Flexible Multi-Link AP Routing for Spectrum Control and Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-link operation (MLO) systems face challenges in optimally assigning packets to links, leading to loss of control over spectrum distribution and potential congestion, especially when hardware-based link selection relies on instantaneous channel sensing.
Innovation Solution
A flexible MLO architecture that allows for dynamic selection between software-based and hardware-based link selection, where software-based processing paths utilize code-implemented rules and channel state information for optimal link assignment, while hardware-based processing paths rely on instantaneous channel sensing for low latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hardware-based link selection relies on instantaneous channel sensing, then low latency is achieved, but spectrum distribution control is lost and congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between hardware-based link selection (for low latency) and software-based link selection (for controlled spectrum distribution) based on operational conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize between speed and control requirements in different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The link selection process is segmented into two independent paths: hardware-based path for latency-sensitive traffic and software-based path for controlled spectrum distribution. This segmentation allows each path to serve its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between speed and control.
2Ease of operation
If software-based link selection uses code-implemented rules, then spectrum distribution control is maintained, but processing latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing paths are segmented such that software-based selection handles spectrum-controlled traffic while hardware-based selection handles latency-sensitive traffic. This segmentation isolates the latency penalty of software processing to only those packets requiring spectrum control, leaving high-speed paths available for real-time traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the selection parameter from instantaneous channel sensing (hardware) to code-implemented rules based on channel state feedback (software). This parameter change enables controlled spectrum distribution at the cost of increased processing latency, which is acceptable for non-time-critical traffic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing paths are implemented, then flexibility and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware-based and software-based link selection paths are merged into a unified processing architecture where both paths operate concurrently and can be selectively activated. This merging provides flexibility and adaptability while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide an architecture and method for multi-link operation (MLO) at an access point (AP). The method generally includes obtaining a packet from at least one buffer and selecting a processing path, from first and second processing paths, for a packet to be routed from the at least one buffer to at least one of a plurality of radio components for wireless transmission to at least one peer via one or more links, wherein: the first processing path is configured to bind the packet to one of the one or more links based on at least one code-implemented rule, and the second processing path is configured to bind the packet to one of the one or more links based on instantaneous channel sensing.