Multi-Link WLAN Access Control for Single-Radio Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless LAN technologies face challenges in efficiently utilizing multiple links with single radio non-access point devices for enhanced throughput and latency reduction, particularly in high-density environments with high-frequency efficiency requirements.
Innovation Solution
The invention introduces an access point multi-link device that employs a processor to transmit control frames, manage RF chain usage, and implement null data packet sounding sequences to optimize channel access and communication across multiple links, supporting both single and multiple RF chains operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single radio non-access point device uses multiple links for communication, then throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into multiple independent links (first link and second link) that can operate simultaneously. The single radio device is divided into separate communication modules for each link, allowing parallel data transmission while maintaining manageable complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The single radio device is designed to perform multiple functions across different links - it can transmit and receive data on both the first link (using first RF chain) and second link (using second RF chain) simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables the device to achieve throughput improvements typically associated with multiple radios while maintaining a unified device architecture.
2Speed
If multiple RF chains are used in a single radio device, then communication speed is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the multiple RF chains. This coordination layer manages resource allocation, handles link selection, and synchronizes operations across the first and second RF chains, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enabling high-speed multi-link communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates and switches between RF chains based on communication requirements. The single radio device can adaptively activate the first RF chain for the first link or the second RF chain for the second link as needed, providing flexible operation that maintains ease of use while achieving high communication speeds when multiple links are simultaneously required.
3Loss of time
If channel access is managed across multiple links, then latency is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary channel assessment and resource reservation mechanisms before actual data transmission. By performing initial measurements and securing channel access rights in advance on both links, the system reduces waiting time and latency while maintaining measurement precision through structured assessment procedures conducted prior to high-speed transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous channel monitoring and measurement across multiple links, ensuring that channel access decisions are always based on current and accurate measurements. This continuous measurement approach, combined with overlapping transmission opportunities on different links, reduces overall latency while preserving measurement precision through uninterrupted channel assessment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a station communicating with a single radio multi-link device, which includes a plurality of stations operating on a plurality of links but does not support simultaneous transmission and reception by the plurality of stations. The station comprises a transmitting/receiving unit and a processor. The processor transmits a control frame to a first station of the single radio multi-link device by using the transmitting/receiving unit, receives a response to the control frame from the first station of the single radio multi-link device, and starts a null data packet (NDP) sounding sequence for the first station of the single radio multi-link device.