Distributed WLAN AP-MLD Beamforming for Low-Interference Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless access technologies face limitations in maximum bandwidth due to interference and congestion in unlicensed radio frequencies, particularly in Wi-Fi networks, which affect mobile accessing terminals.

Innovation Solution

A distributed access point multilink device (AP-MLD) system that utilizes a control apparatus with upper MAC functionality and a point-to-multipoint radio transceiver to establish contemporaneous multipoint links between 52.6 GHz and 1THz, connecting to multiple spatially separated peripheral apparatuses with lower MAC functionality, enabling high bandwidth and low interference through beamforming and dynamic reconfiguration of radio links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple simultaneous radio links are established to increase maximum bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but interference and congestion in unlicensed radio frequencies worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidinterference and congestion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the radio link into multiple spatial paths using beamforming technology. Multiple beams are directed toward different spatial locations to reach the same terminal, effectively dividing the communication path into parallel segments that utilize different spatial resources, thereby increasing bandwidth while managing interference through spatial separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional single-dimension radio link establishment to multi-dimensional spatial communication by implementing point-to-multipoint beamforming. This adds the spatial dimension to radio link management, allowing simultaneous establishment of multiple links in different spatial directions, thus increasing bandwidth capacity while distributing interference across different spatial domains

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If unlicensed radio frequencies are used to increase bandwidth availability, then bandwidth is improved, but interference and congestion worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth availabilityVSAvoidinterference and congestion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by directing targeted beams toward specific spatial locations rather than broadcasting omnidirectionally. Each beam is optimized for its specific spatial path, allowing efficient utilization of unlicensed spectrum in each local spatial region while minimizing interference with other users of the same frequency band

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If point-to-multipoint beamforming is implemented at radio frequencies between 52.6 GHz and 1 THz, then bandwidth and data rate are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a distributed access point architecture where multiple peripheral apparatuses can each function as beamforming nodes. This universal design allows any peripheral device to contribute to the point-to-multipoint beamforming capability, distributing the computational and hardware complexity across multiple devices rather than concentrating it in a single access point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides high-quality, high-bandwidth access for mobile terminals by optimizing data rates, latency, and interference management across multiple links, leveraging unlicensed spectrum for increased bandwidth and reduced congestion.

Implementation Method 1

the point to multipoint radio transceiver means is configured to perform beamforming for providing contemporaneous multipoint spatially separated links comprising the first radio link and the second radio link

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Data Source

PatentEP4608057A1Wireless access via distributed WLAN access point multilink device (AP-MLD)
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4608057A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4608057A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4608057A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An apparatus comprising means for providing upper medium access control (MAC) access point (AP) functionality means for coupling the upper medium access control (MAC) access point (AP) functionality to a first lower MAC AP functionality provided at a first apparatus via first radio link; means for coupling the upper medium access control (MAC) access point (AP) functionality to a second lower MAC AP functionality provided at a second apparatus, locatable at a different location than the first apparatus, via a second radio link; a point to multipoint radio transceiver means configured to provide contemporaneous multipoint links comprising the first radio link and the second radio link at least some radio frequencies between 52.6 GHz and 1THz.