Multi-Link Wi‑Fi Channel Selection for Parallel STA and AP Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In communication devices capable of multi-link communication, determining appropriate frequency channels for parallel operation of multiple communication interfaces to avoid interference and ensure stable communication is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with selecting means to determine frequency channels for additional interfaces during multi-link communication, ensuring simultaneous operation without interference by selecting channels that allow Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (STR) operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple communication interfaces operate in parallel with different frequency channels, then communication efficiency is improved, but interference between interfaces may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple distinct channels and assigns them to different communication interfaces. Each interface operates on dedicated frequency channels, physically separating their operations to avoid interference while maintaining high overall communication efficiency through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific frequency channel characteristics to each communication interface based on its operational requirements. Each interface receives frequency channels optimized for its specific communication tasks, allowing tailored performance while preventing cross-interface interference through spectral separation.
2Ease of operation
If frequency channels are allocated to multiple interfaces, then simultaneous operation is enabled, but channel interference may destabilize communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a frequency channel management mechanism that acts as an intermediary between multiple communication interfaces. This mediator allocates and coordinates frequency channel usage, ensuring that simultaneous operations occur on non-interfering channels, thus maintaining both ease of simultaneous operation and communication stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same frequency channels are reused across interfaces, then resource utilization is improved, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional frequency channel usage to multi-dimensional resource allocation by considering time, frequency, and interface identity dimensions. Frequency channels are reused across interfaces only in different time slots or under controlled conditions, allowing high resource utilization while preventing self-interference through dimensional separation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
A communication device is configured to include first and second interfaces (STA and AP functions) that are communication interfaces capable of being used for communication with mutually-different counterpart devices. In a case where operations of the second interface are started in a state where the first interface is performing the multi-link communication, the communication device selects, as frequency channels to be used on links of the second interface, at least some of a plurality of frequency channels each used on a corresponding one of a plurality of links by the first interface. Further, the communication device controls the second interface to communicate with the counterpart device using the selected frequency channels.