Non-Collocated Multi-Link AP Link ID Management for Reliable Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in managing links between non-collocated multi-link devices, which can lead to increased latency and reduced reliability in communication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for wireless communication that includes transmitting a non-collocated link identifier and an indication of its presence, allowing devices to manage links with non-collocated access point multi-link devices using enhanced multi-link control subfields, frames, and elements to enhance link management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional link management methods are used for non-collocated multi-link devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-collocated link identifier as an intermediary element that mediates between non-collocated AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs. This identifier includes an AP MLD identifier and a link identifier, enabling reliable link management without requiring direct collocation. The intermediary structure allows devices to reference and manage links across non-collocated AP MLDs using a standardized identifier format, improving reliability while controlling complexity through protocol-level abstraction.
2Productivity
If enhanced multi-link control subfields are implemented, then link management efficiency is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing multi-link control subfield structure to serve multiple functions: identifying non-collocated AP MLDs, specifying target links, and enabling efficient link management operations. The non-collocated link identifier can be transmitted in various message types (association frames, reconfiguration frames, etc.), making it a universal mechanism that improves productivity across multiple operational scenarios without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function.
3Reliability
If non-collocated link identifiers are transmitted in all messages, then communication reliability is enhanced, but data transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by including the non-collocated link identifier in advance during the association or connection establishment phase, rather than transmitting it repeatedly in every subsequent data frame. The identifier is provided in association frames, reconfiguration frames, or other setup messages where it is most needed for initial link configuration. This approach ensures reliability is established early while minimizing redundant transmissions in normal data communication, thereby controlling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, components, devices and systems for link management for non-collocated (NC) multi-link devices (MLDs). Some aspects more specifically relate to techniques for MLD devices to exchange information specific to the links of one or more NC access point (AP) MLDs. The information exchange may be provided via extensions to a multi-link operation (MLO) framework to associate the link ID information for MLO with specific NC AP MLDs. Link information for NC AP MLDs may be provided via a NC link ID field that indicates one or more AP MLD IDs and one or more associated links, and an indication that the NC link ID is present in the communication. The NC link ID and indication may be provided, for example, in one or more fields or subfields of an (OMN) subframe, in a MLO link information element, or in an association frame or link reconfiguration request frame.