AP MLD Multi-Link Communication for Seamless Link Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in improving data throughput and efficiently managing multiple communication links between access points and stations in wireless local area networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-link communication system where a first access point and secondary access points share a common medium access control address, allowing dynamic switching between communication links without disassociation, and exchanging discovery and capability information to establish a common block acknowledgement session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple concurrent communication links are established between AP and STA, then data throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the multi-link device into multiple independent links, each with its own access point and station pair. Each link operates autonomously with separate association procedures, allowing the system to achieve high throughput through multiple concurrent links while managing complexity by treating each link as a separate, manageable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple links are organized hierarchically under a common multi-link device framework. The AP MLD and STA MLD contain multiple APs and STAs respectively, with each nested link maintaining its own configuration while being part of the overall multi-link system. This nesting allows systematic management of complexity through hierarchical organization.
2Productivity
If dynamic switching between communication links is implemented, then communication efficiency is enhanced, but loss of time occurs during link transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing all necessary associations and configurations for multiple links before actual data transmission begins. The association procedure is completed in advance for all links, and capability information is exchanged beforehand, so that when link switching is needed, the transition can occur immediately without time-consuming reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that link switching occurs without interrupting the overall communication flow. The multi-link device can seamlessly transition between links while maintaining active associations, allowing data transmission to continue uninterrupted across different links, thus eliminating idle time during transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple BSSIDs are managed for different virtual APs, then adaptability is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element in the form of a common MAC address that is shared across all virtual APs and links. This common address serves as a mediator that simplifies the detection and measurement process for STAs, as they can use a single address to identify and associate with the AP MLD, while the system internally manages the multiple BSSIDs for different virtual APs. This intermediary approach maintains adaptability while reducing the complexity of detection.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for associating a wireless communication device such as a wireless station (STA) of a STA multi-link device (MLD) with an access point (AP) MLD that includes a first AP associated with a first communication link of the AP MLD and includes one or more secondary APs associated with one or more respective secondary communication links of the first AP MLD. The first AP includes one or more virtual APs, and the first AP and the one or more virtual APs of the first AP belong to a first multiple basic service set identifier (BSSID) set associated with the first communication link. The AP MLD transmits a frame including a first element carrying discovery information for the first AP and the one or more virtual APs belonging to the first multiple BSSID set, and including a second element carrying discovery information for the one or more secondary APs of the first AP MLD associated with the one or more respective secondary communication links of the first AP MLD.