Multi-Link MAC Frame Layout for IEEE 802.11 Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of multi-link communication in IEEE 802.11be standards requires compatibility in communicating information regarding additional links, particularly in media access control (MAC) frames, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus is designed to establish links with another device via multiple frequency channels and includes a MAC frame format that stores information about a second link after the service set identifier (SSID), ensuring compatibility with IEEE 802.11 series standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-link communication is implemented to increase throughput and frequency usage efficiency, then communication performance is improved, but compatibility with existing IEEE 802.11 standards becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information about multiple links into separate MAC frames, with each frame containing information about a specific link. This allows existing single-link devices to process only the relevant portion while multi-link devices can utilize all links, thus maintaining backward compatibility while enabling improved throughput through multi-link operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where MAC frames carry link information that acts as a bridge between legacy single-link IEEE 802.11 devices and new multi-link devices. The link information field serves as an intermediary data structure that enables gradual adoption and compatibility without requiring all devices to support multi-link simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If link information is communicated using MAC frames, then compatibility with IEEE 802.11 standards is maintained, but the complexity of managing multiple links increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides multi-link management into independent single-link MAC frame transmissions, where each frame handles one link's information separately. This segmentation simplifies the management complexity by allowing devices to process links independently rather than managing all links simultaneously as a complex unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by allowing devices to selectively process only the link information relevant to their capabilities. Legacy devices process single-link frames while multi-link devices process multiple frames, enabling each device to perform only the necessary actions for its capability level without being overwhelmed by full multi-link management complexity
3Productivity
If communication prefers uncrowded links among multiple links, then frequency usage efficiency is enhanced, but the overhead of communicating link information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by including link information in MAC frames before actual data transmission occurs. This allows receiving devices to advance-know about available links and their status, enabling them to pre-determine the best link for communication and avoid unnecessary transmission attempts on crowded links, thus reducing overall communication overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where link information is continuously communicated between devices, allowing them to monitor link status and dynamically adjust their communication strategy. This feedback enables devices to identify and prefer uncrowded links based on real-time information, improving frequency usage efficiency while the structured MAC frame format keeps the information overhead manageable
Data Source
AI summary
A link is established between communication apparatuses 102 and 103 that can execute multi-link communication complying with an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standard via a frequency channel, and a media access control (MAC) frame in which information regarding a second link different from an established first link is included later than a field in which information regarding a service set identifier (SSID) is stored is communicated between the communication apparatuses 102 and 103.