STR Multi-Link AP Scheduling Under Self-Interference Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Constrained STR AP MLDs face challenges in efficient scheduling and parameter selection due to in-device interference, limiting the effective utilization of multi-link operations, especially in unlicensed spectrum scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The AP MLD is configured to set up links in multi-link operation with non-AP STAs that are not affiliated with the same MLD, employing intelligent scheduling and parameter selection based on path loss, self-interference, and communication parameters to minimize disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If constrained STR AP MLD performs simultaneous transmit and receive on multiple links, then spectrum utilization is improved, but in-device interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidin-device interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the multi-link operation by identifying STR-constrained link pairs and applying specialized scheduling only to those pairs, while other links can operate independently. This segmentation allows simultaneous TX/RX on segmented link pairs without full-system interference management overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling algorithm dynamically determines whether to schedule simultaneous DL/UL on a link pair based on real-time assessment of STR capability and interference conditions. The system can adaptively switch between simultaneous and non-simultaneous scheduling modes for different link pairs depending on current traffic and interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If joint DL/UL scheduling is implemented for STR-constrained links, then transmission efficiency is improved, but scheduling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling problem is segmented by identifying and separately handling STR-constrained link pairs. The AP MLD determines which link pairs are STR-constrained and applies joint scheduling only to those specific pairs, while other links use independent scheduling, thus reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies joint scheduling selectively to only those link pairs that are STR-constrained, rather than applying it system-wide. This partial application of the complex scheduling algorithm reduces computational overhead while still achieving the benefits of joint scheduling where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If concurrent DL and UL transmissions are scheduled on STR-constrained links, then resource utilization is improved, but interference management difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidinterference management difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of STR capability for each link pair before scheduling. The AP MLD determines whether a link pair is STR-constrained in advance, allowing it to pre-configure appropriate scheduling strategies and interference management mechanisms before actual transmissions occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate classification layer that categorizes link pairs as STR-constrained or non-STR-constrained based on capability assessment. This intermediate classification acts as a mediator that simplifies the interference management task by grouping links with similar interference characteristics together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4265036B1Joint uplink/downlink (DL/UL) scheduling and parameter selection for constrained simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) access point (AP) multi-link devices
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4265036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4265036B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4265036B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for joint downlink/uplink (DL/UL) scheduling and parameter selection for constrained simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) access point (AP) multi-link devices (MLDs). In one embodiment, a STR capable MLD includes an AP STA. The MLD is configured to jointly schedule an uplink communication on a first link and a simultaneous downlink communication on a second link by selecting a first non-access point (non-AP) station (STA) for the uplink communication and a second non-AP STA for the simultaneous downlink communication out of a plurality of non-AP STAs, the first and second links being a STR constrained pair of links, the first link being associated with the first non-AP STA, the second link being associated with the second non-AP STA, and the first and second non-AP STAs not being affiliated with a same MLD.