NSTR Power Save for Multi-Link Receiver Doze Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-link communication devices in non-simultaneous transmission and reception modes face inefficiencies due to unnecessary power consumption when one link is active while another is idle, as the receiver must remain awake, even if no data is being received on that link.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Non-Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (NSTR) Power Save (PS) mode where devices can transition to a doze state on idle links by coordinating power transitions between access point and non-access point multi-link devices using indication frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a communication device remains in an awake state to support non-simultaneous transmission and reception, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management by link by introducing per-link power save states. Each link can independently transition to a doze state or remain awake based on its specific traffic conditions, rather than forcing all links to maintain the same power state. This is achieved through the NSTR PS mode where the receiver can selectively doze on links with no buffered data while remaining awake on links with pending transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power state transitions where the receiver's power state is not fixed but changes based on real-time buffer status. The receiver transitions between awake and doze states dynamically according to whether data is buffered for transmission, controlled through coordination frames that signal the transmitter's buffering status. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability only when necessary while saving power when unnecessary.
2Reliability
If the receiver remains in an awake state to receive potential data, then data reception reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the transmitter indicate in advance whether it has data buffered for transmission on specific links. Through coordination frames sent before the receiver needs to decide its power state, the transmitter provides foresight about upcoming transmission needs. This allows the receiver to make informed decisions about entering doze state, ensuring it remains awake only when data is actually coming, thus maintaining reliability while improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver's power state decisions are coordinated with the transmitter's data buffer status. The transmitter sends indication frames feedback about its buffering state, and the receiver adjusts its power state accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the receiver maintains high reliability when data is expected while efficiently dozing when no data is buffered, resolving the energy-reliability tradeoff.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication between an access point multi-link device and a non-access point multi-link device, of a multi-link pair using non-simultaneous transmission and reception, is through multiple communication links. Indications may be shared between the multi-link devices through the multiple communication links. For example, an indication may be shared by the access point multi-link device with the non-access point multi-link device on a first communication link to indicate that further traffic exists on a second communication link. Based on the indication, for example, the non-access point multi-link device may cause a multi-link device associated with the non-access point multi-link device to transition from a first power state to a second power state to prepare for the traffic.