Multi-Link WLAN Power Saving Through Alternating Awake-Doze States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless LAN devices operating on multiple links face increased power consumption, necessitating low-power communication techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for power-saving operations on multiple links, where a station (STA) affiliated with a multi-link device (MLD) performs communications on different links while alternating between awake and doze states, and transmits frames indicating power-saving status to an access point (AP) MLD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a device operates on multiple links to provide higher throughput, then communication speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling STAs to alternately switch between awake and doze states on different links. Each STA periodically wakes up to perform communication tasks (receiving beacon frames, transmitting PS-Poll frames, exchanging data) then returns to doze state, creating a rhythmic pattern of activity that maintains multi-link throughput while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operational state of each STA flexible and adaptable rather than static. STAs dynamically transition between awake and doze states based on communication needs, allowing the system to optimize power consumption in real-time while maintaining the capability for high-speed multi-link communication when required.
2Reliability
If STAs continuously operate in awake state on multiple links, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having STAs perform necessary communication tasks (receiving beacon frames containing traffic information, transmitting PS-Poll frames to request data) before entering doze state. This ensures that all critical communication activities are completed in advance while awake, allowing the STA to reliably switch to low-power mode without compromising communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where STAs receive beacon frames from APs that contain traffic indication information, and APs receive PS-Poll frames from STAs to determine when to transmit data. This feedback loop ensures that communication reliability is maintained by coordinating wake-up and sleep cycles between STAs and APs, allowing STAs to enter doze state confidently knowing that communication needs will be met when they wake up.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for low power operation in a wireless LAN supporting an MLSR operation are disclosed. The method of an STA MLD comprises steps in which: a power saving operation is performed in a first link and a second link; a first STA receives a beacon frame from a first AP associated with an AP MLD while the first STA associated with the STA MLD operates in an awake state in the first link; the first STA performs first communication with the first AP in the first link on the basis of the beacon frame; and, after completion of the first communication, a second STA performs second communication with a second AP associated with the AP MLD while the second STA associated with the STA MLD operates in the awake state in the second link.