Multilink Device Fast Link Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN communication protocols limit multilink devices to a single channel, leading to long and unpredictable channel access issues that hinder extremely low latency (ELL) communications due to interference or channel unavailability, making it difficult to support seamless switching between channels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a processor and transceiver in multilink devices to select and switch between multiple communication links, allowing for immediate switching to a secondary link when the primary link becomes unavailable, thereby avoiding delays in packet transfer and maintaining ELL communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single channel is used for WLAN communication, then device complexity is reduced, but channel availability and communication reliability deteriorate due to interference and unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication system into multiple independent links (first link, second link, etc.) operating on different channels. Each link can function independently, allowing the system to segment communication paths to avoid single-point failures and channel unavailability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the channel parameter by switching between different frequency channels (first channel, second channel) when interference or unavailability is detected. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying channel conditions and maintain communication reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple communication links are implemented, then communication reliability improves through link switching, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes multiple links and monitors their status in advance before communication failures occur. The system detects channel unavailability proactively and switches to backup links before complete communication breakdown, ensuring continuity while managing complexity through preparedness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors link availability and automatically triggers link switching when degradation is detected. This closed-loop control maintains communication reliability while managing complexity through automated responses to channel conditions.
3Loss of time
If link switching is implemented, then latency is reduced by avoiding channel access delays, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to skip problematic channels and rapidly switch to available alternative links when channel access delays are detected. This rushing through of blocked paths eliminates waiting time and reduces latency by bypassing congested or unavailable channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic link selection where the system can adaptively switch between static links based on real-time channel conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to respond to changing network environments, reducing latency by automatically selecting the most available link.
Data Source
AI summary
A first multilink device (MLD) is configured to communicate with a second MLD using at least two communication links. The first MLD selects a first link of the at least two communication links for communications between the first MLD and the second MLD, detects that the first link is unavailable for communications, switches a radio of the first MLD to a second link of the at least two communication links, transmits an alert to the second MLD regarding the switching from the first one of the at least two communication links to the second one of the at least two communication links and communicates with the second MLD via the second link.