WO2023171933A1 - Wireless communication method in wi-fi network, and electronic device for performing same - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a wireless communication method in a Wi-Fi network, and an electronic device and an external device for performing same. An electronic device comprises a communication module for communicating with an external device, and at least one processor for controlling communication, wherein the at least one processor: determines whether switching of a communication connection to an external device other than a currently connected external device is required; when it is determined that switching of the communication connection to another external device is required, activates multi-link operation links; receives a management frame of one or more candidate external devices received through the multi-link operation links; determines a target external device subject to a communication connection, on the basis of the received management frame; and makes a communication connection to the determined target external device.

Description

Method for wireless communication in a Wi-Fi network, and electronic device for performing the same

The embodiments below relate to wireless communication technology in a Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi communication technology is a communication technology that allows electronic devices to connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN), and electronic devices can access the Internet through an access point. Wi-Fi communication technology is evolving day by day with the development of related standards, and recently, research has been actively conducted on communication technology for the 6 GHz frequency band and communication technology that enables broadband wireless connection to multiple electronic devices. It's going on.

Today, Wi-Fi communication is widely used not only in personal spaces such as homes, but also in public places such as companies, campuses, airports, and stadiums. Generally, in a private space, each user installs and uses an access point separately, but in a public space, the access point is installed by a common administrator. One access point usually has coverage of tens of meters, but multiple access points must be installed to provide Wi-Fi service to a specific area or an entire building.

An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a communication module that communicates with an external device; and at least one processor that controls the communication, wherein the at least one processor determines whether it is necessary to switch the communication connection to an external device other than the currently connected external device, and determines whether the communication connection to the other external device is necessary. When it is determined that a switch is necessary, activate multi-link operation links, receive management frames of one or more candidate external devices received through the multi-link operation links, and respond to the received management frames. Based on this, a target external device to perform a communication connection can be determined, and a communication connection can be performed with the determined target external device.

An external device according to an embodiment includes a communication module that communicates with an electronic device; and at least one processor controlling the communication, wherein the at least one processor, when operating a plurality of communication links based on a multi-link operation, connects at least one of the communication links to an adjacent external It can be controlled to set the same channel as the communication link of the device and transmit the management frame of the adjacent external device through the communication link of the same channel.

A wireless communication method performed by an electronic device according to an embodiment includes: determining whether a communication connection needs to be switched to an external device other than the currently connected external device; activating multi-link operation links when it is determined that switching the communication connection to the other external device is necessary; receiving management frames of one or more candidate external devices via the multi-link operating links; determining a target external device to establish a communication connection based on the management frame; And it may include an operation of performing a communication connection with the determined target external device.

1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a Wi-Fi network environment according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of an external device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a multi-link operation between an external device and an electronic device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating transmission of a scanning frame from an adjacent external device through multi-link operation links according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element field according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a multi-link element field according to an embodiment.

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a vendor specific element field according to an embodiment.

Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining operations of a wireless communication method in a Wi-Fi network according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a Wi-Fi network environment according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, a Wi-Fi network (or wireless LAN network) environment 100 may include one or more external devices 110 and 120 and one or more electronic devices 130. The external devices 110 and 120 are devices that provide an Internet connection to the electronic device 130, such as an access point (AP), a mobile hotspot device, or a group owner in Wi-Fi direct. ) It may be a device. The electronic device 130 may also be referred to as a 'station', a 'terminal device', or a 'non-AP device'. The external devices 110 and 120 may perform wireless communication (eg, Wi-Fi communication) with one or more electronic devices within the network according to a wireless communication protocol. The external device 110 and the external device 120 may have a common service set ID (SSID) and security-related settings.

The basic service set (BSS) 115, 125 may include an external device and one or more electronic devices. The external device 110 may communicate with the electronic device 130 within the basic service set 115 corresponding to the external device 110, and the external device 120 may communicate with the electronic device 130 within the basic service set 115 corresponding to the external device 110. (125) Can communicate with electronic devices within. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, only one electronic device 130 is shown for convenience of explanation, and the scope of the embodiment is not limited thereto. Several electronic devices exist within the basic service sets 115 and 125 and can communicate with each external device 110 and 120.

The electronic device 130 may be connected to an external device 110 that performs wireless communication in the coverage area where the electronic device 130 is located and receive Internet services through the external device 110. This electronic device 130 may be of various types. Electronic device 130 may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a tablet computer, a laptop, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a set-top box, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a television, an audio device, It may include refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, air purifiers, copiers, printers, scanners, multifunction devices, gaming devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

The external devices 110 and 120 may perform wireless communication using the same or different communication channels (or frequency bands). Additionally, the external devices 110 and 120 or the electronic device 130 may perform wireless communication using a plurality of communication channels. The plurality of communication channels supported by the external devices 110 and 120 may include a 2.4 GHz band channel, a 5 GHz band channel, and a 6 GHz band channel, but the scope of the embodiment is not limited to the above-described communication channels.

In the Wi-Fi network environment 100, the external devices 110 and 120 may support multi-link operation (MLO). Multi-link operation may be a feature supported by the IEEE 802.11be (WI-FI 7) standard. The external devices 110 and 120 may perform multiple communication channel settings and band settings for multi-link operation. Due to multi-link operation, a plurality of communication links may exist between the electronic device 130 and the external device 110, and a plurality of communication links may also exist between the external device 110 and the external device 120.

Each external device 110 and 120 may transmit (eg, broadcast) a management frame containing communication-related information to one or more electronic devices within the Wi-Fi network environment 100. The management frame may include at least one of a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a discovery frame, and a fast initial link setup (FILS) beacon frame. You can. Each of the external devices 110 and 120 may periodically transmit a beacon frame to inform, for example, a transmission schedule available to one or more electronic devices. The beacon frame may include information about the network operated by the external device (e.g., communication channel information). The external devices 110 and 120 may transmit beacon frames through each communication channel. The external devices 110 and 120 may provide multiple networks even when using the same communication channel.

In one embodiment, the electronic device 130 may receive a management frame transmitted by the external device 110 and attempt to connect to the external device 110 based on information included in the management frame. Here, 'connection' refers to the association between the external device 110 and the electronic device 130, and represents forming a communication link between the external device 110 and the electronic device 130. The connection process between the external device 110 and the electronic device 130 is a process in which the electronic device 130 transmits a probe request signal (or probe request frame) to the external device 110. In response, the external device 110 transmits a probe response signal (or probe response frame) to the electronic device 130, and the electronic device 130 authenticates the external device 110. and a process of requesting a connection. When authentication is completed and the connection is accepted by the external device 110, a connection between the external device 110 and the electronic device 130 may be established.

As the electronic device 130 moves, the distance from the external device 110 connected to the electronic device 130 may increase, and as the distance increases, communication quality may decrease, making normal use of Internet services difficult. In order to continue using the Internet service, the electronic device 130 may switch (or switch) the connection to an external device (or network) that provides the best communication quality at the location where the electronic device 130 is located. For example, the electronic device 130 may attempt to connect from the currently connected external device 110 to another external device 120. This network connection transition may be referred to as 'roaming' or 'wi-fi roaming'.

In one embodiment, when the signal strength of the currently connected external device 110 falls below a set threshold, the electronic device 130 may determine that communication quality has decreased and attempt to switch the communication connection to another external device. Alternatively, if the electronic device 130 determines that the Internet service is currently unavailable, it may attempt to switch the communication connection to another external device. After being connected to Wi-Fi communication through the external device 110, the electronic device 130 can perform various operations such as determining whether the Internet is disconnected and updating the ARP (address resolution protocol) table and route table. there is. Here, the ARP table represents a table that matches IP (internet protocol) addresses and MAC (media access control) addresses on a one-to-one basis. ARP can be used to translate a network layer address (such as an Internet IP address) to a physical address (such as an Ethernet hardware adapter address or MAC address). Meanwhile, the electronic device 130 may check whether the DNS server responds by sending a domain name system (DNS) query to a specific uniform resource locator (URL) address. When the Internet connection is lost, a DNS query timeout or DNS failure occurs in which a response from the DNS server is not received within a certain period of time, and when such a DNS query timeout or DNS failure occurs, the use of Internet services is interrupted. It may be determined to be impossible. If it is determined that the Internet service is unavailable, the electronic device 130 may determine that it is necessary to switch the communication connection to another external device and attempt roaming.

In order for the electronic device 130 to perform roaming, it is necessary to check whether candidate external devices capable of performing connection switching exist around the electronic device 130 and, if so, which candidate external devices are operating. do. This verification can generally be achieved by performing channel scanning. Channel scanning is a candidate for performing connection switching at the location of the electronic device, for example when the electronic device moves away from the external device to which it is currently connected and the quality of communication deteriorates (e.g. when the received signal strength from the external device falls below a threshold). This refers to the process of checking which communication channels external devices are operating on and available communication channels. Channel scanning occurs when an electronic device transmits a probe request frame across all available bands and communication channels, and receives a probe response frame corresponding to the probe request frame from a nearby candidate external device. It may include detecting candidate external devices based on the probe response frame. The electronic device may perform connection switching to a target external device expected to provide the best communication quality among the identified candidate external devices. A method for selecting a target external device, for example, a method of selecting a candidate external device with the best received signal strength as the target external device, based on a factor indicating channel utilization or the capability of the external device. There is a method of selecting a candidate external device expected to have the best communication quality as a target external device based on the method, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. As such, channel scanning requires transmission and reception of frames, and elements used for data transmission and reception (e.g. antenna, radio core) are used for frame transmission and reception, so while performing channel scanning, Sending and receiving data can be difficult. Since the time at which roaming is intended to be performed is generally when the quality of communication with the currently connected external device is poor, temporary inability to transmit or receive data during the channel scanning process may cause significant user experience degradation or user inconvenience.

In the Wi-Fi network environment 100 according to one embodiment, roaming can be efficiently performed based on multi-link operation. External devices (e.g., external device 110 and external device 120) adjacent to each other may operate multiple communication links based on multi-link operation, and may operate at least one communication link among the communication links in the same band and It can be set to the same communication channel. The electronic device 130 operating while connected to the external device 110 does not perform channel scanning at the time it wants to perform roaming, but receives a management frame through a multi-link operation link with the currently connected external device 110. Based on this, a target external device to perform channel switching can be determined. The electronic device 130 can receive a management frame while transmitting and receiving data through a multi-link operation link, and obtains information such as signal strength, channel congestion, and external device capability from the management frame. Based on the information, the target external device expected to provide optimal communication quality can be selected. By performing connection switching to the selected target external device, the electronic device 130 can quickly perform channel switching without causing a state in which data transmission and reception is impossible due to channel scanning.

As above, when roaming, the electronic device 130 searches for a candidate external device for channel switching and connects to the target external device without performing channel scanning to search for nearby external devices (or communication channels). By being able to do so, the time required for roaming can be reduced and the degradation of user experience due to data stall, etc. can be reduced.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device 201 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the network environment 200, the electronic device 201 communicates with the electronic device 202 through the first communication network 298 (e.g., Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi network, short-range wireless communication network), or Alternatively, it may communicate with at least one of the electronic device 204 or the server 208 through the second communication network 299 (eg, a long-distance wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device 201 may correspond to the electronic device 130 of FIG. 1, and the electronic device 202 may correspond to the external device 110 of FIG. 1. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 201 may communicate with the electronic device 204 through the server 208.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 201 includes a processor 220, a memory 230, an input module 250, an audio output module 255, a display module 260, an audio module 270, and a sensor module ( 276), interface 277, connection terminal 278, haptic module 279, camera module 280, power management module 288, battery 289, communication module 290, subscriber identification module 296 , or may include an antenna module 297. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 278) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 201. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module 276, camera module 280, or antenna module 297) are integrated into one component (e.g., display module 260). It can be.

Processor 220, for example, executes software (e.g., program 240) to operate at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 201 connected to processor 220. It can be controlled and various data processing or calculations can be performed. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 220 stores instructions or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 276 or communication module 290) in volatile memory 232. The commands or data stored in the volatile memory 232 can be processed, and the resulting data can be stored in the non-volatile memory 234. According to one embodiment, the processor 220 may include a main processor 221 (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor 223 that can operate independently or together (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural network processing unit ( It may include a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device 201 includes a main processor 221 and a auxiliary processor 223, the auxiliary processor 223 may be set to use lower power than the main processor 221 or be specialized for a designated function. You can. The auxiliary processor 223 may be implemented separately from the main processor 221 or as part of it.

The auxiliary processor 223 may, for example, act on behalf of the main processor 221 while the main processor 221 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or while the main processor 221 is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. ), together with the main processor 221, at least one of the components of the electronic device 201 (e.g., the display module 260, the sensor module 276, or the communication module 290) At least some of the functions or states related to can be controlled. According to one embodiment, coprocessor 223 (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module 280 or communication module 290). there is. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 223 (eg, neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be created through machine learning. This learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device 201 itself on which the artificial intelligence model is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server 208). Learning algorithms may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but It is not limited. An artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), belief deep network (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), It may be one of deep Q-networks or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to hardware structures, artificial intelligence models may additionally or alternatively include software structures.

The memory 230 may store various data used by at least one component (eg, the processor 220 or the sensor module 276) of the electronic device 201. Data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program 240) and instructions related thereto. The memory 230 may store computer-executable instructions. The processor 220 can access the memory 230 and execute corresponding instructions. Memory 230 may include volatile memory 232 or non-volatile memory 234.

The program 240 may be stored as software in the memory 230 and may include, for example, an operating system 242, middleware 244, or application 246. The input module 250 may receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device 201 (e.g., the processor 220) from outside the electronic device 201 (e.g., a user). The input module 250 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (eg, buttons), or digital pen (eg, stylus pen).

The sound output module 255 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 201. The sound output module 255 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. Speakers can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of it.

The display module 260 can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 201 (eg, a user). The display module 260 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module 260 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch.

The audio module 270 can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module 270 acquires sound through the input module 250, the sound output module 255, or an external electronic device (e.g., directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 201). Sound may be output through an electronic device 202 (e.g., speaker or headphone).

The sensor module 276 detects the operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 201 or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. can do. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 276 includes, for example, a position sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, It may include a biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

The interface 277 may support one or more designated protocols that can be used to connect the electronic device 201 directly or wirelessly with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 202). According to one embodiment, the interface 277 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal 278 may include a connector through which the electronic device 201 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 202). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 278 may include, for example, a communication port connector, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 279 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimulation that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 279 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 280 can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 280 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 288 can manage power supplied to the electronic device 201. According to one embodiment, the power management module 288 may be implemented as at least a part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

Battery 289 may supply power to at least one component of electronic device 201. According to one embodiment, the battery 289 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

Communication module 290 provides a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between electronic device 201 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 202, electronic device 204, or server 208). It can support establishment and communication through established communication channels. Communication module 290 operates independently of processor 220 (e.g., an application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 290 is a wireless communication module 292 (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication module, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module ( 294) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the external electronic device 202 is connected to the corresponding communication module through a first communication network 298 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), Wi-Fi direct, or IrDA). Communicate with, and communicate with, an external electronic device (e.g., a telecommunication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)) through a second communication network 299 (e.g., a LAN or WAN). 204). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 292 uses subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 296 to establish a communication network, such as the first communication network 298 or the second communication network 299. The electronic device 201 can be confirmed or authenticated within.

The wireless communication module 292 may support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology provides high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and access to multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low latency). -latency communications)) can be supported. The wireless communication module 292 may support high frequency bands (e.g., mmWave bands), for example, to achieve high data rates. The wireless communication module 292 uses various technologies to secure performance in high frequency bands, for example, beamforming, massive array multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), and full-dimensional multiplexing. It can support technologies such as input/output (FD-MIMO: full dimensional MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 292 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 201, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 204), or a network system (e.g., second communication network 299). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 292 supports Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mmTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing URLLC. Example: Downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each of 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) can be supported.

The antenna module 297 may transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 297 may include an antenna including a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (eg, PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 297 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network such as the first communication network 298 or the second communication network 299 is, for example, connected to the plurality of antennas by the communication module 290. can be selected from Signals or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 290 and an external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (eg, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 297.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 297 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, a mmWave antenna module includes a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (e.g., bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band); And a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to the second side (e.g., top or side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band. can do.

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and signal ( (e.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 201 and the external electronic device 204 through the server 208 connected to the second communication network 299. Each of the external electronic devices 202 or 204 may be of the same or different type as the electronic device 201. According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed in the electronic device 201 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices 202, 204, or 208. For example, when the electronic device 201 needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 201 may perform the function or service instead of executing the function or service on its own. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 201. The electronic device 201 may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology can be used. The electronic device 201 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 204 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

Server 208 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 204 or server 208 may be included in the second network 299. The electronic device 201 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 201 may perform wireless communication (eg, Wi-Fi communication) with an external device in a Wi-Fi network. The electronic device 201 may include a communication module 290 that performs communication with an external device and at least one processor that controls communication with the external device. The at least one processor may include, for example, at least one of the processor 220 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor) and/or a processor included in the communication module 290.

At least one processor may determine whether it is necessary to switch the communication connection to an external device other than the currently connected external device. For example, when the communication quality value with the currently connected external device falls below a threshold, at least one processor may determine that switching the communication connection to another external device is necessary. If it is determined that switching the communication connection to another external device is necessary, the at least one processor may activate multi-link operation (MLO) links. The multi-link operating link may include, for example, at least two of a communication link in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, a communication link in the 5 GHz frequency band, and a communication link in the 6 GHz frequency band.

The communication module 290 may receive a management frame of one or more candidate external devices other than the currently connected external device through multi-link operation links, and at least one processor may receive a management frame of one or more candidate external devices received through multi-link operation links. Management frames from external devices can be received. The management frame may include profile information about a candidate external device of another communication link operating as a multi-link operation link, and the profile information may include information about a capability element of the candidate external device. . For example, at least one processor may obtain information about signal strength, channel congestion, and capabilities (eg, access point capabilities) of each of one or more candidate external devices from a management frame. The management frame may also include information about a vendor specific element indicating whether multi-link operation is supported. At least one processor may determine whether to perform channel scanning based on information on vendor-specific elements including information on signal strength for each frequency band.

At least one processor may determine a target external device to perform a communication connection among one or more candidate external devices based on the management frame, and control the communication connection to be performed to the determined target external device. At least one processor estimates a communication quality value of each of the one or more candidate external devices based on information obtained from the management frame (e.g., signal strength, bandwidth, communication channel, channel congestion, and capability, etc.), and determines the communication quality value. Based on this, the target external device can be determined. At least one processor may estimate a communication quality value based on a predetermined signal strength difference between communication links included in a multi-link operation link, and determine a candidate external device showing the best communication quality value as the target external device. You can.

As described above, when it is determined that a communication connection switch to another external device is necessary, at least one processor may determine the target external device based on the management frame without performing channel scanning to obtain information about the surrounding external device. At least one processor may request authentication and connection to the target external device, and may request allocation of an IP (internet protocol) address to the target external device. The electronic device 201 may provide an Internet service based on an IP address assigned from a target external device.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of an external device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the external device 301 may perform Wi-Fi communication with an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 130 of FIG. 1). The external device 301 may correspond to the external device 110 of FIG. 1 . The external device 310 may include at least one processor 310, a memory 320, a communication module 330, an antenna module 340, and a connection terminal 350. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 350) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added to the external device 301.

At least one processor 310 may control the operation of the external device 301. The processor 310 may, for example, execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the external device 301 connected to the processor 310, and process various data. Alternatively, calculations can be performed. According to one embodiment, the at least one processor 310 is a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor that can operate independently or together (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural network processing unit (NPU), may include an image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor), or a processor included in the communication module 330.

At least one processor 310 may control communication with an electronic device. When operating a plurality of communication links based on multi-link operation (MLO), at least one processor 310 connects at least one of the communication links to an adjacent external device (e.g., external device 120 of FIG. 1). )) can be set to the same channel as the communication link. At least one processor 310 may control transmission of a management frame of an adjacent external device through a communication link of the same channel. The management frame includes profile information about a nearby external device, and the profile information may include, for example, information about a capability element of the adjacent external device. When the electronic device determines that it is necessary to switch the communication connection to an external device other than the current external device connected to the external device 310, it activates the multi-link operation links and manages the adjacent external device through the multi-link operation links. Frames can be received. The electronic device may determine a target external device to establish a communication connection based on the received management frame. In this way, when the electronic device determines that it is necessary to switch the communication connection to another external device, based on the management frame received through the multi-link operation link without performing channel scanning to obtain information about the surrounding external device. The target external device can be determined.

The memory 320 may store various data used or transmitted/received by at least one component (eg, processor 310 or communication module 330) of the external device 301. Memory 320 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

The communication module 330 may support establishment of a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between the external device 301 and an external electronic device, and performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module 330 may include a wireless communication module (eg, a Wi-Fi communication module, a cellular communication module, or a short-range wireless communication module). The communication module 330 may communicate with an electronic device through, for example, a Wi-Fi network.

The antenna module 340 may transmit or receive signals or data externally. According to one embodiment, the antenna module 340 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna). At least one antenna suitable for the communication method used in the network may be selected from the plurality of antennas by the communication module 330, and a signal or data may be transmitted or received through the selected at least one antenna.

The connection terminal 350 may include a connector through which the external device 301 can be physically connected to an external electronic device. According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 350 may include, for example, a communication port connector.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a multi-link operation between an external device and an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, multi-link operation may be supported between the external device 301 and the electronic device 201. In this case, the external device 301 and the electronic device 201 may have at least two multi-link operation links. In one embodiment, assuming that the external device 301 and the electronic device 201 have a plurality of multi-link operation links 410, 420, and 430, the external device 301 and the electronic device 201 have a plurality of multi-link operation links 410, 420, and 430. Can communicate with each other through multi-link operation links 410, 420, and 430.

Multi-link operation links 410, 420, 430 may correspond to communication links representing a transmission path of data or signals. In one embodiment, multi-link operational link 410 is a communication link in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, multi-link operational link 420 is a communication link in the 5 GHz frequency band, and multi-link operational link 430 is a 6 GHz frequency band. It can support communication links in the frequency band.

A Wi-Fi connection may be established between the external device 301 and the electronic device 201 through the multi-link operation links 410, 420, and 430 in communication links based on multiple bands or multiple communication channels. In one embodiment, each of the multi-link operation links 410, 420, and 430 may have a channel structure in which a primary channel and a secondary channel exist, and each multi-link operation link Back-off may be performed in parallel on the links 410, 420, and 430. By performing back-off in parallel, medium access delay time can be reduced compared to when using a single communication link. It is possible to transmit data through any one of the multi-link operation links 410, 420, and 430 and receive data through the other link, so that data can be transmitted between the external device 301 and the electronic device 201. It is possible to send and receive at the same time.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating transmission of a management frame of an adjacent external device through multi-link operation links according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, external devices 510, 520, and 525 performing a multi-link operation connect at least one communication link among communication links corresponding to the multi-link operation links with the communication link of an adjacent external device. Communication based on multi-AP coordination set to the same channel can be performed. In one embodiment, when operating a plurality of communication links based on a multi-link operation, the external device 510 sets at least one of the communication links to the same channel as the communication link of the external device 520. You can. Additionally, the external device 510 may set at least one of the communication links to the same channel as the communication link of the external device 525. External devices 510, 520, and 525 may mitigate interference through multi-access point cooperation in a communication link performed in multi-link operation. The external devices 510, 520, and 525 perform cooperative transmission and reception to prevent interference with each other in a communication link that shares frequency resources with adjacent external devices, thereby mitigating increased delay time and lower transmission speed due to interference. .

Management frames of adjacent external devices may be transmitted to the electronic device through a communication link performed in a multi-link operation. Management frames may include, for example, beacon frames, probe response frames, association response frames, discovery frames, and/or fast initial link establishment (FILS) beacon frames. Adjacent external devices may become candidate external devices when the electronic device performs roaming.

In one embodiment, the external device 510 and the electronic device currently connected to the external device 510 communicate in the first channel 532, the second channel 534, and the third channel 536 for multi-link operation. Assume that you are operating links. In addition, the external device 510 and the adjacent external device 520 set the first channel 532 to the same channel for multi-external device cooperation, and the external device 510 and the adjacent external device 525 set the first channel 532 to the same channel for multi-external device cooperation. It is assumed that the second channel 534 is set to the same channel for external device cooperation. When the electronic device connected to the external device 510 determines that it is necessary to switch the communication connection to another external device, the electronic device uses multi-link operation links (e.g., the first channel 532, the second channel 534, and the third channel). communication links of channel 536) may be activated. In this case, the electronic device may receive the management frame of the adjacent external device 520 at times a1 and a2 through the first channel 532, and b1 and b2 through the second channel 534. The management frame of the adjacent external device 525 can be received at points in time. In one embodiment, the management frame of the adjacent external device 520 and the management frame of the adjacent external device 525 may be periodically transmitted through the first channel 532 and the second channel 534, respectively. Since the electronic device can receive management frames from adjacent external devices 520 and 525 through active multi-link operating links, there is no need to perform separate channel scanning. The electronic device estimates the communication quality value of each of the adjacent external devices 520 and 525 based on the received management frame of the adjacent external device 520 and the management frame of the adjacent external device 525, and the communication quality value is the highest. You can try switching connections to a good nearby external device. When channel scanning is performed for roaming, interruption of data transmission and reception may occur to collect channel information. In the case of this embodiment, channel scanning is not performed during the roaming process, so the above data transmission and reception interruption does not occur, so the interruption of data transmission and reception may occur. Deterioration in usability can be alleviated.

Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the RNR element field according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the management frame of a neighboring external device transmitted to the electronic device through a multi-link operation link may include an RNR element field 610. The RNR element field 610 may be included in, for example, a beacon frame, probe response frame, combined response frame, discovery frame, and/or fast initial link establishment (FILS) beacon frame. The RNR element field 610 includes information about adjacent external devices (e.g., service set identifier (SSID), basic service set identifier (BSSID), channel information, transmission time of the operating channel and management frame, etc.) can do. The RNR element field 610 may include subfields of an element identifier (element ID) field, a length field, and neighbor AP information fields 620. The element identifier field may include information about an identifier for identifying an element of the RNR element field 610, and the length field may include information about the sum of the lengths of the RNR element field 610.

Reference numeral 630 indicates subfields included in one of the adjacent access point information fields 620. The adjacent access point information fields 620 are, for example, a subtype of a target beacon transmit time (TBTT) information header field, an operating class field, a channel number field, and a TBTT information set field. Can contain fields.

The electronic device is a candidate external device that can perform connection switching from the information included in the beacon frame of the adjacent external device received through the multi-link operation link (e.g., information included in the adjacent external device information fields 620). You can obtain their information. In order to determine a target external device among candidate external devices to perform connection switching, it must be possible to estimate which candidate external device among the candidate external devices will provide the best communication quality. For this estimation, information such as signal strength, degree of congestion of the communication channel, external device capability, etc. is required, and for this information, the fields described in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be included in the management frame.

Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a multi-link element field according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the management frame may include a multi-link element field 710. The multi-link element field 710 includes an element ID field, a length field, an element ID Extension field, a multi-link control field, and common information. ) field and subfields of the link information (link info) field 720. The link information field 720 may include information for multi-link operation (MLO), and the electronic device can know information about other communication channels through the link information field 720.

If communication is performed based on multi-link operation, the multi-link element field 710 of the management frame transmitted over the multi-link operation link may contain information about the external device profile of the other multi-link operation link, e.g. Access point capabilities) may be included. The electronic device can estimate communication quality when connecting to a candidate external device based on the information. There may be several methods for estimating communication quality. For example, the electronic device determines a score (e.g., expected throughput) based on information such as signal strength and capability for all multi-link operation links on which the candidate external device operates, and , the sum or average of the scores determined for each multi-link operation link may be determined as the final score.

Information such as the capabilities of the multi-link operation links of a candidate external device transmitting the management frame can be obtained from a management frame received through a specific multi-link operation link, but the signal strength can be obtained from the management frame received through the specific multi-link operation link. Only multi-link operation links can be checked. The electronic device may estimate the signal strength of another multi-link operating link based on the signal strength of the multi-link operating link that received the management frame. For example, the electronic device estimates the signal strength for different multi-link operating links based on a defined signal strength difference between a communication link in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, a communication link in the 5 GHz frequency band, and a communication link in the 6 GHz frequency band. can do. In general, due to signal attenuation characteristics depending on frequency, the signal strength is strong in the order of the 2.4 GHz frequency band, 5 GHz frequency band, and 6 GHz frequency band, and the difference in signal strength between frequency bands is calculated through experiments or tests and is predefined. It can be. If the multi-link operation link that received the management frame is in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the electronic device considers the difference in signal strength between frequency bands for the multi-link operation link corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band and 6 GHz frequency band, respectively. Thus, the signal strength can be estimated.

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a vendor specific element field according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 8, the management frame may include a vendor specific element field 810. The vendor-specific element field 810 may include subfields of an element ID field, a length field, an organization identifier field, and a vendor-specific content field 820. You can. The vendor-specific content field 820 includes subfields of a multi-link operation link overlapping supported field 822 and a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) difference field 724. can do. The multi-link operation link overlap support field 822 contains information about whether roaming without channel scanning is supported, and the band RSSI difference field 724 contains information about signal strength for each predefined band and channel. It can be included.

The electronic device can determine whether the currently connected Wi-Fi network supports roaming without performing channel scanning described in the embodiments of this document based on the above information included in the multi-link operation link overlap support field 822. there is. If the Wi-Fi network does not support roaming without performing channel scanning, the electronic device may separately perform channel scanning when roaming and determine a target external device to perform channel switching based on the results of the channel scanning. If the Wi-Fi network supports roaming without performing channel scanning, the electronic device may determine the target external device based on the management frame of the adjacent external device received through the multi-link operation link. The electronic device can estimate the communication quality values of candidate external devices based on information about signal strength for each band and channel defined in the band RSSI difference field 724, and target the candidate external device with the best communication quality value. This can be determined by an external device.

Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining operations of a wireless communication method in a Wi-Fi network according to an embodiment. The wireless communication method may be performed by an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 130 of FIG. 1 or the electronic device 201 of FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 9 , in operation 910, the electronic device may determine whether it is necessary to switch a communication connection to an external device other than the currently connected external device (or whether roaming is necessary). When the communication quality of the currently connected external device does not meet the conditions (e.g., data transmission failure occurs or signal strength falls below the threshold), the electronic device determines that it is necessary to switch the communication connection to another external device. You can decide. Communication quality can be judged based on signal strength and channel utilization.

If it is determined that switching the communication connection to another external device is necessary, the electronic device may activate multi-link operation (MLO) links in operation 920. If roaming is determined to be necessary, the electronic device may activate all multi-link operation links without entering a sleep state.

In operation 930, the electronic device may receive management frames of one or more candidate external devices through multi-link operational links. The management frame includes profile information about a candidate external device of another communication link operating as a multi-link operation link, and the profile information may include information about capability elements of the candidate external device.

In operation 940, the electronic device may determine a target external device to perform a communication connection among one or more candidate external devices based on the management frame. The electronic device may determine the target external device based on the management frame without performing channel scanning to obtain information about the surrounding external device. The electronic device may perform scoring on communication quality for one or more candidate external devices based on information obtained from the management frame. For example, the electronic device estimates the communication quality value of each of one or more candidate external devices based on information obtained from the management frame (e.g., signal strength, bandwidth, communication channel, channel congestion, and capability, etc.), and estimates The target external device can be determined based on one communication quality value. For example, the electronic device may estimate a communication quality value based on a predetermined signal strength difference between communication links included in a multi-link operation link and determine the candidate external device with the best communication quality value as the target external device. there is.

In operation 950, the electronic device may establish a communication connection with the determined target external device. The electronic device may attempt to switch channels to the target external device and request authentication and connection from the target external device. The electronic device may be assigned an IP address from a target external device and provide an Internet service to the user based on the assigned IP address.

In operation 960, the electronic device may determine whether it is necessary to switch the communication connection to an external device other than the currently connected target external device. If the communication quality of the currently connected target external device does not satisfy the condition, the electronic device may determine that switching the communication connection to another external device is necessary. If it is determined that communication connection switching is not necessary, the electronic device may maintain a communication connection with the target external device and receive an Internet service from the target external device.

If it is determined that a communication connection switch is necessary, in operation 970 the electronic device may determine whether a specific condition is satisfied. For example, a specific condition is satisfied when the set time has not yet passed after the electronic device performs operations 920 and 930, or when the electronic device has channel information of other external devices through channel scanning. It can be determined that If a specific condition is satisfied, the electronic device does not perform operations 920 and 930, but instead performs operations 940, such as previously collected channel information of the candidate external device (e.g., signal strength, bandwidth, The communication quality of the candidate external device may be estimated based on the communication channel, channel congestion, and capability, and the candidate external device with the best communication quality may be determined as the target external device to perform the communication connection. If it is determined that the specific condition is not satisfied as a result of the determination in operation 970, the electronic device may restart from the process of operation 920. For example, if a set time has passed since operations 920 and 930 were previously performed and/or the electronic device does not have channel information of other external devices, the electronic device does not meet the specific condition. It is determined that it is not, and the process of operation 920 can be started again.

Various embodiments of this document solve the problems of data transmission/reception interruption and network switching speed slowness caused by performing channel scanning during Wi-Fi roaming, so that other Enables switching of communication connection to external device. Accordingly, the time required for network switching during Wi-Fi roaming can be reduced and data transmission/reception interruption during the roaming process can be prevented.

The various embodiments of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various changes, equivalents, or replacements of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the above items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “A Each of phrases such as “at least one of , B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one element from another, and may be used to distinguish such elements in other respects, such as importance or order) is not limited.

The term “module” used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is interchangeable with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. It can be used as A module may be an integrated part or a minimum unit of the parts or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document are one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., built-in memory 236 or external memory 238) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 201). It may be implemented as software (e.g., program 240) including. For example, the processor (e.g., processor 220) of a device (e.g., electronic device 201) may be configured to store one or more At least one of the instructions can be called and executed. This allows the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the called at least one instruction. The one or more instructions are selected by a compiler. It may include generated code or code that can be executed by an interpreter. A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' means It simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term distinguishes between cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is stored temporarily. I never do that.

According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided and included in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an application store (e.g. Play Store ^TM ) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smart phones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-described components may include a single or plural entity, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately placed in other components. there is. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations described above may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component of the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, or omitted. Alternatively, one or more other operations may be added.

Claims (15)

1. In the electronic device (130; 201),

   A communication module 290 that communicates with an external device; and

   Includes at least one processor 220 that controls the communication,

   The at least one processor 220,

   Determine whether it is necessary to switch the communication connection to an external device other than the currently connected external device,

   If it is determined that switching the communication connection to the other external device is necessary, activate the multi-link operation links,

   Receive management frames of one or more candidate external devices received through the multi-link operation links,

   Determine a target external device to perform a communication connection based on the received management frame,

   Controlling to perform a communication connection with the determined target external device,

   Electronic devices (130; 201).
2. According to paragraph 1,

   The at least one processor 220,

   When it is determined that a communication connection switch to the other external device is necessary, determining the target external device based on the management frame without performing channel scanning to obtain information about surrounding external devices.

   Electronic devices (130; 201).
3. According to claim 1 or 2,

   The management frame is,

   Contains profile information about a candidate external device of another communication link operating as the multi-link operating link,

   The profile information includes information about capability elements of the candidate external device,

   Electronic devices (130; 201).
4. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,

   The management frame is,

   Contains information on a vendor specific element indicating whether the multi-link operation is supported,

   The at least one processor 220,

   Determining whether to perform channel scanning based on information about the vendor-specific element including information about signal strength for each frequency band,

   Electronic devices (130; 201).
5. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,

   The at least one processor 220,

   Obtaining information about signal strength, channel congestion, and capability of each of the one or more candidate external devices from the management frame,

   Electronic devices (201).
6. According to any one of claims 1 to 5,

   The at least one processor 220,

   Estimating a communication quality value of each of the one or more candidate external devices based on information obtained from the management frame,

   Determining the target external device based on the communication quality value,

   Electronic devices (130; 201).
7. According to clause 6,

   The at least one processor 220,

   Estimating the communication quality value based on a predetermined signal strength difference between communication links included in the multi-link operating link,

   Electronic devices (130; 201).
8. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,

   The multi-link operation link is,

   Comprising at least two communication links of a communication link in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, a communication link in the 5 GHz frequency band, and a communication link in the 6 GHz frequency band,

   Electronic devices (130; 201).
9. According to any one of claims 1 to 8,

   The management frame is,

   Containing at least one of a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a discovery frame, and a fast initial link setup (FILS) beacon frame,

   Electronic devices (130; 201).
10. In the external device (110; 301),

    a communication module 330 that communicates with the electronic device 130; 201; and

    Includes at least one processor 310 that controls the communication,

    The at least one processor 310,

    When operating a plurality of communication links based on multi-link operation, at least one of the communication links is set to the same channel as the communication link of the adjacent external device 120,

    Controlling to transmit a management frame of the adjacent external device 120 through the communication link of the same channel,

    External device (110; 301).
11. According to clause 10,

    The electronic device 130; 201,

    If it is determined that it is necessary to switch the communication connection to an external device other than the currently connected external device, activate the multi-link operation links,

    Receiving the management frame of the adjacent external device (120) via the multi-link operating links,

    Determine a target external device to perform a communication connection based on the received management frame,

    When it is determined that switching the communication connection to the other external device is necessary, determining the target external device based on the management frame without performing channel scanning to obtain information about the surrounding external device.

    External device (110; 301).
12. According to clause 10,

    The management frame is,

    Contains profile information about the adjacent external device,

    The profile information includes information about a capability element of the adjacent external device,

    External device (110; 301).
13. In a wireless communication method performed by an electronic device (130; 201),

    An operation of determining whether switching a communication connection to an external device other than the currently connected external device is necessary;

    activating multi-link operation links when it is determined that switching the communication connection to the other external device is necessary;

    receiving management frames of one or more candidate external devices via the multi-link operating links;

    determining a target external device to establish a communication connection based on the management frame; and

    An operation of performing a communication connection with the determined target external device

    A wireless communication method comprising:
14. According to clause 13,

    The operation of determining the target external device is,

    An operation of determining the target external device based on the management frame without performing channel scanning to obtain information about nearby external devices.

    A wireless communication method comprising:
15. A computer-readable storage medium on which a program for executing the method of claim 13 or 14 is recorded.

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