Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. The communication method comprises: an access-point device (AP), attached to an access-point multi-link device (AP MLD), determines a first radio frame, the first radio frame comprising first identification information, and the first identification information being used for indicating: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, time information when the links entered a suspended state; and the first radio frame is sent to an attached multi-link station device (non-AP STA) attached to a multi-link station device (non-AP MLD), thereby preventing an increase in power consumption caused by frequent link operations, and achieving the purpose of AP power saving.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

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

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

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

[0004] Summary of the Invention

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

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

[0007] The access point device (AP) attached to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state;

[0008] The first radio frame is sent to the non-AP STA, an accessory multi-link site device attached to the non-AP MLD.

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

[0010] A non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by an AP attached to an AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0011] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is an AP attached to an AP MLD, the AP comprising:

[0012] A determining module is used to determine a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state;

[0013] The transmitting module is used to transmit the first radio frame to the non-AP STA, an auxiliary multi-link site device attached to the non-AP MLD.

[0014] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is a non-AP STA, and the non-AP STA includes:

[0015] The receiving module is configured to receive a first radio frame sent by an AP attached to the AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0016] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is an AP attached to an AP MLD, comprising:

[0017] One or more processors;

[0018] The AP is used to execute the communication method described in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a communication device, which is a non-AP STA, comprising:

[0020] One or more processors;

[0021] The non-AP STA is used to execute the communication method described in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0022] This disclosure also provides a communication system including an AP attached to an AP MLD and a non-AP STA; wherein, the AP attached to the multi-link access point device AP MLD determines a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state; and sends the first radio frame to the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD;

[0023] A non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by an AP attached to an AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0024] This disclosure also provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in this disclosure.

[0025] In this embodiment, an access point device (AP) attached to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD) under a single link determines a first radio frame. The first radio frame includes first identification information, which indicates whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or the time information of the link entering the suspended state. The first radio frame is then sent to an attached multi-link site device (non-AP STA) attached to the multi-link site device (non-AP MLD). This embodiment utilizes a link suspension mechanism to effectively avoid frequent link addition or deletion operations in multi-link communication scenarios. This mechanism, by including information indicating the link suspension status and suspension time in the radio frame, allows the AP MLD to dynamically manage link status according to actual needs. Compared to existing link deletion methods, this offers greater energy efficiency, reduces signaling overhead, avoids increased power consumption due to frequent link operations, achieves AP power saving, and meets UHR transmission requirements.

[0026] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is one of the exemplary interactive diagrams of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first identifier field of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second identifier field of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 is a second exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP attached to the AP MLD according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the non-AP STA structure proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0040] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0041] The access point device (AP) attached to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state;

[0042] The first radio frame is sent to the non-AP STA, an accessory multi-link site device attached to the non-AP MLD.

[0043] In the above embodiments, by adding first identification information to the first wireless frame to indicate whether one or more links have entered a suspended state and the suspension time information, the working state of multiple links can be effectively managed, unnecessary link communication and energy consumption are avoided, and the power consumption of the device is reduced.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first identification information includes one or more of the following:

[0045] The first identifier indicates whether the corresponding link has entered a suspended state;

[0046] The second identifier indicates the time when the link entered the suspended state.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the device can accurately know the status and duration of the link, thereby rationally allocating communication resources. By clearly defining the suspension status and duration of the link, unnecessary communication operations and power consumption of the device are reduced, improving resource management efficiency in multi-link environments.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a first information element.

[0049] The first identification information is carried in the first information element;

[0050] The first identifier bit is carried in the first identifier field of the first information element, and the second identifier bit is carried in the second identifier field of the first information element.

[0051] In the above embodiments, by structurally carrying link status information within information elements, the device can more accurately and quickly identify the suspended state of the link and its time information, thereby reducing signaling complexity and processing latency.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second identifier field further includes:

[0053] The third identifier bit identifies information about the non-simultaneous transmission and reception NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0054] In the above embodiments, by adding a third identifier bit to clarify the status of the NSTR link pair, the device can better coordinate the work of different links and avoid performance degradation caused by interference or resource conflicts between links.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time information includes one or more of the following:

[0056] The start time of the link entering the suspended state;

[0057] The duration for which a link enters a suspended state;

[0058] The time information is a multiple of the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) of the AP under the corresponding link.

[0059] In the above embodiments, by using multiples of TBTT to represent time information, the timing of link suspension is made more precise.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after transmitting the first wireless frame, the method further includes:

[0061] An APAP attached to an AP MLD receives a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD; wherein the second radio frame is used to wake up an AP on a suspended link;

[0062] The second wireless frame includes second identification information, which is used to indicate whether one or more links are woken up, and / or the time information of when the woken-up links enter the active state.

[0063] In the above embodiments, suspended links can be flexibly managed to wake up, ensuring that the links can quickly resume operation when needed, reducing unnecessary link overhead and signaling operations.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second identification information includes one or more of the following:

[0065] The fourth flag indicates whether the corresponding link has been woken up;

[0066] The fifth identifier indicates the time when the awakened link entered the active state.

[0067] In the above embodiments, by explicitly indicating the wake-up status of the link and its active time, the dynamic switching of the link can be managed efficiently, avoiding unnecessary wake-up and communication delays, thereby reducing signaling burden.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second identification information is carried in the second information element;

[0069] The fourth identifier bit is carried in the third identifier field of the second information element, and the fifth identifier bit is carried in the fourth identifier field of the second information element.

[0070] In the above embodiments, clear domain division reduces the complexity of signaling parsing and improves the efficiency of information transmission.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, a sixth identifier bit identifies information about the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0072] In the above embodiments, by explicitly identifying NSTR link pairs, communication coordination between devices can be optimized, and interference and resource conflicts between links can be reduced.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time information includes one or more of the following:

[0074] The start time when a link that has entered a suspended state is awakened;

[0075] The duration for which a suspended link is awakened;

[0076] The time information is a multiple of the TBTT of the AP under the corresponding link.

[0077] In the above embodiments, precise synchronization of link status can be achieved by associating time information with multiples of TBTT.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0079] Beacon frames, probe response frames, unsolicited probe response frames, and newly defined link suspension notification frames.

[0080] In the above embodiments, link status information can be carried by various types of wireless frames, enabling more flexible and efficient link management.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0082] Multi-link probing (ML) frames and newly defined link suspension / wake-up frames.

[0083] In the above embodiments, by using multi-link probe frames, the device can proactively detect and evaluate the availability and status of links, thereby achieving more intelligent link management and resource scheduling. The newly defined link suspend / wake-up frames can effectively and quickly wake up links in a suspended state, ensuring that links can quickly regain activity when needed.

[0084] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applied to non-AP STA, the method comprising:

[0085] A non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by an AP attached to an AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame, which contains first identification information indicating whether one or more links have entered a suspended state and the time information when the links entered the suspended state. This mechanism enables the receiving end to understand the status changes of the links in a timely manner, helping it to adjust its communication strategy, optimize resource usage, thereby reducing energy consumption and meeting UHR transmission requirements.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after receiving the first wireless frame, the method further includes:

[0088] Determine the second radio frame; wherein the second radio frame is used to wake up the AP on the suspended link;

[0089] The second wireless frame includes second identification information, which is used to indicate whether one or more links are woken up, and / or the time information of when the woken-up links enter the active state.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second identification information includes one or more of the following:

[0091] The fourth flag indicates whether the corresponding link has been woken up;

[0092] The fifth identifier indicates the time when the awakened link entered the active state.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second wireless frame includes a second information element.

[0094] The second identification information is carried in the second information element;

[0095] The fourth identifier bit is carried in the third identifier field of the second information element, and the fifth identifier bit is carried in the fourth identifier field of the second information element.

[0096] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth identifier field further includes:

[0097] The sixth identifier bit identifies information about the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time information includes one or more of the following:

[0099] The start time when a link that has entered a suspended state is awakened;

[0100] The duration for which a suspended link is awakened;

[0101] The time information is a multiple of the TBTT of the AP under the corresponding link.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second identifier field further includes:

[0103] The sixth identifier bit identifies information about the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0104] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0105] ML probing frame, newly defined link suspension wake-up frame.

[0106] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is an AP attached to an AP MLD, wherein the AP includes at least one of a determining module and a transmitting module; wherein the AP is used to perform an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0107] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a non-AP STA, including: a receiving module; wherein the non-AP STA is used to perform an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0108] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is an AP attached to an AP MLD, comprising:

[0109] One or more processors;

[0110] The AP is used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0111] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a non-AP STA, comprising:

[0112] One or more processors;

[0113] The non-AP STA is used to implement the optional approach of the second aspect.

[0114] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including an AP attached to an AP MLD and a non-AP STA; wherein the AP attached to the multi-link access point device AP MLD determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the links entering the suspended state; and sends the first radio frame to the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD;

[0115] A non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by an AP attached to an AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0116] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the optional implementations described in the first and second aspects.

[0117] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0118] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0119] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first and second aspects above.

[0120] It is understood that the AP, non-AP STA, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system attached to the AP MLD are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, and communication systems. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0122] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0123] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0124] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0125] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0126] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0127] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0128] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0129] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0130] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0131] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0132] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0133] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0134] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0135] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0136] In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, uplink channel and downlink channel can be replaced with side channel, and uplink link and downlink link can be replaced with side link.

[0137] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0138] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0139] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0140] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes an access point (AP) 101 and an attached multi-link site device (non-AP STA) 102. The AP is attached to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD), and the non-AP STA is attached to the non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD).

[0142] In some embodiments, the auxiliary multi-link site device 102 includes, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports Wi-Fi communication. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal may be at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an IoT device that supports Wi-Fi communication, a car with Wi-Fi communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, or a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0143] Specifically, the auxiliary multi-link site device 102 can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the auxiliary multi-link site device 102 can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0144] In some embodiments, access point device 101 can be an access point for mobile terminals to access a wired network. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to an Ethernet network. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the AP can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0145] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, AP and STA can be devices that support multiple connections. For example, they can be represented as Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) and Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), respectively. AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multiple connection communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a station that supports multiple connection communication functions.

[0146] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0147] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0148] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as LANs using the 802.11 series of protocols. In a WLAN, a Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental component. An BSS network consists of site devices with some association within a specific coverage area. One type of association is where sites communicate directly with each other in a self-organizing network; this is called an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Another more common scenario is that in a BSS network, there is only one central site dedicated to managing the BSS, called the Access Point (AP) device, and all other STAs in the network are associated with it. Other sites in the BSS network that are not the central site are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs; terminals and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between terminals and non-AP STAs. Within the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away; they are each other's hidden nodes.

[0149] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0150] Step 201, Step 201, Access Point Device AP 101 attached to Multi-Link Access Point Device AP MLD determines a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0151] In WLANs, a Multi-Link Operation (MLO) mechanism is introduced to achieve higher throughput and lower network latency. Devices supporting MLO are called Multi-Link Devices (MLDs). With MLO technology, multiple links can be established across frequency bands between multi-link access point devices (AP MLDs) and multi-link site devices (non-AP MLDs). In this embodiment, a mechanism of deleting or adding links is used to balance the load on each link. While deleting links can save power for AP MLDs, considering that different communications may be involved on each link, or that more links may be needed for communication, a link-adding mechanism is used after deleting a link to meet the needs of multi-link communication.

[0152] However, the next-generation Wi-Fi technology, Ultra High Reliability (UHR), aims to improve the reliability of wireless LAN connections, reduce latency, and lower device-level power consumption. Most UHR devices are designed as MLD devices. When UHR AP MLDs and UHR Non-AP MLDs use multi-link methods for data transmission, the frequent deletion or addition of link signaling is not conducive to power saving on the AP side.

[0153] In this embodiment of the disclosure, an access point device (AP) 101, attached to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD) under a single link, determines a first radio frame. The first radio frame includes first identification information, which indicates whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or the time information of the link entering the suspended state. The AP MLD may include multiple attached APs, and in this embodiment, the AP can be any AP attached to the AP MLD. The first radio frame includes, but is not limited to, a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a (re)association response frame, and a newly defined link suspension notification frame. A link suspension state refers to an AP under a certain link being inactive for a specific time period. This means that the link is temporarily not involved in data transmission or communication tasks, but it remains present so that it can quickly resume operation when needed. An AP being inactive includes, but is not limited to, the AP being in a power-saving mode (i.e., a sleep state) or a low-capacity communication mode, both of which are periodic, i.e., the AP automatically wakes up to communicate or communicates based on a wake-up request from a STA. Low-capacity communication mode refers to a communication mode with low data rate or low frequency.

[0154] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the auxiliary AP under one or more links is in an inactive state, in order to reduce power consumption and balance the link load, this embodiment of the disclosure adopts the link suspension method. Compared with the method of directly deleting the link, it can save power on the AP side and not completely disconnect the connection. When more links are needed for communication, the link state can be quickly restored, thereby reducing the signaling overhead caused by frequent deletion or addition of links.

[0155] Step 202, the access point device AP 101 sends the first radio frame to the subordinate multi-link site device non-AP STA 102 attached to the multi-link site device non-AP MLD.

[0156] In this embodiment of the disclosure, an AP under a link sends a first radio frame to a non-AP STA through that link to indicate whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or the time information of when the link enters the suspended state.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first identification information includes one or more of the following:

[0158] The first identifier indicates whether the corresponding link has entered a suspended state;

[0159] The second identifier indicates the time when the link entered the suspended state.

[0160] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identifier bit is used to indicate whether the corresponding link has entered a suspended state, and the second identifier bit provides the specific time information of the link entering the suspended state. This design enables the receiving end to clearly understand whether the corresponding link has entered a suspended state and the time information of entering the suspended state through the first identifier information carried in the first radio frame after receiving the first radio frame. This provides a basis for optimizing resource allocation and is beneficial for reducing energy consumption, improving network flexibility and response speed.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a first information element.

[0162] The first identification information is carried in the first information element;

[0163] The first identifier bit is carried in the first identifier field of the first information element, and the second identifier bit is carried in the second identifier field of the first information element.

[0164] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identification information can be carried in the reconfiguration multi-link information element of the first radio frame. The reconfiguration multi-link information element includes a first identification field (STA Control field) and a second identification field (STA info field). The first identification bit is carried in the STA Control field; for example, the first identification bit is a reserved bit in the Reconfiguration Operation Type subfield encoding of the STA Control field. The second identification bit is carried in the STA info field.

[0165] The structure of the STA Control field is shown in Figure 3. The STA Control field includes: Link ID, Complete Profile, STA MAC Address Present, AP Removal Timer Present, Reconfiguration Operation Typer subfield, Operation Parameters Present, NSTR Bitmap Size, NSTR Indication Bitmap Present, and Reserved. The Profile field can be one or more, used to identify links; one Profile field identifies one link. The Reserved field in the STA Control field indicates the time point when the AP is suspended (inactive) under the link. The Reconfiguration Operation Typer subfield indicates a specific reconfiguration operation type. Reconfiguration Operation Type subfield encoding is the specific method of encoding the Reconfiguration Operation Typer subfield, usually in numerical or binary form, for easy transmission and parsing during data transmission, as shown in Table 1 below.

[0166] Table 1:

[0167] In Table 1, when the Reconfiguration Operation Typer subfield is coded as "0", it indicates that the corresponding AP is suspended (in a non-working state); when coded as "1", it indicates that the operation parameters are updated; when coded as "2", it indicates that a link is added; when coded as "3", it indicates that a link is deleted; when coded as "4", it indicates that the status of a non-simultaneous transmit / receive link is updated; when coded as any of "5-15", it indicates whether the corresponding link has entered a suspended state.

[0168] In some embodiments, when the Reserved bit of the Reconfiguration Operation Type subfield encoding in the STA Control field is set to "1", it indicates that the STA info field contains time information about the link entering a suspended state. This time information includes one or more of the following:

[0169] The start time of the link entering the suspended state;

[0170] The duration for which a link enters a suspended state;

[0171] The time information is a multiple of the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) of the AP under the corresponding link.

[0172] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the Reserved bit of the Reconfiguration Operation Type subfield encoding in the STA Control field is set to "1", it indicates that the STA info field contains time information about the link entering a suspended state. This information may include the start time of the link entering the suspended state, or the sum of the start time and duration of the link entering the suspended state, or the duration of the link entering the suspended state. The time information is represented as a multiple of the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) of the AP under the corresponding link. The TBTT is the time point at which the AP in the wireless network plans to send beacon frames. Beacon frames are sent periodically to help devices in the network synchronize time and update information. Using a multiple of the TBTT to represent the time information about the link entering the suspended state ensures that all devices operate on the same time base, improving time accuracy and consistency.

[0173] In some embodiments, when the Reserved bit of the Reconfiguration Operation Type subfield encoding in the STA Control field is set to "0", it indicates that the STA info field does not contain time information and the corresponding link is always in a suspended state.

[0174] In some embodiments, the second identifier field further includes:

[0175] The third identifier bit identifies information about the non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving (NSTR) link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0176] In multi-link scenarios, a physical device can typically include multiple logical devices, each capable of independently managing data transmission and reception, and each operating independently on a single connection. However, due to considerations of device cost, energy conservation, and size, some multi-connection devices have transceivers with poor anti-interference performance. Data transmission and reception between multiple connections can cause significant interference, resulting in other connections being unable to receive data when one multi-connection device is transmitting data on one connection. These connections are called NSTR link pairs.

[0177] As shown in Figure 4, the STA info field includes: STA info Length, STA MAC Address, AP Removal Timer Present, Operation Parameters, and NSTR Indication Bitmap. The AP Removal Timer Present identifies the time when the link enters the suspended state; the NSTR Indication Bitmap is the third identifier, used to identify the information of the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. The information of the NSTR link pair includes, but is not limited to, the primary and secondary links, and the current status of the primary and secondary links.

[0178] Step 203: The non-AP STA 102 attached to the non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the AP attached to the AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0179] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame containing first identification information indicating whether one or more links have entered a suspended state and the time information when the links entered the suspended state. This mechanism enables the receiving end to understand the status changes of the links in a timely manner, helping it to adjust its communication strategy, optimize resource usage, thereby reducing energy consumption and meeting UHR transmission requirements.

[0180] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0181] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0182] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0183] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0184] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0185] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0186] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 201 to 203. For example, step 201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 201 + step 202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step 202 + step 203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0187] In some embodiments, step 203 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0188] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0189] Figure 5 is a second interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0190] Step 501, non-AP STA 102 determines the second radio frame; wherein, the second radio frame is used to wake up the AP of the suspended link;

[0191] The second radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates whether one or more links have been woken up, and / or the time information of when a woken-up link enters an active state. The second radio frame includes, but is not limited to, multi-link probing (ML) frames and newly defined link suspension / wake-up frames.

[0192] In this embodiment of the disclosure, during communication, links in a suspended state may need to be reactivated due to various requirements. Therefore, the non-AP STA determines a second radio frame to wake up the APs of these suspended links. This second radio frame contains second identification information indicating whether one or more links have been woken up, and the time information when the woken-up links entered an active state. This mechanism enables the network to flexibly respond to different communication needs, ensuring that the active state of links is quickly restored when needed. Compared to existing link-adding mechanisms, this embodiment of the disclosure reduces signaling overhead and resource consumption.

[0193] Step 502, non-AP STA 102 sends the second radio frame.

[0194] In this embodiment, the non-AP STA sends a second radio frame to wake up the AP on a previously suspended link. This operation allows the non-AP STA to promptly notify the AP to resume operation, thereby meeting current communication needs. By sending the second radio frame, the non-AP STA can quickly wake up the necessary links, achieving more efficient resource utilization and faster response. This approach not only improves network flexibility and adaptability but also reduces signaling overhead and latency caused by frequent link additions, enhancing overall network performance and user experience.

[0195] In some embodiments, the second identification information includes one or more of the following:

[0196] The fourth flag indicates whether the corresponding link has been woken up;

[0197] The fifth identifier indicates the time when the awakened link entered the active state.

[0198] In this embodiment, the fourth flag bit is used to indicate whether the corresponding link has been woken up, and the fifth flag bit provides information on the time when the woken-up link enters the active state. Through the fourth and fifth flag bits, the AP can accurately and promptly determine the link status, thereby quickly adjusting its operating mode.

[0199] In some embodiments, the second radio frame includes a second information element.

[0200] The second identification information is carried in the second information element;

[0201] The fourth identifier bit is carried in the third identifier field of the second information element, and the fifth identifier bit is carried in the fourth identifier field of the second information element.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second information element is a reconfiguration multi-link information element; the fourth identifier is carried in the STA Control field of the reconfiguration multi-link information element; and the fifth identifier is carried in the STA info field of the reconfiguration multi-link information element.

[0203] In some embodiments, the time information includes one or more of the following:

[0204] The start time when a link that has entered a suspended state is awakened;

[0205] The duration for which a suspended link is awakened;

[0206] The time information is a multiple of the TBTT of the AP under the corresponding link.

[0207] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identification information indicates the time information: the start time of the link waking up from the suspended state, or the sum of the start time and duration of the wake-up of the link waking up from the suspended state, or the duration of the wake-up of the link waking up from the suspended state. The time information is represented as a multiple of the TBTT of the AP under the corresponding link. This method ensures the accuracy and consistency of time because all devices are synchronized based on TBTT.

[0208] In some embodiments, the second identifier field further includes:

[0209] The sixth identifier bit identifies information about the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0210] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identification field further includes a sixth identification bit, which is used to identify information of the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, so that the device can accurately identify and manage the status between different links and ensure that they work in coordination in a multi-link environment.

[0211] Step 503: The APAP attached to the AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD; wherein the second radio frame is used to wake up the AP of the link that is in a suspended state;

[0212] The second wireless frame includes second identification information, which is used to indicate whether one or more links are woken up, and / or the time information of when the woken-up links enter the active state.

[0213] In this embodiment of the disclosure, an AP attached to an AP MLD receives a second radio frame sent from a non-AP MLD. This frame is used to wake up links in a suspended state. The second radio frame contains second identification information, indicating whether one or more links have been woken up, and the time information when the woken-up link enters an active state. This embodiment of the disclosure can efficiently manage links in a suspended state, enabling them to quickly return to an active state to cope with changes in network requirements. Through clear status indications, network devices can adjust resource allocation in a timely manner, reducing latency and unnecessary overhead, thereby optimizing overall network performance and improving user experience.

[0214] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 501 to 503. For example, step 501 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 502 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 503 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 501+step 502 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 502+step 503 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0215] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0216] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0217] As shown in Figure 6, the above method can be applied to AP101, and the method includes:

[0218] Step 601, the access point device (AP) attached to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0219] Step 602: Send the first radio frame to the affiliated multi-link site device (non-AP STA) attached to the multi-link site device (non-AP MLD).

[0220] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identification information includes one or more of the following:

[0221] The first identifier indicates whether the corresponding link has entered a suspended state;

[0222] The second identifier indicates the time when the link entered the suspended state.

[0223] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a first information element.

[0224] The first identification information is carried in the first information element;

[0225] The first identifier bit is carried in the first identifier field of the first information element, and the second identifier bit is carried in the second identifier field of the first information element.

[0226] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the time information includes one or more of the following:

[0227] The start time of the link entering the suspended state;

[0228] The duration for which a link enters a suspended state;

[0229] The time information is a multiple of the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) of the AP under the corresponding link.

[0230] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identifier field further includes:

[0231] The third identifier bit identifies information about the non-simultaneous transmission and reception NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0232] Step 603: The APAP attached to the AP MLD receives the second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD; wherein the second radio frame is used to wake up the AP of the link that is in a suspended state;

[0233] The second wireless frame includes second identification information, which is used to indicate whether one or more links are woken up, and / or the time information of when the woken-up links enter the active state.

[0234] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identification information includes one or more of the following:

[0235] The fourth flag indicates whether the corresponding link has been woken up;

[0236] The fifth identifier indicates the time when the awakened link entered the active state.

[0237] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second wireless frame includes a second information element.

[0238] The second identification information is carried in the second information element;

[0239] The fourth identifier bit is carried in the third identifier field of the second information element, and the fifth identifier bit is carried in the fourth identifier field of the second information element.

[0240] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the time information includes one or more of the following:

[0241] The start time when a link that has entered a suspended state is awakened;

[0242] The duration for which a suspended link is awakened;

[0243] The time information is a multiple of the TBTT of the AP under the corresponding link.

[0244] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth identifier field further includes:

[0245] The sixth identifier bit identifies information about the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0246] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0247] Beacon frames, probe response frames, unsolicited probe response frames, and newly defined link suspension notification frames.

[0248] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0249] Multi-link probing (ML) frames and newly defined link suspension / wake-up frames.

[0250] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 601 to 603. For example, step 601 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 602 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 603 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 601+602 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step 602+603 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0251] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0252] Figure 7 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] As shown in Figure 7, the above method can be applied to non-AP STA 102, and the method includes:

[0254] Step 701: The non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by the AP attached to the AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0255] Step 702, determine the second radio frame; wherein the second radio frame is used to wake up the AP of the link that is in a suspended state;

[0256] The second wireless frame includes second identification information, which is used to indicate whether one or more links are woken up, and / or the time information of the woken-up links entering the active state.

[0257] Step 703: Send the second wireless frame.

[0258] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second identification information includes one or more of the following:

[0259] The fourth flag indicates whether the corresponding link has been woken up;

[0260] The fifth identifier indicates the time when the awakened link entered the active state.

[0261] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second wireless frame includes a second information element.

[0262] The second identification information is carried in the second information element;

[0263] The fourth identifier bit is carried in the third identifier field of the second information element, and the fifth identifier bit is carried in the fourth identifier field of the second information element.

[0264] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the time information includes one or more of the following:

[0265] The start time when a link that has entered a suspended state is awakened;

[0266] The duration for which a suspended link is awakened;

[0267] The time information is a multiple of the TBTT of the AP under the corresponding link.

[0268] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth identifier field further includes:

[0269] The sixth identifier bit identifies information about the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0270] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0271] ML probing frame, newly defined link suspension wake-up frame.

[0272] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 701 to 703. For example, step 701 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 702 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 703 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 701 + step 702 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 702 + step 703 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0273] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0275] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0276] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0277] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP attached to an AP MLD according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The AP is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the AP 800 attached to the AP MLD may include at least one of a determining module 801, a transmitting module 802, etc.

[0278] In some embodiments, the determining module 801 is configured to determine a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state; the sending module 802 is configured to send the first radio frame to an affiliated multi-link site device (non-AP STA) attached to the multi-link site device (non-AP MLD).

[0279] Optionally, the determining module 801 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201 and 601, but not limited thereto) performed by AP 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The sending module 602 is used to perform at least one of steps 202 and 602.

[0280] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transmitting module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0281] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-AP STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The non-AP STA is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 9, the non-AP STA 900 may include a receiving module 901.

[0282] In some embodiments, the receiving module 901 is configured to receive a first radio frame sent by an AP attached to the AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

[0283] Optionally, the receiving module 901 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (such as step 203, step 701, but not limited thereto) performed by the non-AP STA102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0284] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 1000 (e.g., a user equipment) proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The terminal 1000 may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports network devices in implementing any of the above methods, or it may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The terminal 1000 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0285] As shown in Figure 10, terminal 1000 includes one or more processors 1001. Processor 1001 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Terminal 1000 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0286] In some embodiments, the terminal 1000 further includes one or more memories 1002 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1002 may be located outside the terminal 1000.

[0287] In some embodiments, the terminal 1000 further includes one or more transceivers 1004. When the terminal 1000 includes one or more transceivers 1004, the transceivers 1004 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 202, 203, 502, 503, 602, 603, 701, 703, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1001 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 501, 601, 702, but not limited thereto).

[0288] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0289] In some embodiments, terminal 1000 may include one or more interface circuits 1003. Optionally, interface circuit 1003 is connected to memory 1002, and interface circuit 1003 can be used to receive signals from memory 1002 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 1002 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 1003 can read instructions stored in memory 1002 and send the instructions to processor 1001.

[0290] The terminal 1000 described in the above embodiments may be a user equipment or other communication device, but the scope of the terminal 1000 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the terminal 1000 may not be limited by FIG10. The communication device may be an independent device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC set may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0291] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 1100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the terminal 1000 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 1100 shown in Figure 11 can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0292] Chip 1100 includes one or more processors 1101, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0293] In some embodiments, chip 1100 further includes one or more 1103s. Optionally, interface circuitry 1103 is connected to memory 1102. Interface circuitry 1103 can be used to receive signals from memory 1102 or other devices, and interface circuitry 1103 can be used to send signals to memory 1102 or other devices. For example, interface circuitry 1103 can read instructions stored in memory 1102 and send the instructions to processor 1101.

[0294] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 202, 203, 502, 503, 602, 603, 701, 703, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps 201, 501, 601, 702, but not limited thereto).

[0295] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0296] In some embodiments, chip 1100 further includes one or more memories 1102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1102 may be located outside of chip 1100.

[0297] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on terminal 1000, cause terminal 1000 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0298] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by terminal 1000, causes terminal 1000 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0299] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The access point device (AP) attached to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state; The first radio frame is sent to the non-AP STA, an accessory multi-link site device attached to the non-AP MLD.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first identification information includes one or more of the following: The first identifier indicates whether the corresponding link has entered a suspended state; The second identifier indicates the time when the link entered the suspended state.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes a first information element. The first identification information is carried in the first information element; The first identifier bit is carried in the first identifier field of the first information element, and the second identifier bit is carried in the second identifier field of the first information element.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second identifier field also includes: The third identifier bit identifies information about the non-simultaneous transmission and reception NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The time information includes one or more of the following: The start time of the link entering the suspended state; The duration for which a link enters a suspended state; The time information is a multiple of the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) of the AP under the link that has entered the suspended state.

6. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, After transmitting the first wireless frame, the method further includes: An AP attached to an AP MLD receives a second radio frame sent by the non-AP MLD; wherein the second radio frame is used to wake up an AP on a suspended link; The second wireless frame includes second identification information, which is used to indicate whether one or more links are woken up, and / or the time information of when the woken-up links enter the active state.

7. The communication method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second identification information includes one or more of the following: The fourth flag indicates whether the corresponding link has been woken up; The fifth identifier indicates the time when the awakened link entered the active state.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second radio frame includes a second information element. The second identification information is carried in the second information element; The fourth identifier bit is carried in the third identifier field of the second information element, and the fifth identifier bit is carried in the fourth identifier field of the second information element.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fourth identifier field also includes: The sixth identifier bit identifies information about the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

10. The communication method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The time information includes one or more of the following: The start time when a link that has entered a suspended state is awakened; The duration for which a suspended link is awakened; The time information is a multiple of the TBTT of the AP under the corresponding link.

11. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes at least one of the following: Beacon frames, probe response frames, unsolicited probe response frames, and newly defined link suspension notification frames.

12. The communication method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The second wireless frame includes at least one of the following: Multi-link probing (ML) frames and newly defined link suspension / wake-up frames.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by an AP attached to an AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, After receiving the first wireless frame, the method further includes: Determine the second radio frame; wherein the second radio frame is used to wake up the AP on the suspended link; The second wireless frame includes second identification information, which is used to indicate whether one or more links are woken up, and / or the time information of the woken-up links entering the active state. Send the second wireless frame.

15. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second identification information includes one or more of the following: The fourth flag indicates whether the corresponding link has been woken up; The fifth identifier indicates the time when the awakened link entered the active state.

16. The communication method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second radio frame includes a second information element. The second identification information is carried in the second information element; The fourth identifier bit is carried in the third identifier field of the second information element, and the fifth identifier bit is carried in the fourth identifier field of the second information element.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The fourth identifier field also includes: The sixth identifier bit identifies information about the NSTR link pair between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

18. The communication method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The time information identifies one or more of the following: The start time when a link that has entered a suspended state is awakened; The duration and start time of waking up a link that has entered a suspended state; The time information is a multiple of the TBTT of the AP under the corresponding link.

19. The communication method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, The second wireless frame includes at least one of the following: ML probing frame, newly defined link suspension wake-up frame.

20. A communication device, wherein the communication device is an access point (AP), characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The AP is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

21. A communication device, wherein the communication device is a non-AP STA, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The non-AP STA is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 19.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, This includes APs and non-AP STAs affiliated with AP MLD; The access point device (AP) attached to the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state; and sends the first radio frame to the attached multi-link site device (non-AP STA) attached to the multi-link site device (non-AP MLD); A non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD receives a first radio frame sent by an AP attached to an AP MLD; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information being used to indicate: whether one or more links have entered a suspended state, and / or, the time information of the link entering the suspended state.

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

24. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 12, or the communication method of any one of claims 13 to 19.

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