Packet format for transmission of data packets

Abstract

A packet format for transmission of data packets over a communication channel is disclosed, wherein the transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets. An implicit indication of the selected bandwidth is obtained by using a PPDU format that contains a conventional L-LTF field (legacy long training field) to indicate a 20 MHz bandwidth in accordance with IEEE 802.11a / ax, or a new time-reversed LTF (TR-L-LTF) field orthogonal to the L-LTF field to indicate a bandwidth greater than 20 MHz.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of wireless communications and more particularly to packet formats for transmission of data packets. Background Art

[0002] In wireless communications, any overhead signaling will reduce the upper limit of data throughput. Therefore, there is a need for methods for wireless communications that are efficient in terms of overhead signaling. Summary of the invention

[0003] It should be emphasized that when used in this specification, the term "comprises / comprising" is regarded as specifying the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or combinations thereof. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0004] Generally, when an arrangement is referred to herein, it is understood to be a physical product; for example, a device. The physical product may include one or more components, such as control circuitry in the form of one or more controllers, one or more processors, and the like.

[0005] It is an aim of some embodiments to address or mitigate, alleviate or eliminate at least some of the above or other disadvantages.

[0006] A first aspect is a packet format for transmission of data packets over a communication channel, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets.

[0007] The packet format defines a frequency bandwidth detection field, wherein the frequency bandwidth detection field of a data packet has a first field content or a second field content, and wherein corresponding portions of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other.

[0008] The first field content indicates that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a first frequency bandwidth, and the second field content indicates that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0009] In some embodiments, transmission of each of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first field content includes at least one instance of a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and the second field content includes at least one instance of a second OFDM symbol, wherein the second OFDM symbol is a time-reversed version of the first OFDM symbol.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first field content includes two instances of the first OFDM symbol and a first cyclic prefix CP, wherein the first CP is a copy of a portion of the first OFDM symbol, and the second field content includes two instances of the second OFDM symbol and a second CP, wherein the second CP is a copy of a portion of the second OFDM symbol.

[0012] In some embodiments, corresponding portions are defined as instances of the first OFDM symbol and the second OFDM symbol.

[0013] In some embodiments, the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between at least two predetermined frequency bandwidths: the first frequency bandwidth and one or more second frequency bandwidths.

[0014] In some embodiments, the packet format further defines one or more of the following: a synchronization field comprising a repeating time domain pattern; a control field utilizing the first frequency bandwidth when the frequency bandwidth detection field has the first field content and utilizing a second frequency bandwidth when the frequency bandwidth detection field has the second field content; and a data field suitable for transmission on the frequency bandwidth indicated by the frequency bandwidth detection field.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control field indicates which of the one or more second frequency bandwidths is used for transmission of the data packet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the synchronization field is a legacy short training field L-STF.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control field is a signaling field or a signal field SIG.

[0018] In some embodiments, the data packet is a physical layer convergence protocol data unit (PPDU).

[0019] In some embodiments, the frequency bandwidth detection field is a legacy long training field L-LTF.

[0020] In some embodiments, the packet format is used to comply with IEEE 802.11ax and / or IEEE 802.11be.

[0021] A second aspect is a method for transmission of data packets over a communication channel, wherein the data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets.

[0022] The method includes: filling a frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format with a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding parts of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other, and wherein the first field content is selected when the transmission of the data packet utilizes a first frequency bandwidth, and the second field content is selected when the transmission of the data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0023] A third aspect is a method for receiving data packets on a communication channel, wherein the data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets.

[0024] The method includes: detecting whether a frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format has a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding parts of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other; when the first field content is detected, processing the data packet as being received on a first frequency bandwidth; and when the second field content is detected, processing the data packet as being received on a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0025] A fourth aspect is a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions. The computer program can be loaded into a data processing unit and is configured to cause the method according to the second and / or third aspects to be performed when the computer program is run by the data processing unit.

[0026] A fifth aspect is a device for transmitting data packets on a communication channel, wherein the data packets have a packet format, wherein the transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets.

[0027] The device includes a control circuit, which is configured to fill the frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format with a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding parts of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other, and wherein the first field content is used to indicate that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a first frequency bandwidth, and the second field content is used to indicate that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0028] A sixth aspect is a device for receiving data packets on a communication channel, wherein the data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets.

[0029] The device includes a control circuit, which is configured to: detect whether a frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format has a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding parts of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other; when the first field content is detected, process the data packet to be received on a first frequency bandwidth; and when the second field content is detected, process the data packet to be received on a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0030] In some embodiments, the packet format according to any one of the second to sixth aspects is the packet format according to the first aspect.

[0031] The seventh aspect is a transmitter comprising the apparatus according to the fifth aspect.

[0032] An eighth aspect is a receiver comprising the apparatus according to the sixth aspect.

[0033] The ninth aspect is a wireless communication device, comprising one or more of the following: the apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the transmitter according to the seventh aspect, and the receiver according to the eighth aspect.

[0034] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device is an access point or a station.

[0035] In some embodiments, any of the above aspects may additionally have features that are the same as or correspond to any of the various features described above for any other aspect.

[0036] An advantage of some embodiments is that efficient overhead signaling is provided.

[0037] Another advantage of some embodiments is that, for systems employing frequency bandwidths that are dynamically variable between data packets, information about which frequency bandwidth is used for transmission of data packets can be transmitted without adding any overhead signaling. This applies, for example, to the following situations: the frequency bandwidth detection field already transmits other signaling (e.g., control signaling), and the information about which frequency bandwidth is used for transmission of data packets is indicated by whether one or more parts of the frequency bandwidth detection field are time-reversed.

[0038] In some embodiments, the packet format is a physical layer converged protocol data unit (PPDU) format, which has even lower overhead than the low throughput physical layer (LT PHY) proposed in the "Recommended Direction for EHT" of Cisco Systems document IEEE 802.11-18 / 1549r0 (September 9, 2018).

[0039] In some embodiments, the PPDU is compatible with IEEE 802.11ax STAs (eg, operating in the 6 GHz band spectrum); the LTPHY is not. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating example embodiments.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example packet format according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example packet format according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example frequency bandwidth detection field according to some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example packet format according to some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 5 is a signaling diagram illustrating example signaling according to some embodiments;

[0046] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating example method steps according to some embodiments;

[0047] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating example method steps according to some embodiments;

[0048] Figure 8is a flow chart illustrating example method steps according to some embodiments;

[0049] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example apparatus according to some embodiments;

[0050] Fig.10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example apparatus according to some embodiments;

[0051] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example computer readable medium according to some embodiments;

[0052] Fig.12 illustrates a telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to some embodiments;

[0053] Fig.13 illustrates a host computer communicating with a user device via a base station over a partially wireless connection according to some embodiments;

[0054] Fig.14 is a flow chart illustrating example method steps implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments;

[0055] Fig.15 is a flow chart illustrating example method steps implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments;

[0056] Fig.16 is a flow chart illustrating example method steps implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments; and

[0057] Fig.17 is a flow chart illustrating example method steps implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] As already mentioned above, it should be emphasized that when used in this specification, the term "comprises / comprising" is regarded as specifying the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or combinations thereof. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0059] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described and illustrated more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the solutions disclosed herein may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0060] In the following, embodiments providing a packet format for transmission of data packets on a communication channel will be described.The packet format is configured to convey information about a frequency bandwidth used for transmission of the data packets.

[0061] It should be understood that in general, the use of terms such as "data" and "data packet" may refer to any type of data (eg, control data, management data, configuration data, payload data, etc.).

[0062] The use of the packet format will be exemplified in the context of the wireless local area network (WLAN) IEEE 802.11 standard. However, it should be noted that this is intended as a non-limiting example and that the embodiments may be equally applicable to other contexts where it is beneficial to convey information about the frequency bandwidth used for the transmission of data packets. The context of the IEEE 802.11 standard will now be briefly described.

[0063] It is expected that the 6 GHz band spectrum will soon be available for unlicensed operation. IEEE 802.11ax is the first WLAN variant designed to operate in this band. In addition, the IEEE 802.11be Task Group (TGbe) has been established to develop Extremely High Throughput (EHT), which is meant to replace IEEE 802.11ax. One of the goals of TGbe is to standardize the physical layer (PHY) for operation in the 6 GHz band.

[0064] The current practice in IEEE 802.11n / ac / ax WLANs operating in the 5 GHz band spectrum is to use the IEEE 802.11a-compatible physical layer converged protocol data unit (PPDU) format to send control information, management information, and short data frames, as this approach provides backward compatibility with legacy IEEE 802.11 devices.

[0065] IEEE802.11a PHY only supports 20MHz frequency bandwidth, and the PPDU format includes a 20μs preamble (including an 8μs legacy short training field (L-STF), an 8μs legacy long training field (L-LTF), and a 4μs signaling field (SIG)) and a data field. The L-LTF includes a repetition of a 3.2μs orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, preceded by a 1.6μs cyclic prefix (CP), which includes a copy of the last part of the OFDM symbol.

[0066] Newer PHYs (such as IEEE 802.11ac / ax) typically have more overhead and therefore more functionality. IEEE 802.11ac / ax PPDUs have variable bandwidth (20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz), and the bandwidth is indicated in the 20 MHz field that precedes the PPDU portion that utilizes the full band of 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz.

[0067] The IEEE 802.11ac PPDU for 80 MHz frequency bandwidth includes a legacy short training field (L-STF) of 8 μs, a legacy long training field (L-LTF) of 8 μs, a legacy signaling field (L-SIG) of 4 μs, a very high throughput signaling field A (VHT-SIG-A) of 8 μs, a very high throughput short training field (VHT-STF) of 4 μs, a very high throughput long training field (VHT-LTF) of 4 μs, a very high throughput signaling field B (VHT-SIG-B) of 4 μs, and a very high throughput (VHT) data field. L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, and VHT-SIG-A each have a 20 MHz bandwidth and are sent in four identical copies over an 80 MHz frequency bandwidth. VHT-SIG-A includes an indication of the bandwidth for subsequent fields (VHT-STF, VHT-LTF, VHT-SIG-B, and VHT data). The VHT-STF, VHT-LTF, VHT-SIG-B, and VHT-DATA fields each have an 80 MHz bandwidth.

[0068] The IEEE 802.11ax PPDU for 80MHz frequency bandwidth includes a legacy short training field (L-STF) of 8μs, a legacy long training field (L-LTF) of 8μs, a legacy signaling field (L-SIG) of 4μs, a repeated legacy signaling field (RL-SIG) of 4μs, a high-efficiency signaling field A (HE-SIG-A) of 8μs, a high-efficiency short training field (HE-STF) of 4μs, a high-efficiency long training field (HE-LTF) of variable length, and a high-efficiency (HE) data field. L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, and HE-SIG-A each have a 20MHz bandwidth and are sent in four identical copies on an 80MHz frequency bandwidth. HE-SIG-A includes an indication of the bandwidth for subsequent fields (HE-STF, HE-LTF, and HE data). HE-STF, HE-LTF, and HE data fields each have an 80MHz bandwidth.

[0069] If the device (STA) supports adaptive channel bandwidth, using IEEE802-11a / ac / ax PHY in a data transmission session for an 80MHz frequency bandwidth (including a 20MHz primary bandwidth, a 20MHz secondary bandwidth, and a 40MHz secondary bandwidth) may include a first device (STA1) sending four copies of a 20MHz ready to send (RTS) message on the 80MHz bandwidth using IEEE802.11a PHY. If the 40MHz secondary bandwidth encounters interference (e.g., from a hidden node), the second device (STA2) may respond by sending two copies of a 20MHz clear to send (CTS) message on the 20MHz primary bandwidth and the 20MHz secondary bandwidth using IEEE802.11a PHY. Then, STA1 may send data on 40MHz (20MHz primary bandwidth and 20MHz secondary bandwidth) using IEEE802.11ac PHY, and STA2 may respond by sending two copies of a 20MHz block acknowledgement (BA) message on the 20MHz primary bandwidth and the 20MHz secondary bandwidth using IEEE802.11a PHY.

[0070] If the device (STA) does not support adaptive channel bandwidth, using IEEE802-11a / ac / ax PHY in a data transmission session for an 80MHz frequency bandwidth (including a 20MHz primary bandwidth, a 20MHz secondary bandwidth, and a 40MHz secondary bandwidth) may include a first device (STA1) using IEEE802.11a PHY to send four copies of a 20MHz ready to send (RTS) message on the 80MHz bandwidth. For example, if the 40MHz secondary bandwidth encounters interference (e.g., from a hidden node), the second device (STA2) cannot respond by sending a clear to send (CTS) message, and STA1 cannot start transmission. If no interference is encountered, STA2 may respond by sending four copies of a 20MHz clear to send (CTS) message on the entire 80MHz bandwidth using IEEE802.11a PHY. STA1 may then send data on the 80 MHz bandwidth using the IEEE 802.11ac PHY, and STA2 may respond by sending four copies of a 20 MHz Block Acknowledgement (BA) message on the 80 MHz bandwidth using the IEEE 802.11a PHY.

[0071] Typically there will not be any legacy devices operating in the 6 GHz band spectrum. Therefore, full backward capability is typically not required, and it may be desirable to avoid using inefficient and / or inadequate legacy PHYs for this band. Stations (STAs) supporting IEEE 802.11be and IEEE 802.11ax will typically coexist in the 6 GHz band.

[0072] It has been proposed to introduce a low throughput (LT) PHY for operation in the 6 GHz band spectrum (e.g., see "Recommended Direction for EHT" (Cisco Systems, Document: IEEE 802.11-18 / 1549r0, September 9, 2018) and "6 GHz Principles" (Cisco Systems, Document: IEEE 802.11-18 / 1897r0, November 2, 2018)). For example, such a PHY can be used to send short frames (e.g., including control, management, and / or data) and can have similar functionality to the IEEE 802.11a PHY in the 5 GHz band; but is more suitable for extremely high throughput (EHT). It should be noted that the LT PHY proposed in the above reference documents is not compatible with IEEE 802.11ax. Therefore, an IEEE 802.11ax STA that may be operating in the 6 GHz band will not be able to decode a PPDU sent using the LT PHY.

[0073] As described above, low overhead is generally important for achieving high throughput. The simplified PHY (PPDU format) for EHT according to some embodiments provided herein can have important functions for WLANs operating in the 6 GHz band because it is generally more efficient than existing alternatives for short frames. In addition, the simplified PHY (PPDU format) for EHT according to some embodiments provided herein can be compatible with IEEE 802.11ax.

[0074] Figure 1 An example packet format according to some embodiments is schematically illustrated. The packet format is used for transmission of data packets 110, 120 on a communication channel, wherein the transmission of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth 111, 121.

[0075] The frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets, which is illustrated by the fact that the respective bandwidths 111, 121 of the data packets 110, 120 are different. Typically, the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between at least two predetermined frequency bandwidths: a first frequency bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) and one or more second frequency bandwidths (e.g., 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz).

[0076] According to some embodiments, a data packet may be considered as a physical layer data unit including a data field and a preamble. The data field may sometimes be referred to as a "data packet", but when the term "data packet" is used herein, it generally refers to a physical layer data unit including a data field and a preamble. The data packet may be, for example, a PPDU for IEEE802.11.

[0077] The data packet format is defined by (or includes) Figure 1 The frequency bandwidth detection field is shown as 112 and 122 in FIG. Generally, the frequency bandwidth detection field is a part of the preamble.

[0078] As illustrated above, the field of the preamble (or some fields of the preamble) may be extended over a frequency bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) that may be lower than the frequency bandwidth of the data field (e.g., 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz). Then, according to some embodiments, the field of the preamble may be sent in several instances to cover the frequency bandwidth of the data field. In some embodiments, this may be applied to the frequency bandwidth detection field when appropriate.

[0079] The frequency bandwidth detection field 112, 122 of the data packet 110, 120 has a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding parts of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other.

[0080] Orthogonality may be defined in any suitable way. Generally, it may refer to a correlation between corresponding parts of the first field content and the second field content being zero. The correlation may be, for example, a correlation between symbol samples (eg, time domain samples of an OFDM symbol).

[0081] The first field content indicates that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a first frequency bandwidth (eg, 111), and the second field content indicates that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth (eg, 121).

[0082] Thus, the frequency bandwidth detection field 112, 122 conveys information about the frequency bandwidth used for the transmission of the data packet.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second field content may be a time-reversed version of the first field content. Alternatively, the second field content comprises two or more parts, wherein, in some embodiments, at least one part is a time-reversed version of a corresponding part of the first field content.

[0084] When the frequency bandwidth detection field already conveys other signaling, information about the frequency bandwidth used for the data packet can be conveyed very efficiently by means of time reversal as described above.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first field content may include at least one instance of a first OFDM symbol and the second field content may include at least one instance of a second OFDM symbol, wherein the second OFDM symbol is a time-reversed version of the first OFDM symbol.

[0086] For example, the first field content may include two instances of a first OFDM symbol and a first cyclic prefix (CP; a copy of a portion (usually the last portion) of the first OFDM symbol), and the second field content may include two instances of a second OFDM symbol and a second CP (a copy of a portion (usually the last portion) of the second OFDM symbol). The corresponding portions of the first field content and the second field content may be defined as corresponding instances of the first OFDM symbol and the second OFDM symbol.

[0087] Figure 2-4 Examples are provided in which packet formats are used to comply with IEEE 802.11ax and / or IEEE 802.11be.

[0088] Figure 2 An example packet format for PPDU of IEEE802.11 according to some embodiments is schematically shown. The packet format is used for transmission of data packets on a communication channel, wherein the transmission of data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth.

[0089] The frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets. Typically, the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between at least two predetermined frequency bandwidths: a first frequency bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) and one or more second frequency bandwidths (e.g., 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz). At (a), a data packet utilizing frequency bandwidth 211 (e.g., 20 MHz) is shown, at (b), a data packet utilizing frequency bandwidth 221 (e.g., 40 MHz) is shown, and at (c), a data packet utilizing frequency bandwidth 231 (e.g., 80 MHz) is shown.

[0090] Referring to the packet format (a), the PPDU format includes a 20 μs long preamble (including an 8 μs long L-STF 201, an 8 μs long L-LTF 212, and a 4 μs long SIG 203) and a data field 204, just like IEEE802.11a. All fields are extended on 20 MHz as shown by 211.

[0091] Referring to the packet format (b), the PPDU format includes a 20 μs long preamble (including an L-STF 201 of 8 μs length 291, a TR-L-LTF 222 of 8 μs length 292, and a SIG 223 of 4 μs length 293) and a data field 224. The L-STF and TR-L-LTF are spread over 20 MHz and are each transmitted in two instances, and the SIG and data fields are spread over 40 MHz as shown by 221.

[0092] Referring to the packet format (c), the PPDU format includes a 20 μs long preamble (including an L-STF 201 of 8 μs length 291, a TR-L-LTF 222 of 8 μs length 292, and a SIG 233 of 4 μs length 293) and a data field 234. The L-STF and TR-L-LTF are spread over 20 MHz and are each transmitted in four instances, the SIG is spread over 40 MHz and is transmitted in two instances, and the data field is spread over 80 MHz as shown by 231.

[0093] According to some embodiments, pilot tones may be included in the SIG to enable use of 802.11ac parameter sets and / or channel coding for data.

[0094] L-LTF / TR-L-LTF may be used as a frequency bandwidth detection field.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the L-LTF 212 includes (i.e., the first field content is) a repetition of OFDM symbols (SYM) 310a, 310b having a duration of 3.2μs 295, 296; preceded by a cyclic prefix (CP) 311 having a duration of 1.6μs 394, and the CP 311 includes a copy of the last part of the OFDM symbol 310b (as shown by the striped portion of 310b).

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), TR-L-LTF 222 includes (i.e., the second field content is) Figure 3 (a) is a repetition of a time-reversed version 320a, 320b (TR-SYM) of the OFDM symbols 310a, 310b of (a) having a duration 295, 296 of 3.2 μs; preceded by a cyclic prefix (CP) 321 having a duration 394 of 1.6 μs, the CP 321 comprising a copy of the last portion of the time-reversed version of the OFDM symbol 320b (as shown by the striped portion of 320b).

[0097] Thus, the second field content TR-L-LTF comprises three parts 321 , 320a, 320b, wherein at two parts 320a, 320b are time-reversed versions of the corresponding parts 310a, 310b of the first field content L-LTF.

[0098] It will now be shown that an OFDM symbol and its time-reversed version (corresponding parts of the first field content and the second field content) are orthogonal to each other.

[0099] The L-LTF is designed to have a low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) to achieve fine frequency correction and allow channel estimation. It can be defined by the following frequency domain symbol sequence: This sequence is used to construct an OFDM symbol x(t) with a duration of T=3.2 μs by means of Fourier transformation:

[0100] The time reversal of an OFDM symbol x(t) can be defined by the operation t→(Tt). When this operation is applied to x(t), the time-reversed OFDM symbol x is obtained. TR (t):

[0101] Changing the summation index, it follows That is, the frequency domain sign can be inverted before applying the Fourier transform The order of x after time reversal is obtained TR (t).

[0102] By direct calculation, it can be verified that the LTF sequence is orthogonal to the inverted LTF sequence: Since the Fourier transform preserves orthogonality, the OFDM symbol x(t) and its time-reversed x TR The numerical version of (t) is also orthogonal:

[0103] In short, TR-L-LTF has (essentially) the same time domain and frequency domain characteristics as L-LTF.

[0104] Use as in Figure 2 The L-LTF 212 in the packet format (a) of FIG. 1 (implicitly) indicates that the transmission of the data packet utilizes 20 MHz (the first frequency bandwidth) 211. Figure 2 The TR-L-LTF 222 in the packet formats (b) and (c) of FIG. 1 (implicitly) indicates that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than 20 MHz 221, 231. In this particular example, the use of the TR-L-LTF 222 as in the packet formats (b) and (c) also indicates that the SIG 223, 233 can be read at 40 MHz, and the SIG indicates which frequency bandwidth is used for the data field 224, 234.

[0105] By using L-LTF / TR-L-LTF as the frequency bandwidth detection field, information about the frequency bandwidth used for the data packet is transmitted very efficiently because no additional overhead is used for the information.

[0106] The L-STF may be viewed as an example of a synchronization field comprising a repeating time domain pattern.

[0107] SIG can be considered as an example of a control field, which utilizes a first frequency bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) when the frequency bandwidth detection field has a first field content (e.g., L-LTF), and utilizes a second frequency bandwidth (e.g., 40 MHz) when the frequency bandwidth detection field has a second field content (e.g., TR-L-LTF), and which indicates which of multiple second frequency bandwidths (e.g., 40, 80, or 160 MHz) is used for transmission of data packets when the frequency bandwidth detection field has the second field content.

[0108] Figure 4 Other example packet formats for PPDU of IEEE 802.11 according to some embodiments are schematically illustrated. Figure 4 Examples (b)-(c) can be viewed as Figure 2 (c) and Figure 4 (a) shows an alternative version of the example packet format, i.e. for 80 MHz. The corresponding alternative applies to Figure 2 (a)-(b) show example packet format versions. In some embodiments, different packet formats (e.g. Figure 4 Dynamically change between those packet formats (a)-(c)).

[0109] exist Figure 4 In the PPDU format, the PPDU format includes a preamble (including an L-STF 401 with a duration of 8 μs 491, a TR-L-LTF 432 with a duration of 8 μs 492, and a SIG 433 with a duration of 4 μs 493) and a data field 434. The L-STF and TR-L-LTF are spread over 20 MHz and are each sent in four instances, the SIG is spread over 40 MHz and is sent in two instances, and the data field is spread over 80 MHz as shown by 431.

[0110] Figure 4 The preamble of the PPDU format in (b) also has a variable-length HE-LTF 435, Figure 4 The preamble of the PPDU format in (c) also has a 4 μs duration HE-STF 436 and a variable duration HE-LTF 435. These methods enable the use of the IEEE 802.11ax parameter set. The use of the IEEE 802.11ax parameter set may be indicated in SIG 433, i.e., the use of Figure 4 One of the formats (b)-(c).

[0111] Figure 5Example signaling for a data transmission session for an 80 MHz frequency bandwidth (including a 20 MHz primary bandwidth 531 , a 20 MHz secondary bandwidth 532 , and a 40 MHz secondary bandwidth 533 ) according to some embodiments is schematically illustrated. Figure 5 The example applies to the following situation: the device (STA) does not support adaptive channel bandwidth and knows that Figure 2-3 A simplified grouping format.

[0112] exist Figure 5 , the first device (STA1) uses IEEE802.11a PHY to send four copies of a 20MHz ready to send (RTS) message 501 on an 80MHz bandwidth. Because the 40MHz secondary bandwidth 533 encounters interference (INT) as shown by 510, the second device (STA2) cannot respond to the RTS 501 by sending a clear to send (CTS) message.

[0113] To be able to transmit, STA1 uses IEEE802.11a PHY to send four copies of another 20MHz ready to send (RTS) message 502 on 80MHz bandwidth. Since no interference is encountered at this time, STA2 responds by sending four copies of a 20MHz clear to send (CTS) message 503 on 80MHz bandwidth using IEEE802.11a PHY. RTS 502 and / or CTS 503 may cause other nodes (e.g., any hidden nodes) operating according to IEEE802.11ax to postpone transmission.

[0114] Then, STA1 can use IEEE802.11be PHY to send data 504 on 80MHz bandwidth, and STA2 can use the above-mentioned method (for example, in combination with Figure 2-3 )'s Reduced PHY sends an 80 MHz Block Acknowledgement (BA) message 505 in response.

[0115] exist Figure 5 In the scenario, the proposed 20MHz version of the IEEE802.11a-compatible reduced PHY ( Figure 2 (a)) to send a PPDU (RTS / CTS; 501, 502, 503) requiring repetition, while using a 80 MHz bandwidth ( Figure 2(c)) is used to send BA 505 using a reduced PHY PPDU. Because the legacy format is used for RTS / CTS, any hidden IEEE 802.11ax node that hears RTS or CTS will defer transmission, as described above. Data 504 is sent using an extremely high throughput (EHT) IEEE 802.11be PHY. Using a reduced PHY to send a BA improves efficiency compared to an IEEE 802.11a PHY because the BA information does not need to be duplicated. Therefore, for this scenario, the radio resources consumed by BA 505 are approximately one-quarter of the radio resources consumed by a BA sent according to the IEEE 802.11a PHY.

[0116] Figure 6 An example method for transmission of data packets over a communication channel is shown, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets.

[0117] The data packet has the above examples (for example, combined with Figure 1 and / or Figure 2-3 ) grouping format.

[0118] The method begins at step 610 where it is determined which bandwidth should be used for transmission of data packets.

[0119] When the first frequency bandwidth (eg, 20 MHz) is to be used (“yes” path in step 610 ), the first field content (eg, L-LTF) is selected in step 620 .

[0120] When a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth (eg, 40, 80, or 160 MHz) is to be used (“No” path in step 610 ), a second field content (eg, TR-L-LTF) is selected in step 630 .

[0121] In step 640, the frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format is populated with the selected (first or second) field content.

[0122] As mentioned above, the first field content and the corresponding parts of the second field content are orthogonal to each other. This can be achieved by time reversal of the OFDM symbols of the L-LTF, as shown by Figure 3 shown.

[0123] As is well known, the OFDM symbols for L-LTF can be generated by feeding OFDM symbol samples to an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT). In fact, a time-reversed version of the OFDM symbols for TR-L-LTF can be generated by feeding the same OFDM symbol samples to the IFFT (but in a reversed tap order).

[0124] Figure 7 An example method for reception of data packets on a communication channel is shown, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets.

[0125] The data packet may have the above examples (for example, combined with Figure 1 and / or Figure 2-3 ) grouping format.

[0126] The method starts at step 710, wherein a frequency bandwidth detection field of a packet format is detected to have a first field content (e.g., L-LTF) or a second field content (e.g., TR-L-LTF). As previously described, corresponding portions of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other, which facilitates detection.

[0127] When the first field content is detected ("yes" path in step 720), in step 730, the data packet is processed as being received on a first frequency bandwidth (eg, 20 MHz).

[0128] When the second field content is detected ("No" path in step 720), in step 740, the data packet is processed as being received at a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth (eg, 40, 80, or 160 MHz).

[0129] Figure 8 An example method for reception of data packets on a communication channel is shown, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets.

[0130] The data packet may have the above examples (for example, combined with Figure 1 and / or Figure 2-3 ) grouping format.

[0131] The method starts at step 802, where packet detection, automatic gain control (AGC), coarse frequency correction, and time synchronization are performed using the L-STF, for example according to well-known methods.

[0132] The L-LTF / TR-L-LTF is used for fine frequency correction in step 804. The L-LTF and TR-L-LTF are also well suited for this purpose.

[0133] In step 810, the frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format is detected to be L-LTF or TR-L-LTF (with Figure 7As previously mentioned, corresponding portions of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other, which facilitates detection. Detection may be achieved, for example, via matched filtering.

[0134] In some implementations, the frequency bandwidth detection field is independently passed through two different filters, one filter is matched with the L-LTF and the other filter is matched with the TR-L-LTF, and when one of the two correlation values ​​exceeds the detection threshold, the corresponding content (first or second field content) is considered detected. Due to orthogonality, the other correlation value should be zero (or very close to zero).

[0135] When L-LTF is detected ("No" path in step 820), it is determined that the data packet uses IEEE802.11a / axPHY, as shown by step 830 (with Figure 7 compared to step 730).

[0136] When a TR-L-LTF is detected ("yes" path in step 820), it is determined that the data packet uses an alternate PHY, as shown by step 840 (with Figure 7 ), for example, a reduced PHY as described herein.

[0137] It should be noted that Figure 7 and 8 The various parts of the method may be combined appropriately.

[0138] Fig. 9 An example apparatus is schematically illustrated comprising an apparatus 910 for transmission of data packets over a communication channel, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets.

[0139] The data packet has the above examples (for example, combined with Figure 1 and / or Figure 2-3 ) grouping format.

[0140] The apparatus 910 may be included in a transmitter device, for example, in a wireless communication device (such as an access point (AP) or a station (STA)). The apparatus may be configured to perform (for example, perform) as in conjunction with Figure 6 Any method steps described.

[0141] The apparatus includes a controller (CNTR; for example, a control circuit or a control module) 900 .

[0142] The controller is configured to fill the frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format with the first field content or the second field content, wherein corresponding parts of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other, and wherein the first field content is used to indicate that the transmission of the data packet utilizes the first frequency bandwidth, and the second field content is used to indicate that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0143] To this end, the controller may include a selector (SEL; such as a selection circuit or a selection module) 901 and a filler (POP; such as a fill circuit or a fill module) 902 or be otherwise associated with them (such as being connectable to them or being connected to them).

[0144] The selector can be configured to: select a first field content (e.g., L-LTF) when a first frequency bandwidth is to be used; and select a second field content (e.g., TR-L-LTF) when a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth is to be used, and the filler can be configured to fill the frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format accordingly.

[0145] The controller may also be configured to cause transmission of the data packets via a transmitter (TX; eg, a transmission circuit or a transmission module) 930 that may be connected or coupled to the device 910 .

[0146] Fig.10 An example apparatus is schematically illustrated comprising an apparatus 1010 for reception of data packets on a communication channel, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets.

[0147] The data packet has the above examples (for example, combined with Figure 1 and / or Figure 2-3 ) grouping format.

[0148] The apparatus 1010 may be included in a receiver device, for example, in a wireless communication device (such as an access point (AP) or a station (STA)). The apparatus may be configured to perform (for example, perform) as in conjunction with Figure 7-8 Any method steps described.

[0149] The apparatus includes a controller (CNTR; for example, a control circuit or a control module) 1000 .

[0150] The controller is configured to detect whether a frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format has a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding parts of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other.

[0151] To this end, the controller may include a detector (DET; e.g., a detection circuit or a detection module) 1001 (e.g., a correlator or a matched filter) or be otherwise associated with it (e.g., connectable to it or connected to it). The detector may be configured to detect whether the frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format has a first field content (e.g., L-LTF) or a second field content (e.g., TR-L-LTF).

[0152] The controller is configured such that when first field content is detected, the data packet is processed to be received on a first frequency bandwidth, and when second field content is detected, the data packet is processed to be received on a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0153] To this end, the controller may include or be otherwise associated with (e.g., connectable to or connected to) a processor (PROC; e.g., a processing circuit or processing module) 1002. The processor may be configured to process the data packet as being received at a first frequency bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) when the first field content is detected, and to process the data packet as being received at a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth (e.g., 40, 80, or 160 MHz) when the second field content is detected.

[0154] The controller may also be configured to cause reception of data packets by a receiver (RX; eg, a receiving circuit or a receiving module) 1030 that may be connected or coupled to the apparatus 1010 .

[0155] In general, it can be noted that the use of IEEE802.11ac / ax parameter sets and channel codes can bring significant performance and resource utilization gains. For example, the relative radio resource utilization (expressed as a percentage of allocated time × bandwidth) of various parameter sets is as follows, where N SD represents the number of data subcarriers per frequency band, 64 is the total number of subcarriers, Δf represents the subcarrier spacing, and the OFDM symbol is 3.2μs for IEEE802.11a / ac (4μs with CP) and 12.8μs for IEEE802.11ax (13.6μs with CP):

[0156] IEEE802.11a parameter set (20MHz), N SD =48, data symbol:

[0157] IEEE802.11ac parameter set (20MHz), N SD =52, data symbol:

[0158] IEEE802.11ax parameter set (20MHz), N SD =234, data symbol:

[0159] Therefore, beacons can use the IEEE802.11ax PPDU format, acknowledgments can use the IEEE802.11a PPDU format, and block acknowledgments can use the streamlined 6GHz PPDU format. This approach will improve radio resource utilization in IEEE802.11be networks while maintaining backward compatibility with IEEE802.11ax STAs.

[0160] According to some embodiments, a PPDU format with a preamble as short as the IEEE802.11a PPDU is introduced. At the same time, the introduced PPDU format supports a frequency bandwidth greater than 20 MHz, thereby enabling packet detection for different PHYs (e.g., IEEE802.11ax / be) and allowing the reuse of packet detection and synchronization algorithms used in IEEE802.11ax STAs. The overhead of the introduced PPDU format is lower than that of the format recommended for LT PHY. In addition, the introduced PPDU format is compatible with IEEE802.11ax STAs operating at 6 GHz; this is different from LT PHY.

[0161] According to some embodiments, the introduced PPDU format includes a preamble followed by a data portion, wherein the preamble includes three parts: a first part (e.g., L-STF), which includes a repeating time domain pattern; a second part, which includes repeated OFDM symbols (e.g., L-LTF OFDM symbols) (preceded by a cyclic prefix) or a time-reversed version of the repeated OFDM symbols (preceded by a cyclic prefix); and a third part, which includes a signaling field (e.g., SIG; which can indicate a parameter set used for the data portion), the bandwidth of which depends on whether the time-reversed version is used for the second part.

[0162] The described embodiments and their equivalents may be implemented in software or hardware or a combination thereof. The embodiments may be performed by general purpose circuits. Examples of general purpose circuits include digital signal processors (DSPs), central processing units (CPUs), coprocessor units, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and other programmable hardware. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments may be performed by dedicated circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)). General purpose circuits and / or dedicated circuits may, for example, be associated with or included in an apparatus (e.g., a wireless communication device or a network node).

[0163] The embodiments may occur in an electronic device (e.g., a wireless communication device or a network node) comprising an arrangement, circuitry, and / or logic according to any embodiment described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device (e.g., a wireless communication device or a network node) may be configured to perform the method according to any embodiment described herein.

[0164] According to some embodiments, a computer program product includes a computer readable medium, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, a plug-in card, an embedded drive, or a read-only memory (ROM). Fig.11 An example computer readable medium in the form of a compact disc (CD) ROM 1100 is shown. The computer readable medium has stored thereon a computer program comprising program instructions. The computer program is loadable into a data processor (PROC; e.g. a data processing circuit or data processing unit) 1120, which may be, for example, comprised in a wireless communication device or network node 1110. When loaded into the data processor, the computer program may be stored in a memory (MEM) 1130 associated with or comprised in the data processing unit. According to some embodiments, when loaded into and executed by the data processing unit, the computer program may cause execution of, for example, a program according to Figure 6-8 Method steps as described in any method shown or otherwise described herein.

[0165] refer to Fig.12 According to an embodiment, a communication system includes a telecommunication network QQ410 such as a 3GPP type cellular network, which includes an access network QQ411 such as a radio access network and a core network QQ414. The access network QQ411 includes a plurality of base stations QQ412a, QQ412b, QQ412c (e.g., NB, eNB, gNB) or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area QQ413a, QQ413b, QQ413c. Each base station QQ412a, QQ412b, QQ412c may be connected to the core network QQ414 via a wired or wireless connection QQ415. A first UE QQ491 located in the coverage area QQ413c is configured to be wirelessly connected to or paged by the corresponding base station QQ412c. A second UE QQ492 in the coverage area QQ413a may be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station QQ412a. Although multiple UEs QQ491 , QQ492 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where only a UE is in the coverage area or only a UE is connected to the corresponding base station QQ412 .

[0166] The telecommunications network QQ410 itself is connected to a host computer QQ430, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a stand-alone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer QQ430 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The connections QQ421 and QQ422 between the telecommunications network QQ410 and the host computer QQ430 may extend directly from the core network QQ414 to the host computer QQ430, or may be via an optional intermediate network QQ420. The intermediate network QQ420 may be one of a public, private, or managed network, or a combination of more than one thereof; the intermediate network QQ420 (if any) may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network QQ420 may include two or more subnetworks (not shown).

[0167] Overall, Fig.12 The communication system realizes the connectivity between the connected UE QQ491, QQ492 and the host computer QQ430. The connectivity can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection QQ450. The host computer QQ430 and the connected UE QQ491, QQ492 are configured to use the access network QQ411, the core network QQ414, any intermediate network QQ420 and possible other infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries to transmit data and / or signaling via the OTT connection QQ450. The OTT connection QQ450 can be transparent because the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection QQ450 passes do not know the routes of the uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station QQ412 may not be notified or need not be notified of the past routes of the incoming downlink communications of the data to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE QQ491 originating from the host computer QQ430. Similarly, the base station QQ412 does not need to know the future routes of the outgoing uplink communications from the UE QQ491 to the host computer QQ430.

[0168] Now refer to Fig.13To describe the example implementation of the UE, base station and host computer discussed in the previous paragraph according to the embodiment. In the communication system QQ500, the host computer QQ510 includes hardware QQ515, which includes a communication interface QQ516 configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection with the interface of different communication devices of the communication system QQ500. The host computer QQ510 also includes a processing circuit QQ518, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuit QQ518 may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these items (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The host computer QQ510 also includes software QQ511, which is stored in the host computer QQ510 or can be accessed by the host computer QQ510 and can be executed by the processing circuit QQ518. Software QQ511 includes a host application QQ512. The host application QQ512 is operable to provide services to a remote user, such as a UE QQ530 connected via an OTT connection QQ550 terminating at the UE QQ530 and the host computer QQ510. In providing services to the remote user, the host application QQ512 may provide user data sent using the OTT connection QQ550.

[0169] The communication system QQ500 also includes a base station QQ520 provided in the telecommunication system, and the base station QQ520 includes hardware QQ525 that enables it to communicate with the host computer QQ510 and the UE QQ530. The hardware QQ525 may include a communication interface QQ526 for establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with different communication devices of the communication system QQ500, and a communication interface QQ526 for establishing and maintaining a connection with the network located in the coverage area ( Fig.13 The communication interface QQ526 may be configured to facilitate a connection QQ560 with the host computer QQ510. The connection QQ560 may be direct, or the connection QQ560 may be through a core network (e.g., a wireless communication network) of the telecommunications system. Fig.13 ) and / or through one or more intermediate networks external to the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware QQ525 of the base station QQ520 also includes processing circuitry QQ528, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these items (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The base station QQ520 also has software QQ521 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0170] The communication system QQ500 also includes the UE QQ530 already mentioned. The hardware QQ535 of the UE QQ530 may include a radio interface QQ537, which is configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection QQ570 with a base station serving the coverage area where the UE QQ530 is currently located. The hardware QQ535 of the UE QQ530 also includes a processing circuit QQ538, which may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these items (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE QQ530 also includes software QQ531 stored in the UE QQ530 or accessible by the UE QQ530 and executable by the processing circuit QQ538. The software QQ531 includes a client application QQ532. The client application QQ532 is operable to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE QQ530 with the support of the host computer QQ510. In the host computer QQ510, the executing host application QQ512 can communicate with the executing client application QQ532 via the OTT connection QQ550 terminated at the UE QQ530 and the host computer QQ510. In providing services to users, the client application QQ532 can receive request data from the host application QQ512 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection QQ550 can transmit both the request data and the user data. The client application QQ532 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0171] Notice, Fig.13 The host computer QQ510, base station QQ520 and UE QQ530 shown can be respectively Fig.12 The host computer QQ430, one of the base stations QQ412a, QQ412b, QQ412c, and one of the UEs QQ491, QQ492 are similar or identical. That is, the internal working principles of these entities can be as follows Fig.13 shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Fig.12 The surrounding network topology.

[0172] exist Fig.13, an OTT connection QQ550 has been abstractly drawn to illustrate communications between a host computer QQ510 and a UE QQ530 via a base station QQ520, without explicit reference to any intermediate devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. The network infrastructure may determine the routing, which may be configured to hide the routing from the UE QQ530 or from the service provider operating the host computer QQ510, or both. When the OTT connection QQ550 is active, the network infrastructure may further make a decision according to which the network infrastructure dynamically changes the routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or reconfiguration of the network).

[0173] The wireless connection QQ570 between the UE QQ530 and the base station QQ520 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improves the performance of the OTT service provided to the UE QQ530 using the OTT connection QQ550 (where the wireless connection QQ570 forms the last segment). More specifically, the teachings of these embodiments can improve the flexibility of data grouping, thereby providing benefits such as reducing signaling overhead and increasing throughput.

[0174] The measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, delays, and other factors on which one or more embodiments are improved. In response to changes in the measurement results, there may also be an optional network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection QQ550 between the host computer QQ510 and the UE QQ530. The measurement process and / or network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection QQ550 may be implemented in the software QQ511 and hardware QQ515 of the host computer QQ510 or in the software QQ531 and hardware QQ535 of the UE QQ530, or in both. In an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be deployed in a communication device through which the OTT connection QQ550 passes or is associated with such a communication device; the sensor may participate in the measurement process by providing the value of the monitored quantity of the above example or providing the value of other physical quantities from which the software QQ511, QQ531 can calculate or estimate the monitored quantity. The reconfiguration of the OTT connection QQ550 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routes, etc. The reconfiguration does not need to affect the base station QQ520, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station QQ520. Such processes and functions may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling that facilitates the host computer QQ510 to measure throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. The measurements may be achieved because the software QQ511 and QQ531 cause messages, particularly empty or "dummy" messages, to be sent using the OTT connection QQ550 during its monitoring of propagation time, errors, etc.

[0175] Fig.14 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 In order to simplify the present disclosure, only the host computer, base station and UE described in this section are included. Fig.14 Reference is made to the accompanying drawings of . In step QQ610, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step QQ611 of step QQ610 (which may be optional), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step QQ620, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE carrying the user data. In step QQ630 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the base station sends the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In step QQ640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0176] Fig.15 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 In order to simplify the present disclosure, this section only includes the host computer, base station and UE described in the present disclosure. Fig.15 . In step QQ710 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step QQ720, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the transmission may be through a base station. In step QQ730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0177] Fig.16 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 In order to simplify the present disclosure, this section only includes the host computer, base station and UE described in the present disclosure. Fig.16. In step QQ810 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step QQ820, the UE provides user data. In sub-step QQ821 of step QQ820 (which may be optional), the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In sub-step QQ811 of step QQ810 (which may be optional), the UE executes a client application, which provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. When providing user data, the executed client application may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner of providing user data, the UE initiates transmission of user data to the host computer in sub-step QQ830 (which may be optional). In step QQ840 of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the host computer receives user data sent from the UE.

[0178] Fig.17 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 In order to simplify the present disclosure, this section only includes the host computer, base station and UE described in the present disclosure. Fig.17 In step QQ910 (which may be optional), the base station receives user data from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure. In step QQ920 (which may be optional), the base station initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step QQ930 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0179] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or implied from the context in which the term is used.

[0180] Reference has been made herein to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are many variations of the described embodiments that will still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0181] For example, the method embodiments described herein disclose example methods by steps performed in a particular order. However, it should be appreciated that these sequences of events may occur in another order without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition, some method steps may be performed in parallel, even if they have been described as being performed sequentially. Therefore, unless a step is explicitly described as being after or before another step and / or a step is implicitly required to be after or before another step, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed.

[0182] In the same way, it should be noted that in the description of the embodiment, the functional block is divided into specific units and is not intended to be limiting. On the contrary, these partitions are only examples. The functional block described herein as a unit can be divided into two or more units. In addition, the functional block described herein as being implemented as two or more units can be merged into fewer (e.g., single) units.

[0183] Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Likewise, any advantage of any embodiment may be applicable to any other embodiment, and vice versa.

[0184] Therefore, it should be understood that the details of the described embodiments are merely examples set forth for illustrative purposes and that all variations coming within the scope of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

[0185] Example Embodiments

[0186] Group A Embodiment

[0187] A1. A method for transmission of data packets on a communication channel performed by a wireless device, wherein the data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets, the method comprising:

[0188] A frequency bandwidth detection field of a packet format is filled with a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding portions of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other, and wherein the first field content is selected when transmission of a data packet utilizes a first frequency bandwidth, and wherein the second field content is selected when transmission of a data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0189] A2. A method performed by a wireless device for reception of data packets on a communication channel, wherein the data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets, the method comprising:

[0190] detecting whether a frequency bandwidth detection field of a packet format has a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding portions of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other;

[0191] When the first field content is detected, processing the data packet as received over a first frequency bandwidth; and

[0192] When the second field content is detected, the data packet is processed as being received at a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0193] A3. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments in Group A, further comprising:

[0194] Provide user data; and

[0195] User data is forwarded to a host computer via transmission to a base station.

[0196] Group B Example

[0197] B1. A method for transmission of data packets on a communication channel performed by a base station, wherein the data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets, the method comprising:

[0198] A frequency bandwidth detection field of a packet format is filled with a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding portions of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other, and wherein the first field content is selected when transmission of a data packet utilizes a first frequency bandwidth, and wherein the second field content is selected when transmission of a data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0199] B2. A method for receiving data packets on a communication channel performed by a base station, wherein the data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between the data packets, the method comprising:

[0200] detecting whether a frequency bandwidth detection field of a packet format has a first field content or a second field content, wherein corresponding portions of the first field content and the second field content are orthogonal to each other;

[0201] When the first field content is detected, processing the data packet as received over a first frequency bandwidth; and

[0202] When the second field content is detected, the data packet is processed as being received at a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

[0203] B3. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments in Group B, further comprising:

[0204] obtain user data; and

[0205] Forwards user data to a host computer or wireless device.

[0206] Group C Example

[0207] C1. A wireless device for transmitting and / or receiving data packets on a communication channel, the wireless device comprising:

[0208] A processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any of Group A embodiments; and

[0209] A power circuit is configured to provide power to the wireless device.

[0210] C2. A base station for sending and / or receiving data packets on a communication channel, the base station comprising:

[0211] A processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any of Group B embodiments; and

[0212] A power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the base station.

[0213] C3. A user equipment (UE) for transmitting and / or receiving data packets on a communication channel, the UE comprising:

[0214] an antenna configured to transmit and receive wireless signals;

[0215] a radio front end circuit connected to the antenna and the processing circuit and configured to condition signals transmitted between the antenna and the processing circuit;

[0216] The processing circuit is configured to perform any of the steps of any one of the embodiments of Group A;

[0217] an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuitry;

[0218] an output interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to output information that has been processed by the processing circuit from the UE; and

[0219] A battery is connected to the processing circuit and is configured to provide power to the UE.

[0220] Group D Examples

[0221] D1. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising:

[0222] processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and

[0223] a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),

[0224] The cellular network comprises a base station having a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the base station is configured to perform any steps described for Group B embodiments.

[0225] D2. The communication system according to embodiment D1 further includes: a base station.

[0226] D3. The communication system according to any one of embodiments D1 to D2 further includes: a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with a base station.

[0227] D4. A communication system according to any one of embodiments D1 to D3, wherein:

[0228] The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide user data; and

[0229] The UE includes processing circuitry configured to execute a client application associated with a host application.

[0230] D5. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0231] At the host computer, providing user data; and

[0232] At a host computer, a transmission carrying user data is initiated to the UE via a cellular network including a base station, wherein the base station performs any of the steps described for Group B embodiments.

[0233] D6. The method according to embodiment D5 also includes: sending user data at the base station.

[0234] D7. A method according to any one of embodiments D5 to D6, wherein the user data is provided at the host computer by executing a host application, and the method further includes: executing a client application associated with the host application at the UE.

[0235] D8. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station, the UE comprising a radio interface and a processing circuit configured to perform the method according to any one of embodiments D5 to D7.

[0236] D9. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising:

[0237] processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and

[0238] a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),

[0239] The UE includes a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the components of the UE are configured to perform any steps described for Group A embodiments.

[0240] D10. A communication system according to embodiment D9, wherein the cellular network further comprises: a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

[0241] D11. A communication system according to any one of embodiments D9 to D10, wherein:

[0242] The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide user data; and

[0243] The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with a host application.

[0244] D12. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0245] At the host computer, providing user data; and

[0246] At a host computer, a transmission carrying user data is initiated to a UE via a cellular network including a base station, wherein the UE performs any of the steps described for Group A embodiments.

[0247] D13. The method according to embodiment D12 further includes: at the UE, receiving user data from the base station.

[0248] D14. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising:

[0249] a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station,

[0250] The UE includes a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to perform any steps described for Group A embodiments.

[0251] D15. The communication system according to embodiment D14 further includes: UE.

[0252] D16. The communication system according to any one of embodiments D14 to D15 further includes: a base station, wherein the base station includes a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward user data carried by the transmission from the UE to the base station to a host computer.

[0253] D17. A communication system according to any one of embodiments D14 to D16, wherein:

[0254] The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and

[0255] The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide user data.

[0256] D18. A communication system according to any one of embodiments D14 to D17, wherein:

[0257] The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute the host application to provide the requested data; and

[0258] The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide user data in response to the request data.

[0259] D19. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0260] At a host computer, user data transmitted from a UE to a base station is received, wherein the UE performs any of the steps described for Group A embodiments.

[0261] D20. The method according to embodiment D19 further includes: at the UE, providing user data to the base station.

[0262] D21. The method according to any one of embodiments D19 to D20, further comprising:

[0263] At the UE, executing a client application, thereby providing user data to be sent; and

[0264] At the host computer, a host application associated with the client application is executed.

[0265] D22. The method of any one of embodiments D19 to D21, further comprising:

[0266] At the UE, executing a client application; and

[0267] receiving, at the UE, input data to the client application, the input data being provided at a host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application,

[0268] The user data to be sent is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

[0269] D23. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station, the UE comprising a radio interface and a processing circuit configured to perform a method according to any one of embodiments D19 to D22.

[0270] D24. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising a communication interface, which is configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the base station is configured to perform any steps described for Group B embodiments.

[0271] D25. The communication system according to embodiment D24 further includes: a base station.

[0272] D26. The communication system according to any one of embodiments D24 to D25 further includes: a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0273] D27. A communication system according to any one of embodiments D24 to D25, wherein:

[0274] The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application;

[0275] The UE is configured to execute a client application associated with a host application, thereby providing user data to be received by a host computer.

[0276] D28. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0277] At a host computer, user data is received from a base station that originates from a transmission that the base station has received from a UE, wherein the UE performs any of the steps described for Group A embodiments.

[0278] D29. The method according to embodiment D28 also includes: receiving user data from the UE at the base station.

[0279] D30. The method according to any one of embodiments D28 to D29 further includes: at the base station, initiating transmission of the received user data to a host computer.

[0280] D31. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0281] At a host computer, user data originating from a transmission that the base station has received from a UE is received from a base station, wherein the base station performs any of the steps described for Group B embodiments.

[0282] D32. The method according to embodiment D31 also includes: receiving user data from the UE at the base station.

[0283] D33. The method according to any one of embodiments D31 to D32 also includes: at the base station, initiating transmission of the received user data to a host computer.

Claims

1. A method for transmission of data packets over a communication channel, wherein: The data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets, the method comprising: The frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format is filled with a first field content or a second field content, wherein the first field content includes at least one instance of a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and the second field content includes at least one instance of a second OFDM symbol, wherein the second OFDM symbol is a time-reversed version of the first OFDM symbol, and wherein the first field content is selected when the transmission of the data packet utilizes a first frequency bandwidth, and the second field content is selected when the transmission of the data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

2. A method for receiving data packets on a communication channel, wherein: The data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets, the method comprising: detecting whether a frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format has a first field content or a second field content, wherein the first field content includes at least one instance of a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol and the second field content includes at least one instance of a second OFDM symbol, wherein the second OFDM symbol is a time-reversed version of the first OFDM symbol; When the first field content is detected, processing the data packet as received over a first frequency bandwidth; and When the second field content is detected, the data packet is processed as being received at a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The first field content includes two instances of the first OFDM symbol and a first cyclic prefix CP, wherein the first CP is a copy of a portion of the first OFDM symbol, and The second field content includes two instances of the second OFDM symbol and a second CP, wherein the second CP is a copy of a portion of the second OFDM symbol.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: Corresponding parts are defined as instances of the first OFDM symbol and the second OFDM symbol.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The second field content is a time-reversed version of the first field content.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The second field content includes two or more parts, wherein at least one part is a time-reversed version of a corresponding part of the first field content.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The first field is a long training field L-LTF.

8. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions, the computer program being loadable into a data processing unit and being configured to cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to be performed when the computer program is run by the data processing unit.

9. An apparatus for transmission of data packets over a communication channel, wherein: The data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets, the apparatus comprising a control circuit configured such that: The frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format is filled with a first field content or a second field content, wherein the first field content includes at least one instance of a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and the second field content includes at least one instance of a second OFDM symbol, wherein the second OFDM symbol is a time-reversed version of the first OFDM symbol, and wherein the first field content is used to indicate that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a first frequency bandwidth, and the second field content is used to indicate that the transmission of the data packet utilizes a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

10. An apparatus for receiving data packets on a communication channel, wherein: The data packets have a packet format, wherein transmission of one of the data packets utilizes a frequency bandwidth, and wherein the frequency bandwidth is dynamically variable between data packets, the apparatus comprising a control circuit configured such that: detecting whether a frequency bandwidth detection field of the packet format has a first field content or a second field content, wherein the first field content includes at least one instance of a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol and the second field content includes at least one instance of a second OFDM symbol, wherein the second OFDM symbol is a time-reversed version of the first OFDM symbol; When the first field content is detected, processing the data packet as received over a first frequency bandwidth; and When the second field content is detected, the data packet is processed as being received at a frequency bandwidth greater than the first frequency bandwidth.

11. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The first field content includes two instances of the first OFDM symbol and a first cyclic prefix CP, wherein the first CP is a copy of a portion of the first OFDM symbol, and The second field content includes two instances of the second OFDM symbol and a second CP, wherein the second CP is a copy of a portion of the second OFDM symbol.

12. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The second field content is a time-reversed version of the first field content.

13. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The second field content includes two or more parts, wherein at least one part is a time-reversed version of a corresponding part of the first field content.

14. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The first field is a long training field L-LTF.

15. A transmitter comprising the apparatus according to claim 9.

16. A receiver comprising the apparatus according to claim 10.

17. A wireless communication device, comprising one or more of the following: the apparatus according to claim 9, the apparatus according to claim 10, the transmitter according to claim 15, and the receiver according to claim 16.

18. The wireless communication device according to claim 17, wherein: The wireless communication device is an access point or a station.

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