Multi-Link Device Probing Across Links for Timely AP Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-link devices face challenges in obtaining communication information from access points in a timely manner due to link failures or congestion, which hinders efficient multi-link communication.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link device probing method where a STA generates a probe request frame with first indication information to prompt APs to provide communication information on specific links, allowing the STA to receive responses on a separate link, thereby reducing power consumption and transmission overheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the STA multi-link device sends probe request frames on multiple links to obtain communication information of APs on all links, then the completeness of communication information is improved, but the power consumption and transmission overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probing process into two phases: first probing on link 1 to obtain communication information of AP1, then using that information to probe on link 2 to obtain communication information of AP2. This segmentation allows the device to obtain complete multi-link communication information while reducing power consumption by not continuously probing all links simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary probing on link 1 first to obtain the communication information of AP1 before proceeding to probe on link 2. This preliminary action enables the device to prepare necessary information (communication information of AP1) that facilitates subsequent probing on link 2, thereby optimizing the overall probing process and reducing unnecessary power consumption.
2Loss of time
If the STA multi-link device sends probe request frames on multiple links simultaneously, then the time to obtain communication information is reduced, but the transmission overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary probing on link 1 to obtain communication information of AP1 before proceeding to probe on link 2. This sequential preliminary action reduces transmission overheads by avoiding redundant probe requests on link 2 that would be sent if all links were probed simultaneously, while still achieving timely acquisition of multi-link communication information.
3Reliability
If the STA multi-link device probes APs on multiple links when a link fault or congestion occurs, then the reliability of information acquisition is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the probing strategy based on link conditions. When link 1 is available, the device probes on link 1 first; when link 2 becomes available or link 1 fails, the device proceeds to probe on link 2. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable information acquisition while optimizing power consumption by only activating probing on links that are actually available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the STA multi-link device to self-adapt to link conditions by automatically selecting which links to probe based on their availability. The device monitors link status and autonomously adjusts its probing behavior, ensuring reliable information acquisition without excessive power consumption by avoiding probing on failed or congested links.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a multi-link device probing method and a communication apparatus, which may be applied to a wireless local area network supporting the 802.11be standard. The method includes: A STA multi-link device generates a probe request frame, where the probe request frame carries first indication information used to indicate an AP multi-link device to feed back communication information of an AP that works on at least one link and that is in the AP multi-link device, the communication information is used by the STA multi-link device to perform multi-link communication with the AP multi-link device, the at least one link includes a second link, and the second link is different from a first link; and the STA multi-link device sends the probe request frame on the first link. Further, the STA multi-link device receives, on the first link, the communication information that is of the AP on the at least one link and that is fed back by the AP multi-link device. It can be learned that, based on the method disclosed in this application, the STA multi-link device can obtain, in time, the communication information of the AP working on the second link.