Multi-Link Shared Access Point Handover Without Link Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face instantaneous interruptions during handover operations when switching access points in multi-link communication, necessitating a solution to seamlessly transition between access points without disrupting the wireless connection.

Innovation Solution

A sharing access point with a management unit that designates an anchor link and manages the handover process to maintain wireless connections during transitions, ensuring seamless switching between access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If handover operation is performed to switch access point for one or more links, then connection destination switching is achieved, but instantaneous interruption occurs where wireless connection is cut off in all links

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection destination switchingVSAvoidwireless connection continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handover operation is segmented into two phases: first, the access point is switched for links other than the anchor link while maintaining the anchor link connection; second, the anchor link is switched after ensuring all other links have been switched. This segmentation prevents simultaneous disconnection of all links, thereby avoiding instantaneous interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The management unit performs preliminary actions by first switching the access point for links other than the anchor link before switching the anchor link. This preliminary switching of non-anchor links ensures that at least one link (the anchor link) maintains continuous connection during the handover process, preventing instantaneous interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If access point is switched for all links simultaneously, then handover is completed quickly, but wireless connection is cut off in all links causing instantaneous interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover completion timeVSAvoidwireless connection continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handover process is divided into sequential steps: first switching non-anchor links, then switching the anchor link. This segmentation extends the handover time slightly but ensures continuous connection, avoiding the harmful effect of instantaneous interruption that would occur with simultaneous switching of all links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The management unit ensures continuous useful action by maintaining the anchor link connection during the handover process. While the anchor link remains connected, data transmission continues without interruption. The anchor link is switched only after all other links have been successfully switched, ensuring continuous connectivity throughout the handover operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4723737A1Sharing access point, terminal, and shared access point
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 NT T INC
  • EP4723737A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4723737A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4723737A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a sharing access point according to an embodiment, a management unit sets one of a plurality of links from a terminal as an anchor link, corresponding to reception of a handover request for requesting switching of a shared access point to serve as a connection destination for one or more of the plurality of links from the terminal. The management unit switches the shared access point to serve as the connection destination for a switching target link among the links other than the anchor link in a state of maintaining wireless connection with the shared access point to serve as the connection destination in the anchor link.