Wireless communication device and method for wireless communication

Abstract

The invention discloses wireless communication equipment and a method for wireless communication. The wireless communication equipment and the method for wireless communication are used for realizing intelligent flow control in a multi-link operation (MLO) mode. The wireless communication device determines available communication links across different frequency bands, and determines for each link an aggregation limit of MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) within a Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). Link with a smaller channel bandwidth is allocated with a smaller aggregation limit, while link with a larger channel bandwidth is allocated with a larger aggregation limit. Subsequently, a link is selected and data is sent to the access point in the form of a PPDU through the selected link, where the number of aggregated MPDUs does not exceed the aggregation limit determined for the link.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 645,202, filed May 10, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a wireless communication device and a method for wireless communication. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, local wireless communication technology has made significant progress due to the development of the IEEE 802.11 standard. These standards define protocols for local wireless communication systems to enhance Wi-Fi capabilities, resulting in faster data rates, more reliable connections, and a better user experience. Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) introduced a feature called Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which enables wireless communication devices to communicate simultaneously with access points (APs) across multiple frequency bands (specifically the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands). This simultaneous multi-band communication provides aggregated bandwidth, leading to faster speeds, greater stability, and improved overall network performance. However, transmitting data streams across multiple links presents significant challenges because each frequency band has its own characteristics. For example, the 2.4 GHz band offers longer range but less bandwidth, the 5 GHz band provides a balance between range and bandwidth, and the 6 GHz band offers the largest bandwidth but shorter range. Without intelligent data flow control, data allocation across these links can become inefficient. Therefore, available network resources may not be fully utilized, or some links may be overloaded.

[0005] Due to the complexity of Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in Wi-Fi 7, flow control cannot be properly managed using simple methods such as random link selection or traditional backoff mechanisms. These traditional methods do not take into account the inherent differences in bandwidth, range, and interference sensitivity between the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. For example, time-sensitive data may be sent to busy or noisy links, while video streams may be transmitted to low-throughput channels. This lack of adaptability also means that these methods cannot effectively meet the specific needs of different applications. Applications such as online gaming or video conferencing require low latency, while file transfers or video streaming require high throughput. Furthermore, if interference is not properly handled, interference from sources such as Bluetooth devices (which operate in the 2.4 GHz band) or Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS) can severely impair the performance of wireless communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device includes at least one antenna and a processing circuit. The at least one antenna is configured to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals. The processing circuit is coupled to the at least one antenna and configured to determine at least one available link across different frequency bands between the wireless communication device and an access point in multi-link operation (MLO) mode. The processing circuit is further configured to determine an aggregation limit for each of the at least one available link, the aggregation limit representing the maximum number of MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) that can be aggregated in a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) structure based on the channel bandwidth of each available link, such that available links with smaller channel bandwidths have smaller aggregation limits, while available links with larger channel bandwidths have larger aggregation limits. The processing circuit is further configured to select one link from the at least one available link and transmit data to the access point through the at least one antenna by transmitting PPDUs having an aggregated number of MPDUs not exceeding the aggregation limit determined for the selected link.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for wireless communication. The method includes: a wireless communication device determining at least one available link across different frequency bands between the wireless communication device and an access point in multi-link operation (MLO) mode; the wireless communication device determining an aggregation limit for each of the at least one available link, the aggregation limit representing the maximum number of MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) that can be aggregated in a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) structure based on the channel bandwidth of each available link, such that available links with smaller channel bandwidths have smaller aggregation limits, and available links with larger channel bandwidths have larger aggregation limits; the wireless communication device selecting one link from the at least one available link; and the wireless communication device transmitting data to the access point via the selected link through at least one antenna of the wireless communication device, transmitting PPDUs having an aggregated number of MPDUs not exceeding the aggregation limit determined for the selected link.

[0008] These, and other objectives of the invention, will undoubtedly be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and viewing the various figures and illustrations. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present invention, by Figure 1 The flowchart shows the method executed by the processing circuit of the wireless communication device.

[0011] Figure 3 It shows in Figure 1 The wireless communication system shown has three PPDUs with different aggregation limits.

[0012] Figure 4 This occurs when the wireless communication device is operating in enhanced multi-link single radio (eMLSR) mode. Figure 1 The flowchart shows the method executed by the processing circuit of the wireless communication device.

[0013] Figure 5 It is when wireless communication devices are running in a coexisting environment, by Figure 1 The flowchart shows the method executed by the processing circuit of the wireless communication device. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The present invention relates to a wireless communication device and a related method for improving the data transmission efficiency of a wireless network, conforming to the IEEE 802.11be standard (i.e., Wi-Fi 7). The invention provides an upgraded intelligent traffic management system designed for Wi-Fi 7's Multi-Link Operation (MLO) mode, which supports simultaneous connections across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). It should be noted that although the frequency bands of this invention are 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, the invention can be applied to many different frequency bands as needed and as Wi-Fi develops in the future. (See accompanying drawings, in particular...) Figures 1 to 5 As a visual tool, it enables those familiar with wireless frequency communication technology to fully understand the present invention.

[0015] Before beginning to describe the invention, in order to make the invention more easily understood by those skilled in the art and those interested in the present technology, the applicant first defines several terms in the Wi-Fi specification. These terms include “frequency band”, “channel”, “link”, “connection”, “frequency band bandwidth”, and “channel bandwidth”.

[0016] Wi-Fi frequency bands, as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard, refer to specific ranges of wireless frequencies allocated for Wi-Fi communication. Over the years, several frequency bands have been used for Wi-Fi communication, each with its own characteristics regarding range, data rate capabilities, and sensitivity to interference. Lower frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz band, generally offer longer transmission range and better penetration of obstacles (such as walls). Higher frequency bands, including the 5 GHz band and the recently introduced 6 GHz band, support significantly higher data rates and provide more available non-overlapping channels. In addition to these main bands, the IEEE 802.11 standard also defines other bands for specific use cases or regions, such as 860 / 900 MHz, 3.65 GHz, 4.9-5.0 GHz, 5.9 GHz, 45 GHz, and 60 GHz.

[0017] Wi-Fi channels are specific frequency ranges within the Wi-Fi band used for actual data transmission. These channels are subdivisions of a larger frequency band, allowing multiple Wi-Fi networks or devices to operate in the same area without causing excessive interference, provided they use different, non-overlapping channels. Each channel has a certain width, called channel bandwidth, which determines the amount of data that can be transmitted through that channel.

[0018] A Wi-Fi link represents a physical wireless connection established between two Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as a client device (e.g., a laptop or smartphone) and a Wi-Fi access point (router). This connection occurs on a specific channel within a selected frequency band and involves the transmission and reception of wireless signals modulated according to the IEEE 802.11 physical layer specification. The quality and performance of a Wi-Fi link, including its signal strength and achievable data rates, are affected by a variety of factors, such as the selected frequency band and channel, the distance between the devices, the presence of obstacles, and the degree of interference from other wireless sources.

[0019] In the context of network communication, a Wi-Fi connection is a logical association formed between a client device and a Wi-Fi network, typically managed by an access point. This process enables the client device to exchange data with other devices on the network or access the Internet. Establishing a Wi-Fi connection involves several steps, including scanning for available wireless networks (identified by their Service Set Identifier or SSID), authenticating if the network is secure (usually using a password), and associating with the access point. Once associated, the client device typically obtains an IP address, usually via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which allows it to communicate at the network layer. A Wi-Fi connection uses one or more underlying Wi-Fi links to facilitate this data transmission. In standard Wi-Fi operation, a connection typically relies on a single link established on a specific channel within a selected frequency band.

[0020] A Wi-Fi link is established when two devices, such as a client and an access point, agree to communicate using a specific channel within a specific frequency band. The access point, acting as the central hub of the Wi-Fi network, typically broadcasts its presence along with the frequency bands and channels it supports. When a client device scans for available networks, it detects these broadcasts and, depending on user-selected or pre-configured settings, attempts to establish a link with the desired network. This involves the client selecting a compatible frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) supported by both devices and then negotiating the use of a specific channel within that band for communication. The capabilities of the devices, the network configuration set by the administrator, and the current wireless environment, including potential interference from other networks or devices, can all influence the frequency band and channel selection for the link.

[0021] Multilink Operation (MLO) is an advancement introduced in the newer IEEE 802.11 standards, particularly in 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7). This innovative feature allows a single device to operate simultaneously on multiple frequency bands (such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) and / or multiple channels within the same or different frequency bands. Compared to previous generations of Wi-Fi, where devices typically connected to only one frequency band at a time, MLO enables devices to establish and utilize multiple Wi-Fi links simultaneously.

[0022] In standard Wi-Fi, a single Wi-Fi connection typically relies on a single Wi-Fi link operating on a specific channel within a selected frequency band. With Multi-Link Loop (MLO), a single Wi-Fi connection can now utilize multiple Wi-Fi links simultaneously. These links still operate on specific channels within a specific frequency band, but the Wi-Fi connection is no longer limited to one. Instead, the connection can aggregate the bandwidth provided by these multiple links, significantly increasing data throughput. Furthermore, using multiple links provides redundancy, enhancing connection reliability. If one link encounters interference or congestion, the connection can continue operating using other available links.

[0023] "Band bandwidth" refers to the total range of frequencies allocated to a specific Wi-Fi band. It represents the entire spectrum available for Wi-Fi operation within that specific frequency range. For example, the 2.4 GHz band typically runs from 2.400 GHz to 2.4835 GHz, with a total bandwidth of approximately 83.5 MHz. The 5 GHz band has a wider allocation, covering frequencies from approximately 5.150 GHz to 5.895 GHz, with a total bandwidth of several hundred MHz (approximately 500+ MHz). The 6 GHz band provides the largest contiguous spectrum for unlicensed use, with a bandwidth of approximately 1200 MHz (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz). Band bandwidth sets the upper limit on the total capacity of Wi-Fi communication within that frequency range and determines the number of channels that can be accommodated and their maximum width.

[0024] "Channel bandwidth" refers to the width of a single Wi-Fi channel within a given frequency band, typically measured in MHz. It represents the specific portion of the spectrum occupied by a particular channel and directly affects the amount of data that can be transmitted through that channel. Common channel bandwidths in the 2.4 GHz band include 20 MHz and 40 MHz. In the 5 GHz band, common channel bandwidths include 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz. In the 6 GHz band, common channel bandwidths include 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz. Wider channel bandwidth provides more subcarriers for data transmission, thus enabling higher potential data rates.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 . Figure 1This is a functional block diagram of a wireless communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system 100 is compatible with the Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) standard and includes a wireless communication device 110 and an access point (AP) 120. The wireless communication device 110 can establish communication with the AP 120 through multiple links (e.g., 130A to 130D), which operate on different frequency bands. For example, link 130A can operate in the 2.4 GHz band, link 130B can operate in the 5 GHz band, and links 130C and 130D can operate in the 6 GHz band. This configuration on different frequency bands allows the wireless communication device 110 to operate in the multi-link operation (MLO) mode defined by Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) to take advantage of the specific advantages of each frequency band. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The four links (130A to 130D) shown are merely one exemplary example of the present invention. The actual number of active links between the wireless communication device 110 and the AP 120 can be dynamically adjusted and managed by the wireless communication device 110 based on multiple factors, such as available frequency bands, interference levels, application requirements, and the capabilities of both the wireless communication device 110 and the AP 120. For example, the wireless communication device 110 can operate in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (eMLSR) mode, using a single radio frequency (i.e., only one set of radio transceiver hardware) to quickly switch links on different frequency bands to simulate simultaneous multi-link communication. Another example is that the wireless communication device 110 can operate in MLO mode by simultaneously using its two antennas 114 to communicate with the AP 120 on multiple frequency bands.

[0026] Wireless communication device 110 includes processing circuitry 112 and at least one antenna 114 coupled to the processing circuitry 112. In this embodiment, wireless communication device 110 includes two antennas 114. In another embodiment, wireless communication device 110 may have only one antenna 114 operating in eMLSR mode. In other embodiments of the invention, wireless communication device 110 may include three or more antennas 114. The processing circuitry 112 manages signal transmission and reception across different frequency bands via antennas 114. Similarly, access point 120 has processing circuitry 122 and at least one antenna 124 to enable multi-band communication with wireless communication device 110. This design leverages the advantages of each frequency band: the 2.4 GHz band provides wide coverage, the 5 GHz band offers a balance between range and performance, and the 6 GHz band provides high-speed data transmission. By intelligently managing these links (e.g., 130A to 130D), wireless communication system 100 can provide reliable communication for many different applications (e.g., real-time gaming, video streaming, etc.) with adaptable throughput and latency.

[0027] Processing circuitry 112 may include a baseband processor for digital signal processing, such as modulation, demodulation, and error correction. Signal processing ensures that radio signals transmitted and received across links 130A to 130D via antenna 114 are accurately encoded and decoded by processing circuitry 112. Furthermore, processing circuitry 112 may also include a media access controller (MAC) for handling MAC protocol data unit (MPDU) aggregation, link adaptation, and channel access. The baseband processor and MAC of processing circuitry 112 can continuously monitor the performance of each link by evaluating radio frequency (RF) metrics, including signal strength (e.g., RSSI), signal quality (e.g., SNR), and interference from other sources (e.g., OBSS, Bluetooth devices, and ambient noise). Antenna 114, connected to processing circuitry 112, facilitates the transmission and reception of RF signals across frequency bands, enabling data exchange with access point 120. Processing circuitry 122 of access point 120 is functionally matched to the corresponding portion in wireless communication device 110. Processing circuitry 122 may include a baseband processor for processing input and output signals across links 130A to 130D. This includes functions such as signal modulation, demodulation, and error correction to ensure data accuracy. Additionally, processing circuitry 122 may include a MAC for monitoring protocol layer operation, including MPDU aggregation, link coordination, and channel access management. Processing circuitry 122 is connected to antenna 124 for transmitting and receiving RF signals, while also responding to operational signals received from wireless communication device 110, such as a power-saving mode bit (PSB). The PSB indicates that a specific frequency band is temporarily unavailable for data reception, thereby allowing wireless communication device 110 to dynamically suspend specific links.

[0028] Figure 2 According to the embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 The flowchart illustrates a method 200 executed by the processing circuitry 112 of the wireless communication device 110. Method 200 includes three steps for improving data transmission efficiency across multiple frequency bands by detecting interference, selecting available links based on performance metrics, and determining suitable data aggregation settings. This process ensures that the wireless communication device 110 can dynamically adjust according to various network conditions.

[0029] In step S210, processing circuitry 112 determines link availability within the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. This determination is based on analyzing interference, such as Bluetooth activity, OBSS, and ambient noise. All of these interferences can degrade connection performance, especially in the congested 2.4 GHz band. To determine available links, processing circuitry 112 can detect interference in the Wi-Fi environment using various methods, including analyzing Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), channel scanning, Clear Channel Assessment (CCA), error detection and correction, etc. For example, processing circuitry 112 can measure the signal quality (e.g., SNR) and signal strength (e.g., RSSI) of each link. When processing circuitry 112 reports a low SNR but a very high RSSI, this is often a clear indication of severe interference. Furthermore, processing circuitry 112 can perform channel scanning to identify available wireless links and potential sources of interference. Additionally, processing circuitry 112 can use the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) mechanism from the IEEE 802.11 standard to evaluate the availability and interference levels of multiple links in real time to determine available links. Furthermore, processing circuit 112 can use error detection methods such as Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to identify whether data has been corrupted during transmission, which is usually caused by interference. Processing circuit 112 can also employ error correction methods such as retransmission and forward error correction (FEC). A high retransmission rate typically indicates a poor SNR due to interference. Through the analysis in step S210, processing circuit 112 can generate a list of real-time available links that can be used in steps S220 and S230.

[0030] In step S220, processing circuitry 112 evaluates the performance of each available link to identify at least one selected link for data transmission. Step S220 focuses on two metrics: latency and throughput. Latency refers to the delay experienced by a data packet (e.g., a PPDU) as it is transmitted from wireless communication device 110 to access point 120. Throughput refers to the actual rate at which data is successfully transmitted from wireless communication device 110 to access point 120. Processing circuitry 112 determines the latency and throughput of each link by analyzing its channel bandwidth, current traffic load, and historical performance. For example, a 2.4 GHz link affected by interference may offer high latency and low throughput, making it less than ideal. In contrast, a 6 GHz link with wide channel bandwidth and low congestion may offer low latency and high throughput, making it a good choice for specific applications such as video streaming. By carefully evaluating these attributes, processing circuitry 112 selects at least one link from the available links identified in step S210. Since the selected link meets the performance requirements of the traffic, a good combination of speed and reliability can be ensured.

[0031] In step S230, processing circuit 112 determines an aggregation limit for MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) within a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) for each link determined to be available in step 220. An MPDU is the basic unit of MAC layer transmission and can be considered synonymous with an 802.11 frame. An 802.11 frame comprises three main components: a MAC header containing important addressing and control information for managing access to the radio medium; a frame body carrying the MSDU payload; and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) at the tail for error detection to ensure data integrity. The aggregation limit defines the maximum number of MPDUs that can be aggregated into a single PPDU.

[0032] According to the IEEE 802.11 standard, a PPDU is a complete data unit processed by the physical layer and transmitted over a wireless medium. In a network, a PDU is a specific block of information exchanged at each layer of the protocol stack. A PPDU encapsulates data from the layer above—the MAC (Media Access Control) layer—and adds physical layer-specific information to enable wireless transmission. In Wi-Fi, a PPDU is defined as a complete data unit transmitted over a wireless medium, including a physical layer header, encapsulated MAC layer data (MPDU), and any additional fields required by the physical layer for synchronization, signaling, and transmission.

[0033] Processing circuitry 112 can dynamically adjust aggregation limits based on the channel bandwidth of each link. Links with higher channel bandwidth, such as those in the 5 GHz or 6 GHz bands, are assigned larger aggregation limits. This increases throughput and improves performance because it allows more MPDUs to be aggregated within a single PPDU. In contrast, links with lower channel bandwidth, such as those in the 2.4 GHz band, are assigned smaller aggregation limits to avoid prolonged airtime occupation. Processing circuitry 112 uses algorithms to determine these aggregation limits. Therefore, links with smaller channel bandwidth are limited to fewer aggregated MPDUs to reduce their airtime occupation, thereby improving the overall throughput of wireless communication device 110 in MLO mode.

[0034] Once the processing circuitry 112 determines the aggregation limits for each available link, these aggregation limits will be applied during data transmission. Additionally, the wireless communication device 110 can set a power-saving mode bit (PSB) to notify the access point 120 that a particular link is temporarily unavailable for data reception, thereby allowing the wireless communication device 110 to dynamically suspend specific links (e.g., links with low throughput and long latency).

[0035] Figure 3 This describes the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., when the wireless communication device 110 is operating in enhanced multi-link single radio frequency (eMLSR) mode) Figure 1The three Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) 11, 12, and 13 used (shown) are illustrated. Each PPDU 11, 12, and 13 is allocated to a channel in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands, respectively. PPDU 11 is allocated to a channel in the 2.4 GHz band, PPDU 12 to a channel in the 5 GHz band, and PPDU 13 to a channel in the 6 GHz band. Each PPDU 11, 12, and 13 contains a header and a payload. In this embodiment, the channel width allocated to PPDU 13 is greater than the channel width allocated to PPDU 12, and the channel width allocated to PPDU 12 is greater than the channel width allocated to PPDU 11.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, PPDU 11 has a header 17 and a payload 14, PPDU 12 has a header 18 and a payload 15, and PPDU 13 has a header 19 and a payload 16. These headers 17, 18, and 19 include information to enable access point 120 to correctly interpret the received PPDUs 11, 12, and 13. Each payload 14, 15, and 16 contains multiple aggregated MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) 20. The number of MPDUs 20 aggregated into PPDU 11 does not exceed aggregation limit N1, the number of MPDUs 20 aggregated into PPDU 12 does not exceed aggregation limit N2, and the number of MPDUs 20 aggregated into PPDU 13 does not exceed aggregation limit N3.

[0037] In other words, each aggregation limit N1, N2, and N3 represents the maximum number of MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) that can be aggregated in a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and the processing circuit 112 determines the aggregation limits N1, N2, and N3 based on the channel bandwidth of each available link. Aggregation limits N1, N2, and N3 are positive integers. Aggregation limit N1 is less than aggregation limit N2, and aggregation limit N2 is less than aggregation limit N3. Due to the smaller channel bandwidth in the 2.4 GHz band, a smaller aggregation limit N1 is supported; the 5 GHz band supports a medium aggregation limit N2; and the 6 GHz band, due to its larger channel bandwidth, supports the largest aggregation limit N3.

[0038] When the wireless communication device 110 operates in eMLSR mode and all three links (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) are available, the two antennas 114 rapidly switch between the three different links to simulate simultaneous multi-link communication. During airtime At1, both antennas 114 operate on the 2.4 GHz link. During airtime At2, both antennas 114 operate on the 5 GHz link. During airtime At3, both antennas 114 operate on the 6 GHz link. Since the lengths of airtimes At1, At2, and At3 are proportional to the number of MPDUs 20 aggregated into PPDUs 11, 12, and 13, airtime At1 is shorter than airtime At2, and airtime At2 is shorter than airtime At3. Therefore, a smaller aggregation limit like N1 typically results in a shorter airtime At1, while a larger aggregation limit like N3 typically results in a longer airtime At3.

[0039] If the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz links are all clear links, then the 6GHz link will have the best performance, the 2.4GHz link will have the worst performance, and the 5GHz link will have moderate performance. By aggregating and restricting the arrangement of N1, N2, and N3 and their corresponding airtimes At1, At2, and At3, the overall network performance of the wireless communication system 100 can be improved.

[0040] The following is the translation of the Spec:

[0041] Because the wireless communication device 110 operates in enhanced multi-link single radio (eMLSR) mode, the airtimes At1, At2, and At3 do not overlap in the time domain. Although Figure 3 The actual transmission sequence of PPDUs 11, 12, and 13 is shown in a specific order, but this sequence is affected by the randomness of the backoff process defined in the Wi-Fi specification. The backoff mechanism in the Wi-Fi specification is part of the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA) protocol, which manages how devices share access to the wireless medium. The backoff mechanism is used to reduce the probability of collisions when multiple links attempt to transmit data simultaneously using the same hardware (e.g., antenna 114). The backoff mechanism requires a link to wait for a random number of time slots before transmission, which are selected from a contention window. If a collision occurs, the contention window is doubled, thus increasing the possible delay range for the next attempt. This process reduces the probability of collisions and ensures fair access to the shared wireless medium. Therefore, although... Figure 3For illustrative purposes, PPDUs 11 through 13 are shown in a specific order, but the actual transmission sequence of PPDUs 11, 12, and 13 is determined by a backoff mechanism. For example, if the backoff timer of the 6GHz link expires first, PPDU 13 may be sent before PPDUs 11 and 12, even though they are in... Figure 3 The order of these parameters differs. Furthermore, the aggregation limits N1, N2, and N3 can be automatically adjusted based on channel bandwidth. Unlike using fixed ratios, these aggregation limits N1, N2, and N3 can be changed based on the availability of channel bandwidth. For example, N3 might be approximately 1.5 to 3 times greater than N2, while N2 might be approximately 2 to 10 times greater than N1, but the specific values ​​depend on the channel bandwidth. This makes the system more efficient under different network conditions.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method 400 executed by the processing circuit 112 of the wireless communication device 110 during operation in enhanced multi-link single radio frequency (eMLSR) mode. Method 400 is configured to determine and apply aggregation limits N1, N2, and N3. Method 400 includes three steps S410, S420, and S430. In step S410, the processing circuit 112 retrieves channel bandwidth information for all active links. In step S420, the processing circuit 112 calculates an aggregation limit (e.g., N1, N2, or N3) for each available link. In step S430, the processing circuit 112 applies the calculated aggregation limit (e.g., N1, N2, or N3) to the corresponding available link.

[0043] Figure 5This is a flowchart of method 500 executed by the processing circuitry of a wireless communication device operating in a coexisting environment. In the coexisting environment, the wireless communication device 110 may use at least two of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. Method 500 aims to address the impact of Bluetooth interference on Wi-Fi performance, particularly in multi-link operation (MLO) mode in the 2.4 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band is a frequency range shared by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. Method 500 includes five steps S510 to S550. In step S510, the processing circuitry 112 evaluates the current Bluetooth activity on the 2.4 GHz band by calculating the Bluetooth activity ratio (commonly referred to as the BT ratio). The BT ratio represents the proportion of time Bluetooth activity uses the 2.4 GHz band. If the BT ratio does not exceed a predetermined threshold, it indicates that Bluetooth activity is insufficient to significantly interfere with Wi-Fi operation. Therefore, the wireless communication device 110 maintains data transmission on the 2.4 GHz band and proceeds to step S520. If the BT ratio exceeds the predetermined threshold, the processing circuitry 112 executes step S530. The predetermined threshold may, for example, be equal to 10%. However, processing circuit 112 can adjust the BT ratio as needed. In step S520, processing circuit 112 instructs the transmitter (Tx) of wireless communication device 110 to transmit data only on the 2.4 GHz band, thereby avoiding the use of the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band. In step S530, processing circuit 112 assesses the feasibility of using the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band based on the distance to access point 120. By analyzing signal strength (e.g., RSSI) and signal quality (e.g., SNR), processing circuit 112 determines whether the 5 GHz or 6 GHz link can support effective data transmission at that distance. If the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band is unavailable due to weak signal strength at that distance, method 500 proceeds to step S540. Alternatively, if the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band is available at that distance, method 500 proceeds to step S550. In step S540, processing circuit 112 suspends data transmission on the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands and uses the 2.4 GHz band to obtain wider signal coverage. In step S550, the processing circuit 112 suspends data transmission on the 2.4 GHz band and uses the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands to obtain better performance.

[0044] In steps S540 and S550, processing circuit 112 may send a PowerSave Mode bit (PSB) to access point (AP) 120 to indicate that a certain frequency band is temporarily in sleep mode and temporarily unavailable for data reception. In step S540, processing circuit 112 sends a PSB to AP 120 to notify AP 120 to stop using the 5GHz or 6GHz frequency band, thereby guiding AP 120 to use the 2.4GHz frequency band for wider signal coverage. Conversely, in step S550, processing circuit 112 sends a PSB to AP 120 to notify AP 120 to stop using the 2.4GHz frequency band and instructs AP 120 to use the 5GHz or 6GHz frequency band for better performance.

[0045] In summary, this invention introduces an intelligent traffic management system for Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) Multi-Link Operation (MLO) mode. This system supports simultaneous communication across multiple frequency bands. Wireless communication devices dynamically adjust data transmission by intelligently selecting and managing network links based on real-time performance metrics such as interference level, signal strength, latency, and throughput. Furthermore, this invention provides an adaptive method for link selection and data aggregation. By analyzing the channel bandwidth of different links, the system can adaptively adjust the corresponding aggregation limits for generating Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) to improve overall network performance.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the apparatus and method while retaining the teachings of the invention. Therefore, the above disclosure should be interpreted only within the scope and limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device, comprising: At least one antenna is configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals; as well as A processing circuit coupled to the at least one antenna, the processing circuit being configured to: Determine at least one available link across different frequency bands between the wireless communication device and the access point in enhanced multi-link single-radio eMLSR mode; For each of the at least one available link, an aggregation limit is determined, which represents the maximum number of MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) that can be aggregated in the Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) structure based on the channel bandwidth of each available link, such that available links with smaller channel bandwidth have smaller aggregation limits, while available links with larger channel bandwidth have larger aggregation limits. Select one link from the at least one available link; as well as Data is transmitted to the access point via the selected link through the at least one antenna by transmitting PPDUs having an aggregated number of MPDUs not exceeding the aggregation limit determined for the selected link.

2. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the different frequency bands include at least two of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

3. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: Monitor the radio frequency (RF) characteristics of each of the at least one available link, wherein the RF characteristics include at least one of signal strength and signal quality.

4. The wireless communication device of claim 3, wherein the processing circuitry selects the selected link from the at least one available link based on the detected RF characteristics.

5. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: Monitor for interference in each of the at least one available link.

6. The wireless communication device of claim 5, wherein the interference includes at least one of Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS) interference, Bluetooth interference, and noise.

7. The wireless communication device of claim 5, wherein the processing circuitry selects the selected link from the at least one available link based on the detected interference.

8. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device operates in enhanced multi-link single-radio eMLSR mode.

9. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, In this enhanced multi-link single-radio eMLSR mode, the processing circuit is also configured to dynamically adjust the aggregation limit of each available link based on the channel bandwidth of the available link, so that links with smaller channel bandwidth are limited to a smaller number of aggregated MPDUs to reduce their airtime occupation, thereby improving the overall throughput of the wireless communication device in this MLO mode.

10. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to monitor the Bluetooth activity of the wireless communication device.

11. The wireless communication device of claim 10, wherein the processing circuitry selects the selected link from the at least one available link based on the detected Bluetooth activity.

12. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to send a power-saving mode bit (PSB) to the access point to indicate that a designated frequency band in the different frequency bands is in sleep mode and temporarily unavailable for receiving data.

13. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: In Multi-Link Operation (MLO) mode, the wireless communication device determines at least one available link across different frequency bands between the wireless communication device and the access point. The wireless communication device determines an aggregation limit for each of the at least one available link. The aggregation limit represents the maximum number of MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) that can be aggregated in the Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) structure based on the channel bandwidth of each available link, such that available links with smaller channel bandwidth have smaller aggregation limits, while available links with larger channel bandwidth have larger aggregation limits. The wireless communication device selects a link from the at least one available link; and The wireless communication device transmits data to the access point via the selected link through at least one antenna of the wireless communication device, and transmits PPDUs having an aggregated MPDU number not exceeding the aggregation limit determined for the selected link.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the different frequency bands include at least two of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The radio frequency (RF) characteristics of each of the at least one available link are monitored by the wireless communication device, wherein the RF characteristics include at least one of signal strength and signal quality.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the link is selected from the at least one available link based on the detected RF characteristics.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Interference in each of the at least one available link is monitored by the wireless communication device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the link is selected from the at least one available link based on the detected interference.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the interference includes at least one of Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS) interference, Bluetooth interference, and noise.

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