Multi-Link Wireless Terminal Channel Access Across Single-Radio Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in efficiently utilizing multiple links for wireless communication, particularly in environments with high-density stations and access points, leading to inefficiencies and interference.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication method and terminal that utilize a single radio multi-link device with multiple stations operating on multiple links, employing a transceiver and processor to manage channel access and RF chain usage, including null data packet sounding sequences and control frames to optimize communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple stations operate on multiple links simultaneously, then wireless communication throughput is improved, but interference and channel access conflicts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication throughputVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication system into multiple independent links (first link and second link) operating at different frequency bands. Each link can operate independently with its own channel access mechanism, allowing simultaneous transmissions without interference. The multi-link device manages these segmented links separately, enabling parallel data transmission while avoiding the interference that would occur in a single shared medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a frequency dimension by operating multiple links at different frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). This dimensional separation allows simultaneous transmissions on different links without interfering with each other, as the transmissions occur in orthogonal frequency domains rather than competing for the same spectral resource.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single radio device switches RF chains between links, then multi-link operation is enabled, but channel access delays and communication interruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-link operation capabilityVSAvoidchannel access delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary channel access procedures before switching RF chains between links. The device performs channel assessment and secures channel access rights in advance of the RF chain switch, ensuring that the transition between links does not result in lost transmission opportunities or interference conflicts. This preliminary action prevents communication interruptions during link switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the RF chain switching function and the channel access control. This intermediary manages the timing and sequencing of RF chain switches, ensuring that switches occur only when channel conditions permit and that proper clear channel assessment is performed before and after switches, thereby minimizing access delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If RF chain switching is performed between links, then link flexibility is improved, but transmission errors and reliability issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelink switching flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements cushioning measures before RF chain switching by performing clear channel assessment and securing channel access rights in advance. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the RF chain switch occurs in a protected time window where no other transmissions are expected, preventing transmission errors that would result from switching during active transmissions. The cushioning time includes clear channel assessment periods and inter-frame spaces that buffer the switching operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20260067948A1Wireless communication method using multiple links, and wireless communication terminal using same

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 WILUS INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS & TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a station communicating with a single radio multi-link device, which includes a plurality of stations operating on a plurality of links but does not support simultaneous transmission and reception by the plurality of stations. The station comprises a transmitting/receiving unit and a processor. The processor transmits a control frame to a first station of the single radio multi-link device by using the transmitting/receiving unit, receives a response to the control frame from the first station of the single radio multi-link device, and starts a null data packet (NDP) sounding sequence for the first station of the single radio multi-link device.