MLD Beacon Flag for Complete BSS Updates Without Probe Storms
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IEEE 802.11be Multi-Link Device (MLD) operation, the notification of Basic Service Set (BSS) parameter updates to clients leads to unwanted beacon bloat and probe storm issues due to the inclusion of updated parameters in beacon frames, causing disruptive probe requests and medium congestion.
Innovation Solution
A method where an AP of an MLD device includes a flag in a beacon frame to indicate that all out-of-link BSS parameter updates are communicated, allowing clients to receive updates without sending probe requests, thereby reducing probe storms and beacon bloat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If updated BSS parameters are included in transmitted beacon frames, then clients can receive parameter updates, but beacon frame size increases causing beacon bloat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the BSS parameter update information from the beacon frame by introducing a separate indicator mechanism. The BSS Update Report Indication flag signals clients that parameter updates are available, while the actual updates are delivered through dedicated probe response frames rather than being embedded in the beacon frame, thus preventing beacon bloat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator (BSS Update Report Indication flag) that mediates between the need to notify clients of parameter updates and the constraint of keeping beacon frames compact. This flag acts as a signal that triggers clients to request updates through probe requests, separating the notification function from the data transmission function.
2Loss of information
If clients send probe requests to obtain updated parameters, then clients can receive complete parameter updates, but probe storms occur causing medium congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by including the complete set of updated BSS parameters in the probe response frame that the AP sends unsolicited. Instead of requiring clients to repeatedly request updates, the AP proactively provides all necessary parameter information in advance, reducing the need for subsequent probe requests and preventing probe storms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AP monitors the BSS Update Report Indication flag state and the receipt of probe requests. When updates have been delivered and the indicator is cleared, the AP knows clients have received the necessary information, creating a feedback loop that prevents redundant probe requests and medium congestion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in which an AP of a MLD AP device may decide to include all out-of-link BSS parameters updates in a beacon frame (beacon). A flag is included in the beacon frame to indicate that all updates are included in the beacon frame and thus the client device that receives the beacon frame should not send probe request frames (probe requests) to obtain these updates. Thus, a non-AP MLD that receives a beacon frame with the above indication and that has all critical BSS parameters corresponding to the Change Sequence Number (CSN) that preceded the updates indicated by the AP, should not send probe requests to obtain the updated parameters. The number of bits to assign to the complete BSS Update Report Indication flag may vary depending on the number of updates to be reported.