Multi-Link AID Allocation to Prevent Cross-Link TIM Ambiguity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-link devices, the allocation of association identifiers (AIDs) can lead to ambiguity during cross-link traffic indication due to conflicting ranges between access points that support multiple BSSIDs and those that do not, making it difficult to determine which non-AP multi-link device has a service.

Innovation Solution

The method involves allocating AIDs that are neither BSSIDs nor identifiers of access points within the multi-link device, ensuring they fall outside the range of supported BSSIDs, thereby avoiding ambiguity in cross-link traffic indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the AP MLD uses cross-link TIM indication to carry TIM information for multiple APs, then the TIM information coverage is improved, but AID ambiguity occurs when APs have different multiple BSSID support capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTIM information coverageVSAvoidAID identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the AID allocation space into distinct ranges: one range for APs that support multiple BSSIDs and another range for APs that do not support multiple BSSIDs. This segmentation allows the AP MLD to allocate AIDs in a structured manner that prevents ambiguity in cross-link TIM indications, as each AID range corresponds to a specific AP capability type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If AID allocation ranges are not restricted, then identifier resource utilization is improved, but AID ambiguity occurs in cross-link TIM indication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier resource utilizationVSAvoidAID uniqueness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different AID allocation rules to different AP types within the AP MLD. Specifically, APs supporting multiple BSSIDs receive AIDs from a designated range, while APs not supporting multiple BSSIDs receive AIDs from another designated range. This localized differentiation ensures that each AP's AID allocation is optimized for its specific capability, preventing ambiguity while maximizing identifier resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4152883B1Association identifier assignment for multi-link devices
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4152883B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4152883B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3a
  • EP4152883B1 patent drawingFigure 3b

AI summary

This application relates to the wireless communication field, and in particular, to an allocation method for a multi-link device and a related apparatus which are applied to, for example, a wireless local area network supporting the standard 802.11be. The method includes: An access point multi-link device generates and sends a first frame. Correspondingly, a station device receives and parses the first frame to obtain an AID that is allocated to the station device and carried in the first frame. The AID is neither a BSSID that can be supported by a first-type access point in the access point multi-link device nor an identifier of an access point in the access point multi-link device. The first-type access point is an access point for establishing a link between the station device and the access point multi-link device. According to embodiments of this application, a more accurate AID can be allocated to the station device, thereby avoiding AID ambiguity in a cross-link TIM indication.