Multi-Link WLAN Probe Response Filtering for Faster Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-link devices in WLANs face inefficiencies in probe request frames and station association due to the need for multiple stations to respond to probe requests, leading to reduced air interface and association efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A communication method for multi-link devices that allows stations to determine whether to respond to probe request frames based on preset conditions, such as non-matching reference identifiers, thereby reducing the number of probe response frames sent and enabling other stations to reply instead, and the use of Multi-Link Device (MLD) information to manage multiple BSSIDs for concurrent communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stations in a multi-link device respond to probe request frames, then station association can be established, but the quantity of probe response frames increases, reducing air interface efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple stations in a multi-link device are configured to respond to a single probe request frame simultaneously, merging their individual probe response frames into one consolidated response. This is achieved by having stations share a common response mechanism where one station's response frame serves as the response for all stations in the multi-link device, thereby reducing the total number of probe response frames transmitted while maintaining reliable station association.
2Reliability
If each station sends probe response frames independently, then each station can be discovered, but the quantity of probe request frames sent by stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
Stations in the multi-link device perform preliminary configuration where they are pre-assigned to respond to probe requests collectively. Before the actual probe exchange, the system establishes which station will serve as the representative responder for all stations in the multi-link device. This preliminary arrangement allows all stations to be discovered through a single probe request-response cycle, eliminating the need for each station to send independent probe response frames and thereby reducing association time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple BSSIDs are managed separately, then virtual networks can be formed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single station in the multi-link device is configured to perform multiple functions by responding to probe requests for multiple BSSIDs simultaneously. Instead of each BSSID requiring a separate responding station, one station serves as a universal responder for all BSSIDs in the multi-link device. This multi-functional approach allows the system to form multiple virtual networks with different BSSIDs while reducing the overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate response mechanisms for each BSSID.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a multi-link device in a wireless local area network WLAN and a related apparatus. For example, the communication method is applied to a WLAN supporting 802.11be. The method includes: receiving a probe request frame, where the probe request frame is included in a multi-link device MLD; determining, according to a preset condition, whether to respond to the probe request frame, where the preset condition includes at least the following: a reference identifier in the probe request frame does not match a reference identifier of each station in the MLD; and if the preset condition is satisfied, skipping sending a probe response frame in response to the probe request frame. According to embodiments of this application, a quantity of probe request frames sent by stations on a channel can be reduced, and station association efficiency and communication efficiency can be improved.