Multi-Link STA Traffic Indication for Lower Wi-Fi Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high power consumption of multi-link devices in IEEE 802.11 next-generation wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) protocols due to simultaneous operation of multiple links is a challenge that existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that reduces power consumption by allowing only one station in a multi-link device to receive downlink traffic indication information on a primary link, enabling other stations to enter a doze state when no data is transmitted, thereby eliminating the need for individual traffic indications on each link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple links operate simultaneously in a multi-link device, then the throughput and data transmission rate are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the downlink traffic indication information reception function into a single active STA within the multi-link device. Instead of each STA independently receiving traffic indications, the system merges this function to one STA that receives indications for all links, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining throughput capabilities through multi-link operation
Solution Approach 2:
The single active STA performs multiple functions: it receives downlink traffic indication information for itself and for other STAs in the multi-link device, and uses this information to control power states of multiple STAs across different links. This multi-functional approach reduces the total number of STAs that need to be awake, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining system productivity
2Reliability
If each station receives downlink traffic indication information on its respective link, then traffic awareness is maintained, but power consumption increases due to multiple stations needing to remain awake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the single active STA acts as a mediator that receives downlink traffic indication information and uses this information to determine when other STAs should enter doze state. This intermediary approach maintains traffic awareness across all links while allowing multiple STAs to enter low-power states, thereby reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the active STA continuously monitors downlink traffic indication information and adjusts the power states of other STAs accordingly. When the active STA detects no downlink traffic for a particular STA, it can instruct that STA to enter doze state, creating a feedback loop that maintains traffic awareness while optimizing power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a communication method between multi-link devices and an apparatus, and relate to the field of communications technologies, to reduce power consumption of a station multi-link device. A specific solution is as follows: A multi-link device includes a plurality of STAs, one STA operates on one of a plurality of links, and the STA determines a primary link in the plurality of links. A STA operating on the primary link in the multi-link device may receive information sent by the AP indicating whether the STA operating on the primary link has a downlink traffic, and/or information indicating whether a STA operating on a link other than the primary link has a downlink traffic. Therefore, the STA operating on the primary link may determine a link on which the STA having a downlink traffic operates in the multi-link device.