Group Addressed Frame Scheduling for Constrained MLDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-device coexistence (IDC) interference occurs when multi-link devices (MLDs) simultaneously transmit and receive frames over multiple wireless links, particularly between the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, leading to substantial performance loss and packet loss.
Innovation Solution
A method of scheduling frame transmission that prevents constrained MLDs from transmitting and receiving frames on multiple links simultaneously by using a novel and reliable group addressed frame transmission. This involves determining the schedule for transmitting group addressed frames to avoid overlapping with transmissions from constrained MLDs, thereby preventing IDC interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-link operation is used to increase communication bandwidth, then network throughput and flexibility are improved, but in-device coexistence interference occurs causing substantial performance loss and packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication into distinct time periods: a first time period for individual frame transmissions and a second time period for group addressed frame transmissions. This temporal segmentation prevents constrained MLDs from transmitting and receiving simultaneously on different links, eliminating IDC interference while preserving multi-link operation benefits for throughput improvement.
2Productivity
If constrained MLDs transmit and receive frames simultaneously on multiple links, then communication efficiency is improved, but IDC interference causes substantial performance loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the AP MLD transmit group addressed frames during a predetermined second time period after individual frames are transmitted. This scheduling advance prevents constrained MLDs from attempting simultaneous transmissions, proactively eliminating IDC interference before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses group addressed frames as an intermediary mechanism to coordinate transmissions. By transmitting a group addressed frame to multiple STAs during the second time period, the AP MLD acts as a mediator that synchronizes all STAs to refrain from transmissions during this period, thereby preventing IDC interference without requiring direct control of each individual STA.
3Device complexity
If group addressed frames are transmitted to multiple STAs, then communication overhead is reduced, but scheduling conflicts with individual frame transmissions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments transmission time into distinct first and second time periods, with individual frames transmitted in the first period and group addressed frames transmitted in the second period. This segmentation eliminates scheduling conflicts between individual and group transmissions, allowing both to occur without time loss while reducing scheduling complexity through simple temporal separation.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-link operations can provide higher network throughput and improved network flexibility compared to traditional techniques for wireless communication. Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of frame transmission that prevents constrained MLDs from transmitting and receiving frames on multiple links simultaneously using a novel and reliable group addressed frame transmission schedule for constrained MLDs. Group addressed frames are frames that are transmitted to several devices (e.g., broadcast) listening on a wireless link. It is important to carefully schedule group addressed frames for reception by MLDs to prevent IDC interference. According to some embodiments, group addressed frames are only transmitted when all MLDs listening on a wireless link are not transmitting data to prevent IDC interference.