Multi-Link Data Transmission with Simultaneous Retransmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-link communication systems face inefficiencies and increased latency due to link connectivity issues, which lead to reduced network efficiency and limited bandwidth, especially when data frames are not received or decoded correctly across multiple links between devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for multi-link data transmission that involves a multi-link device (MLD) retransmitting unreceived data on another link, allowing simultaneous transmission on both links even if one link experiences failures, by aligning transmission end times and using predetermined time intervals like SIFS and PIFS for retransmissions, ensuring error-free data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is transmitted simultaneously on multiple links, then network efficiency and bandwidth are improved, but latency increases when link connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by transmitting data frames on multiple links simultaneously before connectivity issues occur. The method proactively establishes multiple transmission paths in advance, so when a link fails, the data has already been transmitted through alternative links, preventing latency increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring response frames from receiving devices on each link. When a response frame is not received within an expected time window, the system detects the link failure and adjusts transmission by retransmitting only on successful links, thereby maintaining network efficiency without incurring additional latency.
2Reliability
If retransmission is performed after link failure detection, then data transmission reliability is improved, but network efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary transmission on multiple links simultaneously, so that by the time a link failure is detected, the data has already been successfully transmitted through other links. This preliminary multi-link transmission ensures reliability without requiring time-consuming retransmissions, thus maintaining network efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits data on more links than strictly necessary (excessive action), monitoring responses from each. When a link failure is detected, only the failed link requires retransmission while successful links continue operating. This partial retransmission approach maintains high reliability while minimizing the impact on overall network efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If simultaneous transmit/receive operations are performed on multiple links, then bandwidth is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the multi-link transmission task by having different logical entities (AP MLLE and STA MLLE) manage different links independently. Each logical entity handles transmission and reception on specific links, allowing simultaneous operations across multiple links while distributing the complexity across separate management entities rather than requiring a single complex coordination mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method and an apparatus for multi-link data transmission are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of multi-link communications involves at a first MLD that supports a first link, link1, and a second link, link2, transmitting a first frame during a first Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) on link1, and a second frame during a second TXOP on link2, simultaneously to a second MLD, receiving, at the first MLD, a first response frame to the first frame transmitted on link1 after a transmission end time of the first frame, identifying, at the first MLD, that a response frame to the second frame transmitted on link2 was not received after the transmission end time of the second frame, and transmitting, at the first MLD, a third frame on link1 and a fourth frame on link2 simultaneously, after receiving the first response frame on link1.