Multi-Link Acknowledgement Timing for Single-Link Station Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems with multi-links, devices supporting single-link operations can cause interference and waste transmission resources due to improper timing in accessing links, especially when devices with different communication capabilities are involved.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for indicating data transmission under multi-links, where an access point generates an acknowledgement message frame with time information to coordinate link access for stations, considering the transmission status of other links, thereby reducing interference and optimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices with different communication capabilities (single-link and multi-link) operate in the same wireless system, then the system can support more diverse communication needs, but interference occurs when single-link devices access links at improper timing
Solution Approach 1:
The access point embeds time information in advance within the acknowledgement message frame, indicating the specific time when the first station should re-access the first link. This preliminary timing instruction prevents the first station from accessing the link at improper times that would cause interference with second link transmissions, while still allowing single-link devices to operate in the multi-link system.
Solution Approach 2:
The acknowledgement message frame serves as feedback not only for data transmission confirmation but also carries timing control information. By incorporating time information into the feedback mechanism, the system coordinates link access timing between stations with different communication capabilities, preventing interference while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If single-link devices access links without timing coordination, then device operation is simple, but transmission resources are wasted due to improper access timing
Solution Approach 1:
The first station autonomously determines when to re-access the first link by extracting and following the time information embedded in the acknowledgement message frame. This self-service timing mechanism eliminates the need for complex centralized scheduling while preventing resource waste through proper timing coordination.
3Speed
If acknowledgement messages are sent immediately after data reception, then transmission speed is fast, but interference occurs with ongoing transmissions on other links
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sending acknowledgement messages immediately, the access point calculates and embeds a future time indicator in the acknowledgement frame, specifying when the station should re-access. This preliminary timing arrangement allows the access point to manage multiple link transmissions without immediate interference, while maintaining overall transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for indicating data transmission under more than one connection, performed by an access point and including: receiving, in a first connection, a first data frame sent by a first station; generating, according to a transmission status of a second data frame between the access point and a second station in a second connection, an acknowledgement message frame containing time information for the first data frame, the time information being configured to indicate time at which the first station re-accesses the first connection after receiving the acknowledgement message frame, and the second connection being different from the first connection; and sending the acknowledgement message frame in the first connection.