P2P Link Scheduling with AP Feedback for Multi-Link Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-link operation (MLO) wireless systems, the formation of non-simultaneous transmission and reception (NSTR) link pairs between client devices reduces the effectiveness of communication links, as conventional methods like signaling a doze state are insufficient for periodic P2P traffic, and stations do not inform the access point (AP) about busy channels.

Innovation Solution

A station indicates the existence of P2P links and the time periods it will operate on these links to the AP, allowing the AP to avoid forming NSTR link pairs by directing the station to alternative channels using Target Wake Time (TWT) mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a station establishes P2P communication links independently without informing the AP, then the station can maintain direct communication with peer devices, but the AP cannot coordinate to avoid forming NSTR link pairs, reducing overall system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveP2P communication reliabilityVSAvoidMulti-link operation throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The station provides feedback to the AP about its P2P link status and busy channel information. The AP uses this feedback to coordinate link formation and avoid creating NSTR link pairs, thereby maintaining both P2P communication reliability and multi-link operation throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The AP acts as an intermediary between the station and the network. The station informs the AP about P2P links, and the AP uses this information to mediate link formation decisions, preventing NSTR conflicts while maintaining P2P communication effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the AP allows all communication links to operate simultaneously, then the overall network capacity increases, but NSTR link pairs form when stations need to transmit and receive on different links at the same time, reducing link effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNetwork capacityVSAvoidLink effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts link formation based on real-time station status information. The AP coordinates link formation by considering whether stations are in transmit or receive states, dynamically preventing NSTR link pairs while maintaining high network capacity through alternative link configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional doze state signaling is used to indicate link unavailability, then power saving can be achieved, but periodic P2P traffic cannot be properly handled as stations do not inform the AP about busy channels

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePower consumptionVSAvoidBusy channel information

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The station performs preliminary action by informing the AP about P2P link status and busy channels before actual communication conflicts occur. This allows the AP to proactively coordinate link formation and avoid NSTR situations, maintaining both power efficiency and information accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12446086B2Coordinating multi-link operation with communication links

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for wireless communication at a first station. The method generally includes establishing at least one communication link with a second station and transmitting, to a first MLD, an indication of the communication link and a time period in which the first station will operate on the communication link.