Communication methods, AP MLD, non-AP MLD and communication system

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to communication methods, an AP MLD, a non-AP MLD and a communication system. A communication method comprises: an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) determines a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, and power saving status information of a plurality of affiliated APs is identified by means of the first identification information; and sending the first radio frame on one link, so that a non-AP MLD learns of the power saving status of each affiliated AP.

Description

Communication methods, AP MLD, non-AP MLD and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, AP MLD, non-AP MLD, 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, an AP MLD, a non-AP MLD, and a communication system to further enhance power-saving mechanisms.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0007] The multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple affiliated APs of the AP MLD;

[0008] The first wireless frame is transmitted over a single link.

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

[0010] A multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) receives the first radio frame sent by an AP MLD under one link.

[0011] The first wireless frame includes first identification information, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs of the AP MLD.

[0012] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including an AP MLD, the AP MLD comprising:

[0013] A determining module is used to determine a first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying the power saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs of the AP MLD;

[0014] The transmitting module is used to transmit the first wireless frame over a single link.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD including:

[0016] The receiving module is used to receive the first radio frame;

[0017] The first wireless frame includes first identification information, which indicates that the AP MLD requests to wake up the first AP in a power-saving state to transmit uplink data.

[0018] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0019] One or more processors;

[0020] The non-AP MLD is used to execute the communication method described in the first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0022] One or more processors;

[0023] The non-AP MLD is used to execute the communication method described in the second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD;

[0025] The AP MLD determines a first wireless frame; the first wireless frame includes first identification information, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple affiliated APs of the AP MLD.

[0026] Under one link, the first radio frame is sent to the non-AP MLD.

[0027] 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 communication method as described in the first aspect of this disclosure, or to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0028] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP MLD carries first identification information in the first radio frame. The first identification information identifies the power saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs of the auxiliary AP, so that the non-AP MLD can understand the power saving status of each auxiliary AP.

[0029] 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

[0030] 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.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] This disclosure presents a communication method, an AP MLD, a non-AP MLD, and a communication system.

[0041] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0042] The multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple affiliated APs of the AP MLD;

[0043] The first wireless frame is transmitted over a single link.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the first identification information identifies the time information when the auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability, so that the non-AP MLD can understand the power saving status of each auxiliary AP.

[0045] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0046] A multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) receives the first radio frame sent by an AP MLD under one link.

[0047] The first wireless frame includes first identification information, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs of the AP MLD.

[0048] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including an AP MLD, the AP MLD including at least one of a determining module and a transmitting module; wherein the AP MLD is used to execute the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0049] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a non-AP MLD, comprising: a receiving module; wherein the non-AP MLD is used to perform an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0050] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including an AP MLD, comprising:

[0051] One or more processors;

[0052] The AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0053] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0054] One or more processors;

[0055] The non-AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0056] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD; wherein the AP MLD is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the first aspect, and the non-AP MLD is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the second aspect.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] It is understood that the aforementioned AP MLD, non-AP MLD, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] This disclosure presents a communication method, an AP MLD, a non-AP MLD, and a communication system. 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."

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0072] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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”.

[0075] 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.

[0076] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0077] 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.

[0078] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0079] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes an AP MLD (Station, STA) 101 and a non-AP MLD (Access Point, AP) 102.

[0083] 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.

[0084] In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD102 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, and a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0085] Specifically, the non-AP MLD102 can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the non-AP MLD102 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.

[0086] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, AP and STA can be devices that support multiple links. 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 link communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a site that supports multiple link communication functions.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 an Access Point (AP) device, while other sites in the BSS network that are not APs are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs. APs and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between APs 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.

[0090] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the communication methods and their interactions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0091] Step 201, the AP MLD determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying the power saving status information of multiple affiliated APs of the AP MLD.

[0092] In UHR, power saving (PS) is a key research focus, but AP power saving is still under development. Typically, APs can take three forms: soft AP (or soft AP MLD), non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) mobile AP (or NSTR mobile AP MLD), and regular AP (or regular AP MLD). Accordingly, in this embodiment, the AP MLD can be a soft AP MLD, an NSTR mobile AP MLD, or a regular AP MLD. A regular AP, such as a router, supports both simultaneous transmitting and receiving (STR) and NSTR communication. Taking soft APs or NSTR mobile AP MLDs as examples, they are typically battery-powered, resulting in high power consumption, and their communication with STAs is usually not continuous for extended periods; therefore, a power-saving mechanism for the AP is necessary.

[0093] In this embodiment of the disclosure, AP MLD101 determines a first radio frame, which carries first identification information to identify the power-saving status information of multiple affiliated APs of the AP MLD. The first radio frame can be a newly defined radio frame (e.g., a newly defined notification frame), an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

[0094] AP MLD101 carries first identification information in the first radio frame, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs of the AP MLD. Specifically, the AP MLD can transmit the first radio frame under one link, identifying the power-saving status information of its multiple auxiliary APs in the first radio frame. Specifically, the power-saving status information includes, for example, whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first communication capability and a second communication capability, the time information of the auxiliary APs switching to the second communication capability under each link, and the operating parameters of the auxiliary APs when switching to the second communication capability.

[0095] Specifically, at least one of the operating parameters of the second communication capability is lower than that of the first communication capability. The operating parameters include, for example, spatial stream (SS) and modulation and coding scheme (MCS) methods.

[0096] Taking power-saving status information, including the time information of the auxiliary AP switching to the second communication capability under each link, as an example, the power-saving mechanism can include periodic power-saving mechanism and non-periodic power-saving mechanism. The AP can periodically enter a doze state and a dynamic power-saving mechanism. For example, it may be in a low-capability communication mode (e.g., the second communication capability) for a certain period, and switch to a high-capability communication mode (e.g., the first communication capability) after receiving a trigger frame. Therefore, the AP MLD carries first identification information in the first radio frame, using this first identification information to identify the time information of the auxiliary AP switching to the second communication capability, so that the non-AP MLD can understand the power-saving status of each auxiliary AP. For example, when an auxiliary AP is in a low-capability communication mode, the non-AP MLD may not send data frames to it.

[0097] Step 202: Send the first wireless frame over a single link.

[0098] The AP MLD transmits the first radio frame on a link between itself and the non-AP MLD, and the first radio frame carries power saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first identification information includes a first identification bit, which indicates whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first communication capability and a second communication capability; for example, the first identification bit occupies one bit and is set to "1" to indicate that the AP MLD supports switching between the first communication capability and the second communication capability, or to indicate that it will switch from the first communication capability to the second communication capability, for example, it supports switching from the first communication capability to the second communication capability; the first identification bit occupies one bit and is set to "0" to indicate that the AP MLD does not support switching between the first communication capability and the second communication capability.

[0100] Wherein, the first communication capability and the second communication capability include at least one of the same communication parameters; and the parameter value of at least one of the communication parameters is higher under the first communication capability than under the second communication capability.

[0101] The second communication capability can have the same communication parameter type as the first communication capability, and at least one operating parameter of the second communication capability is lower than that of the first communication capability. For example, the second communication capability can also be a listening state or a low-power communication phase, such as an operating parameter of 20MHz basic bandwidth, a SS number of 1, and an MCS mode from MCS0 to MCS6. The first communication capability can have an operating parameter greater than or equal to 20MHz, a BW of 40 / 80 / 160 / 320MHz, a SS number greater than or equal to 2, and an MCS mode from MCS6 to MCS14, etc.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first affiliated AP of the AP MLD is in the first communication capability, and the first flag indicates that the first affiliated AP supports switching between the first communication capability and the second communication capability.

[0103] The first identification information includes a second identification bit, which indicates that the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability after the first time information; or the first identification information includes a third identification bit, which indicates the second time information, and the time indicated by the second time information is the time when the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability.

[0104] The first auxiliary AP can be any of the AP MLD (regular AP MLD) or NSTR mobile AP MLD, and can be either an AP or a mobile AP. It is understood that if the AP MLD is an NSTR mobile AP MLD, the first auxiliary AP can operate on the primary link or a non-primary link in the NSTR link pair.

[0105] If the first auxiliary AP is in the first communication capability, for example, in a high-capability communication mode, and the first identifier bit indicates that the auxiliary AP supports switching between the first communication capability and the second communication capability, then the first identifier information further includes a second identifier bit or a third identifier bit. That is, the second identifier bit and the third identifier bit correspond to the first identifier bit. This correspondence is as follows: if the first identifier bit indicates that the AP MLD supports switching between the first communication capability and the second communication capability, for example, if the first identifier bit is "1", then the second identifier bit and the third identifier bit are present; if the first identifier bit indicates that the AP MLD does not support switching between the first communication capability and the second communication capability, for example, if the first identifier bit is "0", then the second identifier bit and the third identifier bit may be "0" or a reserved bit.

[0106] Specifically, the second identifier indicates that the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability after the first time information, wherein, for example, the first time information is the number of preset Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT), indicating that after experiencing this number of TBTTs, the first auxiliary AP enters the second communication capability; wherein, the first auxiliary AP can switch automatically or switch based on a trigger frame.

[0107] The first identification information includes a third identification bit, which identifies second time information. The time identified by the second time information is the time when the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability. That is, the third identification bit directly carries time information. This time information can be determined by the first auxiliary AP, can be indicated by an upper-layer application, or can be a preset default value. After the time identified by the second time information, the first auxiliary AP enters the second communication capability. Similarly, the second time information can also be the number of TBTTs. After the time identified by the second time information arrives, the first auxiliary AP can switch automatically or switch based on a trigger frame.

[0108] Furthermore, it should be noted that in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second and third flag bits may occupy one or more bits, and this embodiment of the disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a first information element, and the first identification information is carried in the first information element;

[0110] The first information element includes: information elements in or newly defined in multi-link (ML) information elements;

[0111] The first identifier bit is carried in the multi-link device capabilities and operations subfield of the first information element.

[0112] The second identifier is carried in the STA info field or STA profile field of each site configuration per-STA profile sub-information element in the Link info field of the first information element.

[0113] The format of the multi-link (ML) information element is shown in Table 1 below:

[0114] Table 1:

[0115] The ML information element may include a multi-link device capability and operation subfield (MLD Capabilities And Operations subfield); the first identifier bit is carried in the MLD Capabilities And Operations subfield. As an example, the format of the MLD Capabilities And Operations subfield is shown in Table 2 below:

[0116] Table 2:

[0117] The first identifier bit can occupy one or more bits in the Reserved field.

[0118] The second identifier carries the site information (STA info field) or site configuration (STA profile field) of each site configuration per-STA profile sub-information element in the Link info field of the first information element; as an example, the format of the per-STA profile sub-information element is shown in Table 3 below:

[0119] Table 3:

[0120] In some embodiments, the first identification information includes: one or more fourth identification bits;

[0121] Each of the fourth identifier bits identifies the operating parameters supported by the first auxiliary AP under the second communication capability, such as BW, SS, and MCS modes; optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the operating parameters supported by the first auxiliary AP under the second communication capability can be fixed, that is, no identifier bit is required, or they can be non-fixed (dynamically changing, random).

[0122] For fixed operating parameters, the fourth identifier can be carried in the per-STA profile sub-information element; for non-fixed operating parameters, it can be carried in the operation parameter information element.

[0123] After entering the second communication capability, the operating parameters of the corresponding affiliated AP (which can be an AP or a mobile AP) may change. Therefore, the fourth identifier bit indicates the operating parameters after entering the second communication capability. This fourth identifier bit is carried in the per-STA profile sub-information element. As an example, the format of the per-STA profile sub-information element is shown in Table 4 below:

[0124] Table 4:

[0125] For example, the fourth identifier bit is carried in the reserved field.

[0126] In addition, the fourth identifier can also be carried in the operation parameter information element, for example, the operation parameter can be identified in the operation parameter information element.

[0127] Furthermore, it should be noted that in this embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth identifier bit may occupy one or more bits, and this embodiment of the disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0128] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating one of the communication methods and their interactions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0129] Step 301, the AP MLD determines a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying the power saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs of the AP MLD.

[0130] Step 302: Send the first wireless frame over a single link.

[0131] Step 303, after the first affiliated AP of AP MLD switches to the second communication capability,

[0132] The pre-negotiated Traffic Identifier-to-Link (TID-to-Link) mapping mechanism between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD takes effect when the first auxiliary AP switches to the first communication capability.

[0133] Specifically, the pre-negotiated TTLM mechanism can only be effective when in high-capacity communication mode; for example, after the AP MLD / mobile AP switches to the second communication capability, it can only use the pre-negotiated TTLM mechanism when it receives the initial control frame sent by the non-AP MLD / STA to switch back to high-capacity communication mode.

[0134] 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", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0135] 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.”

[0136] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 201 and step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 301 and step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 302 and step 303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0141] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figures 2 and 3.

[0142] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] As shown in Figure 4, the above method can be applied to AP MLD101, and the method includes:

[0144] Step 401, the multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines the first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, and the first identification information identifies the power saving status information of multiple affiliated APs of the AP MLD;

[0145] Step 402: Send the first wireless frame over a single link.

[0146] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identification information includes a first identification bit, which identifies whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first communication capability and a second communication capability;

[0147] Wherein, the first communication capability and the second communication capability include at least one of the same communication parameters; and the parameter value of at least one of the communication parameters is higher under the first communication capability than under the second communication capability.

[0148] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first auxiliary AP of the AP MLD is in the first communication capability, and the first identifier bit indicates that the first auxiliary AP supports switching between the first communication capability and the second communication capability.

[0149] The first identification information includes a second identification bit, which indicates that the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability after the first time information; or the first identification information includes a third identification bit, which indicates the second time information, and the time indicated by the second time information is the time when the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability.

[0150] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a first information element, and the first identification information is carried in the first information element;

[0151] The first information element includes: information elements in or newly defined by the multi-link ML information element;

[0152] The first identifier bit is carried in the multi-link device capabilities and operations subfield of the first information element.

[0153] The second identifier is carried in the STA info field or STA profile field of each site configuration per-STA profile sub-information element in the Link info field of the first information element.

[0154] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identification information includes: one or more fourth identification bits;

[0155] Each of the fourth identifier bits identifies the operating parameters supported by the first auxiliary AP under the second communication capability;

[0156] The fourth identifier is carried in the per-STA profile sub-information element or in the operation parameter information element.

[0157] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, after the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability,

[0158] The Transmission Identifier to Link Mapping (TTLM) mechanism, pre-negotiated between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, takes effect when the first auxiliary AP switches to the first communication capability.

[0159] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0160] Association Response frame, Reassociation Response frame, and newly defined Notification frame.

[0161] 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.

[0162] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 401 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step 402 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and the combination of steps 401 and 402 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0163] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 4.

[0164] Figure 5 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] As shown in Figure 5, the above method can be applied to non-AP MLD102, and the method includes:

[0166] Step 501: The multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) receives the first radio frame sent by the AP MLD under one link.

[0167] The first wireless frame includes first identification information, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs of the AP MLD.

[0168] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identification information includes a first identification bit, which identifies whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first communication capability and a second communication capability;

[0169] Wherein, the first communication capability and the second communication capability include at least one of the same communication parameters; and the parameter value of at least one of the communication parameters is higher under the first communication capability than under the second communication capability.

[0170] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first auxiliary AP of the AP MLD is in a first communication capability, and the first identifier bit of the first identification information indicates that the first auxiliary AP supports switching between the first communication capability and the second communication capability.

[0171] The first identification information includes a second identification bit, which indicates that the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability after the first time information; or the first identification information includes a third identification bit, which indicates the second time information, and the time indicated by the second time information is the time when the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability.

[0172] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless frame includes a first information element, and the first identification information of the first wireless frame is carried in the first information element;

[0173] The first information element includes: information elements in or newly defined by the multi-link ML information element;

[0174] Wherein, the first identifier bit of the first identifier information is carried in the multi-link device capabilities and operations subfield of the first information element;

[0175] The second identifier bit of the first identifier information carries the site information STA info field or site configuration STA profile field of each site configuration per-STA profile sub-information element in the Link info field of the first information element.

[0176] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first identification information includes: one or more fourth identification bits;

[0177] Each of the fourth identifier bits identifies the operating parameters supported by the first auxiliary AP of the AP MLD under the second communication capability;

[0178] The fourth identifier is carried in the per-STA profile sub-information element of the first information element of the first radio frame, or in the operation parameter information element.

[0179] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, after the first auxiliary AP of the AP MLD switches to the second communication capability,

[0180] The Transmission Identifier to Link Mapping (TTLM) mechanism, which is pre-negotiated between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, takes effect when the first auxiliary AP switches to the first communication capability.

[0181] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0182] Association Response frame, Reassociation Response frame, and newly defined Notification frame.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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).

[0187] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of one of the structures of the AP MLD proposed in this disclosure. The AP MLD is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the AP MLD 600 may include at least one of a determining module 601, a sending module 602, etc.

[0188] In some embodiments, the determining module 601 is configured to determine a first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying power-saving status information of a plurality of affiliated APs of the AP MLD; and the sending module 602 is configured to send the first wireless frame over a single link.

[0189] Optionally, the determining module 601 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 401, but not limited thereto) performed by AP MLD101 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 the sending and receiving steps (e.g., steps 202, 302, 402, but not limited thereto) performed by AP MLD101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0190] In some embodiments, the determining module can be replaced by the processing module or the processor, and the sending module can be replaced by the transceiver module or the transceiver.

[0191] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of one of the structures of the non-AP MLD proposed in this disclosure. The non-AP MLD is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the non-AP MLD is a non-AP MLD 700, which may include a receiving module 701.

[0192] In some embodiments, the receiving module 701 is configured to receive a first radio frame sent by the AP MLD under one link.

[0193] The first wireless frame includes first identification information, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs of the AP MLD.

[0194] Optionally, the receiving module 701 is used to perform the transmit and receive steps (such as step 401, but not limited to this) performed by the non-AP MLD102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0195] In some embodiments, the receiving module can be interchanged with the transceiver module or transceiver.

[0196] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 800 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 800 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 800 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.

[0197] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 800 includes one or more processors 801. The processor 801 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may 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. Optionally, the communication device 800 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 801 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 800 to execute any of the above methods.

[0198] In some embodiments, the communication device 800 further includes one or more transceivers 802. When the communication device 800 includes one or more transceivers 802, the transceiver 802 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 202, 302, 402, 501, but not limited thereto), and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 401, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0199] In some embodiments, the communication device 800 further includes one or more memories 803 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 801 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 803 to cause the communication device 800 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 803 may also be located outside the communication device 800. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 800 may include one or more interface circuits 804. Optionally, the interface circuit 804 is connected to the memory 802, and the interface circuit 804 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 802 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 804 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 802 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 801.

[0200] The communication device 800 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 800 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 800 may not be limited by FIG8. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (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.

[0201] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 900 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 800 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 900 shown in Figure 9, but it is not limited thereto.

[0202] Chip 900 includes one or more processors 901. Chip 900 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0203] In some embodiments, chip 900 further includes one or more interface circuits 902. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 900 further includes one or more memories 903 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 903 may be located outside chip 900. Optionally, interface circuit 902 is connected to memory 903, and interface circuit 902 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 903 or other devices, and interface circuit 902 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 903 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 902 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 903 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 901.

[0204] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 902 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 202, 302, 402, and 501, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 902 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 902 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 901, the chip 900, the memory 903, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 901 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, and 401, but not limited thereto).

[0205] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0206] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device 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.

[0207] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0208] 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, The method includes: The multi-link access point device (AP MLD) determines a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple affiliated APs of the AP MLD; The first wireless frame is transmitted over a single link.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first identification information includes a first identification bit, which indicates whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first communication capability and a second communication capability; Wherein, the first communication capability and the second communication capability include at least one of the same communication parameters; and the parameter value of at least one of the communication parameters is higher under the first communication capability than under the second communication capability.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first auxiliary AP of the AP MLD is in the first communication capability, and the first identifier bit of the first identification information indicates that the first auxiliary AP supports switching between the first communication capability and the second communication capability. The first identification information includes a second identification bit, which indicates that the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability after the first time information; or the first identification information includes a third identification bit, which indicates the second time information, and the time indicated by the second time information is the time when the first auxiliary AP switches to the second communication capability.

4. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes a first information element, and the first identification information of the first wireless frame is carried in the first information element; The first information element includes: information elements in or newly defined by the multi-link ML information element; Wherein, the first identifier bit of the first identifier information is carried in the multi-link device capabilities and operations subfield of the first information element; The second identifier bit of the first identifier information carries the site information STAinfo field or site configuration STA profile field of each site configuration per-STA profile sub-information element in the Link info field of the first information element.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first identification information includes: one or more fourth identification bits; Each of the fourth identifier bits identifies the operating parameters supported by the first auxiliary AP of the AP MLD under the second communication capability; The fourth identifier is carried in the per-STA profile sub-information element of the first information element of the first radio frame, or in the operation parameter information element.

6. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, After the first auxiliary AP of the AP MLD switches to the second communication capability... The Transmission Identifier to Link Mapping (TTLM) mechanism, which is pre-negotiated between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, takes effect when the first auxiliary AP switches to the first communication capability.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A multi-link site device (non-AP MLD) receives the first radio frame sent by an AP MLD under one link. The first wireless frame includes first identification information, which identifies the power-saving status information of multiple auxiliary APs of the AP MLD.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or claim 7.

9. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 7.

10. 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 the communication device, it implements the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 6, or implements the communication method of any one of claims 7.

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