Single-Radio Multi-Link Operation Using Shared Link Occupancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-link single-radio (MLSR) devices lack real-time access to physical and virtual carrier sense (P-CRS and V-CRS) of other links, limiting their performance in terms of latency and design complexity due to the inability to perform real-time link/channel access and selection.
Innovation Solution
Network-aided multi-link operation where MLSR devices share link occupancy information via frames, such as RTS or CTS, to obtain virtual carrier sense information of other links, enabling improved latency and power savings by avoiding unnecessary channel switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If MLSR devices operate on only one link at a time, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but real-time link access and selection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network entity (access point or controller) as an intermediary that collects and distributes link occupancy information to MLSR devices. This mediator enables MLSR devices to access real-time carrier sense information across multiple links without requiring them to monitor all links directly, thus maintaining low device complexity while improving real-time link access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity performs preliminary actions by proactively collecting link occupancy information from multiple links and making it available to MLSR devices before the devices need to make link selection decisions. This advance preparation eliminates the need for MLSR devices to perform complex real-time monitoring, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and real-time capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If MLSR devices perform channel switching to access other links, then link selection flexibility is improved, but latency increases due to switching time
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity performs preliminary actions by proactively collecting link occupancy information from multiple links and making it available to MLSR devices before the devices need to make link selection decisions. This advance preparation eliminates the need for MLSR devices to perform complex real-time monitoring, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and real-time capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network entity continuously monitors link occupancy status and provides updated information to MLSR devices. This real-time feedback enables devices to make informed link selection decisions without unnecessary channel switching, reducing latency while maintaining flexibility
3Measurement precision
If enhanced MLSR devices add control links to monitor all channels, then real-time carrier sense access is improved, but silicon area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network entity (access point or controller) as an intermediary that collects and distributes link occupancy information to MLSR devices. This mediator enables MLSR devices to access real-time carrier sense information across multiple links without requiring them to monitor all links directly, thus maintaining low device complexity while improving real-time link access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex function of multi-link monitoring from the MLSR device and relocates it to a network entity. This separation allows MLSR devices to remain simple and low-power while still accessing comprehensive carrier sense information through the network entity's monitoring capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first multi-link operation (MLO) device and a second MLO device. The first MLO device is to send a frame to the second MLO device via a first link. The frame includes a link occupancy information field, including link occupancy information of a second link.