Multi-Link AP Discovery Using Two-Stage Sensing Capability Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems lack efficient methods for multi-link device-level (MLD-level) discovery and link-level discovery, leading to suboptimal communication performance and reliability, especially in environments with multiple access points.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage sensing discovery procedure is introduced, comprising MLD-level and link-level discovery, where APs and STAs exchange essential and complete sensing capabilities through beacon and probe frames, utilizing enhanced reporting elements like RNR and ML elements to facilitate efficient discovery and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a two-stage sensing discovery procedure (MLD-level and link-level discovery) is implemented, then sensing capabilities exchange accuracy and communication reliability are improved, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddiscovery procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discovery procedure is segmented into two distinct stages: MLD-level discovery for initial sensing capabilities exchange, and link-level discovery for detailed per-link sensing information. This segmentation allows the system to balance between obtaining comprehensive sensing information and managing protocol complexity through structured, hierarchical discovery processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If enhanced reporting elements (RNR and ML elements) are utilized for sensing capabilities exchange, then sensing discovery efficiency is improved, but frame size and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing discovery efficiencyVSAvoidframe data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Sensing capabilities information is segmented and organized into structured reporting elements including Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) elements and Multi-Link (ML) elements. These elements categorize sensing information by hierarchy (MLD-level vs. link-level), enabling efficient processing and selective information exchange that improves discovery efficiency while managing data volume through organized, modular reporting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4268504B1Access point, station, and wireless communication method
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4268504B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4268504B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4268504B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An access point (AP), a station (STA), and a wireless communication method are provided. The wireless communication method includes performing, by an AP, a first sensing discovery and a second sensing discovery which are integrated with a multilink discovery. In the first sensing discovery, the AP transmits, to a STA, essential sensing capabilities of the reporting AP and/or one or more reported APs. In the second sensing discovery, the AP transmits, to the STA, complete sensing capabilities of the reporting AP and/or the one or more reported APs. This can solve issues in the prior art, provide sensing discovery including multi-link device-level (MLD-level) discovery and/or link-level discovery, achieve extremely high throughput, provide good communication performance, and/or provide high reliability.