Mobile AP Backhaul Link Coordination for NSTR Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices configured as Mobile APs in wireless local area networks face challenges in setting up and operating backhaul links to support high throughput applications due to interference issues in non-simultaneous transmit/receive link pairs, particularly for non-AP multi-link devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves instructing at least one AP of a Mobile AP MLD to set up an access link with a non-AP MLD and at least one backhaul STA to establish a backhaul link with an AP MLD, using a processor to manage traffic flow over these links, and employing signaling procedures for discovery and information exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-AP MLD uses NSTR mode to form backhaul link, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission interference occurs between access link and backhaul link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MLD into distinct functional components: APs for access links and backhaul STAs for backhaul links. This segmentation allows independent configuration and management of access and backhaul functions, enabling the backhaul STAs to be specifically optimized for NSTR mode operation while APs handle access link transmissions, thereby reducing overall device complexity while managing interference through functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinator entity that acts as an intermediary to manage and coordinate transmissions between access links and backhaul links. This coordinator schedules and controls the timing of transmissions to prevent simultaneous transmissions that would cause interference in NSTR mode, allowing the system to operate with simpler radio configurations while maintaining reliable communication
2Productivity
If Mobile AP MLD supports high throughput applications, then network performance is improved, but latency increases due to interference in NSTR links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary scheduling and coordination of transmissions before actual data transfer occurs. The coordinator pre-arranges transmission timings for both access links and backhaul links to ensure that high throughput applications receive prioritized resource allocation while avoiding interference. This preliminary planning enables high network performance without the latency penalties of reactive interference management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic resource allocation and adaptive scheduling that adjusts transmission parameters in real-time based on network conditions and application requirements. For high throughput applications, the system dynamically allocates more resources to relevant links while dynamically coordinating to avoid interference, thereby achieving high productivity without excessive latency
3Reliability
If backhaul link is established for Mobile AP, then internet connectivity is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to multiple link management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple links under a unified coordination framework. Instead of independently managing each access link and backhaul link, the coordinator entity consolidates control, making decisions about resource allocation, interference avoidance, and traffic routing across all links simultaneously. This merging approach enhances internet connectivity through reliable backhaul while reducing the effective complexity of link management through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinator entity is designed with multi-functionality, handling diverse tasks including link setup, transmission scheduling, interference coordination, and traffic management across both access and backhaul links. This universal coordinator reduces the need for separate specialized management mechanisms for each link type, thereby enhancing connectivity reliability while keeping overall device complexity manageable
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for facilitating the use of stations (STAs) of a multi-link device (MLD) to set up and operate backhaul links to serve a Mobile access point (AP) within the same MLD in a wireless local area network. The apparatuses include an MLD comprising APs forming a Mobile AP MLD, backhaul STAs, and a processor operably coupled to the APs and the backhaul STAs. The processor is configured to instruct at least one of the APs to set up an access link with a corresponding STA of a non-AP MLD, and to instruct at least one of the backhaul STAs to set up a backhaul link with a corresponding AP of an AP MLD to carry traffic of the non-AP MLD that flows through the Mobile AP MLD over the access link.