Method and apparatus for multi-link data transmission

A first multi-link device (MLD), the first MLD comprising:

• a processor configured to:
• communicate with a second MLD via a first link, link1, and a second link, link2;
• transmit a first frame during a first Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) on link1, and a second frame during a second TXOP on link2 simultaneously to a second MLD;
• receive a first response frame to the first frame transmitted on link1 a second predetermined time after a transmission end time of the first frame;
• identify that a response frame to the second frame transmitted on link2 was not received after the transmission end time of the second frame;
• and
• transmit a third frame on link1 and a fourth frame on link2 simultaneously after receiving the first response frame on link1.

A method of multi-link communications, the method comprising:

• at a first multi-link device (MLD) that supports a first link, link1, and a second link, link2, transmitting a first frame during a first Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) on link1, and a second frame during a second TXOP on link2 to a second MLD, wherein a transmission end time of Physical Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) carrying the first frame and the second frame is aligned within a first predetermined time, and wherein the first frame solicits a first immediate response frame and the second frame solicits a second immediate response frame;
• receiving, at the first MLD, the first immediate response frame on link1;
• identifying, at the first MLD, that an immediate response frame to the second frame transmitted on link2 was not received after the transmission end time of the second frame;
• transmitting, at the first MLD, a third frame on link1 at a second predetermined time after receiving the first immediate response frame;
• and
• transmitting, at the first MLD, a fourth frame on link2 when the first MLD identifies that link2 is idle.