Multi-Link Information Element for Fragmented Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi technologies face challenges in achieving high bandwidth and low latency in multi-frequency band aggregation and collaboration, particularly in supporting data fragment transmission reliability across multiple links.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that utilize a multi-link information element within message frames to support data fragment transmission, including signaling bits for dynamic fragmentation, maximum fragmented MAC service data units (MSDUs) acknowledgement, and block acknowledgement mechanisms to enhance data reliability and compatibility across multiple frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple frequency bands are aggregated and collaborated for simultaneous communication, then bandwidth and throughput are improved, but device complexity and MAC mechanism complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into multiple independent links operating at different frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz), each with its own MAC layer. This allows simultaneous communication on multiple bands while managing complexity through modular link-level operations rather than monolithic multi-band MAC management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal multi-link device (MLD) architecture that can operate across multiple frequency bands using the same fundamental MAC mechanisms. The MLD structure enables a single device type to handle diverse frequency band combinations without requiring band-specific MAC implementations.
2Reliability
If data is transmitted in fragments across multiple links, then data reliability is improved, but transmission overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements data fragmentation by dividing MAC service data units (MSDUs) into smaller fragments that can be transmitted across multiple links. Each fragment is independently managed with sequence numbers, allowing reliable reassembly at the receiver while distributing transmission load across multiple frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs block acknowledgment mechanisms where the receiver provides feedback about received fragments, enabling the transmitter to track which fragments have been successfully delivered and which need retransmission. This feedback loop ensures reliable fragment delivery across multiple links.
3Speed
If maximum bandwidth of 320 MHz is supported through frequency band aggregation, then data rate is improved, but system compatibility and implementation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic bandwidth adjustment by allowing MLDs to flexibly aggregate different combinations of frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) based on availability and requirements. Devices can dynamically form 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz channels by selecting which links to activate, rather than requiring fixed maximum bandwidth hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal MLD architecture that can operate at multiple bandwidth levels (80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz) using the same fundamental hardware and protocol stack. This universality reduces implementation difficulty by allowing a single device design to support various bandwidth configurations rather than requiring separate hardware for each bandwidth level.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method, including: determining a first message frame under any link of the multiple links, wherein the first message frame includes a multi-link information element, and the multi-link information element includes first information on data fragment transmission; and transmitting the first message frame.