Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. The communication method comprises: a first multi-link device determining a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame is used for negotiating the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and a second multi-link device, the first radio frame identifies that: a first affiliated device which operates under the at least one link and is affiliated with the first multi-link device enters a first capability communication mode, the first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode comprise at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode is smaller than that in the second capability communication mode; and sending the first radio frame to the second multi-link device. In this way, a further enhanced power saving mechanism can be provided.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

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

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

[0003] In UHR, the power-saving mechanism will be further enhanced to further save power for devices.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, executed by a first multi-link device, the method comprising:

[0007] A first radio frame is determined; wherein the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode;

[0008] The first radio frame is sent to the second multi-link device.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication method, executed by a second multi-link device, the method comprising:

[0010] The system receives a first radio frame sent by a first multi-link device; wherein the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0011] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device for performing the communication method described in the first or second aspect.

[0012] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0013] One or more processors;

[0014] The communication device is used to execute the communication method described in the first or second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first multi-link device and a second multi-link device;

[0016] The first multi-link device is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the second multi-link device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0017] Sixthly, 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.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method described in the first aspect or the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0019] In this embodiment of the disclosure, during the process of establishing at least one link with the second multi-link device, the first multi-link device negotiates the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device through a link establishment negotiation frame (first wireless frame). At the same time, it identifies the first auxiliary device that is working under at least one link and is attached to the first multi-link device to enter the first capability communication mode. In this way, at least one first auxiliary device attached to the first multi-link device can directly enter the first capability communication mode with lower communication parameter values ​​after the link is established between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, thereby reducing the device power consumption of these first auxiliary devices.

[0020] 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

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 is the third interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 is a fourth interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 is the fifth interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 is a sixth interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8 is the seventh interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 10 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first multi-link device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second multi-link device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0037] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first multi-link device, the method comprising:

[0038] A first radio frame is determined; wherein the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode;

[0039] The first radio frame is sent to the second multi-link device.

[0040] In the above embodiments, during the process of establishing at least one link with the second multi-link device, the first multi-link device negotiates the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device through a link establishment negotiation frame (first wireless frame). At the same time, it identifies the first auxiliary device that is working under at least one link and is attached to the first multi-link device to enter the first capability communication mode. In this way, at least one first auxiliary device attached to the first multi-link device can directly enter the first capability communication mode with lower communication parameter values ​​after the link is established between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, thereby reducing the device power consumption of these first auxiliary devices.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, wherein the multi-link information element includes: first identification information corresponding to the Link ID of each of the links;

[0042] The first identification information indicates whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link corresponding to the link ID has entered the first capability communication mode.

[0043] In the above embodiments, in the first wireless frame, the first identification information corresponding to the Link ID of each link in the multi-link information element can be used to identify whether the first auxiliary device working under the link corresponding to each Link ID has entered the first capability communication mode.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first identification information further identifies: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

[0045] In the above embodiments, in the first wireless frame, the first identification information can also be used to identify the communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element including a Common Info field, the Common Info field including second identification information, the second identification information indicating whether the first auxiliary device operating under all established links has entered the first capability communication mode.

[0047] In the above embodiments, in the first wireless frame, the second identification information can be carried through the Common Info field in the multi-link information element, and the second identification information can simultaneously identify whether the first auxiliary device under all links has entered the first capability communication mode.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after sending the second radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes:

[0049] After establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating in the at least one link and under the transmission link of the first wireless frame enters an active state or a first capability communication mode, and the first auxiliary devices under other links enter the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameter information identified by their corresponding first identification information.

[0050] In the above embodiments, after at least one link is established between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device under the transmission link of the first radio frame enters an active state, and the first auxiliary device under other links enters a first capability communication mode. In this way, the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device can communicate at any time through the transmission link while saving the device power consumption of the first auxiliary device under other links. When the first auxiliary device under all links enters the first capability communication mode, the device power consumption of the first auxiliary device under all links can be saved.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0052] The first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode listens for the second wireless frame;

[0053] The second wireless frame is used to trigger the first auxiliary device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0054] In the above embodiments, when the first auxiliary device is in the first capability communication mode, it can be woken up at any time by listening to the second wireless frame, that is, the first auxiliary device is triggered to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after sending the first radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes:

[0056] Determine a third radio frame; the third radio frame is used to: negotiate whether the operating mode of the link is enhanced multilink single radio eMLSR mode or enhanced multilink multiple radio eMLMR mode;

[0057] The third radio frame is sent to the second multi-link device.

[0058] In the above embodiments, after at least one link is established between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the working mode of the established link can be negotiated through a third radio frame, specifically whether the working mode of the established link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of third identification information and fourth identification information corresponding to the link.

[0060] The third identification information indicates whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode;

[0061] The fourth identification information identifies the communication mode of the first auxiliary device operating under the link; the communication mode includes at least a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

[0062] In the above embodiments, in the third radio frame, the third identification information can be used to identify whether the working mode of the established link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode; the fourth identification information can be used to identify the communication mode of the first auxiliary device working under the established link, thereby realizing the definition of the communication mechanism that the working mode of the established link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode, and the auxiliary device under the link supports the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after sending the second radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0064] When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the first capability communication mode, after the first auxiliary device detects the second radio frame and switches to the second capability communication mode, it listens for the fourth radio frame; the fourth radio frame identifies the communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device.

[0065] When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the second capability communication mode, the first auxiliary device listens for the fourth radio frame.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the first auxiliary device operating under the link in eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode can determine whether it needs to listen to and wake up its own second wireless frame according to its own communication mode, and in the wake-up state, listen to the fourth wireless frame so as to use the communication parameter information identified by the fourth wireless frame for communication in subsequent communication processes.

[0067] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a second multi-link device, the method comprising:

[0068] The system receives a first radio frame sent by a first multi-link device; wherein the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0069] In the above embodiments, during the process of establishing at least one link with the second multi-link device, the second multi-link device can receive a negotiation request from the first multi-link device via a link establishment negotiation frame (first wireless frame) to indicate that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one link and attached to the first multi-link device is entering a first capability communication mode. In this way, it is possible to further negotiate whether at least one first auxiliary device attached to the first multi-link device can directly enter a first capability communication mode with lower communication parameter values ​​after establishing a link between the first and second multi-link devices, thereby reducing the device power consumption of these first auxiliary devices.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element including: first identification information corresponding to the Link ID of each of the links;

[0071] The first identification information indicates whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link corresponding to the Link ID has entered the first capability communication mode.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first identification information further identifies: the communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element includes a Common Info field, the Common Info field includes second identification information, the second identification information indicating whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link has entered a first capability communication mode.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after sending the first radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes:

[0075] After establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating in the at least one link and under the transmission link of the first wireless frame enters an active state or a first capability communication mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under other links enters the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameter information identified by its corresponding first identification information.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0077] The first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode listens for the second wireless frame;

[0078] The second wireless frame is used to trigger the first auxiliary device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method of receiving the first radio frame sent by the first multi-link device further includes:

[0080] The third radio frame sent by the first multi-link device is received; the third radio frame is used to negotiate whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of third identification information and fourth identification information corresponding to the link:

[0082] The third identification information indicates whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode;

[0083] The fourth identification information identifies the communication mode of the first auxiliary device operating under the link; the communication mode includes at least a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after sending the second radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0085] When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the first capability communication mode, after the first auxiliary device detects the second radio frame and switches to the second capability communication mode, it listens for the fourth radio frame; the fourth radio frame identifies the communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device.

[0086] When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the second capability communication mode, the first auxiliary device listens for the fourth radio frame.

[0087] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is used to perform optional implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0088] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0089] One or more processors;

[0090] The communication device is used to execute either the optional implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0091] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first multi-link device and a second multi-link device; wherein the first multi-link device is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the first aspect, and the second multi-link device is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the second aspect.

[0092] In a sixth aspect, 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 implementation described in the first or second aspect.

[0093] In a seventh aspect, 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 implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0094] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0095] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0096] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0097] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, and communication systems. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0107] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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”.

[0110] 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.

[0111] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0112] 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.

[0113] In some embodiments, "link" can mean "connection" or "link"; in various embodiments, "connection" and "link" can be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0115] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0116] 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.

[0117] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first multi-link communication device (i.e., a multi-link communication device, i.e. a device that supports multi-link communication) 101 and a second multi-link communication device 102.

[0119] In some embodiments, the multi-link communication device may include an access point device (AP MLD, also known as a multi-connection access point device; Access Point, AP, access point device; Multi-Link Device, multi-connection device) that supports multi-link communication and a site device (Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device, Non-AP MLD, also known as a multi-connection site device) that supports multi-link communication.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first multi-link communication device can be an AP MLD, and the second multi-link communication device can be a non-AP MLD. In other embodiments, the first multi-link communication device can be a non-AP MLD, and the second multi-link communication device can be an AP MLD.

[0121] In some embodiments, the access point device 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 the Ethernet. 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.

[0122] In some embodiments, the site equipment 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.

[0123] Specifically, the site equipment can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the site equipment can support multiple 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0128] Step 201: The first multi-link communication device determines a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode;

[0129] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, the value of which is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0130] The next-generation Wi-Fi technology, Ultra High Reliability (UHR), aims to improve the reliability of wireless LAN connections, reduce latency, and lower device-level power consumption. To further conserve device power, the communication mode can be switched from a higher capability mode to a lower capability mode, thus saving power. Specifically, to reduce device-level power consumption, UHR mobile APs supporting the UHR protocol may enter a lower capability mode or a PS (power saving) state. When communication with a device is needed, an initial control frame can be sent to the device in a lower capability mode or PS state to trigger it to switch to a higher capability mode.

[0131] For backward compatibility, the link established between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD may operate in eMLSR (enhanced multi-link single radio) mode or eMLMR (enhanced multi-link multi-radio) mode. Accessory devices operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode may support either a lower or higher capability communication mode. However, based on current communication mechanisms, the communication mechanism for accessory devices supporting lower or higher capability communication modes in multi-link devices, and where the link established between multi-link devices operates in eMLSR or eMLMR mode, has not been defined. Nor has a mechanism been defined for waking up accessory devices in this situation (e.g., switching from a lower capability communication mode or PS state to a higher capability communication mode).

[0132] In view of at least one of the above points, the embodiments of this disclosure require improvements to the existing communication mechanism.

[0133] In this embodiment of the disclosure, during the process of establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating under at least one link and attached to the first multi-link device is identified to enter the first capability communication mode through a link establishment negotiation frame (first wireless frame). In this way, at least one first auxiliary device attached to the first multi-link device can directly enter the first capability communication mode with lower communication parameter values ​​after the link is established between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, thereby reducing the device power consumption of these first auxiliary devices.

[0134] In some embodiments, referring to the above, the first multi-link communication device can be an AP MLD, and the second multi-link communication device can be a non-AP MLD. In other embodiments, the first multi-link communication device can be a non-AP MLD, and the second multi-link communication device can be an AP MLD.

[0135] Optionally, the first radio frame is a radio frame used to negotiate the establishment of multiple links.

[0136] Optionally, the first radio frame may identify that after at least one link is established between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device, which operates under all or part of the links in the at least one link and is attached to the first multi-link device, enters the first capability communication mode.

[0137] Optionally, the first radio frame may also identify that after at least one link is established between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device, which operates under all or part of the links in the at least one link and is attached to the first multi-link device, enters PS mode (PS stands for power saving).

[0138] In some examples, power-saving mode may include a Doze State (also known as a hibernation state) and an Awake State (wake-up state).

[0139] Optionally, power-saving mode is relative to Active Mode. Active state refers to the state in which the device transmits or receives data. In Active Mode, all RF links are active, resulting in higher power consumption. In power-saving mode, when the device enters Awake State, its power consumption is the same as in Active State, and it can still receive or transmit data. Doze State is the opposite of Awake State; when the device enters Doze State, its power consumption is very low, and it cannot perform transmit or receive operations.

[0140] As an example, when a communication device enters the Doze State, if a communication device associated with it (hereinafter referred to as the associated device) needs to send data to the communication device in the Doze State, the associated device will cache its data. While the communication device is in the Doze State, it will periodically wake up (DTIM period) to receive Beacon frames sent by the associated device. The communication device can determine whether the associated device has cached data to send to it by listening to the TIM (Traffic Indication Map) field of the Beacon frames sent by the associated device. If it determines that the associated device has cached data to send, the communication device will switch to the Awake State and send PS-Poll (Power Saving Polling) frames to inform the associated device that it is now in the Awake State. After receiving the PS-Poll frames, the associated device will send its cached data to the communication device.

[0141] Optionally, taking a communication device as a STA (which can be an independent site device or a site device attached to a non-AP MLD) as an example, the STA can indicate the power mode after completing the current frame exchange through the power management subfield carried in the frame control field of the radio frame. When Power Management is set to 0, it indicates that the STA is in Active Mode after completing the current frame exchange. In this state, it can transmit or receive data, all radio frequency links are working, and power consumption is relatively high. When Power Management is set to 1, it indicates that the STA enters PS Mode after completing the current frame exchange.

[0142] Optionally, the first capability communication mode may also be referred to as a first power mode, low-energy communication mode, low-capability communication mode, low-power communication mode, eavesdropping mode, or low-power communication phase, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name. The second capability communication mode may also be referred to as a second power mode, high-energy capability communication mode, high-capability communication mode, high-power communication mode, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name.

[0143] In some embodiments, the same communication parameters (i.e., the "at least one communication parameter" mentioned above) corresponding to the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode may include, but are not limited to, bandwidth, supported MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) methods, and SS quantity information (number of Spatial Stream, or simply number of spatial streams) (specifically, it may include NSS for receiving data (Rx NSS, where Rx stands for receive) or NSS for transmitting data (Tx NSS, where Tx stands for transmit)).

[0144] As an example of "the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one of the same communication parameters, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is less in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode", taking the communication parameter as the working bandwidth as an example, assuming that the device supports a working bandwidth of 20MHz (Mega Hertz) in the first capability communication mode, then in the second capability communication mode, the device supports a working bandwidth greater than 20MHz, for example, it can be any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz.

[0145] Optionally, in the first capability communication mode, the device supports a basic bandwidth of 20MHz (i.e., BW = 20MHz), the number of SSs is 1 (i.e., NSS = 1), and the maximum value of the MCS index is 5, meaning the MCS index value can be any value from 0 to 5, for example, an MCS index value of 5. In the second capability communication mode, the device supports a bandwidth greater than or equal to 20MHz, for example, any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz, the number of SSs can be greater than or equal to 1, and the MCS index can be greater than or equal to 5, for example, an MCS index value can be any value from 5 to 13. Optionally, the larger the value of the MCS index supported by the device, the greater the number of spatial streams supported by the device, and the greater the amount of data that can be transmitted.

[0146] Step 202: The first multi-link device sends a first radio frame to the second multi-link device. Correspondingly, the second radio frame receives the first radio frame sent by the first multi-link device.

[0147] Optionally, the first multi-link device may send a first radio frame to the second multi-link device via any one of the at least one links negotiated and established with the second multi-link device.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, wherein the multi-link information element includes: first identification information corresponding to the Link ID of each of the links;

[0149] The first identification information indicates whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link corresponding to the link ID has entered the first capability communication mode.

[0150] Optionally, the multi-link information element may include at least one per-STA profile field and at least one Link ID, each per-STA profile field corresponding to a Link ID and corresponding to a first auxiliary device operating on the link corresponding to the Link ID.

[0151] Optionally, the first identification information can be carried in the per-STA profile field.

[0152] Optionally, if the first identification information is a first parameter value, the first auxiliary device of the corresponding link is identified to enter the first capability communication mode; if the first identification information is a second parameter value, the first auxiliary device of the corresponding link is identified not to enter the first capability communication mode.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first identification information further identifies: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

[0154] Optionally, the communication parameters of the first auxiliary device operating under each of the at least one established link can be the same or different in the first capability communication mode.

[0155] Optionally, the communication parameter information of the auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode can be identified by the first identification information carried in the per-STA profile field corresponding to each first auxiliary device.

[0156] Optionally, the first identification information may include multiple bits or fields, and some of these bits or fields may be used to identify whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link corresponding to the link ID has entered the first capability communication mode, while other bits or fields may be used to identify the communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

[0157] Optionally, if the communication parameters of the first auxiliary device operating under each of the at least one established link are identical in the first capability communication mode, the communication mode of the first auxiliary device under each link can also be identified in the following way:

[0158] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, which includes a Common Info field. The Common Info field includes second identification information, which identifies whether the first auxiliary device operating on all established links has entered a first capability communication mode.

[0159] Optionally, if the second identification information is a third parameter value, the first auxiliary device of all links is identified as entering the first capability communication mode; if the second identification information is a fourth parameter value, the first auxiliary device of all links is identified as not entering the first capability communication mode.

[0160] Optionally, the second identification information may also identify: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device operating under all established links entering the first capability communication mode.

[0161] As another example of an embodiment of this disclosure, referring to FIG3, after the first multi-link device sends a first radio frame to the second multi-link device (i.e., step 202, specifically the second radio frame receiving the first radio frame sent by the first multi-link device), the above method may further include:

[0162] Step 301: After establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating in at least one link and under the transmission link of the first wireless frame enters an active state or a first capability communication mode, and the first auxiliary devices under other links enter the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameter information identified by their corresponding first identification information.

[0163] Optionally, for any first auxiliary device, before the first multi-link device sends the first radio frame to the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device may be in a power-saving mode, a first capability communication mode, or a second capability communication mode.

[0164] Optionally, after establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, in order to avoid missing information transmitted between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating under the transmission link of the first radio frame can be set to enter an active state, and the first auxiliary device operating under other links can enter a first capability communication mode.

[0165] Of course, in order to further improve energy efficiency, after establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating under all established links can be configured to enter the first capability communication mode.

[0166] Optionally, for any first auxiliary device, after establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, it can enter the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameters identified by the first identification information or the communication parameters identified by the second identification information.

[0167] As another example of an embodiment of this disclosure, referring to FIG4, after step 301, the above method may further include:

[0168] Step 401: The first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode listens for the second radio frame;

[0169] The second wireless frame is used to trigger the first auxiliary device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0170] Optionally, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, an initial control frame (ICF frame), a MU-RTS frame (multiple user request to send), or a BFRP frame (Beamforming Report Poll).

[0171] Optionally, the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode can listen to the second radio frame sent by its corresponding second auxiliary device, which is attached to the second multi-link device, under its working link.

[0172] Optionally, after the first auxiliary device detects the second wireless frame, it can switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode to exchange frames with the corresponding second auxiliary device.

[0173] As another example of an embodiment of this disclosure, referring to FIG5, after the first multi-link device sends a first radio frame to the second multi-link device (i.e., step 202, specifically the second radio frame receiving the first radio frame sent by the first multi-link device), the above method may further include:

[0174] Step 501, the first multi-link device determines the third radio frame; the third radio frame is used to: negotiate whether the working mode of the above link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode.

[0175] Optionally, the third radio frame may include, but is not limited to, an EML Operation Mode Notification frame.

[0176] Considering the limited receiving capability of the non-AP MLD, once the non-AP MLD and AP MLD successfully establish a multi-link and enable the communication link, the non-AP MLD and AP MLD can negotiate to establish an enhanced multi-link mode and a communication link in the enhanced multi-link mode through the EML Operation ModeNotification frame.

[0177] Among them, the enhanced multi-link mode includes the enhanced multi-link single radio (eMLSR) mode and the enhanced multi-link multi-radio (eMLMR) mode.

[0178] In some embodiments, after a STA belonging to a non-AP MLD and operating on an eMLSR link or eMLMR link enters an active state, a wake-up state, or a second capability communication mode, it performs channel listening operations and receives initial control frames sent by the AP MLD in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing PPDU type and non-high throughput repetitive PPDU type.

[0179] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of third identification information and fourth identification information corresponding to the aforementioned link.

[0180] The third identification information indicates whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode;

[0181] The fourth identification information identifies the communication mode of the first auxiliary device operating under the link; the communication mode includes at least a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

[0182] Optionally, if the third identification information is the fifth parameter value, the corresponding link's operating mode is identified as eMLSR mode; if the third identification information is the sixth parameter value, the corresponding link's operating mode is identified as eMLMR mode; if the third identification information is the seventh parameter value or if the third identification information does not exist, the corresponding link's operating mode is identified as neither eMLSR mode nor eMLMR mode.

[0183] Optionally, the third identification information can also identify that the first auxiliary device operating under the corresponding link is in power-saving mode.

[0184] In step 502, the first multi-link device sends a third radio frame to the second multi-link device. Correspondingly, the second radio frame receives the third radio frame sent by the first multi-link device.

[0185] Optionally, the first multi-link device may send a third radio frame to the second multi-link device via any one of the at least one links established through negotiation with the second multi-link device.

[0186] Optionally, the transmission links of the first radio frame and the third radio frame may be the same or different.

[0187] Optionally, in some examples, steps 301 and 501 may be included simultaneously. The present disclosure does not limit the execution order of steps 501 and 301. The specific execution steps can be found in the foregoing description and will not be repeated here.

[0188] As another example of an embodiment of this disclosure, referring to FIG6, after the first multi-link device sends a third radio frame to the second multi-link device (i.e., step 502, specifically the second radio frame receiving the third radio frame sent by the first multi-link device), the above method further includes step 601, wherein step 601 includes at least one of the following:

[0189] Step 601: When the working mode of the above link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device working under the above link is in the first capability communication mode, after the first auxiliary device listens to the second wireless frame and switches to the second capability communication mode, it listens to the fourth wireless frame; the fourth wireless frame identifier: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device.

[0190] When the above-mentioned link operates in eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under the above-mentioned link operates in the second capability communication mode, the first auxiliary device listens to the fourth radio frame.

[0191] Optionally, the description of the second radio frame can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0192] Optionally, the fourth radio frame may identify communication parameter information for the first auxiliary device to communicate in the second capability communication mode.

[0193] The following describes the communication parameters corresponding to the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0194] Optionally, in one communication mode, the MCS information supported by the device is associated with multiple communication parameters. For example, the communication parameters associated with the MCS information may include, but are not limited to: NSS, the modulation scheme supported by each spatial stream, coding rate, BW, device transmission resource type [e.g., Resource Unit RU, Multiple Resource Unit (MRU), Distributed Resource Unit (dRU), UEQM, etc.], whether the device supports BW punctured channel pattern, and at least one of the punctured channel density supported by the device.

[0195] For example, regarding each communication parameter, does the device support its specific parameter values? For instance, for NSS, the maximum NSS supported by the device could be 4, 8, or 16. Taking modulation schemes as an example, the modulation schemes supported by a spatial stream supported by the device could be at least one of Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), 64-QAM, 256-QAM, 1024-QAM, and 4096-QAM. Taking coding rate as an example, the coding rate supported by a spatial stream supported by the device could be 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 4, or 5 / 6. Taking BW as an example, the BW supported by the device could be at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz. When the device supports BW punch channel mode, the punch channel density supported by the device may be at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz.

[0196] For a given device, the MCS information it supports can be found in Table 1.

[0197] Table 1:

[0198] As shown in Table 1, n, n+1, n+2, n+3, n+4, etc., are merely examples used to distinguish the differences between each row. Specific values ​​need to be adjusted according to the actual situation. In each row, the NSS, modulation, coding rate, transmission resource type, BW, whether puncturing is supported, and puncturing channel density corresponding to the device can be arbitrarily combined, and the corresponding MCS index value will differ under different combinations. For example, in the first row, the MCS index values ​​corresponding to different combinations can be t, t+1, t+2, ..., etc.

[0199] Optionally, the NSS in Table 1 may specifically include Rx NSS or Tx NSS. This disclosure does not limit this, and it can be set according to the actual situation.

[0200] In some embodiments, referring to FIG7, the communication method may include:

[0201] Step 701, the first multi-link communication device determines a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, wherein the multi-link information element includes: first identification information corresponding to the Link ID of each link;

[0202] The first identification information indicates whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link corresponding to the link ID has entered the first capability communication mode;

[0203] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, the value of which is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0204] Optionally, the multi-link information element may include at least one per-STA profile field and at least one Link ID, each per-STA profile field corresponding to a Link ID and corresponding to a first auxiliary device operating on the link corresponding to the Link ID.

[0205] Optionally, the first identification information can be carried in the per-STA profile field.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first identification information further identifies: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

[0207] In step 702, the first multi-link device sends a first radio frame to the second multi-link device. Correspondingly, the second radio frame receives the first radio frame sent by the first multi-link device.

[0208] Step 703: After establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating in at least one link and under the transmission link of the first radio frame enters an active state or a first capability communication mode, and the first auxiliary devices under other links enter the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameter information identified by their corresponding first identification information.

[0209] Step 704, the first multi-link device determines the third radio frame; the third radio frame is used to: negotiate whether the working mode of the above link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode.

[0210] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of third identification information and fourth identification information corresponding to the aforementioned link.

[0211] The third identification information indicates whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode;

[0212] The fourth identification information identifies the communication mode of the first auxiliary device operating under the link; the communication mode includes at least a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

[0213] In step 705, the first multi-link device sends a third radio frame to the second multi-link device. Correspondingly, the second radio frame receives the third radio frame sent by the first multi-link device.

[0214] Step 706: When the working mode of the above link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device working under the above link is in the first capability communication mode, after the first auxiliary device listens to the second wireless frame and switches to the second capability communication mode, it listens to the fourth wireless frame; the fourth wireless frame identifier: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device.

[0215] When the above-mentioned link operates in eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under the above-mentioned link operates in the second capability communication mode, the first auxiliary device listens to the fourth radio frame.

[0216] Optionally, the descriptions of the first, second, third, and fourth wireless frames can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0217] In some embodiments, referring to FIG8, the communication method may include:

[0218] Step 801: The first multi-link communication device determines a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame is used to negotiate and establish at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element includes a Common Info field, the Common Info field includes second identification information, the second identification information indicating whether the first auxiliary device operating under all established links has entered the first capability communication mode;

[0219] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, the value of which is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0220] In some embodiments, the second identification information further identifies: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

[0221] In step 802, the first multi-link device sends a first radio frame to the second multi-link device. Correspondingly, the second radio frame receives the first radio frame sent by the first multi-link device.

[0222] Step 803: After establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating in at least one link and under the transmission link of the first radio frame enters an active state or a first capability communication mode, and the first auxiliary devices under other links enter the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameter information identified by their corresponding first identification information.

[0223] Step 804, the first multi-link device determines the third radio frame; the third radio frame is used to: negotiate whether the working mode of the above link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode.

[0224] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of third identification information and fourth identification information corresponding to the aforementioned link.

[0225] The third identification information indicates whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode;

[0226] The fourth identification information identifies the communication mode of the first auxiliary device operating under the link; the communication mode includes at least a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

[0227] In step 805, the first multi-link device sends a third radio frame to the second multi-link device. Correspondingly, the second radio frame receives the third radio frame sent by the first multi-link device.

[0228] Step 806: When the working mode of the above link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device working under the above link is in the first capability communication mode, after the first auxiliary device listens to the second wireless frame and switches to the second capability communication mode, it listens to the fourth wireless frame; the fourth wireless frame identifier: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device.

[0229] When the above-mentioned link operates in eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under the above-mentioned link operates in the second capability communication mode, the first auxiliary device listens to the fourth radio frame.

[0230] Optionally, the descriptions of the first, second, third, and fourth wireless frames can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0231] Optionally, the processes shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 can all be implemented as an independent embodiment, or each step or any combination of steps can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0232] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a signaling procedure for defining a non-AP MLD to enter a low-capacity communication mode, making the non-AP MLD more power-efficient and suitable for UHR requirements. In this method,

[0233] During the process of establishing multiple links with the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD identifies the non-AP STA operating on the established link as being in a low-capability communication mode. Specifically, before negotiating whether the operating mode of the established link is eMLSR mode / eMLMR mode, it can be handled in either method A or method B.

[0234] In the per-link method, during the establishment of a multi-link between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, the per-STA profile field (a brief description of each STA) in the multi-link information element of the transmitted radio frame (the first radio frame mentioned above) carries an identifier bit. This identifier bit indicates that the STA under the corresponding link, in the eMLSR / eMLMR link (i.e., the link operating in eMLSR / eMLMR mode), uses a low-capability communication mode to listen for the initial control frame. Furthermore, the multi-link information element contains multiple per-STA profile fields and Link IDs. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the per-STA profile field, Link ID, and the affiliated STA of the non-AP MLD; that is, each affiliated STA corresponds to one per-STA profile field and one Link ID.

[0235] The communication mode of each affiliated STA under the established link may be different, which may be high-capacity communication mode, low-capacity communication mode or PS mode. After multiple links are established, the affiliated STAs operating under all links except the transmission link of the first radio frame enter PS mode or low-capacity communication mode, and the affiliated STAs operating under the transmission link enter the active state; or, the affiliated STAs under each established link enter low-capacity communication mode according to the information carried in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the affiliated STA in the multi-link information element.

[0236] In the B.MLD level method, that is, during the process of establishing a multi-link with the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD carries identification information in the Common Info field of the multi-link information element of the transmitted radio frame (the first radio frame mentioned above). This identification information indicates that the STAs attached to all established links have entered a low-capability communication mode, that is, it indicates that the STAs under the corresponding link are using a low-capability communication mode to listen for the initial control frame under the eMLSR / eMLMR link.

[0237] After establishing multiple links between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, method C can also be included.

[0238] C. After the multi-link is established, when negotiating the eMLSR / eMLMR link (i.e. the working mode of the link established), carry an identifier bit in the negotiation frame to identify: in the established eMLSR / eMLMR link, (1) which auxiliary devices under the link are in low-capability communication mode and which are in high-capability communication mode, or (2) all links are in low-capability communication mode.

[0239] Specifically, for (1), the auxiliary STA, under the eMLSR / eMLMR link and in low-capacity communication mode, listens for the frame (i.e., the initial control frame) sent by the AP indicating the switch from low-capacity communication mode to high-capacity communication mode. After switching to high-capacity communication mode, it listens for another initial control frame sent by the AP under the link, namely the eMLSR / eMLMR initial frame, to determine the specific communication parameters for communication. The auxiliary STA, under the eMLSR / eMLMR link and in high-capacity communication mode, listens for another initial control frame sent by the AP, namely the eMLSR / eMLMR initial frame, to determine the specific communication parameters for communication.

[0240] For (2), the auxiliary STA under the eMLSR / eMLMR link and in low-capability communication mode listens for the frame (i.e., the initial control frame) sent by the AP to switch from low-capability communication mode to high-capability communication mode. After switching to high-capability communication mode, it listens for another initial control frame sent by the AP under the link, i.e., the eMLSR / eMLMR initial frame, to determine the specific communication parameters for communication.

[0241] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a signaling flow for defining a non-AP MLD to enter a low-capacity communication mode, making the non-AP MLD more power-efficient and suitable for UHR requirements. The method includes steps A1 and B1:

[0242] Step A1: During the multi-link establishment process with the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD identifies the non-AP STA operating on the established link as being in a low-capability communication mode. Specifically, before negotiating whether the operating mode of the established link is eMLSR / eMLMR, the non-AP MLD uses a per-link approach. Specifically, during the multi-link establishment process with the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD carries an identifier bit in the per-STA profile field of the multi-link information element in the transmitted radio frame (the aforementioned first radio frame). This identifier bit indicates that the STA under the corresponding link, in the eMLSR / eMLMR link (i.e., the link operating in eMLSR / eMLMR mode), is using a low-capability communication mode to listen for the initial control frame. Furthermore, the multi-link information element contains multiple per-STA profile fields and Link IDs. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the per-STA profile fields, Link IDs, and the non-AP MLD's affiliated STAs; that is, each affiliated STA corresponds to one per-STA profile field and one Link ID.

[0243] The communication mode of each affiliated STA under the established link may be different, which may be high-capacity communication mode, low-capacity communication mode or PS mode. After multiple links are established, the affiliated STAs operating under all links except the transmission link of the first radio frame enter PS mode or low-capacity communication mode, and the affiliated STAs operating under the transmission link enter the active state; or, the affiliated STAs under each established link enter low-capacity communication mode according to the information carried in the per-STA profile field corresponding to the affiliated STA in the multi-link information element.

[0244] Step B1: After the multi-link is established, when negotiating the eMLSR / eMLMR link (i.e., the working mode of the link established), carry an identifier bit in the negotiation frame to identify: in the established eMLSR / eMLMR link, (1) which auxiliary devices under the link are in low-capability communication mode and which are in high-capability communication mode, or (2) all links are in low-capability communication mode.

[0245] Specifically, for (1), the auxiliary STA, under the eMLSR / eMLMR link and in low-capacity communication mode, listens for the frame (i.e., the initial control frame) sent by the AP indicating the switch from low-capacity communication mode to high-capacity communication mode. After switching to high-capacity communication mode, it listens for another initial control frame sent by the AP under the link, namely the eMLSR / eMLMR initial frame, to determine the specific communication parameters for communication. The auxiliary STA, under the eMLSR / eMLMR link and in high-capacity communication mode, listens for another initial control frame sent by the AP, namely the eMLSR / eMLMR initial frame, to determine the specific communication parameters for communication.

[0246] For (2), the auxiliary STA under the eMLSR / eMLMR link and in low-capability communication mode listens for the frame (i.e., the initial control frame) sent by the AP to switch from low-capability communication mode to high-capability communication mode. After switching to high-capability communication mode, it listens for another initial control frame sent by the AP under the link, i.e., the eMLSR / eMLMR initial frame, to determine the specific communication parameters for communication.

[0247] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a signaling flow for defining a non-AP MLD to enter a low-capability communication mode, making the non-AP MLD more power-efficient and suitable for UHR requirements. The method includes steps A2 and B2.

[0248] A1: During the process of establishing a multi-link with the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD identifies that the non-AP STA operating on the established link is in a low-capability communication mode. That is, before negotiating whether the operating mode of the established link is eMLSR mode / eMLMR mode, the non-AP MLD carries identification information in the Common Info field of the multi-link information element of the transmitted radio frame (the first radio frame mentioned above) during the process of establishing a multi-link with the AP MLD. This identification information indicates that all STAs attached to the established links have entered a low-capability communication mode. In other words, it indicates that the STA under the corresponding link is using a low-capability communication mode to listen for the initial control frame under the eMLSR / eMLMR link.

[0249] After a non-AP MLD establishes multiple links with an AP MLD, when negotiating the eMLSR / eMLMR link (i.e., the working mode of the link established through negotiation), an identifier bit is carried in the negotiation frame. This identifier bit indicates that in the established eMLSR / eMLMR link, (1) which auxiliary devices under the link are in low-capability communication mode and which are in high-capability communication mode, or (2) all links are in low-capability communication mode.

[0250] Specifically, for (1), the auxiliary STA, under the eMLSR / eMLMR link and in low-capacity communication mode, listens for the frame (i.e., the initial control frame) sent by the AP indicating the switch from low-capacity communication mode to high-capacity communication mode. After switching to high-capacity communication mode, it listens for another initial control frame sent by the AP under the link, namely the eMLSR / eMLMR initial frame, to determine the specific communication parameters for communication. The auxiliary STA, under the eMLSR / eMLMR link and in high-capacity communication mode, listens for another initial control frame sent by the AP, namely the eMLSR / eMLMR initial frame, to determine the specific communication parameters for communication.

[0251] For (2), the auxiliary STA under the eMLSR / eMLMR link and in low-capability communication mode listens for the frame (i.e., the initial control frame) sent by the AP to switch from low-capability communication mode to high-capability communication mode. After switching to high-capability communication mode, it listens for another initial control frame sent by the AP under the link, i.e., the eMLSR / eMLMR initial frame, to determine the specific communication parameters for communication.

[0252] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to those 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.

[0253] 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.”

[0254] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] 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.

[0258] 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 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 501 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 502 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 601 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 701 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 702 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 703 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 704 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 705 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 706 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 801 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 802 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 803 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 804 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 805 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 806 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.The combination of steps 201 and 202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, and 301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 301, and 401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 501, and 502 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 301, 401, 501, 502, and 601 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 201, 202, 301, 401, 501, 502, and 601 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 701 and 702 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 701, 702, and 703 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 704 and 705 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; steps 701 and 702... The combination of steps 703, 704, and 705 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 704, 705, and 706 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, and 706 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 801 and 802 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 801, 802, and 803 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 804 and 805 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 801, 802, 803, 804, and 805 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 804, 805, and 806 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, and 806 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0259] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG8 may be referred to.

[0260] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0261] As shown in Figure 9, the above method can be applied to the first multi-link device, and the method includes:

[0262] Step 901, determine a first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, wherein the multi-link information element includes: first identification information corresponding to the Link ID of each of the links;

[0264] The first identification information indicates whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link corresponding to the link ID has entered the first capability communication mode.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first identification information further identifies: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, which includes a Common Info field. The Common Info field includes second identification information, which identifies whether the first auxiliary device operating on all established links has entered a first capability communication mode.

[0267] Step 902: Send the first radio frame to the second multi-link device.

[0268] In some embodiments, after sending the second radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes:

[0269] After establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating in the at least one link and under the transmission link of the first wireless frame enters an active state or a first capability communication mode, and the first auxiliary devices under other links enter the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameter information identified by their corresponding first identification information.

[0270] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0271] The first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode listens for the second wireless frame;

[0272] The second wireless frame is used to trigger the first auxiliary device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0273] In some embodiments, after sending the first radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes:

[0274] Determine a third radio frame; the third radio frame is used to: negotiate whether the operating mode of the link is enhanced multilink single radio eMLSR mode or enhanced multilink multiple radio eMLMR mode;

[0275] The third radio frame is sent to the second multi-link device.

[0276] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of third identification information and fourth identification information corresponding to the link.

[0277] The third identification information indicates whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode;

[0278] The fourth identification information identifies the communication mode of the first auxiliary device operating under the link; the communication mode includes at least a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

[0279] In some embodiments, after sending the second radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0280] When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the first capability communication mode, after the first auxiliary device detects the second radio frame and switches to the second capability communication mode, it listens for the fourth radio frame; the fourth radio frame identifies the communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device.

[0281] When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the second capability communication mode, the first auxiliary device listens for the fourth radio frame.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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 901 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step 902 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and the combination of step 901 and step 902 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0284] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG9 may be referred to.

[0285] Figure 10 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0286] As shown in Figure 10, the above method can be applied to a second multi-link device, and the method includes:

[0287] Step 1001: Receive a first radio frame sent by the first multi-link device; wherein, the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element including: first identification information corresponding to the Link ID of each link;

[0289] The first identification information indicates whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link corresponding to the Link ID has entered the first capability communication mode.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first identification information further identifies: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

[0291] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, which includes a Common Info field. The Common Info field includes second identification information, which identifies whether a first auxiliary device operating under the link has entered a first capability communication mode.

[0292] In some embodiments, after sending the first radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes:

[0293] After establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating in the at least one link and under the transmission link of the first wireless frame enters an active state or a first capability communication mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under other links enters the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameter information identified by its corresponding first identification information.

[0294] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0295] The first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode listens for the second wireless frame;

[0296] The second wireless frame is used to trigger the first auxiliary device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0297] In some embodiments, the method of receiving a first radio frame sent by a first multi-link device further includes:

[0298] The third radio frame sent by the first multi-link device is received; the third radio frame is used to negotiate whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode.

[0299] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of third identification information and fourth identification information corresponding to the link:

[0300] The third identification information indicates whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode;

[0301] The fourth identification information identifies the communication mode of the first auxiliary device operating under the link; the communication mode includes at least a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

[0302] In some embodiments, after sending the second radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0303] When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the first capability communication mode, after the first auxiliary device detects the second radio frame and switches to the second capability communication mode, it listens for the fourth radio frame; the fourth radio frame identifies the communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device.

[0304] When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the second capability communication mode, the first auxiliary device listens for the fourth radio frame.

[0305] 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.

[0306] 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.

[0307] 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.

[0308] 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.

[0309] 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).

[0310] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first multi-link device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first multi-link device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 11, the first multi-link device 1100 may include at least one of a processing module 1101, a transceiver module 1102, etc.

[0311] In some embodiments, the processing module 1101 is configured to determine a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is less in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode; and the transceiver module 1102 is configured to send the first radio frame to the second multi-link device.

[0312] Optionally, the processing module 1101 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, but not limited thereto) executed by the first multi-link device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The transceiver module 1102 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps 202, 502, 702, but not limited thereto) executed by the first multi-link device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0313] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor and the determination module, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver, the sending module, and the receiving module.

[0314] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second multi-link device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The second multi-link device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the second multi-link device 1200 may include a transceiver module 1201.

[0315] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1201 is configured to receive a first radio frame sent by a first multi-link device; wherein the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0316] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps 202, 502, and 801, but not limited thereto) executed by the second multi-link device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0317] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor and the determination module, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver and the sending module.

[0318] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1300 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 1300 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 1300 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.

[0319] As shown in Figure 13, the communication device 1300 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 1300 includes one or more processors 1301. The processor 1301 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 1300 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 1301 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 1300 to execute any of the above methods.

[0320] In some embodiments, the communication device 1300 further includes one or more transceivers 1302. When the communication device 1300 includes one or more transceivers 1302, the transceivers 1302 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 202, 502, 702, 705, 802, 805, 902, 1001, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1301 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 703, 704, 706, 801, 802, 803, 804, 806, 901, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceivers may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitter unit, transmitter, and transmitter circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiver unit, receiver, and receiver circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0321] In some embodiments, the communication device 1300 further includes one or more memories 1303 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 1301 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 1303 to cause the communication device 1300 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 1303 may also be located outside the communication device 1300. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 1300 may include one or more interface circuits 1304. Optionally, the interface circuit 1304 is connected to the memory 1302 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 1302 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 1302 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 1304 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 1302 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 1301.

[0322] The communication device 1300 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 1300 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 1300 may not be limited by FIG13. 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.

[0323] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 1400 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 1300 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 1400 shown in Figure 14 can be referenced, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0324] Chip 1400 includes one or more processors 1401. Chip 1400 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0325] In some embodiments, chip 1400 further includes one or more interface circuits 1402. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 1400 further includes one or more memories 1403 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1403 may be located outside of chip 1400. Optionally, interface circuit 1402 is connected to memory 1403, and interface circuit 1402 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 1403 or other devices, and interface circuit 1402 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 1403 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 1402 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 1403 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 1401.

[0326] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1402 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 202, 502, 702, 705, 802, 805, 902, 1001, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 1402 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 1402 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 1401, chip 1400, memory 1403, or transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 1401 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 703, 704, 706, 801, 802, 803, 804, 806, 901, but not limited thereto).

[0327] 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.

[0328] 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.

[0329] 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.

[0330] 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, Performed by a first multi-link device, the method includes: A first radio frame is determined; wherein the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode; The first radio frame is sent to the second multi-link device.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, wherein the multi-link information element includes: first identification information corresponding to the LinkID of each link; The first identification information indicates whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link corresponding to the linkID has entered the first capability communication mode.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first identification information also identifies the communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

4. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first radio frame includes a multi-link information element, which includes a Common Info field. The Common Info field includes second identification information, which identifies whether the first auxiliary device operating on all established links has entered the first capability communication mode.

5. The communication method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, After sending the second radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes: After establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating in the at least one link and under the transmission link of the first wireless frame enters an active state or a first capability communication mode, and the first auxiliary devices under other links enter the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameter information identified by their corresponding first identification information.

6. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode listens for the second wireless frame; The second wireless frame is used to trigger the first auxiliary device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

7. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, After sending the first radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes: Determine a third radio frame; the third radio frame is used to: negotiate whether the operating mode of the link is enhanced multilink single radio eMLSR mode or enhanced multilink multiple radio eMLMR mode; The third radio frame is sent to the second multi-link device.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third radio frame includes at least one of a third identification information and a fourth identification information corresponding to the link. The third identification information indicates whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode; The fourth identification information identifies the communication mode of the first auxiliary device operating under the link; the communication mode includes at least a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

9. The communication method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, After sending the second radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes at least one of the following: When the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device working under the link is in the first capability communication mode, after the first auxiliary device listens to the second radio frame and switches to the second capability communication mode, it listens to the fourth radio frame. The fourth wireless frame identifier: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device; When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the second capability communication mode, the first auxiliary device listens for the fourth radio frame.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a second multi-link device, the method includes: The system receives a first radio frame sent by a first multi-link device; wherein the first radio frame is used to negotiate the establishment of at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; the first radio frame identifies that a first auxiliary device operating under at least one of the links and attached to the first multi-link device has entered a first capability communication mode; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, wherein the multi-link information element includes: first identification information corresponding to the LinkID of each link; The first identification information indicates whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link corresponding to the LinkID has entered the first capability communication mode.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first identification information also identifies the communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode.

13. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, which includes a Common Info field. The Common Info field includes second identification information, which indicates whether the first auxiliary device operating under the link has entered the first capability communication mode.

14. The communication method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, After sending the first radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes: After establishing at least one link between the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device, the first auxiliary device operating in the at least one link and under the transmission link of the first wireless frame enters an active state or a first capability communication mode, and the first auxiliary device operating under other links enters the first capability communication mode according to the communication parameter information identified by its corresponding first identification information.

15. The communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first auxiliary device in the first capability communication mode listens for the second wireless frame; The second wireless frame is used to trigger the first auxiliary device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

16. The communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The method for receiving the first radio frame sent by the first multi-link device further includes: The third radio frame sent by the first multi-link device is received; the third radio frame is used to negotiate whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The third radio frame includes at least one of a third identification information and a fourth identification information corresponding to the link: The third identification information indicates whether the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode; The fourth identification information identifies the communication mode of the first auxiliary device operating under the link; the communication mode includes at least a first capability communication mode or a second capability communication mode.

18. The communication method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, After sending the second radio frame to the second multi-link device, the method further includes at least one of the following: When the working mode of the link is eMLSR mode or eMLMR mode, and the first auxiliary device working under the link is in the first capability communication mode, after the first auxiliary device listens to the second radio frame and switches to the second capability communication mode, it listens to the fourth radio frame. The fourth wireless frame identifier: communication parameter information of the first auxiliary device; When the link is operating in eMLSR or eMLMR mode and the first auxiliary device operating under the link is in the second capability communication mode, the first auxiliary device listens for the fourth radio frame.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or any one of claims 10 to 18.

20. A communication system, characterized in that, Including the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device; The first device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the second device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

21. 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 9, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

22. 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 9, or the communication method of any one of claims 10 to 18.

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