Link-Level Disassociation for Wi-Fi 7 Spectrum Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IEEE 802.11be, the current link disassociation mechanism at the Multi-Link Device (MLD) level leads to unnecessary disconnection of multiple links when an access point (AP) receives a communication frame with a signal strength below a threshold, causing power wastage and inefficient spectrum utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a link control method where an AP sends a disassociation frame only at the link level, releasing the association relationship for the specific link with a signal strength below the threshold, allowing other links to remain active, and using a disassociation frame structure that includes reason codes and link identifications to manage link releases effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the current link disassociation mechanism at the MLD level is used, then the association relationship can be managed centrally, but unnecessary disconnection of multiple links occurs causing power wastage and inefficient spectrum utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link disassociation mechanism from the MLD level to the individual link level. Each link is managed independently with its own RSSI threshold and disassociation decisions, preventing unnecessary disconnection of multiple links when one link has poor signal strength. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining centralized management architecture while enabling granular, link-specific control to reduce power wastage.
2Device complexity
If the current link disassociation mechanism at the MLD level is used, then the association relationship can be managed centrally, but spectrum utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by decoupling the disassociation decision from the MLD level and assigning it to the individual link level. Each link evaluates its own RSSI threshold independently, allowing the system to maintain active links with good signal strength while disconnecting only the specific link with poor signal strength. This prevents unnecessary spectrum reallocation and improves overall spectrum utilization efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If link disassociation is implemented at the link level, then power wastage is reduced and spectrum utilization improves, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the existing MLD association framework to support link-level disassociation decisions. The same association structure and message formats are utilized, but with enhanced functionality to evaluate RSSI thresholds and make disassociation decisions at the link level. This multi-functionality approach reduces the need for entirely new control mechanisms while achieving the desired power and spectrum efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A link control method, apparatus and storage medium that improves spectrum utilization in a wireless network. The utilization of the spectrum is improved by: receiving a communication frame sent from a first station (STA) in a first link; and in response to determining that a signal strength RSSI value is lower than a first RSSI threshold, sending a disassociation frame to the first STA, wherein the first RSSI threshold is an RSSI threshold corresponding to the first link, and the disassociation frame is at least for disassociating the first AP from the first STA in the first link.