Multi-link Operation Synchronous Transmission Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-link operation (MLO) technologies lack clear methods for efficiently and flexibly managing synchronous transmission operations in non-simultaneous transmission and reception link pairs, leading to implementation-dependent challenges.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method and apparatus for MLO transmission, where a plurality of station (STA) modules perform respective backoff procedures, and an MLO control circuit determines whether to initiate synchronous transmission based on the backoff counter reaching zero, allowing for centralized or distributed architecture operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If synchronous transmission operations are implemented for NSTR link pairs, then in-device interference is reduced, but transmission efficiency and flexibility are compromised due to lack of clear operational guidelines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvein-device interferenceVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having each STA module perform a backoff procedure before synchronous transmission. The backoff counter is decremented in advance, and when it reaches zero, the STA module is ready for synchronous transmission. This preliminary backoff action ensures that multiple STA modules are prepared in a controlled manner before simultaneous transmission, preventing in-device interference while maintaining transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If centralized control is used for synchronous transmission determination, then transmission coordination is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission coordinationVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling each STA module to autonomously determine whether to perform synchronous transmission based on its own backoff counter status. When the backoff counter of an STA module reaches zero, it autonomously determines whether to initiate synchronous transmission with other STA modules. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized control circuits while maintaining reliable transmission coordination through distributed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible synchronous transmission management is implemented, then adaptability to different link conditions is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in transmission managementVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flexible synchronous transmission management mechanism that adapts to different link conditions. The MLO control circuit or first STA module dynamically determines whether to perform synchronous transmission based on real-time backoff counter status and link conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adjust transmission behavior flexibly while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making based on predefined backoff procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240163932A1Multi-link operation (MLO) transmission method and apparatus thereof
Publication Date: 2024.05.16 MEDIATEK INC
  • US20240163932A1 patent drawing
  • US20240163932A1 patent drawing
  • US20240163932A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-link operation (MLO) transmission method is provided. The MLO transmission method may be applied to an apparatus. The MLO transmission method may include the following steps. A plurality of station (STA) modules of the apparatus may each perform a respective backoff procedure. Each STA module may correspond to a different link. An MLO control circuit of the apparatus or a first STA module of the plurality of STA modules may determine whether to perform a synchronous transmission (TX) for a first STA module and at least one of other STA modules in response to a first backoff counter of the first STA module reaching 0.