Wi-Fi Multi-Link Mode Selection for Application-Aware Load Balancing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Wi-Fi systems lack the ability to dynamically select optimal multi-link operation (MLO) modes and load balancing options based on application types and WLAN performance characteristics, leading to inefficient data transmission and reception.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism that allows non-AP and AP multi-link devices to select the most suitable MLO mode and load balancing option by considering application characteristics and WLAN performance characteristics, using information from lower layers to determine the optimal configuration for each application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MLO modes are selected based on fixed conventional rules, then device complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidmode selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic MLO mode selection that adapts to changing network conditions and application requirements. The system continuously monitors lower-layer information and application types, then dynamically adjusts the selected MLO mode (STR, NSTR, or eMLSR) to optimize communication efficiency for current conditions rather than using fixed conventional rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors lower-layer information and application performance characteristics, then uses this feedback to intelligently select optimal MLO modes. The feedback loop enables the system to learn from past performance and continuously improve mode selection decisions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If dynamic MLO mode selection based on lower-layer information is implemented, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidselection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the wireless communication system to self-select optimal MLO modes by autonomously analyzing lower-layer information and application requirements. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-optimization without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thereby improving network efficiency while keeping the selection mechanism relatively simple through intelligent autonomous decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If MLO modes are selected without considering application types, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring MLO mode selection to specific application types and their unique requirements. Different applications (e.g., video streaming, gaming, file transfer) receive customized mode selections based on their specific performance needs, rather than applying a uniform operation mode to all applications. This localized optimization achieves high adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12635015B2Multi-link operation (MLO) mode selection
Publication Date: 2026.05.19 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US12635015B2 patent drawing
  • US12635015B2 patent drawing
  • US12635015B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for intelligent multi-link operation (MLO) mode selection are provided. One or more metrics for wireless communication in a wireless network is collected. A set of multi-link operation (MLO) modes available for the wireless communication between a station multi-link device (STA MLD) and a first access point multi-link device (AP MLD) in the wireless network is determined. A first MLO mode of the set of MLO modes is selected based on the one or more collected metrics. The wireless communication is performed using the selected first MLO mode.