Multi-Link Beacon Reception Scheduling at TBTT in EML Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The coexistence of Enhanced Multi-Link (EML) modes with link-specific procedures in wireless networks is hindered by the non-AP MLD's inability to receive beacon frames due to network activity on other links, leading to inefficiencies in frame exchange and network awareness.

Innovation Solution

A communication method for non-AP MLDs in EML mode that ensures affiliated stations receive beacon frames by configuring them to be in a receiving state at the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT), regardless of network activity on other links, and managing frame exchanges to avoid overlap with beacon frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the non-AP MLD performs network activity on one link, then data throughput is improved, but the ability to receive beacon frames on other links is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidbeacon frame reception

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the reception of beacon frames into separate segments for each link. Each affiliated station is configured to receive beacon frames specific to its associated link independently, allowing the non-AP MLD to maintain beacon frame awareness across multiple links simultaneously while performing network activity on individual links without losing information on other links.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the non-AP MLD operates in EML mode with multiple links, then frame exchange capability is improved, but the ability to manage link-specific procedures is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe exchange capabilityVSAvoidlink-specific procedure management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring each affiliated station with link-specific parameters and procedures. Each station manages link-specific procedures (such as TWT service periods) according to its own associated link's characteristics, allowing the non-AP MLD to maintain simplified local management while operating in versatile multi-link mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the non-AP MLD schedules frame exchanges on multiple links, then productivity is improved, but the risk of overlapping with beacon transmission times increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe exchange efficiencyVSAvoidbeacon frame reception reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the non-AP MLD configure each affiliated station in advance with the timing information of beacon frames for its associated link. The station is configured to be in a receiving state at the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) before actual beacon reception is needed, ensuring reliable beacon frame reception while allowing efficient frame exchange scheduling on other links.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250393069A1Per-link (TWT, r-TWT) procedure support and state switches for emlsr or elmlr co-affiliated stations

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 CANON KK

AI summary

A non-AP MLD operates in an EML mode that applies in a set of EML links. The non-AP MLD receives, by a first affiliated station, a first beacon frame over a first link of the EML links, the first beacon frame including a TBTT related to a second beacon frame. Moreover, the non-AP MLD configures the first affiliated station to be in a receiving state at the TBTT to receive the second beacon frame.