Multi-MAC-Address Management in Wireless Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple MAC addresses and establishing reliable communication links in directional frequency bands, particularly above 50 GHz, where existing solutions do not effectively coordinate power management and beamforming across multiple stations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Multi-MAC-Addresses-Element (MMAE) frame with a control field that manages multiple MAC addresses, coordinates power states, and establishes a common beamformed link, allowing for efficient communication across multiple MAC entities sharing a common physical layer, including a Single-Association-Identifier (AID) and power-mode bits to synchronize power states and beamforming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple MAC entities are managed separately in directional frequency bands, then each entity can operate independently, but power management coordination and beamforming synchronization become inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation of MAC entitiesVSAvoidpower management coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple MAC entities under a unified management framework where a single MAC entity can manage multiple MAC addresses. This merging approach allows independent operation of MAC entities while centralizing power management and beamforming control, resolving the contradiction between independence and coordination efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal MAC entity that can perform multiple functions including managing multiple MAC addresses, coordinating power states across entities, and controlling beamforming. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate management mechanisms for each MAC entity, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If separate power management is implemented for each MAC entity, then individual power control is achieved, but overall power consumption and coordination overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual power controlVSAvoidcoordination overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power management functions into a single MAC entity that coordinates power states across multiple MAC entities. This approach maintains individual power control capabilities while eliminating redundant coordination overhead through centralized management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the managing MAC entity automatically coordinates power states and beamforming parameters without requiring external intervention or complex inter-entity negotiation, reducing coordination overhead while maintaining individual power control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple beamformed links are established for each MAC entity, then communication flexibility is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidbeamforming synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines beamforming control for multiple MAC entities under a single managing MAC entity. This allows multiple beamformed links to be established for communication flexibility while centralizing beamforming synchronization, reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The managing MAC entity is designed with universal beamforming capabilities that can control multiple beamformed links simultaneously. This multi-functional approach maintains communication flexibility while eliminating the need for separate beamforming management mechanisms for each MAC entity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3101996B1Method and apparatus for wireless communication
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 INTEL CORP
  • EP3101996B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3101996B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3101996B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of wireless communication. For example, a wireless communication unit may include a Multi Media-Access-Control (MAC) Address Station-Management-Entity (MM-SME) managing a plurality of MAC entities having a respective plurality of MAC addresses. The wireless communication unit may transmit a frame including a Multi-MAC-Addresses-Element (MMAE), which includes two or more MAC addresses of the plurality of MAC addresses and a control field defining at least one common communication attribute to be applied to the two or more MAC addresses.