Multi-Link Wi-Fi Control for Millimeter Wave AP-STA Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no technical solution for implementing millimeter wave communication between an access point (AP) and a station (STA) in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication systems, particularly in managing and controlling links.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for multi-link device (MLD) communication, including an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, which transmit and receive frames carrying indication information about supported operation modes and links, such as millimeter wave and managed/controlled links, to facilitate multi-link operation (MLO) setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If millimeter wave communication is implemented between AP and STA, then throughput is improved to multiple gigabits per second, but signal attenuation increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidsignal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments communication into multiple links: a first link (sub-6GHz) for management and control functions, and a second link (millimeter wave) for high-throughput data transmission. This segmentation allows each link to operate in its optimal frequency range, resolving the contradiction between achieving high throughput and maintaining signal reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If millimeter wave communication is implemented between AP and STA, then throughput is improved to multiple gigabits per second, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is divided into two functional segments: management/control operations occur on the first link (sub-6GHz) which consumes less power, while high-speed data transmission occurs on the second link (millimeter wave). This segmentation reduces overall power consumption by avoiding the use of high-power millimeter wave for low-data-rate management functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first link (sub-6GHz) serves multiple functions including management, control, and low-speed data transmission, while the second link (millimeter wave) specializes in high-speed data transmission. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve high throughput when needed while consuming less power during management operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If multi-link operation modes are classified and managed, then link management and control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelink management effectivenessVSAvoidoperation mode classification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an MLD entity as an intermediary that manages and coordinates multiple links (first link for management/control, second link for data transmission). This intermediary handles the complexity of multi-link operation mode classification and management, making the system easier to operate while centralizing the complexity management function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250365798A1Method for multi-link device communication, and device

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

AI summary

Provided is a method for MLD communication. The method is performed by AP MLD, and the method include: transmitting a first frame carrying first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the AP MLD supports at least one of a MLO type or mode based on a managing and controlling link and a managed and controlled link, supports the managed and controlled link, supports a millimeter wave link, or supports a corresponding operation mode.