AP Multi-Link Channel Signaling for Faster BTM Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Wi-Fi networks, especially with the introduction of multi-link operation (MLO) in Wi-Fi 7, there is a need for non-AP Multi-Link Devices (MLDs) to efficiently discover channel information for recommended access points (APs) to avoid unnecessary scanning and enhance network performance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves enhancing the BSS Transition Management (BTM) request frame to include a Basic Multi-link element with Per-STA Profile subelements, providing channel information for recommended AP MLD links, allowing non-AP MLDs to connect more efficiently by including separate NR elements outside the basic ML element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If non-AP MLD performs traditional scanning to discover channel information for recommended APs, then it can obtain complete channel information, but the scanning process increases latency and reduces network efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The AP MLD performs the action of generating and providing channel information for affiliated APs in advance, before the non-AP MLD needs to scan. This is achieved by including channel information in the BTM request frame, allowing the non-AP MLD to connect without performing time-consuming scanning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The BTM request frame serves as an intermediary carrier that transfers channel information from the AP MLD to the non-AP MLD. By embedding channel information within this frame structure, the patent enables efficient information exchange without requiring traditional scanning mechanisms
2Productivity
If the BTM request frame includes complete channel information for all recommended APs, then connection efficiency is improved, but the frame structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The channel information is nested within existing frame structures - specifically, NR elements are embedded within the BTM request frame, and Per-STA Profile subelements are nested within Basic ML elements. This hierarchical nesting allows complete information transmission while maintaining structured organization
Solution Approach 2:
The channel information is segmented into separate NR elements, each corresponding to a specific affiliated AP. This segmentation allows the frame to include comprehensive information in an organized manner, with each element containing specific channel details for a particular AP
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed enabling Access Point (AP) Multi-Link Devices (MLDs) to provide channel information for all recommended APs/links of an AP MLD to a non-AP MLD as part of the BSS Transition Management (BTM) request. In one aspect, a method includes receiving, at AP from a client device, an indication that the client device supports receiving Multi-Link Device (MLD) level link recommendation from the AP. The method includes based on the indication, generating, by the AP, a frame comprising a first Neighbor Report (NR) element recommending one or more AP MLD links for the client device to connect to, and at least one second NR element providing corresponding channel information for the one or more AP MLD links, and transmitting, by the AP, the frame to the client device. .