Multi-Link Uplink Reachability Using First-Link Frame Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-link devices lack a method to determine link reachability in the uplink direction, leading to potential communication disruptions as multi-link STAs may send data on unreachable links.
Innovation Solution
A link reachability determining method for multi-link devices, where a multi-link STA or AP receives a frame containing transmit power and antenna gain information to assess uplink reachability, allowing it to identify reachable links and reduce power consumption by scanning only the first link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-link STA scans all links to determine reachability, then link reachability determination is comprehensive, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link scanning process by identifying that only the first link needs to be scanned for reachability determination. The multi-link STA receives indication information on the first link that indicates reachability of multiple links, eliminating the need to scan all links individually. This segmentation reduces power consumption while maintaining comprehensive reachability determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the multi-link AP pre-calculate and indicate link reachability information in the received frame before the STA needs to make transmission decisions. The reachability information is prepared in advance and transmitted to the STA, so the STA does not need to perform energy-consuming scans to determine reachability.
2Productivity
If a multi-link STA sends data on all available links, then data transmission opportunities increase, but communication reliability decreases due to unreachable links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the multi-link AP provide reachability indication information to the multi-link STA through received frames. This feedback mechanism allows the STA to know which links are reachable and which are not, enabling it to send data only on reachable links. The AP continuously provides updated reachability information, ensuring the STA makes informed transmission decisions.
3Measurement precision
If link reachability information is provided for all links, then determination accuracy improves, but frame size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single received frame on the first link to convey reachability information for multiple links simultaneously. The indication information in the frame serves multiple purposes: it indicates reachability of the first link and also provides reachability status for other links. This multi-functionality approach provides comprehensive reachability information without proportionally increasing frame size or processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A link reachability determining method to enable a multi-link device to determine whether a link is reachable in an uplink direction, includes: a multi-link STA receives a first frame sent by a multi-link AP on a first link, where the first frame includes transmit power and antenna gain information of each AP of the multi-link AP; and then, the multi-link STA determines, based on the first frame, whether each of M links supported by the multi-link STA is reachable in an uplink direction.