Multi-Link Mode Switching Between mmWave and Low-Frequency Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing millimeter wave communication technologies face challenges such as large signal attenuation, easy blocking, short coverage distance, high cost, and high power consumption, which are not adequately addressed by using millimeter wave links alone, necessitating coordination between millimeter wave and low-frequency links for improved communication efficiency and reduced power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for link operation mode switching between millimeter wave and low-frequency links by using link operation mode switch information to adjust the operation mode of links in multi-link devices, allowing for flexible management and coordination of these links to optimize communication performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If millimeter wave links are used for wireless communication, then transmission speed is improved, but signal attenuation and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters by switching between millimeter wave links and low-frequency links based on communication conditions. When millimeter wave links experience high signal attenuation or blockage, the system transitions to low-frequency links, thereby adjusting the operational parameters to maintain reliable communication while reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic link selection and switching between millimeter wave and low-frequency links based on real-time communication conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing environmental conditions, switching to more reliable links when millimeter wave signals are degraded, thus optimizing power consumption while maintaining transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If millimeter wave links are used for wireless communication, then transmission speed is improved, but coverage distance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidcoverage distance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the wireless link based on coverage requirements. When millimeter wave links are used for high-speed transmission but encounter coverage limitations or blockage, the system switches to low-frequency links that provide longer coverage distance, thereby adjusting operational parameters to balance speed and coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between millimeter wave and low-frequency links based on real-time assessment of coverage conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the system uses millimeter wave links for high-speed transmission when coverage is adequate, but switches to low-frequency links when coverage distance is insufficient, optimizing both speed and coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple links are established in multi-link devices, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-link devices that can operate in multiple frequency bands (millimeter wave and low-frequency) simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single device to leverage the high speed of millimeter wave links and the long coverage of low-frequency links, improving overall communication efficiency while managing complexity through unified device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic link management and switching mechanisms that allow multi-link devices to adaptively select and switch between different frequency bands based on communication conditions. This dynamic control simplifies the management of multiple links by automatically selecting the most appropriate link for each communication task, thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4665072A1Link operation mode switching method and apparatus, communication device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4665072A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4665072A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4665072A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A link operation mode switching method and apparatus, a communication device, and a storage medium, relating to thel technical field of wireless communications. The method is performed by a first device, and at least two links are established between the first device and a second device, wherein the first device is a non-access point (AP) multi-link device, and the second device is an AP multi-link device, The method comprises: receiving link operation mode switching information sent by a second device (601), the link operation mode switching information being used for instructing at least one non-AP multi-link device to switch a link operationl mode of a first link, and the first link being one of at least two links; and when a first device belongs to at least one non-AP multi-link device, switching the link operation mode of the first link between the first device and the second device according to the link operation mode switching information (602).