KR20240011060A - Electronic device for performing operation based on a latency of a plurality of links and method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

In an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device according to various embodiments, the electronic device transmits or receives data through a plurality of links including a first link created between a first access point (AP) and the electronic device. communication circuit; and a processor operatively connected to the communication circuit. The processor waits for transmission of the data based on the time it takes for the counter to be allocated to the electronic device to be deducted for each designated unit, the ratio of the time the first link is in an idle state, and the designated number of counters. The contention time can be determined. The processor determines a delay time required to transmit data through the first link based on the contention time and a transmission time required to transmit the data, and performs at least one operation based on the delay time. It can be set to do so.
In addition, various embodiments are possible.

Description

Electronic device and method of operating the electronic device that perform an operation based on the delay time of a plurality of links {ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PERFORMING OPERATION BASED ON A LATENCY OF A PLURALITY OF LINKS AND METHOD FOR THE SAME}

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device, and to a technology for performing an operation based on the delay time of a plurality of links.

With the spread of various electronic devices, improvements in the speed of wireless communication that various electronic devices can use have been implemented. Among the wireless communications supported by recent electronic devices, IEEE 802.11 WLAN (or Wi-Fi) is a standard for implementing high-speed wireless connections on various electronic devices. The first implementation of Wi-Fi could support transmission rates of up to 1 to 9 Mbps, but Wi-Fi 6 technology (or IEEE 802.11ax) can support transmission rates of up to about 10 Gbps.

Electronic devices provide various services (e.g., UHD quality video streaming service, AR (augmented reality) service, VR (virtual reality) service) using relatively large capacity data through wireless communication supporting high transmission rates. , and/or MR (mixed reality) services), and various other services can be supported.

The IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard plans to introduce technology that supports multi-link operation (MLO) to improve the speed of data transmission and reception and reduce latency. Electronic devices that support multi-link operations are expected to be able to transmit or receive data through multiple links, thereby achieving relatively high transmission speeds and low latency.

In a wireless LAN system, an electronic device may use the CSMA/CA (carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance) method to prevent a situation in which a collision occurs by simultaneously transmitting data through the same link as another electronic device. The CSMA/CA method is a method of performing data transmission when a specific link is idle. An electronic device that supports CSMA/CA checks whether another electronic device is transmitting data through a specific link. And, if another electronic device does not transmit data through a specific link, data can be transmitted. An electronic device that supports multi-link operation can transmit data through the CSMA/CA method for each of a plurality of links.

An electronic device can check the latency of a plurality of links for various purposes. The electronic device may control a plurality of links based on the delay time of each of the plurality of links, or may switch the connection to an AP different from the currently connected AP in order to satisfy the quality required by the service performed by the electronic device. . Accordingly, it is required for an electronic device to accurately determine (or predict) the delay times of a plurality of links.

Delay time may be composed of contention time, which is the time when electronic devices compete to transmit data through the CSMA/CA method, and transmission time, which is the time it takes for the electronic device to actually transmit data. In particular, the contention time may vary depending on the use of the link by other electronic devices that occupy or may occupy the link, making accurate prediction difficult.

The technical problem to be achieved in this document is not limited to the technical problem mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. There will be.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a communication circuit that transmits or receives data through a plurality of links including a first link created between a first access point (AP) and the electronic device. there is. The electronic device may include a processor operatively coupled to the communication circuit. The processor waits for transmission of the data based on the time it takes for the counter to be allocated to the electronic device to be deducted for each designated unit, the ratio of the time the first link is in an idle state, and the designated number of counters. The contention time can be determined. The processor determines a delay time required to transmit data through the first link based on the contention time and a transmission time required to transmit the data, and performs at least one operation based on the delay time. It can be set to do so.

A method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention includes the ratio of the time it takes for a counter to be allocated to the electronic device to be deducted for each designated unit, the ratio of the time the first link is in an idle state, and the designated number of times the counter is used. Based on this, it may include determining contention time, which is the waiting time for transmission of the data. A method of operating an electronic device includes determining a delay time required to transmit data through the first link based on the contention time and a transmission time required to transmit the data; and performing at least one operation based on the delay time.

Electronic devices and operating methods of electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present invention are based on the time it takes for the counter to be allocated to the electronic device to be deducted for each designated unit, the ratio of the time the link is in an idle state, and the designated number of counters. Thus, the contention time can be accurately determined. Accordingly, the electronic device can determine the contention time by considering counters that are set differently for each electronic device participating in the contention, and thus the contention time and delay time can be accurately determined.

An electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention checks the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links, and determines the delay time of the plurality of links having a delay time less than the delay time required by the service being performed by the electronic device. You can check the combination. The electronic device may activate links included in the confirmed combination and switch the remaining links to a deactivated state. Accordingly, the electronic device can reduce its power consumption.

An electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention checks the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links, and determines the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links, and includes a plurality of links having a delay time less than or equal to the delay time required by the inter-device communication service being performed by the electronic device. You can check whether a combination of links exists. An electronic device can transmit or receive data through an AP without activating direct communication between devices when there is a combination of multiple links with a delay time less than or equal to the delay time required by the inter-device communication service being performed. there is. Accordingly, the electronic device can reduce power consumption.

An electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention checks the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links, and determines the delay time of the plurality of links having a delay time less than the delay time required by the service being performed by the electronic device. You can check whether a combination exists. If there is no combination of a plurality of links with a delay time equal to or less than the delay time required by the service being performed, the electronic device may perform short-range wireless communication through an AP other than the currently connected AP. Accordingly, the electronic device can improve the quality of short-range wireless communication.

The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. will be.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of a program according to various embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device and an access point (AP) operate in multi-link operation (MLO), according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device performs medium synchronization of a link according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 4b is a diagram showing link delay time according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of determining link delay time using channel utilization according to various embodiments of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device controls a plurality of links according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart illustrating an operation in which an electronic device controls a plurality of links based on delay times of the plurality of links, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device, an external electronic device, and an AP according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 9A shows whether an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention transmits or receives data through an AP or transmits or receives data through D2D communication with an external electronic device, based on the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links. This is an operation flowchart showing the operation of determining whether to perform.
FIG. 9B shows whether an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention transmits or receives data through an AP or transmits or receives data through D2D communication with an external electronic device, based on the delay time of the activated link. This is an operation flowchart showing the operation 970 of determining whether or not to do so.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device, a first AP, and a second AP according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 11 illustrates an operation in which an electronic device determines whether to maintain a connection to a first AP or to switch a connection to a second AP, based on the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links, according to various embodiments of the present invention. This is an operation flow chart showing.
Figure 12 is an operation flowchart showing a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100, according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment 100, the electronic device 101 communicates with the electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or a second network 199. It is possible to communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (e.g., a long-distance wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an audio output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, and a sensor module ( 176), interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196 , or may include an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 178) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) are integrated into one component (e.g., display module 160). It can be.

The processor 120, for example, executes software (e.g., program 140) to operate at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. 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 120 stores commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132. The commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 can be processed, and the resulting data can be stored in the non-volatile memory 134. According to one embodiment, the processor 120 includes a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor 123 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 101 includes a main processor 121 and a secondary processor 123, the secondary processor 123 may be set to use lower power than the main processor 121 or be specialized for a designated function. You can. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as part of it.

The auxiliary processor 123 may, for example, act on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or while the main processor 121 is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) At least some of the functions or states related to can be controlled. According to one embodiment, co-processor 123 (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190). there is. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be created through machine learning. For example, such learning may be performed in the electronic device 101 itself, where artificial intelligence is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server 108). 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 130 may store various data used by at least one component (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101. Data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program 140) and instructions related thereto. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 and may include, for example, an operating system 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120) from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (eg, buttons), or digital pen (eg, stylus pen).

The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 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 160 can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display module 160 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 160 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 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires sound through the input module 150, the sound output module 155, or an external electronic device (e.g., directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101). Sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (e.g., speaker or headphone).

The sensor module 176 detects the operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 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 176 includes, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or light sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that can be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly or wirelessly with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the interface 177 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 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 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 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 can manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least a part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

Communication module 190 is configured to provide a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108). It can support establishment and communication through established communication channels. Communication module 190 operates independently of processor 120 (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 190 is a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., : LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module) may be included. Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module is a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., legacy It may communicate with an external electronic device 104 through a telecommunication network such as a cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). 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 192 uses subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199. The electronic device 101 can be confirmed or authenticated.

The wireless communication module 192 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 192 may support high frequency bands (eg, mmWave bands), for example, to achieve high data rates. The wireless communication module 192 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 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., second network 199). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 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 197 may transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 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 197 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 network 198 or the second network 199 is connected to the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190. can be selected. Signals or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 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 197.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 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 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be of the same or different type as the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, when the electronic device 101 needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 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 101. The electronic device 101 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 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 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.

Figure 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating program 140 according to various embodiments. According to one embodiment, the program 140 includes an operating system 142, middleware 144, or an application 146 executable on the operating system 142 for controlling one or more resources of the electronic device 101. It can be included. Operating system 142 may include, for example, Android ^TM , iOS ^TM , Windows ^TM , Symbian ^TM , Tizen ^TM , or Bada ^TM . At least some of the programs 140 are preloaded into the electronic device 101, for example, at the time of manufacture, or are stored in an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102 or 104, or a server) when used by a user. It can be downloaded or updated from 108)).

The operating system 142 may control management (eg, allocation or retrieval) of one or more system resources (eg, process, memory, or power) of the electronic device 101 . Operating system 142 may additionally or alternatively operate on other hardware devices of electronic device 101, such as input device 150, audio output device 155, display device 160, audio module 170. , sensor module 176, interface 177, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196, or It may include one or more driver programs for driving the antenna module 197.

The middleware 144 may provide various functions to the application 146 so that functions or information provided from one or more resources of the electronic device 101 can be used by the application 146. The middleware 144 includes, for example, an application manager 201, a window manager 203, a multimedia manager 205, a resource manager 207, a power manager 209, a database manager 211, and a package manager 213. ), connectivity manager (215), notification manager (217), location manager (219), graphics manager (221), security manager (223), call manager (225), or voice recognition manager (227). You can.

The application manager 201 may, for example, manage the life cycle of the application 146. The window manager 203 may, for example, manage one or more GUI resources used on the screen. For example, the multimedia manager 205 identifies one or more formats required for playing media files, and encodes or decodes the corresponding media file using a codec suitable for the selected format. It can be done. The resource manager 207 may, for example, manage the source code of the application 146 or the memory space of the memory 130. The power manager 209 manages, for example, the capacity, temperature, or power of the battery 189, and may use this information to determine or provide related information necessary for the operation of the electronic device 101. . According to one embodiment, the power manager 209 may interface with a basic input/output system (BIOS) (not shown) of the electronic device 101.

Database manager 211 may create, search, or change a database to be used by application 146, for example. The package manager 213 may, for example, manage the installation or update of applications distributed in the form of package files. The connectivity manager 215 may manage, for example, a wireless connection or direct connection between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device. For example, the notification manager 217 may provide a function for notifying the user of the occurrence of a designated event (eg, an incoming call, message, or alarm). The location manager 219 may, for example, manage location information of the electronic device 101. The graphics manager 221 may, for example, manage one or more graphic effects to be provided to the user or a user interface related thereto.

Security manager 223 may provide, for example, system security or user authentication. The telephony manager 225 may manage, for example, a voice call function or a video call function provided by the electronic device 101. For example, the voice recognition manager 227 transmits the user's voice data to the server 108 and provides a command corresponding to a function to be performed in the electronic device 101 based at least in part on the voice data, Alternatively, text data converted based at least in part on the voice data may be received from the server 108. According to one embodiment, the middleware 244 may dynamically delete some existing components or add new components. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the middleware 144 may be included as part of the operating system 142 or may be implemented as separate software different from the operating system 142.

The application 146 includes, for example, home 251, dialer 253, SMS/MMS (255), instant message (IM) 257, browser 259, camera 261, and alarm 263. , Contacts (265), Voice Recognition (267), Email (269), Calendar (271), Media Player (273), Album (275), Watch (277), Health (279) (such as exercise amount or blood sugar) It may include applications that measure biometric information) or environmental information 281 (e.g., measure atmospheric pressure, humidity, or temperature information). According to one embodiment, the application 146 may further include an information exchange application (not shown) that can support information exchange between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device. The information exchange application may include, for example, a notification relay application configured to deliver designated information (e.g., calls, messages, or alarms) to an external electronic device, or a device management application configured to manage the external electronic device. there is. The notification relay application, for example, transmits notification information corresponding to a specified event (e.g., mail reception) generated in another application (e.g., email application 269) of the electronic device 101 to an external electronic device. You can. Additionally or alternatively, the notification relay application may receive notification information from an external electronic device and provide it to the user of the electronic device 101.

The device management application may, for example, control the power (e.g., turn-on or turn-on) of an external electronic device or some component thereof (e.g., display device 160 or camera module 180) that communicates with the electronic device 101. -off) or functions (e.g., brightness, resolution, or focus of the display device 160 or the camera module 180) can be controlled. A device management application may additionally or alternatively support installation, deletion, or update of applications running on external electronic devices.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device and an access point (AP) operate in multi-link operation (MLO), according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless LAN system 300 may include an electronic device 310 and/or an external electronic device 320. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 310 may perform wireless communication with an external electronic device 320 through short-range wireless communication. Wireless communication may refer to various communication methods that both the electronic device 310 and/or the external electronic device 320 can support. For example, wireless communication may be Wi-Fi. The external electronic device 320 may function as a base station that provides wireless communication to at least one electronic device 310 located within the communication radius of the wireless LAN system 300. For example, the external electronic device 320 may include an IEEE 802.11 access point (AP). The electronic device 310 may include an IEEE 802.11 station (STA).

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device 310 and/or the external electronic device 320 may support multi-link operation (multi-link operation, MLO). Multi-link operation may be an operation mode that transmits or receives data through a plurality of links (eg, the first link 331 and the second link 332). Multi-link operation is an operation mode scheduled to be introduced in IEEE 802.11be and may be an operation mode that transmits or receives data through multiple links based on multiple bands or channels.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device 310 includes a plurality of communication circuits (e.g., a first communication circuit 311 and/or a second communication circuit 312) to support multi-link operations. can do. The first communication circuit 311 can transmit data to the external electronic device 320 through the first link 331, or receive data transmitted by the external electronic device 320 through the first link 331. there is. The first communication circuit 311 may output or receive a signal in the frequency band corresponding to the first link 331 through the first antenna 313. The second communication circuit 312 can transmit data to the external electronic device 320 through the second link 332, or receive data transmitted by the external electronic device 320 through the second link 332. there is. The second communication circuit 312 may output or receive a signal in the frequency band corresponding to the second link 332 through the second antenna 314.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the external electronic device 320 includes a plurality of communication circuits (e.g., a third communication circuit 321 and/or a fourth communication circuit 322) to support multi-link operations. It can be included. The third communication circuit 321 may transmit data to the electronic device 310 through the first link 331 or receive data transmitted by the electronic device 310 through the first link 331. The third communication circuit 321 may output or receive a signal in the frequency band corresponding to the first link 331 through the third antenna 323. The fourth communication circuit 322 may transmit data to the electronic device 310 through the second link 332 or receive data transmitted by the electronic device 310 through the second link 332. The fourth communication circuit 322 may output or receive a signal in the frequency band corresponding to the second link 332 through the fourth antenna 324.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the frequency band of the first link 331 and the frequency band of the second link 333 may be different from each other. For example, the frequency band of the first link 331 may be 2.5 GHz, and the frequency band of the second link 332 may be 5 GHz or 6 GHz.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the first link 331 and the second link 332 may also use electronic devices other than the electronic device 310. In order to prevent a situation where the electronic device 310 and another electronic device simultaneously transmit or receive data through the same link, the electronic device 310 may support a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) method. there is. The CSMA/CA method may be a method of performing data transmission when a specific link (eg, the first link 331 and/or the second link 332) is in an idle state. The electronic device 310 supporting CSMA/CA checks whether another electronic device is transmitting data through a specific link, and when it detects data transmission, it does not transmit data through the specific link and waits. can do. Electronic device 310 that supports CSMA/CA, in response to confirming that no other electronic device is transmitting data over a particular link, performs a specified method (e.g., activating a timer and transmitting data when the timer expires). Accordingly, data can be transmitted through a specific link. Through the above method, the electronic device 310 can transmit and/or receive data using a specific link without colliding with other electronic devices.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the first link 331 and/or the second link 332 supported by multi-link operation may independently support CSMA/CA.

The electronic device 310 supporting the CSMA/CA method can check whether a specific link is in an idle state before transmitting data. The electronic device 310 may transmit data through a specific link that is in an idle state.

The electronic device 310 may check whether the first link 331 is in an idle state based on information related to the idle state of the first link 331 included in data transmitted by the external electronic device 320. . Information related to the idle state of the first link 331 may include a clear channel assessment (CCA) field and/or a network allocation vector (NAV) configuration field. Information related to the idle state of the first link 331 includes a ready to send (RTS) message requesting data transmission through the first link 331 and a CTS indicating that data transmission through the first link 331 is possible. (clear to send) Can be included in the message. The electronic device 310 may check whether a specific link is in an idle state by referring to the clear channel assessment (CCA) field and/or the network allocation vector (NAV) configuration field. The electronic device 310 determines whether the first link 331 is physically idle by referring to the CCA status field, and determines whether the first link 331 is logically idle by referring to the NAV configuration field. You can judge whether or not. In response to confirming that the first link 331 is in an idle state, the electronic device 310 activates a timer, and in response to the timer expiring after a specified time, transmits data to the external electronic device 320 to the first link 331. ) can be transmitted through.

The electronic device 310 may check whether the second link 332 is in an idle state based on information related to the idle state of the second link 332 included in data transmitted by the external electronic device 320. . Information related to the idle state of the second link 332 may include a clear channel assessment (CCA) field and/or a network allocation vector (NAV) configuration field. Information related to the idle state of the second link 332 includes a ready to send (RTS) message requesting data transmission through the second link 332, and a CTS indicating that data transmission through the second link 332 is possible. (clear to send) Can be included in the message. The electronic device 310 may check whether a specific link is in an idle state by referring to the clear channel assessment (CCA) field and/or the network allocation vector (NAV) configuration field. The electronic device 310 determines whether the second link 332 is physically idle by referring to the CCA status field, and determines whether the second link 332 is logically idle by referring to the NAV configuration field. You can judge whether or not. In response to determining that a specific link is idle, the electronic device 310 activates a timer, and in response to the timer expiring after a specified time, transmits data to the external electronic device 320 through the second link 332. You can.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device performs medium synchronization of a link according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a first electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 310 of FIG. 3) 401, a second electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 310 of FIG. 3) 402, and a third electronic device (e.g., : The electronic device 310 of FIG. 3 403 and/or the fourth electronic device 404 (e.g., the electronic device 310 of FIG. 3) are connected to the same link (e.g., the second link 332 of FIG. 3). ) is used to transmit data to the external electronic device 320.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the first electronic device 401, the second electronic device 402, the third electronic device 403, and/or the fourth electronic device 404 collects data through the CSMA/CA method. transmission can be performed. The first electronic device 401, the second electronic device 402, the third electronic device 403, and/or the fourth electronic device 404 use the medium of the second link 332 before transmitting data. Synchronization can be performed. Media synchronization of the second link 332 may mean that the status of the second link 332 can be updated in real time. Media synchronization of the second link 332 may be performed using a portion of data (eg, data header) transmitted through the second link 332.

Before transmitting the data 411, the first electronic device 401 supporting the CSMA/CA method determines that a specific link (e.g., the first link 331 and/or the second link 332) is idle. You can check whether the status is present or not. The first electronic device 401 determines whether the second link 332 is in an idle state based on information related to the idle state of the second link 332 included in data transmitted by the external electronic device 320. You can. Information related to the idle state of the second link 332 may include a clear channel assessment (CCA) field and/or a network allocation vector (NAV) configuration field. Information related to the idle state of the second link 332 includes a ready to send (RTS) message requesting data transmission through the second link 332, and a CTS indicating that data transmission through the second link 332 is possible. (clear to send) Can be included in the message. The first electronic device 401 may check whether a specific link is in an idle state by referring to the clear channel assessment (CCA) field and/or the network allocation vector (NAV) configuration field. The first electronic device 401 determines whether the second link 332 is physically idle by referring to the CCA status field, and determines whether the second link 332 is logically idle by referring to the NAV configuration field. You can determine whether the status is present or not. In response to confirming that a specific link is idle, the first electronic device 401 activates a timer, and in response to the timer expiring after a specified time, transmits data 411 to the external electronic device 320 through the second link ( 332).

While the first electronic device 401 is transmitting data 411, the second electronic device 402, third electronic device 403, and/or fourth electronic device 404 supporting CSMA/CA You can wait without transmitting data (412, 413, 414). The second electronic device 402, the third electronic device 403, and/or the fourth electronic device 404 may receive a portion of the data 411 transmitted through the second link 332 (e.g., included in the PHY header). The end time of transmission of the data 411 is determined based on the rate field of the data and/or the length field of the data, and the duration field of the data included in the MAC header, and is determined based on the end of transmission of the data 411. You can wait time (415).

The second electronic device 402, the third electronic device 403, and/or the fourth electronic device 404 activates a timer after a certain period of time 415, and sends data to the second electronic device in response to the expiration of the timer. It can be transmitted to the external electronic device 320 through the link 332. The length of the timer set in the second electronic device 402, third electronic device 403, and/or fourth electronic device 404 may be different. According to one embodiment, the second electronic device 402, the third electronic device 403, and/or the fourth electronic device 404 uses a randomly set timer to check whether the timer has expired, and when the timer expires, , data can be transmitted.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the second electronic device 402 may activate a timer set to a first period 416, and the third electronic device 403 may activate a timer set to a second period 417. and the fourth electronic device 404 may activate a timer with a third period 418 set. The first period 416, second period 417 and/or third period 418 may be different from each other. Referring to FIG. 4A , the first period 416 may be longer than the third period 418, and the third period 418 may be longer than the second period 417.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the third electronic device 403, in response to confirming that the third period 417 has expired, sends the data 419 to the external electronic device 320 through the second link 332. ) can be transmitted. The second electronic device 402 and/or the fourth electronic device 404 may wait without transmitting other data while the third electronic device 403 transmits the data 419. The second electronic device 402 may store the remaining period 416-b obtained by subtracting the elapsed period 416-a from the first period 416, and the fourth electronic device 404 may store the third period 418. The remaining period (418-b) obtained by subtracting the elapsed period (418-a) can be stored. The second electronic device 402 and/or the fourth electronic device 404 may transmit a portion of the data 419 transmitted through the second link 332 (e.g., the rate field and/or data included in the PHY header). The end time of transmission of the data 419 can be determined based on the length field and the duration field of the data included in the MAC header, and the end time of transmission of the data 419 can be waited for a certain period of time 420. there is.

The second electronic device 402 and/or the fourth electronic device 404 may reactivate the timer after a certain period of time (420) has elapsed. In response to confirming that the remaining period 418-b expires, the fourth electronic device 404 may transmit data 423 to the external electronic device 320 through the second link 332. The second electronic device 402 may detect that the fourth electronic device 404 transmits data 423 before the remaining period 416-b expires, and may deactivate the timer operation again. The second electronic device 420 may store the remaining period 422 by subtracting the elapsed period 421 from the remaining period 416-b. The second electronic device 402 may transmit a portion of the data 423 transmitted through the second link 332 (e.g., the rate field and/or the length field of data included in the PHY header, and the data included in the MAC header). The end time of transmission of the data 423 may be determined based on the duration field of ) and may wait for a certain period of time 425 based on the end of transmission of the data 423.

The second electronic device 402 may reactivate the timer after a certain period of time (425) has elapsed. In response to confirming that the remaining period 422 expires, the fourth electronic device 404 may transmit data 424 to the external electronic device 320 through the second link 332.

In the manner described above, the first electronic device 401, the second electronic device 402, the third electronic device 403 and/or the fourth electronic device 404 perform media synchronization of the second link 332. can be performed.

Through the method shown in FIG. 4A, the first electronic device 401, the second electronic device 402, the third electronic device 403, and/or the fourth electronic device 404 supporting CSMA/CA are prevented from colliding. Without this, data can be transmitted to the external electronic device 320 through the second link 332.

Figure 4b is a diagram showing link delay time according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device 401, the second electronic device 402, the third electronic device 403, and/or the fourth electronic device 404 in FIG. 4A) is Data may be transmitted through a link (e.g., the first link 331 in FIG. 3 or the second link 332 in FIG. 3) provided by an AP (e.g., the external electronic device 302 in FIG. 3). In FIG. 4B, the second electronic device 402 is described as the electronic device 402 for convenience of explanation, but the description of FIG. 4B refers to other electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device 401 of FIG. 4A, the third electronic device) It may be applied to (403) and/or the fourth electronic device (404). According to one example, the electronic device 402 connects the AP 302 with the electronic device 402 in order to perform various services (e.g., streaming service, voice call, or video call) on the electronic device 402. Data related to the service can be transmitted through the created links 331 and 332.

The electronic device 402 may detect that data transmission is necessary and wait for data transmission (431). As shown in FIG. 4A, the electronic device 402 may transmit data through the links 331 and 332 using the CSMA/CA method.

The electronic device 402 may confirm that the links 331 and 332 are in an idle state for data transmission and activate a timer. Before the activated timer expires, the electronic device 402 connects the links 331 and 332 to other electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device 401, the third electronic device 403, and the fourth electronic device in FIG. 4A). Upon confirming that the device 404 is occupied, the timer may be switched to a deactivated state. The electronic device 420 may wait without transmitting data through the links 331 and 332.

The electronic device 402 may wait for data transmission until the links 331 and 332 are idle and the timer expires. The time waiting for data transmission can be defined as contention time (432).

The electronic device 402 may determine that the links 331 and 332 are idle again, reactivate the deactivated timer and transmit data over the links 331 and 332 after the remaining time on the timer has expired. there is. The period between the start of data transmission and the completion of data transmission can be defined as a transmission time (433).

Referring to FIG. 4B, the period from when the electronic device 402 waits for data transmission (431) to when data transmission is completed can be defined as latency (latency) (434).

The delay time 434 can be set to a value representing the state of the link. According to one example, the contention time 432 included in the delay time 434 may change depending on the state of the link. For example, the contention time 432 may become longer as the link's channel occupancy rate increases, and if the contention time 432 is long, the link's condition can be considered to be relatively poor. For another example, the contention time 432 may be shorter as the channel occupancy rate of the link is lower, and when the contention time 432 is short, the link status can be considered to be relatively good. Therefore, when the delay time 434 is relatively long, the link state can be considered to be relatively poor, and when the delay time 434 is relatively short, the link state can be considered to be relatively good.

The electronic device 402 may control a plurality of links (eg, the first link 331 and/or the second link 332 in FIG. 3) based on the status of the link.

For example, the electronic device 402 may use a plurality of links (e.g., the first link 331 and/or the second link in FIG. 3) to reduce power consumption (or current) of the electronic device 402. 332)), at least some of the links can be disabled. Alternatively, the electronic device 402 may activate at least some of the links 331 and 332 to improve the quality of services provided by the electronic device 402.

The electronic device 402 can check the contention time to control the links 331 and 332.

However, the contention time is determined by other electronic devices that occupy or may occupy the links 331 and 332 (e.g., the first electronic device 401, the third electronic device 403, and the fourth electronic device in FIG. 4A ( 404)) may vary depending on the use of the links 331 and 332, and accurate prediction may be difficult. For example, when the size of data transmitted by other electronic devices 401, 403, and 404 through the links 331 and 332 frequently changes, a situation in which it is difficult to predict contention time may occur.

FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of determining link delay time using channel utilization according to various embodiments of the present invention.

The channel occupancy rate is determined by the time when the link (e.g., the first link 331 and the second link 332 in FIG. 3) is activated and the time when the link is activated by electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device 401 and the second link in FIG. 4A). It may be the ratio of time occupied by the second electronic device 402, the third electronic device 403, and/or the fourth electronic device 404). The larger the channel occupancy rate, the greater the degree to which the links 331 and 332 are occupied by the electronic devices 401, 402, 403 and 404, and the relatively large amount of data required to transmit data through the links 331 and 332. This may mean that high contention time is required. The smaller the channel occupancy rate, the smaller the extent to which the links 331 and 332 are occupied by the electronic devices 401, 402, 403 and 404, and the relative This may mean that low contention time is required.

The electronic devices 401, 402, 403, and 404 may determine contention time based on channel occupancy. However, when determining (or predicting) the contention time by considering channel occupancy, the difference between the determined (or predicted) contention time and the actual contention time may increase.

For example, in a situation where one electronic device 401 transmits large-sized data through the links 331 and 332, the channel occupancy rate and many electronic devices 401, 402, 403, and 404 transmit large data through the links 331 and 332. , 332), the channel occupancy rate in a situation where data is transmitted may be the same.

Considering the situation 440 in which the first electronic device 401 transmits large-sized data through the links 331 and 332, the first electronic device 401 transmits data at designated times 441, 442, and 443. Data can be transmitted. The electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device 402 in FIG. 4A) that wishes to transmit data through the links 331 and 332, after the first electronic device 401 transmitting data has completed partial data transmission, , By performing contention for data transmission through the CSMA/CA method with the first electronic device 401 that performs data transmission, an opportunity for data transmission can be secured. The second electronic device 402 can secure an appropriate transmission opportunity through competition with the first electronic device 401 that transmitted data.

However, considering the situation 450 in which various electronic devices 401, 403, and 404 transmit data through the links 331 and 332, the first electronic device 401 transmits data for a specified time 451. Can be transmitted. Other electronic devices 402, 403, and 404 may perform contention for data transmission through the CSMA/CA method after the designated time 451 expires. If the timer for the second electronic device 402 expires before the other electronic devices 401, 403, and 404, the second electronic device 402 may transmit data for a specified time 452. After the data transmission of the second electronic device 402 is completed, other electronic devices 401, 403, and 404 may compete for data transmission through the CSMA/CA method. If the timer for the third electronic device 403 expires before the other electronic devices 401, 402, and 404, the third electronic device 403 may transmit data for a specified time 453. After the data transmission of the third electronic device 403 is completed, other electronic devices 401, 402, and 404 may compete for data transmission through the CSMA/CA method. If the timer for the fourth electronic device 404 expires before the other electronic devices 401, 402, and 403, the fourth electronic device 404 may transmit data for a specified time 454. After the data transmission of the fourth electronic device 404 is completed, other electronic devices 401, 402, and 403 may compete for data transmission through the CSMA/CA method. If the timer for the first electronic device 401 expires before the other electronic devices 402, 403, and 404, the first electronic device 401 may transmit data for a specified time 455. After the data transmission of the first electronic device 401 is completed, other electronic devices 402, 403, and 404 may compete for data transmission through the CSMA/CA method. If the timer for the second electronic device 402 expires before the other electronic devices 401, 403, and 404, the second electronic device 402 may transmit data for a specified time 456. After the data transmission of the second electronic device 403 is completed, other electronic devices 401, 403, and 404 may compete for data transmission through the CSMA/CA method. If the timer for the third electronic device 403 expires before the other electronic devices 401, 402, and 404, the third electronic device 403 may transmit data for a specified time 457.

A situation 450 in which various electronic devices 401, 403, and 404 transmit data through links 331 and 332 is when one electronic device 401 transmits data of a large size through links 331 and 332. It may have the same channel occupancy rate as the transmitting situation 440. However, the contention time in a situation 450 in which various electronic devices 401, 403, and 404 transmit data through links 331 and 332 and when one electronic device 401 transmits data through links 331 and 332. The contention time in the situation 440 where large-sized data is transmitted may be different.

It may be required to determine (or predict) an accurate contention time not only for link control but also for various controls (e.g. AP roaming, D2D communication connection). Hereinafter, the exact contention time will be determined and various operations based on the delay time will be described. Describe about.

5 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device 500 (e.g., the electronic device 310 of FIG. 3) includes a communication circuit 510 (e.g., the first communication circuit 311 or the second communication circuit of FIG. 4B). 312) and/or a processor 520 (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 1).

In FIG. 5 , for convenience of explanation, the first electronic device 401 is described as an external electronic device 401, but the description in FIG. 5 refers to other electronic devices (e.g., the second electronic device 402 and the third electronic device in FIG. 4A ). It may be applied to the device 403 and/or the fourth electronic device 404).

Communication circuit 510 may include various circuit structures used for modulating and/or demodulating signals within electronic device 310. For example, the communication circuit 510 modulates a baseband signal into a RF (radio frequency) band signal to be output through an antenna (not shown), or modulates an RF band signal received through an antenna into a baseband signal. It can be demodulated into a signal in the band and transmitted to the processor 520.

The communication circuit 510 transmits a plurality of packets to the AP (e.g., the external electronic device 320 in FIG. 3) through a first link (e.g., the first link 331 in FIG. 3), or transmits a plurality of packets to the AP (e.g., the external electronic device 320 in FIG. Data transmitted by the AP 320 can be received through 331). The communication circuit 510 transmits a packet to the AP 320 through a second link (e.g., the second link 332 in FIG. 3), or a packet transmitted by the AP 320 through the second link 332. can receive. The communication circuit 510 may output or receive a signal in a frequency band corresponding to the first link 331 through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna 313 in FIG. 3), and the second link 332 A signal in a frequency band corresponding to can be output or received through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna 314 in FIG. 3).

The processor 520 may perform an operation of receiving data transmitted by an application processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 1) and generating a packet for transmitting the received data to the AP 320. The processor 520 may be defined as a communication processor (or communication processor) included in a communication module (eg, the wireless communication module 192 of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the processor 520 generates a packet by performing channel coding based on data transmitted by an application processor (e.g., the application processor 120 of FIG. 1), or the external electronic device 320 It is possible to check whether at least part of the transmitted data has an error or, if an error occurs, to perform an error recovery operation (e.g., HARQ (hybrid auto repeat request)).

The processor 520 may be operatively connected to the communication circuit 510 and control the operation of the communication circuit 510 . The processor 520 may receive data transmitted by the application processor 120 and select a channel to use for transmitting or receiving packets corresponding to the data based on the characteristics of the service included in the data.

The processor 520 may determine the latency of the first link 331 before transmitting data through the first link 331.

Delay time is the contention time between the start of waiting for data transmission and the start of data transmission, and the transmission time between the start of data transmission and completion of data transmission. It can be decided based on

According to one embodiment, the processor 520 may determine the delay time as the sum of contention time and transmission time. According to one embodiment, the processor 520 may determine the delay time as the sum of contention time, transmission time, and other times (eg, distributed inter frame space (DIFS)).

When determining (or predicting) the contention time, the processor 520 may determine the time required until all counters allocated to the electronic device 500 are deducted. The electronic device 500 may be capable of transmitting data when all counters are deducted, and the time taken while all counters are deducted (e.g., the time for another electronic device to transmit data and the first link ( If 331) is in an idle state, it may include the time required to deduct the counter) may be the same as the contention time, or may be a similar value. Accordingly, the processor 520 determines the time it takes for all counters allocated to the electronic device 500 to be deducted, and sets the determined time as the contention time to predict (or determine) the exact contention time. You can.

In determining the time it takes for all counters allocated to the electronic device 500 to be deducted, the processor 520 checks the time it takes for the counter to be deducted in a designated unit (e.g., 1 slot) and , the value multiplied by the designated number of times and the time it takes for the counter to be deducted from the designated unit (e.g., 1 slot) can be set as the time it takes for all counters allocated to the electronic device 500 to be deducted.

The processor 520 calculates the time required for the electronic device 500 to deduct a counter that can be used to perform CSMA/CA contention for each designated unit (e.g., 1 slot) and the time the first link 331 is connected to. You can check the percentage of time that exists in an idle state. The ratio of the time it takes for the counter to be deducted for each designated unit (e.g., 1 slot) and the time that the first link 331 is in an idle state is determined by the time that the first link 331 is in an idle state and the electronic device 500 ) participates in the competition, this may mean the number of times deduction is possible.

For example, the processor 520 uses Equation 1 below to determine the ratio of the time it takes for the counter to be deducted for each designated unit (e.g., 1 slot) and the time the first link 331 is in an idle state. can confirm.

[Equation 1]

(T _on : Time for monitoring the first link 331, T _cca : Time for which the first link 331 is occupied by the external electronic device 401, T _slot : Time required for the counter to deduct one unit hour)

Referring to Equation 1, the difference between the first time, which is the time when the first link 331 is monitored, and the second time, which is the time when the first link 331 is occupied by the external electronic device 401, is the first link 331 This may mean the time that 331 is in an idle state (or the time that the electronic device 500 can deduct the counter), and in the time that the first link 331 is in an idle state, the counter is The value divided by the time taken to deduct one unit may mean the number of counters that the electronic device 500 can deduct from the idle time.

Alternatively, the processor 520 may set the counter to a specified unit (e.g., based on the first time, which is the time for monitoring the first link 331, and the third time, which is the time for which the first link 331 is in an idle state). It is also possible to check the ratio of the time required to be deducted for each slot (1 slot) and the time that the first link 331 is in an idle state.

The processor 520 may check the contention time of the electronic device 400 when the counter is deducted by one. The processor 520 sets the second time, which is the time when the first link 331 is occupied by the external electronic device 401, to a counter that the electronic device 500 can subtract from the idle time obtained in Equation 1. By dividing by a number, when one counter is deducted, the contention time per unit, which means the contention time of the electronic device 400, can be confirmed. For example, the processor 520 can check the contention time per counter unit based on Equation 2 below.

[Equation 2]

(T _on : the first time monitoring the first link 331, T _cca : the second time the first link 331 is occupied by the external electronic device 401, T _slot : the counter counts 1 unit time required to deduct)

Referring to Equation 2, the second time occupied by the external electronic device 401 divided by the number of counters that the electronic device 500 can deduct may mean the contention time per counter unit.

The processor 520 may determine the contention time by multiplying the contention time per unit time of the counter by the designated number of counters. The designated number of counters may mean the number of counters to be allocated when the electronic device 500 participates in contention. The designated number of counters may be determined when the electronic device 500 participates in contention. Accordingly, the processor 520 may set the average value of the counter to be allocated when the electronic device 500 participates in a contention to a specified number of times and determine the contention time. The average value of the counter to be assigned may be the average of the values of the counters that can be assigned to the electronic device 500. Alternatively, the average value of the counter to be assigned may be the average of the values of the counters previously assigned to the electronic device 500. Alternatively, the average value of the counter to be assigned may be the counter values obtained by the electronic device 500 monitoring the first link 331 (e.g., the values assigned to the electronic device 500 or the external electronic device 401). It may be the average value of the counter values. According to one example, the processor 520 may determine the contention time based on Equation 3 below.

[Equation 3]

(T _on : the first time monitoring the first link 331, T _cca : the second time the first link 331 is occupied by the external electronic device 401, T _slot : the counter counts 1 unit Time required to deduct, N _slot : Number of counters that can be assigned when the electronic device 500 participates in contention)

The processor 520 may monitor the first link 331 in determining the contention time. The processor 520 may determine (or predict) the contention time based on information about the first link 331 obtained by monitoring the first link 331. The information about the first link 331 includes first time information indicating the time the first link 331 was monitored and the time the first link 331 was occupied by the external electronic device 401. It may include second time information. Monitoring of the first link 331 may be performed by the electronic device 500, or may be performed by the AP 320 in order to reduce power consumption of the electronic device 500. When monitoring of the first link 331 is performed by the AP 320, the processor 520 may transmit a signal requesting first time information and second time information to the AP 320, and AP ( 320) may transmit a response message including first time information and second time information to the electronic device 500.

As part of the operation to determine the delay time, the processor 520 may determine the transmission time between the start of data transmission and the completion of data transmission.

When determining the transmission time, the processor 520 may determine the transmission time based on the size of data to be transmitted and the uplink reference data rate of the first link 331. The processor 520 can determine the transmission time by dividing the size of data to be transmitted by the data rate. The processor 520 may determine the transmission time based on Equation 4 below.

[Equation 4]

(payload: size of data, R _ul : uplink standard data rate of the first link 331)

When determining the transmission time, the processor 520 may determine the transmission time based on the type of service or data type that the electronic device 500 is performing. For example, if the service being performed by the electronic device 500 is a service that transmits relatively large amounts of data, the processor 520 may determine the transmission time by setting the data size to be large. If the type of data to be transmitted by the electronic device 500 has a relatively large capacity, the processor 520 may determine the transmission time by setting the data size to be large.

Processor 520 may determine the delay time based on contention time and transmission time. The processor 520 may determine the delay time by adding contention time and transmission time.

When determining the delay time, the processor 520 may determine the delay time based on the success rate of data transmission. Even if the AP 320 transmits data for an hour longer than the contention time and transmission time, it may fail to receive data due to various reasons. If the AP 320 fails to receive data, the electronic device 500 may have to compete with the external electronic device 401 to transmit data again, and transmit data after the timer expires. Accordingly, the processor 520 may determine the delay time by dividing the data transmission success rate by the contention time and transmission time added. According to one example, the processor 520 may determine the delay time using Equation 5 below.

[Equation 5]

(T _on : the first time monitoring the first link 331, T _cca : the second time the first link 331 is occupied by the external electronic device 401, T _slot : the counter counts 1 unit Time required to deduct, N _slot : Number of counters that can be assigned when the electronic device 500 participates in contention, Tx time: Between the time the electronic device 500 starts transmitting data and the time the transmission is completed (transmission time, success rate: data transmission success rate)

The processor 520 can determine (or predict) an accurate delay time through the method described above. When determining (or predicting) the contention time using the method described above, the contention time can be predicted by considering the time that the external electronic device 401 occupies the channel while deducting the counter, rather than simply the channel occupancy rate. Therefore, accurate prediction of contention time may be possible.

The processor 520 may perform at least one operation based on the determined delay time.

The processor 520 may control a plurality of links including the first link 331 based on the determined delay time.

The processor 520 may determine (or predict) the delay time of each of the first link 331 as well as a plurality of links between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500. The processor 520 may determine the delay time of each of the plurality of links and the delay time of at least one link among the plurality of links and a combination of two or more links.

When determining the delay time of a combination of two or more links, the processor 520 may determine the harmonic mean of the delay times of the links included in the link combination as the delay time of the link combination. The harmonic average of the delay times of the links may mean the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the delay times of the links.

For example, the processor 520 can determine the delay time of the link combination using Equation 6 below.

[Equation 6]

(T: delay time of link combination, Ti: delay time of ith link)

If the electronic device 500 can be connected to the AP 320 through the first link 331, the second link 332, and/or the third link (not shown), the processor 520 operates according to the table below As shown in 1, the delay time for the combination of links can be determined.

Link or combination of links delay time 1st link T1 2nd link T2 third link T3 1st link and 2nd link 1st link and 3rd link 2nd link and 3rd link 1st link, 2nd link and 3rd link

For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the delay time of the second link is smaller than the delay time of the first link, and the delay time of the third link is smaller than the delay time of the second link. Referring to Table 1, the delay time of the combination of the first link, the second link, and the third link may be smaller than the delay time of the second link and the third link. The delay times of the second link and the third link may be smaller than the delay times of the first link and the third link. The delay times of the first link and the third link may be smaller than the delay times of the first link and the second link. The delay times of the first link and the second link may be smaller than the delay time of the third link.

The processor 520 determines (or predicts) the delay times of the first link, the second link, and/or the third link when a given period or a designated event occurs, and the first link, the second link, and/or Alternatively, the delay time of the third link combination may be determined (or predicted). The predicted delay time may be temporarily or non-temporarily stored on a memory (e.g., memory 130 of FIG. 1). The designated event is at least one of an event in which a service running on the electronic device 500 is changed, an event in which an application running on the electronic device 500 is changed, a first link, a second link, and/or a third link. It may include various events, including an event in which the quality of a link changes, or an event in which the quality of a signal received by the electronic device 500 changes.

The processor 520 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently executing (or being performed). According to one example, the processor 520 may check the delay time required by the service by receiving the delay time required by the currently executing service from the application processor 120. Alternatively, the processor 520 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the processor 520 may check the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored on the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. there is.

The processor 520 activates or deactivates at least some of the links based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the links (or a combination of the links). can do. The delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links) and the delay time required to perform the service are based on the uplink standard or electronic device ( 500) can be confirmed on a downlink basis for receiving data from the AP 320. The delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links) and the delay time required to perform the service will be measured based on the uplink through which the electronic device 500 transmits data to the AP 320. Based on this, the delay time of each of a plurality of links (or a combination of a plurality of links) for the downlink through which the AP 320 transmits data to the electronic device 500 and the delay required to perform the service Time can be predictable.

The processor 520 maintains in an active state (or switches to an active state) a link or a combination of a plurality of links that can implement a latency lower than the latency required for service performance, and puts the remaining links in an inactive state. You can toggle it (or keep it disabled).

Taking Table 1 as an example, the processor 520 confirms that the delay time required to perform the service is less than the delay time of the first link and the third link, and the delay time of the first link and the third link It may be decided to perform the service using a combination of a second link and a third link that implements lower latency. The processor 520 may control a plurality of links by maintaining (or switching) the second link and the third link to an activated state and switching (or maintaining) the first link to an inactive state. The processor 520 may reduce power consumed by the electronic device 500 by switching at least some links to a deactivated state based on the delay time of the link or combination of links.

As part of the operation of activating the link, the processor 520 may generate a TID-to link mapping frame to be included in a frame (e.g., beacon frame, action frame) to be transmitted to the AP 320. The processor 520 controls the communication circuit 510 to transmit a TID to link mapping frame mapping the traffic identifier (TID) of data to be transmitted through the link to be activated and the identification information of the link to be activated to the AP 320. You can activate the link by doing this:

The processor 520 may generate a TID-to link mapping frame to be included in a frame (e.g., beacon frame, action frame) to be transmitted to the AP 320 as part of the operation of deactivating the link. The processor 520 may deactivate the link by controlling the communication circuit 510 to transmit to the AP 320 a TID to link mapping frame that is set not to map the link to be deactivated to the TID.

The processor 520 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform short-range wireless communication between the electronic device 500 and the external electronic device 401. For example, the electronic device 500 may provide a service that requires the external electronic device 401 (e.g., data sharing, content sharing, or a service that uses a component (e.g., display) of the external electronic device 401 (e.g., a second service). In a situation where a screen) is performed, the processor 520 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform short-range wireless communication between the electronic device 500 and the external electronic device 401.

The processor 520 may perform short-range wireless communication (e.g., tunneled direct link setup (TDLS)) with an external electronic device 401 through the AP 320, or may perform external communication without going through the AP 320. Direct communication (D2D; device to device) (e.g., Wi-Fi direct, NAN (neighbor awareness network)) may be performed with the electronic device 401.

The processor 520 determines whether to perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 or direct communication between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500, based on the delay time of the link or combination of links. You can decide whether or not.

The processor 520 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently executing (or being performed). According to one example, the processor 520 may check the delay time required by the service by receiving the delay time required by the currently executing service from the application processor 120. Alternatively, the processor 520 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the processor 520 may check the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored on the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. there is.

The processor 520 determines whether to perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 or to an external device based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links). It is possible to determine whether to perform direct communication between the electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500.

The processor 520 establishes a connection between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500 based on confirmation that there is no link or combination of links capable of implementing a latency lower than the latency required for service performance. You may decide to perform direct communication.

The processor 520 has the capability of enabling the communication circuit 510 to simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500. In this case, direct communication between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500 can be established without disconnecting the AP 320 and the electronic device 500.

The processor 520 has the capability to enable the communication circuit 510 to simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500. If this is not possible, the connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 may be released, and direct communication between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500 may be established.

The processor 520 may perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 based on confirmation that a link or combination of links exists that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service. .

The processor 520 may determine whether to perform short-range wireless communication using an AP other than the AP 320, based on the delay time of the link or combination of links.

The processor 520 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently executing (or being performed). According to one example, the processor 520 may check the delay time required by the service by receiving the delay time required by the currently executing service from the application processor 120. Alternatively, the processor 520 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the processor 520 may check the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored on the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. there is.

The processor 520 performs short-range wireless communication using an AP other than the AP 320, based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links). You can also decide whether to perform it or not.

The processor 520 performs short-range wireless communication using an AP other than the AP 320, based on confirmation that there is no link or combination of links that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required for service performance. You can decide to perform and perform the procedure to connect with another AP.

The processor 520 determines to perform short-range wireless communication using the AP 320, based on confirmation that a link or combination of links exists that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service. And, the connection with the AP 320 can be maintained.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device controls a plurality of links according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) connects an AP (e.g., the external electronic device 320 of FIG. 3) and a first link 601 (e.g., the first link of FIG. 3). 1 link 331), a second link 602 (eg, the second link 332 in FIG. 3), and a third link 603.

When the electronic device 500 performs a service that requires a relatively high delay time, smooth service is provided even without activating all of the first link 601, the second link 602, and/or the third link 603. It may be possible to perform. Accordingly, the electronic device 500, based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of the combination of the first link 601, the second link 602, and/or the third link 603, Disabling at least some links can be accomplished.

The electronic device 500 may determine (or predict) the delay time of each of the first link 601 as well as a plurality of links between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500. The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of each of the plurality of links and the delay time of at least one link among the plurality of links and a combination of two or more links.

When determining the delay time of a combination of two or more links, the electronic device 500 may determine the harmonic mean of the delay times of the links included in the link combination as the delay time of the link combination. The harmonic average of the delay times of the links may mean the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the delay times of the links.

When the electronic device 500 can be connected to the AP 320 through the first link 601, the second link 602, and/or the third link 603, the electronic device 500 is connected to the AP 320 through the first link 601, the second link 602, and/or the third link 603. Delay times can be determined for combinations of links as shown in Table 1 in the detailed description.

The electronic device 500 determines (or predicts) the delay time of the first link 601, the second link 602, and/or the third link 603 when a specified period or a specified event occurs, and , the delay time of the combination of the first link 601, the second link 602, and/or the third link 603 can be determined (or predicted). The predicted delay time may be temporarily or non-temporarily stored on a memory (e.g., memory 130 of FIG. 1).

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). According to one example, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required by the service by receiving the delay time required by the currently executing service from the application processor 120. Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

The electronic device 500 activates or deactivates at least some of the links among the plurality of links based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links). It can be done.

The electronic device 500 maintains in an active state (or switches to an active state) a link or a combination of a plurality of links that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service, and the remaining links are in an inactive state. You can switch it to (or keep it disabled).

Taking Table 1 as an example, the electronic device 500 confirms that the delay time required to perform the service is smaller than the delay time of the first link 601 and the third link 603, and It may be decided to perform the service using a combination of the second link 602 and the third link 603 that implements a lower delay time than the delay time of the first link 601 and the third link 603. The electronic device 500 maintains (or switches) the second link 602 and the third link 603 to an activated state, and switches (or maintains) the first link 601 to a deactivated state. You can control multiple links. The electronic device 500 may reduce the power consumed by the electronic device 500 by switching at least some links to a deactivated state based on the delay time of the link or combination of links.

As part of the operation of activating the link, the electronic device 500 may generate a TID-to link mapping frame to be included in a frame (e.g., beacon frame, action frame) to be transmitted to the AP 320. The electronic device 500 uses a communication circuit 510 to transmit to the AP 320 a TID to link mapping frame that maps the traffic identifier (TID) of data to be transmitted through the link to be activated and the identification information of the link to be activated. Links can be activated in a controlled manner.

As part of the operation of deactivating the link, the electronic device 500 may generate a TID-to link mapping frame to be included in a frame (e.g., beacon frame, action frame) to be transmitted to the AP 320. The electronic device 500 may deactivate the link by controlling the communication circuit 510 to transmit to the AP 320 a TID to link mapping frame that is set not to map the link to be deactivated to the TID.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart illustrating an operation 700 in which an electronic device controls a plurality of links based on delay times of the plurality of links, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, in operation 710, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) connects a plurality of APs (e.g., the external electronic device 320 of FIG. 3) and the electronic device 500. You can check (or update) the delay time of the link.

The electronic device 500 may determine (or predict) the delay time of each of a plurality of links between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500. The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of each of the plurality of links and the delay time of at least one link among the plurality of links and a combination of two or more links.

The electronic device 500 monitors the first link (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 6), and determines a first time, which is the time for monitoring the first link 601, and an external electronic device (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time when the first electronic device 401 occupies the first link.

The electronic device 500 collects data through the first link 601 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the first link 601 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of the first link 601 based on the contention time of data transmission through the first link 601 and the data transmission time through the first link 601.

The electronic device 500 monitors the second link (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 6) and determines the first time, which is the time for monitoring the second link 602, and the external electronic device (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time when the first electronic device 401 of ) occupies the second link.

The electronic device 500 collects data over the second link 602 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the second link 602 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of the second link 602 based on the contention time of data transmission through the second link 602 and the transmission time of data through the second link 602.

The electronic device 500 monitors the third link (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 6) and determines the first time, which is the time for monitoring the third link 603, and the external electronic device (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time that the first electronic device 401 of occupies the third link 603.

The electronic device 500 collects data through the third link 603 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the third link 603 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of the third link 603 based on the contention time of data transmission through the third link 603 and the data transmission time through the third link 603.

In operation 720, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service performed by the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). According to one example, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required by the service by receiving the delay time required by the currently executing service from the application processor 120. Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

In operation 730, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links.

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links according to the occurrence of various events. Various events include an event in which a service running on the electronic device 500 is changed, an event in which an application running on the electronic device 500 is changed, and at least one of the first link, the second link, and/or the third link. It may include various events, including an event in which the quality of a link changes, or an event in which the quality of a signal received by the electronic device 500 changes.

Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links at each designated period.

The electronic device 500 transmits data using the first link 601 and the second link 602 at the same time, and the delay time that may occur when the first link 601 and the third link 603 are used simultaneously. delay time that may occur when transmitting data using the second link 602 and the third link 603 at the same time, and/or the first link 601 and the second link The delay time that may occur when data is transmitted using link 602 and the third link 603 at the same time can be checked.

When determining the delay time of a combination of two or more links, the electronic device 500 may determine the harmonic mean of the delay times of the links included in the link combination as the delay time of the link combination. The harmonic average of the delay times of the links may mean the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the delay times of the links.

In operation 740, the electronic device 500 may determine a combination of a plurality of links based on the delay time required to perform the service.

The electronic device 500 may determine a combination of links that have a lower delay time than the delay time required to perform the service. When determining the combination of links, the electronic device 500 determines that among the delay times that can be implemented by the combinations of links, if there are several combinations of links with lower delay times than the delay time required to perform the service, the service Among the combinations of links having a delay time lower than the delay time required for execution, a combination of links with the lowest power consumption (or a combination of links with a low frequency band) may be determined (or selected).

In operation 750, the electronic device 500 may control a plurality of links based on the determined combination of links.

The electronic device 500 activates or deactivates at least some of the links among the plurality of links based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links). It can be done.

The electronic device 500 maintains in an active state (or switches to an active state) a link or a combination of a plurality of links that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service, and the remaining links are in an inactive state. You can switch it to (or keep it disabled).

Taking Table 1 as an example, the electronic device 500 confirms that the delay time required to perform the service is smaller than the delay time of the first link 601 and the third link 603, and It may be decided to perform the service using a combination of the second link 602 and the third link 603 that implements a lower delay time than the delay time of the first link 601 and the third link 603. The electronic device 500 maintains (or switches) the second link 602 and the third link 603 to an activated state, and switches (or maintains) the first link 601 to a deactivated state. You can control multiple links. The electronic device 500 may reduce the power consumed by the electronic device 500 by switching at least some links to a deactivated state based on the delay time of the link or combination of links.

As part of the operation of activating the link, the electronic device 500 may generate a TID-to link mapping frame to be included in a frame (e.g., beacon frame, action frame) to be transmitted to the AP 320. The electronic device 500 uses a communication circuit 510 to transmit to the AP 320 a TID to link mapping frame that maps the traffic identifier (TID) of data to be transmitted through the link to be activated and the identification information of the link to be activated. Links can be activated in a controlled manner.

As part of the operation of deactivating the link, the electronic device 500 may generate a TID-to link mapping frame to be included in a frame (e.g., beacon frame, action frame) to be transmitted to the AP 320. The electronic device 500 may deactivate the link by controlling the communication circuit 510 to transmit to the AP 320 a TID to link mapping frame that is set not to map the link to be deactivated to the TID.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device, an external electronic device, and an AP according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) connects an AP (e.g., the external electronic device 320 of FIG. 3) and a first link (e.g., the first link of FIG. 6). 601)), a second link (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 6), and a third link (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 6). An external electronic device 800 (e.g., the first electronic device 401 in FIG. 4A) may be connected to the AP 320.

The electronic device 500 may perform short-range wireless communication between the electronic device 500 and an external electronic device 800. For example, the electronic device 500 may provide a service that requires the external electronic device 800 (e.g., data sharing, content sharing, or a service that uses a component (e.g., display) of the external electronic device 800 (e.g., a second service). In a situation where a screen) is performed, the electronic device 500 may transmit or receive data required for the service through short-range wireless communication between the electronic device 500 and the external electronic device 800.

When performing short-range wireless communication with the external electronic device 800, the electronic device 500 performs short-range wireless communication (e.g., tunneled direct link setup (TDLS)) with the external electronic device 800 through the AP 320. Alternatively, direct communication (D2D; device to device) (e.g., Wi-Fi direct, NAN (neighbor awareness network)) may be performed with the external electronic device 800 without going through the AP 320. there is.

The electronic device 500 determines whether to perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 or direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500, based on the delay time of the link or combination of links. You can decide whether to do it or not.

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). According to one example, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required by the service by receiving the delay time required by the currently executing service from the application processor 120. Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

When transmitting or receiving data using one link (e.g., NON-MLO (multi-link operation)), the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of the activated link. Based on this, it can be determined whether to perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 or direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 determines to perform direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500, based on confirming that the delay time of the activated link is greater than the delay time required to perform the service. You can.

The electronic device 500, when the communication circuit 510 can simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500, Direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 can be established without disconnecting the AP 320 and the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500, when the communication circuit 510 cannot simultaneously perform the connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and the connection between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500, The connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 may be released, and direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 may be established.

The electronic device 500 may perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 based on confirmation that the delay time of the activated link is less than the delay time required to perform the service. Short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 may mean short-range wireless communication using an active link.

The electronic device 500 determines whether to perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links). It is possible to determine whether to perform direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500.

Alternatively, when the electronic device 500 can obtain the delay time of the link between the external electronic device 800 and the AP 320, the delay time required to perform the service, each of a plurality of links (or, Based on the delay time of the link (a combination of a plurality of links) and/or the delay time of the link between the external electronic device 800 and the AP 320, whether to perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 or the external electronic device 800 ) can determine whether to perform direct communication between the electronic device 500 and the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 connects the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 based on confirmation that there is no link or combination of links that can implement a latency lower than the latency required for service performance. You may decide to conduct direct communication between.

The electronic device 500 has the capability of enabling the communication circuit 510 to simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500. In this case, direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 can be established without disconnecting the AP 320 and the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 has the capability of enabling the communication circuit 510 to simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500. If not, the connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 can be released, and direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 can be established.

The electronic device 500 can perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 based on confirmation that a link or combination of links exists that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required for service performance. there is.

In situations where data transmission or reception between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 does not occur frequently, maintaining direct device-to-device communication between the electronic device 500 and the external electronic device 800 is an electronic device ( 500) may result in unnecessary power consumption. Accordingly, the electronic device 500 performs short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 to an external environment based on confirmation that a link or combination of links exists that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service. By performing this with the electronic device 800, power consumption due to direct communication between devices can be reduced.

FIG. 9A shows whether an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention transmits or receives data through an AP or transmits or receives data through D2D communication with an external electronic device, based on the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links. This is an operation flowchart showing the operation of determining whether to perform.

Referring to FIG. 9A, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) connects a plurality of APs (e.g., the external electronic device 320 of FIG. 3) and the electronic device 500 in operation 910. You can check (or update) the delay time of the link.

The electronic device 500 may determine (or predict) the delay time of each of a plurality of links between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500. The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of each of the plurality of links and the delay time of at least one link among the plurality of links and a combination of two or more links.

The electronic device 500 monitors the first link (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 6), and determines a first time, which is the time for monitoring the first link 601, and an external electronic device (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time when the first electronic device 401 occupies the first link.

The electronic device 500 collects data through the first link 601 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the first link 601 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

The electronic device 500 monitors the second link (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 6) and determines the first time, which is the time for monitoring the second link 602, and the external electronic device (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time when the first electronic device 401 of ) occupies the second link.

The electronic device 500 collects data over the second link 602 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the second link 602 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

The electronic device 500 monitors the third link (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 6) and determines the first time, which is the time for monitoring the third link 603, and the external electronic device (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time that the first electronic device 401 of occupies the third link 603.

The electronic device 500 collects data through the third link 603 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the third link 603 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

In operation 920, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service performed by the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). According to one example, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required by the service by receiving the delay time required by the currently executing service from the application processor 120. Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

In operation 930, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links.

The electronic device 500 transmits data using the first link 601 and the second link 602 at the same time, and the delay time that may occur when the first link 601 and the third link 603 are used simultaneously. delay time that may occur when transmitting data using the second link 602 and the third link 603 at the same time, and/or the first link 601 and the second link You can check the delay time that may occur when data is transmitted using link 602 and the third link 603 at the same time.

When determining the delay time of a combination of two or more links, the electronic device 500 may determine the harmonic mean of the delay times of the links included in the link combination as the delay time of the link combination. The harmonic average of the delay times of the links may mean the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the delay times of the links.

In operation 940, the electronic device 500 may check whether a combination of a plurality of links with a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service exists.

In operation 950, the electronic device 500 determines that there is no combination of a plurality of links with a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service (operation 940-N), and determines the electronic device ( Direct device-to-device communication (D2D communication) can be performed between the device 500) and the external electronic device 800.

The electronic device 500 has the capability of enabling the communication circuit 510 to simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500. In this case, direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 can be established without disconnecting the AP 320 and the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 has the capability of enabling the communication circuit 510 to simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500. If not, the connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 can be released, and direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 can be established.

In operation 960, the electronic device 500 determines that a combination of a plurality of links with a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service exists (operation 940-Y), and the AP 320 Communication with an external electronic device 800 can be performed through .

FIG. 9B shows whether an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention transmits or receives data through an AP or transmits or receives data through D2D communication with an external electronic device, based on the delay time of the activated link. This is an operation flowchart showing the operation 970 of determining whether or not to do so.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) activates the connection between the AP (e.g., the external electronic device 320 of FIG. 3) and the electronic device 500 in operation 971. The delay time of the connected link (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 6) can be checked (or updated).

The electronic device 500 monitors the first link (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 6), and determines a first time, which is the time for monitoring the first link 601, and an external electronic device (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time when the first electronic device 401 occupies the first link.

The electronic device 500 collects data through the first link 601 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the first link 601 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

As part of the operation to determine the delay time, the electronic device 500 may determine the transmission time between the start of data transmission and the completion of data transmission.

The electronic device 500 connects the first link 601 (or an activated link) based on the contention time of data transmission through the first link 601 and the transmission time of data transmission through the first link 500. You can check the delay time.

In operation 973, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service performed by the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). According to one example, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required by the service by receiving the delay time required by the currently executing service from the application processor 120. Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

In operation 975, the electronic device 500 may check whether the delay time of the activated link is less than the delay time required to perform the service.

In operation 977, the electronic device 500 connects the electronic device 500 and the external electronic device 800 based on the delay time of the activated link being greater than the delay time required to perform the service (operation 975-No). Direct communication (D2D communication) can be performed between devices.

The electronic device 500, when the communication circuit 510 can simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500, Direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 can be established without disconnecting the AP 320 and the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500, when the communication circuit 510 cannot simultaneously perform the connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and the connection between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500, The connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 may be released, and direct communication between the external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 may be established.

The electronic device 500 performs communication with the external electronic device 800 through the AP 320, based on the delay time of the activated link being less than the delay time required to perform the service (operation 975 - Yes). can do.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device, a first AP, and a second AP according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 500 in FIG. 5) connects a first AP 1010 (e.g., external electronic device 320 in FIG. 3) and a first link (e.g., FIG. 6). may be connected through a first link 601), a second link (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 6), and a third link (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 6). The second AP (1020) may be located in an area adjacent to the first AP (1010). The electronic device 500 may not be connected to the second AP 1020.

The electronic device 500 according to one embodiment may determine whether to perform short-range wireless communication using an AP other than the first AP 1010, based on the delay time of a link or a combination of links.

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). According to one example, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required by the service. Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

The electronic device 500 connects the second AP, which is another AP other than the first AP 1010, based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links). It may also be determined whether to perform short-range wireless communication using the AP 1020.

The electronic device 500 performs short-range wireless communication using the second AP 1020 based on confirmation that there is no link or combination of links capable of implementing a delay time lower than the delay time required for service performance. It is decided to perform the procedure, and the procedure for connection with the second AP (1020) can be performed.

The electronic device 500 maintains the speed of data transmission or reception through the first AP 1010 (or, In a situation where the quality) is higher than the speed (or quality) of data transmission or reception through the second AP 1020, the connection with the first AP 1010 can be maintained.

The electronic device 500 performs short-range wireless communication using the first AP 1010 based on confirmation that a link or combination of links exists that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service. It is decided to do so, and the connection with the first AP (1010) can be maintained.

FIG. 11 illustrates an operation in which an electronic device determines whether to maintain a connection to a first AP or to switch a connection to a second AP, based on the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links, according to various embodiments of the present invention. This is an operation flow chart showing.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) connects a first AP (e.g., the first AP 1010 of FIG. 10) and the electronic device 500 in operation 1110. You can check (or update) the delay time of multiple connected links.

The electronic device 500 may determine (or predict) the delay time of each of a plurality of links between the first AP 1010 and the electronic device 500. The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of each of the plurality of links and the delay time of at least one link among the plurality of links and a combination of two or more links.

The electronic device 500 monitors the first link (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 6), and determines a first time, which is the time for monitoring the first link 601, and an external electronic device (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time when the first electronic device 401 occupies the first link.

The electronic device 500 collects data through the first link 601 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the first link 601 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

The electronic device 500 monitors the second link (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 6) and determines the first time, which is the time for monitoring the second link 602, and the external electronic device (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time when the first electronic device 401 of ) occupies the second link.

The electronic device 500 collects data over the second link 602 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the second link 602 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

The electronic device 500 monitors the third link (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 6) and determines the first time, which is the time for monitoring the third link 603, and the external electronic device (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time that the first electronic device 401 of occupies the third link 603.

The electronic device 500 collects data through the third link 603 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the third link 603 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

In operation 1120, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service performed by the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). According to one example, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required by the service by receiving the delay time required by the currently executing service from the application processor 120. Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

In operation 1130, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time of a combination of a plurality of links.

The electronic device 500 transmits data using the first link 601 and the second link 602 at the same time, and the delay time that may occur when the first link 601 and the third link 603 are used simultaneously. delay time that may occur when transmitting data using the second link 602 and the third link 603 at the same time, and/or the first link 601 and the second link You can check the delay time that may occur when data is transmitted using link 602 and the third link 603 at the same time.

When determining the delay time of a combination of two or more links, the electronic device 500 may determine the harmonic mean of the delay times of the links included in the link combination as the delay time of the link combination. The harmonic average of the delay times of the links may mean the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the delay times of the links.

In operation 1140, the electronic device 500 may check whether a combination of a plurality of links with a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service exists.

In operation 1150, the electronic device 500 determines that there is no combination of a plurality of links with a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service (operation 1140-N), and determines the second AP. A connection can be made with (e.g., the second AP 1020 in FIG. 10).

The electronic device 500 performs short-range wireless communication using the second AP 1020 based on confirmation that there is no link or combination of links capable of implementing a delay time lower than the delay time required for service performance. It is decided to perform the procedure, and the procedure for connection with the second AP (1020) can be performed.

In operation 1160, the electronic device 500 determines that there is a combination of a plurality of links having a delay time lower than the delay time required for service performance (operation 1140-Y), and determines the required delay time. Data can be transmitted or received through a combination of multiple links with lower latency.

The electronic device 500 performs short-range wireless communication using the first AP 1010 based on confirmation that a link or combination of links exists that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service. It is decided to do so, and the connection with the first AP (1010) can be maintained.

Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may determine the speed of data transmission or reception through the first AP 1010 even if there is no link or combination of links that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service ( Alternatively, in a situation where the speed (or quality) of data transmission or reception through the second AP 1020 is higher, the connection with the first AP 1010 may be maintained.

FIG. 12 is an operational flowchart illustrating a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) may determine contention time in operation 1210.

The electronic device 500 monitors the first link (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 6), and determines a first time, which is the time for monitoring the first link 601, and an external electronic device (e.g., the first link 601 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time when the first electronic device 401 occupies the first link.

The electronic device 500 collects data through the first link 601 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the first link 601 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

When there are a plurality of links connected between the electronic device 500 and the AP 320, the electronic device 500 may determine the contention time of data transmission for each of the plurality of links.

The electronic device 500 monitors the second link (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 6) and determines the first time, which is the time for monitoring the second link 602, and the external electronic device (e.g., the second link 602 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time when the first electronic device 401 of ) occupies the second link.

The electronic device 500 collects data over the second link 602 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the second link 602 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

The electronic device 500 monitors the third link (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 6) and determines the first time, which is the time for monitoring the third link 603, and the external electronic device (e.g., the third link 603 in FIG. 4). The contention time per time unit of the counter may be determined based on the second time, which is the time that the first electronic device 401 of occupies the third link 603.

The electronic device 500 collects data through the third link 603 based on the specified number of counters (e.g., the average number of counters to which the electronic device 500 can be assigned) and the contention time per time unit of the counter. The contention time of transmission can be determined. For example, the electronic device 500 may set the contention time for data transmission through the third link 603 as the value obtained by multiplying the designated number of counters and the contention time per time unit of the counter.

In operation 1220, the electronic device 500 may determine the delay time based on the contention time and transmission time.

The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of the first link 601 based on the contention time of data transmission through the first link 601 and the data transmission time through the first link 601.

As part of the operation to determine the delay time, the electronic device 500 may determine the transmission time between the start of data transmission and the completion of data transmission.

When determining the transmission time, the electronic device 500 may determine the transmission time based on the size of data to be transmitted and the uplink reference data rate of the first link 601. The electronic device 500 may determine the transmission time by dividing the size of data to be transmitted by the data rate.

When determining the transmission time, the electronic device 500 may determine the transmission time based on the type of service or data type that the electronic device 500 is performing. For example, if the service that the electronic device 500 is performing is a service that transmits relatively large amounts of data, the electronic device 500 may determine the transmission time by setting the data size to be large. When the type of data to be transmitted by the electronic device 500 has a relatively large capacity, the electronic device 500 may determine the transmission time by setting the data size to be large.

The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time based on contention time and transmission time. The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time by adding the contention time and transmission time.

When determining the delay time, the electronic device 500 may determine the delay time based on the success rate of data transmission. Even if the AP 320 transmits data for an hour longer than the contention time and transmission time, it may fail to receive data due to various reasons. If the AP 320 fails to receive data, the electronic device 500 may have to compete with the external electronic device 401 to transmit data again, and transmit data after the timer expires. Accordingly, the processor 520 may determine the delay time by dividing the data transmission success rate by the contention time and transmission time added.

When there are a plurality of links connected between the electronic device 500 and the AP 320, the electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of data transmission for each of the plurality of links. The method of determining the delay time of data transmission for each of the plurality of links may be the same as the method of determining the delay time of the first link 601.

In operation 1230, the electronic device 500 may perform at least one operation based on the delay time.

The electronic device 500 may control a plurality of links including the first link 331 based on the determined delay time.

The electronic device 500 may determine (or predict) the delay time of each of the first link 601 as well as a plurality of links between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500. The electronic device 500 may determine the delay time of each of the plurality of links and the delay time of at least one link among the plurality of links and a combination of two or more links.

When determining the delay time of a combination of two or more links, the electronic device 500 may determine the harmonic mean of the delay times of the links included in the link combination as the delay time of the link combination. The harmonic average of the delay times of the links may mean the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the delay times of the links.

The electronic device 500 determines (or predicts) the delay time of the first link 601, the second link 602, and/or the third link 603 when a specified period or a specified event occurs, and , the delay time of the combination of the first link 601, the second link 602, and/or the third link 603 can be determined (or predicted). The predicted delay time may be temporarily or non-temporarily stored on a memory (e.g., memory 130 of FIG. 1).

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

The electronic device 500 activates or deactivates at least some of the links among the plurality of links based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links). It can be done.

The electronic device 500 maintains in an active state (or switches to an active state) a link or a combination of a plurality of links that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service, and the remaining links are in an inactive state. You can switch it to (or keep it disabled).

The electronic device 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform short-range wireless communication between the electronic device 500 and the external electronic device 401. For example, the electronic device 500 may provide a service that requires the external electronic device 401 (e.g., data sharing, content sharing, or a service that uses a component (e.g., display) of the external electronic device 401 (e.g., a second service). In a situation where a screen) is performed, the electronic device 500 may control the communication circuit 510 to perform short-range wireless communication between the electronic device 500 and the external electronic device 401.

The electronic device 500 may perform short-range wireless communication (e.g., tunneled direct link setup (TDLS)) with an external electronic device 401 through the AP 320, or without going through the AP 320. Direct communication (D2D; device to device) (e.g., Wi-Fi direct, NAN (neighbor awareness network)) may be performed with the external electronic device 401.

The electronic device 500 determines whether to perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 or direct communication between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500, based on the delay time of the link or combination of links. You can decide whether to do it or not.

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

The electronic device 500 determines whether to perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links). It is possible to determine whether to perform direct communication between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 connects the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500 based on confirmation that there is no link or combination of links capable of implementing a latency lower than the latency required for service performance. You may decide to conduct direct communication between.

The electronic device 500 has the capability of enabling the communication circuit 510 to simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500. In this case, direct communication between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500 can be established without disconnecting the AP 320 and the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 has the capability of enabling the communication circuit 510 to simultaneously perform a connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 and a connection between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500. If not, the connection between the AP 320 and the electronic device 500 can be released, and direct communication between the external electronic device 401 and the electronic device 500 can be established.

The electronic device 500 can perform short-range wireless communication through the AP 320 based on confirmation that a link or combination of links exists that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required for service performance. there is.

The electronic device 500 may determine whether to perform short-range wireless communication using an AP other than the AP 320, based on the delay time of the link or combination of links.

The electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform a service (or application) that is currently running (or being performed). Alternatively, the electronic device 500 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information about the service currently being executed. For example, the electronic device 500 determines the delay time required for performance of the service based on the service information (or identification information) stored in the memory 130 and data to which the required delay time is mapped. You can.

The electronic device 500 performs short-range wireless communication using an AP other than the AP 320, based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links (or a combination of the plurality of links). You can also decide whether to perform it or not.

Based on confirmation that there is no link or combination of links capable of implementing a delay time lower than the delay time required for service performance, the electronic device 500 performs a short-range wireless connection using an AP other than the AP 320. You can decide to perform communication and perform procedures to connect with another AP.

The electronic device 500 is expected to perform short-range wireless communication using the AP 320, based on confirmation that a link or combination of links exists that can implement a delay time lower than the delay time required to perform the service. decision, and can maintain the connection with the AP (320).

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) according to various embodiments of the present invention includes a first AP (e.g., the first AP 1010 of FIG. 10A) (access point) and the electronic device 500. It may include a communication circuit (eg, the communication circuit 510 of FIG. 5) that transmits or receives data through a plurality of links including a first link created between them. The electronic device 500 may include a processor (eg, processor 520 of FIG. 5) operatively connected to the communication circuit 510. The processor 520 is based on the ratio of the time it takes for the counter to be allocated to the electronic device 500 to be deducted for each designated unit, the ratio of the time the first link is in an idle state, and the designated number of counters, Contention time, which is the waiting time for data transmission, can be determined. The processor 520 determines a delay time required to transmit data through the first link based on the contention time and a transmission time required to transmit the data, and based on the delay time, at least one It can be set to perform the following operations.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 monitors the state of the first link at the first time and when the first link is connected to another electronic device (e.g., the first link in FIG. 4A). The second time occupied by the electronic device 401 can be confirmed. The processor 520 may determine the contention time per unit time of the counter based on the first time and the second time. The processor 520 may be set to determine the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the designated number of times.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the designated number of times may be the average number of timers assigned to the electronic device 500.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 monitors the state of the first link for a first time and a third time for the first link to be in an idle state. You can check it. The processor 520 may determine the contention time per unit time of the counter based on the first time and the third time. The processor 520 may be set to determine the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the designated number of times.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 may be set to determine the delay time based on the success rate of data transmission through the first link.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 may be set to determine the transmission time based on the type of service the electronic device 500 is performing.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 is configured to activate or deactivate at least some of the plurality of links based on the delay time of each of the plurality of links. can be set.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information on the service being performed by the electronic device 500. The processor 520 may be set to activate or deactivate at least some of the plurality of links based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 controls another external electronic device (e.g., Whether to transmit and/or receive data with the external electronic device 800 of FIG. 8 or transmit data through device to device (D2D) communication between the other external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500; It can be set to determine whether to perform reception.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 may check the delay time required to perform the service based on information on the service being performed by the electronic device 500. The processor 520 releases the connection between the first AP 1010 and the electronic device 500 based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links, and 2 May be set to determine whether to perform a connection between the AP 1020 and the electronic device 500.

A method of operating the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention includes the ratio of the time it takes for the counter to be allocated to the electronic device 500 to be deducted for each designated unit and the time the first link is in an idle state. and determining a contention time, which is a waiting time for transmission of the data, based on the designated number of times in the counter. The method of operating the electronic device 500 may include determining a delay time required to transmit data through the first link based on the contention time and the transmission time required to transmit the data. The operating method of the electronic device 500 is based on the delay time. Thus, it may include an operation of performing at least one operation.

In a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) according to various embodiments of the present invention, the operation of determining the contention time includes the first time monitoring the state of the first link and the second time. 1 The operation may include checking a second time when link is occupied by another electronic device 401. The operation of determining the contention time may include determining the contention time per unit time of the counter based on the first time and the second time. The operation of determining the contention time may include determining the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the specified number of times.

In a method of operating the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the designated number of times may be an average number of the timers assigned to the electronic device 500.

In a method of operating the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the operation of determining the contention time includes a first time monitoring the state of the first link and a time when the first link is in an idle state. It may include an operation to check the third time. The operation of determining the contention time may include determining the contention time per unit time of the counter based on the first time and the third time. The operation of determining the contention time may include determining the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the specified number of times.

In a method of operating the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, determining the delay time may include determining the delay time based on a success rate of data transmission through the first link. there is.

A method of operating the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention may further include determining the transmission time based on the type of service the electronic device 500 is performing.

In a method of operating the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the operation of performing at least one operation based on the delay time is performed on the plurality of links based on the delay time of each of the plurality of links. It may include an operation of activating or deactivating at least some of the links.

In a method of operating the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, performing at least one operation based on the delay time is performed based on information about the service being performed by the electronic device 500. It may include an operation to check the delay time required for performance. The operation of performing at least one operation based on the delay time includes activating at least some of the links among the plurality of links based on the delay time required for performance of the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links. May contain actions that perform deactivation.

In a method of operating the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, performing at least one operation based on the delay time is based on the delay time of each of the plurality of links, and the first AP Whether to transmit and/or receive data with another external electronic device 800 through (1010) or data through D2D (device to device) communication between the other external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500 It may include an operation to determine whether to perform transmission or reception.

In a method of operating the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, performing at least one operation based on the delay time is performed based on information about the service being performed by the electronic device 500. It may include an operation to check the delay time required for performance. The operation of performing at least one operation based on the delay time is performed by the first AP 1010 and the electronic device 500 based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links. ) may include an operation of releasing the connection between the second AP 1020 and determining whether to perform a connection between the electronic device 500.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5) according to various embodiments of the present invention includes a first AP (e.g., the first AP 1010 of FIG. 10A) (access point) and the electronic device 500. It may include a communication circuit (for example, the communication circuit 510 of FIG. 5) that transmits or receives data through a first link created therebetween. The electronic device 500 may include a processor (eg, processor 520 of FIG. 5) operatively connected to the communication circuit 510. The processor 520 is based on the ratio of the time it takes for the counter to be allocated to the electronic device 500 to be deducted for each designated unit, the ratio of the time the first link is in an idle state, and the designated number of counters, Contention time, which is the waiting time for data transmission, can be determined. The processor 520 determines the delay time required to transmit data through the first link based on the contention time and the transmission time required to transmit the data, and based on the delay time, at least one It can be set to perform an action.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 monitors the state of the first link at the first time and when the first link is connected to another electronic device (e.g., the first link in FIG. 4A). The second time occupied by the electronic device 401 can be confirmed. The processor 520 may determine the contention time per unit time of the counter based on the first time and the second time. The processor 520 may be set to determine the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the designated number of times.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the designated number of times may be the average number of timers assigned to the electronic device 500.

In the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor 520 controls another external electronic device (e.g., FIG. 8) through the first AP 1010 based on the delay time of the first link. Whether to transmit and/or receive data with an external electronic device 800, or transmit or receive data through device to device (D2D) communication between the other external electronic device 800 and the electronic device 500. It can be set to decide whether to perform it or not.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various types. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

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. In this document, “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 the phrases such as “at least one of , B, or C” may include all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another, and to refer to that component in other respects (e.g., importance or order) is not limited. One (e.g., first) component is said to be “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively.” When mentioned, it means that any of the components can be connected to the other components directly (e.g. wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term “module” used in this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. 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 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). It may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including these. For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of a device (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one command among one or more commands stored from a storage medium and execute it. This allows the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. Device-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium. There is no distinction between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included and provided 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 through an application store (e.g. Play StoreTM) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smartphones) 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's server, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, module or program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or a plurality of entities. 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 (24)

In electronic devices,
a communication circuit that transmits or receives data through a plurality of links including a first link created between a first access point (AP) and the electronic device; and
comprising a processor operatively coupled to the communication circuit;
The processor is
Based on the time taken for the counter to be allocated to the electronic device to be deducted for each designated unit, the ratio of the time that the first link is in an idle state, and the designated number of times of the counter, the waiting time for transmission of the data is Determine the contention time,
Based on the contention time and the transmission time required to transmit the data, determine a delay time required to transmit data through the first link,
An electronic device configured to perform at least one operation based on the delay time.
According to claim 1,
The processor is
determine a first time at which the state of the first link is monitored and a second time at which the first link is occupied by another electronic device;
Based on the first time and the second time, determine a contention time per unit time of the counter,
An electronic device that determines the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the specified number of times.
According to claim 1,
The number of times specified above is
An electronic device that is the average number of times the timer is assigned to the electronic device.
According to claim 1,
The processor is
Check the first time for monitoring the state of the first link and the third time for the first link to be in an idle state,
Based on the first time and the third time, determine a contention time per unit time of the counter,
An electronic device that determines the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the specified number of times.
According to claim 1,
The processor is
An electronic device that determines the delay time based on a success rate of data transmission through the first link.
According to claim 1,
The processor is
An electronic device configured to determine the transmission time based on the type of service the electronic device is performing.
According to claim 1,
The processor is
An electronic device configured to activate or deactivate at least some of the plurality of links based on delay times of each of the plurality of links.
According to claim 1,
The processor is
Confirm the delay time required to perform the service based on information on the service being performed by the electronic device,
An electronic device configured to activate or deactivate at least some of the plurality of links based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links.
According to claim 1,
The processor is
Based on the delay time of each of the plurality of links, whether to transmit and/or receive data with another external electronic device through the first AP or perform device to device (D2D) between the other external electronic device and the electronic device. ) An electronic device that is set up to determine whether to transmit or receive data through communications.
According to claim 1,
The processor is
Confirm the delay time required to perform the service based on information on the service being performed by the electronic device,
Whether to release the connection between the first AP and the electronic device and perform a connection between the second AP and the electronic device based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links. An electronic device set to determine whether
In a method of operating an electronic device that transmits and/or receives data using a plurality of links including a first link,
Based on the time taken for the counter to be allocated to the electronic device to be deducted for each designated unit, the ratio of the time that the first link is in an idle state, and the designated number of times of the counter, the waiting time for transmission of the data is Determining contention time;
determining a delay time required to transmit data through the first link based on the contention time and the transmission time required to transmit the data; and
A method of operating an electronic device including performing at least one operation based on the delay time.
According to claim 11,
The operation of determining the contention time is
determining a first time for monitoring the state of the first link and a second time for which the first link is occupied by another electronic device;
determining a contention time per unit time of the counter based on the first time and the second time; and
A method of operating an electronic device including determining the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the specified number of times.
According to claim 11,
The number of times specified above is
A method of operating an electronic device, which is the average number of times the timer assigned to the electronic device.
According to claim 11,
The operation of determining the contention time is
Checking a first time for monitoring the state of the first link and a third time for which the first link is in an idle state;
determining a contention time per unit time of the counter based on the first time and the third time; and
A method of operating an electronic device including determining the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the specified number of times.
According to claim 11,
The operation of determining the delay time is
A method of operating an electronic device including determining the delay time based on a success rate of data transmission through the first link.
According to claim 11,
The method of operating the electronic device is
A method of operating an electronic device further comprising determining the transmission time based on the type of service the electronic device is performing.
According to claim 11,
The operation of performing at least one operation based on the delay time
A method of operating an electronic device, including activating or deactivating at least some of the links among the plurality of links based on delay times of each of the plurality of links.
According to claim 11,
The operation of performing at least one operation based on the delay time
An operation of checking a delay time required to perform a service based on information on a service being performed by the electronic device; and
A method of operating an electronic device, comprising activating or deactivating at least some of the plurality of links based on a delay time required to perform the service and a delay time of each of the plurality of links.
According to claim 11,
The operation of performing at least one operation based on the delay time
Based on the delay time of each of the plurality of links, whether to transmit and/or receive data with another external electronic device through the first AP or perform device to device (D2D) between the other external electronic device and the electronic device. ) A method of operating an electronic device that includes determining whether to perform data transmission or reception via communication.
According to claim 11,
The operation of performing at least one operation based on the delay time
An operation of checking a delay time required to perform a service based on information on a service being performed by the electronic device; and
Whether to release the connection between the first AP and the electronic device and perform a connection between the second AP and the electronic device based on the delay time required to perform the service and the delay time of each of the plurality of links. A method of operating an electronic device that includes determining whether or not to operate an electronic device.
In electronic devices,
a communication circuit that transmits or receives data through a first link created between a first access point (AP) and the electronic device; and
comprising a processor operatively coupled to the communication circuit;
The processor is
Based on the time taken for the counter to be allocated to the electronic device to be deducted for each designated unit, the ratio of the time that the first link is in an idle state, and the designated number of times of the counter, the waiting time for transmission of the data is Determine the contention time,
Based on the contention time and the transmission time required to transmit the data, determine a delay time required to transmit data through the first link,
An electronic device configured to perform at least one operation based on the delay time.
According to claim 21,
The processor is
determine a first time at which the state of the first link is monitored and a second time at which the first link is occupied by another electronic device;
Based on the first time and the second time, determine a contention time per unit time of the counter,
An electronic device that determines the contention time based on the contention time per unit time of the counter and the specified number of times.
According to claim 21,
The number of times specified above is
An electronic device that is the average number of times the timer is assigned to the electronic device.
According to claim 21,
The processor is
Based on the delay time of the first link, whether to transmit and/or receive data with another external electronic device through the first AP or perform device to device (D2D) communication between the other external electronic device and the electronic device. An electronic device set to determine whether to transmit or receive data through.

Images