Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method. The wireless communication device with the following functions accommodates at least one traffic flow, and performs multi-link transmission using a plurality of links. Compare the delay time requirements of respective traffic flows and determine delay conditions (function 1). Predict total delay times for all the combinations of links to be put to sleep (function 2). Compare the delay conditions and total delay times for all the combinations of links, and determine whether or not the combinations are links that can be put to sleep (function 3). Select a combination of links to be put to sleep on the basis of the result of determination (function 4). Perform wireless communication on the basis of the selected combination of links (function 5).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] The wireless LAN communication standard IEEE 802.11be is equipped with a multi-link transmission function that allows multiple frequency bands to be used simultaneously. Multi-link transmission allows different data to be transmitted simultaneously over multiple frequency bands, thereby achieving higher speeds. In addition, each link used in multi-link transmission implements CSMA / CA. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] IEEE 802.11be standardization document, IEEE 802.11-20 / 1935r64, “Compendium of straw polls and potential changes to the Specification Framework Document”, “6 Multi-link operation” (https: / / mentor.ieee.org / 802.11 / dcn / 20 / 11-20-1935-64-00be-compendium-of-straw-polls-and-potential-changes-to-the-specification-framework-document-part-2.docx) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when CSMA / CA is implemented over multiple links, power consumption increases because carrier sensing and other operations must be performed constantly. In particular, when the amount of data being transmitted is small, constantly implementing CSMA / CA over multiple links not only increases power consumption but also reduces transmission efficiency. As described above, multi-link transmission has had issues with power consumption and transmission efficiency.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method that put some links to sleep for a certain period of time when there is little data or when data quality requirements are met, thereby achieving reduced power consumption and improved transmission efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication device that accommodates at least one traffic flow and performs multi-link transmission using multiple links, and is preferably a wireless communication device that has a function of comparing the delay time requirements of each traffic flow and determining delay conditions, a function of predicting the total delay time for all combinations of links to be put to sleep, a function of comparing the delay conditions and the total delay time for all combinations and determining whether or not the combination of links is capable of being put to sleep, a function of selecting a combination of links to be put to sleep based on the results of the determination, and a function of performing wireless communication based on the determined combination of links.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication method performed by a wireless communication device that accommodates at least one traffic flow and performs multi-link transmission using multiple links, and preferably includes the steps of: comparing the delay time requirements of each of the traffic flows and determining delay conditions; predicting the total delay time for all combinations of links to be put to sleep; comparing the delay conditions and the total delay time for all combinations and determining whether or not the combination of links is capable of being put to sleep; determining the combination of links to be put to sleep based on the results of the determination; and performing wireless communication based on the determined combination of links. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure, when there is little data or when data quality requirements are met, some links can be put to sleep for a certain period of time, thereby reducing power consumption and improving transmission efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates conventional multi-link transmission. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating multi-link transmission according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in which an AP determines a delay condition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an AP predicts a total delay time during link sleep according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining a link on which an AP will sleep according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 2 is a functional block diagram of an AP according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 shows a conventional multi-link transmission. First, the process of transmitting information from one device to another device used in the multi-link will be explained.

[0011] The multi-link 200 includes an MLD (Multi Link Device) 2. The MLD 2 has a MAC (Multi Access Controller) 3. The MAC 3 is a controller that controls communications and transmits information transmitted from a higher level to APs (Access Points) 4a, 4b, and 4c. The AP 4a converts the transmitted information into a packet 6a and transmits it to the MLD 10 via link 8a. The AP 4b converts the transmitted information into a packet 6b and transmits it to the MLD 10 via link 8b. The AP 4c converts the transmitted information into a packet 6c and transmits it to the MLD 10 via link 8c.

[0012] In the MLD 10, the STAs 12a, 12b, and 12c receive packets 6a, 6b, and 6c, respectively. The STA 12a transmits the information contained in packet 6a to the MAC 14. The STA 12b transmits the information contained in packet 6b to the MAC 14. The STA 12c transmits the information contained in packet 6c to the MAC 14. The MAC 14 transmits the received information to a higher level.

[0013] The above-described processing is performed when transmitting information from MLD2 to MLD10 via multilink 200. The same processing is performed when transmitting information from MLD10 to MLD2, although the packet transmission direction is reversed.

[0014] As mentioned above, multi-link transmission allows different data to be transmitted bidirectionally over multiple links. In other words, if each link uses a different frequency band, different data can be transmitted simultaneously over multiple frequency bands. This allows for higher speeds.

[0015] However, conventional multi-link transmission has problems in terms of power consumption and transmission efficiency. Each of the multiple links used in multi-link transmission implements CSMA / CA. Implementing CSMA / CA on multiple links requires constant carrier sensing, etc., which increases power consumption. In particular, when the amount of transmission data is small, constantly implementing CSMA / CA on multiple links not only increases power consumption but also reduces transmission efficiency. The present disclosure solves the above problems.

[0016] 2 is a diagram illustrating multi-link transmission according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the multi-link transmission according to the present embodiment, when there is little data or when the data quality requirement is satisfied, some links are put to sleep for a certain period of time.

[0017] The multilink 100 according to the first embodiment includes an MLD 2. The MLD 2 has a MAC 3. The MAC 3 transmits information transmitted from a higher level to the APs 4a, 4b, and 4c.

[0018] The APs 4a, 4b, and 4c perform a predetermined process to determine which links to use. Then, multi-link transmission is performed using only the determined links. The details of the predetermined process will be described later.

[0019] 2 shows a case where information is transmitted using only link 8a. That is, AP 4a converts the transmitted information into packets 6a, 6b, and 6c, and transmits them to MLD 10 via link 8a. Links 8b and 8c are in a sleep state. MLD 10 receives packets 6a, 6b, and 6c at STA 12a. STA 12a transmits the information contained in packets 6a, 6b, and 6c to MAC 14. MAC 14 transmits the received information to a higher level.

[0020] 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process in which an AP determines a delay condition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The delay time is determined based on the delay time requirement unique to each traffic flow.

[0021] First, in step 100, the AP checks the delay time requirements. The target multilink transmission accommodates n traffic flows. In step 100, the AP checks the delay time requirements for all the accommodated flows.

[0022] Next, in step 102, the AP determines the delay condition. Here, the most stringent delay time requirement among all flows is selected as the delay condition. This determines the delay condition for the target multi-link transmission.

[0023] 4 is a flow diagram showing a process in which an AP predicts a total delay time when a link is put to sleep, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. First, in step 104, the AP predicts a total delay time d n Here, the total delay time d n , the transmission time T n and the queueing time Q n The transmission time T n is the channel usage time of the local station, and is determined by the MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme), etc. n is the waiting time due to the use of a channel by another station, and is determined based on the degree of interference, etc. This prediction is performed for all combinations of all links in the target multilink.

[0024] Total delay time d n As an example of how to predict the transmission time T n is the transmission time T n For example, consider a case where the link 8a is put to sleep in the multi-link 100. In this case, the packet 6b that was flowing through the link 8a will be transmitted using the link 8b or the link 8c. Therefore, the transmission time T n , the transmission time T n This adds up to the total delay time d of link 8b and link 8c. ncan be predicted.

[0025] 5 is a flow diagram showing a process of determining a link on which an AP sleeps according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. First, in step 106, the expected total delay time d n It is checked whether the delay condition is satisfied. This check is performed for one of the combinations of all links in the target multilink. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 108. If the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step 110.

[0026] In step 108, the checked link combination is determined to be a combination that allows sleep and is stored, after which the process returns to step 106 to check the next link combination.

[0027] In step 110, the checked link combination is determined to be a combination that does not allow sleep and is stored, after which the process returns to step 106 to check the next link combination.

[0028] The checks in steps 106, 108, and 110 are carried out for all combinations of all links in the target multilink. When the checks are complete, the process proceeds to step 112.

[0029] In step 112, the link combination with the largest number of links is selected from among the link combinations that have been determined to be sleep-enabled combinations, and it is then determined that the link combination is to be put to sleep.

[0030] When there are multiple candidate link combinations, there are three methods for selecting the best one. n For example, the total delay time d n By selecting the combination of links with the shortest total delay time, the best multi-link transmission can be achieved. Note that depending on other requirements, the total delay time d nIt is also possible to select a combination of links that results in an arbitrary ranking of lengths.

[0031] The second method is to select based on transmission efficiency. For example, by selecting the combination of links with the best transmission efficiency, it is possible to achieve the best multi-link transmission in terms of transmission efficiency. However, depending on other requirements, it is also possible to select a combination of links with any order of transmission efficiency.

[0032] The third method is to select based on the number of links used. For example, by selecting a link combination that uses the fewest links, the most terminals can be put to sleep, resulting in the most efficient multi-link transmission in terms of power consumption. Depending on other requirements, it is also possible to select a link combination that ranks the number of links used in any order.

[0033] Hereinafter, a specific example of the process of determining which links to put to sleep in this embodiment will be described. Here, we consider a multi-link transmission in which the number of links is 3 and the number of traffic flows is 4. The total delay time d n shall be as shown in Table 1.

[0034] [Table 1]

[0035] In addition, the delay time requirements for each traffic flow are as shown in Table 2.

[0036] [Table 2]

[0037] First, the delay condition is determined. Here, the delay time requirements of the four flows are compared, and the strictest one is set as the delay condition. In other words, the delay condition for flow 1 is 8 ms or less.

[0038] Next, we predict the total delay time during link sleep. Here, we predict the total delay time for all combinations of the three links.

[0039] For example, when link 1 is put to sleep, the transmission time of link 1, 2 ms, is distributed to link 2 and link 3. In other words, the total delay time of each link is as shown in Table 3. In this case, the total delay time of the entire multi-link is the longest, 7 ms.

[0040] [Table 3]

[0041] Using the same procedure, the total delay time is predicted for all combinations of all links. Furthermore, the predicted total delay time is compared with the delay conditions to determine whether the combination of links is sleep-enabled. The predicted total delay time and the determination results of whether the combination of links is sleep-enabled are shown in Table 4.

[0042] [Table 4]

[0043] As shown in Table 4, there are four possible combinations of links that can be put to sleep. Here, to reduce power consumption, we select the combination of links that uses the fewest links. In this case, we select the combination that puts links 2 and 3 to sleep, i.e., multi-link transmission using only link 1.

[0044] In the conventional example, multilink transmission is performed using all links and traffic flows. That is, multilink transmission is performed using 12 transmitter / receiver circuits with three links and four traffic flows. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as described above, multilink transmission is performed using only link 1. That is, multilink transmission is performed using four transmitter / receiver circuits with one link and four traffic flows. This makes it possible to perform multilink transmission with two-thirds the number of transmitter / receiver circuits compared to the conventional example. As a result, it is possible to achieve reduced power consumption and improved transmission efficiency.

[0045] 6 is a functional block diagram of an AP according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The AP 4 includes a wired network connection function 16. The wired network connection function 16 transmits the information transmitted from the MAC 3 to a transmission data distribution function 18.

[0046] The transmission data distribution function 18 determines the link to sleep by performing the predetermined processing described above. If AP4 is connected to the link to sleep, AP4 goes into standby mode. If AP4 is not connected to the link to sleep, the transmission data distribution function 18 transmits the information transmitted from MAC3 to the access right acquisition function 20.

[0047] The access right acquisition function 20 performs CSMA / CA. If the access right is acquired by CSMA / CA, the data transmission function 22 to the wireless medium performs wireless communication. This allows multi-link transmission. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 Flow 8a Link 8b Link 8c Link 100 Multilink 200 Multilink

Claims

1. A wireless communication device that accommodates at least one traffic flow and performs multi-link transmission using a plurality of links, a function of comparing the delay time requirements of each of the traffic flows and determining delay conditions; A function to predict the total delay time for all combinations of links to be put to sleep; a function of comparing the delay conditions with the total delay time for all of the combinations and determining whether or not the combinations are sleep-enabled; a function of selecting a combination of links to be put to sleep based on the result of the determination; A function for performing wireless communication based on the determined link combination A wireless communication device comprising:

2. The delay condition is determined to be the most stringent of the delay time requirements. The wireless communication device of claim 1 .

3. The total delay time is determined from the transmission time, which is the time the channel is used by the own station, and the queuing time, which is the waiting time due to the use of the channel by other stations.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1.

4. The total delay time is estimated by adding the transmission time of the sleeping link to the transmission time of the non-sleeping link. The wireless communication device according to claim 3 .

5. The wireless communication device of claim 1 , wherein the selection is based on a total delay time.

6. The wireless communication device of claim 1 , wherein the selection is made based on transmission efficiency.

7. The wireless communication device of claim 1 , wherein the selection is based on the number of links to be used.

8. A wireless communication method performed by a wireless communication device that accommodates at least one traffic flow and performs multi-link transmission using a plurality of links, comprising: comparing the delay time requirements of each of the traffic flows to determine a delay condition; predicting a total delay time for all combinations of links to be put to sleep; a step of comparing the delay conditions with the total delay time for all the combinations and determining whether or not the combinations are sleep-enabled links; determining a combination of links to be put to sleep based on the result of the determination; A step of performing wireless communication based on the determined link combination. A wireless communication method comprising:

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