Channel Measurement Coordination for Reliable Multi-Link Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

During channel measurement, network devices switch channels, causing packet loss and communication disruptions due to terminal devices continuing to transmit data on the original channel, which is not detected by the network devices.

Innovation Solution

Devices communicate channel measurement indications to synchronize data transmissions, allowing continued communication via the current or alternate channels during measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If network devices switch channels for channel measurement, then channel characteristics can be studied and analyzed, but packet loss and communication disruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel measurement capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network device sends a channel measurement indication to the terminal device before performing channel measurement on a different channel. This preliminary action informs the terminal device to suspend data transmission during the measurement period, preventing packet loss and ensuring measurement accuracy without communication disruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the network device communicates measurement indications to the terminal device. The terminal device responds by adjusting its transmission behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop control that coordinates both devices to avoid packet loss during channel measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If terminal devices continue transmitting data on the original channel during network device channel measurement, then communication continuity is maintained, but packet loss occurs due to undetected channel switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoidpacket delivery success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before the network device switches to perform channel measurement on a different channel, it sends a channel measurement indication to the terminal device in advance. This allows the terminal device to proactively suspend data transmission on the original channel, ensuring both communication continuity and packet delivery success by coordinating transmission suspension with the measurement period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network device provides feedback to the terminal device through the channel measurement indication, enabling the terminal device to adjust its transmission behavior. This feedback loop ensures the terminal device suspends transmission during measurement, maintaining both communication continuity and high packet delivery success rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4683378A1Method, device, apparatus and computer readable storage medium for communication
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP4683378A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4683378A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4683378A1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device, a method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium for communication. A method for communication includes obtaining, by a first device from a second device via a first channel, an indication that the second device is to perform a channel measurement for a second channel that is different from the first channel, the first device and the second device being currently operating on a first channel, and at least one communication link existing between the first device and the second device; and performing, based on the indication, at least one of: performing a data transmission to the second device within a duration of the channel measurement via the second channel; or performing a data transmission to the second device after a predetermined time interval via the first channel, or performing a data transmission to the second device with a communication link, in a plurality of communication links between the first device and the second device, that is unused for performing the channel measurement.