Multilink Device Link Activation via TID-to-Link Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilink devices (MLDs) face challenges in efficiently managing link activation and deactivation across different frequency bands, leading to potential interference and reduced network throughput due to the need for devices to listen to only one frequency band at a time, while also requiring coordination across multiple frequency bands for proper operation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for adjusting the duration field on CTS frames and using TID-to-link mappings to enable dynamic link management, allowing MLDs to switch between frequency bands based on usage demands, thereby optimizing bandwidth utilization and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If devices listen to only one frequency band at a time, then power consumption is reduced, but network throughput is reduced due to inability to utilize multiple frequency bands simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically activates or deactivates specific links (frequency bands) based on real-time traffic demands and network conditions. The MLD can switch between listening to one frequency band or multiple frequency bands depending on the situation, making the system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high throughput when needed (multiple bands active) and low power consumption when not needed (single band active).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The MLD divides the frequency spectrum into multiple separate links (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz bands) that can be independently activated or deactivated. Each link operates as a separate communication channel, allowing the device to selectively engage only the necessary frequency bands for current traffic requirements, thereby balancing power consumption and throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple frequency bands are activated simultaneously, then network throughput is improved, but interference increases due to coordination challenges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the MLD and AP continuously exchange information about link quality, traffic demands, and interference conditions. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines which links to activate or deactivate, adjusting to changing network conditions in real-time. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain high throughput while minimizing interference by avoiding simultaneous activation of links that would cause conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary coordination mechanism through TID-to-link mapping and frame duration adjustments. The AP acts as a mediator that coordinates link activation between the MLD and the network, managing the complexity of multi-band coordination and reducing interference through centralized control decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If link activation and deactivation is managed without coordination, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance deteriorates due to lack of synchronization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination mechanism complexityVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coordination function into the existing Wi-Fi protocol framework by utilizing standard frame structures (CTS frames with duration field adjustments) and existing MAC layer mechanisms. Rather than introducing a completely new complex coordination protocol, the solution integrates link management into the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective multi-link coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20230397275A1Link activation and deactivation in multilink devices

Publication Date: 2023.12.07 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for activation and deactivation of links in a multilink device (MLD) where an apparatus of an access point (AP) MLD comprises processing circuitry configured to: encode, for transmission to a non-AP MLD, an advertisement traffic-identification (TID)-to-link mapping, the advertisement TID-to-link mapping indicating a first AP affiliated with the AP MLD is disabled, the first AP associated with a first link of the AP MLD, and decode, from the non-AP MLD, on a second link of the AP MLD, a request to enable the first AP, the second link associated with a second AP. The processing circuitry is further configured to encode, for transmission to the non-AP MLD, a response to the request to enable the first AP. An apparatus of a non-AP MLD is similarly configured.