Multi-Link Wireless Device Band Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems often fail to efficiently manage bandwidth and power consumption, particularly in devices that require multi-link operations, as they typically operate on a single frequency band, leading to limitations in network throughput and stability.
Innovation Solution
A method for simultaneous transmission and reception over different wireless bands, allowing for dynamic link management through enabling and disabling links, with an access point (AP) or station (STA) sending frames over active links to switch between bands or adjust operational parameters, enabling higher network flexibility and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wireless device operates on a single frequency band, then power consumption is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but network throughput and bandwidth capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device is divided into multiple independent frequency band transceivers (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the device to operate on multiple bands simultaneously without requiring a single complex unified transceiver, thereby increasing network throughput while managing device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of operation by enabling simultaneous communication across multiple frequency bands (from single-band to multi-band operation). This dimensional expansion allows the device to utilize additional spectral resources, increasing throughput capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized multi-band transceiver modules
2Productivity
If multi-link operation is implemented to increase bandwidth, then network throughput is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link management where the wireless device can selectively enable or disable specific frequency band links based on real-time traffic conditions and power constraints. The system dynamically adjusts which bands are active, allowing the device to maximize throughput when needed while minimizing power consumption during low-activity periods, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the activation state of different frequency bands based on traffic load and power availability. When throughput is prioritized, multiple bands are activated; when power conservation is needed, fewer bands are active. This parameter adjustment allows flexible optimization of the throughput-power consumption trade-off
3Productivity
If all links are enabled simultaneously, then network flexibility and peak throughput are maximized, but connection stability decreases due to interference and resource contention
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of enabling all possible frequency band links simultaneously, the patent applies partial action by selectively activating only the necessary number of links based on current network conditions and device requirements. This partial enablement approach maintains connection stability by avoiding excessive resource contention while still providing sufficient throughput capacity for most operational scenarios
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for simultaneous transmission and reception of data wirelessly using different wireless bands. The multi-link operations described herein can provide higher network throughput and improved network flexibility compared to traditional techniques to wireless communication. Link management operations such as enabling and disabling of a link may be performed by an AP or STA by sending a frame over a link that is currently active. Moreover, an AP may request a switch to a different link available on the AP side for MLO, for example, when a link is occupied by interference and is not available when AP needs to use the link, and the operating parameters of a target link can be updated.