MLO-MBSSID AP Configuration with Redundant TX VAPs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In Wi-Fi networks with Multi-link Operation (MLO) and Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID) enabled, the stability of the network is compromised when a Virtual Access Point (VAP) or Access Point Multiple-Link Device (AP MLD) goes down, leading to potential issues with client connections and increased network instability.

Innovation Solution

The configuration of an AP with MLO and MBSSID involves determining distinct MBSSID sets across different links, where each set has a TX VAP and non-TX VAPs, ensuring that if one VAP or AP MLD fails, another VAP can continue to transmit beacon frames containing information of all VAPs, thereby maintaining network stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single TX VAP transmits beacon frames for multiple MBSSID sets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the network stability deteriorates when the TX VAP or AP MLD fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidnetwork stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MBSSID sets into different groups, with each group having its own TX VAP. This segmentation ensures that if one TX VAP fails, other TX VAPs can continue to transmit beacon frames for their respective MBSSID sets, thereby improving network stability while maintaining manageable device complexity through organized grouping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes redundant TX VAP configurations in advance across different AP MLDs. This prior cushioning ensures that backup TX VAPs are already in place and can immediately take over beacon frame transmission if the primary TX VAP or AP MLD fails, preventing network instability before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If multiple TX VAPs transmit beacon frames across different links, then the network stability is improved, but the number of frames in the air increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidnumber of frames

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by having only the necessary TX VAPs transmit beacon frames for their specific MBSSID sets, rather than all VAPs transmitting. This selective approach maintains network stability through multiple TX VAPs while minimizing the total number of beacon frames in the air by avoiding redundant transmissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250247902A1Configuring AP with mbssid and MLO enabled

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A method for configuring an AP with MLO and MBSSID enabled is provided. The method comprises determining a first MBSSID set on a first link of an AP, and the first MBSSID set comprises a first virtual AP belonging to a first AP MLD of a plurality of AP MLDs. The method further comprises determining a second MBSSID set on a second link of the AP, the second MBSSID set comprises a second virtual AP belonging to a second AP MLD, and the first MBSSID set and the second MBSSID set have virtual APs belonging to a same AP MLD. The method further comprises determining the first virtual AP as a TX VAP of the first MBSSID set. In addition, the method further comprises determining the second virtual AP as a TX VAP of the second MBSSID set. In this way, the stability of the network can be improved.