Multi-Link Operation for Easy Mesh Backhaul Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-link operation (MLO) is not currently supported in mesh networks configured according to the Wi-Fi EasyMesh™ Specification or the Multi-AP Specification, and IEEE 1905.1 management frames do not carry MLO association information, capabilities, or configuration information.
Innovation Solution
Modify IEEE 1905.1 management frames and messages to include MLO association information, capabilities, and configuration information, enabling Multi-AP devices to communicate on multiple communication links using AP MLDs and STA MLDs as fronthaul APs and backhaul STAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IEEE 1905.1 management frames are modified to include MLO association information and capabilities, then multi-link operation support is enabled in Multi-AP networks, but the complexity of the management frame structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds MLO capability information and association data within existing IEEE 1905.1 management frame structures by nesting new data elements inside existing fields. Specifically, MLO capability information is included in capability information fields, and MLO association information is nested in association response frames, allowing multiple layers of information to be contained within the original frame structure without creating entirely new frame types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing management frame structures multi-functional by enabling them to carry both traditional Multi-AP information and new MLO-specific information. The capability information fields and association response frames are designed to handle multiple types of data (single-link and multi-link operations) through optional fields and bitmaps, allowing the same frame structure to serve universal purposes across different operational modes.
2Productivity
If Multi-AP devices establish backhaul paths on multiple communication links using MLO, then the effective bandwidth and throughput increase, but the device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables Multi-AP devices to automatically perform MLO configuration and backhaul path establishment by incorporating MLO capability information and association information into the automated DPP provisioning process. Devices exchange capability data and autonomously determine optimal link configurations without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to self-configure multi-link backhaul paths based on detected capabilities and network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where Multi-AP devices report MLO capability information and association status back to the network through modified management frames. The capability information field and association response frames provide continuous feedback about link availability and operational status, enabling dynamic adjustment of backhaul paths and load balancing across multiple links based on real-time network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A first Multi-AP device configured as a Multi-AP Agent transmits, to a second Multi-AP device configured as a Multi-AP Controller over a first communication link, a Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) Configuration Request Message indicating multi-link operation (MLO) capabilities of the first Multi-AP device. The first Multi-AP device receives, from the second Multi-AP device over the first communication link, a DPP Configuration Response Message indicating MLO association information responsive to the indicated MLO capabilities, and establishes a backhaul path with a third Multi-AP device, configured as a second Multi-AP Agent, on the first communication link and one or more second communication links according to the MLO association information. The MLO capabilities may be indicated in a DPP Configuration Object of the DPP Configuration Request Message, and the MLO association information may be indicated in a multi-link device (MLD) address field of a DPP Configuration Object of the DPP Configuration Response Message.