Multi-band Link Aggregation for WLAN Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless local area networks (WLANs) face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth and response times due to multiple devices sharing resources, with limitations from communication protocols and hardware bandwidth, particularly in IEEE 802.11 WLAN networks where client devices can only communicate with one access point at a time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a link aggregation system that aggregates data planes across different wireless air interfaces on various frequency bands, such as 800 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz, enabling load-balancing and simultaneous operation of multiple channels to distribute traffic evenly or based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If client devices establish physical layer connection with only one access point at a time, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but bandwidth utilization and network productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical layer connections to different access points into a single logical connection. The wireless communication device maintains simultaneous physical connections with multiple access points across different frequency bands, but presents a unified logical interface to higher protocol layers, thereby increasing bandwidth utilization without proportionally increasing connection management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication device is designed with multi-functionality to operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 60 GHz) and simultaneously connect to multiple access points. This universal capability allows the device to adapt to different network conditions and maximize bandwidth utilization by selecting optimal connections dynamically
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices share the same wireless network resources, then network adaptability and coverage are improved, but response times worsen due to resource contention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared wireless network resources by establishing dedicated physical layer connections to multiple access points operating on different frequency bands. This segmentation reduces resource contention by providing multiple independent communication paths, thereby improving response times while maintaining broad network coverage and adaptability
3Productivity
If hardware bandwidth is limited, then device manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but network productivity and bandwidth utilization are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple physical connections with different hardware bandwidths into a single logical connection with aggregated bandwidth. By simultaneously utilizing multiple access points across different frequency bands, the system achieves higher effective bandwidth utilization without requiring each individual hardware component to have high bandwidth capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to link aggregation between devices. A device may encode a multi-band element for transmission using a first interface of one or more interfaces to a first device. The device may cause to send a first link aggregation setup request to the first device including at least in part the multi-band element. The device may identify a first link aggregation setup response from the first device. The device may cause to establish a multi-band link aggregation session with the first device using the first interface.