AP Multi-Link Virtualization for VLAN-Aware EHT WLANs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack solutions for EHT virtualization in multi-link devices (MLDs), particularly regarding interconnections with Virtual LANs (VLANs), which is necessary for enhanced wireless local area networks (WLANs) with increased channel bandwidth and space-time streams.
Innovation Solution
Implement a two-tiered virtualization approach for MLDs, involving Tier 1 virtualization with grouped APs forming multiple virtual AP MLDs and Tier 2 virtualization with co-located APs forming multiple AP MLDs, using unified signaling to support different virtualization architectures and enable quick discovery of peer links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-link operation is implemented to increase throughput and support more links, then network capacity and bandwidth are improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-link device into multiple affiliated stations (STAs), where each STA independently manages a specific link. This segmentation allows the complex multi-link operation to be broken down into simpler, independent link-level operations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high throughput capability across multiple links
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a unified multi-link element that can be carried across different links and serves multiple functions: announcing MLD capability, providing link information, and enabling peer discovery. This universal element reduces the need for separate mechanisms on each link, simplifying the overall system while supporting multi-link operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization is implemented to support multiple VLANs and network segments, then network versatility and security are improved, but interconnection complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-link element as an intermediary that bridges the gap between physical links and virtualized VLANs. This element carries essential link information and MLD capability announcements, enabling virtual network segmentation without requiring complex direct interconnections between all physical links and VLANs, thus simplifying the virtualization layer
3Loss of time
If comprehensive link information is announced on all links to enable quick peer discovery, then discovery speed is improved, but information redundancy and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the link information announcement function into a single multi-link element that can be carried on any affiliated link. Instead of duplicating comprehensive link information on all links, the merged element is transmitted once and received by peer MLDs that can then access the information, reducing redundancy while maintaining fast discovery capability
Data Source
AI summary
Communication devices and methods for EHT virtualization for MLD devices. are provided. One exemplary embodiment provides an Access Point (AP) included in a plurality of APs affiliated with an AP Multi-link Device (MLD), wherein each of the plurality of APs advertises a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), and provides a link identified by a Link Identifier (ID), the AP comprising: circuitry, which in operation, generates a frame carrying a multi-link element containing information about the AP MLD and the plurality of APs; and a transmitter, which in operation, transmits the frame on a link, the Multi-link element indicating a Link ID of the link on which the frame is transmitted.