AP Multi-Link Termination Signaling for Timely BSS Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-link devices face challenges in efficiently terminating collocated or non-collocated access point multi-link devices (AP MLDs) during scenarios like software upgrades or device failures, necessitating a method for timely basic service set (BSS) transition.

Innovation Solution

A multi-link communication method involving the use of communication frames, such as beacon frames and BSS transition management (BTM) request frames, to indicate the termination of AP MLDs and facilitate seamless transitions to neighboring nodes, including identification and timing information for AP MLDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the AP MLD is terminated for software upgrade or maintenance, then the device can be updated or maintained, but the associated non-AP MLD cannot perform BSS transition in time causing service disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of maintenanceVSAvoidService continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by sending a termination indication frame before the AP MLD is actually terminated. This frame includes a termination time field that specifies when the AP MLD will stop operating. The non-AP MLD receives this indication in advance and uses the termination time to schedule its BSS transition, ensuring seamless service continuity without disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If the termination time of AP MLD is not indicated in advance, then the communication frame structure remains simple, but the non-AP MLD cannot perform timely BSS transition

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTransition timingVSAvoidCommunication frame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication frame by adding a specific termination time field to the existing beacon frame or BSS transition management frame structure. This segmentation allows the termination time information to be carried independently without fundamentally changing the overall frame structure, enabling timely BSS transition while maintaining frame simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the AP MLD termination is not announced in advance, then no additional communication overhead is required, but network stability is compromised during transition

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNetwork stabilityVSAvoidCommunication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by utilizing existing communication frames (beacon frames or BSS transition management frames) to carry the AP MLD termination indication. Rather than creating a completely new communication mechanism, the termination information is embedded in existing frame structures, reducing communication overhead while ensuring network stability through timely notification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260020092A1Multi-Link Communication Method, Communication Apparatus, and Communication System

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A multi-link communication method includes an access point (AP) that sends a first communication frame, and correspondingly a station (STA) receives the first communication frame, where the first communication frame includes identification information of a first AP multi-link device (MLD) and first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a termination time of the first AP MLD.