Multilink Directed Multicast Services at MLD Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication standards, such as 802.11, perform directed multicast services (DMS) at the station (STA) level, which limits flexibility and efficiency in multilink directed multicast services (DMS) procedures, as they require frame duplication across multiple links and do not optimize data transmission based on active STA states.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multilink DMS at the Multi-Link Device (MLD) level, allowing negotiation and data transmission between non-AP MLD and AP MLD, enabling group-addressed frames to be converted and transmitted as individually addressed frames on any active link, thereby optimizing data delivery and reducing unnecessary frame duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If directed multicast services are performed at the STA level in current wireless standards, then frame delivery can be implemented, but flexibility and efficiency are limited due to required frame duplication across multiple links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple STA-level DMS operations into a single MLD-level DMS procedure. The MLD acts as a unified entity that negotiates DMS with the AP MLD and manages frame delivery across multiple links, eliminating the need for separate frame duplication operations at each STA level and improving overall transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The MLD-level DMS mechanism provides universal functionality that adapts to different link states and STA conditions. The system can dynamically select which link to use for individually addressed frame delivery based on which STA is awake, optimizing resource utilization across multiple links without requiring redundant transmissions
2Reliability
If frame duplication is performed across multiple links at STA level, then multicast delivery is achieved, but network utilization is reduced and redundant transmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic link selection mechanism at the MLD level. The system monitors the wake state of affiliated STAs and dynamically chooses the appropriate link for individually addressed frame delivery. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable multicast delivery while optimizing network utilization by avoiding static frame duplication across all links regardless of current STA states
3Adaptability or versatility
If DMS negotiation is performed at STA level, then individual STA requirements can be met, but multilink coordination and optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple STA-level DMS negotiations into a single MLD-level negotiation process. The MLD aggregates the requirements of its affiliated STAs and performs unified negotiation with the AP MLD, simplifying multilink coordination while still accommodating individual STA needs through the hierarchical MLD structure
Solution Approach 2:
The MLD acts as an intermediary between the AP MLD and individual STAs. It receives DMS requests from affiliated STAs, consolidates them into a unified MLD-level request, and coordinates with the AP MLD. This intermediary role simplifies the complexity of direct multilink coordination by providing a single point of negotiation
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to multilink directed multicast services. A device may perform a directed multicast services (DMS) procedure with an multi-link device (MLD). The device may apply the DMS procedure at the MLD level instead of an station device (STA) level.