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

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, an AP MLD, a non-AP MLD, and a communication system. The communication method comprises: when there is a first link among EMLSR links between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, which first link corresponds to a non-AP STA affiliated with the non-AP MLD being in a first capability mode, the AP MLD transmitting a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD by means of a target link among at least one EMLSR link, wherein the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to a frame exchange state, and the target link comprises a second link among the EMLSR links on which the non-AP STA affiliated with the non-AP MLD is in a listening operation state. The present application aims to implement the transmission of a first radio frame and start a frame exchange.

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 applied to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), the method comprising:

[0007] In the enhanced multi-link single-radio EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the multi-link site equipment non-AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to the site equipment non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode,

[0008] The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link; the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state;

[0009] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD is in a Listening Operation state, or the first link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD switches to the second capability mode;

[0010] The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0011] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a communication method applied to a multi-link site device (non-AP MLD), the method comprising:

[0012] In the EMLSR link between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to the first capability mode of the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD,

[0013] The AP MLD receives a first radio frame transmitted through a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links; the first radio frame indicates that the non-AP MLD switches to frame switching state.

[0014] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA is in the Listening Operation state, or the first link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA has switched to the second capability mode;

[0015] The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0016] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including an AP MLD, the AP MLD comprising:

[0017] The transmitting module is configured to, in the case that, in the enhanced multi-link single radio EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the multi-link site device non-AP MLD, there exists a first link corresponding to a site device non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in a first capability mode,

[0018] The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link; the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state;

[0019] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD is in a Listening Operation state, or the first link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD switches to the second capability mode;

[0020] The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

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

[0022] The receiving module is configured to, in the EMLSR link between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, when there is a first link corresponding to a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in a first capability mode,

[0023] The AP MLD receives a first radio frame transmitted through a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links; the first radio frame indicates that the non-AP MLD switches to frame switching state.

[0024] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA is in the Listening Operation state, or the first link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA has switched to the second capability mode;

[0025] The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0026] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0027] One or more processors;

[0028] The non-AP MLD is used to execute the communication method described in the first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0030] One or more processors;

[0031] The non-AP MLD is used to execute the communication method described in the second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0032] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD;

[0033] In the enhanced multi-link single-radio EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the multi-link site equipment non-AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to the site equipment non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode,

[0034] The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link; the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state;

[0035] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD is in a Listening Operation state, or the first link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD switches to the second capability mode;

[0036] The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when a non-AP STA corresponding to an EMLSR link in an EMLSR non-AP MLD is in a first capability mode, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through a target link, and instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to a frame switching state through the first radio frame; the target link includes a second link in the EMLSR link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and is in a Listening Operation state, or the first link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and has switched to a second capability mode, so as to realize the transmission of the first radio frame and the start of frame switching.

[0039] 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

[0040] 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.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one of the examples provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 4 is a second schematic diagram of an example provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the third example provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 6 is a fourth schematic diagram of an example provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 7 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the fifth example provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an example provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-AP MLD proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0053] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0054] This disclosure presents a communication method, an AP MLD, a non-AP MLD, and a communication system.

[0055] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0056] In the enhanced multi-link single-radio EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the multi-link site equipment non-AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to the site equipment non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode,

[0057] The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link; the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state;

[0058] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD is in a Listening Operation state, or the first link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD switches to the second capability mode;

[0059] The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state; the target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA is in Listening Operation state, or the first link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA has switched to the second capability mode, so as to realize the transmission of the first radio frame and the start of frame switching.

[0061] In some embodiments, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links, including:

[0062] The AP MLD competes for a channel on the second link and transmits the first radio frame through the second link.

[0063] In some embodiments, before the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links, the method further includes:

[0064] The AP MLD competes for a channel under the first link and transmits a second radio frame through the first link; wherein, the second radio frame instructs the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link to switch to the second capability mode.

[0065] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one target link in the EMLSR link, including:

[0066] Once it is determined that the non-AP STA associated with the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link switches to the second capability mode, the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through the target link in the EMLSR link.

[0067] In some embodiments, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links, including:

[0068] The EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs are all the second links. The AP MLD sends the first radio frame on one of the second links, and initiates frame exchange with at least two of the non-AP MLDs through the first radio frame.

[0069] In some embodiments, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links, including:

[0070] In the EMLSR link between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD operating on the second link. The AP MLD sends the first radio frame on one of the second links, and initiates frame exchange with at least two of the non-AP MLDs through the first radio frame.

[0071] or

[0072] In the EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD working on the first link. The AP MLD sends a second radio frame on one of the first links, wherein the second radio frame indicates that one or more non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link switch to the second capability mode.

[0073] The non-AP STA associated with the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link is determined to switch to the second capability mode. The AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through the target link in the EMLSR link, and initiates frame exchange with at least two non-AP MLDs through the first radio frame.

[0074] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0075] In the EMLSR link between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to the first capability mode of the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD,

[0076] The AP MLD receives a first radio frame transmitted through a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links; the first radio frame indicates that the non-AP MLD switches to frame switching state.

[0077] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA is in the Listening Operation state, or the first link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA has switched to the second capability mode;

[0078] The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0079] In some embodiments, before receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD via a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links, the process includes:

[0080] The AP MLD competes for the channel under the second link, and the non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame through the second link;

[0081] The non-AP MLD responds immediately to the first radio frame via the second link and exchanges frames with the AP MLD on the second link.

[0082] In some embodiments, before receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD via a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links, the method further includes:

[0083] The AP MLD competes for the channel under the first link, and the non-AP MLD receives the second radio frame through the first link.

[0084] In some embodiments, receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD through a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links includes:

[0085] The corresponding non-AP STA under the first link switches to the second capability mode, receives the first radio frame through the target link, responds immediately to the first radio frame, and exchanges frames with the AP MLD on the second link.

[0086] In some embodiments, receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD through a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links includes:

[0087] The EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs are all the second links. The non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame on one of the second links, responds immediately to the first radio frame, and initiates frame exchange with the AP MLD.

[0088] In some embodiments, receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD through a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links includes:

[0089] In the EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD operating on the first link. The non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame on a second link, responds immediately to the first radio frame, and initiates frame exchange with the AP MLD.

[0090] or

[0091] In the EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD operating on the first link. The non-AP MLD receives the second radio frame on one of the first links, switches to the second capability mode on each of the first links, receives the first radio frame through the target link in the EMLSR link, responds immediately to the first radio frame, and exchanges frames with the AP MLD.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including an AP MLD, comprising:

[0095] One or more processors;

[0096] The AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0097] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, the communication device including a non-AP MLD, comprising:

[0098] One or more processors;

[0099] The non-AP MLD is used to implement the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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, second, and third aspects above.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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."

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0116] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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”.

[0119] 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.

[0120] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0121] 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.

[0122] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0123] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0124] 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.

[0125] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) 101, a Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD) 102, and a Non-AP MLD 103.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0135] Step 201: In the enhanced multi-link single radio EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the multi-link site equipment non-AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to the site equipment non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode,

[0136] The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link; the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state;

[0137] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD is in a Listening Operation state, or the first link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD switches to the second capability mode;

[0138] The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

[0139] In WLANs, power saving (PS) is a key research focus. Considering the limited reception capabilities of some STAs, the Enhanced Multi-link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode is introduced. In EMLSR mode, a non-AP MLD can simultaneously enter listening operation on multiple links. During listening operation, the non-AP MLD uses a single antenna (e.g., one antenna) on each link for reception. When the AP MLD successfully sends an Initial Control Frame (ICF) to this non-AP MLD on any link (e.g., link 1), the non-AP MLD can switch all spatial streams on all links to link 1 to interact with the AP MLD. At this time, there are multiple spatial streams / antennas on link 1. After the frame interaction ends, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams on link 1 back to the original links and returns to listening operation. In other words, the non-AP MLD switches the spatial streams switched from link 2 on link 1 back to link 2 for listening operation. At this time, there is one spatial stream / antenna on both link 1 and link 2.

[0140] In this embodiment of the disclosure, as an example, as shown in Figure 3, the two non-AP MLDs associated with the AP MLD both operate in EMLSR mode. For ease of description, they are identified as non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2, respectively. The AP MLD and the two non-AP MLDs are devices that support the Ultra High Reliability (UHR) transmission protocol. In Dynamic Power Save (DPS) mode, the non-AP MLD, under certain conditions, will enter a first capability mode, such as a Low Capabilities (LC) state. In the LC state, for example, it maintains a single spatial stream, 20MHz bandwidth, and a low-rate Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) for transmission and reception.

[0141] Among them, the affiliated non-AP STAs corresponding to each EMLSR link of the Non-AP MLD operating in EMLSR mode may be in different power modes.

[0142] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the five auxiliary devices of Non-AP MLD-1: non-AP STA-1, non-AP STA-2, non-AP STA-3, non-AP STA-4 and non-AP STA-5 correspond to Link-1 to Link-5 respectively. Link-1 to Link-5 are EMLSR links.

[0143] Among them, non-AP STA-1, non-AP STA-3 and non-AP STA-5 are in LC mode, while non-AP STA-2 and non-AP STA-4 operate in the second capability mode, such as the high capability (HC) mode (specifically, the Listening Operation state in EMLSR mode).

[0144] For example, the five associated non-AP STA-6, non-AP STA-7, non-AP STA-8, non-AP STA-9, and non-AP STA-10 of Non-AP MLD-2 correspond to Link-6 to Link-10 respectively, and Link-6 to Link-10 are EMLSR links.

[0145] Among them, non-AP STA-6 and non-AP STA-7 are in HC mode, while non-AP STA-8, non-AP STA-9 and non-AP STA-10 are in LC mode.

[0146] In the EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, if there exists a first link corresponding to a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in a first capability mode, for example, if there exists an EMLSR link corresponding to a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD operating in LC mode, then the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one target link in the EMLSR link; the first radio frame triggers the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state.

[0147] The target link includes either a second link within the EMLSR link whose non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD are in Listening Operation state, or a first link whose non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD have switched to the second capability mode. That is, the target link includes a second link, where the non-AP STAs of the second link are in Listening Operation state; the target link also includes a first link, but the non-AP STAs of the first link have switched to the second capability mode.

[0148] Specifically, in scenario one, if there exists a first link corresponding to a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode in the EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, i.e., the non-AP STA of the first link is in the first capability mode, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one second link in the Listening Operation state of the non-AP STA; the second link is, for example, link2, link4, link9, and link10 in Figure 3; the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to Non-AP MLD-1 through link2 and / or link4, initially exchanging frames with Non-AP MLD-1; or, the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to Non-AP MLD-2 through link9 and / or link10, initially exchanging frames with Non-AP MLD-2.

[0149] When the AP MLD simultaneously sends DL PPDUs to both Non-AP MLD-1 and Non-AP MLD-2, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to both Non-AP MLD-1 and Non-AP MLD-2 through at least one second link in Listening Operation state, initiating frame exchange with Non-AP MLD-1 and Non-AP MLD-2; the second link is shown in Figure 3 as the link corresponding to the second AP attached to the AP MLD, namely Link-2 and Link-9.

[0150] Scenario 2: In the EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one of the first links where a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD has switched to the second capability mode. The first link corresponding to the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode may not be able to receive specific radio frames sent by its associated device, such as the first radio frame. The first links are, for example, links 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 in Figure 3. If a non-AP STA on at least one of links 1, 3, and 5 switches to the Listening Operation state, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to Non-AP MLD-1 through that link, initiating frame exchange with Non-AP MLD-1. Alternatively, if a non-AP STA on at least one of links 6, 8, and 7 switches to the Listening Operation state, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to Non-AP MLD-1 through that link. MLD-1 sends the first radio frame, initiating the frame exchange with Non-AP MLD-2.

[0151] When the AP MLD sends a second radio frame to the Non-AP MLD via at least one of the first links; the second radio frame instructs the associated non-AP STA corresponding to the first link of the non-AP MLD to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode; the first link is, for example, link1, link3, link5 in Figure 3; or link6, link7, link8. Once it is determined that the non-AP STA associated with the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link has switched to the second capability mode, the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via one of the first link and the second link associated with the non-AP MLD that has switched to the second capability mode, initiating frame exchange with Non-AP MLD-1;

[0152] When the AP MLD simultaneously sends DL PPDU to Non-AP MLD-1 and Non-AP MLD-2, the AP MLD sends a second radio frame to Non-AP MLD-1 and Non-AP MLD-2 through at least one of the first links; the first links are the links corresponding to the third AP attached to the AP MLD in Figure 3, namely Link-3 and Link-8; it is determined that the non-AP STAs attached to non-AP MLD_1 and non-AP MLD_2 corresponding to the first link switch to the second capability mode, and the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to non-AP MLD_1 and non-AP MLD_2 through one of the first links and the second links of the non-AP STAs attached to non-AP MLD_1 and non-AP MLD_2 that have switched to the second capability mode, thus initiating frame exchange with non-AP MLD_1 and non-AP MLD_2.

[0153] Specifically, a non-AP MLD operating in EMLSR mode allows one or more associated non-APs corresponding to a link to be in a wake-up state for listening operations. Listening operations include, for example, performing Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) and probing on the link, such as detecting whether an initial control frame has been initiated by the AP MLD on the corresponding link. After receiving the initial control frame, the non-AP MLD participates in frame switching on the link that received the initial control frame; other associated non-AP STAs that have not received the initial control frame cannot perform transmit or receive operations during the frame switching process. After the frame switching is completed, the non-AP MLD will switch back to the listening operation state after a specified time (EMLSR Transition Delay). Therefore, EMLSR operation mode, while ensuring communication quality between MLDs, can reduce the power consumption of non-AP MLD devices and avoid unnecessary energy consumption caused by keeping all links active for extended periods.

[0154] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the working parameters (communication parameters) type of the first capability mode and the Listening Operation state can be the same. At least one working parameter of the first capability mode is lower than that of the Listening Operation state working parameters, such as bandwidth, spatial stream (SS), modulation and coding scheme (MCS) method, etc. For example, the first capability mode can also be the LC state, for example, the working parameter is a basic bandwidth of 20MHz, the number of SS is 1, and the MCS method is, for example, from MCS0 to MCS7. The Listening Operation state, for example, the working parameter is greater than or equal to 20MHz, the BW can also be 40 / 80 / 160(80+80) / 320MHz, the number of SS is greater than or equal to 2, and the MCS method is, for example, from MCS6 to MCS14, etc. The second capability mode is, for example, the HC mode, for example, the Listening Operation state in EMLSR mode.

[0155] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame is, for example, an initial control frame; the initial control frame is, for example, a Multi User-Request To Send (MU-RTS) frame or a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP) frame, or other frames.

[0156] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when a non-AP STA corresponding to an EMLSR link in an EMLSR non-AP MLD is in a first capability mode, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through a target link. The first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to a frame switching state. The target link includes a second link in the EMLSR link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and is in a Listening Operation state, or a first link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and has switched to a second capability mode. The first radio frame may be sent in full operating bandwidth. If the first link does not switch to the Listening Operation state, it cannot be guaranteed that the AP MLD can compete for a wider channel bandwidth in the first capability mode to realize the transmission of the first radio frame and the start of frame switching. Therefore, in this embodiment of the disclosure, a first radio frame is transmitted in the second link in the Listening Operation state, or in the first link attached to the non-AP MLD and switched to the second capability mode, so as to realize frame exchange with one or more non-AP MLDs with low capability mode; this embodiment of the disclosure can also realize multi-user downlink (MU DL) transmission in the case of coexistence of EHT EMLSR non-AP MLD and UHR non-AP MLD, and has good backward compatibility.

[0157] Referring to Figure 4, which is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the above method includes:

[0158] Step 401: The AP MLD competes for a channel under the first link and sends a second radio frame through one of the first links; wherein, the second radio frame instructs one or more non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link to switch to the second capability mode.

[0159] Optionally, the second radio frame may be, for example, an initial control frame; the initial control frame may be, for example, a MU-RTS frame or a BSRP frame, or another frame.

[0160] For example, as shown in Figure 5, in step 501, the AP MLD competes for the channel on the LC link (i.e., the STA on this link is operating in LC mode), and sends a second radio frame to the non-AP MLD through the LC link (i.e., the STA on this link is operating in LC mode), triggering one or more non-AP STAs on the first link of the non-AP MLD to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode; after the non-AP STA on the corresponding first link in the non-AP MLD switches to the second capability mode, the AP MLD can send the first radio frame through one link of the target link in the EMLSR link.

[0161] Step 402: The non-AP MLD receives the second radio frame on the first link, and the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link switches to the second capability mode.

[0162] Referring to step 502, after receiving the second radio frame, the non-AP MLD can send a second response frame to the AP MLD to confirm the reception of the first radio frame, and can also be used to identify that one or more non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link have switched to the second capability mode.

[0163] Step 403: Determine that one or more non-AP STAs associated with the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link have switched to the second capability mode. The AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through one of the EMLSR target links. Which EMLSR link is used to send the first radio frame depends on which EMLSR link the AP MLD competes for the channel on. The first radio frame indicates that the non-AP MLD switches to frame switching state.

[0164] Referring to step 503, if the AP MLD determines that all the first links have switched to the second capability mode, then the first radio frame can be sent to the non-AP MLD through any of the EMLSR links.

[0165] Accordingly, as in step 504, the non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame through the first link, responds immediately to the first radio frame, sends a first response frame to the AP MLD, and exchanges frames with the AP MLD on the first link.

[0166] In this embodiment, when a non-AP STA corresponding to an EMLSR link in a non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD is in a first capability mode, the AP MLD sends a second radio frame through the EMLSR link to instruct the STA in the first capability mode to switch to a high capability mode. Furthermore, after the receiving non-AP MLD completes the mode switch, the UHR AP MLD sends a first radio frame through any EMLSR link to instruct the receiving non-AP MLD to switch from Listening Operation to frame exchange state. The AP MLD can perform frame exchange with one or more non-AP MLDs in a low capability mode, and can also solve the MU DL transmission problem when EHT non-AP MLDs and UHR non-AP MLDs coexist, exhibiting good backward compatibility.

[0167] In some alternative implementations, if the AP MLD initially exchanges frames with multiple (at least two) associated non-AP MLDs operating in EMLSR mode, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links, including: Case 3 or Case 4:

[0168] Scenario 3: In the EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD operating on the second link. The AP MLD sends the first radio frame on one of the second links, and initiates frame exchange with at least two of the non-AP MLDs through the first radio frame.

[0169] Referring to Figure 3, for example, both non-AP STA-2 and non-AP STA-9 belong to the EMLSR link and operate in HC mode. AP MLD sends the first radio frame to non-AP STA-2 and non-AP STA-9 through its second affiliated AP (Link-2 and Link-9), initiating the frame exchange with non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2.

[0170] Scenario 4: In the EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD operating on the first link. The AP MLD sends the second radio frame on one of the first links, wherein the second radio frame indicates that one or more non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link switch to the second capability mode.

[0171] Once it is determined that all the first links have switched to the second capability mode, the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through the target link in the EMLSR link, and initiates frame exchange with at least two of the non-AP MLDs through the first radio frame.

[0172] Wherein, if an AP attached to the AP MLD is operating on the first link in the EMLSR link between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, the AP MLD sends the second radio frame on one of the first links; referring to Figure 3, if both non-AP STA-3 and non-AP STA-8 belong to the EMLSR link and are operating in LC mode, the AP MLD sends the second radio frame to non-AP STA-3 and non-AP STA-8 through its third attached AP (Link-3 and Link-8), instructing one or more non-AP STAs attached to non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2 corresponding to the first link to switch to the second capability mode; after determining that one or more non-AP STAs attached to non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2 corresponding to the first link have switched to the second capability mode, the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through any of the target links in the EMLSR link; in particular, when all the attached non-APs of non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2 corresponding to the first link All STAs switch to the second capability mode, and the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through any link in the EMLSR link.

[0173] Alternatively, the AP MLD can send a second radio frame to non-AP MLD-2 and non-AP MLD-2 via its fifth affiliated AP (Link-5 and Link-6).

[0174] As an example, as shown in Figure 6, in step 601, the AP MLD competes for a channel on the LC link (i.e., the STA on this link is operating in LC mode), and sends a second radio frame to multiple non-AP MLDs (non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2) through the LC link (i.e., the STA on this link is operating in LC mode), triggering the STA on the LC link of the non-AP MLD to switch from LC mode to HC (i.e., Listening Operation) mode; after all the STAs in the non-AP MLD in LC mode switch to Listening Operation, the AP MLD can send the first radio frame through one of the EMLSR links.

[0175] In step 602, after receiving the second radio frame, non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2 can send a second response frame to AP MLD respectively to confirm the reception of the first radio frame. It can also be used to indicate that the LC link of non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2 (i.e., the STA of the link is working in LC mode) has switched to the Listening Operation state.

[0176] Step 603: If the AP MLD determines that all the associated non-AP STAs corresponding to the first link have switched to the second capability mode, then the first radio frame can be sent to non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2 through any of the EMLSR links.

[0177] Accordingly, as in step 604, non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2 respectively respond immediately to the first wireless frame through the link that receives the first wireless frame, send a first response frame to the AP MLD, and exchange frames with the AP MLD on the link that receives the first wireless frame.

[0178] During frame switching, AP MLD sends MU PPDU to non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2; and / or non-AP MLD-1 and non-AP MLD-2 send TB-PPDU to AP MLD respectively.

[0179] Referring to Figure 7, which is the third interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the above method includes:

[0180] Step 701: In the EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, if there exists a first link corresponding to a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode, the AP MLD competes for the channel under the second link and transmits the first radio frame through the second link. The first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state.

[0181] Step 702: The non-AP MLD responds immediately to the first radio frame through the second link and exchanges frames with the AP MLD on the second link.

[0182] In the EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one second link in the Listening Operation state of the non-AP STA; the second link is, for example, link2, link4, link9, and link10 in Figure 3; the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to Non-AP MLD-1 through link2 and / or link4, initiating frame exchange with Non-AP MLD-1; or, the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to Non-AP MLD-2 through link9 and / or link10, initiating frame exchange with Non-AP MLD-2.

[0183] For example, as shown in Figure 8, in step 801, the AP MLD competes for the channel on the HC link (i.e., the STA on this link is operating in HC mode) and sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through the HC link (i.e., the STA on this link is operating in HC mode); in step 802, the EMLSR MLD-1 receives the first radio frame through the target link, responds immediately to the first radio frame, sends the first response frame to the AP MLD, and performs frame exchange with the AP MLD on the first link, transmitting PPDU and BA frames.

[0184] In some embodiments, the AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links, including:

[0185] The EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs are all the second links. The AP MLD sends the first radio frame on one of the second links, and initiates frame exchange with at least two of the non-AP MLDs through the first radio frame.

[0186] If the non-AP STAs of multiple non-AP MLDs' EMLSR links are all in HC mode (Listening Operation), the AP MLD sends a third radio frame through one of the EMLSR links to initiate frame exchange with multiple non-AP MLDs.

[0187] As an example, as shown in Figure 9, in step 901, the AP MLD competes for the channel on the HC link (i.e., the STA of the link is operating in HC mode), and sends the first radio frame to multiple non-AP MLDs (EMLSR MLD-1 and EMLSR MLD-2) through the HC link (i.e., the STA of the link is operating in HC mode).

[0188] Step 902: EMLSR MLD-1 and EMLSR MLD-2 receive the first radio frame through the target link, respond immediately to the first radio frame, send a first response frame to the AP MLD, and exchange frames with the AP MLD on the first link.

[0189] During the frame switching process, AP MLD sends MU PPDU to EMLSR MLD-1 and EMLSR MLD-2 respectively; and / or EMLSR MLD-1 and EMLSR MLD-2 send TB-PPDU to AP MLD respectively.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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." In some embodiments, terms such as "wireless access scheme" and "waveform" can be used interchangeably.

[0192] 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, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc., but are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, determination or judgment can be performed using a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true / false value (Boolean value), or by a numerical comparison (e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but are not limited thereto.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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 401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 701 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 702 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 401 and step 402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 402 and step 403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 701 and step 702 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0195] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figures 2 to 9.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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).

[0200] Figure 10 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 10, the AP MLD 1000 may include a transmitting module 1001.

[0201] In some embodiments, the above-described sending module 1001 is configured to, in the case where, in the EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD, there exists a first link corresponding to a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in a first capability mode,

[0202] The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link; the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state;

[0203] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA is in the Listening Operation state, or the first link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA has switched to the second capability mode.

[0204] Optionally, the determination module 1001 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201, 401, 403, 701, but not limited thereto) executed by AP MLD101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0205] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0206] Figure 11 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 11, the non-AP MLD 1100 is a non-AP MLD, and the non-AP MLD 1100 may include: a receiving module 1101.

[0207] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1101 is configured to, in the case where, in the EMLSR link between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, there exists a first link corresponding to a non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in a first capability mode,

[0208] The AP MLD receives a first radio frame transmitted through a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links; the first radio frame indicates that the non-AP MLD switches to frame switching state.

[0209] The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA is in the Listening Operation state, or the first link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA has switched to the second capability mode.

[0210] Optionally, the receiving module 1101 is used to perform at least one of the transmission and reception steps (e.g., steps 402, 702, but not limited thereto) performed by the non-AP MLD102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0211] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0212] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 1200 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 1200 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.

[0213] As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 includes one or more processors 1201. The processor 1201 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 1200 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 1201 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 1200 to execute any of the above methods.

[0214] In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 further includes one or more transceivers 1202. When the communication device 1200 includes one or more transceivers 1202, the transceiver 1202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 1201 performs at least one of the other steps. 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.

[0215] In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 further includes one or more memories 1203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 1201 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 1203 to cause the communication device 1200 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 1203 may also be located outside the communication device 1200. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 1200 may include one or more interface circuits 1204. Optionally, the interface circuit 1204 is connected to the memory 1202 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 1202 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 1202 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 1204 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 1202 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 1201.

[0216] The communication device 1200 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 1200 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 1200 may not be limited by FIG12. 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.

[0217] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 1300 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 1200 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 1300 shown in Figure 13 can be referenced, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0218] Chip 1300 includes one or more processors 1301. Chip 1300 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0219] In some embodiments, chip 1300 further includes one or more interface circuits 1302. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 1300 further includes one or more memories 1303 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1303 may be located outside of chip 1300. Optionally, interface circuit 1302 is connected to memory 1303, and interface circuit 1302 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 1303 or other devices, and interface circuit 1302 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 1303 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 1302 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 1303 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 1301.

[0220] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1302 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 1302 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 1302 performs data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 1301, the chip 1300, the memory 1303, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 1301 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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 applied to a multi-link access point (AP) MLD, characterized in that, The method includes: In the enhanced multi-link single-radio EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the multi-link site equipment non-AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to the site equipment non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode, The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link; the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state; The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD is in a Listening Operation state, or the first link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD switches to the second capability mode; The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via at least one target link in the EMLSR link, including: The AP MLD competes for a channel on the second link and transmits the first radio frame through the second link.

3. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via at least one of the EMLSR links, the method further includes: The AP MLD competes for a channel under the first link and transmits a second radio frame through the first link; wherein, the second radio frame instructs the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link to switch to the second capability mode.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via at least one target link in the EMLSR link, including: Once it is determined that the non-AP STA associated with the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link switches to the second capability mode, the AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through the target link in the EMLSR link.

5. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via at least one target link in the EMLSR link, including: The EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs are all the second links. The AP MLD sends the first radio frame on one of the second links, and initiates frame exchange with at least two of the non-AP MLDs through the first radio frame.

6. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD via at least one target link in the EMLSR link, including: In the EMLSR link between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD operating on the second link. The AP MLD sends the first radio frame on one of the second links, and initiates frame exchange with at least two of the non-AP MLDs through the first radio frame. or In the EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD working on the first link. The AP MLD sends a second radio frame on one of the first links, wherein the second radio frame indicates that one or more non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link switch to the second capability mode. The non-AP STA associated with the non-AP MLD corresponding to the first link is determined to switch to the second capability mode. The AP MLD sends the first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through the target link in the EMLSR link, and initiates frame exchange with at least two non-AP MLDs through the first radio frame.

7. A communication method applied to a multi-link site device (non-AP MLD), characterized in that, The method includes: In the EMLSR link between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to the first capability mode of the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD, The AP MLD receives a first radio frame transmitted through a target link in at least one of the EMLSR links; the first radio frame indicates that the non-AP MLD switches to frame switching state. The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA is in the Listening Operation state, or the first link that is attached to the non-AP MLD and whose non-AP STA has switched to the second capability mode; The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link, the process includes: The AP MLD competes for the channel under the second link, and the non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame through the second link; The non-AP MLD responds immediately to the first radio frame via the second link and exchanges frames with the AP MLD on the second link.

9. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link, the method further includes: The AP MLD competes for the channel under the first link, and the non-AP MLD receives the second radio frame through the first link.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD through at least one target link in the EMLSR link includes: The corresponding non-AP STA under the first link switches to the second capability mode, receives the first radio frame through the target link, responds immediately to the first radio frame, and exchanges frames with the AP MLD on the second link.

11. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD through at least one target link in the EMLSR link includes: The EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs are all the second links. The non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame on one of the second links, responds immediately to the first radio frame, and exchanges initial frames with the AP MLD.

12. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Receiving the first radio frame transmitted by the AP MLD through at least one target link in the EMLSR link includes: In the EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD operating on the first link. The non-AP MLD receives the first radio frame on a second link, responds immediately to the first radio frame, and exchanges initial frames with the AP MLD. or In the EMLSR links between the AP MLD and at least two of the non-AP MLDs, there is an AP attached to the AP MLD operating on the first link. The non-AP MLD receives the second radio frame on one of the first links, switches to the second capability mode on each of the first links, receives the first radio frame through the target link in the EMLSR link, responds immediately to the first radio frame, and exchanges initial frames with the AP MLD.

13. 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 claims 7 to 12.

14. A communication system, characterized in that, Including AP MLD and non-AP MLD; In the enhanced multi-link single-radio EMLSR link between the AP MLD and the multi-link site equipment non-AP MLD, if there is a first link corresponding to the site equipment non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD in the first capability mode, The AP MLD sends a first radio frame to the non-AP MLD through at least one of the target links in the EMLSR link; the first radio frame instructs the non-AP MLD to switch to frame switching state; The target link includes the second link in the EMLSR link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD is in a Listening Operation state, or the first link where the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD switches to the second capability mode; The first capability mode and the second capability mode include at least one identical operating parameter, wherein the parameter value of the operating parameter is lower in the first capability mode than in the second capability mode.

15. 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 to 12.

16. 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 6, or the communication method of any one of claims 7 to 12.

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