Multi-Link Service Indication with Per-Link QoS Reporting

The patent segments the QoS measurement process by introducing per-link measurement units that independently measure QoS metrics for each link. The transmit device and receive device each maintain separate measurement records for different links, allowing individual link QoS to be determined without aggregation confusion. This segmentation enables precise identification of which specific link causes poor QoS while maintaining multi-link transmission for speed improvement.

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receive device measures QoS metrics (packet loss rate, delay, throughput) for each received packet and sends measurement reports back to the transmit device. The transmit device also performs its own measurements and shares them with the receive device. This bidirectional feedback system automatically identifies poor-performing links without requiring complex manual analysis, thus managing complexity while maintaining high productivity through multi-link operation.

The patent applies partial action by selectively exchanging QoS requirement information only when necessary for low-delay service establishment. The devices exchange QoS requirement elements (TSPEC) and measurement reports only for links carrying time-sensitive traffic, rather than all links. This partial information exchange maintains reliability for critical services while minimizing overall information overhead by avoiding unnecessary QoS negotiations for non-critical traffic.