Wi-Fi Link Selection Module for Asymmetric Multi-Link Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Wi-Fi multi-link operation methods, such as EMLSR, are not suitable for environments with unbalanced links and have limitations in low to medium overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) load, necessitating an improvement in transmission efficiency across asymmetric links.
Innovation Solution
A Wi-Fi device with a media access control (MAC) module that includes a link selection module to dynamically control transmission on high and low performance links, utilizing duration information from header portions of PPDU frames to adaptively select transmission configurations and perform coherent transmission, thereby optimizing data transfer on both high and low performance links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional Wi-Fi multi-link operation methods (EMLSR) are used, then device complexity is reduced, but throughput is limited in asymmetric link environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link selection where the MAC module continuously monitors link conditions and adaptively switches between high-performance and low-performance links based on real-time status. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize throughput in asymmetric link environments without requiring complex pre-configuration, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simplicity and achieving high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes transmission parameters by selecting different links based on their performance characteristics. The MAC module evaluates link conditions and modifies transmission behavior by switching between links with different capacities, thereby adapting to asymmetric link environments and improving overall throughput without increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If transmission on low performance link is utilized, then overall throughput is enhanced, but transmission time coordination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC module employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring duration information from PPDU frames and link conditions, then using this information to make intelligent transmission decisions. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to coordinate transmissions on multiple links efficiently, minimizing transmission time losses while maximizing overall throughput in asymmetric environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of link conditions and duration information before initiating transmissions. By evaluating link status in advance and selecting appropriate links beforehand, the system avoids transmission conflicts and coordination delays, thereby reducing transmission time losses while enhancing overall throughput.
3Productivity
If dynamic link selection is implemented, then transmission efficiency is optimized, but MAC module complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC module is segmented into functional units that handle specific tasks: one unit monitors link conditions and duration information, another unit makes transmission decisions, and a third unit executes transmissions. This segmentation allows dynamic link selection to be implemented without proportionally increasing overall MAC module complexity, as each segment handles a specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC module implements self-service by autonomously monitoring its own link conditions and making transmission decisions without requiring external control. This self-service capability allows dynamic link selection to be implemented with minimal additional complexity, as the system manages its own optimization without requiring complex external coordination.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi) device and a transmission control method are provided. The Wi-Fi device selectively transmits at least a data division of a transmission data on a low performance link based on several parameters. The parameters include a start time point of a backoff procedure of the low performance link, a duration information associated with another Wi-Fi device on a high performance link, and some predefined exception conditions. By overhearing status of another Wi-Fi device on the high performance link, the Wi-Fi device attempts to acquire the duration information. If the duration information can be acquired, the Wi-Fi device calculates a coherent remnant-duration accordingly. Then, the Wi-Fi device determines whether the transmission data should be transmitted immediately on the low performance link, transmitted later on the high performance link, or partially transmitted on the low performance link.