Multi-Link Frame Identification for Collocated AP MLD Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of establishing links using a link identifier is no longer applicable for ultra-high reliability (UHR) multi-link devices, making it difficult for non-AP MLDs to quickly identify and establish links with collocated AP MLDs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link communication method that includes identifier information of both collocated and non-collocated AP MLDs in a communication frame, allowing UHR non-AP MLDs to effectively identify and establish links with collocated AP MLDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only link identifier is used to establish links, then the method is simple and compatible with pre-UHR systems, but UHR non-AP MLDs cannot quickly identify collocated AP MLDs
Solution Approach 1:
The communication frame is segmented into multiple multi-link elements, where each element corresponds to one second AP MLD and contains identifier information of both the first AP MLD and the second AP MLD. This segmentation allows the UHR non-AP MLD to quickly identify collocated AP MLDs by examining individual elements without parsing the entire frame structure, thereby improving identification accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the identification mechanism by incorporating identifier information of the first AP MLD alongside the second AP MLD in each multi-link element. This dimensional expansion enables the non-AP MLD to perform two-dimensional matching (first AP MLD ID + second AP MLD ID) rather than relying solely on the traditional single link identifier, significantly improving identification precision for collocated AP MLDs.
2Productivity
If multi-link element includes identifier information of both first and second AP MLDs, then UHR non-AP MLD can quickly identify collocated AP MLDs, but the communication frame becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the communication frame into multiple independent multi-link elements, each containing consolidated identifier information, the patent enables parallel processing and quick matching. The non-AP MLD can search through segmented elements efficiently rather than parsing a monolithic frame structure, thus improving link establishment speed while controlling the complexity increase through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-link element is designed as a universal structure that serves multiple functions: it identifies the second AP MLD, associates it with the first AP MLD, and enables quick matching for collocated AP MLD identification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate identification mechanisms, improving productivity without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-link communication method and an apparatus are disclosed, are used in a wireless local area network system that supports 802.11 series protocols such as a next-generation Wi-Fi protocol of IEEE 802.11ax, for example, 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, or EHT, and a next-generation protocol of 802.1 1be, for example, Wi-Fi 8, UHR, or Wi-Fi AI, and may be further used in an ultra-wideband UWB-based wireless personal local area network system and a sensing (sensing) system. The method includes: A STA sends a communication frame, and correspondingly, an AP receives the communication frame. The communication frame may include n multi-link elements, and each multi-link element corresponds to one collocated AP MLD. The multi-link element includes identifier information of a non-collocated AP MLD and identifier information of the collocated AP MLD, and n collocated AP MLDs are affiliated with one non-collocated AP MLD. This can quickly and effectively identify the collocated AP MLD.