Off-Channel TDLS Links for Multi-Link Devices Without Channel Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems with Multi-Link Devices (MLDs) face inefficiencies in using off-channels for Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) due to repeated channel switches between base and off-channels, disrupting communication with the access point (AP).

Innovation Solution

Establish a durable TDLS direct link on an off-channel using a new link identifier (ID) that is independent of the base channel, allowing non-AP MLDs to communicate with the AP through another link without repeated channel switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If non-AP MLDs use off-channels for TDLS transmission, then interference with AP communication is reduced, but repeated channel switches between base and off-channels disrupt communication stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference with AP communicationVSAvoidcommunication stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication function by introducing a virtual AP that handles TDLS traffic separately from the real AP that handles infrastructure traffic. This segmentation allows TDLS peer STAs to communicate on off-channels without switching, while the real AP continues operating on base channels without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual AP acts as an intermediary entity that receives and forwards TDLS frames between peer STAs. This intermediary enables off-channel TDLS communication while maintaining the real AP's base channel operations, eliminating the need for repeated channel switches and ensuring communication stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If non-AP MLDs establish TDLS direct link on base channel, then setup is simpler, but P2P traffic competes with other traffic to/from AP causing congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTDLS setup simplicityVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension by creating a virtual AP that operates in parallel with the real AP. This allows TDLS traffic to be routed through a separate communication path (via virtual AP on off-channels), eliminating competition with infrastructure traffic on base channels while maintaining simplified setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Shape

If non-AP MLDs switch between base and off-channels for TDLS, then off-channel usage is achieved, but channel switching increases latency and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel usage patternVSAvoidchannel switching latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual AP is pre-configured with off-channel parameters and TDLS capabilities before TDLS communication begins. This preliminary setup allows peer STAs to immediately communicate on off-channels without performing channel switches during operation, eliminating switching latency and improving transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260046962A1Off-channel TDLS communication for multi-link devices

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 CANON KK

AI summary

A non-AP MLD (120) obtains a link ID, which defines an off-link corresponding to at least one off-channel (172b) that does not overlap the channel(s) used by the AP device. The non-AP MLD (120) establishes, through the channel(s) used by the AP device, a TDLS direct link, between a first TDLS STA, (122) affiliated with the non-AP MLD (120) and a second TDLS STA (132) of a second non-AP MLD (130), using the link ID as an indication of the off-link for the TDLS direct link. The non-AP MLD (120) operates a peer-to-peer communication between the first and second TDLS STAs, over the off-link.