Multi-Link WLAN STR Power Control for IDC Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless local-area network (WLAN) systems with multi-link simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) mode face high power consumption and in-device coexistence (IDC) interference issues, which are not effectively addressed by existing methods that often require switching to non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) mode, compromising throughput and latency.

Innovation Solution

A method that adjusts transmission powers of communication links based on frequency gaps and IDC interference, using enhanced signaling methods to manage power capabilities and constraints, enabling simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions while mitigating IDC interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multi-link STR mode is used to enable concurrent uplink and downlink communications, then throughput is improved, but power consumption increases and IDC interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts transmit power parameters based on frequency gap conditions. When the frequency gap between links is large, higher transmit powers are used to maximize throughput. When the frequency gap is small (indicating potential IDC interference), transmit powers are reduced to mitigate interference while maintaining communication functionality. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing power usage based on actual interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic power control where transmit power limits are not fixed but adapt based on real-time frequency gap measurements between multiple links. The access point continuously monitors frequency gaps and adjusts power parameters accordingly, enabling the system to transition between high-throughput modes and interference-avoidance modes as conditions change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multi-link STR mode is used to enable concurrent uplink and downlink communications, then throughput is improved, but IDC interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidIDC interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The access point acts as an intermediary that measures frequency gaps between different communication links and uses this information to mediate power adjustments. By introducing frequency gap measurement as an intermediate parameter, the system can predict potential IDC interference conditions and preemptively adjust powers to prevent harmful interference while maintaining STR mode benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary frequency gap measurements and power adjustments before actual transmission occurs. By checking frequency gaps in advance and pre-adjusting transmit powers accordingly, the system prevents IDC interference from occurring in the first place, rather than reacting to interference after it begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If frequency gap between links is small, then IDC interference is reduced, but transmit power must be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIDC interferenceVSAvoidtransmit power

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a threshold-based parameter change strategy. When the measured frequency gap falls below a predetermined threshold, the system changes the power parameter by imposing a transmit power limit. This discrete parameter adjustment effectively reduces IDC interference in close-frequency scenarios while maintaining the ability to operate at full power when frequency gaps are sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Power

If frequency gap between links is large, then transmit power can be increased, but IDC interference may still occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmit powerVSAvoidIDC interference

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or fixed power control mechanisms with a frequency-gap-based adaptive control system. Instead of using fixed power levels or complex analog interference cancellation, the system substitutes a simpler approach: measuring frequency gaps and applying corresponding power limits based on predetermined thresholds, which effectively manages IDC interference through parameter adaptation rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260019960A1Systems, apparatuses, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage devices for multi-link simultaneous transmit and receive operations in wireless local-area network

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A communication method has the step of: receiving from a multi-link device (MLD) a minimum transmit power and a maximum transmit power for each of a first communication link and a second communication link; and notifying the MLD to set a transmit power of each of the first and second communication links to a respective upper limit thereof; wherein the upper limit of each of the first and second communication links is the respective maximum transmit power thereof if a frequency gap between the first communication link and the second communication link is greater than a threshold, or is the respective minimum transmit power thereof if the frequency gap is smaller than the threshold.