NSTR SoftAP MLD Link Segmentation for Cross-Link Interference Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless stations (STAs) with limited filtering capabilities experience cross-link interference when transmitting and receiving on multiple communication links, inhibiting simultaneous data transmission and reception, particularly in non-simultaneous transmit-receive (NSTR) soft access point (AP) multi-link devices (MLDs).
Innovation Solution
A NSTR softAP MLD advertises complete profiles of primary and non-primary links only on the primary link, allowing non-legacy devices to associate with both links while limiting legacy devices to the primary link, thereby reducing cross-link interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a STA operates as a softAP MLD on multiple communication links, then the versatility and connectivity of the device are improved, but cross-link interference occurs due to limited filtering capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-link operation by designating one link as primary and others as non-primary. Legacy devices are segmented to operate only on the primary link, while non-legacy devices can access both primary and non-primary links. This segmentation isolates legacy device transmissions to prevent cross-link interference while maintaining multi-link functionality for advanced devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different links: the primary link is configured with legacy device compatibility and complete profile advertising, while non-primary links are configured with restricted profile advertising and inheritance mechanisms. This local quality differentiation allows the system to optimize each link for its specific device type, preventing interference while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If complete profiles of all links are advertised on every link, then device discovery and association are simplified, but transmission overhead and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complete link profile information and advertises it only on the primary link. Non-primary links do not advertise complete profiles but instead use inheritance mechanisms where devices can obtain non-primary link information from the primary link's advertised profile. This extraction approach reduces redundant transmissions while maintaining ease of association.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary advertising of complete profiles on the primary link before devices attempt to associate with non-primary links. Devices that successfully associate on the primary link already possess the necessary profile information, eliminating the need for repeated profile advertisements on non-primary links and reducing overall transmission overhead.
3Area of stationary object
If legacy devices are allowed to associate on non-primary links, then network coverage is expanded, but UL transmissions from legacy devices degrade DL transmissions on primary link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments device access rights by link type: legacy devices are restricted to primary link association only, while non-legacy devices can associate with both primary and non-primary links. This segmentation prevents legacy device uplink transmissions on non-primary links from interfering with downlink transmissions on the primary link, while still maintaining expanded network coverage through non-legacy devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-legacy devices as intermediaries that can operate on non-primary links without causing interference. These intermediary devices have advanced filtering capabilities that prevent them from generating harmful cross-link interference, allowing network coverage expansion while protecting primary link downlink transmissions from degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless station (STA) operating as a non-simultaneous transmit-receive (NSTR) soft access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) is associated with a primary link and a non-primary link. The NSTR softAP MLD transmits, on only the primary link, a frame including a complete profile of the primary link and indicating a complete profile of the non-primary link. The respective complete profiles of the primary link and the non-primary link each include capabilities, operation parameters, and other discovery information. The frame can include fields and elements that carry the complete profile of the primary link, and can include a multi-link (ML) element that indicates the complete profile of the non-primary link. The NSTR softAP MLD can receive or determine an update to the operation parameters of the non-primary link, and can transmit, on the primary link, an indication of the update to the operation parameters of the non-primary link.