Multi-Link Downlink Buffer Signaling for Higher Wi-Fi Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi technologies suffer from low spectrum utilization, leading to suboptimal data transmission rates, throughput, and increased delay in multi-frequency band communication scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating and sending message frames with first and second information to indicate and instruct the reception of buffered downlink data frames across multiple links, utilizing both contention and contention-free mechanisms to enhance data transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Wi-Fi technology uses single frequency band or simple aggregation, then device complexity is low, but spectrum utilization is low and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process by separating indication information (buffer status, link selection) from actual data transmission. The access point divides buffered downlink data into multiple links and uses separate indication frames to notify stations about buffer status and selected transmission links, allowing complex multi-link coordination to be managed through structured information separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces indication frames as intermediary messages between the access point and stations. These frames carry buffer status information and link selection instructions, acting as a mediator that coordinates multi-link transmission without requiring direct complex interaction between multiple frequency bands and stations
2Loss of time
If Wi-Fi technology uses traditional single-link transmission, then message processing is simple, but data transmission delay is high
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary actions by pre-buffering downlink data frames and preparing indication information before actual transmission. The indication frames are generated in advance to notify stations of buffer status and link selection, allowing stations to prepare for reception and reducing waiting time for data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of multi-link transmission by selecting different links (frequency bands or bandwidths) for data transmission based on buffer status and channel conditions. This dimensional expansion from single-link to multi-link transmission enables parallel data paths, reducing transmission delay through diverse routing options
3Productivity
If Wi-Fi technology uses multi-frequency band aggregation, then spectrum utilization improves, but coordination overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indication frame structure is designed with multi-functionality to handle various coordination tasks simultaneously. A single indication frame type can convey buffer status, link selection, and transmission scheduling information, reducing the need for multiple separate coordination messages and minimizing overhead while supporting multi-frequency band aggregation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for indicating transmission of a buffered downlink data frame under multi-connection. An access point generates a message frame including first information and second information, and sends the message frame to a station. The first information is configured to indicate that a downlink data frame of the station is buffered at the access point, and the second information is configured to indicate the station to receive the downlink data frame buffered by the access point under multi-connection. A method for receiving a buffered downlink data frame under multi-connection is also disclosed.