Multi-Link WLAN Critical Update Relay During STA Doze Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a multi-link wireless local area network (WLAN) system, there is a challenge in efficiently managing critical updates when one station (STA) of a multi-link device (MLD) is in a doze state, as direct communication with the access point (AP) is disrupted, leading to inefficiencies in information transfer.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a STA receiving a notification frame with critical update information through a first link and relaying it to another STA within the same MLD, which then obtains the update information, using management frames to facilitate communication across links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a STA enters doze state for power saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but information transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The AP MLD performs preliminary actions by storing critical update information and proactively notifying the awake STA before the dozing STA needs the information. The system prepares notification frames in advance and maintains information availability during power-saving periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The awake STA acts as an intermediary by receiving critical update information from the AP MLD and relaying it to the dozing STA. This intermediate transmission mechanism enables information flow without requiring the dozing STA to remain active or wake up frequently.
2Device complexity
If direct communication is used with AP, then communication simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability deteriorates when STA is in doze state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary transmission path where the awake STA relays information to the dozing STA. This multi-hop communication approach maintains reliability by providing an alternative route that doesn't depend on direct AP-to-dozing-STA communication during power-saving periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a temporal dimension to communication by utilizing the awake STA as an intermediate node. Information is transmitted during the awake period and forwarded during the doze period, creating a time-based communication dimension that bypasses the limitation of direct communication.
3Loss of information
If STA remains in active state, then information transfer efficiency is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary information transfer to the awake STA before the dozing STA enters or is in power-saving mode. This advance preparation ensures that when the dozing STA wakes up, the information is already available through the intermediary, eliminating the need for continuous active monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates feedback through the awake STA, which receives acknowledgment or status information from the dozing STA and relays it to the AP MLD. This feedback loop ensures reliable delivery without requiring the dozing STA to remain active throughout the communication process.
Data Source
AI summary
In a Wireless Local Area Network system, an STA MLD may include a first STA and a second STA, and an access point (AP) MLD may include a first AP and a second AP. The first STA and the first AP operate over a first link, the second STA and the second AP operate over a second link, and the second STA may be in a doze state. The first STA may receive, through the first link, a notice frame including information related to a critical update that has occurred in the second AP. The second STA may acquire, from the first STA, information related to the critical update. The notice frame may include a management frame.