Multi-link Information Element for mmWave Link Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-link communications systems face challenges in efficiently conveying communications signaling information, particularly for millimeter wave (mmWave) links, within multi-link communications systems, due to differences in transmission techniques and compatibility issues between mmWave and non-mmWave links.
Innovation Solution
A wireless multi-link device (MLD) is configured to generate a frame with a multi-link information element (IE) that includes profiles of mmWave links, which are transmitted through a non-mmWave link, allowing for the inclusion of Basic Service Set (BSS) information and per station profiles, with options for inheritance and non-inheritance settings to ensure compatibility and efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mmWave link information is transmitted through non-mmWave links, then compatibility and data transmission efficiency are improved, but frame structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information element into multiple profiles, where each profile corresponds to a specific link type (mmWave or non-mmWave). This segmentation allows the system to organize and transmit link-specific information efficiently through non-mmWave links without overwhelming the frame structure, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional organization to the frame structure by adding link-type-specific profiles as a new layer of information hierarchy. This dimensional change allows the system to accommodate both mmWave and non-mmWave link information within the same frame without linearly increasing complexity, enabling efficient multi-link management.
2Productivity
If inheritance is applied to mmWave link profiles, then frame size is reduced and transmission efficiency is improved, but compatibility with UHR STAs is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inheritance mechanism dynamic by introducing a capability indication field that allows the transmitter to adaptively select whether to apply inheritance based on the receiver's capabilities. This dynamic approach enables the system to optimize for transmission efficiency when dealing with capable STAs while maintaining compatibility with UHR STAs that cannot process inherited information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of information representation by introducing an inheritance indicator that can take different values (inherited vs. non-inherited). This parameter change allows the same information element to be transmitted in different formats depending on the receiver's capabilities, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and compatibility.
3Loss of information
If complete link profiles are transmitted for all links, then information completeness is improved, but overhead and transmission time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential and link-specific information into separate profiles for transmission, rather than transmitting complete duplicate information for all links. This extraction approach maintains information completeness for each link while significantly reducing overall overhead and transmission time by eliminating redundant data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary link profiles based on the current communication context and receiver capabilities, rather than transmitting complete information for all possible links. This partial transmission approach reduces overhead and transmission time while maintaining sufficient information completeness for the active links.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method and apparatus for wireless communications are disclosed. In an embodiment, a wireless multi-link device (MLD) includes a controller configured to generate a frame that includes a multi-link (ML) information element (IE), where the ML IE includes at least one profile of at least one millimeter wave (mmWave) link between the wireless MLD and a second wireless MLD, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit the frame to the second wireless MLD through a non-mmWave link between the wireless MLD and the second wireless MLD.