AP Multi-Link Resource Allocation for Dynamic Link Addition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting resource allocation and link addition for access point multi-link devices (AP MLDs) during multi-link operation (MLO) association, as resources dedicated to non-AP MLDs are difficult to adjust after initial association.

Innovation Solution

The AP MLD obtains capability indications from the non-AP MLD during association, performs resource allocation based on these indications, and manages link addition by activating only a subset of available links, sending management frames to announce unavailable links, and recommending link utilization to the non-AP MLD.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If resource allocation is determined based on parameters signaled during association, then resource allocation is simplified during initial setup, but resource allocation cannot be dynamically adjusted when link addition or deletion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation setupVSAvoiddynamic resource adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the resource allocation system dynamic by allowing the AP MLD to re allocate resources after association based on current link status. The AP MLD can adjust resource allocation when links are added or deleted, transforming the static post-association allocation into a dynamic process that adapts to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent obtains capability indications from the non-AP MLD during the association phase as a preliminary action. This advance gathering of capability information enables the AP MLD to perform preliminary resource allocation during association while also preparing for future dynamic adjustments based on the non-AP MLD's capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the AP MLD activates all available links during association, then maximum throughput is achieved, but power consumption increases and resource management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by having the AP MLD activate only a subset of available links during association rather than all links. The AP MLD can provide services on N links but activates only M links (where M < N) during association, enabling selective activation based on current needs while preserving the capability to activate additional links later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes link activation dynamic by allowing the AP MLD to activate additional links after association based on traffic demands and network conditions. The system can transition from M active links during association to N active links after association, adapting the number of active links to current requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the non-AP MLD uses all supported links during association, then maximum connection stability is achieved, but the system lacks flexibility for future link addition or deletion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidlink addition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent obtains capability indications during association as a preliminary action, gathering information about the non-AP MLD's link addition capabilities without requiring the non-AP MLD to commit to using all links immediately. This preliminary information gathering enables future flexibility while maintaining current stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic link management by allowing the non-AP MLD to start with M links during association and later add or delete links based on changing conditions. The system transitions from a static link configuration to a dynamic one where the number of links can be adjusted after association.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If the AP MLD provides services on N links but activates only M links during association, then resource management is optimized, but the non-AP MLD cannot utilize unavailable links even if needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource managementVSAvoidlink availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent announces unavailable links during association as a preliminary action, informing the non-AP MLD which links are currently unavailable but potentially accessible in the future. This advance notification enables the non-AP MLD to prepare for future link addition while the AP MLD maintains optimized resource management during association.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12568539B2Method and apparatus for dealing with resource allocation and/or link addition of access point multi-link device

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 MEDIATEK INC

AI summary

A management method employed by an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) includes: during association between the AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, obtaining capability indications signaled from the non-AP MLD, wherein the capability indications comprise at least a link addition capability indication of the non-AP MLD; and performing resource allocation for links between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD according to at least a portion of the capability indications.