CN116471641A

CN116471641A - Method, device, electronic equipment and storage medium for dynamic link switching

Info

Publication number: CN116471641A
Application number: CN202210030418.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吴昊; 尹蕾
Original assignee: Jimi Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Jimi Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-12
Filing date: 2022-01-12
Publication date: 2023-07-21

Abstract

The application discloses a method, a device, electronic equipment and a storage medium for dynamic link switching. The method comprises the following steps: the method comprises the steps that a first multi-link device sends a first message to a second multi-link device, and the first message indicates that an enhanced multi-link single-wireless operation mode is enabled, wherein the first multi-link device comprises a first logic entity and a second logic entity; the second logical entity does not transmit or receive data on the second link during the time that the first logical entity transmits data to or receives data transmitted by the second multi-link device on the first link. The method and the device are based on control of single link data receiving and transmitting, so that the multi-link device can dynamically perform link switching, idle time periods on a plurality of links can be effectively used, and compared with the existing multi-link transmission mode and the traditional single-link transmission mode, the transmission rate is improved, and the transmission delay is reduced.

Description

Method, device, electronic equipment and storage medium for dynamic link switching

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a method, an apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium for dynamic link switching.

Background

The 802.11be system, also known as the Extremely High Throughput (EHT) system, enhances functionality through a range of system characteristics and mechanisms to achieve extremely high throughput. As the use of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) continues to grow, it is increasingly important to provide wireless data services in many environments, such as homes, businesses, and hotspots. In particular, video traffic will continue to be the dominant traffic type in many WLAN deployments. The throughput requirements of these applications are evolving due to the advent of 4k and 8k video (20 Gbps uncompressed rate). New high throughput, low latency applications such as virtual or augmented reality, gaming, remote offices, and cloud computing will proliferate (e.g., latency for real-time gaming is less than 5 milliseconds).

In view of the high throughput and stringent real-time delay requirements of these applications, users desire to support their applications over a WLAN with higher throughput, higher reliability, less delay and jitter, and higher power efficiency. Users desire improved integration with Time Sensitive Networks (TSNs) to support applications on heterogeneous ethernet and wireless LANs. The 802.11be network aims to ensure the competitiveness of WLAN by further improving the overall throughput and reducing the delay while ensuring backward compatibility and coexistence with legacy technology standards. 802.11 compatible devices operating in the 2.4GHz,5GHz and 6GHz frequency bands.

Disclosure of Invention

When data transmission is performed between the multi-link terminal and the multi-link access device, in an ideal state, that is, when each link is idle, the data receiving and transmitting are performed by the multiple links at the same time, so that the transmission rate can be greatly improved and the transmission delay can be reduced. In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a method, an apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium for dynamic link switching.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for dynamic link switching, which is applied to a first multi-link device, where the first multi-link device includes a first logic entity and a second logic entity, the first logic entity operates on a first link, and the second logic entity operates on a second link, and includes:

The method comprises the steps that a first multi-link device sends a first message to a second multi-link device, wherein the first message is used for indicating that an enhanced multi-link single wireless operation mode is enabled;

during the period that a first logic entity transmits data to the second multi-link equipment or receives data transmitted by the second multi-link equipment on a first link, the working frequency band of a second antenna used by the second logic entity on the second link is adjusted to the frequency band where the first link is positioned, and the second antenna and the first antenna used by the first logic entity on the first link are used for transmitting or receiving data on the first link together; after the data is sent or received, the working frequency band of the second antenna is adjusted back to the frequency band where the second link is located; or,

during the period that a second logic entity transmits data to a second multi-link device or receives data transmitted by the second multi-link device on a second link, the working frequency band of a first antenna used by a first logic entity on a first link is adjusted to the frequency band where the second link is located, and the first antenna and a second antenna used by the second logic entity on the second link are used for transmitting or receiving data together on the second link; and after the data is sent or received, the working frequency band of the first antenna is adjusted back to the frequency band where the first link is located.

In one possible implementation, after the first multilink device sends the first message to the second multilink device, the method further includes:

the first logic entity monitors a first link by using a first antenna, and the second logic entity monitors a second link by using a second antenna;

if the first link is idle, the first logic entity executes a contention access process, and after obtaining a transmission opportunity, the first logic entity transmits data to the second multi-link device on the first link;

and if the second link is idle, the second logic entity executes a contention access process, and after obtaining the sending opportunity, the second logic entity sends data to the second multi-link device on the second link.

if a first logic entity receives a trigger message of a ready-to-send type sent by the second multi-link device on a first link, the first logic entity receives data sent by the second multi-link device on the first link;

And if the second logic entity receives a trigger message of a ready-to-send type sent by the second multi-link device on a second link, the second logic entity receives data sent by the second multi-link device on the second link.

In one possible implementation, before the first multilink device sends the first message to the second multilink device, the method further includes:

the first multilink device sends a second message to the second multilink device, wherein the second message comprises at least one of the following items: an indication of whether the first multilink device supports enhanced multilink single wireless operation capability, an indication of a delay time to transition from a current mode to an enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode, and an indication that the first link and the second link are for the enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode;

when the second message includes an indication of a delay time for converting from the current mode to the enhanced multi-link single radio operation mode, the logic entity obtaining the transmission opportunity waits for the delay time to transmit data to the second multi-link device on the corresponding link after obtaining the transmission opportunity, or the logic entity receiving the trigger message waits for a short inter-frame interval time after receiving the trigger message, transmits a ready-to-receive message to the second multi-link device, then waits for the short inter-frame interval time and the delay time, receives data transmitted by the second multi-link device on the corresponding link, or the logic entity receiving the trigger message waits for the short inter-frame interval time and the delay time after receiving the trigger message, transmits the ready-to-receive message to the second multi-link device, and then receives data transmitted by the second multi-link device on the corresponding link after waiting for the short inter-frame interval time.

In one possible implementation manner, the first multi-link device is a terminal device, the second multi-link device is an access device, the second message is a connection request message, and after the first multi-link device sends the second message to the second multi-link device, the method further includes:

and the first multi-link device receives a connection response message sent by the second multi-link device, wherein the connection response message indicates that connection establishment is agreed.

the first multilink device receives a response message of the first message sent by the second multilink device, wherein the response message is used for indicating agreement to operate in an enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for dynamic link switching, applied to a second multi-link device, where the second multi-link device includes a third logic entity and a fourth logic entity, the third logic entity operates on a first link, and the fourth logic entity operates on a second link, and includes:

the second multi-link device receives a first message sent by the first multi-link device, wherein the first message is used for indicating that the enhanced multi-link single wireless operation mode is started;

During the period that the third logic entity transmits data to the first multi-link device on the first link, adjusting the data transmitted to the first multi-link device by the fourth logic entity on the second link to the third logic entity, and transmitting the data to the first multi-link device on the first link by using the third logic entity; or,

and during the period that the fourth logic entity transmits data to the first multi-link device on the second link, adjusting the data transmitted by the third logic entity to the fourth logic entity on the first link to transmit data to the first multi-link device on the second link by using the fourth logic entity.

In one possible implementation, before the second multilink device receives the first message sent by the first multilink device, the method further includes:

the second multilink device receives a second message sent by the first multilink device, wherein the second message comprises at least one of the following items: an indication of whether the first multilink device supports enhanced multilink single wireless operation capability, an indication of a delay time to transition from a current mode to an enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode, and an indication that the first link and the second link are for the enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode;

When the second message includes an indication of a delay time for switching from the current mode to the enhanced multi-link single wireless operation mode, after the second multi-link device receives the first message sent by the first multi-link device, the method further includes:

a third logic entity or a fourth logic entity sends a trigger message of a ready-to-send type to the first multi-link device on a corresponding link; the logic entity sending the trigger message receives the ready-to-receive message sent by the first multi-link device after waiting for a short inter-frame interval time, then sends data to the first multi-link device on a corresponding link after waiting for the short inter-frame interval time and the delay time, or receives the ready-to-receive message sent by the first multi-link device after waiting for the short inter-frame interval time and the delay time after sending the trigger message, and then sends data to the first multi-link device on the corresponding link after waiting for the short inter-frame interval time.

In one possible implementation manner, the first multi-link device is a terminal device, the second multi-link device is an access device, the second message is a connection request message, and after the second multi-link device receives the second message sent by the first multi-link device, the method further includes:

And the second multi-link device sends a connection response message to the first multi-link device, wherein the connection response message indicates that connection establishment is agreed.

In one possible implementation manner, after the second multilink device receives the first message sent by the first multilink device, the method further includes:

the second multilink device sends a response message to the first multilink device for the first message indicating approval to operate in the enhanced multilink single radio mode of operation.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an apparatus for dynamic link switching, which is applied to a first multi-link device, where the first multi-link device includes a first logic entity and a second logic entity, the first logic entity operates on a first link, and the second logic entity operates on a second link, and includes:

a communication module for transmitting, by a first multilink device, a first message to a second multilink device, the first message indicating that an enhanced multilink single wireless mode of operation is enabled;

the processing module is used for adjusting the working frequency band of a second antenna used by a second logic entity on a second link to the frequency band where the first link is located during the process that the first logic entity sends data to the second multi-link device on the first link or receives data sent by the second multi-link device, and the second antenna and the first antenna used by the first logic entity on the first link are used for sending or receiving data on the first link together; after the data is sent or received, the working frequency band of the second antenna is adjusted back to the frequency band where the second link is located; or,

The method comprises the steps that during the process that a second logic entity sends data to a second multi-link device on a second link or receives data sent by the second multi-link device, the working frequency range of a first antenna used by a first logic entity on a first link is adjusted to the frequency range where the second link is located, and the first antenna and a second antenna used by the second logic entity on the second link are used for sending or receiving data together on the second link; and after the data is sent or received, the working frequency band of the first antenna is adjusted back to the frequency band where the first link is located.

In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

monitoring a first link by a first logic entity through a first antenna, and monitoring a second link by a second logic entity through a second antenna;

if the first link is idle, performing a contention access process by a first logic entity, and after a transmission opportunity is obtained, transmitting data to the second multi-link device on the first link by the first logic entity;

and if the second link is idle, performing a contention access procedure through a second logic entity, and after obtaining the sending opportunity, sending data to the second multi-link device through the second logic entity on the second link.

In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

if a first logic entity receives a trigger message of a ready-to-send type sent by the second multi-link device on a first link, receiving data sent by the second multi-link device on the first link through the first logic entity;

and if the second logic entity receives a trigger message of a ready-to-send type sent by the second multi-link device on a second link, receiving data sent by the second multi-link device on the second link through the second logic entity.

In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to:

transmitting, by the first multilink device, a second message to the second multilink device, the second message including at least one of: an indication of whether the first multilink device supports enhanced multilink single wireless operation capability, an indication of a delay time to transition from a current mode to an enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode, and an indication that the first link and the second link are for the enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode;

When the second message includes an indication of a delay time for converting from the current mode to the enhanced multi-link single radio operation mode, the logic entity receiving the trigger message waits for the delay time after obtaining the transmission opportunity and then transmits data to the second multi-link device on a corresponding link, or the logic entity receiving the trigger message waits for a short inter-frame interval time after receiving the trigger message and then transmits a ready-to-receive message to the second multi-link device, and then waits for the short inter-frame interval time and the delay time and then receives data transmitted by the second multi-link device on a corresponding link, or the logic entity receiving the trigger message waits for a short inter-frame interval time and the delay time after receiving the trigger message and then transmits the ready-to-receive message to the second multi-link device on a corresponding link.

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an apparatus for dynamic link switching, which is applied to a second multi-link device, where the second multi-link device includes a third logic entity and a fourth logic entity, the third logic entity operates on a first link, and the fourth logic entity operates on a second link, and includes:

A communication module configured to receive, by a second multi-link device, a first message sent by a first multi-link device, the first message being configured to indicate that an enhanced multi-link single wireless mode of operation is enabled;

a processing module configured to adjust, during transmission of data to the first multi-link device over a first link by a third logical entity, data transmitted by a fourth logical entity to the first multi-link device over a second link to the third logical entity, data transmitted to the first multi-link device over the first link using the third logical entity; or,

during the transmission of data to the first multi-link device over the second link by the fourth logical entity, the data transmitted by the third logical entity over the first link to the first multi-link device is adjusted to the fourth logical entity, and the data is transmitted over the second link to the first multi-link device using the fourth logical entity.

receiving, by a second multilink device, a second message sent by the first multilink device, where the second message includes at least one of: an indication of whether the first multilink device supports enhanced multilink single wireless operation capability, an indication of a delay time to transition from a current mode to an enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode, and an indication that the first link and the second link are for the enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode;

When an indication of a delay time to transition from a current mode to an enhanced multi-link single radio mode of operation is included in the second message, the communication module is further configured to:

sending a trigger message of a ready-to-send type to the first multilink device on a corresponding link by a third logical entity or a fourth logical entity; after the logic entity sending the trigger message sends the trigger message, after waiting for a short inter-frame interval time, the logic entity receiving the trigger message receives a ready-to-receive message sent by the first multi-link device, then after waiting for the short inter-frame interval time and the delay time, data is sent to the first multi-link device on a corresponding link, or after the logic entity sending the trigger message sends the trigger message, after waiting for the short inter-frame interval time and the delay time, the logic entity receiving the ready-to-receive message sent by the first multi-link device, then after waiting for the short inter-frame interval time, data is sent to the first multi-link device on the corresponding link.

In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide an electronic device comprising a memory, a processor and a computer program stored on the memory, the processor executing the computer program to implement the steps of the method of any one of the first to second aspects.

In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method of any of the first to second aspects.

In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method of any one of the first to second aspects.

It should be noted that, the apparatus according to the third aspect is configured to implement the method according to the first aspect, the apparatus according to the fourth aspect is configured to implement the method according to the second aspect, the electronic device according to the fifth aspect, the storage medium according to the sixth aspect, and the computer program product according to the seventh aspect are configured to perform the method provided in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect, so that the same advantages as those of the first aspect or the second aspect can be achieved, and embodiments of the present application will not be repeated.

The method and the device are based on control of single link data receiving and transmitting, so that the multi-link device can dynamically perform link switching, idle time periods on a plurality of links can be effectively used, and compared with the existing multi-link transmission mode and the traditional single-link transmission mode, the transmission rate is improved, and the transmission delay is reduced.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic architecture diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for dynamic link switching according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

In order to better understand the technical solutions in the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below, and it is obvious that the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, not all embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the present application. While the disclosure has been presented in terms of an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it should be appreciated that the various aspects of the disclosure can be individually identified as a complete set of aspects. The following embodiments and features of the embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict.

In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more. In order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "first," "second," etc. are used to distinguish identical items or similar items having substantially the same function and effect, and those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first," "second," etc. do not limit the number and execution order, but merely illustrate and distinguish between the objects to be described, without dividing the order, and without indicating that the number of devices in the embodiments of the present application is not particularly limited, and cannot constitute any limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

It should be noted that the multi-link device includes a plurality of logic entities, each logic entity performs data transmission through a link, and each logic entity includes an independent data transceiver module. The single-link device has only one logical entity and only one MAC address, while the multi-link device has one MAC address for each logical entity affiliated to the multi-link device, e.g., a multi-link device operates with three logical entities, then there are four MAC addresses on this physical device, one for the multi-link device and one for each of the three logical entities.

Fig. 1 is a schematic architecture diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 1, the communication system includes a first multilink device 101 and a second multilink device 102. The first multi-link device 101 in the embodiment of the present application may be connected to the second multi-link device 102 in a wireless manner, that is, the first multi-link device 101 may communicate with the second multi-link device 102 through a wireless network. The first multilink device 101 may support an EMLSR (enhanced multilink single radio operation) mode, which means that the device establishes a multilink connection, but only one of the links is used for transmitting data in the same period, and the link for transmitting data per period is not fixed. It should be understood that fig. 1 is only a schematic architecture of a communication system, and the number of first multi-link devices and the number of second multi-link devices in the communication system are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

In this embodiment of the present application, the first multi-link device 101 and the second multi-link device 102 may be both terminal devices, or the first multi-link device 101 is a terminal device, and the second multi-link device 102 is an access device, such as an access point, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "Access Point (AP)" in accordance with the principles and functions described herein may also be used to describe an access port or any other device capable of receiving and transmitting wireless signals within a network architecture, and thus, the use of an access point is merely exemplary.

In this embodiment, the first multi-link device 101 is a terminal device Non-AP MLD, and the second multi-link device 102 is an access point AP MLD, where the Non-AP MLD includes two logical entities STA1 and STA2, and the AP MLD includes two logical entities (i.e., logical access points) AP1 and AP2, where STA1 and AP1 are connected on a first link1, and STA2 and AP2 are connected on a second link 2. It should be understood that Non-AP MLD and AP MLD may also contain more than two logical entities, and that the number of logical entities contained by both may be different.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for dynamic link switching according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 2, the method for dynamic link switching includes:

201. The Non-AP MLD sends a first message to the AP MLD indicating that EMLSR mode is enabled.

For example, the Non-AP MLD sends EML Operating Mode Notification a message to the AP MLD, which contains the parameter EMLSR Mode and sets the parameter value to 1, indicating that EMLSR Mode is enabled.

202. Non-AP MLD enters EMLSR mode.

Specifically, during the period in which STA1 transmits or receives data on link1, STA2 does not transmit or receive data on link 2. That is, during the period that the STA1 transmits data to the AP MLD on the link1 or receives data transmitted by the AP MLD, the operating frequency band of the second antenna AT2 used by the STA2 on the link2 is adjusted to the frequency band (e.g. 5 GHz) where the link1 is located, and the second antenna AT2 and the first antenna AT1 used by the STA1 on the link1 are used together to transmit or receive data on the link 1; after the data is sent or received, the working frequency band of the second antenna AT2 is adjusted back to the frequency band where link2 is located (such as 2.4 GHz); or,

during the time that STA2 transmits or receives data on link2, STA1 does not transmit or receive data on link 1. That is, during the period that the STA2 transmits data to the AP MLD on the link2 or receives data transmitted by the AP MLD, the operating frequency band of the first antenna AT1 used by the STA1 on the link1 is adjusted to the frequency band where the link2 is located (e.g., 2.4 GHz), and the first antenna AT1 and the second antenna AT2 used by the STA2 on the link2 are used together to transmit or receive data on the link 2; after the data is sent or received, the working frequency band of the first antenna AT1 is adjusted back to the frequency band (e.g. 5 GHz) where link1 is located.

Optionally, the Non-AP MLD enters the EMLSR mode after receiving a response message of the first message sent by the AP MLD, where the response message is used to indicate approval to operate in the EMLSR mode.

In some embodiments, the Non-AP MLD entering EMLSR mode includes:

2001. when Non-AP MLD has data to be sent to AP MLD, STA1 and STA2 synchronously start to monitor links where STA1 and STA2 are located, namely link1 and link2; during this time, STA1 and STA2 monitor whether the link is idle using independent antennas operating on link1 and link2, for example, STA1 monitors whether link1 is idle using antenna AT1 on the frequency band where link1 is located, and STA2 monitors whether link2 is idle using antenna AT2 on the frequency band where link2 is located. It should be noted that, the antenna described in this embodiment may be a single antenna or an antenna array, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

1) If only link1 is idle, STA1 performs a contention access procedure and starts transmitting a data packet after obtaining a transmission opportunity.

During the period when STA1 transmits data on link1, STA2 does not transmit or receive data on link2, by: the working frequency band of the antenna AT2 used by the STA2 on the link2 can be adjusted to the frequency band where the link1 is located, and the working frequency band and the antenna AT1 used by the STA1 on the link1 jointly transmit data, so as to improve the transmission rate, namely, the AT1 and the AT2 jointly transmit data on the link 1.

2) If only link2 is idle, STA2 performs a contention access procedure and starts transmitting a data packet after obtaining a transmission opportunity.

During the period when STA2 transmits data on link2, STA1 does not transmit or receive data on link1, by: the working frequency band of the antenna AT1 used by the STA1 on the link1 can be adjusted to the frequency band where the link2 is located, and the working frequency band and the antenna AT2 used by the STA2 on the link2 jointly transmit data, so as to improve the transmission rate, namely, the AT1 and the AT2 jointly transmit data on the link 2.

3) If link1 and link2 are idle, STA1 and STA2 synchronously execute the contention access procedure, first the logic entity that obtains the transmission opportunity starts to transmit the data packet or any logic entity of the logic entities that obtains the transmission opportunity at the same time starts to transmit the data packet, and the other logic entity stops executing the contention access procedure.

The working frequency band of the AT1 or the AT2 is also adjusted, and the antennas AT1 and AT2 are used for transmitting data together on a link where a logic entity for transmitting data is located. That is, STA2 does not transmit or receive data on link2 during transmission of STA1 on link1, or STA1 does not transmit or receive data on link1 during transmission of STA2 on link2, in the same manner as 1) and 2).

2002. After the Non-AP MLD finishes transmitting data, the working frequency band of the antenna AT1 or the antenna AT2 is adjusted and is reassigned to the STA1 and the STA2 for link monitoring.

2003. During the Non-AP MLD listening process,

1) If STA1 receives a trigger message (such as a trigger message) sent by AP1 on link1 and the trigger message type is MU-RTS (ready to send), STA1 receives data sent by AP1 on link 1.

During the time that STA1 receives data on link1, STA2 does not send or receive data on link2, by: the working frequency band of the antenna AT2 used by the STA2 on the link2 can be adjusted to the frequency band where the link1 is located, and the working frequency band and the antenna AT1 used by the STA1 on the link1 jointly receive data, so as to improve the transmission rate, namely, the AT1 and the AT2 jointly receive data on the link 1.

2) If the STA2 receives a trigger message (such as a trigger message) sent by the AP2 on the link2 and the trigger message type is MU-RTS (ready to send), the STA2 receives data sent by the AP1 on the link 2.

During the time that STA2 receives data on link2, STA1 does not transmit or receive data on link1, by: the working frequency band of the antenna AT1 used by the STA1 on the link1 can be adjusted to the frequency band where the link2 is located, and the working frequency band and the antenna AT2 used by the STA2 on the link2 jointly receive data, so as to improve the transmission rate, namely, the AT1 and the AT2 jointly receive data on the link 2.

203. And after the AP MLD receives the first message, receiving data sent by the Non-AP MLD or sending data to the Non-AP MLD.

Specifically, if the Non-AP MLD transmits data to the AP MLD on link1 through STA1, the AP MLD receives the data transmitted by the Non-AP MLD through AP 1; if the Non-AP MLD transmits data to the AP MLD on link2 through the STA2, the AP MLD receives the data transmitted by the Non-AP MLD through the AP 2. If the AP MLD needs to send data to the Non-AP MLD, during the period that the AP1 sends data to the Non-AP MLD on the link1, adjusting the data sent by the AP2 to the Non-AP MLD on the link2 to the AP1, and using the AP1 to send the data to the Non-AP MLD on the link 1; or, during the period that the AP2 transmits data to the Non-AP MLD on the link2, the data transmitted to the Non-AP MLD on the link1 by the AP1 is adjusted to the AP2, and the data is transmitted to the Non-AP MLD on the link2 by the AP 2.

Optionally, after receiving the first message, the AP MLD sends a response message to the Non-AP MLD indicating approval to operate in EMLSR mode. For example, after receiving the EML Operating Mode Notification message sent by the Non-AP MLD, the AP MLD sends EML Operating Mode Notification a message to the Non-AP MLD indicating approval to operate in EMLSR mode.

In some embodiments, the Non-AP MLD also sends a second message to the AP MLD, the second message including at least one of: an indication of whether the first multilink device supports enhanced multilink single wireless operation capability, an indication of a delay time to transition from a current mode to an enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode, and an indication that the first link and the second link are for the enhanced multilink single wireless operation mode. It should be noted that the second message may be the same message as the first message or may be a different message.

When an indication of the delay time to transition from the current mode to the enhanced multi-link single radio mode of operation is included in the second message,

1) The logic entity in the Non-AP MLD, which obtains the sending time, waits for the delay time after obtaining the sending time and then sends data to the AP MLD on the corresponding link, or the logic entity, which receives the trigger message with the MU-RTS, waits for a short inter-frame space time (SIFS) after receiving the trigger message, sends a ready-to-receive message (such as a CTS message) to the AP MLD, then waits for the short inter-frame space time and the delay time, and then receives the data sent by the AP MLD on the corresponding link, or the logic entity, which receives the trigger message with the MU-RTS, waits for the short inter-frame space time and the delay time after receiving the trigger message, sends the ready-to-receive message to the AP MLD, and then waits for the short inter-frame space time and then receives the data sent by the AP MLD on the corresponding link.

2) After receiving the second message, the AP MLD sends a trigger message with the type MU-RTS to the Non-AP MLD on a corresponding link through the AP1 or the AP2 if the data is required to be sent to the Non-AP MLD; after the logic entity sending the trigger message waits for the short inter-frame interval time, the logic entity receives the ready-to-receive message sent by the Non-AP MLD, then waits for the short inter-frame interval time and the delay time, and sends data to the Non-AP MLD on the corresponding link, or the logic entity sending the trigger message with the MU-RTS type receives the ready-to-receive message sent by the Non-AP MLD after waiting for the short inter-frame interval time and the delay time, and then sends data to the Non-AP MLD on the corresponding link after waiting for the short inter-frame interval time.

In one example, the second message may be a connection request message (e.g., association request message). Specifically, the Non-AP MLD sends Association request a message to the AP MLD, which includes a Multi-link element parameter, where the Multi-link element includes:

1) A parameter EMLSRsupport, for example, the value of the parameter is set to 1, which indicates that the terminal device supports the enhanced multi-link single radio capability;

2) A parameter transition delay for indicating a delay time for switching from the current mode to the EMLSR mode;

3) A parameter EMLSR link bitmap, which is used to indicate which links are used for EMLSR operation, is set to indicate that link1 and link2 are involved.

After receiving the connection request message sent by the Non-AP MLD, the AP MLD sends a connection response message (such as Association response message) to the Non-AP MLD, and the connection response message indicates whether to agree to establish connection.

The Non-AP MLD receives Association response information sent by the AP MLD, if Association response information indicates that connection establishment is agreed, the connection establishment is indicated to be successful, and steps 201-203 are executed, for example, when the Non-AP MLD has data to be sent to the AP MLD, according to a link indicated by EMLSR link bitmap parameter in Multi-link element parameters contained in Association request information, namely link1 and link2, STA1 and STA2 synchronously start to monitor the links where the link is located; when the AP MLD has data to be sent to the Non-AP MLD, the data is sent to the Non-AP MLD through the link1 or the link2 according to the link indicated by the EMLSR link bitmap parameter in the Multi-link element parameters contained in the Association request message, namely the link1 and the link2. If the Association response message indicates that the connection is not to be established, this indicates that the connection was not successfully established and steps 201-203 are not performed.

The embodiment of the application also provides a device for dynamic link switching, which is applied to a first multi-link device, wherein the first multi-link device comprises a first logic entity and a second logic entity, the first logic entity operates on a first link, and the second logic entity operates on a second link, and the device comprises:

Optionally, the processing module is further configured to:

Optionally, the communication module is further configured to:

In an alternative example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the apparatus may be specifically referred to as Non-AP MLD in the foregoing embodiment, and the apparatus may be used to perform each flow and/or step corresponding to the Non-AP MLD in the foregoing method, which is not repeated herein.

The embodiment of the application also provides a device for dynamic link switching, which is applied to a second multi-link device, wherein the second multi-link device comprises a third logic entity and a fourth logic entity, the third logic entity operates on the first link, and the fourth logic entity operates on the second link, and the device comprises:

Optionally, the communication module is further configured to:

In an alternative example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above apparatus may be specifically an AP MLD in the above embodiment, and the apparatus may be configured to perform each flow and/or step corresponding to the AP MLD in the above method, which is not repeated herein.

It should be understood that the apparatus herein is embodied in the form of functional modules. The term module herein may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (application specific integrated circuit, ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (e.g., a shared, dedicated, or group processor, etc.) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that support the described functionality. The device has the function of realizing the corresponding steps in the method; the above functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above. In embodiments of the present application, the apparatus may also be a chip or a chip system, for example: system on chip (SoC). The present application is not limited herein.

The embodiment of the application also provides an electronic device, and fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device provided in the embodiment of the application. As shown in fig. 3, the device 300 comprises a processor 301, a memory 302 and a communication interface 303, wherein the processor 301, the memory 302 and the communication interface 303 are in communication with each other via a bus 304, and instructions executable by the processor 301 are stored in the memory 302, and are loaded and executed by the processor 301 to control the communication interface 303 to send signals and/or receive signals.

It should be understood that the apparatus 300 may be specifically a Non-AP MLD or an AP MLD in the foregoing embodiment, or the functions of the Non-AP MLD or the AP MLD in the foregoing embodiment may be integrated in the apparatus 300, and the apparatus 300 may be configured to perform the respective steps and/or flows corresponding to the Non-AP MLD or the AP MLD in the foregoing embodiment. Alternatively, the memory 302 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor 301. A portion of memory 302 may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory 302 may also store information of the device type. The processor 301 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 301, and when the processor 301 executes the instructions, the processor 301 may perform corresponding steps and/or flows in the above-described method embodiments.

It should be appreciated that in embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a central processing unit (centralprocessing unit, CPU), the processor may also be other general purpose processors, digital Signal Processors (DSPs), application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor or the like.

In implementation, the steps of the above method may be performed by integrated logic circuits of hardware in a processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of a method disclosed in connection with the embodiments of the present application may be embodied directly in a hardware processor for execution, or in a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor for execution. The software modules may be located in a random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, programmable read only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. as well known in the art. The storage medium is located in a memory, and the processor executes instructions in the memory to perform the steps of the method described above in conjunction with its hardware. To avoid repetition, a detailed description is not provided herein.

The above embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination. When implemented in software, the above-described embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product comprises one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in accordance with the embodiments of the present application are all or partially produced. The computer may be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website site, computer, server, or data center to another website site, computer, server, or data center by wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that contains one or more sets of available media. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium may be a solid state disk.

It should be understood that, in various embodiments of the present application, the sequence numbers of the foregoing processes do not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution of the processes should be determined by the functions and internal logic thereof, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and components displayed as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, may be located in one place, or may be distributed on a plurality of network modules, and some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purposes of the embodiments of the present application.

In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus, device, and method may be implemented in other manners. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and for example, the division of the modules is merely a logical function division, and there may be other manners of dividing the modules or components into multiple modules or components when actually implemented, or multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted, or not performed. Alternatively, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed with each other may be an indirect coupling or communication connection via some interfaces, devices or modules, which may be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative modules and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, or combinations of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

The foregoing is merely specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think about changes or substitutions within the technical scope of the present application, and the changes and substitutions are intended to be covered by the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of dynamic link switching for a first multi-link device, the first multi-link device comprising a first logical entity and a second logical entity, the first logical entity operating on a first link and the second logical entity operating on a second link, comprising:

2. The method of dynamic link switching according to claim 1, further comprising, after the first multilink device transmits the first message to the second multilink device:

3. The method of dynamic link switching according to claim 1, further comprising, after the first multilink device transmits the first message to the second multilink device:

4. A method of dynamic link switching according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising, before the first multilink device transmits the first message to the second multilink device:

5. The method for dynamic link switching according to claim 4, wherein the first multi-link device is a terminal device, the second multi-link device is an access device, the second message is a connection request message, and after the first multi-link device sends the second message to the second multi-link device, the method further comprises:

6. The method of dynamic link switching according to claim 1, further comprising, after the first multilink device transmits the first message to the second multilink device:

7. A method of dynamic link switching for a second multi-link device, the second multi-link device comprising a third logical entity and a fourth logical entity, the third logical entity operating on a first link and the fourth logical entity operating on a second link, comprising:

8. The method of dynamic link switching as set forth in claim 7, further comprising, before said second multilink device receives the first message sent by the first multilink device:

9. The method for dynamic link switching according to claim 8, wherein the first multi-link device is a terminal device, the second multi-link device is an access device, the second message is a connection request message, and after the second multi-link device receives the second message sent by the first multi-link device, the method further comprises:

10. The method of dynamic link switching as set forth in claim 7, further comprising, after said second multilink device receives the first message sent by the first multilink device:

11. An apparatus for dynamic link switching, applied to a first multi-link device, the first multi-link device comprising a first logical entity and a second logical entity, the first logical entity operating on a first link and the second logical entity operating on a second link, comprising:

12. The apparatus for dynamic link switching as set forth in claim 1, wherein said processing module is further configured to:

13. The apparatus for dynamic link switching as set forth in claim 1, wherein said processing module is further configured to:

14. An apparatus for dynamic link switching as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein said communication module is further adapted to:

15. An apparatus for dynamic link switching applied to a second multi-link device, the second multi-link device comprising a third logical entity and a fourth logical entity, the third logical entity operating on a first link and the fourth logical entity operating on a second link, comprising:

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the communication module is further configured to:

17. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor and a computer program stored on the memory, characterized in that the processor executes the computer program to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-10.

18. A computer readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, characterized in that the computer program, when being executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any of claims 1-10.