Wi-Fi STR Block Acknowledgment for Low-Latency Multi-Link Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing BA mechanisms in Wi-Fi technology struggle to meet low-latency transmission requirements, particularly in high-density communication environments, due to lengthy feedback times for block acknowledgments.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a communication method that sends data frames in a first communication link and simultaneous block acknowledgment requests in a second communication link, utilizing a simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) link pair to expedite feedback and reduce overall transmission time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the existing block acknowledgement mechanism is used to feedback 1024 MSDUs in one link, then the bandwidth utilization is improved, but the transmission latency increases and low-latency requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the feedback process by separating data transmission and block acknowledgement requests into different links. Data frames are transmitted on a first link while BA requests are sent on a second link, allowing parallel processing and reducing the time for feedback completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension by utilizing multiple communication links (Link 1 and Link 2) for different purposes. Instead of using a single link for both data transmission and feedback, the system distributes these functions across different links, enabling simultaneous operations and reducing latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple frequency bands are aggregated and coordinated for high-speed transmission, then the throughput is improved, but the system complexity increases requiring new MAC mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidMAC mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by using multiple links that can serve different purposes. The same communication infrastructure (multiple links) is utilized for both high-speed data transmission and efficient feedback mechanisms, making the system versatile without requiring entirely separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple links into a coordinated system where Link 1 and Link 2 work together. The multi-link device coordinates transmissions across both links, merging their capabilities to achieve high throughput while managing feedback efficiently through the STR mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If block acknowledgement requests are sent after data transmission completes on the same link, then the protocol simplicity is maintained, but the feedback time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol simplicityVSAvoidfeedback time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by sending the block acknowledgement request on Link 2 while data transmission is still in progress on Link 1. This anticipatory feedback mechanism reduces the overall feedback time without complicating the protocol, as the BA request is prepared and sent in advance of the actual acknowledgement completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that while data transmission occurs on Link 1, the feedback mechanism on Link 2 operates simultaneously without interruption. This parallel continuous operation eliminates idle waiting time and maintains high utilization of the communication system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4507224B1Communication method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4507224B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4507224B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4507224B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the technical field of mobile communication and provide a communication method, an apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The communication method comprises: sending a first data frame by a first communication connection with a receiving end; and sending a first block acknowledgment request (BA request) frame corresponding to the first data frame by a second communication connection with the receiving end; wherein the first communication connection and the second communication connection are a simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) connection pair. An embodiment of the present invention solves the problem of a current BA mechanism having difficulty in satisfying a low delay transmission requirement.