Multi-Link Device Link Advertising and Setup Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Multi-Link (ML) operation in wireless communication networks experiences inefficiencies due to the need for multiple setup procedures, which occupy the wireless medium and cause delays, particularly in the registration process between non-AP Multi-Link Devices (MLDs) and Access Point MLDs, leading to potential association refusals and bandwidth waste.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves categorizing affiliated Access Points (APs) based on their profiles, allowing the Access Point MLD to recommend preferred APs for setup links and enabling non-AP MLDs to request candidate backup links during the Multi-Link setup procedure, thereby reducing the risk of association refusal and optimizing bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ML setup procedures are performed to establish communication links, then the non-AP MLD can discover and set up links with multiple affiliated APs, but the wireless medium is occupied for extended periods and association refusals occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the non-AP MLD perform link evaluation and selection before initiating the ML setup procedure. The device assesses candidate links based on signal quality, capacity, and other parameters, then prioritizes the most promising links for setup. This preliminary assessment reduces the likelihood of association refusals and minimizes the number of setup procedures needed, thereby reducing the time the wireless medium is occupied while maintaining the ability to establish multiple communication links.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ML setup procedures are performed, then more link options can be explored, but bandwidth is wasted due to repeated setup attempts and association refusals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the non-AP MLD evaluate all candidate links but only initiate setup procedures for a prioritized subset of the most promising links. Instead of attempting to set up all possible links or performing multiple redundant setup procedures, the device performs a preliminary evaluation and focuses resources on the most viable options. This approach maintains adaptability by considering multiple link options while reducing bandwidth waste by avoiding excessive setup attempts that are likely to be refused.
3Ease of operation
If the non-AP MLD requests setup links without prior evaluation, then the setup process is simpler and faster, but the AP MLD may refuse the association more often
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing an evaluation step before the ML setup procedure where the non-AP MLD assesses candidate links based on signal quality, capacity, and other parameters. This preliminary evaluation ensures that the links requested for setup are more likely to be successful, thereby reducing association refusal rates. The process remains relatively simple and fast because the evaluation is performed automatically based on pre-defined criteria, and only the most promising links are selected for the setup procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
In wireless networks implementing multilink transmissions, a non-AP Multi-Link Device, MLD, discovers an AP MLD and registers to it. To reduce risks of registration refusal from the AP MLD, the invention proposes mechanisms to enhance link advertising in exchanged management frames. In embodiments, the beacon frames or probe response frames during ML discovery categorize the Per-STA profiles of the reported affiliated APs. Such categorization is a recommendation from the AP MLD to promote or favor some links or affiliated APs compared to others. Lists of profiles per category can be provided or each profile can be tagged with a dedicated categorizing score. In other embodiments, the non-AP MLD indicates one or more backup links as alternatives to one or more of the setup links requested for ML setup. This allows the AP MLD to switch on a backup link in case a setup link is to be refused.