Multi-link Wireless Device Control Information Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-link communications systems face challenges in efficiently conveying control or management information across millimeter wave (mmWave) and non-mmWave links, particularly in establishing and managing connections and sector sweep training between wireless multi-link devices.
Innovation Solution
A wireless multi-link device is configured with a controller to generate control or management information for mmWave links, which can be transmitted through either mmWave or non-mmWave links, using broadcast or unicast frames, and includes features like null data packet announcements and request to send mechanisms to facilitate link connection establishment and sector sweep training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If control or management information regarding mmWave link is transmitted through mmWave link, then communication efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates when mmWave link is unavailable or unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses non-mmWave links as intermediary communication channels to transmit control or management information when mmWave links are unavailable. The system selectively routes information through alternative links (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz) to maintain communication reliability, while preferring mmWave links for high-efficiency data transmission when conditions permit.
2Reliability
If control or management information is transmitted through non-mmWave link, then reliability is improved by providing alternative communication path, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to lower bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects transmission paths based on real-time link conditions. Control or management information can be transmitted through non-mmWave links when reliability is prioritized, while high-throughput data transmission utilizes mmWave links when available. The selection is flexible and adaptive to current communication conditions.
3Measurement precision
If sector sweep training is performed on mmWave link, then beamforming accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases due to multiple beam measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sector sweep training and beam measurement in advance to establish optimal beamforming parameters before actual data transmission begins. By conducting these measurements preliminarily, the system avoids time-consuming beam searches during active communication, thus reducing latency while maintaining high beamforming accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission techniques are used for different information types, then communication versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified multi-link communication framework that can handle different types of information (data, control, management) across multiple link types (mmWave and non-mmWave) through a single system architecture. This universal approach avoids the need for separate specialized systems for each communication scenario, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method and apparatus for wireless communications are disclosed. In an embodiment, a wireless multi-link device (MLD) includes a controller configured to generate control or management information regarding a millimeter wave (mmWave) link between the wireless MLD and a second wireless MLD and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit the control or management information regarding the mmWave link to the second wireless MLD through the mmWave link or a non-mmWave link between the wireless MLD and the second wireless MLD.