Multi-link Operation Load Balancing for Virtual Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of wireless station (STA) devices increases, the virtual access point (VAP) infrastructure faces challenges in maintaining efficient load balancing and minimizing downtime due to increased scheduling complexity and decreased available airtime.
Innovation Solution
The process determines the load and schedule of two or more access point (AP) radios and coordinates between them to limit downtime for multi-link wireless devices capable of multi-link operation (MLO) on multiple channels, allowing these devices to move between AP radios based on load and schedule coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the VAP infrastructure allows a given AP radio to operate on more than one channel to avoid single collision domain events, then the collision domain events are limited, but the scheduling complexity increases and the available airtime for each STA decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the AP radio operations into multiple independent channel instances (e.g., AP1 on channel 1, AP2 on channel 2, AP3 on channel 3). Each channel can serve STAs independently, allowing the system to distribute load across multiple channels rather than managing all STAs on a single channel, thereby reducing scheduling complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of operation by allowing AP radios to simultaneously operate on multiple channels (spatial multiplexing). This transforms the traditional single-channel sequential scheduling into a multi-channel parallel operation model, increasing available airtime and reducing the impact of single collision domain events without proportionally increasing scheduling complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the VAP infrastructure allows a given AP radio to operate on more than one channel, then the available airtime for each STA increases, but the scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments STA assignments across multiple channel instances, allowing each STA to be served on specific channels based on load and requirements. This segmentation enables the system to allocate airtime more efficiently across multiple channels rather than concentrating all STAs on a single channel, increasing total available airtime while managing scheduling through structured distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic channel assignment and load balancing where the system can flexibly assign STAs to different channels based on real-time conditions. The AP can dynamically switch which channel serves which STA based on current load, interference conditions, and STA requirements, optimizing airtime utilization without requiring complex static scheduling configurations.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of STAs increases, then the need for more channels increases, but the available airtime for each STA on each channel decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages multi-channel operation as an additional dimension for serving STAs. Instead of increasing airtime per STA by reducing the number of channels (which would concentrate more STAs on fewer channels), the system simultaneously operates on multiple channels, effectively multiplying the total available airtime capacity. This dimensional approach allows the system to serve more STAs with adequate airtime allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the AP by enabling it to simultaneously transmit on multiple channels with different characteristics. The system can adjust which channels are active, which STAs are assigned to which channels, and dynamically modify channel utilization patterns to optimize total airtime availability across the expanded channel landscape, accommodating increased STA counts.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a process determines wireless station (STA) load and schedule of two or more access point (AP) radios. The process then develops a coordination between the two or more access point radios to limit downtime for one or more multi-link wireless devices capable of multi-link operation (MLO) on two or more channels. The process further causes the one or more multi-link wireless devices to move between access point radios based on the wireless station load and schedule and according to the coordination.