Multi-Link Channel Assessment via Synchronous Probing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless devices face inefficiencies in link selection due to unsynchronized channel assessment methods, which fail to provide timely and accurate information about channel conditions, leading to ineffective link selection during multi-link operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing synchronous probing transmissions across multiple links to assess channel conditions simultaneously, allowing for the selection of a preferred link based on feedback received in tandem with the probing transmissions, thereby synchronizing channel condition refresh rates and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If unsynchronized channel assessment methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and timeliness of channel condition information deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel assessment method complexityVSAvoidchannel condition assessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The channel assessment process is segmented into synchronized probing transmissions across multiple links, where each link independently performs channel assessment at the same time. This segmentation allows for precise measurement of channel conditions on each link while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic synchronous probing transmissions at defined intervals across multiple links. This periodic action ensures timely and accurate channel condition information is obtained without requiring continuous complex monitoring, thus improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If asynchronous probing transmissions are used on multiple links, then transmission opportunities are more flexible, but transmission latency increases due to unsynchronized channel condition refresh rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission opportunity flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Synchronous probing transmissions are performed periodically at the same time across multiple links, ensuring that channel condition information is refreshed at consistent intervals. This reduces transmission latency by eliminating waiting times for channel assessment while maintaining flexibility through configurable probing intervals and multiple TXOP opportunities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from synchronous probing transmissions to dynamically adjust link selection and transmission parameters. This feedback mechanism enables timely response to channel condition changes, reducing latency by making informed decisions based on current channel states without sacrificing transmission flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If channel assessment is performed without synchronous transmissions, then energy consumption is reduced, but link selection effectiveness deteriorates due to outdated channel information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumption for channel assessmentVSAvoidlink selection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Channel assessment is performed periodically through synchronous probing transmissions rather than continuously. This periodic approach reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining link selection effectiveness by ensuring channel information is refreshed at regular, optimized intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs channel assessment on all links simultaneously through synchronous probing, even though not all links may be used for data transmission. This partial excessive action ensures accurate and timely channel information is available for all potential links, improving link selection reliability while the periodic nature keeps energy consumption manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240073976A1Multi-link channel assessment

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

In at least one example, a method includes transmitting, by a first device, probe packets to a second device on multiple links over N transmission opportunities (TXOPs) with synchronous probing transmissions on the multiple links during each TXOP. N is an integer value greater than 1. Each probe packet corresponds to a different set of transmission parameters. Each link is established between the first device and the second device over different channels of a wireless transmission medium. The method further includes receiving, by the first device responsive to transmitting the probe packets, feedback from the second device on the multiple links in tandem with the synchronous probing transmissions over the N TXOPs. The method further includes selecting, by the first device, a preferred link from among the multiple links based on the feedback.