MLD Buffer Status Signaling for Wi‑Fi Doze State Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Non-AP multi-link devices (MLDs) cannot accurately determine the buffer status of bufferable data on associated AP MLDs, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and communication, as they cannot learn the data buffer status of other MLDs.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods for determining data buffer status by exchanging indication information between MLDs, using association identifiers (AIDs) to manage data types and reduce signaling overheads, and adjusting operating states based on buffer availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the non-AP station is in the doze state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the non-AP station cannot learn the buffer status of bufferable data on the AP MLD
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AP MLD sends buffer status indication information back to the non-AP MLD through the association identifier mapping relationship. This allows the non-AP MLD to acquire buffer status information without needing to be in active state, resolving the contradiction between power saving and information acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The association identifier mapping relationship acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the non-AP MLD to indirectly obtain buffer status information from the AP MLD. Through this intermediary mapping, the non-AP MLD can determine buffer status without direct communication or active state requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the non-AP MLD cannot determine buffer status, then power consumption is reduced in doze state, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to inaccurate operating status determination
Solution Approach 1:
The AP MLD provides feedback information about buffer status through the association identifier mapping relationship, enabling the non-AP MLD to accurately determine operating status. This feedback mechanism allows the non-AP MLD to make informed decisions about when to transition to active state, improving communication efficiency without continuously consuming power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary determination of buffer status while in doze state through the association identifier mapping mechanism. The non-AP MLD can proactively assess whether data needs to be transmitted before transitioning to active state, avoiding unnecessary transitions and improving overall communication efficiency.
3Device complexity
If buffer status information is not shared between MLDs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of buffer status is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The association identifier mapping relationship serves multiple functions: it identifies the non-AP station, establishes the link relationship, and enables buffer status information exchange. This multi-functional mechanism provides precise buffer status measurement without adding separate complex systems, as the existing association infrastructure is leveraged for additional purposes.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a method for determining a data buffer status, and an apparatus. The method includes: A first multi-link device MLD receives first indication information from a second MLD, and determines, based on the first indication information and a correspondence between an association identifier of the first MLD and a data type supported by the first MLD, a buffer status of bufferable data that corresponds to the at least one data type and that is in the second MLD, where the first indication information is used to indicate the buffer status of the bufferable data that corresponds to the association identifier of the first MLD and that is in the second MLD. According to the embodiments of this application, a data buffer status in a data type dimension can be determined. The embodiments of this application may be applied to a wireless local area network system that supports a next-generation Wi-Fi EHT protocol of the IEEE 802.11, that is, the 802.11 protocol such as 802.11be.