Wi-Fi 7 Multi-Link AP Selection Using Active-Link Path Costs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, limit connectivity to a single band at a time, leading to inefficiencies in network throughput, latency, and reliability, while traditional RSSI-based assessment methods are inadequate for selecting the best access point (AP) in Wi-Fi 7 multi-link devices (MLDs) due to multiple links and varying channel conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for Wi-Fi 7 MLDs to determine active links, obtain physical and MAC information, calculate path costs based on RSSI, MAC, and load metrics to select the best AP, optimizing channel scanning and discovery processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional RSSI-based assessment methods are used for AP selection, then the selection process is simple, but the accuracy is inadequate for Wi-Fi 7 multi-link devices due to multiple links and varying channel conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter set from traditional single-RSSI measurement to multiple parameters including RSSI, MAC layer metrics (frame transmission success rate, retransmission count), and load metrics (channel utilization, BSS load). This multi-parameter approach enables accurate AP selection in Wi-Fi 7 MLDs by capturing the complex interactions across multiple links and frequency bands, directly resolving the contradiction between selection accuracy and process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a path cost calculation mechanism as an intermediary that integrates multiple assessment parameters into a unified selection metric. The path cost formula combines RSSI, MAC layer performance metrics, and load metrics with adjustable weights, serving as a mediator that translates complex multi-link conditions into a comparable selection criterion, thereby achieving accurate AP selection without excessive complexity.
2Measurement precision
If channel scanning covers all links and channels thoroughly, then AP selection accuracy is improved, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing channel scanning and RSSI measurement only on active links (links with established connections or recent activity) rather than all possible links. The system maintains a list of active links from previous associations or handovers and prioritizes scanning those first, reducing the overall scanning scope while maintaining selection accuracy for the current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by selectively measuring and evaluating only the most relevant parameters for each link rather than comprehensively analyzing all possible link characteristics. The system measures RSSI, MAC layer metrics, and load metrics only for active links and uses these partial measurements to calculate path costs, achieving sufficient accuracy without the time cost of exhaustive scanning.
3Productivity
If Wi-Fi 7 MLDs operate on multiple links simultaneously, then network throughput and reliability are improved, but the complexity of managing multiple links and selecting optimal AP increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-link management task into independent per-link assessments. Each link is evaluated separately using the same set of metrics (RSSI, MAC layer performance, load metrics), and the results are aggregated through the path cost calculation. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple links systematically without overwhelming complexity, as each link is processed independently using standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal AP selection mechanism that works across all links and frequency bands using a unified path cost calculation framework. The same assessment metrics and selection algorithm are applied consistently to all active links, whether they operate on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands. This universal approach simplifies multi-link management by providing a single, consistent decision-making process that handles diversity in link characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
In implementations of the present disclosure, a solution for selecting an access point (AP) among a plurality of candidate APs is provided. A station (STA) MLD determines active links of a plurality of AP MLDs, and obtains physical information and media access control (MAC) information of the active links based on scanning the active links. The STA MLD further determines a plurality of received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) of the active links for a period of time, and determines a plurality of path costs for the active links based on the plurality of RSSIs, the physical information, and the MAC information. Then, the STA MLD selects an AP MLD from the plurality of AP MLDs based on the plurality of path costs. In this way, the AP MLD quality assessment approach and the evaluation model can be enhanced.