Multi-Link Beacon Reception Intervals for Cache and Buffer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional listening mechanisms are limited to single-link stations and do not effectively manage data buffer space in multi-link devices, particularly in stations operating in power saving mode.
Innovation Solution
A communications method and apparatus that enable multi-link devices to exchange information about beacon frame reception intervals, allowing effective management of cache services and data buffer space by adjusting the timing of beacon frame reception and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional listening mechanism is used for single-link stations, then the mechanism is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot effectively manage data buffer space in multi-link devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the conventional listening mechanism to work with both single-link and multi-link devices by introducing a listen interval field that can be configured for different operational modes. The mechanism becomes universal by accommodating multiple link configurations through a single standardized field structure, allowing the same basic mechanism to serve diverse deployment scenarios without requiring separate implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The listening mechanism is made dynamic by allowing the listen interval to be configured differently based on the operational mode (single-link vs. multi-link) and network conditions. The mechanism adapts its behavior dynamically rather than being fixed, enabling it to manage data buffer space effectively in multi-link devices while maintaining simplicity in single-link operations through configurable parameters.
2Reliability
If stations receive beacon frames frequently to manage cache services effectively, then data buffer space management improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic beacon frame reception based on a configurable listen interval rather than continuous or fixed-frequency reception. Stations wake up periodically at intervals determined by the listen interval field to receive beacon frames for cache service management, then return to sleep mode. This periodic action allows effective cache management while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the parameter of beacon frame reception frequency from fixed to configurable based on operational mode and network conditions. By adjusting the listen interval parameter dynamically, the system can optimize between power consumption and cache management effectiveness, allowing longer intervals when cache services are stable and shorter intervals when active management is needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the listen interval is extended to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but data buffer space may not be managed timely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the listen interval is determined based on information exchanged between stations and access points, including cache service status and data buffer conditions. The feedback loop allows the system to adjust the interval dynamically - extending it when cache services are stable and reducing it when timely management is required, thus balancing power consumption with effective data buffer space management.
Solution Approach 2:
The listen interval is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt the time interval based on real-time network conditions, cache service status, and data buffer requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to extend intervals for power saving when conditions permit, while reducing intervals to maintain timely data buffer management when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a communications method and a communications apparatus. A first station in a first multi-link device sends first information to a second multi-link device, where the first information is used to indicate a how often a station in a power saving mode in the first multi-link device receives a beacon frame. In this way, the second multi-link device may learn about, based on the first information, how often a station in the first multi-link device receives a beacon frame, thereby helping the second multi-link device effectively manage a cache service of each station in the first multi-link device and manage a data buffer space.