Multi-Link Wake-Up Frame for WLAN Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication standards only allow power saving and data retrieval mechanisms on a single link, failing to effectively manage multiple links in wireless local area networks (WLANs), which limits the efficiency of data transmission and network throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method and communication device that utilize message frames to indicate wake-up and doze states across multiple links, allowing for the efficient waking up of links in a power saving mode to receive cached downlink data frames, thereby optimizing data transmission and reducing signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power saving mode is implemented using existing single-link mechanisms, then energy consumption is reduced, but multi-link communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management function by introducing separate wake-up information fields for each link in the multi-link device. Each link can independently indicate its wake-up state through specific bits in the message frame, allowing selective activation of links based on data availability. This segmentation enables precise control over which links remain active and which enter power-saving mode, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and communication efficiency.
2Device complexity
If single-link power saving mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but network throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power management mechanism that works across multiple links simultaneously. The message frame structure is designed to carry both single-link and multi-link wake-up information through a unified format with link-specific bits. This multi-functional design allows the same communication infrastructure to handle power management for any number of links without requiring separate mechanisms, thereby maintaining low complexity while enabling high throughput through coordinated multi-link operation.
3Speed
If all links remain active for data reception, then data transmission speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link activation where links can transition between active and power-saving states based on real-time data availability. The wake-up information in the message frame dynamically indicates which links need to be activated for upcoming data transmissions. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high transmission speed by keeping only necessary links active rather than all links, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving data transmission performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communication on multiple links is performed by an access point, and includes: determining a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes wake-up information for indicating a wake-up state of one or more links, and the wake-up information is configured to identify to wake up a corresponding link to receive a cached downlink data frame; and sending the first message frame.