at the external electronic device (220) (e.g., the first frequency band (or the first link (231), the second frequency band (or the second link (232)) and / or the third frequency band (or the third link (233))) from a beacon or probe response frame received from the external electronic device (220) via at least one frequency band (e.g., the first frequency band (or the first link (231))). For example, the information regarding the links (or frequency bands) may include the BSSID of each link (or frequency band) and / or variables related to MLO. For example, the processor (300) may transmit wireless LAN communication to the external electronic device (220) a negotiation request frame related to multiple links via at least one of the links supported for MLO at the external electronic device (220). The circuit (310) can be controlled. For example, the cooperation request frame may include information related to the establishment of the first link (231), the second link (232) and / or the third link (233), and may include information related to the capability and / or operational parameters of each link.For example, if the processor (300) obtains information related to acceptance from the external electronic device (220) in response to a negotiation request frame, it may determine that multiple links have been established with the external electronic device (220). For example, if the processor (300) obtains information related to rejection related to at least one of the multiple links from the external electronic device (220) in response to a negotiation request frame, it may determine that the establishment of at least one link corresponding to the information related to rejection among the multiple links with the external electronic device (220) has failed.

[0094] For example, if the processor (300) has established multiple links with the external electronic device (220), it may obtain an encryption key corresponding to each link from the external electronic device (220). The processor (300) may control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to transmit and / or receive traffic with the external electronic device (220) via each link in a broadcast and / or multicast manner using the encryption key corresponding to each link. For example, the encryption key may include a group temporal key (GTK) as a key for encrypting traffic transmitted and / or received via a broadcast and / or multicast manner with the external electronic device (220) to which a link for wireless LAN communication has been established with the electronic device (101).

[0095] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) can determine the cryptographic key update cycle of each of a plurality of links in operation 403. For example, the processor (300) can determine the cryptographic key update cycle of each link based on the cryptographic key update history for each link (e.g., information on multiple cryptographic key updates). For example, the processor (300) can obtain information related to the cryptographic key update cycle corresponding to each link from an external electronic device (220) (e.g., AP). For example, the information related to the cryptographic key update cycle may include at least one of the time when the cryptographic key was last updated or the cryptographic key update cycle. For example, the processor (300) can obtain information related to the cryptographic key update cycle corresponding to each link established between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220) from at least one peripheral device (e.g., STA) located within a specified distance from the electronic device (101).

[0096] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 405, determine whether there exists at least one link for which the cryptographic key update cycle arrives based on the cryptographic key update cycles of a plurality of links. For example, the processor (300) may determine whether there exists at least one link for which the cryptographic key update cycle arrives within a specified time range based on the time (or current time) at which the cryptographic key update cycle arrives.

[0097] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may terminate one embodiment for updating the cryptographic key if it is determined that there is no at least one link for which the cryptographic key update cycle is due (e.g., 'No' of operation 405).

[0098] According to one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) determines that there is at least one link for which a cryptographic key update cycle has arrived (e.g., 'Yes' of operation 405), then in operation 407, the link quality of each of the multiple links with the external electronic device (220) may be checked. For example, the multiple links with the external electronic device (220) may include multiple links established with the external electronic device (220) and at least one additional link that can be established with the external electronic device (220). For example, the link quality may be calculated based on the received signal strength and propagation occupancy time (or channel utilization) of each link, as in Equation 1.

[0099]

[0100] For example, ETP (RSSI, Airtime fraction) represents the link quality according to wireless LAN communication between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) through a specific link, and the Airtime fraction may represent the radio wave occupancy time (or channel usage rate) of the specific link. For example, the Data rate represents the data transmission rate for wireless LAN communication between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) through a specific link, and can be calculated as in Equation 2.

[0101]

[0102] For example, MaxBitsPerSc represents a value related to the modulation order for wireless LAN communication between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) through a specific link, and DSYM DUR represents the processing time of PPDU (physical protocol data unit) symbols, NSS_max represents the maximum number of a specific stream, and SNR_ toneIt can be calculated by Equation 3 as a value related to the received signal strength (e.g., RSSI) for wireless LAN communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220) through a specific link.

[0103]

[0104] For example, RSSI can represent the received signal strength according to wireless LAN communication between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) through a specific link.

[0105] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 409, select at least one link among a plurality of links to an external electronic device (220) to be used for cryptographic key updating based on the quality of each link. For example, the processor (300) may select at least one candidate link among the plurality of links based on the channel utilization (e.g., CU (channel utilization)) and received signal strength of each link. For example, the received signal strength may include at least one of RSSI (received signal strength indicator), RSRQ (reference signal received quality), or RSRP (reference signal received power). For example, the candidate links may include a link in which the channel utilization is less than or equal to a specified reference channel utilization and the received signal strength exceeds a specified reference strength.

[0106] For example, the processor (300) may select at least one candidate link among a plurality of links based on the channel usage and received signal strength of each link. The processor (300) may identify at least one set of links that can be combined into at least one candidate link. The processor (300) may select one set of links as a candidate link set based on the link quality of at least one set of links. The processor (300) may select at least one candidate link included in the set of candidate links as a link to be used for updating the cryptographic key.

[0107] For example, if at least some of the at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key is operating in a low-power mode, the processor (300) can switch at least one candidate link operating in a low-power mode to an active mode.

[0108] For example, if the processor (300) identifies (or selects) at least one candidate link to use for updating the cryptographic key, it may restrict the switching of at least one candidate link to a low-power mode until the cryptographic key update of at least one link is completed.

[0109] For example, if there is at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key, the processor (300) can control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to perform re-association with the external electronic device (220) and the candidate link that is not established with the external electronic device (220).

[0110] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 411, transmit information related to at least one candidate link to be used for updating a cryptographic key to an external electronic device (220). For example, the information related to at least one candidate link may include information requesting (or instructing) that at least one remaining link among a plurality of links, excluding at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key, be switched to a low-power mode. For example, the information related to at least one candidate link may include information requesting (or instructing) the updating of the cryptographic key through at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key.

[0111] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may obtain (or receive) information related to the renewal of the cryptographic key of at least one link through at least one candidate link from an external electronic device (220) based on the transmission of information related to at least one candidate link. The electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or the processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may decrypt the information related to the renewal of the cryptographic key using a pairwise temporal key (PTK) to renew the cryptographic key of each of at least one link for which the cryptographic key renewal cycle has arrived.

[0112] FIG. 5 is an example for verifying the cryptographic key renewal cycle of each link in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0113] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 5, an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) may establish a plurality of links for wireless LAN communication (operation 501). For example, when the electronic device (101) establishes a plurality of links with the external electronic device (220), it may obtain an encryption key corresponding to each link from the external electronic device (220). The electronic device (101) may transmit and / or receive traffic with the external electronic device (220) via each link in a broadcast and / or multicast manner using the encryption key corresponding to each link. For example, the encryption key may include a GTK (group temporal key).

[0114] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (220) can transmit information related to the renewal of a cryptographic key to an electronic device (101) through at least one link based on the cryptographic key renewal cycle of each link (operation 503). For example, the external electronic device (220) can transmit information related to the renewal of a cryptographic key corresponding to each link to the electronic device (101) through each link. For example, the external electronic device (220) can transmit information related to the renewal of a cryptographic key corresponding to at least one link for which the cryptographic key renewal cycle has arrived to the electronic device (101) through at least one link among a plurality of links.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can update the cryptographic key of at least one link for which the cryptographic key update cycle has arrived, based on information related to the update of the cryptographic key obtained from an external electronic device (220).

[0116] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (220) can transmit information related to the renewal of a cryptographic key to an electronic device (101) through at least one link based on the cryptographic key renewal cycle of each link (operation 505).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can update the cryptographic key of at least one link for which the cryptographic key update cycle has arrived, based on information related to the update of the cryptographic key obtained from an external electronic device (220). If the electronic device (101) has updated the cryptographic key of a specific link at least twice, it can check the cryptographic key update cycle of that link.

[0118] FIG. 6 is an example for verifying the cryptographic key renewal cycle of each link in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0119] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 6, when an electronic device (101) establishes multiple links for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220), it may transmit a request message related to the renewal of a cryptographic key to at least one peripheral device (600) (e.g., STA) located within a specified distance from the electronic device (101) (operation 611). For example, the request message related to the renewal of a cryptographic key may include information related to multiple links established between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220). For example, the request message related to the renewal of a cryptographic key may be transmitted via wireless LAN communication (e.g., vendor specific action frame) or Bluetooth (or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)).

[0120] According to one embodiment, when at least one peripheral device (600) receives a request message related to the renewal of a cryptographic key from an electronic device (101), it can check whether information related to the cryptographic key renewal cycle corresponding to each of the plurality of links established between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) exists. If information related to the cryptographic key renewal cycle corresponding to at least one link exists (or is stored), at least one peripheral device (600) can transmit information related to the cryptographic key renewal cycle corresponding to at least one link to the electronic device (101) (Operation 613). For example, information related to the cryptographic key renewal cycle may be transmitted via Bluetooth (or BLE). For example, information related to the cryptographic key renewal cycle may be transmitted via a vendor-specific action frame defined in wireless LAN communication, as shown in Table 1 below.

[0121] categoryorganizationidentifiervendorspecificcontent

[0122] For example, vendor-specific content may include information related to the encryption key update cycle. For example, information related to the encryption key update cycle may include the encryption key update cycle of a specific link and information on the time the encryption key of a specific link was last updated.

[0123] FIG. 7 is an example for verifying the cryptographic key renewal cycle of each link in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0124] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 7, an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) may establish multiple links for wireless LAN communication (Operation 701). For example, when the electronic device (101) establishes multiple links with the external electronic device (220), it may obtain an encryption key corresponding to each link from the external electronic device (220). The electronic device (101) may transmit and / or receive traffic with the external electronic device (220) via each link in a broadcast and / or multicast manner using the encryption key corresponding to each link. For example, the encryption key may include a GTK (group temporal key).

[0125] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (101) has established a plurality of links with an external electronic device (220), it can transmit a request message related to the renewal of an encryption key to the external electronic device (220) (operation 703). For example, the request message related to the renewal of an encryption key can be transmitted via wireless LAN communication (e.g., vendor specific action frame) or Bluetooth (or BLE).

[0126] According to one embodiment, when an external electronic device (220) receives a request message related to the renewal of a cryptographic key from an electronic device (101), it may transmit information related to the cryptographic key renewal cycle corresponding to each of a plurality of links to the electronic device (101) (operation 705). For example, the information related to the cryptographic key renewal cycle may be transmitted via wireless LAN communication (e.g., vendor specific action frame) or Bluetooth (or BLE). For example, the information related to the cryptographic key renewal cycle may include the cryptographic key renewal cycle of a specific link and information on the time when the cryptographic key of a specific link was last renewed.

[0127] FIG. 8 is a flowchart (800) for selecting a link for updating a cryptographic key in an electronic device according to one embodiment. For example, at least part of FIG. 8 may include a detailed description of operations 409 to 411 of FIG. 4. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 8 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3.

[0128] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 8, when an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (300) of FIG. 3) checks the quality of a plurality of links established with an external electronic device (220) (e.g., operation 407 of FIG. 4), in operation 801, the processor (300) can check whether the channel usage of the i-th link among the plurality of links (e.g., the first link (231), the second link (232), and / or the third link (233)) with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2) satisfies a specified first condition. For example, the processor (300) can determine that the specified first condition is satisfied if the channel usage of the i-th link is less than or equal to a specified reference channel usage. The processor (300) may determine that the specified first condition is not satisfied if the channel usage of the i-th link exceeds the specified reference channel usage. For example, i is an index representing a plurality of links that can be established between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220), and may include '1' (or '0') as an initial value.

[0129] According to one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) determines that the channel usage of the i-th link does not satisfy the specified first condition ('No' of operation 801), it may proceed to operation 807.

[0130] According to one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) determines that the channel usage of the i-th link satisfies a specified first condition ('yes' of operation 801), then in operation 803, the received signal strength of the i-th link may determine whether it satisfies a specified second condition. For example, the processor (300) may determine that the specified second condition is satisfied if the received signal strength of the i-th link exceeds a specified reference strength. The processor (300) may determine that the specified second condition is not satisfied if the received signal strength of the i-th link is less than or equal to a specified reference strength. For example, the received signal strength may include at least one of RSSI (received signal strength indicator), RSRQ (reference signal received quality), or RSRP (reference signal received power).

[0131] According to one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) determines that the received signal strength of the i-th link satisfies a specified second condition ('yes' of operation 803), then in operation 805, the i-th link may be set as a candidate link.

[0132] According to one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) determines that the received signal strength of the i-th link does not satisfy the specified second condition ('No' of operation 803), it may proceed to operation 807.

[0133] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 807, check whether the specified first condition and the specified second condition are satisfied for all links that can be established between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220). For example, the processor (300) may determine that i is the number (i) of all links that can be established between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (220). MAX You can check if it is more than )

[0134] According to one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) does not check whether a specified first condition and a specified second condition are satisfied for all links that can be established between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) (e.g., i < i MAX ) (e.g., 'No' of operation 807), in operation 809, the index (i) of the links can be updated (e.g., i++). For example, the processor (300) can perform operations 801 through 807 corresponding to the updated i-th link.

[0135] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) checks whether a specified first condition and a specified second condition are satisfied for all links that can be established between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) (e.g., i ≥ i MAX) (e.g., 'Yes' of operation 807), in operation 811, a link to be used for cryptographic key renewal can be selected from at least one candidate link. For example, the processor (300) can select at least one candidate link as a link to be used for cryptographic key renewal. For example, the processor (300) can identify at least one set of links that can be combined with at least one candidate link. The processor (300) can select one set of links as a candidate link set based on the link quality of at least one set of links. The processor (300) can select at least one candidate link included in the selected set of candidate links as a link to be used for cryptographic key renewal.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may set a candidate link by considering at least one of the channel utilization rate or the received signal strength of each of the plurality of links. For example, the electronic device (101) may set at least one link among the plurality of links as a candidate link in which the channel utilization rate satisfies a specified first condition. For example, the electronic device (101) may set at least one link among the plurality of links as a candidate link in which the received signal strength satisfies a specified second condition.

[0137] FIG. 9 is a flowchart (900) for selecting a link for cryptographic key renewal by considering a combination of candidate links in an electronic device according to one embodiment. At least part of FIG. 9 may include detailed operations of operation 811 of FIG. 8. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 9 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3.

[0138] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 9, if an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (300) of FIG. 3) sets (or selects) at least one candidate link based on a specified first condition and a specified second condition in operation 901 (e.g., 'Yes' of operations 805 and 807 of FIG. 8), then in operation 901, a combinational link set of at least one candidate link can be identified. For example, if the processor (300) selects the first link (231), the second link (232), and the third link (233) of FIG. 2 as candidate links, a link set such as that shown in Table 2 below can be set.

[0139] Link Set 1 1st Link + 2nd Link + 3rd Link 2 1st Link + 2nd Link 3 1st Link + 3rd Link 4 2nd Link + 3rd Link 5 1st Link 6 2nd Link 7 3rd Link

[0140] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) can determine the link quality of each link set in operation 903. For example, the link quality of a link set may be calculated based on the sum of the quality of at least one link included in the link set.

[0141] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 905, select any one of at least one link set as a candidate link set based on the link quality of the link set. For example, the candidate link set may include the link set with the best link quality among at least one link set.

[0142] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 907, select a link to be used for cryptographic key renewal based on at least one candidate link included in a set of candidate links. For example, the processor (300) may select at least some of the at least one candidate link included in the set of candidate links as links to be used for cryptographic key renewal. For example, the link to be used for cryptographic key renewal may be selected based on at least one of channel utilization, received signal strength, or link quality.

[0143] FIG. 10 is a flowchart (1000) for establishing a candidate link in an electronic device according to one embodiment. For example, at least part of FIG. 10 may include a detailed operation of operation 907 of FIG. 9. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 10 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3.

[0144] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 10, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (300) of FIG. 3) can, in operation 1001, if a set of candidate links is selected (e.g., operation 905 of FIG. 9), in operation 1001, determine whether there is a candidate link (or unestablished link) (e.g., unassociated link) among at least one candidate link included in the set of candidate links that is not established with an external electronic device (220).

[0145] According to one embodiment, if there is no candidate link that has not been established with the external electronic device (220) or the processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)), the electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may proceed to operation 1005.

[0146] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 1003, perform establishment of an unestablished candidate link with an external electronic device (220) if there is an unestablished candidate link with an external electronic device (220) (e.g., 'yes' of operation 1001). For example, the processor (300) may obtain information related to the unestablished candidate link with the external electronic device (220) from a beacon or probe response frame received from the external electronic device (220) via at least one frequency band (e.g., a first frequency band (or a first link (231))). For example, the information related to the link may include variables related to the BSSID and / or MLO of the unestablished candidate link with the external electronic device (220). For example, the processor (300) may control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to transmit an association request frame related to an unestablished candidate link with the external electronic device (220) to the external electronic device (220) through at least one of the links supported for MLO in the external electronic device (220). For example, the association request frame may include information related to the capability and / or operational parameters of the unestablished candidate link with the external electronic device (220). For example, if the processor (300) obtains information related to acceptance from the external electronic device (220) in response to the association request frame, it may determine that the unestablished candidate link with the external electronic device (220) is established.

[0147] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 1005, select a link to be used for cryptographic key renewal based on at least one candidate link included in a set of candidate links. For example, the processor (300) may select at least some of the at least one candidate link included in the set of candidate links as links to be used for cryptographic key renewal. For example, the link to be used for cryptographic key renewal may be selected based on at least one of channel utilization, received signal strength, or link quality.

[0148] FIG. 11 is a flowchart (1100) for updating a cryptographic key in an electronic device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 11 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3.

[0149] According to one embodiment with reference to FIG. 11, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (300) of FIG. 3) may, in operation 1101, set up a link (or single link) for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2).

[0150] For example, if the processor (300) has established a link with an external electronic device (220), it may obtain an encryption key corresponding to the link for wireless LAN communication from the external electronic device (220). The processor (300) may control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to transmit and / or receive traffic with the external electronic device (220) in a broadcast and / or multicast manner using the encryption key corresponding to the link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220). For example, the encryption key may include a GTK (group temporal key).

[0151] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) can determine the encryption key update cycle of a link for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220) in operation 1103. For example, the processor (300) can determine the encryption key update cycle of the link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) through multiple encryption key updates. For example, the processor (300) can obtain information related to the encryption key update cycle corresponding to the link for wireless LAN communication from the external electronic device (220) (e.g., AP). For example, the information related to the encryption key update cycle may include at least one of the time when the encryption key was last updated or the encryption key update cycle. For example, the processor (300) can obtain information related to a cryptographic key update cycle corresponding to a link established between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (220) from at least one peripheral device (e.g., STA) located within a specified distance from the electronic device (101).

[0152] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) can determine in operation 1105 whether the cryptographic key renewal cycle of the link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) has arrived. For example, the processor (300) can determine whether the cryptographic key renewal cycle of the link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) has arrived within a specified time range based on the time (or current time) at which the cryptographic key renewal cycle is determined to have arrived.

[0153] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may terminate one embodiment for updating the cryptographic key when the cryptographic key update cycle has not arrived (e.g., 'No' of operation 1105).

[0154] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) can check whether the link for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220) is operating in a low-power mode in operation 1107 when the cryptographic key renewal cycle arrives (e.g., 'Yes' of operation 1105).

[0155] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may switch the link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) to an active mode in operation 1109 when the link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) is operating in a low-power mode (e.g., 'yes' of operation 1107). For example, when the link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) is switched to an active mode, the processor (300) may control the wireless LAN communication circuit (310) to transmit a null data frame to the external electronic device (220) in which the PM bit is set to a specified first value (e.g., '0').

[0156] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 1111, restrict the switching of the link to a low-power mode until the encryption key update of the link for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220) is completed.

[0157] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may restrict the switching of a link for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220) to a low-power mode in operation 1111 until the encryption key update of the link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) is completed, when the link is not operating in a low-power mode (e.g., 'No' in operation 1107).

[0158] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may obtain (or receive) information related to the renewal of a cryptographic key from an external electronic device (220) through a link for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220) operating in an active mode. The electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or the processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may update the cryptographic key of the link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) based on the information related to the renewal of the cryptographic key.

[0159] According to one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) updates the encryption key of a link for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220), it may allow the encryption key of a link for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220) to switch to a low-power mode.

[0160] FIG. 12 is a flowchart (1200) for updating the cryptographic key of an electronic device in an external electronic device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the external electronic device of FIG. 12 may be the external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2. For example, at least a part of FIG. 12 may be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is an example of transmitting information related to the update of a cryptographic key in an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0161] According to one embodiment with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2) can set up a plurality of links (e.g., first link (231), second link (232) and / or third link (233) of FIG. 2) with an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) in operation 1201.

[0162] For example, if the external electronic device (220) has established multiple links with the electronic device (101), it may transmit (or provide) an encryption key corresponding to each link to the electronic device (101). The external electronic device (220) may transmit and / or receive traffic to and / or receive traffic to and from the electronic device (101) via each link using the encryption key corresponding to each link in a broadcast and / or multicast manner. For example, the encryption key may include a GTK (group temporal key).

[0163] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (220)) may obtain information related to at least one link to be used for updating the cryptographic key in the electronic device (101) in operation 1203. For example, the information related to at least one link may include information requesting (or instructing) that at least one remaining link among a plurality of links, excluding at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key, be switched to a low-power mode. For example, the information related to at least one link may include information requesting (or instructing) the updating of the cryptographic key through at least one candidate link to be used for updating the cryptographic key.

[0164] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (220)) may, in operation 1205, select at least one link to be used for updating the cryptographic key of the electronic device (101) based on information related to at least one link. For example, the external electronic device (220) may determine, based on information related to at least one link received from the electronic device (101), that at least one remaining link among a plurality of links with the electronic device (101) has been switched to a low-power mode. The external electronic device (220) may select at least a portion of at least one link among the plurality of links with the electronic device (101) that is determined to be operating in an active mode as at least one link to be used for updating the cryptographic key. For example, the at least one link determined to be operating in an active mode may include at least one link excluding at least one remaining link among the plurality of links that is determined to have been switched to a low-power mode.

[0165] For example, an external electronic device (220) can identify at least one link selected by the electronic device (101) for cryptographic key renewal based on information related to at least one link received from the electronic device (101). The external electronic device (220) can select at least a portion of the at least one link selected by the electronic device (101) for cryptographic key renewal as at least one link to be used for cryptographic key renewal.

[0166] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (220)) can transmit information related to the encryption key renewal of the electronic device (101) through at least one link to be used for encryption key renewal in operation 1207.

[0167] For example, an external electronic device (220) can transmit information related to a cryptographic key update corresponding to at least one link for which the time for the cryptographic key update arrives to the electronic device (101) through a frame (1300) of the KDE (key data encapsulation) format of FIG. 13. For example, the KDE format frame (1300) may indicate that the KDE format frame (1300) includes information related to the cryptographic key update of multiple links through the MLO GTK KDE (1310) included in the OUI (organizationally unique identifiers) field (1302). For example, the KDE format frame (1300) may include a new cryptographic key corresponding to each of at least one link for which the time for the cryptographic key update arrives among the multiple links through the Link ID field (1320) and GTK field (1322) of the data field (1304).

[0168] According to one embodiment, a method of operation of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) may include an operation of establishing a plurality of links (e.g., the first link (231), the second link (232), and / or the third link (233) of FIG. 2) through wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2). According to one embodiment, a method of operation of the electronic device may include an operation of checking the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links. According to one embodiment, a method of operation of the electronic device may include an operation of checking the link quality of each of the plurality of links when it is determined that at least one link exists for updating the cryptographic key based on the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links. According to one embodiment, a method of operation of the electronic device may include an operation of selecting at least one link among the plurality of links to be used for updating the cryptographic key based on the link quality of each of the plurality of links. According to one embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device may include the operation of transmitting information related to at least one selected link to an external electronic device.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of restricting the switching of at least one selected link to a low-power mode until the renewal of the cryptographic key of at least one link for updating the cryptographic key through at least one selected link is completed.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the operation of checking the cryptographic key update cycle may include checking the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links based on the update history of the cryptographic key for each link.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the operation of checking the cryptographic key update cycle may include the operation of obtaining information related to the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links from an external electronic device or a peripheral device located within a specified distance from the electronic device.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the operation of selecting at least one link may include the operation of selecting at least one link among a plurality of links such that at least one of the received signal strength or channel utilization satisfies a specified condition. According to one embodiment, the operation of selecting at least one link may include the operation of checking the link quality of at least one set of links that can be combined based on at least one link satisfying a specified condition. According to one embodiment, the operation of selecting at least one link may include the operation of selecting any one set of at least one links based on the link quality of at least one set of links. According to one embodiment, the operation of selecting at least one link may include the operation of selecting at least one link included in the selected set of links as a link to be used for updating the cryptographic key.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device may include the operation of additionally establishing a link for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device when there is a link in a selected set of links where a connection for wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device has not been established.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device may include the operation of selecting at least one link to be used for updating a cryptographic key among at least one link included in a selected set of links.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the operation of transmitting information related to at least one selected link may include the operation of transmitting information related to the switching to a low-power mode of at least one remaining link, excluding at least one selected link among a plurality of links, to an external electronic device.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the operation of transmitting information related to at least one selected link may include the operation of transmitting a message requesting the renewal of a cryptographic key through at least one selected link to an external electronic device.

[0177] According to one embodiment, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium (or computer program product) for storing one or more programs may be described. According to one embodiment, one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 or FIG. 3), the electronic device performs the operation of establishing a plurality of links (e.g., the first link (231), the second link (232) and / or the third link (233) of FIG. 2) through wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2), the operation of checking the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links, and when it is determined that at least one link exists for updating the cryptographic key based on the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links, the operation of checking the link quality of each of the plurality of links, the operation of selecting at least one link among the plurality of links to use for updating the cryptographic key based on the link quality of each of the plurality of links, and the operation of transmitting information related to the selected at least one link to the external electronic device.

[0178] The embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples provided to facilitate the explanation of the technical content according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to aid in understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of an embodiment of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all modifications or variations derived based on the technical concept of an embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), Communication circuit (310) for wireless LAN communication, At least one processor (300) including a processing circuit, and It includes a memory (320) for storing instructions, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (300), the electronic device (101), Through the communication circuit (310), a plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233) are established with an external electronic device (220), and Check the encryption key update cycle of each of the above plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233), and If it is determined that at least one link for updating the cryptographic key exists based on the cryptographic key update period of each of the plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233), the link quality of each of the plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233) is checked, and Based on the link quality of each of the plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233), at least one link among the plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233) to be used for updating the cryptographic key is selected, and An electronic device that transmits information related to at least one selected link to the external electronic device (220) through the communication circuit (310).

2. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (300), the electronic device (101), An electronic device that restricts the switching of at least one selected link to a low-power mode until the encryption key renewal of at least one link for updating the encryption key is completed.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (300), the electronic device (101), An electronic device for verifying the encryption key update cycle of each of the plurality of links based on the encryption key update history for each link.

4. In Paragraph 1 or 2, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (300), the electronic device (101), An electronic device that obtains information related to the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links from the above external electronic device (220) or a peripheral device (600) located within a specified distance from the above electronic device.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (300), the electronic device (101), Among the plurality of links above, at least one link is selected in which at least one of the received signal strength or channel utilization satisfies a specified condition, and Check the link quality of at least one set of links that can be combined based on at least one link satisfying the above specified conditions, and Select any one of the at least one link set based on the link quality of the at least one link set, and An electronic device that selects at least one link included in the selected set of links as a link to be used for updating the cryptographic key.

6. In Paragraph 5, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (300), the electronic device (101), An electronic device that additionally establishes a link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) if there is a link in the selected link set in which a connection for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) has not been established.

7. In Paragraph 5, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (300), the electronic device (101), An electronic device that selects a portion of at least one link included in the above-mentioned selected link set as at least one link to be used for updating the above-mentioned cryptographic key.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (300), the electronic device (101), An electronic device that transmits information related to the switching of at least one remaining link to a low-power mode, excluding at least one selected link among the plurality of links, to the external electronic device (220).

9. In the method of operating the electronic device (101), The operation of establishing multiple links (231, 232 and / or 233) through wireless LAN communication with an external electronic device (220); An operation to check the encryption key update cycle of each of the plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233); If it is determined that at least one link for updating the cryptographic key exists based on the cryptographic key update period of each of the plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233), an operation to check the link quality of each of the plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233); An operation of selecting at least one link among the plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233) to be used for updating the cryptographic key based on the link quality of each of the plurality of links (231, 232 and / or 233), and A method comprising the operation of transmitting information related to at least one selected link to the external electronic device (220).

10. In Paragraph 9, A method further comprising an operation to restrict the switching of at least one selected link to a low-power mode until the renewal of the encryption key of at least one link for renewing the encryption key is completed.

11. In Paragraph 9 or 10, The operation of verifying the above-mentioned encryption key renewal cycle is, A method including the operation of verifying the encryption key update cycle of each of the plurality of links based on the encryption key update history for each link.

12. In Paragraph 9 or 10, The operation of verifying the above-mentioned encryption key renewal cycle is, A method comprising the operation of obtaining information related to the cryptographic key update cycle of each of the plurality of links from the above external electronic device (220) or a peripheral device (600) located within a specified distance from the above electronic device.

13. In any one of Paragraphs 9 through 12, The operation of selecting at least one link above is, The operation of selecting at least one link among the plurality of links above in which at least one of the received signal strength or channel utilization satisfies a specified condition; An operation to check the link quality of at least one set of links that can be combined based on at least one link satisfying the above specified conditions; An operation of selecting any one of the at least one link set based on the link quality of the at least one link set, and A method comprising the action of selecting at least one link included in the selected set of links as a link to be used for updating the cryptographic key.

14. In Paragraph 13, A method further comprising the operation of additionally establishing a link for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) when there is a link in the selected link set in which a connection for wireless LAN communication with the external electronic device (220) has not been established.

15. In Paragraph 13, A method further comprising the action of selecting a portion of at least one link included in the above-mentioned selected link set as at least one link to be used for updating the above-mentioned cryptographic key.

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