Wi-Fi Multi-Link Selection for Consistent STA-to-AP Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of communication between two STAs connected to an AP via multi-link communication can degrade due to differences in communication states and settings between the AP and the STAs, leading to inconsistent communication rates and user experience degradation.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus controls the type of communication (single-link or multi-link) based on the predetermined information of the other communication link, ensuring consistent communication rates by aligning the number and type of links used in both connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-link communication is established between an AP and multiple STAs, then communication capacity and throughput are improved, but communication performance consistency and user experience degrade due to differences in communication states between STAs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where STAs exchange link information and communication state details with each other and with the AP. This feedback allows STAs to adjust their communication parameters based on actual network conditions, ensuring consistent performance across multiple links while maintaining high capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of communication parameters including link selection, modulation schemes, and transmission power based on real-time channel conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance consistency across different STAs while utilizing multiple links for high capacity communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of communication (single-link or multi-link) are used for different STAs, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but communication rate consistency and user experience degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary negotiation and configuration of communication parameters before actual data transmission begins. STAs and AP exchange capability information and establish agreed-upon communication modes in advance, ensuring that all STAs operate at consistent rates while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent works to create equipotential communication conditions by ensuring all STAs have access to similar communication resources and parameters. Through load balancing and fair scheduling mechanisms, the system maintains consistent communication rates across different STAs while preserving adaptability to individual needs.
3Device complexity
If link information is not shared between STAs, then device complexity and overhead are reduced, but communication performance and throughput are limited by suboptimal link selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges link information sharing with existing communication protocols and control mechanisms. By integrating link status reporting into standard handshaking procedures and using existing control channels, the system achieves effective link information sharing without significantly increasing device complexity or overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs link information sharing mechanisms that serve multiple functions simultaneously: capability negotiation, channel condition reporting, and throughput optimization. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve throughput while avoiding redundant control overhead by making existing mechanisms serve multiple purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication apparatus for communicating, via an access point configured to perform communication in accordance with a communication method defined in an IEEE 802.11 standard series, with another communication apparatus connected to the access point, performs first communication with the access point using one of single-link communication and multi-link communication; acquires predetermined information concerning second communication performed between the other communication apparatus and the access point; and executes, based on the predetermined information, control of which of single-link communication and multi-link communication is used to perform the first communication.