Multi-Link Spatial Multiplexing Signaling for Power-Aware Wi-Fi 7
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6, struggle to meet the increasing demand for wireless data services, particularly in crowded areas, due to limitations in throughput and latency, necessitating advancements like IEEE 802.11be EHT and Wi-Fi 7 with features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) to enhance performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Multi-Link Spatial Multiplexing Power Save (ML-SMPS) mode in multi-link devices (MLDs) to dynamically activate and deactivate links based on data traffic, using signaling to manage power consumption and throughput, enabling concurrent data transmission across multiple channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple links are activated simultaneously to increase throughput, then data transmission capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link activation and deactivation based on data requirements. The AP MLD triggers activation of specific links at the non-AP MLD through control frames, and links are deactivated when not needed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between throughput and power consumption by activating multiple links only when high data transmission is required, rather than keeping all links continuously active.
2Use of energy by moving object
If links are dynamically activated and deactivated to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but link activation latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by triggering link activation in advance through control frame exchange before actual data transmission begins. The AP MLD sends control frames to the non-AP MLD to pre-activate the required links, ensuring they are ready before data arrives. This preliminary activation reduces the latency penalty by preparing the links ahead of time rather than activating them reactively when data needs to be transmitted.
3Productivity
If Multi-Link Spatial Multiplexing is implemented to increase spatial streams, then data capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the multi-link spatial multiplexing functionality into distinct components: control frame generation at the AP MLD, link activation triggering, and coordinated reception at the non-AP MLD. Each link operates as an independent segment that can be activated or deactivated separately. This segmentation reduces device complexity by allowing modular implementation and independent management of each link's spatial streams, rather than requiring complex unified control of all links simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing wireless communication in MLO architecture is applicable to an AP MLD connected with a non-AP MLD through multiple links. The multiple links include at least a first link and a second link, the non-AP MLD operates in ML-SMPS mode. The method includes transmitting an initial control frame to the non-AP MLD via the first link, to trigger at least one link of the multiple links to be activated at the non-AP MLD to support a reception with respective negotiated number of spatial streams, receiving a response frame via the first link in response to the transmission of the initial control frame, and initiating frame exchange between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD via a target link of the at least one link. The target link is selected from the at least one link according to the response frame. The first link is a primary link.