Multi-Link Aggregation for WLAN Throughput Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IEEE 802.11 standards limit wireless local area network (WLAN) systems to transmitting signals through a single channel, restricting the ability to aggregate and utilize multiple links within a transmission opportunity (TXOP), which hampers link utilization and throughput efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow a station (STA) to receive ACK through a first link, determine if a second link is idle, and aggregate both links for packet transmission, enabling the STA to extend transmission range and improve link utilization by efficiently using multiple links within a TXOP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If signals are transmitted through only one channel in conventional IEEE 802.11 standard, then the system operation is simple, but the link utilization rate and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple links (channels) into an aggregated link for signal transmission. The transmitting STA aggregates a first link and a second link to form an aggregated link, then transmits signals through this aggregated link within a TXOP. This merging of multiple channels increases the available bandwidth and throughput while maintaining manageable system operation through standardized aggregation procedures.
2Productivity
If multiple links are aggregated and used for signal transmission, then the transmission range and throughput are extended, but the operation process becomes more complex requiring specification of links and BC values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing TXOPs for individual links before aggregation. The transmitting STA first sets a TXOP for a first link, then determines whether to aggregate a second link during this established TXOP. This preliminary setup simplifies the operation process by providing a structured framework for aggregation, avoiding the need to manage multiple independent TXOPs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic link aggregation where the STA can flexibly add or remove links from the aggregated link during the TXOP based on channel conditions and requirements. The STA determines whether a second link is idle for a first time period and dynamically aggregates it to the first link, allowing adaptive optimization of link utilization without rigid preconfiguration.
3Productivity
If a TXOP is set for at least one link and additional links are aggregated within the TXOP, then the transmission efficiency is improved, but the STA needs to specify the link to be additionally aggregated and manage BC values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an aggregated link that functions as a universal transmission medium capable of carrying signals that originally would have been transmitted through multiple separate links. The aggregated link inherits properties from its constituent links and provides a unified interface for higher-layer protocols, reducing the complexity of managing multiple independent link specifications and BC values while maintaining the benefits of multi-link transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system according to various embodiments may comprise the steps of: determining, by a transmitting device, whether a second link is in an idle state for a first time interval, after receiving an ACK through a first link within a TXOP configured for the first link; aggregating, by the transmitting device, the first link and the second link on the basis of the determination; and transmitting, by the transmitting device, a packet through the aggregated first link and second link.