Non-Collocated Multi-Link Device Access Point Transition Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication technologies face challenges in ensuring smooth mobility with zero or low latency and minimal packet loss during transitions between access points, particularly for non-collocated multi-link devices (MLDs) operating under IEEE 802.11be standards, as they lack efficient protocols for transitioning between different access points without disrupting connectivity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of transition logic circuitry that enables non-collocated multi-link devices to associate and transition links between access point stations of different access point multi-link devices, using protocols that manage link associations, security keys, and buffer updates to maintain seamless connectivity across different frequency bands and access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wireless transition protocols are used, then device mobility is supported, but latency increases and packet loss occurs during access point transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity stabilityVSAvoidtransition latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes link associations between non-AP MLD and AP STAs of different AP MLDs in advance, before actual transition occurs. This preliminary setup of multiple potential links allows the device to switch access points without interruption, as the target link is already established and ready for immediate use when transition is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a non-collocated AP MLD as an intermediary that maintains link associations with multiple AP STAs across different AP MLDs. This intermediary structure enables seamless transition by providing pre-established alternative paths, acting as a buffer that eliminates direct transition interruptions between APs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional wireless transition protocols are used, then access point switching is possible, but packet loss increases during transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess point switching capabilityVSAvoidpacket loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Link associations are established in advance with multiple AP STAs before transition is needed. This preliminary configuration ensures that when a transition occurs, the target link is already set up and ready, preventing packet loss that would normally occur during the transition process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous link associations across multiple AP STAs simultaneously, ensuring that data transmission can continue uninterrupted during transition. The non-collocated MLD keeps multiple links active and ready, allowing seamless handover without breaking the data flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If link associations are established between non-collocated AP MLDs, then transition smoothness improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition smoothnessVSAvoidprotocol management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The non-collocated AP MLD is designed to perform multiple functions: it can associate with multiple different AP MLDs, maintain multiple link associations simultaneously, and facilitate transitions between them. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms into a single versatile component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-managed transitions where the non-AP MLD can autonomously switch between pre-established links with different AP MLDs based on conditions such as signal quality or network requirements, without requiring complex centralized control or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230139206A1Methods and arrangements for transition between access points of a non-collocated multi-link device

Publication Date: 2023.05.04 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Logic to generate and parse first medium access control (MAC) request frame to add new links between a non-AP MLD and a second AP MLD affiliated with the non-collocated AP MLD, the frame to comprise a first address field comprising a receiver address (RA) that identifies the first AP MLD; a recipient field comprising a value to identify the non-collocated AP MLD; a link add field to request addition of one or more new links and to maintain current links unchanged. Logic to generate a first MAC frame to confirm addition of new links. Logic to receive or cause transmission of a second MAC frame to indicate successful enablement of the new links by association of the new links with the one or more TIDs. And logic to receive or cause transmission of a third MAC frame comprising a link removal field for removal of the old links.