Multi-link Device Mode Selection for WLAN Power and Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current IEEE 802.11be specifications lack clear guidance on how to balance power consumption with throughput and latency performance in multi-link operation, particularly in environments with competing design objectives such as high throughput/low latency versus power saving requirements.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a method and apparatus for a non-AP multi-link device (MLD) to dynamically select between different operating modes based on performance and power saving requirements, using a processor to determine the optimal mode of operation between simultaneous transmit and receive (STR), Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR), and single link modes, depending on latency, throughput, and contention environment conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-link operation is used to achieve high throughput and low latency, then performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode selection that allows the non-AP MLD to switch between different operating modes (STR, EMLSR, single-link) based on real-time network conditions and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining high throughput when needed by selecting appropriate links and modes, rather than operating in a fixed high-performance state continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different frequency bands (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz) and different operating modes (STR vs EMLSR vs single-link) based on traffic characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve high throughput when performance is critical while consuming less power during normal operations or when traffic requirements are less demanding
2Loss of time
If simultaneous transmit and receive mode is used for low latency, then latency is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode selection that allows the non-AP MLD to switch between different operating modes (STR, EMLSR, single-link) based on real-time network conditions and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining low latency when needed by selecting appropriate links and modes, rather than operating in a fixed low-latency state continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different frequency bands (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz) and different operating modes (STR vs EMLSR vs single-link) based on traffic characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve low latency when performance is critical while consuming less power during normal operations or when traffic requirements are less demanding
3Use of energy by moving object
If single link mode is used for power saving, then power consumption is reduced, but throughput and latency performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode selection that allows the non-AP MLD to switch between different operating modes (STR, EMLSR, single-link) based on real-time network conditions and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining high throughput when needed by selecting appropriate links and modes, rather than operating in a fixed low-power state continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different frequency bands (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz) and different operating modes (STR vs EMLSR vs single-link) based on traffic characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve low latency when performance is critical while consuming less power during normal operations or when traffic requirements are less demanding
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for facilitating selection between operating modes of MLDs. A non-AP MLD comprises a processor and STAs having first and second links operating in the 5 and 2.4 GHz bands, respectively, with APs of an AP MLD. The processor determines: based on traffic latency/throughput requirements, to operate in STR mode using both links, or, based on power saving requirements, to operate in a single link mode using the second link, or, based on the power savings requirements having a higher priority than the latency/throughput requirements, to operate in EMLSR mode using both links or in the single link mode using the first link. If the power savings and latency/throughput requirements are balanced, the processor determines: in a high contention environment, to operate in EMLSR mode using both links or, in a low contention environment, to operate in STR mode using both links.