Multi-Link WLAN Access Control for MLA Transmission Priority

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems where terminals using multi-link aggregation (MLA) and non-MLA coexist, MLA transmission opportunities are often hindered by non-MLA terminals initiating transmissions first, leading to channel occupancy and disabling MLA transmission.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mechanism where an access point (AP) sets a multi-link aggregation period (MLA period) and sends notification elements to prioritize MLA transmission, while also setting non-MLA transmission parameters to avoid conflicts, using enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters for both.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If wireless communication terminals are connected in a wireless mesh network to extend coverage area, then coverage area is improved, but power consumption increases due to mesh routing protocols and signal forwarding operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway terminal automatically determines whether to forward packets based on destination address matching, eliminating the need for complex mesh routing protocol processing. This self-service approach reduces power consumption while maintaining extended coverage capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes complex mesh routing protocol processing from gateway terminals, keeping only simple destination address matching. This extraction reduces the computational burden and power consumption while preserving the coverage extension benefit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If packet forwarding is performed at gateway terminals in a mesh network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but processing load and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts complex routing decision-making from gateway terminals and centralizes it in the access point. Gateway terminals only perform simple destination address matching, dramatically reducing their processing load while maintaining network connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The access point acts as an intermediary that handles complex routing decisions. Gateway terminals delegate forwarding decisions to the access point, reducing their processing complexity while maintaining network adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mesh routing protocols are used for packet forwarding, then routing capability is improved, but processing time and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts complex routing protocol processing from gateway terminals and performs it centrally at the access point. This extraction significantly reduces processing time at gateway terminals while maintaining routing capability through destination address matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The access point pre-determines forwarding decisions based on destination addresses. This preliminary action at the access point eliminates the need for time-consuming routing protocol processing at gateway terminals during actual packet forwarding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4024991B1Wireless communication device and method and wireless communication terminal and method
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4024991B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4024991B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4024991B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present technology relates to a wireless communication device and method, and a wireless communication terminal and method which allow for increased transmission opportunities using multi-link aggregation. A communication control device transmits a first parameter and a second parameter. The first parameter is used for setting of communication in which a wireless communication terminal uses a plurality of links. The second parameter is used for setting of communication in which the wireless communication terminal uses a single link. It is possible to apply the present technology to a wireless communication system.