WLAN Multi-Link Radio Chain Switching for Low-Latency Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLAN systems face challenges in quickly transmitting data with low latency, particularly during data reception from another WLAN terminal, and in efficiently utilizing multiple links for reduced transmission latency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an enhanced multi-link radio (EMLMR) operation in WLAN systems, where stations and access points coordinate the use of multiple chains on different links to facilitate rapid data transmission by switching radio chains based on initial and trigger frames, enabling efficient sharing of transmission opportunities (TXOP) to meet low-latency requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single link is used for data transmission in WLAN, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission latency increases for latency-sensitive data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link switching where the radio chain can be flexibly moved between first and second links based on real-time transmission needs. The system transitions from a static single-link configuration to a dynamic multi-link configuration, allowing the radio chain to be reassigned to different links depending on which link has available transmission opportunities (TXOP), thereby reducing latency without permanently increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single radio chain to serve multiple links universally. Instead of dedicating separate radio chains to each link, the same radio chain can be switched between different links to perform transmission functions, making the system more versatile and reducing the need for additional hardware components while maintaining low-latency capabilities
2Productivity
If multiple radio chains are allocated to different links for simultaneous transmission, then transmission parallelism is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple radio chains by allowing a single radio chain to operate on multiple links sequentially. Instead of maintaining separate radio chains for each link, the system combines their functions through time-division multiplexing where the radio chain is switched between links based on TXOP availability, achieving parallelism benefits without the hardware overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring and identifying transmission opportunities (TXOP) on different links in advance. When a TXOP is detected on a second link while the radio chain is occupied on a first link, the system prepares for rapid switching by having the second link ready to receive the radio chain, thus minimizing delay and achieving efficient parallel transmission without complex real-time allocation
3Speed
If radio chain switching between links is implemented rapidly, then transmission responsiveness is improved, but signal stability and reception reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors transmission opportunities (TXOP) on different links and uses this information to make informed switching decisions. The receiver provides feedback about its readiness and the transmitter uses this feedback to coordinate chain switching, ensuring that switching occurs at optimal moments when both transmitter and receiver are prepared, thus maintaining signal reliability while achieving rapid switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses control frames and signaling mechanisms as intermediaries to coordinate radio chain switching between transmitter and receiver. These intermediary signals carry information about TXOP availability, chain switching intentions, and reception readiness, allowing the system to perform rapid switching while maintaining synchronization and signal reliability through coordinated communication
Data Source
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AI summary
A low-latency communication method and apparatus in a WLAN system are provided. A method that is performed by a station (STA) in a WLAN system includes performing at least one of transmission and reception using a first chain on a first link, performing at least one of transmission and reception using a second chain on a second link, receiving an initial frame for starting an enhanced multi-link radio (EMLMR) operation on the first link, switching the second chain from the second link to the first link based on the initial frame, transmitting information for transmission of a data frame on the second link, switching the second chain from the first link to the second link based on the information, receiving a trigger frame on the second link, and transmitting the data frame on the second link based on at least one of the information and the trigger frame.