Multi-Link Operation MSDU Aggregation to Reduce Header Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-link operation (MLO) forwarding in Wi-Fi 7 networks is inefficient due to redundant header fields in Ethernet frames when multiple MSDUs with the same destination are transmitted, reducing forwarding efficiency and network throughput.
Innovation Solution
An aggregation mechanism is implemented where an access point (AP) identifies MSDUs with the same destination and generates an aggregation frame containing the payload information of multiple MSDUs with a single set of header fields, using the existing AMSDU frame format to enhance forwarding efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple MSDUs with the same destination are transmitted separately through different links, then forwarding completeness is maintained, but header redundancy increases and forwarding efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple MSDUs with the same destination address into a single aggregation frame. Instead of transmitting each MSDU separately with its own header fields, the system combines them into one frame with a single set of header fields, thereby eliminating header redundancy and improving forwarding efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregation frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries multiple MSDUs with the same destination, provides a single set of header fields for all MSDUs, and enables efficient forwarding across different links. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between completeness and efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If separate Ethernet frames are used for each MSDU, then destination address accuracy is maintained, but payload proportion decreases due to repeated header fields
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple MSDUs with identical destination addresses are merged into a single aggregation frame. The frame contains all MSDU payloads while sharing one set of header fields including the destination address, thereby maintaining address accuracy while increasing payload proportion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards redundant header fields that would be repeated for each separate frame, and recovers the essential information by including it once in the aggregation frame header. This maintains the necessary destination address information while eliminating unnecessary repetitions.
3Loss of energy
If aggregation forwarding is implemented, then header overhead is reduced and payload proportion increases, but frame processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding process into two distinct phases: aggregation phase (where MSDUs are grouped by destination address) and forwarding phase (where the aggregation frame is transmitted). This segmentation simplifies processing by handling aggregation and forwarding as separate operations rather than simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregation operation is performed as a preliminary action before the actual forwarding. By pre-grouping MSDUs into aggregation frames based on destination address, the system reduces the complexity of subsequent forwarding operations and enables more efficient packet processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for multi-link operation forwarding aggregation is provided. The method comprises obtaining, by an access point (AP), a first Media Access Control Service Data Unit (MSDU) with first payload information via a first link of the AP and a second MSDU with second payload information via a second link of the AP. The method further comprises determining that a destination of the first MSDU is same as a destination of the second MSDU. The method further comprises generating an aggregation frame based on the first MSDU and the second MSDU, the aggregation frame comprising the first payload information of the first MSDU and the second payload information of the second MSDU. In addition, the method further comprises transmitting the aggregation frame to the destination via a wired network. In this way, the forwarding efficiency can be improved.