Multi-Link Beamforming Scheduling with TWT Service Periods
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-link deployment scenarios, existing beamforming processes are not well-scheduled, leading to unfairness in scheduling, jitter in traffic, reduced network performance, and interference due to simultaneous channel feedback processes, especially with larger bandwidths in Wi-Fi 7.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a scheme that utilizes Target Wake Time (TWT) service periods to schedule beamforming processes on multiple links individually, ensuring timely acquisition of beamforming results by negotiating separate TWT service periods for each link, and determining trigger times and durations to avoid simultaneous processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If beamforming processes are performed on multiple links simultaneously, then channel feedback information can be obtained faster, but interference increases and network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming processes across multiple links by assigning dedicated TWT service periods to each link. Instead of performing beamforming simultaneously on all links, the AP schedules separate TWT service periods for different links, ensuring that channel feedback processes occur sequentially rather than concurrently, thereby eliminating interference while maintaining efficient beamforming updates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic beamforming processes through TWT service periods that are scheduled at specific intervals for each link. The AP and STA negotiate TWT parameters including trigger times and durations, creating a periodic structure where beamforming occurs at predetermined moments rather than continuously or simultaneously, reducing interference while ensuring timely updates
2Measurement precision
If TWT service periods are negotiated for each link individually, then beamforming results are acquired timely and accurately, but the scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the existing TWT mechanism, originally designed for power saving, to also serve beamforming scheduling purposes. The same TWT negotiation and service period structures are used across all links, providing a unified framework that handles both power management and beamforming timing requirements, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-link scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the AP and STA negotiate TWT service period parameters in advance during the association or reassociation process. By pre-configuring trigger times, durations, and other TWT parameters before actual data transmission begins, the system establishes a predictable scheduling framework that simplifies subsequent beamforming operations without requiring complex real-time negotiations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing beamforming processes between an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) and a station (STA) MLD. The method comprises determining a first time interval for performing beamforming on a first link with an STA and a second time interval for performing beamforming on a second link with the STA. The method further comprises negotiating, with the STA, a first target wake time (TWT) service period on the first link based on the first time interval. The method further comprises negotiating, with the STA, a second TWT service period on the second link based on the second time interval and the first TWT service period. The method further comprises performing a first beamforming process on the first link during the first TWT service period. In addition, the method further comprises performing a second beamforming process on the second link during the second TWT service period.