Single Radio Multi-Link Operation via Channel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 802.11be non-access point (AP) multi-link devices (MLDs) with a single radio cannot fully realize the benefits of multi-link operation due to higher cost and power consumption of concurrent dual-radio MLDs, especially in busy network environments where simultaneous transmission and reception diminish.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link operation system for a single-radio non-AP MLD that listens to two or more channels simultaneously by configuring a 2×2 Tx/Rx module to allocate a 1×1 resource on each channel, adding extra Rx modules, or using wake-up receivers, allowing the AP MLD to transmit control frames on idle channels and enabling the non-AP MLD to respond and receive data on the indicated channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If concurrent dual-radio MLD is used to achieve multi-link operation, then throughput and latency performance is improved, but device cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio functionality into separate transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) modules. The single radio is configured as a 2×2 Tx/Rx module that can allocate 1×1 resources on each channel, effectively dividing the radio resources to support multi-link operation without requiring multiple complete radio chains. This segmentation allows the device to achieve dual-radio-like performance while maintaining single-radio cost structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single radio module universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a 2×2 MIMO radio on a single channel, or be configured as two separate 1×1 radios on different channels. The same hardware infrastructure supports both single-link and multi-link operations, providing adaptability across different network conditions and reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If concurrent dual-radio MLD is used to achieve multi-link operation, then simultaneous transmission and reception capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the radio into configurable 1×1 resources within a 2×2 Tx/Rx module, the patent enables simultaneous transmission and reception on different channels using the same physical radio infrastructure. This avoids the need for separate power-intensive radio chains while achieving the same functional capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single radio is configured to listen to multiple channels, then channel monitoring capability is improved, but channel access coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the AP MLD transmits control frames on idle channels to indicate which channel the non-AP MLD should respond on. This coordinated feedback approach simplifies the channel access coordination by providing explicit instructions from the AP, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from autonomous multi-channel monitoring decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to multi-link operation. A device may configure a single N×N transmit (TX)/receive (RX) radio to a plurality of 1×1 TX/RX radios, where N is a positive integer. The device may monitor a first channel of a plurality of channels to determine its availability. The device may monitor a second channel of the plurality of channels to determine its availability. The device may identify a first control frame received from an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) on the second channel. The device may cause to send a second control frame to the AP MLD on the second channel. The device may configure back to a single N×N TX/RX radio to receive a data frame.