Multi-Link TWT Element Configuration for WLAN Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IEEE 802.11 standard-based wireless local area networks (WLANs) cannot receive information for configuring a service period on a second link through a first link during target wake time (TWT) operations, leading to inefficient power management and communication performance, especially in the 6 GHz band where legacy systems are absent and enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) is prohibited.
Innovation Solution
A method where a receiving station in a WLAN system supports multi-links, receives a TWT element through a first link via a beacon, configures the TWT period for the second link, and performs communication within that period using the second link, enabling efficient signal transmission and reducing power consumption by utilizing OFDMA random access resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a receiving STA operates at low power using TWT technology, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to receive and transmit information on multiple links is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication system into multiple links (first link and second link) with distinct functions. The first link is used for receiving TWT elements and control information, while the second link is used for data transmission during TWT service periods. This segmentation allows the receiving STA to maintain low power consumption on the first link while enabling multi-link communication capability through the second link.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the receiving STA to support multiple links with different functionalities. The first link provides TWT configuration and control, while the second link provides data transmission capability. This multi-functionality allows the STA to operate at low power while still maintaining adaptability to communicate on multiple links when needed.
2Device complexity
If information for configuring service period is transmitted only on the same link, then system complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency on multiple links is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the first link as an intermediary to transmit TWT elements that contain configuration information for the second link. The TWT element acts as a mediator that carries service period configuration data from the transmitting STA on the first link, enabling the receiving STA to configure and communicate on the second link without direct configuration signaling on that link.
3Reliability
If EDCA is prohibited in the 6 GHz band to improve performance, then communication performance is enhanced, but flexibility in channel access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic TWT service periods on the second link where the receiving STA wakes up at predetermined intervals to transmit trigger frames and receive data. This periodic action provides structured channel access that enhances communication performance by reducing contention, while still maintaining adaptability through configurable service period parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
The method executed in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, according to various embodiments, may comprise: a step in which a reception station (STA), which supports a multilink comprising a first link and a second link, receives a target wake time (TWT) element via the first link, wherein the TWT element is received via a beacon and includes information for TWT period configuration for the second link; a step in which the reception STA configures a TWT period for the second link on the basis of the TWT element; and a step in which the reception STA communicates with a transmission STA via the second link within the TWT period.