Multi-Link Occupancy Control for Synchronous Wireless Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices face challenges in performing multi-link operations by synchronous transmission due to limited idle times and potential collisions, especially when dealing with legacy terminals that do not support multi-link operations.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method that control the occupancy periods of multiple links based on transmission suppression information, allowing for synchronized transmission by setting appropriate occupancy periods and signals to align idle times and avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronous transmission system is used to align transmission timings between links, then simultaneous transmission and reception between links is avoided and multi-link operation effect is obtained, but the time during which all links can be transmitted in idle state is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device performs preliminary actions by detecting communication end times of legacy systems in advance, and proactively transmitting occupation signals or null packets before the NAV expires to secure idle time for synchronous multi-link transmission without waiting for NAV expiration
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous useful action by transmitting data frames, occupation signals, or null packets without interruption during the period from NAV expiration to secured idle time, ensuring that transmission opportunities are not lost and links remain productive
2Productivity
If occupation signal is transmitted immediately when NAV expires to avoid collision, then transmission opportunity is seized, but collision between occupation signals from multiple devices may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary detection of communication end times and proactively transmits occupation signals or null packets before NAV expiration to secure idle time, avoiding the need to wait until NAV expires and reducing collision risk with other devices
Solution Approach 2:
The occupation signal and null packet act as intermediary mechanisms that coordinate transmission between multiple devices, allowing the communication device to secure idle time and indicate transmission intentions without direct collision with other devices transmitting occupation signals
3Reliability
If data frame transmission is performed by synchronous transmission after suppressing transmission until end of first communication system, then multi-link operation is achieved, but waiting for transmission occurs even if data is desired to be transmitted by end of communication
Solution Approach 1:
The null packet serves as an intermediary that allows the communication device to maintain synchronous transmission alignment while avoiding transmission waiting. By transmitting the null packet to secure idle time and align links, the device can then transmit data frames without waiting, even if data was ready earlier
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary transmission of occupation signals or null packets to secure idle time before data frame transmission, ensuring that synchronous multi-link operation can proceed without waiting for transmission opportunities
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a communication device that performs multi-link operation by synchronous transmission.A communication device includes a communication unit that performs communication by a first link and a second link, and a control unit that controls a communication operation by the communication unit, in which the control unit sets an occupancy period of the second link on a basis of transmission suppression information of the first link. When a remaining time of a transmission suppression period of the first link is longer than a first threshold, the control unit performs control to set an occupancy period of the second link until the transmission suppression period of the first link ends and transmit a data frame by the second link.