Buffered Groupcast Downlink Notification via Unified Multi-Link Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing Wi-Fi standards, the simultaneous communication under multiple frequency bands leads to increased signaling and resource waste due to the need for separate messages to indicate buffered groupcast downlink data on each link, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate a single message to indicate whether groupcast downlink data is buffered across multiple links, using a beacon frame with a link set field to convey this information, thereby reducing the need for separate messages and conserving signaling resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If separate messages are sent for each link to indicate buffered groupcast downlink data, then the buffering status of each link can be accurately indicated, but signaling overhead and resource waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate buffering status indication messages into a single unified message that carries buffering status information for multiple links simultaneously. This is achieved by defining a new information element structure that includes link identifiers and corresponding buffering status bits for each link, allowing the access point to notify stations about buffered groupcast downlink data across multiple links in one transmission rather than sending separate messages for each link.
2Loss of information
If separate messages are sent for each link to indicate buffered groupcast downlink data, then the buffering status of each link can be accurately indicated, but resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple link-specific buffering status indications into a single consolidated notification message. The information element structure includes a link identifier field and buffering status bits that can represent the state of multiple links, enabling the system to convey the same amount of information with fewer messages and reduced resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal notification message format that can serve multiple links simultaneously. The information element is designed to be multi-functional, capable of indicating buffering status for any combination of links through its link identifier and status bit fields, rather than requiring link-specific message formats.
3Loss of energy
If a single message is used to indicate buffered groupcast downlink data across multiple links, then signaling overhead is reduced, but the complexity of the message structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buffering status information into discrete units organized by link identifiers. Each link's buffering status is represented by individual bits within the message structure, allowing for systematic organization and easy parsing. This segmentation approach manages complexity by breaking down the overall status indication into manageable, structured components rather than using a monolithic format.
Data Source
AI summary
A buffered groupcast downlink data notification method, a terminal and an access point device are disclosed. The method includes: generating, by an access point device, a message carrying information on buffered groupcast downlink data, in which the information on the buffered groupcast downlink data is configured to indicate whether groupcast downlink data of each link of at least two links is buffered in an access point; and sending, by the access point device, the message.