Multi-Link Handover Management in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
IEEE-802.11-based wireless communication networks face challenges in achieving low latency and high reliability during multi-link handovers, as existing methods lack efficient mechanisms for seamless transitions between different frequency bands and AP associations.
Innovation Solution
A network entity manages the handover of multi-link wireless non-AP stations by receiving status reports, determining handover decisions based on sequence numbers and AP states, and triggering handover signals to ensure zero-copy seamless transitions, using a scoring system to select the most suitable target AP based on data packet redundancy, bandwidth, and channel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handover methods are used in IEEE-802.11-based wireless networks, then the handover process can be implemented with existing infrastructure, but the latency increases and reliability decreases during multi-link handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a target link before breaking the source link during handover. The network entity receives a handover request, selects a target AP, and sets up the target link in advance while the station is still connected to the source AP. This ensures that data transmission can continue seamlessly on the target link without interruption, thereby reducing handover latency and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that data transmission continues uninterrupted during handover. The network entity buffers data packets at the source AP and forwards them to the target AP, allowing the station to receive data continuously on the target link even before the source link is broken. This eliminates gaps in data transmission, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the handover process.
2Ease of operation
If multi-link handover is implemented without coordinated management, then individual links can be managed independently, but seamless transitions between frequency bands and AP associations cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by coordinating multiple link handovers under a single multi-link handover management framework. When a station performs multi-link handover, the network entity manages all links (across different frequency bands and APs) as an integrated system rather than independent links. This ensures that all links transition together in a coordinated manner, achieving seamless transitions and improving handover management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network entity receives handover requests from stations, evaluates target AP availability, and sends control signals to coordinate the handover process. The system continuously monitors link status and adjusts handover timing based on real-time feedback, ensuring reliable seamless transitions while maintaining ease of operation through automated coordination.
3Reliability
If data packets are transmitted during handover without buffering, then transmission speed can be maintained, but packet loss increases and handover reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by buffering data packets at the source AP before the handover is complete. The network entity receives data packets intended for the station and buffers them temporarily, then forwards these buffered packets to the target AP. This ensures that packets are not lost during the transition, improving packet delivery reliability while managing complexity through centralized buffer control at the network entity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network entity (110) for managing a handover of a link of a non-AP station (140) in a wireless network (100) is provided. The network entity (110) is configured to receive a station status report (300) from the non-AP station (140) comprising a first sequence number of the last packet received by the non-AP station (140) and to receive an AP status report from an AP (130) in communication with the non-AP station (140) via a first link (160b) comprising a second sequence number of the first packet transmitted by the AP (130) to the non-AP station (140). The network entity (110) is further configured to confirm a handover decision based on the first and second information by triggering the transmission of a handover trigger signal to the non-AP station (140) for triggering the handover of a second link (150a) of the non-AP station (140) from a source to a target AP.