Split multi-link system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a split multi-link system. Systems and methods are provided for defining a split multi-link system. For example, a split multi-link system can define a multi-link device (MLD), where the MLD operates a first radio from a first AP and a second radio from a second AP of a plurality of APs through a media access control (MAC) service access point (SAP) of the split multi-link system. The first radio from the first AP and the second radio from the second AP can operate at different frequencies. The split multi-link system can also associate the first radio from the first AP and the second radio from the second AP with the MLD, where, using the MLD, the split multi-link system can transmit or receive one or more data frames from the MLD to a non-MLD or MLD client device using the first radio or the second radio.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] IEEE 802.11 protocols represent a collection of interface standards developed by the IEEE 802.11 committee for short-range communications. For example, a device implementing IEEE 802.11 protocols can have both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios for transmitting and receiving data and management frames between devices with similar radio configurations.

[0002] Using this or other standards, network communications can be implemented with various access methods. One such method is carrier sense multiple access (CSMA), in which a network device can sense data and transmit data to other network devices. For example, a transmitting network device can sense a channel and check whether the channel is idle or busy (e.g., using a listen-before-talk method). If the channel is busy, the transmitting network device can wait until the channel becomes idle. When the channel is not busy, the transmitting network device can transmit data, control, or management frames immediately using a persistent CSMA method or after a predetermined amount of time using a non-persistent CSMA method. These and other communication methods are available. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] In accordance with one or more various embodiments, the present disclosure is described in detail by referring to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments.

[0004] Figure 1 A split multi-link system is shown in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure, which defines an MLD that communicates with one or more network devices via a network.

[0005] Figure 2 is an illustrative system with two network devices, each having a MAC SAP, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 is an illustrative system with two network devices and a split multi-link system, each having a MAC SAP, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 4 is an environment with multiple network devices, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5 is an environment with multiple network devices utilizing a split multi-link system, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 6 is an environment with multiple network devices utilizing a split multi-link system, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 7 is an environment with multiple network devices utilizing a split multi-link system according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 8 is an example computing component that can be used to implement various features described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 9 shows a block diagram of an example computer system in which various embodiments described herein can be implemented.

[0013] The drawings are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] To improve the standard protocol definition of the basic CSMA scheme, different physical layer and MAC layer enhancements are proposed, for example, to increase throughput, enable wider channel bandwidth, support other types of network devices, reduce power consumption while maintaining operability, or other technical enhancements. One such enhancement between two network devices is to increase the available communication channels from one channel to two channels using multi-link operation (MLO).

[0015] MLO is a specific feature of the IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT) Wi-Fi 7 standard that allows network devices (such as access points (APs) and client devices) the ability to transmit and receive data from the same traffic stream over multiple radio channels. For example, a first network device (e.g., an AP) can implement multiple radios, such as a 2.4 GHz radio and a 5 GHz radio, and each of these radios can communicate with a radio of similar or overlapping frequency on a second network device (e.g., a client device). In some examples, network devices can include non-overlapping radios to provide additional frequency transmission options. For example, multiple APs can include a 2.4 GHz radio and a non-2.4 GHz radio (e.g., 5 GHz or 6 GHz), or a 5 GHz radio and a non-5 GHz radio (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 6 GHz), or a 6 GHz radio and a non-6 GHz radio (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). In another example, multiple APs can include a tri-radio option, including one or more APs with three radios, a 2.4 GHz radio, a 5 GHz radio, and a 6 GHz radio.

[0016] MLO also allows non-access point (AP) multilink devices (non-AP MLDs) to transmit data to or receive data from an MLD via multiple links. Therefore, all links of a multilink entity residing in a single hardware device can be used for MLO transmissions. For example, a first set of frames (e.g., data frames) can be transmitted from a first network device to a second network device on a first radio channel, while a second set of frames (e.g., control frames) can be transmitted from the first network device to the second network device on a second radio channel.

[0017] These transmissions can correspond to specific protocol formats. Various radio settings can be used for both IEEE 802.11b / g (2.4GHz) and IEEE 802.11a (5GHz) implementations at each AP or other network device (interchangeably). For example, network devices can operate based on a default profile or create new profiles corresponding to rules conforming to a protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11a or 802.11g). Profiles can include manual identification of channels for each AP group, creating separate IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11g profiles for each network device group, or assigning different transmission channels to each profile. For example, one network device group might have an IEEE 802.11a profile using channel 36 and an IEEE 802.11g profile using channel 11, while another network device group might have an IEEE 802.11a profile using channel 40 and an IEEE 802.11g profile using channel 9.

[0018] To enable these communications, each network device can implement a Media Access Control (MAC) Service Access Point (SAP) or other interface controller component. A MAC SAP is an interface implemented as a physical or virtual component of a physical or virtual network device (e.g., an AP or other client device). Using a MAC SAP, a device or user can identify specific user services for sending and receiving specific categories of data. Data can be associated with service requests across multiple different layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model for network devices. As an example, the MAC layer (e.g., a portion of Layer 2 or the Data Link Layer that controls access to the physical transmission medium in the local network) can request services from the physical layer (e.g., a portion of Layer 1 that defines the electrical and physical specifications of the device) within a single network device. The address used for requesting services across layers can use a Network Service Access Point (NSAP) address, or, in Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), a Transport (TSAP), Session (SSAP), or Presentation (PSAP) Service Access Point to specify the destination address of the connection. SAP can differentiate between multiple services provided by the network device at any OSI layer.

[0019] The MAC SAP can support dual-band concurrent architecture aggregating across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands using stored usage rules and specific management specifications for multiple bands. For example, IEEE 802.11 protocols recommend two multi-band MAC architectures to provide different technical support for multi-band operation, allowing various management / data plane renegotiations for faster session transmission through multiple bands and / or channels, concurrently or non-concurrently.

[0020] However, conventional MAC SAPs are interfaces that are limited to helping provide access for a single or local network device and allowing functions to be performed to operate radios at that device. In other words, in a multi-link (ML) architecture, a MAC SAP can be virtually established at a single processor of a device without regard to the extended architecture definition of the MAC SAP.

[0021] Examples of the disclosed technology describe defining a disaggregated multi-link system implementing a MAC SAP (e.g., as an interface) that can connect radios from each of the network devices to a backend system, acting as a translator between lower layers of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet). The MAC SAP can help implement functions of an AP in giving corresponding network devices access to a wired network. Using radios from different network devices can impact data transmission, control, and management operations across multiple network devices. For example, the disaggregated multi-link system can define a physical or virtual multi-link device (MLD) where the MLD operates a first radio from a first AP of the multiple APs and a second radio from a second AP of the multiple APs of the MLD. The first radio from the first AP and the second radio from the second AP can operate at different frequencies. The disaggregated multi-link system can also associate the first radio from the first AP and the second radio from the second AP with the MLD, where, using the MLD, the disaggregated multi-link system can transmit one or more data frames from the MLD to a non-MLD client device using the first radio or the second radio.

[0022] Various functions are implemented in association with a physical or virtual multi-link device (MLD) and a formed device with multi-link operation (MLO) capabilities. For example, control, data, and management functions can be implemented by the MLD. The control functions of the MLD can be local to radios across different ones of the multiple APs that together form the device with MLO capabilities. The data functions of the MLD include aggregation, de-aggregation, security, or retransmission. The management functions of the MLD include discovery, association, re-association, and disassociation functions of a basic service set (BSS).

[0023] Technical improvements are realized throughout the disclosure. For example, the disclosed technology can provide greater communication coverage with fewer network devices by employing a split multi-link system that shares radios and transmission frequencies associated with multiple network devices, without the need to install additional network devices that provide additional frequency options. Client devices connected to the split multi-link system can use a configuration definition to connect to the split multi-link system as if the client devices would connect to a conventionally implemented network device (e.g., a conventional AP or switch). This portability can not require configuration changes on the client device side.

[0024] Further, one or more of the network devices can limit the transmission duration, frequency / occurrence, or other characteristics of communications with other network devices. The shared MAC SAP of the split multi-link system can act as an interface to connect the radios to a backend system, which can act as a translator of the lower layers of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet). In some examples, the MAC SAP can act as an interface for selecting a different non-native network device with a particular radio frequency available to transmit frames to a client device, rather than waiting for the original AP to become available to transmit frames to the client device.

[0025] Figure 1 A split multi-link system defining an MLD in communication with one or more network devices via a network is shown in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. In this illustration, a split multi-link system 100 is provided.

[0026] The split multi-link system 100 can be implemented in various logical or physical formats. For example, the split multi-link system 100 can be implemented as a separate entity from the network devices 120, including a controller, an access device, a switch, a client device, software operating on a local or remote server to a computing network, a software-implemented cloud function, or other machine-readable entity operable to execute machine-readable instructions to perform the operations described herein. In some examples, the split multi-link system 100 can correspond to a multi-link device (MLD), where the MLD operates a first radio from a first AP of a plurality of APs and a second radio from a second AP of the plurality of APs through a media access control (MAC) service access point (SAP) of the MLD, where the first radio from the first AP and the second radio from the second AP operate at different frequencies.

[0027] The disaggregated multi-link system 100 can include one or more processors 104, memory 105, and machine-readable media 106. The disaggregated multi-link system 100 can include, for example, one or more processors 104, controllers, control engines, or other processing devices. The processors 104 can be implemented using general- or special-purpose processing engines, such as microprocessors, controllers, or other control logic. In the illustrated example, the processors 104 are connected to a bus, although any communication medium can be used to facilitate interaction with other components of the disaggregated multi-link system 100 or to effectuate external communications.

[0028] The disaggregated multi-link system 100 can also include one or more different forms of memory 105 or machine-readable media 106 for storing information and machine-readable instructions. For example, a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, optical disk drive, CD or DVD drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drive can be provided. Accordingly, the memory 105 can include, for example, a hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape, cassette, optical disk, CD or DVD, or other fixed or removable medium that is read by, written to, or accessed by the machine- readable media 106. As these examples illustrate, the machine-readable media 106 can include a computer-usable storage medium having stored therein computer software or data.

[0029] The machine-readable media 106 can include a number of components and engines to implement the functionality described throughout this disclosure. For example, the machine-readable media 106 can include a first radio component 108, a subsequent radio component 110, a MAC SAP component 112, a transmission component 114, and a multi-link device (MLD) engine 116.

[0030] The first radio component 108 is configured to identify a first embedded radio with a network device 120. For example, the first radio component 108 can associate a first radio from a first AP and a second radio from the same first AP with a particular network device 120. In another example, the first radio component 108 can associate a first radio from a first AP and a first radio from a second AP with two different network devices 120.

[0031] Various iterations of radios are available. For example, a first radio from a first AP of a plurality of APs can include a first sub-band of 5 GHz, and a second AP of the plurality of APs includes a second sub-band of 5 GHz that is disjoint from the first sub-band. In another example, a first radio from a first AP of a plurality of APs can include a first sub-band of 6 GHz, and a second AP of the plurality of APs includes a second sub-band of 6 GHz that is disjoint from the first sub-band. Other iterations of radios and sub-bands can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0032] The subsequent radios component 110 can also identify second or subsequent embedded radios with network devices 120. For example, the subsequent radios component 110 can associate the first and second radios (and thus the subsequent radios) from the first AP and the first and second radios (and thus the subsequent radios) from the second AP with two different network devices 120.

[0033] In some examples, the first radios component 108 and the subsequent radios component 110 can be configured to associate one or more radios with network devices 120. For example, a radio can be associated with a network device when the radio is physically embedded with a physical network device, or when the radio is logically coupled with a virtual network device.

[0034] In some examples, the first radios component 108 and the subsequent radios component 110 can also determine which radios are transmitting or receiving data or otherwise “in use.”

[0035] The subsequent radios component 110 can also include turning off or otherwise deactivating one or more radios at network devices 120. For example, the first radios component 108 can identify that a first radio at a network device 120 is in use, and broadcast the availability of a transmission packet to other network devices via a wireless connection in a physical area or a wired connection outside a physical distance. The subsequent radios component 110 can turn off a second radio at the network device 120 to prevent interference and ensure a higher transmission speed with the available first radio. Further, when a client device is searching to connect to a particular radio frequency in an area, the network devices 120 can coordinate to ensure that a first radio corresponding to the desired frequency can be obtained from at least one AP in the area, and other APs providing the same frequency can be turned off or otherwise deactivated.

[0036] The MAC SAP component 112, or media access control (MAC) service access point (SAP), can provide an interface for connecting a radio of a network device to a backend system. This interface function can include access to control and management functions as a physical or virtual controller of the network device, and provide corresponding functions. For example, the MAC SAP acts as a translator for the network device with lower layers of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet). The MAC SAP component 112 can enable the functionality of an access point to provide the network device with access to a wired network.

[0037] The transmission component 114 can be configured to transmit one or more management, data, and / or control frames between the network devices 120 using the split multi-link system 100 operated by the MLD. For example, the transmission component 114 can transmit frames from an MLD device (e.g., an AP) to a non-MLD device (e.g., a client device) using the first radio or the second radio. In some examples, the client device can also be an MLD client device.

[0038] The transmission component 114 can be configured to determine one or more network devices 120 that are within a communication distance of the split multi-link system 100 (e.g., to share radio functionality between the network devices 120 and the split multi-link system 100). For example, each of the network devices 120 can transmit a discovery message (or operate in a scan mode), and a responding subset of the network devices can assist the network device (that initiated the discovery message) to determine which network devices are within its communication distance. The network device can share a mapping of discoverable network devices with the split multi-link system 100 to determine which network devices can communicate with each other. In another example, the split multi-link system 100 can transmit a discovery message, and a responding network device 120 can assist the split multi-link system 100 to determine which network devices 120 are within its communication distance.

[0039] In some examples, the management functionality of the MLD AP can include a discovery functionality. The discovery functionality can include basic service set (BSS), association, re-association, and disassociation functionality.

[0040] In some examples, the data functionality of the MLD AP can include a data functionality. The data functionality can include aggregation, de-aggregation, security, or retransmission.

[0041] In some examples, the transmission component 114 can encrypt one or more transmissions prior to transmitting them via one or more radios of the embedded network devices 120. The transmission component 114 can also be configured to decrypt one or more transmissions upon receiving them via one or more radios of the embedded network devices.

[0042] A multi-link device (MLD) engine 116 is configured to construct an MLD by associating a virtual MAC SAP (via the MAC SAP component 112), a first radio from a first network device 120 (via the first radio component 108), and a second radio from a second network device 120 (via the subsequent radio component 110) as components of the MLD. In some examples, the MLD engine 116 is configured to construct an MLD with two or more radios, including a 2.4 GHz radio, a 5 GHz radio, and a 6 GHz radio, among others.

[0043] Network devices 120 can correspond to virtual or physical computer devices configured to transmit and receive frames from other network devices including split multi-link system 100 via network 130. Illustrative network devices 120 can include wireless access points (WAPs) that communicate with wireless-capable devices via network 130 to allow the devices to connect to a wired network (e.g., a second network different from network 130).

[0044] Figure 2 is an example system with two network devices, each with a MAC SAP, according to some examples of the present disclosure. In this example, two AP network devices 210 (illustrated as first AP 210A and second AP 210B) and two client devices 220 (illustrated as first client device 220A and second client device 220B) are provided. Other network devices besides APs 210 and client devices 220 can be implemented without deviating from the spirit of the present disclosure, including switches, routers, or other network devices.

[0045] Each of network devices 210, 220 includes a MAC SAP 230, 240 for providing an interface to functionality in a backend system that a device or user can access. For example, first AP 210A includes a first AP-based MAC SAP 230A, and second AP 210B includes a second AP-based MAC SAP 230B, and first client device 220A includes a first client-based MAC SAP 240A, and second AP 210B includes a second client-based MAC SAP 240B.

[0046] Each of the network devices in this illustration includes at least two radios, including 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, although the present disclosure can support any radio frequencies. For example, AP network devices 210 include a first radio 250 (illustrated as first radio 250A of first AP 210A and first radio 250B of second AP 210B) and a second radio 252 (illustrated as second radio 252A of first AP 210A and second radio 252B of second AP 210B), and client devices 220 include a first radio 260 (illustrated as first radio 260A of first client device 220A and first radio 260B of second client device 220B) and a second radio 262 (illustrated as second radio 262A of first client device 220A and second radio 262B of second client device 220B).

[0047] Because the first radio 250A of the first AP 210A transmits frames on the same frequency as the first radio 260A of the first client device 220A, these radios can transmit frames (e.g., upload or download) on a first link. Similarly, the second radio 252A of the first AP 210A transmits frames on the same frequency as the second radio 262A of the first client device 220A, these radios can transmit frames on a second link, the first radio 250B of the second AP 210B transmits frames on the same frequency as the first radio 260B of the second client device 220B, these radios can transmit frames on a third link, and the second radio 252B of the second AP 210B transmits frames on the same frequency as the second radio 262B of the second client device 220B, these radios can transmit frames on a fourth link.

[0048] In this illustration, the first AP 210A can transmit one or more data frames 270 in a downlink to the first client device 220A. Specifically, the first AP 210A can use the second radio 252A (operating at 5 GHz) to transmit data frames to the second radio 262A of the first client device 220A (also operating at 5 GHz). The transmitter address at the first AP 210A can correspond to “R2,” while the receiver address at the first client device 220A can correspond to “S2.” Similarly, the second AP 210B can transmit one or more data frames 272 in a downlink to the second client device 220B, where the second AP 210B can use the second radio 252B (operating at 5 GHz) to transmit data frames to the second radio 262B of the second client device 220B (also operating at 5 GHz). The transmitter address at the second AP 210B can correspond to “T2,” while the receiver address at the second client device 220B can correspond to “S2.”

[0049] From the perspective of the client devices 220, the first client device 220A can not determine whether the downlink frames come from one or two AP devices, as a single AP (e.g., the first AP 210A) includes two radios (e.g., the first radio 250A and the second radio 250B) operating at two different frequencies. The first client device 220A is capable of receiving transmissions at the two frequencies corresponding to each of the two radios. The wireless communication connection can be initiated through discovery and radio-based connection, rather than through an AP device.

[0050] From the perspective of each MAC SAP 230, 240, the two radios at each AP are the only radios locally accessible in these systems.

[0051] In another example, a system can be implemented as shown in FIG. 4.Figure 1 The illustrated disaggregated multi-link system 100, as Figure 3 Thus, Figure 3 is an illustrative system with two network devices and a disaggregated multi-link system, each network device having a MAC SAP, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0052] For example, the disaggregated multi-link system 300 can be implemented at least in part with the system in Figure 2 The disaggregated multi-link system 300 can also initiate a new MAC SAP 310 as an interface for one or more network devices. The system can also define a multi-link device (MLD) that can wirelessly communicate with more than one radio at different network devices 210, including a second radio at the first AP 210A and a first radio at the second AP 210B, as illustrated in Figure 2 These radios can be selected from different APs based on different frequencies transmitted by each radio. For example, the second radio at the first AP 210A can correspond to a 2.4 GHz radio, while the first radio at the second AP 210B can correspond to a 5 GHz radio. When the new MAC SAP 310 of the disaggregated multi-link system 300 provides an interface that can connect radios from each network device 210 to a backend system, it thereby acts as a translator between the lower layers of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet). The new MAC SAP 310 can help enable access to a wired network by the APs 210A and 210B that utilizes and associates itself with radios from pre-existing network devices 210.

[0053] In some examples, the first AP-based MAC SAP 230A and the second AP-based MAC SAP 230B are not implemented, and only the new MAC SAP 310 can be implemented to define the disaggregated multi-link system 300. The new MAC SAP 310 can perform similar functions as the first AP-based MAC SAP 230A and the second AP-based MAC SAP 230B, but is not limited to radios that are local to physical network devices 210.

[0054] Using these radios available from the first AP and the second AP, the MAC SAP 310 of the split multi-link system 300, using its interface functionality, can use the second radio of the first AP 210A (e.g., using a transmit radio address “R2” to a receive address “S1”) or the first radio of the second AP 210B (e.g., using a transmit radio address “T1” to a receive address “S2”) to implement transmission of one or more data frames from an MLD (e.g., the first AP 210A) to a non-MLD (e.g., the client device 320). As shown, the data frames 370 are transmitted via the first radio of the second AP 210B to the second radio of the client device 320, both of which are multi-link devices utilizing their own embedded radios (e.g., using a transmit radio address “T1” to a receive address “S2”). In this illustration, the multi-link devices operate on both sides of the transmission path, including one network device operating in an AP role and another network device operating in a client role.

[0055] Figure 4 is an environment with multiple network devices according to some examples of the present disclosure. In this illustration, multiple MLDs can be installed in a physical environment 400, including a first AP 410A, a second AP 410B, a third AP 410C, a fourth AP 410D, a fifth AP 410E, and a sixth AP 410F. As discussed, the MLDs can each include two or more radios operating at different frequencies. As illustrated by the APs 210 in Figures 2 to 3

[0056] A transmission distance 420 can be estimated around each AP 410, such that wireless communication connections initiated by client devices within the transmission distance 420 can initiate a wireless communication connection with one AP 410 at a time. Multiple client devices can be supported based on the implementation of the AP 410. When a client device attempts to initiate a wireless communication connection outside of this transmission distance 420, the area can not be covered by an AP, as illustrated by the central top and bottom of the illustration.

[0057] Figure 5 ​is an environment with multiple network devices utilizing a split multi-link system according to some examples of the present disclosure. In this illustration, multiple MLDs 510 can be installed in a physical environment 500, including a first AP 510A, a second AP 510B, a third AP 510C, a fourth AP 510D, a fifth AP 510E, and a sixth AP 510F, and a transmission distance 520. The physical environment 500, the multiple MLDs 510, and the transmission distance 520 can be similar to the physical environment 400, the multiple MLDs 410, and the transmission distance 420, respectively Figure 4 An illustrative example of the physical environment 400, the multiple MLDs 410, and the transmission distance 420 are described. As discussed, an MLD can be a physical or virtual device that is logically located in a particular area of the environment 500 to provide a communication connection via a particular radio frequency associated with each MLD.

[0058] This illustration also provides multiple split multi-link systems 530, shown as a first split multi-link system 530A and a second split multi-link system 530B. The multiple split multi-link systems 530 can be placed throughout the physical environment 500 and communicate wirelessly with different radios implemented at the MLDs 510. For example, the first split multi-link system 530A can wirelessly communicate on a frequency shared with a first radio at the first AP 510A and a second radio at the third AP 510C, and the second split multi-link system 530B can wirelessly communicate on a frequency shared with a first radio of the fourth AP 510D and a second radio of the sixth AP 510F.

[0059] In other words, each split multi-link system 530 can use a 2.4 GHz radio / chipset on a first MLD and a 5 GHz radio / chipset on a second MLD to create a split multi-link system 100 (e.g., via a shared MAC SAP). This setup can logically create a multi-link network device that a client device can associate with without needing the client device to directly associate with the multi-link network device implemented by each split multi-link system 530. Figure 1

[0060] Figure 6 ​This disclosure describes an environment with multiple network devices utilizing a split multilink system, based on some examples. In this example, two hardware-based APs 602 and 604 can be used to form two MLDs, namely MLD1 610 and MLD2 612, without any common radio. As shown, MLD1 610 can be formed using a 2.4 GHz radio from AP1 602 and a 5 GHz radio from AP2 604, and MLD2 612 can be formed using a 5 GHz radio from AP1 602 and a 6 GHz radio from AP2 604. In other examples, MLD1 610 and MLD2 612 may each have a 2.4 GHz radio / chipset on MLD1 610 and a 5 GHz radio / chipset on MLD2 612, or other radios / chipsets on other MLDs. A split-link system can non-exclusively associate a first radio from AP1 602 and a second radio from AP2 604 with MLD1 610 or MLD2 612. The applicable radios can be 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or another frequency used for one or more radios. According to other examples described herein, this non-exclusive association can allow the system to transmit or receive one or more management, data, or control frames.

[0061] Figure 7 This is an example of an environment with multiple network devices utilizing a split multi-link system, based on some examples of this disclosure. In this example, three MLDs can be formed by three hardware-based APs sharing a common set of wireless electronics. Figure 7 As shown, AP1 702, AP2 704, and AP3 706 may share a common radio / chipset, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or another frequency. A split-link system can associate MLD1 with the 2.4 GHz radio / chipset from AP1 702 and the 5 GHz radio / chipset from AP2 704. A split-link system can associate MLD2 with the 2.4 GHz radio / chipset from AP1 702 and the 6 GHz radio / chipset from AP3 706. A split-link system can associate MLD3 with the 6 GHz radio / chipset from AP1 702 and the 2.4 GHz radio / chipset from AP2 704. As mentioned above, the applicable radio can be 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or another frequency used for one or more radios. According to other examples described herein, these associations can allow the system to transmit or receive one or more management, data, or control frames.

[0062] It should be noted that the terms "optimize," "optimal," and the like, as used herein, can be used to mean doing or achieving something as effectively or perfectly as possible. However, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present document, it is not always possible to achieve perfection. Thus, these terms can also include doing or achieving something as well or effectively or practically as possible under the given circumstances, or better than what could be achieved using other settings or parameters.

[0063] Figure 8 Example computing components that can be used to implement a dynamically modular and customizable computing system are shown in accordance with various embodiments. Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or like components throughout the several views, there is shown in Figure 8 The computing component 800 can be, for example, a server computer, a controller, or any other similar computing component capable of processing data. In Figure 8 In example implementations, the computing component 800 includes a hardware processor 802 and a machine-readable storage medium 804.

[0064] The hardware processor 802 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), semiconductor-based microprocessors, and / or other hardware devices suitable for retrieval and execution of instructions stored in the machine-readable storage medium 804. The hardware processor 802 can fetch, decode, and execute instructions, such as instructions 806-810, to control processes or operations for implementing a dynamically modular and customizable computing system. As an alternative or in addition to retrieving and executing instructions, the hardware processor 802 can include one or more electronic circuits comprising electronic components for performing the functions of one or more instructions, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuits.

[0065] A machine-readable storage medium, such as the machine-readable storage medium 804, can be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. Thus, the machine-readable storage medium 804 can be, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a storage device, an optical disc, and the like. In some embodiments, the machine-readable storage medium 804 can be a non-transitory storage medium, where the term "non-transitory" does not encompass transitory propagating signals. As described in detail below, the machine-readable storage medium 804 can be encoded with executable instructions, such as instructions 806-810.

[0066] Hardware processor 802 can execute instructions 806 to define a multi-link device (MLD). In some examples, the MLD operates a first radio from a first AP and a second radio from a second AP among multiple access point APs via the MLD's Media Access Control (MAC) Service Access Point (SAP). In some examples, the first radio from the first AP and the second radio from the second AP operate at different frequencies. These radios can be selected from different APs based on the different frequencies transmitted by each radio. As described herein, the first radio at the first AP may correspond to a 2.4 GHz radio, while the second radio at the second AP may correspond to a 5 GHz radio. The MAC SAP helps enable APs to access a wired network, which utilizes radios from pre-existing network devices and associates itself with them.

[0067] Hardware processor 802 can execute instructions 808 to associate a first radio from a first AP and a second radio from a second AP with the MLD. This association can utilize two different network devices (e.g., Figure 1 This is accomplished by network device 120. As described herein, various iterations of the radio are available. For example, a first radio from a first AP among a plurality of APs may include a first sub-band of 5 GHz, and a second AP among the plurality of APs may include a second sub-band of 5 GHz that does not intersect with the first sub-band. In another example, a first radio from a first AP among a plurality of APs may include a first sub-band of 6 GHz, and a second AP among the plurality of APs may include a second sub-band of 6 GHz that does not intersect with the first sub-band. Other iterations of the radio and sub-bands can be implemented.

[0068] Hardware processor 802 can execute instructions 810 to use the MLD to transmit one or more management, data, or control frames from the AP MLD to the MLD client device using a first or second radio. The transmission can be encrypted and subsequently decrypted upon reception via one of the radios. As described herein, the transmission components can be configured to identify one or more network devices within the communication distance of the split multi-link system. This can include transmitting discovery messages (or operating in scan mode), and a subset of responding network devices can help the network device (initiating the discovery message) determine which network devices are within its communication distance. In some examples, the management functions of the MLD AP can include discovery functions. Discovery functions can include Basic Service Set (BSS), association, reassociation, and deassociation functions. Similarly, in some examples, the data functions of the MLD AP can include data functions. Data functions can include aggregation, deaggregation, security, or retransmission.

[0069] Figure 9A block diagram of an example computer system 900 in which various embodiments described herein can be implemented is shown. Computer system 900 includes a bus 902 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and one or more hardware processors 904 coupled with bus 902 for processing information. Hardware processor(s) 904 can be one or more general purpose microprocessors.

[0070] Computer system 900 also includes a main memory 906, such as a random access memory (RAM), cache and / or other dynamic storage devices, coupled to bus 902 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 904. Main memory 906 also can be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 904. Such instructions can be present in storage media accessible to processor 904 when such instructions are accessed from the storage media.

[0071] Computer system 900 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 908 or other static storage device coupled to bus 902 for storing static information and instructions for processor 904. A storage device 910, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or USB thumb drive (flash drive), etc., is provided and coupled to bus 902 for storing information and instructions.

[0072] Computer system 900 can be coupled via bus 902 to a display 912, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) (or touch screen), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 914, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 902 for communicating information and command selections to processor 904. Another type of user input device is cursor control 914, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 904 and for

[0073] The computing system 900 can include a user interface module that implements a graphical user interface that can be stored in the mass memory as executable software codes that are executed by the computing device(s). This and other modules can include components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0074] In general, the terms "component," "engine," "system," "database," "data store," and the like can refer to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions encoded on a machine-readable medium (e.g., a computer-readable medium). A software component can be compiled and linked into an executable program, or it can be interpreted on-the-fly by a software interpreter. Software components can be written in a variety of programming languages such as Java, C, or C++. Software components can also be written in an interpreted programming language such as BASIC, Perl, or Python. It will be appreciated that software components can be callable from other components or from themselves, and / or can be invoked in response to detected events or interrupts. Software components configured for execution on computing devices can be provided on a computer readable medium, such as a compact diskette, a digital video disk, flash memory, a magnetic disk, or any other tangible medium, or as a digital download (and can be originally stored in a compressed or installable format that requires installation, decompression, or decryption prior to execution). Such software code can be stored, partially or entirely, on a memory device of the executing computing device, such as on the device's on-board memory, or on a memory device that is removable from the device, such as a flash memory. Software instructions can be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will also be appreciated that hardware components can be comprised of connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and / or can be comprised of programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors.

[0075] Computer system 900 can implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and / or program logic which in combination with the computer system causes computer system 900 to be a special purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system 900 in response to processor(s) 904 executing one or more sequences of instructions contained in main memory 906. Such instructions can be read into main memory 906 from another storage medium, such as storage device(s) 910. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 906 causes processor(s) 904 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0076] The term "non-transitory media," and similar terms, as used herein refers to any media that stores data and / or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a specific manner. Such non-volatile media can include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 910. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 906. Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solid-state drive, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge, and networked versions of the same.

[0077] Non-transitory media is distinct from, but can be used in combination with, transmission media. Transmission media participate in transferring information between non-transitory media. For example, transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fibers, including the wires that comprise bus 902. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio and infrared data communications.

[0078] Computer system 900 also includes a communication interface 918 coupled to bus 902. Communication interface 918 provides a two-way data communication coupling to one or more network links that are connected to one or more local networks. For example, communication interface 918 can be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface 918 can be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN (or WAN component to communicate with WANs). Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 918 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0079] Network links typically provide data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, a network link can provide a connection through a local network to a host computer or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to other data devices operated by users of the Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP in turn provides data communication services through the world wide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet." Local networks and the Internet both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on network link and through communication interface 918, which carry the digital data to and from computer system 900, are example forms of transmission media.

[0080] Computer system 900 can transmit and receive messages, and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link(s), and communication interface(s) 918. In the Internet example, a server might transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet, ISP, local network and communication interface 918.

[0081] The received code can be executed by processor 904 as it is received, and / or stored in storage device 910, or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

[0082] Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections can be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code components of one or more computer systems or computer processors comprising computer hardware. The one or more computer systems or computer processors can also operate to support performance of the relevant operations described in connection with the processes, methods, and algorithms of the preceding examples, for example, as the "cloud computing" environment or as a "software as a service" (SaaS). Such entities can also be implemented via other computer systems or processors that are

[0083] As used herein, a circuit can be implemented using any form of hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, one or more processors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logical components, software routines, or other mechanisms might be implemented to make up a circuit. In implementation, the various circuits described herein can be implemented as discrete circuits or the described functionality and features can be partially or wholly incorporated in one or more circuits. Even if various features or elements of functionality can be described or claimed as in separate circuits, these features and functionality can be shared among one or more common circuits, and such description or

[0084] As used herein, the term “or” can be construed in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Furthermore, the description of resources, operations, or structures as singular or multiple is not to be construed as limiting. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps.

[0085] Unless otherwise expressly stated, terms and phrases used in this document and variations thereof, are to be interpreted in an open, as opposed to a limited, sense. Adjectives, such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known,” and terms of similar meaning, are not used to limit the scope of items described, but rather to describe a non-limiting example. In some instances, terms or phrases can have been registered as trademarks by entities other than the owner or assignee of the patent or application, and as such, are used herein in a generic and descriptive sense only to refer to similar products of similar sponsor(s), and / or for the purpose of describing and not limiting the scope of the instant application. In certain instances, amplifying words and phrases, such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to,” or similar phrases, are not to be construed as limiting the scope of what is claimed after the phrase.

Claims

1. A discrete multi-link system, comprising: Memory; as well as One or more processors are configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in the memory to: Define a first multi-link device (MLD) and a second MLD associated with the discrete multi-link system. The first MLD operates a first radio from a first AP and a second radio from a second AP among a plurality of access points (APs) through the Media Access Control (MAC) service access point (SAP) of the first MLD. The second MLD operates via the MAC SAP of the second MLD from the third radio and the fourth radio from the first AP. The first radio from the first AP and the second radio from the second AP operate at different frequencies, and The third radio from the first AP and the fourth radio from the second AP operate at different frequencies; Using the first MLD, send or receive one or more management, data or control frames to the first MLD client device; as well as Using the second MLD, send or receive one or more management, data, or control frames to or from the second MLD client device.

2. The split multi-link system according to claim 1 further includes: The plurality of APs, wherein each of the plurality of APs comprises two or more radios operating at different frequencies.

3. The split multi-link system of claim 1, wherein the first radio from the first AP of the plurality of APs comprises a 2.4 GHz radio, and the second AP of the plurality of APs does not operate the 2.4 GHz radio.

4. The split multi-link system of claim 1, wherein the first radio from the first AP of the plurality of APs comprises a 5 GHz radio, and the second AP of the plurality of APs does not operate the 5 GHz radio.

5. The split multi-link system of claim 1, wherein the first radio from the first AP of the plurality of APs comprises a 6 GHz radio, and the second AP of the plurality of APs does not operate the 6 GHz radio.

6. The split multi-link system of claim 1, wherein the first radio from the first AP of the plurality of APs includes a first sub-band, and the second AP of the plurality of APs includes a second sub-band that does not intersect with the first sub-band.

7. The split multilink system of claim 1, wherein the control function of the MLD is local across radios in different APs of the plurality of APs, the plurality of APs together forming a single device with multilink operation (MLO) capability.

8. The split multi-link system according to claim 7, wherein the device with MLO capability is the MLD.

9. The split multi-link system according to claim 1, wherein the data functions of the MLD include aggregation, deaggregation, security, or retransmission.

10. The split multi-link system according to claim 1, wherein the management functions of the MLD include basic service set (BSS) discovery, association, re-association, and deassociation functions.

11. A method for communication, comprising: A first multi-link device (MLD) and a second MLD associated with the discrete multi-link system are defined by the discrete multi-link system. The first MLD operates a first radio from a first AP and a second radio from a second AP among a plurality of access points (APs) through the Media Access Control (MAC) service access point (SAP) of the first MLD. The second MLD operates via the MAC SAP of the second MLD from the third radio and the fourth radio from the first AP. The first radio from the first AP and the second radio from the second AP operate at different frequencies; and The third radio from the first AP and the fourth radio from the second AP operate at different frequencies; The separate multi-link system uses the first MLD to send or receive one or more data frames to or from the first MLD client device; as well as Using the second MLD, send or receive one or more management, data, or control frames to or from the second MLD client device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first radio from the first AP of the plurality of APs includes a first sub-band of 5 GHz, and the second AP of the plurality of APs includes a second sub-band of 5 GHz that does not intersect with the first sub-band.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the control function of the MLD is local across radios in different APs of the plurality of APs, the plurality of APs together forming a single device with multi-link operation (MLO) capability.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the data functions of the MLD include aggregation, deaggregation, security, or retransmission.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the management functions of the first MLD and the second MLD include basic service set (BSS) discovery, association, re-association, and deassociation functions.

16. A non-transient machine-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to: Define the first multi-link device MLD and the second MLD. The first MLD operates a first radio from a first AP and a second radio from a second AP among a plurality of access points (APs) through the Media Access Control (MAC) service access point (SAP) of the first MLD. The second MLD operates via the MAC SAP of the second MLD from the third radio and the fourth radio from the first AP. The first radio from the first AP and the second radio from the second AP operate at different frequencies. The third radio from the first AP and the fourth radio from the second AP operate at different frequencies. The control function of the first MLD is local across radios in different APs among the plurality of APs, and the plurality of APs together form a first device with multi-link operation (MLO) capability; and The control function of the second MLD is local across radios in different APs of the plurality of APs, and the plurality of APs together form a second device with MLO capability; Using the first MLO, send or receive one or more management, data or control frames to or from the first MLO client device; as well as Using the second MLO, send or receive one or more management, data, or control frames to or from the second MLO client device.

17. The non-transient machine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of APs comprises two or more radios operating at different frequencies.

18. The non-transient machine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the first radio from the first AP of the plurality of APs comprises a 2.4 GHz radio, and the second AP of the plurality of APs does not operate the 2.4 GHz radio.

19. The non-transient machine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the first radio from the first AP of the plurality of APs comprises a 5 GHz radio, and the second AP of the plurality of APs does not operate the 5 GHz radio.

20. The non-transient machine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the first radio from the first AP of the plurality of APs comprises a 6 GHz radio, and the second AP of the plurality of APs does not operate the 6 GHz radio.

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