Multi-Link Operation Link Preference Signaling and Resource Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current IEEE 802.11be standard does not provide a process for a non-AP Multilink Device (MLD) to indicate its link preferences for multi-link (re)association or add link operations, and there is no mechanism for an AP MLD to limit the maximum number of setup links a non-AP MLD is allowed to establish.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves signaling to indicate the preference order of links among the set of links requested for multi-link (re)association or add link operations, allowing the AP MLD to consider the non-AP MLD's preference ordering when selecting accepted links. Additionally, a mechanism is introduced to advertise a maximum allowed setup links limit, enabling the AP MLD to manage its resources effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the AP MLD accepts all requested links for multi-link operation, then the non-AP MLD can establish more links, but the AP MLD cannot effectively manage its resources and may be overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a maximum allowed setup links parameter that the AP MLD can advertise to control the number of links a non-AP MLD can establish. This parameter change enables the AP to manage its resources effectively while still allowing multi-link operation, resolving the contradiction between link establishment capability and resource management complexity
2Productivity
If the AP MLD selects links without considering non-AP MLD preferences, then the AP can make decisions based on its own criteria, but the most preferred links may not be established, reducing connection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the non-AP MLD indicates its preferred link ordering in the association request, and the AP MLD uses this information to make link selection decisions. This feedback loop ensures that the most preferred links are prioritized while maintaining a relatively simple selection mechanism, improving link establishment efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Signaling preference order of links and maximum allowed links for multi-link operation may be provided. First, an Access Point (AP) Multilink Device (MLD) may receive an indication that a non-AP MLD supports preference ordering for requested links (that are indicated in the Per-STA profile sub-elements). Then the AP MLD may indicate that it supports preference ordering for requested links (that are indicated in the Per-STA profile sub-elements). Next, the AP MLD may receive from the non-AP MLD, a desired preference ordering for the requested link. The AP MLD may then consider the desired preference ordering for requested links.