Multi-Link Communication for Faster Wake-State Channel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-link devices, the lack of channel state information on some links leads to significant delays and increased power consumption due to the need for stations or access points to wait for NAVSyncDelay periods before accessing channels, especially when transitioning from sleep to awake states.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-link communication method where stations and access points exchange information frames to indicate awake states and necessary channel access, allowing for immediate or synchronized channel access without waiting for NAVSyncDelay, using synchronization frames to assist in uplink or downlink operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a station or access point waits for NAVSyncDelay time period before preempting a channel after transitioning from sleep to awake state, then channel access reliability is improved, but channel access speed and power consumption efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary actions by sending indication information to the station before the station needs to access the channel. This indication information includes channel status and timing information, allowing the station to prepare for channel access in advance without waiting for the full NAVSyncDelay period, thus reducing access delay while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the access point continuously provides channel state information and timing information to the station. This feedback enables the station to make informed decisions about channel access timing, reducing unnecessary waiting periods while ensuring reliable access by base.
2Reliability
If a station or access point waits for NAVSyncDelay time period before preempting a channel, then channel state information accuracy is improved, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access point sends indication information in advance that includes channel status and timing information. This allows the station to know the channel state beforehand and access it immediately when the indicated time arrives, eliminating the need to wait for the full NAVSyncDelay period. The station can enter sleep mode more confidently and wake up only when needed, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining accurate channel state information
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous feedback of channel state information from the access point to the station enables the station to maintain accurate channel knowledge without continuous monitoring. The station can sleep through periods where the access point will handle channel access, waking up only when the feedback indicates it needs to access the channel, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining information accuracy
3Productivity
If multi-link devices aggregate discontinuous multi-links to form ultra-large bandwidth, then communication capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple links into a unified multi-link device architecture. The MLD aggregates discontinuous multi-links across different frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 60 GHz) to form an ultra-large bandwidth communication channel. By merging the management and control functions at the MLD level, the system achieves high communication capacity while managing complexity through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-link device is designed with universal functionality to operate across multiple frequency bands and link types. A single MLD can dynamically select and aggregate appropriate links based on communication needs, making the device adaptable to various scenarios without requiring separate specialized devices for each frequency band, thus managing complexity while maintaining high capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application relate to the communication field, and in particular, to a multi-link communication method and an apparatus. The embodiments of this application provide the multi-link communication method and apparatus. A STA in a STA MLD sends an information frame on a link corresponding to the station, and the information frame is used to indicate a STA in an awake state in the STA MLD. An AP MLD receives the information frame, and sends a downlink message frame on a one or more links corresponding to a part of or all of STAs in the awake state in the STA MLD, to assist the part of or all of the stations in fast accessing a channel without waiting for a NAVSyncDelay time period. In this way, time efficiency of accessing the channel by the awake STA is improved, and power consumption of the awake STA is reduced.