ML Beacon Interval Signaling for Multi-Link WLAN Listen Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased number of spatial streams in new WLAN standards like IEEE 802.11be requires improved signaling techniques for proper utilization, particularly in setting the beacon intervals of multiple links.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a non-AP STA to receive information on the beacon interval of another AP through Multi-Link (MLD) communication, allowing it to set its own listen interval by decoding an ML element that includes beacon intervals of other APs within the transmitting MLD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If separate signaling is used to convey beacon interval information of other APs, then the information can be accurately transmitted, but the signaling overhead increases and the configuration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beacon interval information of multiple APs into a single ML element structure that is transmitted once during MLD setup. Instead of requiring separate signaling for each AP's beacon interval, the transmitting MLD includes all beacon interval information (including peer AP and other APs) within one unified element, thereby reducing signaling overhead and simplifying the configuration process while maintaining information completeness
2Manufacturing precision
If the non-AP STA requests beacon interval information separately, then it can configure its listen interval accurately, but the time required for configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the transmitting MLD proactively include beacon interval information of all its APs (peer AP and other APs) in the ML element during the initial setup phase. This eliminates the need for the non-AP STA to send separate requests later, as all necessary information is already provided upfront, thereby reducing configuration time while ensuring accurate listen interval setup
3Ease of operation
If the transmitting MLD includes beacon intervals of all APs in the ML element, then the receiving STA can configure without separate signaling, but the element size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by structuring the beacon interval information in a targeted manner within the ML element. Instead of including all possible AP information uniformly, the element selectively includes beacon interval fields only for the peer AP and other APs where this information is necessary for the non-AP STA's operation. This selective inclusion approach maintains ease of operation by providing all needed information in one element while minimizing unnecessary data to keep the element size efficient
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a method and a device for receiving information on a beacon interval of another AP in a transmitting MLD in a WLAN system. Specifically, a receiving MLD receives an ML element from a transmitting MLD through a first link. The receiving MLD decodes the ML element. The transmitting MLD includes a first transmitting STA operating in the first link and a second transmitting STA operating in a second link. The ML element contains common information and link information. The link information includes information about a beacon interval of the second transmitting STA.