Multi-Link Management Frame RNR and ML IE Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-link communications systems face challenges in efficiently conveying communications signaling information, such as data and device operation parameters, across multiple links within the system, particularly in wireless communications protocols like IEEE 802.11, leading to inefficiencies and incomplete information exchange.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating and transmitting management frames with reduced neighbor report (RNR) information and multi-link elements (ML IE) between multi-link devices, including link identifiers and common information, to facilitate efficient data transmission and device identification, using frames like beacon, probe response, and association request frames, ensuring compatibility with IEEE 802.11 protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If management frames with reduced neighbor report (RNR) information and multi-link elements (ML IE) are transmitted between multi-link devices, then the efficiency of data transmission and device information exchange is enhanced, but the device complexity and protocol implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management frame structure by introducing distinct multi-link elements (ML IE) that separate multi-link specific information from traditional neighbor report information. This segmentation allows RNR information to be conveyed efficiently through structured fields including link identifiers, per-link profiles, and common information elements, reducing the complexity of information exchange while maintaining high data transmission efficiency across multiple links
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional structure to management frames by incorporating multi-link elements that operate alongside traditional single-link management frame structures. This dimensional expansion allows the system to convey RNR information for multiple links simultaneously through organized fields such as link identifier arrays and per-link information profiles, enhancing productivity without proportionally increasing implementation complexity
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive multi-link device information including link identifiers and operation parameters is exchanged, then the accuracy of device identification and parameter sharing is improved, but the amount of data transmitted and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts essential multi-link device identification and parameter information into dedicated multi-link element fields within management frames. By separating critical information such as link identifiers, per-link profiles, and common operation parameters into structured ML IE fields, the system achieves accurate device identification while minimizing unnecessary data transmission volume compared to conveying complete neighbor report information for all links
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter organization by introducing compact field structures within multi-link elements that encode device identification and operation parameters in optimized formats. Link identifiers, capability information, and operational parameters are represented through standardized field definitions that reduce data volume while maintaining precise device identification and parameter sharing across the multi-link system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an apparatus and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of multi-link communications involves at a first multi-link device, generating a management frame having reduced neighbor report (RNR) information related to the first multi-link device, and at the first multi-link device, transmitting the management frame having one of the RNR information and a multi-link element (ML IE) or both the RNR information and the ML IE to a second multi-link device.