Multi-Link Device Channel Selection via Status Reports
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications, multi-link devices face challenges in efficiently selecting idle channels for data transmission due to hidden nodes and overlapping networks, leading to collisions and interference, which affects throughput and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving channel measurements and status reports is implemented, where a multi-link device occupies a first channel, requests measurements from other devices on multiple channels, receives status reports, and selects an idle channel for subsequent data transmission based on these reports, thereby mitigating the hidden node problem and improving channel access efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-link devices transmit data on multiple overlapping channels concurrently, then throughput is improved, but channel collisions and interference increase due to hidden nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing channel measurements and obtaining channel status reports from other MLDs before selecting channels for data transmission. The first MLD measures channels during a first channel occupation period and uses this advance information to select appropriate channels for subsequent transmission, preventing collisions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by receiving channel status reports from other multi-link devices indicating their channel usage intentions. These reports provide real-time information about which channels other devices plan to use, allowing the first MLD to adjust its channel selection and avoid transmissions that would cause or experience collisions.
2Reliability
If devices perform extensive channel measurements on multiple channels, then channel selection reliability improves, but channel access delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
Channel measurements are performed in advance during a first channel occupation period before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary measurement phase allows devices to gather channel status information without delaying the subsequent data transmission phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel measurements and status report exchanges occur during an ongoing channel occupation period, utilizing time that would otherwise be reserved for transmission preparation. This continuous utilization of the channel occupation period for both measurement and subsequent transmission minimizes overall access delay.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, comprising: occupying a first channel for data transmission between a first multi-link device (MLD) and a second MLD for a first channel occupation period (COP), transmitting a measurement request to a subset of MLDs to perform channel measurements on at least two channels during the first COP, transmitting at least one data message to the second MLD during the first COP, receiving, after transmission of the at least one data message, at least one channel status report comprising channel status information from at least one MLD of the subset of MLDs during the first COP, and selecting a channel, among the at least two channels, for data transmission between the first MLD and an MLD for a second COP, wherein the selection is based at least partly on the channel status report.