Dynamic Multi-Link Configuration for Low-Latency Wireless Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges with unreliable transmissions, increased access latency, and reduced throughput due to interference and congestion in shared spectrum environments, particularly in IEEE 802.11 networks, which affect applications requiring low latency and high reliability.

Innovation Solution

Implementing multi-link (ML) communications across multiple wireless channels using joint, selective, simplex, and duplex transmission modes, along with dynamic link reconfiguration and management by a ML-BSS controller to optimize channel usage and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic link configuration is implemented to improve network flexibility and resource utilization, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple communication links and coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments communication resources into distinct link types (millimeter wave and sub-6 GHz) with separate management mechanisms. Each link type has its own configuration parameters and management procedures, allowing independent optimization and simplifying overall system management despite multiple links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic link configuration where communication parameters such as bandwidth, numerology, and active links are adjusted in real-time based on channel conditions, traffic requirements, and network state. This dynamic adaptation enables flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple communication links are used to improve data transmission capacity, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multi-link coordination and management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidlink coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple communication links (millimeter wave and sub-6 GHz) into a unified communication framework with coordinated resource allocation. Links are combined to achieve higher throughput while sharing common management functions such as RLC entity management and HARQ processes, reducing redundant complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements universal RLC entities that can operate across multiple link types with different characteristics. These RLC entities are designed to handle various data radio bearers and support both split and non-split configurations, providing multi-functional capability that reduces the need for link-specific management complexity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If link configuration is changed dynamically to improve network adaptability, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time occurs due to configuration updates and reconnections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration update time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration setup by establishing RLC entities and configuring parameters in advance before actual data transmission begins. Configuration parameters such as bandwidth, numerology, and link priorities are pre-negotiated and stored, enabling rapid activation when link changes are needed without extensive real-time configuration overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where channel conditions, link quality, and traffic requirements are continuously monitored and fed back to the configuration manager. This feedback enables intelligent decision-making for link configuration changes, optimizing the timing and nature of updates to minimize disruption and reduce time loss during transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4085724B1Multi-link communications of a wireless network with dynamic link configuration
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 ZTE CORP
  • EP4085724B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4085724B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1D
  • EP4085724B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices related to digital wireless communication, and more specifically, to techniques related to the multi-link operation with dynamic link configuration. In one exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication includes transmitting a multi-link capability information from a network node indicating the network node is capable of operation on multi-link. In another exemplary aspect, the method includes receiving a multi-link capability indication message and using multi-link association request and response message exchanges to establish or update an association between a station and a network node for operation over one or more wireless links. The multi-link operation can be dynamically configured and reconfigured according to the radio channel condition changes and acquired transmission opportunity.