Multi-Link Packet Redirection for Low-Latency Wi-Fi Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi network devices face inefficiencies in multi-link operations due to channel noise and interference, leading to packet redirects and reduced transmission efficiency, especially when one channel is congested, which consumes processing resources and bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link device and method for transmitting time-sensitive data in a stable, reliable, and low-latency manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packets are pre-assigned to specific links to speed up data transmission, then transmission efficiency is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates when channel conditions change due to noise and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic packet reassignment mechanism where packets can be redirected from congested links to available links in real-time. The system transitions from static pre-assignment to dynamic allocation based on current channel conditions, allowing the multi-link device to adapt when noise and interference affect specific channels, thus maintaining both efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the assignment parameters of packets based on channel quality metrics. When channel conditions deteriorate (noise, interference, congestion), the system modifies packet routing decisions by redirecting packets to alternative links with better conditions, optimizing the transmission parameters to balance speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If frequent packet redirects are performed to adapt to changing channel conditions, then transmission reliability is improved, but processing resources and data bandwidth are consumed, reducing overall transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-assigning packets to links and pre-establishing backup routes. When channel conditions change, packets are already positioned in buffer queues ready for rapid redirection. This preliminary preparation reduces the processing overhead and time required for packet redirects, minimizing the impact on transmission efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces buffer queues as intermediary structures between the packet assignment logic and the transmission interface. These queues act as mediators that temporarily hold packets during redirection operations, decoupling the packet routing decisions from the actual transmission process. This intermediary mechanism reduces processing resource consumption and bandwidth overhead by batching redirect operations rather than handling them individually.
3Reliability
If the BA mechanism is used to acknowledge received packets, then transmission reliability is improved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates when packets are congested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the BA mechanism with the multi-link packet assignment system by integrating block acknowledgment into the packet redirection process. When packets are redirected due to congestion or channel conditions, the BA mechanism is applied collectively to the redirected packet set rather than individually, combining reliability confirmation with efficiency optimization. This unified approach ensures that congestion control and acknowledgment mechanisms work together synergistically rather than independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-link device includes a multi-link controller, and first and second MAC controllers. The first MAC controller includes a first link queue to buffer a first set of packets from the common queue. The second MAC controller includes a second link queue to buffer a second set of packets from the common queue. In response to the first MAC controller being granted a first transmission opportunity of a first link, and the second MAC controller not being granted a second transmission opportunity of a second link, the multi-link controller determines whether to enable a link redirect mode according to an aspect of the second set of packets. In response to the link redirect mode being enabled, the first MAC controller receives a packet in the second set of packets from the second link queue, and transmits the packet in the second set of packets via the first link.