Multi-Link Operation Controller for Mesh Network Traffic Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, sub-optimal links due to varying environmental conditions and channel overloading lead to decreased throughput and performance, as existing technologies fail to efficiently redistribute traffic across multiple frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link operation controller that establishes connections across multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) and dynamically redistributes traffic by configuring thresholds for operating parameters like RSSI, PER, and channel utilization, disabling sub-optimal links and updating traffic mappings to prioritize data transfer on optimal links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic is sent over multiple frequency bands simultaneously in MLO mode, then data transfer speeds and throughput are increased, but network complexity and difficulty of detecting sub-optimal links increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the MLO controller continuously monitors operating parameters (RSSI, PER, channel utilization) of each link and sends notifications when thresholds are crossed. This feedback loop enables automatic detection of sub-optimal links and triggers traffic redistribution without manual intervention, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts traffic distribution by updating TID to link mappings based on real-time link conditions. When a link becomes sub-optimal, the controller dynamically redirects traffic to alternative links, and when conditions improve, traffic is restored. This dynamic adaptation maintains optimal performance while managing complexity through automated responses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static channel configuration is used in mesh networks, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing environmental conditions and channel overloading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple links with different frequency bands and establishes baseline TID to link mappings before environmental changes occur. When degradation is detected, the controller has pre-prepared alternative routing paths and can quickly switch traffic without complex real-time calculations, thus achieving adaptability while controlling complexity through preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in operating parameters (RSSI, PER, channel utilization) and uses threshold-based triggers to detect degradation. When parameters cross thresholds, the controller automatically adjusts traffic distribution by updating TID mappings. This parameter-driven approach provides adaptability to environmental changes while keeping the control logic relatively simple through threshold-based decision making.
3Reliability
If priority traffic is always sent over the highest frequency band, then throughput is maximized under ideal conditions, but reliability deteriorates when links become sub-optimal due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts which frequency band carries priority traffic based on real-time link conditions. Instead of fixed allocation, the controller monitors RSSI, PER, and channel utilization across all bands and redirects priority traffic to the most reliable available link. This dynamic reallocation maintains both reliability (by switching away from degraded links) and productivity (by ensuring priority traffic always uses the best available path).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback-driven priority traffic routing where the controller continuously receives status information from all links and automatically adjusts priority traffic allocation based on monitored parameters. When a high-frequency link degrades, the feedback mechanism triggers a switch to a more reliable lower-frequency link for priority traffic, ensuring both reliability and maintained throughput through intelligent adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-link operation (MLO) controller for a mesh network includes: a processing unit, including: establishing a multi-link connection with a first non-access (AP) point MLO device within the mesh network according to an initial traffic identifier (TID) to link mapping and a channel list, wherein the multi-link connection includes an associated link containing information of all other links, and priority traffic is sent on a better or best affiliated link configured by a TID to link mapping; configuring a plurality of thresholds for a respective plurality of operating parameters of the multi-links; when one of the operating parameters changes with respect to the configured threshold, disabling traffic on the corresponding link; and performing traffic distribution according to updated operating parameters and updating the TID to link mapping for the multi-link connection.