Wireless Link Aggregation Signaling for Multi-Link Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing multi-link aggregation setups and reconfigurations, particularly in terms of signaling for link aggregation, which can lead to increased complexity and inefficiencies in throughput, latency, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implement improved signaling methods for link aggregation setup, reconfiguration, and tear down, including the exchange of aggregation capability information through data, control, and management frames, with options for packet-based and flow-based aggregation, and dynamic or semi-static signaling to manage multi-link sessions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-link aggregation is implemented to increase throughput and reduce latency, then network capacity and spectral utilization are improved, but signaling complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aggregation capability information into distinct fields within frame structures (e.g., capability fields in management frames, control frames, or data frames). This segmentation allows the signaling to be organized into manageable units that can be processed independently, reducing the overall complexity of handling aggregation setup and reconfiguration while enabling parallel processing of different capability parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for capability signaling by embedding aggregation capability information within existing frame structures (management frames, control frames, data frames) rather than using separate dedicated signaling channels. This multi-dimensional approach allows capability exchange to occur alongside regular data and control traffic, utilizing the existing communication dimensionality efficiently and avoiding additional signaling overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic signaling is used for link aggregation setup and reconfiguration, then adaptability and responsiveness are improved, but processing overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by exchanging aggregation capability information during the initial association or connection setup phase. Devices advertise their aggregation capabilities in advance using capability fields in management or control frames, so that when link aggregation needs to be established or reconfigured, both devices already have the necessary capability information cached and ready, eliminating the need for time-consuming capability negotiation at the moment of aggregation setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating aggregation capability information across multiple frame types and transmission opportunities. Capability information is embedded in management frames, control frames, and data frames, creating redundant copies that can be retrieved from any available frame type. This copying approach allows devices to quickly obtain capability information without waiting for specific signaling exchanges, reducing processing time while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A wireless device may identify an aggregation capability to communicate in parallel over a plurality of wireless links. The wireless device may in some cases broadcast this aggregation capability (e.g., periodically). Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device may transmit the aggregation capability in response to a request received from another wireless device. In some cases, the first wireless device may transmit a request to a second wireless device inquiring about aggregation capabilities of the second wireless device. The second wireless device may respond with its aggregation capabilities (e.g., or may broadcast its aggregation capabilities independently of receiving the response). The wireless devices may establish a multi-link session based at least in part on the indicated aggregation capabilities.