Multi-Link Communication Mapping With TBTT-Aligned Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-link communication setups, the effective time of a new traffic identifier-to-link mapping manner often does not match the end time of an old mapping manner, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment in traffic management.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves generating and sending radio frames that include traffic identifier-to-link mapping elements with an expected duration field and a mapping switch time field, ensuring that the end times of these mappings align by using the most recent target beacon transmission time (TBTT) or time synchronization function (TSF) timer, thereby synchronizing the transition times of traffic identifier-to-link mappings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic identifier-to-link mapping is switched to improve traffic management flexibility, then traffic management efficiency is improved, but timing alignment between old and new mapping manners deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the expected end time of the old mapping manner in advance using the most recent TBTT before the radio frame transmission time. This pre-calculated timing information is included in the first traffic identifier-to-link mapping element, allowing the receiving device to synchronize the transition to the new mapping manner without timing mismatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing timing synchronization information (expected end time based on TBTT or TSF timer) from the transmitting device to the receiving device through the radio frame. This feedback mechanism ensures that both devices maintain consistent understanding of when the mapping transition should occur, enabling precise alignment of mapping transitions.
2Manufacturing precision
If mapping transition timing is precisely aligned to improve synchronization, then mapping transition alignment is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the expected duration field serve multiple functions: it indicates both the duration of the old mapping manner and provides timing synchronization information for the transition to the new mapping manner. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling elements, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by using the expected duration field to convey timing alignment information. Instead of adding a separate field for transition timing, the patent repurposes the existing expected duration parameter to also indicate when the new mapping manner should take effect, efficiently using existing signal structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-link communication method and an apparatus are disclosed. A transmit end sends a radio frame. Correspondingly, a receive end receives the radio frame, and parses the radio frame. The radio frame includes a first element and a second element. The first element includes an expected duration field. The expected duration field may be determined based on a most recent TBTT or TU boundary before a transmission time of the radio frame, or may be determined based on a TSF timer. This can ensure that an expected end time of a mapping relationship of the first element is the same as a time at which a mapping relationship of the second element is established.