Multi-Link Power Management for Wireless MLDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication protocols face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption across multiple links, particularly due to processing delays in Access Point (AP) Multiple Link Devices (MLDs), which can lead to inefficient power state transitions and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cross-link power save mechanism that accounts for processing delays in AP MLDs by introducing a multi-link processing delay value, allowing non-AP MLDs to coordinate power management mode changes across multiple links based on the advertised processing delay time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the STA enters power save mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but communication responsiveness deteriorates due to processing delays in AP MLDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the non-AP MLD proactively signal its intended power mode transitions to the AP MLD before actually transitioning. This allows the AP MLD to prepare for the transition in advance, reducing the effective processing delay. The cross-link power management mechanism enables the non-AP MLD to notify the AP MLD of upcoming power state changes on different links, allowing the AP to pre-configure its handling of these transitions.
2Reliability
If the STA remains in active mode to maintain communication responsiveness, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through controlled power mode transitions between active and power save states across multiple links. The non-AP MLD periodically transitions between power modes based on communication needs, using the cross-link power management mechanism to coordinate these transitions. This allows the system to achieve power savings while maintaining communication responsiveness by strategically switching between states rather than remaining continuously active.
3Productivity
If power management mode changes are coordinated across multiple links, then power management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to multi-link coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified cross-link power management mechanism that handles power coordination across multiple links through a single standardized interface. The power management frame structure and processing delay value mechanism provide a universal solution that works across different link configurations and scenarios, reducing the need for link-specific coordination logic and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
For example, a non Access Point (AP) (non-AP) Multi-Link Device (MLD) may process a multi-link processing delay value in a first frame from an AP MLD to identify a multi-link processing delay time for the AP MLD; transmit a second frame from a first non-AP station (STA) affiliated with the non-AP MLD to the AP MLD over a first link, the second frame including a multi-link power management field to change a power management mode for at least one second non-AP STA from a first power management mode to a second power management mode, wherein the at least one second non-AP STA is affiliated with the non-AP MLD and is operative over at least one second link with the AP MLD; and change the power management mode for the at least one second non-AP STA based on the multi-link processing delay time for the AP MLD.