Multi-Link AP AID Allocation and Indication Element Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-link communications technologies face inefficiencies in conveying communications signaling information within multi-link communications systems, leading to redundant signaling overhead and extended TIM overhead.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Association IDs (AIDs) allocation and generation of indication elements, such as traffic indication maps (TIM) and link mapping bitmaps (LMB), at the access point (AP) multi-link device to efficiently indicate buffered data configurations and communications link information to non-AP multi-link devices, optimizing signaling through broadcast frames compatible with IEEE 802.11 protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If typical multi-link communications technology is used to convey communications signaling information, then the system can operate with basic functionality, but redundant signaling overhead occurs and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signaling information elements (buffered data configuration indication and communications link information indication) into a unified indication element structure. This merging eliminates redundant signaling by consolidating what would otherwise require separate transmission channels into a single efficient indication mechanism, directly reducing signaling overhead while maintaining complete information conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication element designed in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates buffered data configuration, conveys communications link information, and operates within the existing IEEE 802.11 broadcast frame structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced signaling efficiency without requiring separate dedicated signaling channels, thereby reducing overall overhead.
2Loss of information
If detailed buffered data configuration and link information are conveyed separately, then complete information is provided to non-AP multi-link devices, but TIM overhead is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the buffered data configuration indication and communications link information indication into a single integrated indication element. This consolidation ensures that all necessary signaling information is conveyed to non-AP multi-link devices while avoiding the proliferation of separate TIM elements, thereby maintaining information completeness without extending TIM overhead structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication element is nested within the existing IEEE 802.11 broadcast frame structure, specifically utilizing the Traffic Indication Map (TIM) element format. This nesting approach allows detailed buffered data and link information to be conveyed within the established TIM framework, avoiding the need for extended or separate TIM structures while maintaining full information conveyance.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an apparatus and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of multi-link communications involves at an access point (AP) multi-link device, allocating Association IDs (AIDs) to non-AP multi-link devices, including allocating one of the AIDs to each of the non-AP multi-link devices, and at the AP multi-link device, generating a first indication element for the AIDs to indicate a buffered data configuration at the AP multi-link device for the non-AP multi-link devices.