Multi-Link Access Point Channelization for Inter-Band Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dynamic channel assignment algorithms for multi-link devices (MLDs) do not consider inter-frequency band interference, leading to potential receiver saturation and performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a processor and memory configured to identify types of MLDs associated with access points, generate MLD distributions, and assign channels based on frequency separation constraints to mitigate inter-band frequency contention, using techniques such as make-before-break roaming and considering inter-frequency band links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dynamic channel assignment algorithms are used for MLDs without considering inter-frequency band interference, then channel utilization is improved, but receiver saturation and interference occur between radios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel utilizationVSAvoidinter-frequency band interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors channel assignments and MLD distributions across frequency bands, using this feedback to dynamically adjust channel assignments and prevent inter-band interference while maintaining high channel utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes channel assignment parameters based on MLD types and distributions, adjusting frequency separation constraints dynamically to prevent interference while optimizing channel usage across different frequency bands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If frequency separation is enforced between radios of MLMR MLDs, then receiver saturation is prevented, but channel assignment flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver saturation preventionVSAvoidchannel assignment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts frequency separation constraints based on real-time MLD distributions and channel conditions, allowing flexible channel assignments when interference risk is low while maintaining strict separation when needed to prevent receiver saturation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes frequency separation parameters adaptively based on MLD types and channel conditions, optimizing the balance between preventing receiver saturation and maintaining channel assignment flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If MLD distributions are generated for multiple frequency bands, then inter-band frequency contention is mitigated, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-band frequency contentionVSAvoidcomputational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the frequency band analysis into separate MLD distributions for different frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz), processing each band independently to reduce computational complexity while still mitigating inter-band contention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250324443A1Multi-link device cohesive inter-band channelization for access points

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein describe techniques for performing dynamic channel assignment for MLD stations using MLD distributions associated with access points (APs). The embodiments herein include techniques for considering inter-frequency isolation (also referred to as inter-spectrum isolation) as well as intra-frequency contention when assigning channels to MLDs.