Multi-Link Device Setup Using ML IEs for WLAN Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies face inefficiencies due to independent links used by access points (APs) and client stations (STAs), which limit data rates and increase latency, especially in dense deployments, and require excessive channel state information exchange for multi-link setups.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of Multi-Link Information Elements (ML IEs) in management frames for efficient multi-link setup and operation, allowing for reduced overhead by sharing PHY-layer links and enabling multi-link control, low latency support, and optimized link configurations between MLDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If independent links are used by APs and STAs, then device complexity is reduced, but data rate and network performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent links into a multi-link device (MLD) structure where multiple PHY-layer links are aggregated under a single MAC layer. This merging allows the system to achieve higher data rates through link aggregation while managing complexity at the MLD level rather than at individual STA/AP levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The MLD structure provides multi-functionality by enabling a single device to operate across multiple PHY-layer links simultaneously. The MLD can perform both independent link operations and coordinated multi-link operations, adapting to different network conditions and requirements.
2Productivity
If multiple PHY-layer links are established for multi-link operation, then data rate is improved, but channel state information exchange overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges channel state information management across multiple links by introducing ML IEs that can carry aggregated channel state information for multiple links in a single management frame, reducing the total overhead compared to exchanging separate channel state information for each link independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary channel state information exchange during the multi-link setup phase using ML IEs in management frames. This preliminary action establishes channel state information before actual data transmission begins, reducing the need for continuous overhead exchanges during operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multi-link setup uses separate management frames for each link, then link independence is maintained, but setup time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple link setup operations into a single multi-link setup process by introducing ML IEs that can configure multiple links simultaneously within one management frame exchange. This maintains logical link independence while achieving physical setup consolidation, dramatically reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of multiple links through ML IEs during the initial association phase. By pre-configuring link parameters and relationships before actual data transmission, the system avoids time-consuming per-link setup procedures during operation.
4Area of stationary object
If dense deployments are implemented to increase network capacity, then network coverage is improved, but interference and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-link operation to multi-link operation, adding a temporal and spatial dimension to data transmission. By establishing multiple PHY-layer links between MLDs, the system can transmit data simultaneously across multiple dimensions, increasing capacity in dense deployments without proportionally increasing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple links into an MLD structure that manages interference coordination at the MLD level. This merging allows for coordinated resource allocation and interference management across multiple links, maintaining low latency even in dense deployment scenarios where interference would normally be problematic.
Data Source
AI summary
One example discloses a multi-link device (MLD) within a wireless local area network (WLAN), including: a controller configured to generate a management frame having a set of multi-link information elements (ML IEs); wherein the MLD is configured to be coupled to a set of PHY-layer links; and wherein the controller is configured to perform a multi-link setup with a second MLD using the set of ML IEs over the PHY-layer links.