Multi-Link Wi-Fi AP Link Disabling for Lower Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased power consumption of multi-link wireless APs in IEEE-802.11-based wireless communication networks due to the need for multiple power amplifiers to support multiple links, which is constrained by power consumption regulations in consumer and enterprise markets.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a link disable notification management frame to temporarily disable specific links, allowing the AP to suspend traffic on those links while maintaining association with non-AP stations via other enabled links, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of links between multi-link wireless AP and non-AP stations is increased to support high throughput, then data transfer capability is improved, but power consumption increases due to requiring more power amplifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link management where the AP can temporarily disable specific links using a link disable notification management frame when traffic load is low, and re-enable them when high throughput is needed. This dynamic adjustment of link states allows the system to adapt power consumption to actual traffic requirements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high data transfer capability and reducing power consumption during low-traffic periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic monitoring of traffic load and link utilization to determine when to disable or enable links. By periodically assessing network conditions and adjusting link states accordingly, the system can cyclically reduce power consumption during low-traffic intervals while ensuring high throughput capability is restored when needed, addressing the contradiction through time-based resource management
2Productivity
If multiple power amplifiers are deployed to support multiple links, then communication capacity is improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing power amplifiers and links multi-functional by enabling them to serve different purposes at different times. The same physical link infrastructure is used for both high-throughput communication when activated and power-saving mode when disabled. This multi-functionality allows the hardware to support varying communication capacities without requiring additional dedicated components for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple links into a unified management framework where links can be dynamically combined or separated based on traffic needs. Instead of treating each link as a permanently active independent resource, the system combines link management with power control, allowing the same hardware resources to be shared and allocated flexibly across different operational modes
3Use of energy by moving object
If links are disabled to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but communication reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent sends a link disable notification management frame to non-AP stations before actually disabling the link, allowing stations to prepare for the link state change. This preliminary notification ensures that traffic can be smoothly redirected to other active links before the target link is disabled, maintaining communication reliability during the transition and preventing data loss or connection interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains multiple active links as backup pathways before disabling any single link. By ensuring redundant communication paths exist beforehand, the system can afford to disable individual links for power saving while guaranteeing that communication reliability is preserved through alternative routes. This cushioning approach allows aggressive power management without compromising service continuity
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-link wireless AP (110) is configured to exchange a plurality of frames via a plurality of setup links with a plurality of multi-link wireless non-AP stations (120) in a wireless communication network (100). The multi-link wireless AP (110) comprises a communication interface (113) configured to send a management frame to at least one of the plurality of multi-link wireless non-AP stations (120) operating on a first setup link, wherein the management frame comprises information for the at least one of the plurality of multi-link wireless non-AP stations (120) for identifying at least the first setup link of the plurality of setup links to be disabled. The multi-link wireless AP (110) further comprises a processing circuitry (111) configured to, in response to sending the management frame, disable at least the first setup link for reducing a power required to operate at least the first setup link.