BTM Link Steering for WLAN Multi-Link Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic identifier-to-link mapping (T2LM) approaches in wireless local area networks (WLANs) often fail to achieve load balancing due to non-AP multi-link devices (non-AP MLDs) ignoring or rejecting proposed mappings, leading to disruptions and the need for re-establishing associations, which affects user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Basic Service Set (BSS) transition management (BTM) mechanism that allows wireless communication devices to selectively transmit or refrain from transmitting disassociation frames based on traffic identifier-to-link mapping (T2LM) requests, enabling non-AP MLDs to move to indicated links without disrupting associations and maintaining context with the AP MLD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If T2LM mapping is proposed by the AP, then load balancing can be achieved, but the non-AP MLD may ignore or reject the proposed mapping causing connection disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending a BTM request frame to the non-AP MLD before executing the T2LM mapping change. This advance notification allows the non-AP MLD to prepare for the transition, reducing the likelihood of rejection or ignoring the mapping change, thereby maintaining connection stability while achieving load balancing.
2Device complexity
If the AP subsets links globally via broadcast message, then link management is simplified, but all clients are placed on the same subset of links preventing individual load balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each non-AP MLD to receive customized T2LM mappings tailored to its specific needs and traffic patterns, rather than applying a uniform global subset to all clients. This is achieved through individual BTM request frames sent to specific non-AP MLDs, enabling personalized load balancing while the AP maintains overall link management.
3Ease of operation
If the non-AP MLD rejects the proposed T2LM mapping, then the client can maintain its current link configuration, but load balancing goals are not achieved and re-association is required
Solution Approach 1:
By sending the BTM request frame in advance, the system gives the non-AP MLD opportunity to accept the T2LM mapping change before it takes effect. This preliminary notification reduces the need for re-association by allowing smooth transitions, thereby reducing the time loss associated with re-association while still maintaining client control over the configuration change.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects are provided for BTM-based load balancing. Various aspects relate generally to a method of load balancing where an AP multi-link device (MLD) recommends that a non-AP MLD move to an indicated set of links of the AP MLD and operate on the indicated set of links without purging context between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. In some examples, if the non-AP MLD does not comply, then the non-AP MLD may face disassociation from the AP MLD. Some aspects more specifically relate to recommending that the non-AP MLD move to an indicated set of links of a different AP MLD and operate on the indicated set of links of the different AP MLD after performing a multi-link setup with the different AP MLD. In some examples, the AP MLD may then disassociate from the non-AP MLD.