Apple has filed a patent for managing enhanced multi-link single radio operation by an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) and non-AP MLD. The patent describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for exchanging parameters and requesting suspension of a multi-link single radio operation. The patent aims to improve the management of communication between devices. GlobalData’s report on Apple gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Apple, Gesture-based recognition systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Apple's grant share as of September 2023 was 66%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Managing enhanced multi-link single radio operation by access points
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230319722A1) describes an apparatus and method for managing communication modes in a multi-link device. The apparatus includes a processor that enables a non-access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) to associate with an AP MLD and exchange multi-link parameters for communication. The processor also allows the non-AP MLD to suspend and resume a specific communication mode without disabling it.
To suspend the communication mode, the processor causes the non-AP MLD to enter a power save mode for the relevant links. The suspension occurs after a specified duration of time or in response to a request from the AP MLD. The non-AP MLD can transmit a request to resume the communication mode, and the resumption occurs after a specified duration of time or upon receiving a response from the AP MLD.
The patent also describes a non-AP MLD that includes two radios with different capabilities and a processor. The processor enables the non-AP MLD to establish communication with an AP MLD, transmit parameters related to an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) mode, and operate according to the EMLSR mode for a specific period of time. The processor can suspend and resume the EMLSR mode after specified durations of time.
To suspend the EMLSR mode, the processor can transmit an enhanced EMLSR Operation Mode Notification frame containing a control field indicating the suspension request. The frame may also include an indication of the requested suspension duration. To resume the EMLSR mode, the processor can transmit a second enhanced EMLSR Operation Mode Notification frame with a control field indicating the resumption request.
The patent further describes a method performed by an AP MLD. The method involves associating with a non-AP MLD, exchanging parameters related to the EMLSR mode, receiving requests to enter or suspend the EMLSR mode, suspending the EMLSR mode for the non-AP MLD, determining the time to resume the EMLSR mode, and resuming the EMLSR mode.
The determination of the resume time can be based on receiving a resume request, completing an EMLSR suspension timeout, transmitting a resume request response, or receiving a frame indicating that the power save mode is disabled for a different link.
Overall, this patent presents techniques for managing communication modes in multi-link devices, allowing for efficient suspension and resumption of specific modes without disabling them entirely.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
