Multi-Link Beacon Interval Signaling for WLAN Listen Interval Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased number of spatial streams in new WLAN standards like IEEE 802.11be/EHT requires improved signaling techniques for proper utilization, particularly in setting the beacon intervals of multiple links.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a non-AP STA to receive information on the beacon interval of other APs through Multi-Link (MLD) communication, allowing the setting of its own listen interval using ML elements that include beacon interval information of other APs within the transmitting MLD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If separate signaling is used to convey beacon interval information of multiple APs, then the information can be accurately transmitted, but the signaling overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beacon interval information of multiple APs into a single Multi-Link element structure that is transmitted once per link. Instead of requiring separate signaling for each AP's beacon interval, the system combines this information into one unified message, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining complete information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The Multi-Link element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it conveys common information about the AP MLD, provides beacon interval information for multiple different APs, and enables the non-AP STA to configure its listen interval. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate signaling mechanisms for each function.
2Loss of information
If beacon interval information of multiple APs is transmitted through separate signaling, then each AP's information can be independently conveyed, but the time required for configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by including beacon interval information for multiple APs in advance within the Multi-Link element during the initial association or re-association process. The non-AP STA receives and processes this information proactively, allowing it to pre-configure its listen interval without waiting for subsequent separate signaling messages, thereby reducing overall configuration time.
3Measurement precision
If the non-AP STA requests beacon interval information separately for each AP, then accurate information can be obtained, but the number of communication exchanges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple information requests into a single efficient exchange. Instead of the non-AP STA needing to send separate request messages to each AP to obtain beacon interval information, the system provides all necessary AP beacon interval information in one Multi-Link element transmission, significantly improving configuration efficiency while maintaining information accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a method and a device for receiving information on a beacon interval of another AP in a transmitting MLD in a WLAN system. Specifically, a receiving MLD receives an ML element from a transmitting MLD through a first link. The receiving MLD decodes the ML element. The transmitting MLD includes a first transmitting STA operating in the first link and a second transmitting STA operating in a second link. The ML element contains common information and link information. The link information includes information about a beacon interval of the second transmitting STA.