Multi-Link Selection Using TPC-Aware SP and LPI Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless networks lack guidance on how Access Points (APs) should configure multi-link devices (MLDs) with varying transmit power control (TPC) options, such as Standard Power (SP) and Low Power Indoor (LPI), leading to inefficient network connectivity and roaming issues.

Innovation Solution

A controller determines a set of Multi-Link Device (MLD) links based on client device association information, formulating a combination of SP and LPI links to optimize network connectivity by providing recommended MLD links to the client device, considering its mobility and bandwidth needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Access Points provide multiple Transmit Power Control (TPC) options (Standard Power and Low Power Indoor) for Multi-Link Devices, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but devices experience roaming issues and inefficient network selection due to lack of configuration guidance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidnetwork selection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by having the controller receive MLD association information from client devices, determine appropriate MLD links based on this information, and send the determined set of MLD links back to the client devices. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the network to adapt to device needs and provide guided link selection, resolving the contradiction between providing multiple TPC options for improved connectivity and maintaining efficient network selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the controller determines and provides recommended MLD links to client devices, then roaming events are reduced and handovers become seamless, but the system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as an intermediary between Access Points and client devices, centralizing the logic for determining appropriate MLD links. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating control functions in a single entity rather than distributing complexity across multiple devices, thereby reducing roaming events and enabling seamless handovers without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4335232B1Multi-link selection based on transmit power control (TPC)
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP4335232B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4335232B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4335232B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Multi-link selection based on Transmit Power Control (TPC) may be provided. A computing device may receive Multi-Link Device (MLD) association information associated with a client device. The MLD association information may describe MLD links the client device may require. A set of MLD links available on a network may be determined based on the MLD association information. The determined set of MLD links may then be sent to the client device.