Multi-Link TWT Service Period Alignment Using TSF Timers
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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 aligns individual TWT SPs on multiple links by using one link as a reference, adjusting start times based on time synchronization function (TSF) timers to ensure synchronized wake times across all links.
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 uncoordinated wake times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the TWT SP setup process across multiple links by establishing alignment relationships between them. A reference link is selected and its TWT SP parameters serve as the basis for configuring TWT SPs on other links, ensuring coordinated wake times and reducing unnecessary link switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the alignment relationship between TWT SPs on different links before actual communication occurs. The reference link's TWT SP is established first, and other links' TWT SPs are configured in advance to match this reference, preventing energy-wasting link switching during operation.
2Reliability
If aligned individual TWT SPs are set up on multiple links using one reference link, then wake times are synchronized and energy is saved, but the setup method becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-link TWT SP configuration into a reference link component and multiple aligned link components. The reference link is configured independently with full TWT parameters, while aligned links inherit these parameters with appropriate adjustments, simplifying the overall configuration process while ensuring synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference link serves as an intermediary that mediates between the TWT configuration requirements of multiple links. By establishing the reference link's TWT SP first and using it as the basis for configuring other links, the patent creates a coordinated system where wake times are synchronized across all links without requiring complex multi-link negotiation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If link switchover is performed without aligned TWT SPs, then flexibility in link selection is maintained, but unnecessary wake interruptions occur and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential conditions across multiple links by aligning their TWT SPs to the same time schedule. All links wake up and go to sleep simultaneously according to the reference link's TWT SP configuration, ensuring that link switching between aligned links does not cause wake interruptions or energy waste, while still maintaining flexibility in link selection.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes an approach that receives a first frame on a first link, wherein the first frame comprises a first element that is used to request to set up an individual target wake time service period (TWT SP). The first element includes second information that indicates N second links on which individual TWT SPs are requested to be set up and need to be aligned. The N second links are different links and have a one-to-one correspondence with the N second individual TWT SPs, and the first link and the second link are communication links between a transmit device and a receive device. The approach sets up the aligned N second individual TWT SPs on the N second links using the first link as a reference link, and performs communication on the corresponding links based on the N second individual TWT SPs.