Multi-Link Control Frame Padding for Timely Channel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack a method to accurately determine the padding duration of initial control frames to ensure non-AP MLDs can complete channel switching before subsequent data frames arrive, particularly in multi-link environments.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves generating and transmitting frames with indication information that specifies the padding duration based on the duration of a control response frame, allowing non-AP MLDs to determine the necessary channel switch delay accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If padding bits are added to the initial control frame to allow sufficient time for receive channel switching, then the non-AP MLD can complete channel switching before the subsequent data frame arrives, but the transmission time of the initial control frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-AP MLD performs channel switching preparation in advance by receiving the indication information about switching time requirements before the actual switching operation is needed. This allows the device to proactively configure the receive channel timing, ensuring that the channel switching is completed at the appropriate moment without unnecessarily extending the initial control frame transmission time.
2Reliability
If more padding bits are added to accommodate longer switch delay, then the non-AP MLD can complete channel switching, but the padding duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the padding duration parameter based on the actual channel switching time requirements of the non-AP MLD. By changing the padding duration parameter to match the specific switching delay needed, the system avoids adding excessive padding bits while ensuring reliable channel switching completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-AP MLD provides feedback to the AP MLD about its channel switching time requirements through the indication information. This feedback mechanism allows the AP MLD to determine the appropriate padding duration accurately, ensuring that sufficient padding is added without excessive overhead.
3Productivity
If the AP MLD determines padding duration without accurate information, then the initial control frame can be transmitted quickly, but the non-AP MLD may not complete channel switching before the data frame arrives
Solution Approach 1:
The non-AP MLD performs preliminary assessment of its channel switching requirements and communicates this information to the AP MLD before the data transmission phase. This preliminary action enables the AP MLD to calculate the appropriate padding duration in advance, ensuring both efficient transmission and reliable switching completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication information acts as feedback from the non-AP MLD to the AP MLD, providing the necessary data for the AP to determine the correct padding duration. This feedback loop ensures that the padding duration is accurately matched to the actual switching requirements, achieving both productivity and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses an information indication method and a communication apparatus. A non-AP MLD or a first STA in the non-AP MLD generates a first frame. The first frame includes indication information for indicating padding duration for a channel switch delay in an initial control frame. The padding duration is determined based on duration of a control response frame. The non-AP MLD or the first STA or another STA in the non-AP MLD transmits the first frame. An AP MLD or a first AP or another AP in the AP MLD receives the first frame. The AP MLD or the first AP determines the padding duration of the initial control frame based on the indication information. Based on the foregoing solution, the padding duration of the initial control frame may be accurately determined, so that the first STA can complete switching of a corresponding quantity of transmission channels before a subsequent data frame arrives.