Multi-Link Power State Sharing for Awake-Only WLAN Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area network (WLAN) systems face inefficiencies in data transmission due to the lack of effective power state management across multiple links, leading to suboptimal utilization of stations (STAs) in multi-link operations.
Innovation Solution
A method for power control in multi-link transmission systems, where a receiving multi-link device (MLD) transmits power state information of internal STAs, allowing the transmitting MLD to efficiently manage data transmission based on the awake or doze states of individual STAs, thereby optimizing data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transmitting MLD transmits data to all STAs regardless of their power state, then the transmission process is simple, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary transmissions to STAs in doze state
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving MLD provides feedback to the transmitting MLD by including power state information of internal STAs in the BA frame. This feedback mechanism enables the transmitting MLD to adjust its transmission behavior based on the actual power states of receiving STAs, avoiding unnecessary transmissions to STAs in doze state and improving overall data transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving MLD autonomously monitors and determines the power states of its internal STAs, and independently includes this information in the BA frame transmitted to the transmitting MLD. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate power state reporting mechanisms and enables the transmitting MLD to make informed transmission decisions.
2Loss of energy
If the transmitting MLD transmits data only to STAs in awake state, then energy is conserved, but the system complexity increases due to power state tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power state information reporting function with the existing BA frame transmission mechanism. By including power state information in the BA frame that is already being transmitted for acknowledgment purposes, the system avoids adding separate communication overhead while enabling power-aware transmission decisions.
3Productivity
If power state information is not shared between MLDs, then the communication protocol is simple, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to STA power states
Solution Approach 1:
The BA frame serves multiple functions: it provides acknowledgment for received PPDU and simultaneously conveys power state information of internal STAs. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to share power state information without adding separate dedicated communication channels or protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
In a wireless local area network system, a transmitting multi-link device (MLD) may transmit a physical protocol data unit (PPDU) to a receiving MLD, and receive a block ack (BA) frame therefor. The BA frame may comprise power state information for stations (STAs) transitioning from a doze state to an awake state among STAs included in the receiving MLD, and the transmitting MLD may transmit data on the basis thereof. The PPDU may include information related to a buffer status report for a non-access point (non-AP) MLD. The non-AP MLD may include a plurality of non-AP stations (STAs) operating in different links.