Multi-Link Mode Switching for Millimeter-Wave WLAN Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter-wave communication in wireless local area networks faces challenges such as significant signal attenuation, susceptibility to blockage, short coverage distance, and high power consumption, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method for link operation mode switching between multi-link devices, allowing one multi-link device to send link operation mode switching information to another to switch the operation mode of a first link, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in managing millimeter-wave and lower-frequency links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter-wave communication is used to achieve high transmission speed, then transmission efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between millimeter-wave links and lower-frequency links based on communication conditions. The system can transition from high-speed millimeter-wave mode to lower-power lower-frequency mode when transmission requirements change, optimizing the balance between transmission efficiency and power consumption through adaptive link selection and operation mode switching
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different frequency bands (millimeter-wave vs. lower-frequency) and different operation modes (independent vs. controlled). This allows the communication system to adjust its characteristics dynamically, selecting the appropriate parameter set based on current transmission needs to avoid unnecessary power consumption while maintaining required transmission performance
2Productivity
If millimeter-wave links are used to achieve high data rates, then transmission efficiency is improved, but signal attenuation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lower-frequency links as intermediary channels to support millimeter-wave communication. When millimeter-wave signals experience significant attenuation, the system can use lower-frequency links as backup or alternative transmission paths, ensuring continuous communication reliability without completely abandoning the high-speed millimeter-wave mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between millimeter-wave and lower-frequency links based on signal quality and attenuation conditions. When millimeter-wave transmission encounters severe attenuation, the system transitions to lower-frequency links that are less susceptible to attenuation, maintaining transmission efficiency while overcoming the harmful effect of signal loss
3Reliability
If multiple links are established for multi-link operation, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into independent link units, each capable of operating autonomously or under centralized control. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple links as separate, manageable entities rather than a monolithic complex system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through diversified link operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal link management framework that can handle both independent link operation and coordinated multi-link operation through a unified control mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the same device architecture to support simple single-link mode and complex multi-link mode, reducing device complexity by avoiding separate specialized hardware for each operation mode
4Use of energy by moving object
If link operation mode switching is implemented to optimize power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple links into a unified link management framework. The system combines independent link control and coordinated multi-link control into a single integrated control mechanism, reducing control complexity by eliminating redundant control logic while still enabling power-efficient operation mode switching based on communication conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for link operation mode switching is executed by a first device. At least two links are established between the first device and a second device. The first device and the second device are multi-link devices. The method includes the following. Link operation mode switching information is sent to the second device (601), where the link operation mode switching information indicates to switch a link operation mode of a first link, and the first link is one of the at least two links. The link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device is switched according to the link operation mode switching information (602).