Multi-link TDLS Buffer Status Indication for Sleep State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-link communication technologies lack an effective operation mechanism for handling data buffering in sleep states during Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) communication across multiple frequency bands, leading to inefficiencies in signaling and power usage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link communication method and apparatus that determine and send message frames with identification information indicating buffered data on multiple links, supporting the TDLS function to efficiently manage and transmit data, reducing signaling overhead and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data buffering mechanism is implemented for sleep state devices in multi-link TDLS communication, then data transmission reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first station send a buffer status indication frame to the second station before the second station enters sleep state. This allows the second station to be alerted in advance that data is buffered, so when it wakes up, it can immediately receive and process the buffered data without requiring additional signaling during the sleep state, thus reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the buffer status indication frame that the first station sends to the second station. This feedback mechanism informs the second station about the buffered data status, enabling it to adjust its sleep/wake cycles accordingly. The feedback loop ensures reliable data transmission while optimizing signaling usage by only establishing the buffer status indication when necessary.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multi-link communication supports sleep state for power saving, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first station send buffer status indication frames before the second station enters sleep state. This allows the second station to wake up selectively when data needs to be transmitted, rather than remaining awake continuously. Consequently, power consumption is reduced during sleep periods while data transmission efficiency is maintained through targeted wake-ups and the TDLS function for direct data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action through the TDLS (Tunneled Direct Link Setup) function that enables direct data transfer between stations without requiring continuous connection maintenance. When the second station is in sleep state, the first station can continue buffering and preparing data, and when the second station wakes up, data transmission can resume immediately without interruption, thus maintaining transmission efficiency while allowing power saving during sleep periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TDLS function is supported on multiple links, then communication flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by handling each link independently in the multi-link TDLS communication system. The buffer status indication is sent per-link, and the TDLS function is managed separately for each link. This segmentation approach allows the system to maintain communication flexibility across multiple links while reducing overall complexity by treating each link as an independent unit rather than managing them as a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by using a standardized buffer status indication frame format that can be applied across all links in the multi-link system. The same TDLS function mechanism is used for both single-link and multi-link scenarios, allowing the system to handle multiple links with the same basic building blocks. This multi-functional approach improves communication flexibility while avoiding the need for link-specific complex management mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The multi-link communication method includes: determining a first message frame on one link of multiple links, where the first message frame includes identification information for indicating that data is buffered for a device in a sleep state on at least one link of the multiple links, and a Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) function is supported on the at least one link; and sending the first message frame.