Multi-link Setup via MAC Address Exchange in WLAN

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless local area network (WLAN) systems lack a defined method for initiating signal transmission and reception in links performing multi-link operations, particularly during the multi-link setup phase.

Innovation Solution

A method where a station (STA) performing multi-link setup transmits media access control (MAC) address information of STAs involved in multi-link operations, enabling signal exchange between the established links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multi-link setup is performed without transmitting MAC address information, then the setup process is simpler, but signal transmission and reception cannot be initiated between linked stations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-link setup processVSAvoidsignal transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting MAC address information of STAs during the multi-link setup phase, before actual signal transmission begins. This ensures that the receiving device has all necessary addressing information ready in advance, enabling immediate signal transmission once setup is complete, without requiring additional address exchange delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If MAC address information of all STAs is transmitted during setup, then signal exchange is enabled, but information overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal exchange capabilityVSAvoidinformation overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and transmits only the essential MAC address information of STAs that need to participate in multi-link operations, rather than transmitting all possible address information. This selective extraction enables signal exchange while minimizing information overhead by including only necessary addressing data in the setup phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-link operation is established without defined transmission initiation method, then link flexibility is maintained, but communication efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelink operation flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service by allowing STAs to autonomously initiate signal transmission using the MAC address information exchanged during setup. Each STA can independently identify and communicate with linked STAs without requiring additional control signals or centralized coordination, thereby improving communication efficiency while maintaining link flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250203690A1Link setup for multilink operation

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

In a wireless local area network (LAN) system, an STA of a multi-link device (MLD) may transmit MAC addresses of other STAs included in the same MLD as the STA in a link setup step. The MAC addresses of other STAs may be included multi-link address information. The multi-link address information may be included in a Multi-link Element defined in a conventional Management frame such as a Beacon Frame, a Probe Response Frame, an Association Request Frame, and an Association Response Frame.