Multi-Link Scoreboard Window Adjustment for MPDU Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-link aggregation communication, the existing scoreboard mechanism discards correctly received MPDUs with sequence numbers smaller than the set starting sequence number (SSN) indicated in the block acknowledgment request (BAR) frame, leading to inefficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Adjust the starting sequence number (WinStart) of the scoreboard window based on sequence numbers from multiple links, including the sequence number from the first link and any stored sequence numbers from other links, to ensure correct processing of all received MPDUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receive end shifts the scoreboard starting sequence number (WinStart) based on the SSN in the BAR frame, then the acknowledgment mechanism works for the current link, but correctly received MPDUs with sequence numbers smaller than the new WinStart are discarded even though they are valid on other links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-link system into independent scoreboard windows for each link, allowing each link to maintain its own WinStart based on its SSN. This segmentation prevents the WinStart shift on one link from affecting MPDU validation on other links, thereby eliminating the data packet loss while maintaining acknowledgment accuracy for each link independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the scoreboard mechanism from a single-link dimension to a multi-link dimension by creating separate scoreboard windows for each link. This dimensional expansion allows the system to track and validate MPDUs independently across multiple links, resolving the conflict between acknowledgment accuracy and data packet retention.
2Device complexity
If a single scoreboard window is used for multi-link aggregation, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate sequence numbers from multiple links simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single scoreboard window into multiple independent scoreboard windows, one for each link. Each scoreboard window maintains its own WinStart and tracks MPDUs specific to its link. This segmentation increases adaptability to handle multi-link sequence numbers while keeping each individual scoreboard window structurally simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scoreboard system that can handle multiple links through the creation of multiple scoreboard windows. Each window serves the specific function of tracking its associated link's MPDUs, while collectively they provide the multi-functional capability to manage sequence numbers across all links in the aggregation.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-link aggregation transmission method and a related apparatus. The method includes: a receive end receives at least one of a data frame and a BAR frame over a plurality of links between the receive end and a transmit end, where the plurality of links includes a first link. The receive end receives a block acknowledgment request BAR frame over the first link, where the BAR frame carries SSN_1 corresponding to the first link. The receive end adjusts, based on SSNs corresponding to all the links, a value of a current starting sequence number WinStart of a scoreboard window. The receive end processes, based on the adjusted WinStart, a data frame received over the plurality of links. The receive end can adaptively adjust the WinStart.