Multi-Link WLAN Control via Network Allocation Vector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless local area network (WLAN) systems using the IEEE 802.11 standard typically transmit signals through a single channel, lacking efficient methods to manage multi-link transmissions and prevent signal collisions, which limits communication efficiency in multi-link scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed where a first station transmits control information related to its operating mode, including operating band and parameter information, to a second station, allowing the second station to set a Network Allocation Vector (NAV) and perform communication based on this information, thereby preventing signal collisions across multiple links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wireless LAN system uses multiple links for transmission, then communication efficiency and throughput are improved, but signal collisions and interference between links increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having stations transmit control information about their operating modes and intended transmissions before actual data transmission occurs. This allows receiving stations to set NAV values in advance, reserving time periods on multiple links to prevent collisions before they happen. The control information exchange and NAV setting occur prior to the actual multi-link transmission, proactively preventing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NAV (Network Allocation Vector) as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between multiple transmitting stations using different links. The NAV acts as a virtual carrier sense that propagates transmission information across links, allowing stations to coordinate their transmissions indirectly through the NAV values they maintain, preventing collisions without requiring direct interference management between links.
2Reliability
If control information is transmitted across multiple links, then coordination between stations is improved, but overhead and complexity of communication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the NAV mechanism universal across multiple links, where a single NAV setting can protect transmissions on multiple different links simultaneously. The control information about operating mode and intended transmission, when received on one link, sets NAV values that apply to and protect transmissions on other links as well. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each link.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control information exchange and NAV setting functions into a unified process. When a station receives control information indicating an upcoming transmission on a particular link, it simultaneously sets NAV values on multiple links to reserve the necessary time periods. This combines what could be separate per-link control operations into a single coordinated action, reducing overall overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed in a wireless local area network (LAN) system according to various embodiments is associated with a first station (STA) supporting multi-links comprising first and second links. A control field associated with an operating mode (OM) of the first STA can be associated with the on-off of the first link and/or the second link. The first and second links can each be a channel for various bandwidths defined in, for example, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band and 6 GHz band. The first and second links can belong to the same or different bands. On-off information relating to each link can be formed on the basis of information such as an index or a control field bitmap associated with the operating mode.