Multi-Link AP Parameter Signaling for NSTR Non-Primary Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks with multi-link devices (MLDs) experiencing in-device coexistence interference, non-simultaneous-transmit-and-receive (NSTR) MLDs face challenges in discovering NSTR access point (AP) MLDs and obtaining updated basic service set (BSS) parameters, particularly on non-primary links.
Innovation Solution
APs affiliated with NSTR AP MLDs indicate their affiliation and the presence of a neighbor AP on a non-primary link through specific indicators in Beacon or Probe Response frames, allowing non-AP MLDs to discover and obtain necessary system parameters without sending additional requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an NSTR AP MLD designates one link as primary and transmits Beacon and Probe Response frames only on the primary link, then in-device coexistence interference is avoided, but non-AP MLDs cannot discover the NSTR AP MLD on non-primary links and cannot obtain updated BSS parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the primary link as an intermediary to convey information about the non-primary link. Specifically, the AP transmits Beacon and Probe Response frames on the primary link that contain indicators about the non-primary link's operational status and BSS parameters, enabling non-AP MLDs to discover the NSTR AP MLD and obtain necessary information without requiring the non-primary link to transmit these frames independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the AP pre-announce the existence and parameters of the non-primary link through Beacon and Probe Response frames transmitted on the primary link. This allows non-AP MLDs to be informed in advance about the NSTR AP MLD's multi-link operation capabilities and current BSS parameters before actually attempting to use the non-primary link, avoiding the need for real-time discovery attempts that would fail.
2Productivity
If Beacon and Probe Response frames are transmitted only on the primary link, then simultaneous transmission and reception on both links is maintained, but non-AP MLDs must send additional probe requests to discover and obtain system parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the discovery and parameter acquisition functions into the existing Beacon and Probe Response frame structures. By incorporating NSTR-specific indicators and BSS parameter information directly into these regularly transmitted frames on the primary link, the system combines multiple information delivery functions into a single transmission mechanism, eliminating the need for separate discovery procedures and reducing time loss.
3Device complexity
If the AP transmits system parameters on the primary link only, then device complexity is reduced, but information availability on non-primary link decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the primary link universally responsible for conveying all BSS parameter information for both the primary and non-primary links. The Beacon and Probe Response frames on the primary link serve multiple functions: announcing the AP's presence, describing primary link parameters, and simultaneously providing information about the non-primary link's availability and parameters. This multi-functional approach maintains simple transmission mechanisms while ensuring comprehensive information availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A station, STA, receives an indication from a first access point, AP, on one of a plurality of links that is not a non-primary link among the plurality of links comprising at least a primary link and the non-primary link (610). Based on the indication, the STA determines (620) that: [i] the first AP is affiliated with a non-simultaneous-transmit-and-receive, NSTR, AP multi-link device, MLD, and [ii] a second AP, as a neighbor AP of the first AP, is affiliated with the NSTR AP MLD and is operating on the non-primary link.