Apparatus and method for communicating based on multiple resource units in a wireless local area network system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for communicating based on a multiple resource unit in a wireless local area network system. A method for wireless communication by a first device is provided, the method including allocating a multiple resource unit (MRU) to at least one second device, generating at least one resource unit (RU) allocation subfield corresponding to at least one subchannel included in the MRU, respectively, and transmitting the at least one RU allocation subfield to the at least one second device. Generating the at least one RU allocation subfield can include identifying a first RU including a first subchannel indicating zero users in the MRU, and generating a first RU allocation subfield corresponding to the first subchannel based on the first RU.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 046,778, filed July 1, 2020, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0031464, filed March 10, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication, and more specifically, to apparatus and methods for communicating based on multiple resource units (MRUs) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system. Background Technology

[0004] A WLAN system is an example of wireless communication that interconnects two or more devices in a local environment such as a home or campus. WLAN systems can be based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, which has evolved through several versions, including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. Based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology, the latest versions can support transmission speeds up to 1 GB / s.

[0005] In the 802.11ac standard, data can be simultaneously transmitted to multiple users using a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) scheme, which spatially multiplexes the signal through multiple antenna beams. In 802.11ax, also known as High Efficiency (HE), multiple access is achieved by allocating different subcarriers within the total bandwidth to different users using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and MU-MIMO schemes. Therefore, WLAN systems employing 802.11ax can effectively support communication in densely populated areas and outdoors.

[0006] In 802.11be, also known as Ultra High Throughput (EHT), efforts are made to achieve support for the 6 GHz unlicensed band, a maximum utilization of 320 MHz per channel, the introduction of Hybrid Automatic Repeat and Request (HARQ), and support for up to 16×16 MIMO. Therefore, it is expected that next-generation WLAN systems will effectively support low latency and ultra-high-speed transmission similar to New Radio (NR) 5G technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for efficiently allocating multiple resource units (MRUs) to users in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for wireless communication by a first device is provided. The method includes allocating a multiple resource unit (MRU) to at least one second device; and generating at least one resource unit (RU) allocation subfield corresponding to at least one subchannel included in the MRU. The at least one RU allocation subfield is sent to the at least one second device. Generating the at least one RU allocation subfield may include: identifying a first RU within the MRU, the first RU including a first subchannel, the first subchannel being a zero-user portion of the MRU; and generating a first RU allocation subfield based on the first RU, the first RU allocation subfield including an indication of the first subchannel.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a first device configured to communicate with at least one second device in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is provided. The first device includes: a transceiver; and processing circuitry configured to: allocate a Multi-User Unit (MRU) to the at least one second device; generate at least one RU allocation subfield corresponding to at least one subchannel included in the MRU; and provide the at least one RU allocation subfield to the at least one second device via the transceiver. The processing circuitry may be configured to: identify a first RU within the MRU, the first RU including a first subchannel, the first subchannel being a zero-user portion of the MRU; and generate a first RU allocation subfield based on the first RU, the first RU allocation subfield including an indication of the first subchannel.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for wireless communication by a second device is provided, the method comprising: obtaining from a first device at least one resource element (RU) allocation subfield corresponding to at least one subchannel; identifying a minor unit (MRU) based on the at least one RU allocation subfield; and identifying at least one pilot subcarrier based on the MRU, wherein identifying the MRU comprises: identifying a first RU allocation subfield indicating zero users; and identifying a first RU including a first subchannel corresponding to the first RU allocation subfield in the MRU based on the first RU allocation subfield.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for wireless communication by a first device is provided, the method comprising: allocating a multiple resource unit (MRU) to at least one second device; generating at least one resource unit (RU) allocation subfield corresponding to at least one subchannel included in the MRU; and sending the at least one RU allocation subfield to the at least one second device, wherein generating the at least one RU allocation subfield comprises: identifying at least one first subchannel indicating a zero user in the MRU; and setting a binary value indicating at least one first RU including the at least one first subchannel to a first value.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for wireless communication between a first device and at least one second device is provided, the method comprising: generating a bandwidth subfield indicating a bandwidth to be used for the wireless communication; allocating MRUs within the bandwidth to the at least one second device; generating an RU allocation subfield having a binary value indicating the bandwidth, the MRUs, and the number of the at least one second device; and transmitting a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) including the bandwidth subfield and the RU allocation subfield in a preamble to the at least one second device.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for wireless communication by a second device is provided, the method comprising: receiving a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) from a first device; extracting a bandwidth subfield and a Resource Unit (RU) allocation subfield from a preamble of the PPDU; identifying a bandwidth to be used for the wireless communication based on the bandwidth subfield; and identifying a Resource Unit (MRU) to be used for the wireless communication based on the bandwidth and the RU allocation subfield.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for wireless communication by a first device is provided, the method comprising: allocating at least one resource element (RU) in a bandwidth to at least one second device; generating at least one RU allocation subfield based on the at least one RU; and providing the at least one RU allocation subfield to the at least one second device, wherein generating the at least one RU allocation subfield comprises: identifying subchannels in the bandwidth not used for data transmission; and generating a first RU allocation subfield corresponding to the subchannel based on whether the preamble of the subchannel is punctured.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for wireless communication by a first device includes: allocating a Medium User Registry (MRU) to a station; and generating an RU allocation subfield indicating the MRU and a zero-user portion of the MRU. The RU allocation subfield is sent to the station, and the first device uses the MRU to wirelessly communicate with the station. The zero-user portion of the MRU is a frequency range not used for wireless communication between the first device and any station. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The embodiments of the inventive concept will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C This is a diagram illustrating an available resource unit (RU) according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C This is a table illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating an example of an allocated RU according to an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a message diagram illustrating a method for communication based on a multiple resource unit (MRU) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for communication based on an MRU according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10These are exemplary embodiments based on the concept of the present invention. Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the method for communication via RU allocation indexes;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 These are exemplary embodiments based on the concept of the present invention. Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating the method for communication via RU allocation indexes;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method for communication based on an MRU according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a flowchart of a method for communication based on an MRU according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 16 Based on an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating the method for communication via RU allocation indexes;

[0033] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating another RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 18 Based on an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating the method for communication via RU allocation indexes;

[0035] Figure 19 This is a message diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a method for communication based on an MRU according to a concept of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 20A and Figure 20B This is a diagram illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention; and

[0037] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a device for wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following description, embodiments of the inventive concept will be detailed primarily based on OFDM or OFDMA-based wireless communication systems (specifically, the IEEE 802.11 standard). However, the inventive concept can also be applied to any other communication system with similar technical characteristics and similar channel structures, such as cellular communication systems like LTE, LTE-A Advanced, NR, WiBro, and GSM, or short-range communication systems like Bluetooth and NFC.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A wireless local area network (WLAN) system is shown as an example of a wireless communication system 10.

[0040] Figure 1 The example illustration depicts an environment with overlapping coverage areas served by different access points. Here, the wireless communication system 10 may include a first access point AP1 and a second access point AP2, as well as first sites STA1 to fourth sites STA4. The first access point AP1 and the second access point AP2 may access a network 13 such as the Internet, an Internet Protocol (IP) network, an intranet, etc. The first access point AP1 may provide access to the network 13 within a first coverage area 11 to communicate with the first sites STA1 to the fourth sites STA4, and the second access point AP2 may also provide access to the network 13 within a second coverage area 12 to communicate with the third sites STA3 and the fourth sites STA4. The first access point AP1 and the second access point AP2 may communicate with at least one of the first sites STA1 to the fourth sites STA4 according to IEEE 802.11-based Wi-Fi (WiFi) or any other WLAN access technology.

[0041] An access point (AP) can be referred to as a router or gateway, and a site (STA) can be referred to as a mobile station, subscriber station, terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, user equipment, or user. A site can be a portable device such as a mobile phone, laptop computer, or wearable device, or a fixed device such as a desktop computer or smart TV. In this document, an AP can be referred to as a first device, and a site can be referred to as a second or third device. See below for further details. Figure 21 Examples describing APs and stations.

[0042] An access point (AP) can allocate at least one resource element (RU) to at least one site. The AP can transmit data through at least one allocated RU, and at least one site can receive data through at least one allocated RU. In 802.11ax (hereinafter referred to as HE), an AP can allocate only a single RU to at least one site. However, in 802.11be (hereinafter referred to as EHT) or the next-generation IEEE 802.11 standard (hereinafter referred to as EHT+), an AP can allocate multiple resource elements (MRUs) comprising two or more RUs to at least one site. For example, a first access point AP1 can allocate MRUs to at least one of the first sites STA1 to the fourth site STA4 and transmit data through the allocated MRUs. As described later, embodiments of the inventive concept enable efficient allocation of MRUs to sites, thereby improving spectral efficiency and data transmission rates at the physical layer. Furthermore, in the embodiments described herein, sites can easily identify the configuration of the MRUs, thereby improving the utilization of pilot subcarriers.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 2 A first wireless communication device 21 (“first device 21”) and a second wireless communication device 22 (“second device 22”) communicating with each other in a wireless communication system 20 are shown. Figure 2 Each of the first device 21 and the second device 22 can be any device that performs communication in the wireless communication system 20 and can be referred to as a device for wireless communication. Each of the first device 21 and the second device 22 can be a station or access point (AP) of a WLAN system.

[0044] The first device 21 may include an antenna 21_2, a transceiver 21_4, and processing circuitry 21_6. In some embodiments, the antenna 21_2, transceiver 21_4, and processing circuitry 21_6 may be included in a single package or may be included in separate packages. The second wireless communication device 22 may also include an antenna 22_2, a transceiver 22_4, and processing circuitry 22_6. Redundant descriptions of the first device 21 and the second device 22 will be omitted below.

[0045] Antenna 21_2 can receive signals from the second device 22 and provide those signals to transceiver 21_4, and can also transmit signals provided from transceiver 21_4 to the second device 22. In some embodiments, antenna 21_2 may include multiple antennas for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO). Moreover, in some embodiments, antenna 21_2 may be or include a phased array for beamforming.

[0046] In the receiving direction, transceiver 21_4 can process signals received from the second device 22 via antenna 21_2 and can provide the processed signals to processing circuit 21_6. In the transmitting direction, transceiver 21_4 can process signals provided from processing circuit 21_6 and can output the processed signals via antenna 21_2. In some embodiments, transceiver 21_4 may include analog circuitry, such as a low-noise amplifier, mixer, filter, power amplifier, and oscillator. In some embodiments, transceiver 21_4 can process signals received from antenna 21_2 and / or signals received from processing circuit 21_6 based on the control of processing circuit 21_6.

[0047] Processing circuit 21_6 can extract information transmitted by the second wireless communication device 22 by processing signals received from transceiver 21_4. For example, processing circuit 21_6 can extract information by demodulating and / or decoding signals received from transceiver 21_4. Furthermore, processing circuit 21_6 can generate a signal including information to be transmitted to the second wireless communication device 22 and provide that signal to transceiver 21_4. For example, processing circuit 21_6 can provide a signal generated by encoding and / or modulating data to be transmitted to the second device 22 to transceiver 21_4. In some embodiments, processing circuit 21_6 may include programmable components such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a digital signal processor (DSP), reconfigurable components such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or components providing fixed functionality such as an intellectual property (IP) core. Processing circuit 21_6 may include or access a memory storing data and / or a series of instructions. In this document, operations understood to be performed by transceiver 21_4 and / or processing circuit 21_6 can be simply described as being performed by the first device 21. Therefore, operations performed by the AP can be performed by the transceivers and / or processing circuits included in the AP, and operations performed by the site can be performed by the transceivers and / or processing circuits included in the site.

[0048] Figure 3A This diagram illustrates an example format of a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is the format of an EHT Multi-User (MU) PPDU. Note that HE can define HE MU PPDU and HE Single-User (SU) PPDU (HE-SIG-B is omitted from HE MU PPDU). On the other hand, EHT may not define EHT SU PPDU, and EHT MU PPDU can be sent to a single user. EHT MU PPDU can be set to compressed mode or uncompressed mode and may include OFDMA symbols in uncompressed mode.

[0049] like Figure 3AAs shown, an EHT MU PPDU may include: a preamble, which includes training fields and signaling fields; and a payload, which includes data fields. In the preamble, the EHT MU PPDU may include a Legacy Short Training Field (L-STF), a Legacy Long Training Field (L-LTF), a Legacy Signal (L-SIG) field, a Repeated Legacy Signal (RL-SIG) field, a Universal Signal (U-SIG) field, an Extremely High Throughput Signal (EHT-SIG) field, an Extremely High Throughput Short Training Field (EHT-STF), and an Extremely High Throughput Long Training Field (EHT-LTF). In the payload, the EHT MU PPDU may include data fields and Packet Extension (PE) fields.

[0050] The L-STF can include short training OFDM symbols and can be used for frame detection, automatic gain control (AGC), diversity detection, and coarse frequency / time synchronization. The L-LTF can include long training OFDM symbols and can be used for fine frequency / time synchronization and channel estimation. The L-SIG field can be used for transmission control information and can include information about the data rate and data length. The L-SIG field can be repeated in the RL-SIG field.

[0051] The U-SIG field may include control information common to at least one site receiving the EHT MU PPDU and may correspond to HE-SIG-A of the HE. For example, as Figure 3A As shown, the U-SIG field may include version-independent subfields and version-dependent subfields, and may also include subfields corresponding to Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) and the tail, as well as reserved bits. Version-independent subfields may have static positions and bit definitions in different generations and / or physical versions. For example, the U-SIG field may include subfields corresponding to the version identifier, PPDU bandwidth, UL / DL, BSS color, and TXOP duration, respectively, as version-independent subfields. The U-SIG field may also include subfields corresponding to the puncturing channel indication, PPDU type and compression mode, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) applied to the EHT-SIG field, and the number of EHT-SIG symbols, respectively, as version-dependent subfields.

[0052] The EHT-SIG field can have a variable MCS and a variable length, and can correspond to HE-SIG-B of HE. For example, as Figure 3AAs shown, when an EHT MU PPDU is sent to multiple users, the EHT-SIG field may include a common field containing common control information and user-specific fields (interchangeably, "user fields") containing user-related control information. The common field may include subfields corresponding to U-SIG overflow, the total number of non-OFDMA users, and the RU allocation subfield RUA, respectively. See later reference... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As described, the public fields may include RU allocation subfields corresponding to the subchannels (e.g., 20 MHz) included in the bandwidth (e.g., the overall communication bandwidth of the WLAN system). Note that the RU allocation subfields can be omitted from the EHT MU PPDU set to compressed mode.

[0053] User-specific fields for non-MU MIMO may include a STA-ID subfield, an MCS subfield, an NSTS subfield, a beamforming subfield, and a coding subfield, while user-specific fields for MU-MIMO may include a STA-ID subfield, an MCS subfield, a coding subfield, and a spatial configuration subfield. In some embodiments, the STA-ID subfield included in the user-specific fields may have a value indicating an RU not assigned to a user. For example, when the number of RUs not assigned to any user is less than 242 tone RUs (RU242), the value of the STA-ID subfield is 2046. RUs not assigned to any user may be indicated by an RU allocation subfield, as referred to later. Figure 5A As described.

[0054] Figure 3B An example of another PPDU according to an embodiment is illustrated. This example illustrates an EHT-based trigger-based (TB) PPDU, which includes training and signaling fields, and a payload including a data field. In the preamble, the EHT TB PPDU may include L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG fields, RL-SIG field, U-SIG field, EHT-STF, and EHT-LTF. Figure 3A Compared to the EHT MU PPDU, the EHT-SIG field can be omitted in the preamble of the EHT TB PPDU. Furthermore, the EHT TB PPDU may include a data field and a PE field in its payload. The EHT TB PPDU can be sent based on a trigger frame, which is a Media Access Control (MAC) frame sent from the AP to the site, and this trigger frame may include an RU allocation subfield defining the RU assigned to the uplink transmission.

[0055] The following text will primarily refer to [reference to] Figure 3AThe example embodiments of the present invention are described by including at least one RU allocation subfield in the common fields of the EHT-SIG field in the EHT MU PPDU, but RU allocation using other types of fields may be applied in other embodiments. For example, other example embodiments of the present invention may be applied to: (i) the above references Figure 3B The description includes the RU allocation subfield included in the trigger frame; (ii) the RU allocation subfield included in the HE trigger frame or HE-SIG-B; and (iii) the RU allocation subfield to be defined in EHT+. (Refer to...) Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C An example describing a RU defined by a RU allocation subfield.

[0056] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C This is a diagram illustrating an available resource unit (RU) according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A The available RUs in a 20MHz bandwidth are shown. Figure 4B The available RUs in a 40MHz bandwidth are shown, while Figure 4C The available RUs in an 80MHz bandwidth are shown. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C In this diagram, the horizontal axis represents frequency, and at least one RU can be assigned to at least one user, i.e., a site operable within the bandwidth. The exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to... Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The RU shown.

[0057] refer to Figure 4A In the leftmost (lowest) frequency band of the 20MHz bandwidth, six tones (i.e., six subcarriers) can be used as a guard band, and in the rightmost (highest) frequency band of the 20MHz bandwidth, five tones can be used as a guard band. Furthermore, seven DC tones can be inserted into the center frequency band (i.e., the DC band), and a 26-tone RU26, comprising 13 tones, can be set in each of the left and right sides of the DC band. For example... Figure 4A As shown, within a 20MHz bandwidth, 26-tone RU RU26, 52-tone RU RU52, and 106-tone RU RU106 can be arranged, and 242-tone RU RU242, including 242L and 242R, can be set.

[0058] refer to Figure 4BIn the leftmost (lowest) frequency band of the 40MHz bandwidth, 12 tones can be used as guard bands, and in the rightmost (highest) frequency band of the 40MHz bandwidth, 11 tones can be used as guard bands. Additionally, 5 DC tones can be inserted into the center band. Figure 4B As shown, within a 40MHz bandwidth, 26-tone RU RU26, 52-tone RU RU52, 106-tone RU RU106, and 242-tone RU RU242 can be configured, and 484-tone RU RU484, including 484L and 484R, can also be configured.

[0059] refer to Figure 4C In the leftmost (lowest) frequency band of the 80MHz bandwidth, 12 tones can be used as guard bands, and in the rightmost (highest) frequency band of the 80MHz bandwidth, 11 tones can be used as guard bands. Furthermore, when allocating RUs other than the 996-tone RU, 23 DC tones can be inserted into the center frequency band. When allocating a 996-tone RU, 5 DC tones can be inserted into the center frequency band. For example... Figure 4C As shown, within an 80MHz bandwidth, 26-tone RU RU26, 52-tone RU RU52, 106-tone RU RU106, and 242-tone RU RU242 can be configured, and 484-tone RURU484 (including 484L and 484R) and 996-tone RU RU996 can also be configured. EHT can support bandwidths of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz, and... Figure 4C The arrangement of RUs in the 80MHz bandwidth shown can be repeated in 160MHz and 320MHz bandwidths.

[0060] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C This is a table illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C A table can be described that includes a set of values ​​for the RU assignments applicable to the EHT and their corresponding RU assignment subfields. For ease of illustration, this table is split and shown in... Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C .

[0061] like Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5CAs shown, the RU allocation subfield can have a length of 9 bits, where at least some bits represent RU allocation. Furthermore, an RU (a single RU or an MRU) can be allocated to two or more users, and the RU allocation subfield can have a portion indicating the number of users allocated that RU (i.e., the number of MU-MIMO users). For example, as... Figure 5B As shown, the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the 242-tone RU RU242 corresponding to 242 or more subcarriers in the EHT can have the binary value "001000y2y1y0", where the number of MU-MIMO users (i.e., "the number of multiplexing stations", which are the stations receiving spatially multiplexed signals) can be determined by the latter part of the binary sequence, i.e., "2 2 y2+2 1 y1+y0+1.

[0062] In some embodiments, the RU allocation subfield may have a value indicating a RU that has not been assigned to a user. For example, such as... Figure 5A As shown, the RU allocation subfield with the binary value "000011010" ("punched 242-tone RU") or "000011011" ("unassigned 242-tone RU") indicates that a 242-tone RU has not been assigned to a user. A punched RU can be an unused frequency range to avoid interfering with communication from adjacent APs. An unassigned RU can be a RU that has not yet been assigned to a user. Furthermore, as... Figure 5A As shown, the RU allocation subfield with the binary value "000011000" indicates that the middle 26-tone RU has not been assigned to a user. Note, as referenced above... Figure 3A As described, when the value of the STA-ID subfield included in the user-specific field of the EHT-SIG field is 2046, this value can indicate that the unassigned RU is less than 242 pitch RU RU242.

[0063] In some embodiments, the RU allocation subfield may have a value indicating that the corresponding subchannel (i.e., the subfield corresponding to the RU allocation subfield) is not used for data transmission. For example, such as Figure 5A As shown, when data is not transmitted via the 242-tone RU of the sub-channel corresponding to the RU allocation sub-field, the RU allocation sub-field can have a binary value of "000011010" or "000011011" (punched or unassigned 242-tone RU). In some embodiments, the RU allocation sub-field can have a value indicating zero users in the corresponding sub-channel. For example, as... Figure 5A As shown, in order to indicate the zero user in the corresponding sub-channel, the RU allocation sub-field can have binary values ​​"000011100", "000011101", or "000011110".

[0064] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating an example of an allocated RU according to an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention. Figure 6A An example of a RU allocated in a 20MHz bandwidth is shown. Figure 6B An example of a RU allocated in an 80MHz bandwidth is shown.

[0065] refer to Figure 6A "Small RU" and / or "Small MRU" can be assigned to stations. An example of a small RU is an RU with no more than a minimum predetermined number of tones (e.g., 26 tones). For example, a 26-tone RU RU26 can be assigned to each of the first station STA1, the third station STA3, and the fifth station STA5. Furthermore, an MRU including a 26-tone RU RU26 and a 52-tone RU RU52 can be assigned to each of the second station STA2 and the fourth station STA4. The RU allocation subfield can correspond to the above reference. Figure 3A The described 20MHz sub-channel, therefore in Figure 6A The common fields in the 20MHz bandwidth can include a RU allocation subfield RUA in the first "Content Channel". (See reference) Figure 5B , Figure 6A The RU allocation subfield RUA can have the binary value "000110110".

[0066] refer to Figure 6B "Large RUs" and / or "Large MRUs" can be assigned to stations. Large RUs / MRUs have more tones than the minimum predetermined number of tones for any RU. Some examples of large RUs / MRUs are frequency ranges containing 242 tones, 484 tones, and 996 tones, respectively. For example, a 242-tone RU (RU242) can be assigned to the first station STA1, and an MRU containing both 242-tone RU (RU242) and 484-tone RU (RU484) can be assigned to the second station STA2. Figure 6B Within the 80MHz bandwidth, the common field may include two RU allocation subfields RUA, such as the first RU allocation subfield RUA1 and the third RU allocation subfield RUA3 in the first content channel. The 80MHz bandwidth may also include two other RU allocation subfields RUA, such as the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 and the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4 in the second content channel. (Reference) Figure 5B The first RU allocation subfield RUA1 can have the binary value "001000000" corresponding to the 242-tone RU RU242. Additionally, see reference... Figure 5COne of the second RU allocation subfields RUA2 to the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4 can have the binary value "001100000" corresponding to MRU "[]-242-484". Meanwhile, the remaining two RU allocation subfields can both have values ​​indicating zero users.

[0067] As described below, the RU allocation subfield "Indicate Zero User" can have a binary value indicating an RU that includes a "Zero User Subchannel". A "Zero User Subchannel" is a subchannel supported by the AP across the entire bandwidth used for wireless communication, and in some cases may be only a portion of the RU band or MRU band. A zero user subchannel can be understood by the receiving device as a subchannel that is not allocated to any user and is not currently used for data transmission of any communication signals between the transmitting and receiving devices. A zero user subchannel can be a "punched" subchannel, which is a punched frequency range within the bandwidth supported by the AP. For example, in... Figure 6B In the example, when the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 has a binary value of "001100000", the value of the third RU allocation subfield RUA3 corresponding to the third subchannel SUB3 can be different from the value of the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 corresponding to the second subchannel SUB2 when the third RU allocation subfield RU3 has a binary value of "001100000". Therefore, the first station STA1 and / or the second station STA2 can easily identify the RU (e.g., the RU included in the MRU) from the RU allocation subfield, and can easily identify the position of the pilot subcarrier based on the RU. The pilot subcarrier can be used to transmit a known data sequence and can be used to determine the error between the ideal signal and the actual received signal. The determined error can be used to compensate for the received signal. As described above, the utilization rate of the pilot subcarrier can be improved due to the easily identifiable pilot subcarrier and the increased number of pilot subcarriers, and the first station STA1 and / or the second station STA2 can process the signal received from the AP more easily and accurately.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a control frame generation and signaling diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a method for communication based on a Multiple Resource Unit (MRU) according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the method of communication based on MRU may include multiple operations S20, S30, S40, S50, S70, S80 and S90.

[0069] In operation S20, AP 71 can assign an MRU to at least one site. AP 71 can achieve high spectral efficiency and high throughput by assigning an MRU to at least one site. In the following, it is assumed that AP 71 assigns a large MRU to site 72.

[0070] In operation S30, AP 71 can generate at least one RU allocation subfield. (See above reference.) Figure 3A As described, AP 71 can generate RU allocation subfields corresponding to the sub-channels included in the bandwidth. For example, when allocating a large MRU in operation S20, the bandwidth can be 80MHz or greater, and AP 71 can generate four or more RU allocation subfields. An example of operation S30 will be referred to later. Figure 8 and Figure 16 describe.

[0071] In operation S40, AP 71 can generate PPDU. For example, as referenced above. Figure 3A As described, AP 71 can generate an EHT-SIG field that includes at least one RU allocation subfield generated in operation S30 in the common fields, and can generate an EHT MU PPDU that includes the EHT-SIG field in the preamble. In operation S50, AP 71 can send a PPDU to station 72, and station 72 can receive a PPDU from AP 71.

[0072] In operation S70, station 72 can extract at least one RU allocation subfield. For example, station 72 can extract the EHT-SIG field from the preamble of the PPDU received in operation S50 and extract at least one RU allocation subfield from the common fields of the EHT-SIG field.

[0073] In operation S80, site 72 can identify the MRU. For example, site 72 can identify the MRU assigned by AP 71 in operation S20 based on at least one RU allocation subfield extracted in operation S70. (See above reference...) Figure 6B As described, at least one RU allocation subfield extracted in operation S70 may include an RU allocation subfield indicating the RUs that include the subchannels corresponding to the RU allocation subfield and the subchannels corresponding to zero users, and station 72 can easily identify the RUs included in the MRUs allocated by AP 71 in operation S20. Reference will be made later. Figure 13 Describe an example of operation S80.

[0074] In operation S90, station 72 can identify at least one pilot subcarrier. For example, station 72 can identify at least one pilot subcarrier based on the RU included in the MRU identified in operation S80. Station 72 can easily and accurately process the signal received from AP 71 based on the identified at least one pilot subcarrier.

[0075] Figure 8This is a flowchart of a method for communication based on an MRU according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The flowchart shows Figure 7 Example of operation S30. See the reference above. Figure 7 As described, it can be found Figure 8 Operation S30' generates at least one RU allocation subfield corresponding to the MRU. Operation S30' may include multiple operations S31, S32, and S33. In the following, it is assumed that... Figure 7 AP 71 allocation Figure 6B Includes Figure 7 The operation of the MRU in S20 is the 242 tone RU RU242 and the 484 tone RURU484, and the reference is... Figure 6B and Figure 7 To describe Figure 8 .

[0076] In operation S31, an RU allocation subfield can be generated based on the MRU and the number of users. In some embodiments, AP71 can refer to... Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C The table shown generates a table with the same characteristics as in... Figure 7 The RU allocation subfield in operation S20 corresponds to the value of the number of MRUs and MU-MIMO users allocated. For example, AP 71 can generate... Figure 6B It has a binary value "001000000" (for example, with Figure 5B The second RU allocation subfield RUA2, the third RU allocation subfield RUA3, or the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4 corresponds to 001000y2y1y0, where y2, y1, and y0 are all "0".

[0077] In operation S32, RUs that include sub-channels indicating zero users in the MRU can be identified. In some embodiments, AP 71 can identify sub-channels indicating zero users from the sub-channels included in the MRU, and can identify RUs that include the identified sub-channels. For example, when AP 71 generates a second RU allocation subfield RUA2 with the binary value "001000000" in operation S31, AP 71 can identify the third sub-channel SUB3 and the fourth sub-channel SUB4 indicating zero users, and can also identify the third RU allocation subfield RUA3 and the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4. Moreover, when AP 71 generates a third RU allocation subfield RUA3 with the binary value "001000000" in operation S31, AP 71 can identify the second sub-channel SUB2 and the fourth sub-channel SUB4 indicating zero users, and can also identify the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 and the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4.

[0078] In operation S33, an RU allocation subfield can be generated based on the identified RUs. In some embodiments, AP 71 can set the value of the RU allocation subfield indicating zero users to depend on the value of the RU identified in operation S32. For example, the value of the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 indicating zero users and the value of the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4 indicating zero users can be different. An example of operation S33 will be referred to later. Figure 10 and Figure 12 Describe it.

[0079] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 Based on an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the method for communication via RU allocation indexes. In detail, Figure 9 It shows that it can be included in Figures 5A to 5C Examples of entries in the table shown, Figure 10 The flowchart shows Figure 8 An example of operation S33. Refer to the following text for details. Figure 6B and Figure 7 describe Figure 9 and Figure 10 .

[0080] refer to Figure 9 Based on the RU, which includes an indication of a sub-channel with zero users, the RU allocation sub-field can have different values. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the sub-channels included in the 242-tone RU RU242 can have a value "x" indicating zero users, the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the sub-channels included in the 484-tone RU RU484 can have a value "y" indicating zero users, and the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the sub-channels included in the 996-tone RU RU996 can have a value "z" indicating zero users. Therefore, in Figure 6B In the example, when the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 has the binary value "001000000", both the third allocation subfield RUA3 and the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4 can have the value "y". Furthermore, in Figure 6B In the example, when the third RU allocation subfield RUA3 has the binary value "001000000", the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 and the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4 can have the values ​​"x" and "y", respectively. In some embodiments, Figure 9 The values ​​“x”, “y”, and “z” can respectively correspond to Figure 5AThe table contains three binary values: “000011100”, “000011101”, and “000011110”.

[0081] refer to Figure 10 Operation S33' can include multiple operations S33_1 to S33_5. (See above reference.) Figure 8 As described, in Figure 10 In operation S33', an RU allocation subfield can be generated based on the identified RU. In operation S33_1, AP 71 can determine whether the identified RU is a 242-tone RU (RU242). Figure 10 As shown, when the identified RU is a 242-tone RU RU242, in operation S33_2, AP 71 can set the RU allocation subfield RUA to the value "x". For example, in order to indicate zero users in a single RU's 242-tone RU RU242 and in an MRU that includes a 484-tone RU RU484 and a 242-tone RU RU242, the RU allocation subfield RUA can be set to the value "x".

[0082] When the identified RU is not the 242 tone RU RU242, in operation S33_3, AP 71 can determine whether the identified RU is the 484 tone RU RU484. For example... Figure 10 As shown, when the identified RU is 484 tone RU242, in operation S33_4, AP 71 can set the RU allocation subfield RUA to the value "y". For example, to indicate a zero user in a single RU with 484 tones, in an MRU with 484 tones and 242 tones, in an MRU with 996 tones and 484 tones, in an MRU with two 996 tones and 484 tones, and in an MRU with three 996 tones and 484 tones, the RU allocation subfield RUA can be set to the value "y".

[0083] When the identified RU is not a 242-tone RU RU242 (i.e., when the identified RU is a 996-tone RU RU996), in operation S33_5, AP 71 can set the RU allocation subfield RUA to the value "z". For example, to indicate a zero user in a single RU with a 996-tone RU RU996, in an MRU with a 996-tone RU RU996 and a 484-tone RU RU484, in an MRU with two 996-tone RU RU996, in an MRU with two 996-tone RU RU996 and a 484-tone RU RU484, in an MRU with three 996-tone RU RU996, and in an MRU with three 996-tone RU RU996 and a 484-tone RU RU484, the RU allocation subfield RUA can be set to the value "z".

[0084] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 Based on an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating the method for communication via RU allocation indexes. In detail, Figure 11 It shows that it can be included Figures 5A to 5C Examples of entries in the table shown, Figure 12 The flowchart shows Figure 8 An example of operation S33. Refer to the following text for details. Figure 6B and Figure 7 describe Figure 11 and Figure 12 .

[0085] refer to Figure 11 For different RUs that include subchannels indicating zero users, the RU allocation subfield can have common values. For example, pilot subcarriers set in 242-tone RU RU242 and 484-tone RU RU484 in a bandwidth of 40 MHz or greater can be in the same position. Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the sub-channels included in the 242-tone RU RU242 or the 484-tone RU RU484 can have a value "x" indicating zero users, and the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the sub-channels included in the 996-tone RU RU996 can have a value "y" indicating zero users. For example, in Figure 6B In the example, in the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 to the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4, the RU allocation subfield indicating zero users can have a common value "x". Therefore, with Figure 9 Compared to the RU-allocated index, in Figure 11 The example can reduce the number of valid entries included in the table.

[0086] refer to Figure 12 Operation S33 can include multiple operations S33_6 to S33_8. (See above reference.) Figure 8 As mentioned above, in Figure 12 In operation S33, an RU allocation subfield can be generated based on the identified RU. In operation S33_6, AP 71 can determine whether the identified RU is a 242-tone RU RU242 or a 484-tone RU RU484. Figure 12 As shown, when the identified RU is a 242-tone RU RU242 or a 484-tone RU RU484, in operation S33_7, AP 71 can set the RU allocation subfield RUA to the value "x". When the identified RU is not a 242-tone RU RU242 or a 484-tone RU RU484 (i.e., when the identified RU is a 996-tone RU RU996), in operation S33_8, AP 71 can set the RU allocation subfield RUA to the value "y".

[0087] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for communication based on an MRU according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In detail, Figure 13 The flowchart shows Figure 7 An example of S80 operation. See the reference above. Figure 7 As described, it can be found Figure 13 The MRU is identified in operation S80'. For example... Figure 13 As shown, operation S80' may include multiple operations S82, S84, and S86. In the following text, it is assumed that... Figure 7 AP 71 in Figure 7 Assignment in operation S20 Figure 6B The MRUs, including the 242-tone RU RU242 and the 484-tone RU RU484, will be referenced. Figure 6B and Figure 7 describe Figure 13 .

[0088] refer to Figure 13 In operation S82, the MRU can be identified based on the RU allocation subfield. In some embodiments, site 72 can refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The table shown identifies and matches the data in the table. Figure 7The operation S70 extracts at least one RU allocation subfield value corresponding to the MRU, and identifies the number of MU-MIMO users. For example, site 72 can identify the MRU based on the RU allocation subfield with the binary value "001000000". Figure 6B MRU.

[0089] In operation S84, a subfield indicating the RU allocation for zero users can be identified. In some embodiments, site 72 can be based on... Figure 9 or Figure 11 The RU allocation index shown is from in Figure 7 The RU allocation subfield with a value indicating zero users is identified from at least one RU allocation subfield extracted in operation S70. For example, station 72 can obtain it from... Figure 6B The second RU allocation subfield RUA2 to the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4 identify two RU allocation subfields that indicate zero users.

[0090] In operation S86, RUs including sub-channels corresponding to zero users can be identified. In some embodiments, station 72 can be based on Figure 9 or Figure 11 The RU allocation index shown is used to identify the RU indicated by the RU allocation subfield identified in operation S84. For example, station 72 can identify the 242-tone RU RU242 or the 484-tone RU RU484 based on the RU allocation subfield indicating zero users in the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 to the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4. (See above reference...) Figure 7 The described method allows for the identification of pilot subcarrier positions based on the RUs identified in operation S86. An example of operation S86 will be referenced later. Figure 14A and Figure 14B Describe it.

[0091] In some embodiments, with Figure 13 As shown, operations S84 and S86 can be executed in parallel or combined into a single operation. For example, station 72 can be based on... Figure 9 or Figure 11 The RU allocation index shown is from in Figure 7 The value of the RU allocation subfield extracted in operation S70 simultaneously identifies zero users and RUs including sub-channels corresponding to zero users.

[0092] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a flowchart illustrating a method for communication based on an MRU according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In detail, Figure 14A and Figure 14B The flowchart shows Figure 13 An example of S86 operation. Figure 14AIn the S86a operation, it can be based on Figure 9 The RU allocation index is used to identify RUs that include sub-channels corresponding to zero users, and... Figure 14B In the S86b operation, it can be based on Figure 11 The RU allocation index is used to identify RUs that include sub-channels corresponding to zero users. In the following text, reference will be made to... Figure 6B , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 describe Figure 14A and Figure 14B .

[0093] refer to Figure 14A Operation S86a can include multiple operations S86_0 to S86_5. In operation S86_0, it can be determined whether the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is "x". For example, site 72 can determine whether... Figure 13 In operation S84, the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA identified matches the value "x". For example... Figure 14A As shown, when the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is “x”, in operation S86_1, station 72 can identify 242 tone RU RU242, which includes the subchannel corresponding to the RU allocation subfield RUA indicating zero user.

[0094] When the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is not "x", it can be determined in operation S86_2 whether the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is "y". For example... Figure 14A As shown, when the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is “y”, in operation S86_3, station 72 can identify the 484 tone RU RU484, which includes the subchannel corresponding to the RU allocation subfield RUA indicating zero user.

[0095] When the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is not "y", it can be determined in operation S86_4 whether the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is "z". For example... Figure 14A As shown, when the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is “z”, in operation S86_5, station 72 can identify the 996 tone RU RU996, which includes the sub-channel corresponding to the RU allocation subfield RUA indicating zero users. On the other hand, when the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is not “z”, operation S86a can be terminated.

[0096] refer to Figure 14B Operation S86b can include multiple operations S86_6 to S86_9. In operation S86_6, it can be determined whether the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is "x". For example, site 72 can determine whether... Figure 13In operation S84, the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA identified matches the value "x". For example... Figure 14B As shown, when the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is “x”, in operation S86_7, station 72 can identify either the 242-tone RU RU242 or the 484-tone RU RU484, which includes the sub-channel corresponding to the RU allocation subfield RUA indicating zero user.

[0097] When the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is not "x", it can be determined in operation S86_8 whether the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is "y". For example... Figure 14B As shown, when the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is “y”, in operation S86_9, station 72 can identify the 996 tone RU RU996, which includes the sub-channel corresponding to the RU allocation subfield RUA indicating zero users. On the other hand, when the value of the RU allocation subfield RUA is not “y”, operation S86b can be terminated.

[0098] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 Based on an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating the method for communication via RU allocation indexes. In detail, Figure 15 It shows that it can be included Figures 5A to 5C Examples of entries in the table shown, Figure 16 The flowchart shows Figure 7 An example of operation S30. Refer to the following text for details. Figure 6B and Figure 7 describe Figure 15 and Figure 16 .

[0099] refer to Figure 15 The RU allocation subfield can have a value dedicated to indicating zero users in the sub-channels included in the MRU. In other words, a station can identify an MRU from the RU allocation subfield indicating non-zero users, and can identify a zero user from the RU allocation subfield in the MRU that has the value "w". For example, as... Figure 15As shown, the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the sub-channels included in the 242-tone RU RU242 as a single RU can have a value "x" indicating zero users; the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the sub-channels included in the 484-tone RU RU484 as a single RU can have a value "y" indicating zero users; and the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the sub-channels included in the 996-tone RU RU996 as a single RU can have a value "z" indicating zero users. Furthermore, the RU allocation subfield corresponding to the sub-channels included in the MRU can have a value "w" indicating zero users. Therefore, in Figure 6B In the example, the two RU allocation subfields from the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 to the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4 can have a common value "w".

[0100] refer to Figure 16 Operation S30 can include multiple operations S34, S35, and S36. (See above reference.) Figure 7 As mentioned above, in Figure 16 Operation S30 can generate at least one RU allocation subfield. In the following, it is assumed that... Figure 7 AP 71 in Figure 7 Assignment in operation S20 Figure 6B The MRUs include 242-tone RU RU242 and 484-tone RU RU484.

[0101] In operation S34, the RU allocation subfield can be generated based on the number of MRUs and sites.

[0102] In some embodiments, AP 71 can be referenced Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The table shown generates a table with the same structure as in... Figure 7 The RU allocation subfield in operation S20 corresponds to the value of the number of MRUs and MU-MIMO users allocated. For example, AP 71 can generate... Figure 6B The second RU allocation subfield RUA2, the third RU allocation subfield RUA3, or the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4 with the binary value "001000000".

[0103] In operation S35, an RU in the MRU that includes a sub-channel indicating a zero user can be identified. In some embodiments, AP 71 can identify a sub-channel indicating a zero user from the sub-channels included in the MRU, and can identify an RU including the identified sub-channel. For example, when AP 71 generates a second RU allocation subfield RUA2 with the binary value "001000000" in operation S34, AP 71 can identify the third sub-channel SUB3 and the fourth sub-channel SUB4 indicating a zero user, and can also identify the third RU allocation subfield RUA3 and the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4. Moreover, when AP 71 generates a third RU allocation subfield RUA3 with the binary value "001000000" in operation S31, AP 71 can identify the second sub-channel SUB2 and the fourth sub-channel SUB4 indicating a zero user, and can also identify the second RU allocation subfield RUA2 and the fourth RU allocation subfield RUA4.

[0104] In operation S36, the RU allocation subfield can be set to a predefined value. In some embodiments, AP 71 can set the RU identified in operation S35 to a predefined value, i.e. Figure 15 The value of "w".

[0105] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an RU allocation index according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 Based on an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating the method for communication via RU allocation indexes. In detail, Figure 17 It shows that it can be included Figures 5A to 5C Examples of entries in the table shown, Figure 18 The flowchart shows Figure 7 An example of operation S30. Refer to the following text for details. Figure 7 To describe Figure 17 and Figure 18 .

[0106] refer to Figure 17 The RU allocation subfield can have a value for the RU used to indicate the width of a subchannel or a subchannel not used for data transmission, where this value can vary depending on whether the preamble is punctured. For example, as... Figure 17 As shown, when the 242-tone RU RU242 or sub-channel (i.e., 20MHz) corresponding to the RU allocation sub-field is not used for data transmission and the preamble of the corresponding sub-channel is punctured, the RU allocation sub-field can have the value "p". Additionally, when the 242-tone RU RU242 or sub-channel corresponding to the RU allocation sub-field RUA is not used for data transmission and the preamble of the corresponding sub-channel is not punctured, the RU allocation sub-field can have the value "q". In some embodiments, Figure 17 The values ​​“p” and “q” can respectively correspond to Figure 5A The table contains the binary values ​​“000011010” and “000011011”.

[0107] refer to Figure 18 Operation S30 can include multiple operations S37, S38, S39_1, and S39_2. (See above for reference.) Figure 7 As described, in Figure 18 In operation S30", at least one RU allocation subfield can be generated.

[0108] In operation S37, sub-channels not used for data transmission can be identified. For example, AP 71 may not use at least one of the sub-channels included in the bandwidth that are used for data transmission. Therefore, AP 71 can identify the location of the RU (i.e., the 242-tone RU) corresponding to the identified sub-channel.

[0109] In operation S38, it can be determined whether the preamble is punched. In some embodiments, AP 71 can determine whether the preamble of the sub-channel identified in operation S37 includes information. For example, AP 71 may include information in the preamble without using the 242-tone RU identified in operation S37 for data transmission, or the preamble may also be punched. Figure 18 As shown, when the leading edge is punched, the RU allocation subfield RUA can be set to the value "p" in operation S39_1. When the leading edge is not punched, the RU allocation subfield RUA can be set to the value "q".

[0110] Figure 19 This is a control and signaling diagram illustrating a method for communication based on an MRU according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method may include multiple operations S110 to S180. In the following, reference is made to... Figure 7 Redundant descriptions of the features will be omitted.

[0111] In operation S110, AP 191 can generate a "bandwidth subfield," such as a PPDU bandwidth subfield. For example, after obtaining a transmission opportunity (TXOP), AP 191 can determine the bandwidth to be used for communication with at least one site, including site 192, and can generate a bandwidth subfield based on the determined bandwidth. In EHT, AP 191 can generate a bandwidth subfield with values ​​corresponding to 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz.

[0112] In operation S120, AP 191 may allocate an MRU to at least one site. For example, AP 191 may allocate an MRU to at least one site, including site 192, within the bandwidth determined in operation S110.

[0113] In operation S130, AP 191 can generate at least one RU allocation subfield. For example, AP 191 can generate at least one RU allocation subfield based on the bandwidth determined in operation S110 and the MRUs allocated in operation S120. See later. Figure 20A and Figure 20B As described, in the RU allocation index, a value can define different MRUs based on bandwidth, so AP 191 can generate at least one RU allocation subfield based not only on the MRU allocated in operation S120 but also on the bandwidth determined in operation S110.

[0114] In operation S140, AP 191 can generate a PPDU. For example, as referenced above. Figure 3A As described, AP 191 can generate a U-SIG field that includes the bandwidth subfield generated in operation S110 in the version-related subfield, and can generate an EHT-SIG field that includes at least one RU allocation subfield generated in operation S130 in the common field. AP 191 can generate an EHT MU PPDU that includes both the U-SIG field and the EHT-SIG field in the preamble. In operation S150, AP 191 can send a PPDU to station 192, and station 192 can receive a PPDU from AP 191.

[0115] In operation S160, station 192 can extract the bandwidth field. For example, station 192 can extract the U-SIG field from the preamble of the PPDU received in operation S150 and can extract the bandwidth subfield from the subfields that depend on the version of the U-SIG field.

[0116] In operation S170, station 192 may extract at least one RU allocation subfield. For example, station 192 may extract the EHT-SIG field from the preamble of the PPDU received in operation S150 and extract at least one RU allocation subfield from the common fields of the EHT-SIG field.

[0117] In operation S180, site 192 can identify MRUs. For example, site 192 can identify an MRU allocated by AP 191 in operation 120 based on the bandwidth subfield extracted in operation S160 and at least one RU allocation subfield extracted in operation S170. MRUs can be identified not only based on at least one RU allocation subfield extracted in operation S170, but also based on the bandwidth subfield extracted in operation S160. Therefore, as the number of indexed RU allocation subfields decreases, the overhead for shared RU allocation can be reduced and / or the number of supportable MRUs can be increased, thereby improving spectral efficiency and data rate.

[0118] Figure 20A and Figure 20B This is a diagram illustrating an RU allocation index according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In detail, Figure 20A and Figure 20B This shows tables that express the same RU allocation index differently. Figure 20A and Figure 20B The first range R1 to the k-th range Rk can each correspond to n (e.g., consecutive) values.

[0119] refer to Figure 20A The RU allocation subfield RUA can define different MRUs based on the bandwidth having a single value. For example, as... Figure 20A As shown, the first range R1 of the RU allocation subfield can correspond to MRU MRU1 in the first bandwidth BW1 and can also correspond to MRU MRU1' in the second bandwidth BW2. The second range R2 of the RU allocation subfield can correspond to MRU MRU2 in the first bandwidth BW1 and can also correspond to MRU MRU1 in the second bandwidth BW2. The i-th range Ri of the RU allocation subfield can correspond to MRU MRUi in the first bandwidth BW1 and can also correspond to MRU MRUi' in the second bandwidth BW2 (i is an integer greater than 1). The j-th range Rj of the RU allocation subfield can correspond to MRU MRUj, and the k-th range Rk of the RU allocation subfield can correspond to MRU MRUk. In other words, the first range R1 to the i-th range Ri of the RU allocation subfield can each define different MRUs according to the bandwidth. In some embodiments, MRU MRUj and MRU MRUk can include the same RUs as MRU MRU1 and MRU MRU2 (j = i+1, k = j+1). Moreover, in some embodiments, MRU MRU1', MRU2', and MRUi' may be available only in the second bandwidth BW2.

[0120] refer to Figure 20B The value of the RU allocation subfield RUA can define different MRUs based on bandwidth. For example, such as... Figure 20BAs shown, in the second bandwidth BW2, the first range R1 to the i-th range Ri of the RU allocation subfield can be defined as MRU MRU1' to MRUi' respectively. Meanwhile, the first range R1 to the i-th range Ri of the RU allocation subfield in the first bandwidth BW1 can be defined as MRU1 to MRUi respectively.

[0121] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a device for wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 An Internet of Things (IoT) network system is shown, including home devices 211, home appliances 212, entertainment devices 213, and AP 215.

[0122] In some embodiments, Figure 21 In a wireless communication device, communication based on the MRU described above with reference to the accompanying drawings can be performed. AP 215 can generate an RU allocation subfield based on an RU including a subchannel indicating a zero user and can send a PPDU including the RU allocation subfield to home device 211, home appliance 212, and / or entertainment device 213. Furthermore, home device 211, home appliance 212, and / or entertainment device 213 can easily identify the zero user and the RU including the subchannel indicating the zero user based on the RU allocation subfield included in the PPDU received from AP 215, and identify pilot subcarriers based on the identified RU. Moreover, AP 215, home device 211, home appliance 212, and / or entertainment device 213 can generate or identify values ​​of the RU allocation subfield representing different MRUs according to bandwidth. Therefore, the efficiency of the IoT network system can be improved.

[0123] The various functions described above can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each computer program consisting of computer-readable program code and executed on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, associated data, or portions of suitable computer-readable program code for implementation. The term "computer-readable program code" includes all types of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The term "computer-readable medium" includes all types of media accessible to a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drives, optical discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), or other types of storage. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media does not include wired, wireless, optical, or other types of communication links that transmit transient electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media includes media that can permanently store data and media that can store data and subsequently be overwritten, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable storage devices.

[0124] While the inventive concept has been specifically shown and described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication by a first device, the method comprising: A multi-resource unit (MRU) comprising a first resource unit (RU) and a second RU is assigned to at least one second device, wherein the first RU corresponds to at least one first sub-channel and the second RU corresponds to at least one second sub-channel; Generate a first RU allocation subfield, which corresponds to one of the at least one first subchannel and has an RU allocation index value for the MRU; Generate a second RU allocation subfield, the second RU allocation subfield corresponding to one of the at least one second subchannel and having a value indicating the value of the zero-contribution user field in the at least one second subchannel; as well as Send the first RU allocation subfield and the second RU allocation subfield to the at least one second device. The MRU includes at least one of 242-tone RU, 484-tone RU, and 996-tone RU. The second RU includes one of the following: a 242-tone RU corresponding to one second sub-channel, a 484-tone RU corresponding to two second sub-channels, and a 996-tone RU corresponding to four second sub-channels. The generation of the second RU allocation subfield includes setting the value to one of a first value, a second value, and a third value corresponding to the 242 tone RU, the 484 tone RU, and the 996 tone RU, respectively.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The setting of the first RU allocation subfield includes: when the MRU includes 484 tone RUs and 242 tone RUs, setting the RU allocation index value to a first value.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The setting of the first RU allocation subfield includes: when the MRU includes 996 tone RUs and 484 tone RUs, setting the RU allocation index value to a second value.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The setting of the first RU allocation subfield includes: when the MRU includes two 996-tone RUs and a 484-tone RU, setting the RU allocation index value to a third value.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The setting of the first RU allocation subfield includes: when the MRU includes three 996-tone RUs and 484-tone RUs, the RU allocation index value is set to the fourth value.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The setting of the first RU allocation subfield includes: when the MRU includes three 996 tone RUs, setting the RU allocation index value to the sixth value.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The setting of the first RU allocation subfield includes: when the MRU includes two 996 tone RUs, setting the RU allocation index value to the seventh value.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The generation of the second RU allocation subfield includes: When the second RU is identified as a 242-tone RU corresponding to one second sub-channel or a 484-tone RU corresponding to two second sub-channels, the value is set to the first value; and When the second RU is identified as a 996-tone RU corresponding to the four second sub-channels, the value is set to the second value.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first RU allocation subfield indicates the number of the at least one second device.

10. A method for wireless communication by a second device, the method comprising: Obtain from the first device a first resource unit (RU) allocation subfield corresponding to one of at least one first subchannel and a second RU allocation subfield corresponding to one of at least one second subchannel; Identify Multi-Resource Units (MRUs) based on the RU allocation index value of the first RU allocation sub-field; and Based on the MRU, at least one pilot subcarrier is identified. Identifying the MRU includes: Based on the value of the second RU allocation subfield, identify the second RU allocation subfield and the second RU that indicate a zero-contribution user field in one of the at least one second subfield; The MRU includes a first RU corresponding to the at least one first sub-channel and a second RU corresponding to the at least one second sub-channel. The MRU includes at least one of 242-tone RU, 484-tone RU, and 996-tone RU. Wherein, the second RU is one of the 242-tone RU, the 484-tone RU, and the 996-tone RU, and The identification of the second RU includes: When the value is the first value, 242 tone RU is identified; When the value is the second value, identify 484 tone RU; and When the value is the third value, 996 tone RU is identified.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, Identifying the second RU includes: When the value is the first value, identify the 242-tone RU or the 484-tone RU; and When the value is the second value, the 996 tone RU is identified.

12. A method for wireless communication by a first device, the method comprising: A multi-resource unit (MRU) including a first resource unit (RU) and a second RU is assigned to at least one second device, wherein the first RU, which is a 484-tone RU or a 996-tone RU, corresponds to a plurality of first sub-channels and the second RU, which is a 242-tone RU, corresponds to a second sub-channel. Generate a first RU allocation subfield, which corresponds to one of the plurality of first sub-channels and has an RU allocation index value for the MRU; Generate a second RU allocation subfield, the second RU allocation subfield corresponding to another of the plurality of first subchannels and having a first value indicating the field of the other zero-contribution user in the plurality of first subchannels; Generate a third RU allocation subfield, the third RU allocation subfield corresponding to the second subchannel and having a second value indicating the field of zero-contribution users of the second subchannel; Send the first RU allocation subfield to the third RU allocation subfield to the at least one second device. The first value is different from the second value.

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