Multi-Link Device Signaling for Wireless Local Area Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in applying the multiple BSSID technology to multi-link devices to provide functions of multiple virtual networks, as existing methods do not effectively manage and communicate information about multiple access points within a multi-link device.

Innovation Solution

A signaling information exchange method is introduced, utilizing MLD elements to convey information about multiple access points within a multi-link device, including type information to facilitate appropriate AP selection and network management, with flexible signaling structures to support virtual and formal MLD elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple BSSID technology is applied to multi-link devices to provide multiple virtual networks, then network functionality and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and information management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoidinformation management difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the information about multiple access points into separate MLD elements, where each element contains a subelement describing one AP. This segmentation allows stations to process information in manageable units and select appropriate APs without being overwhelmed by the complexity of managing all AP information simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces MLD elements as intermediary structures that mediate between the multi-link device's multiple access points and the stations. These elements act as standardized containers that organize AP information (including virtual and formal APs) in a uniform manner, simplifying the information exchange process and reducing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If detailed information about multiple access points is communicated to stations, then station selection accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestation selection accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for station selection into the MLD elements, such as AP identifiers and basic capability indicators. By taking out only the necessary information rather than transmitting complete AP configurations, the patent reduces signaling overhead while maintaining sufficient accuracy for stations to make informed selection decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial information transmission by including subelements that carry selective AP information. Stations receive enough information to make appropriate selections without being burdened by excessive detailed information, achieving a balance between selection accuracy and signaling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible signaling structures with virtual and formal MLD elements are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal MLD element structure that can represent both virtual APs and formal APs through a common framework. The subelements within MLD elements can accommodate different types of AP information using standardized formats, allowing the same signaling structure to serve multiple functions and reducing the need for separate processing paths for different AP types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4145933B1Method for signaling information exchange in wireless local area network, and communication apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

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Figure 2(b)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a multi-link device in a wireless local area network WLAN and a related apparatus, which are applied to, for example, a WLAN supporting 802.11be. The method includes: A reporting access point AP sends a management frame to a station. The reporting AP belongs to a first AP multi-link device MLD, and the reporting AP belongs to a multiple BSSID set. The management frame includes MLD information. The MLD information carries, by using different types of MLD elements, such as a formal MLD element, a virtual MLD element, and a multiple BSSID element, for example, information about another AP in the MLD to which the AP belongs, information about the multiple BSSID set to which the AP belongs, and information about an AP in a multiple BSSID set including the another AP in the MLD to which the AP belongs. The station obtains information about the reporting AP and other information about a reported AP based on the management frame. In this way, the station may select a corresponding AP or AP multi-link device to establish an association.