Multi-Link AP Logical Entity Setup for WLAN Bluetooth Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless local area networks (WLANs) face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth and response times due to multiple devices sharing resources, with limitations from communication protocols and hardware bandwidth, particularly when operating with both new and legacy protocols.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a radio architecture that integrates WLAN and Bluetooth functionality, utilizing a multi-link setup between a multi-link AP logical entity and a multi-link non-AP logical entity, enabling efficient coexistence and switching between WLAN and Bluetooth radios, and supporting Extremely High Throughput (EHT) protocols through advanced circuitry configurations and multi-link arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices share the same wireless resources, then network coverage and device connectivity are improved, but bandwidth availability and response times deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into multiple virtual channels or links within the physical medium. By dividing the shared wireless resource into separate logical channels, multiple devices can communicate simultaneously without contending for the same bandwidth, thus maintaining high device connectivity while preserving bandwidth availability for each individual communication stream.
2Ease of operation
If legacy protocols are supported for compatibility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and protocol management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protocol layer or translation mechanism that sits between legacy protocols and modern protocols. This intermediary handles protocol conversion, compatibility mapping, and protocol-specific optimizations, allowing the system to support legacy devices while maintaining a simplified core protocol stack, thus improving compatibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If hardware bandwidth is increased to handle more devices, then productivity is improved, but device cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from increasing hardware bandwidth in a single dimension to utilizing multiple virtual channels or spatial streams. By implementing multi-link operation and channel aggregation, the system achieves higher device handling capacity through software-defined resource allocation rather than proportional increases in physical hardware bandwidth, avoiding the associated manufacturing complexity and cost increases.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an access point (AP), station (STA) and method of communication are generally described herein. The AP may be included in a plurality of APs affiliated with a multi-link AP logical entity. As part of a multi-link AP logical entity, the plurality of APs may share a common medium access control (MAC) data service interface to an upper layer. The AP may exchange signaling with an STA as part of a multi-link setup process between the multi-link TP logical entity and a multi-link non-AP logical entity. The STA may be included in a plurality of STAs affiliated with the multi-link non-AP logical entity. The multi-link setup process may establish a link between each AP of the plurality of APs and a corresponding STA of the plurality of STAs.