Multi-Link Channel Access with Re-Contention After Backoff Expiry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-link devices experience self-interference and cannot perform simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) on multiple links, leading to inefficient channel contention and utilization of only one link for transmission due to energy leakage and prolonged channel contention on busy channels.
Innovation Solution
A channel access method for multi-link devices that involves performing channel contention again on a link after a backoff counter reaches 0 without immediate transmission, adjusting the contention window value based on link states to balance backoff time and contention collision probability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multi-link device performs parallel communication on multiple links, then transmission rate is greatly increased, but self-interference is caused due to energy leakage between links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into separate link operations, where each link performs channel contention and transmission independently. The device divides its communication resources across multiple links, allowing parallel operations while managing interference through separate backoff counters and contention windows for each link.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the backoff counter values and contention window sizes based on channel conditions and interference levels. The device can switch between different transmission modes (STR and non-STR) depending on the current state of each link, optimizing performance while minimizing self-interference.
2Productivity
If channel contention is performed on one link and backoff counter becomes 0, then data transmission can proceed, but energy leaks to another link causing channel contention to continue on the other link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary channel assessment and backoff counter initialization on multiple links before actual data transmission. The device prepares contention parameters in advance, allowing it to quickly switch between links when one becomes available, reducing the overall channel contention duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the device continuously monitors channel status on all links and adjusts its transmission decisions accordingly. When energy leakage is detected on one link, the device receives feedback about the other link's status and can switch to an available link, minimizing contention delays.
3Reliability
If a multi-link device waits for channel contention on another link after backoff counter becomes 0 on one link, then interference is eliminated, but transmission cannot proceed on the first link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the channel access mechanisms of multiple links into a coordinated system. The device combines the backoff counters and contention windows of different links, allowing it to utilize any available link for transmission while maintaining interference management through the coordinated access protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal channel access mechanism that works across multiple links with different characteristics. The same backoff and contention logic can be applied to any link, making the device adaptable to various channel conditions while maintaining reliable interference elimination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes performing first channel contention by a multi-link device on a first link, where a first initial value of a first backoff counter in the first channel contention is determined based on a first value of a contention window. The multi-link device performs third channel contention on a second link and performs no transmission on the second link when a value of a second backoff counter becomes 0 in the third channel contention. When a state of the first link changes from a busy state to an idle state, the multi-link device triggers second channel contention on the first link. The multi-link device performs the second channel contention on the first link when a value of the first backoff counter becomes 0 in the first channel contention and transmission is not performed on the first link.