MAC Frame Channel Signaling for IEEE 802.11 Multi-Link Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication standards, such as IEEE 802.11be, require efficient methods to establish and manage multiple links across different frequency channels for improved throughput and frequency use efficiency, particularly in multi-link communication scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that utilizes a MAC frame to convey multi-link communication-related information, including frequency channel information, enabling simultaneous communication across multiple links on different frequency channels, supporting standards like IEEE 802.11be, with modes like synchronous, asynchronous, and semi-asynchronous communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-link communication is implemented across multiple frequency channels, then communication throughput is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple links and frequency channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into multiple independent links, each operating on a different frequency channel. The MAC frame is divided into multiple link-specific sections, allowing each link to be managed separately while maintaining overall system coordination through the segmented frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to wireless communication by establishing multiple links across different frequency channels simultaneously. This multi-dimensional approach allows parallel communication on multiple frequency dimensions, thereby increasing throughput while managing complexity through structured MAC frame organization.
2Productivity
If multiple links are established on different frequency channels, then frequency use efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing multi-link communication-related information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC frame structure is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle multiple links simultaneously. It incorporates link identification fields, frequency channel information, and capability exchange mechanisms that can accommodate any number of links, making the system versatile for managing multi-link communication-related information without requiring separate protocols for each link.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new MAC frame format is developed for multi-link communication, then communication capability information can be exchanged, but ease of operation decreases due to the need to handle newly developed frame formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes within the MAC frame structure to convey multi-link communication capability information. By modifying existing frame parameters such as adding link identification fields, frequency channel indicators, and capability bits, the system achieves enhanced adaptability while maintaining compatibility with existing MAC frame processing mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus communicates a wireless frame compliant with an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standard with a partner apparatus, wherein a media access control (MAC) frame of the wireless frame includes information indicating a frequency channel as information related to communications via a plurality of links compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard to be established on a plurality of different frequency channels where an apparatus transmitted the wireless frame and a partner apparatus can perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard.