IEEE 802.11be Network Throughput Optimization with Multi-Link Operation and AP Coordination

TL;DR

This paper proposes a data-driven resource allocation algorithm for IEEE 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 networks utilizing multi-link operation, aiming to optimize throughput, reduce latency, and enhance spectrum efficiency through topology optimization and fairness algorithms.

Contribution

It introduces a novel topology optimization and resource allocation method leveraging bipartite graph properties for IEEE 802.11be networks with multi-link operation.

Findings

Enhanced network throughput with the proposed algorithm.

Improved spectrum reuse efficiency in dense networks.

Effective fairness in multi-link device data rates.

Abstract

IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) introduces a new concept called multi-link operation (MLO), which allows multiple Wi-Fi interfaces in different bands (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) to work together to increase network throughput, reduce latency, and improve spectrum reuse efficiency in dense overlapping networks. To make the most of MLO, this paper proposes a new data-driven resource allocation algorithm for the 11be network with the aid of an access point (AP) controller. To maximize network throughput, a network topology optimization problem is formulated for 11be network, which is solved by exploiting the totally unimodular property of the bipartite graph formed by the connection between AP and station (STA) in Wi-Fi networks. Subsequently, a proportional fairness algorithm is applied for radio link allocation, network throughput optimization considering the channel condition, and the fairness of the multi-link device (MLD) data rate. The performance of the proposed algorithm on two main MLO implementations - multi-link multi-radio (MLMR) with simultaneous transmission and reception (STR), and the interplay between multiple nodes employing them are evaluated through cross-layer (PHY-MAC) data rate simulation with PHY abstraction.