Logical AP MLD Switching for Continuous BSS Roaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining data continuity during Basic Service Set (BSS) transitions, particularly when a station (STA) disconnects from one access point (AP) and reconnects to another, leading to prolonged connectivity loss between the STA and the Distribution System (DS) or between a non-AP MLD and the DS.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication method and device that enables a non-AP MLD to transition between affiliated AP MLDs, utilizing a logical AP MLD architecture to maintain data continuity by controlling the communication switch between APs, ensuring seamless roaming and synchronization across different affiliated APs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a STA disconnects from one AP and reconnects to another during BSS transition, then mobility and flexibility are improved, but connectivity loss time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidconnectivity loss time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a logical AP MLD that pre-coordinates between multiple affiliated AP MLDs before the STA actually transitions. The logical AP MLD maintains context information and prepares for handover in advance, allowing the STA to switch between APs without full reconnection procedures, thereby reducing connectivity loss time while maintaining mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The logical AP MLD acts as an intermediary layer between the STA and multiple affiliated AP MLDs. It manages the transition process by coordinating communication between the STA and different APs, maintaining data continuity through the distribution system, and reducing the impact of connectivity loss during BSS transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple APs are used for roaming, then coverage and adaptability are improved, but data continuity during transition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroaming capabilityVSAvoiddata continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple affiliated AP MLDs under a single logical AP MLD entity. This unification allows the system to maintain a single coordinated management structure that ensures data continuity across multiple physical APs, enabling seamless roaming while preserving reliability through centralized control and context information maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The logical AP MLD provides universal functionality by serving as a common control point for multiple affiliated APs. It handles authentication, association, and data forwarding functions across different APs, ensuring that roaming operations maintain data continuity through a unified management approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4697850A1Wireless communication method, and device and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

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AI summary

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a wireless communication method, and a device and a storage medium. The method comprises: a non-access-point multi-link device receiving or sending a first frame, wherein the first frame is used for the non-access-point multi-link device to switch between a first access point multi-link device and a second access point multi-link device, the first access point multi-link device and the second access point multi-link device belonging to the same third access point multi-link device or different third access point multi-link devices, and the third access point multi-link device being a logical access point multi-link device.