WLAN Multi-Link Load Signaling for Congestion-Aware Link Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-link device load estimation and reporting in wireless local area networks (WLANs) are complicated by the simultaneous use of multiple wireless links, leading to challenges in congestion control and link management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods for multi-link device load signaling, including providing and receiving multi-link device load information to manage congestion and optimize link setup and usage, utilizing techniques such as beacon frames, probe responses, and congestion control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple wireless links are used simultaneously for communication, then communication capacity and reliability are improved, but load estimation and congestion control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-link device into multiple independent link entities, where each link maintains separate load information and can be independently managed. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple links simultaneously while keeping the complexity of load estimation manageable by treating each link as a separate unit with its own characteristics and status.
2Reliability
If multiple wireless links are established, then network performance is improved, but congestion control and link management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where load information is continuously collected from each link and used to dynamically adjust link management decisions. The access point and multi-link devices exchange load information through beacon frames and other signaling mechanisms, enabling real-time congestion control and automatic link optimization without requiring complex manual management.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive load information is collected across multiple links, then congestion control accuracy is improved, but information processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by collecting and processing load information specific to each link's local conditions rather than treating all links uniformly. Each link's load information (such as channel utilization, number of associated devices, and traffic patterns) is processed independently with appropriate weighting and priority based on its local characteristics, improving congestion control accuracy while minimizing unnecessary information processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to methods for multi-link device load signaling and use in scanning and congestion control in a wireless local area network (WLAN). A wireless device may be configured to operate as a multi-link device access point to provide multiple basic service sets. The wireless device may provide multi-link device load information associated with one or more basic service sets provided by the multi-link device access point. The multi-link device load information may include at least an indication of a number of multi-link capable wireless devices associated with the basic service set(s) provided by the multi-link device access point.