Multi-link Device PPDU Ending Time Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-link communication scenarios, managing and coordinating data transmission over multiple channels is challenging, particularly when devices have varying capabilities for simultaneous transmission and reception, leading to inefficiencies and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A communications apparatus and method that utilize a multi-link device (MLD) with processing circuitry to coordinate signal communication over multiple links by setting the ending time of a Physical Layer Convergence Procedure (PPDU) in one link based on the ending time of a PPDU in another link, allowing for concurrent transmission and reception while avoiding collisions through backoff procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If concurrent transmission and reception is enabled on multiple links, then communication throughput and efficiency are improved, but coordination complexity and collision risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines coordination of multiple links by merging the end time information from different links. The MLD synchronizes PPDU transmissions across multiple links by referencing the end time of PPDUs on other links, creating a unified coordination mechanism that manages concurrent transmissions while maintaining system-wide consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the end time of PPDUs on one link before initiating transmissions on other links. This advance planning allows the MLD to coordinate transmissions proactively, preventing collisions before they occur and ensuring efficient use of concurrent transmission capabilities.
2Reliability
If PPDU transmissions are coordinated across multiple links, then successful data transmission is ensured, but transmission flexibility and independence are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each link to have its own PPDU characteristics (modulation, coding, duration) while coordinating only the end time alignment. This enables each link to be optimized for its specific conditions while maintaining overall coordination, preserving local transmission flexibility within the framework of global reliability.
3Reliability
If backoff procedures are implemented to avoid collisions, then transmission reliability is improved, but communication delay and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by calculating and setting the end time of PPDUs in advance based on known end times from other links. This proactive timing coordination eliminates the need for reactive backoff procedures, as collisions are prevented before transmissions begin, thus maintaining reliability without incurring unnecessary delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an apparatus having a multi-link device (MLD) including processing circuitry to communicate signals with one of a plurality of remote devices over multiple communications link. The MLD and the one of the remote devices operate in first and second communication-specific configurations as follows. A physical layer convergence procedure protocol data unit (PPDU) is transmitted in one of the links while a PPDU is communicated in another one of the links under a first configuration. A PPDU is communicated in a first one of the respective communications links with an ending time set based on a PPDU communicated in a second one of the respective communications links in a second configuration. Such approaches may be carried out based on capabilities relating to simultaneous transmission and reception of MLDs that are communicating.