Multi-Link TWT Service Period Alignment for Seamless Link Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods do not clearly provide a way to set up aligned individual Target Wake Time (TWT) Service Periods (SPs) on multiple links associated with multi-link devices (MLDs), leading to unaligned TWT SPs and increased energy consumption due to unnecessary link switching.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that specifies setting up aligned TWT SPs on multiple links by using one link, where the alignment is achieved through a frame containing specific information to adjust start times based on time synchronization function (TSF) timers, reducing the need for repeated calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If individual TWT SPs are set up on multiple links without alignment, then each link can operate independently, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary link switching and unaligned wake times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-configuring aligned TWT SP parameters before link switching occurs. The alignment information is prepared in advance and included in the first frame, allowing devices to proactively synchronize their wake times across links before switching happens, thus preventing energy waste from unaligned operations while ensuring continuous operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If aligned individual TWT SPs are set up on multiple links, then energy efficiency improves during link switching, but the complexity of setting up and managing alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment configuration into a single integrated frame (the first frame) that contains all necessary alignment information for multiple links. Instead of requiring separate configuration procedures for each link, the solution combines all alignment parameters and relationships into one unified structure, significantly reducing setup complexity while maintaining ease of implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment information structure that mediates between multiple links. This intermediary element (the alignment information in the first frame) serves as a central reference that simplifies the configuration process by providing a single source of truth for all TWT SP alignments, reducing the complexity of managing multiple independent configurations.
3Loss of time
If TWT SP alignment is implemented across multiple links, then link switching becomes seamless without interruption, but the frame structure and information requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating alignment parameters and pre-including them in the first frame before communication occurs. This advance preparation ensures that when link switching happens, the alignment information is already available, eliminating interruption time while avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations during the actual switching event.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure receives a first frame including a first element used to request to set up an individual target wake time (TWT) service period (SP). The first element includes first information that indicates a first link on which an individual TWT SP is requested to be set up, and second information that indicates N second links on which individual TWT SPs are requested to be set up. The N second individual TWT SPs set up on the N second links need to be aligned with a first individual TWT SP on the first link. The approach sets up the first individual TWT SP on the first link and sets up the N second individual TWT SPs on the N second links based on the first element, and performs communication on the corresponding N second links based on the first individual TWT SP and the N second individual TWT SPs.