Electronic device and operation method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment may comprise a wireless communication circuit configured to transmit / receive a wireless signal. The electronic device may comprise a processor operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit. The electronic device may comprise a memory in which instructions are stored. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the processor, may cause the electronic device to map one medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) to each of one or more subcarrier groups. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit data to one external electronic device on the basis of the one or more subcarrier groups. Each of the one or more subcarrier groups may be a group of subcarriers modulated by the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

Description

Electronic device and method of operation thereof

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device and a method of operating the same.

[0002] With the advent of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops, the demand for high-speed wireless connectivity has exploded. Fueled by this trend and the growing demand for high-speed wireless connectivity, the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standard has firmly established itself as a representative and universal high-speed wireless communication standard in the IT (information technology) industry. Early wireless LAN technology, developed around 1997, could support transmission speeds of up to 1-2 Mbps. Since then, driven by the demand for faster wireless connections, wireless LAN technology has steadily evolved, leading to the development of new wireless LAN technologies that improve transmission speeds, such as IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. The latest standard, IEEE 802.11ax, currently supports peak transmission speeds of several Gbps.

[0003] Today, wireless LANs provide high-speed wireless connectivity to users in various public spaces, including offices, airports, stadiums, and stations, in addition to private spaces like homes. Consequently, wireless LANs have had a significant impact on people's lifestyles and culture, and wireless LANs have become an integral part of modern life.

[0004] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a wireless communication circuit configured to transmit and receive a wireless signal. The electronic device may include a processor operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit. The electronic device may include a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to map one medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) to each of one or more subcarrier groups. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit data to an external electronic device based on the one or more subcarrier groups. Each of the one or more subcarrier groups may be a group of subcarriers modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

[0005] An operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include an operation of mapping one MPDU (MAC (medium access control) protocol data unit) to each of one or more subcarrier groups. An operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include an operation of transmitting data to one external electronic device based on the one or more subcarrier groups. Each of the one or more subcarrier groups may be a group of subcarriers modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a wireless communication circuit configured to transmit and receive a wireless signal. The electronic device may include a processor operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit. The electronic device may include a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to allocate at least some of a plurality of subcarrier groups to each of a plurality of external electronic devices. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to map one MPDU to each of the plurality of subcarrier groups. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit data to each of the plurality of external electronic devices. Each of the plurality of subcarrier groups may be a group of subcarriers modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

[0007] An operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include an operation of allocating at least some of a plurality of subcarrier groups to each of a plurality of external electronic devices. The operating method may include an operation of mapping one MPDU to each of the plurality of subcarrier groups. The operating method may include an operation of transmitting data to each of the plurality of external electronic devices. Each of the plurality of subcarrier groups may be a group of subcarriers modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

[0008] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are drawings for explaining a wireless LAN system according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a link setup operation according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is an example of a signal field of a physical layer header.

[0011] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining data transmitted through subcarriers.

[0012] Figures 6a to 6c are drawings for explaining rate adaptation.

[0013] Figures 7a to 7d are diagrams for explaining small-scale fading.

[0014] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining a method of transmitting data by applying different MCSs to each frequency group.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIGS. 10A to 10C are drawings for explaining a data transmission method according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a signal field of a physical layer header of data according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are diagrams illustrating fields in which information related to grouping of subcarriers is embedded, according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 13 is a flowchart of an operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 14 is a flowchart of a method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0023]

[0024] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are diagrams for explaining a wireless LAN system according to one embodiment.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, a wireless LAN system (10) may represent an infrastructure mode in which an access point (AP) exists in the structure of a wireless LAN (WLAN) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11. The wireless LAN system (10) may include one or more basic service sets (BSS) (e.g., BSS1, BSS2). The BSSs (BSS1, BSS2) may refer to a set of access points (APs) (e.g., electronic devices (1502, 1504) of FIG. 15) and stations (STAs) (e.g., electronic devices (101) of FIG. 15) that are capable of communicating with each other by being synchronized. BSS1 may include AP1 and STA1, and BSS2 may include AP2, STA2, and STA3.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a wireless LAN system (10) may include at least one STA (STA1 to STA3), a plurality of APs (AP1, AP2) providing a distribution service, and a distribution system (100) connecting the plurality of APs (AP1, AP2). The distribution system (100) may connect a plurality of BSSs (BSS1, BSS2) to implement an extended service set (ESS). The ESS may be used as a term indicating a network formed by connecting a plurality of APs (AP1, AP2) through the distribution system (100). A plurality of APs (AP1, AP2) included in a single ESS may have the same SSID (service set identification).

[0027] According to one embodiment, STAs (STA1 to STA3) may be any functional medium including medium access control (MAC) and a physical layer interface for a wireless medium according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. STAs (STA1 to STA3) may be used to mean both APs and non-AP STAs. STAs (STA1 to STA3) may also be referred to by various names, such as electronic devices, mobile terminals, wireless devices, wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs), user equipment (UEs), mobile stations (MSs), mobile subscriber units, or simply users.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, unlike the wireless LAN system (10) of FIG. 1, the wireless LAN system (20) may represent an ad-hoc mode in which communication is performed by establishing a network between a plurality of STAs (STA1 to STA3) without an AP in the structure of a wireless LAN (WLAN) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11. The wireless LAN system (20) may include a BSS operating in an ad-hoc mode, i.e., an independent basic service set (IBSS).

[0029] In one embodiment, an IBSS may not have a centralized management entity because it does not include APs. In an IBSS, STAs may be managed in a distributed manner. In an IBSS, all STAs may be mobile, and access to distributed systems is not permitted, creating a self-contained network.

[0030]

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a link setup operation according to one embodiment.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, a link setup operation may be performed between devices (e.g., STA (301), AP (401)) to communicate with each other. For link setup, a network may be discovered, authentication may be performed, an association may be established, and a security configuration operation may be performed. The link setup operation may be referred to as a session initiation operation or a session setup operation. In addition, the link setup operation's discovery, authentication, association, and security configuration operations may be collectively referred to as an association operation.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the network discovery operation may include operations 310 and 320. In operation 310, the STA (301) (e.g., the electronic device (1501) of FIG. 15) may transmit a probe request frame to discover whether any AP (e.g., the electronic device (1502) or the electronic device (1504) of FIG. 15) exists, and may wait for a response to the probe request frame. The STA (301) may perform a scanning operation to access a network to find a network to which it can join. The probe request frame may include information of the STA (301) (e.g., the device name and / or address of the STA (301)). The scanning operation in operation 310 may mean an active scanning operation. In operation 320, the AP (401) may transmit a probe response frame to the STA (301) that transmitted the probe request frame in response to the probe request frame. The probe response frame may include information of the AP (401) (e.g., the device name and / or network information of the AP (401)). Although the network discovery operation in FIG. 3 is illustrated as being performed through active scanning, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and if the STA (301) performs passive scanning, the operation of transmitting the probe request frame may be omitted. The STA (301) performing passive scanning may receive the beacon frame transmitted by the AP (401) and perform the following subsequent procedures.

[0034] According to one embodiment, after the STA (301) discovers a network, an authentication operation including operations 330 and 340 may be performed. In operation 330, the STA (301) may transmit an authentication request frame to the AP (401). In operation 340, the AP (401) may determine whether to allow authentication for the STA (301) based on information included in the authentication request frame. The AP (401) may provide the result of the authentication process to the STA (301) through an authentication response frame. The authentication frame used for the authentication request / response may correspond to a management frame.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the authentication frame may include information about an authentication algorithm number, an authentication transaction sequence number, a status code, a challenge text, a robust security network (RSN), or a finite cyclic group.

[0036] According to one embodiment, after STA (301) is successfully authenticated, an association operation including operations 350 and 360 may be performed. In operation 350, STA (301) may transmit an association request frame to AP (401). In operation 360, AP (401) may transmit an association response frame to STA (301) in response to the association request frame.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the association request frame and / or the association response frame may include information related to various capabilities. For example, the association request frame may include information related to various capabilities, a beacon listen interval, a service set identifier (SSID), supported rates, supported channels, an RSN, a mobility domain, supported operating classes, a traffic indication map broadcast request, and / or information about interworking service capabilities. For example, the association response frame may include information related to various capabilities, status codes, association ID (AID), supported rates, enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter sets, received channel power indicator (RCPI), received signal to noise indicator (RSNI), mobility domains, timeout interval (association comeback time), overlapping BSS scan parameters, TIM broadcast response, and / or QoS maps.

[0038] According to one embodiment, after STA (301) is successfully associated with the network, a security setup operation including operations 370 and 380 may be performed. The security setup operation may be performed via a robust security network association (RSNA) request / response. For example, the security setup operation may include an operation of setting up a private key via a four-way handshaking via an extensible authentication protocol over LAN (EAPOL) frame. The security setup operation may also be performed according to a security method not defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a security session is established between STA (301) and AP (401) according to a security setup operation, and STA (301) and AP (401) can perform secure data communication.

[0040]

[0041] Figure 4 is an example of a signal field of a physical layer header.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, the signal field (411) of the physical layer (PHY) header (410) may include information about a modulation and coding scheme (MCS). For example, the HE-MCS field (421) of the signal field (411) may include information about the MCS.

[0043] MCS can be information about how the signal transmitted by the transmitting side is modulated. The transmitting side of the signal can determine the MCS based on the wireless communication environment. In an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system, the transmitting side can modulate the amplitude and phase of the subcarrier based on the MCS.

[0044] An OFDM system can be a technology that simultaneously transmits data by allocating it to different frequency bands. In an OFDM system, the size of data that can be expressed by a single subcarrier can vary depending on the Multicast Signal Condition (MCS).

[0045]

[0046] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining data transmitted through subcarriers.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, MPDUs (MAC (medium access control) protocol data units)) (501, 502, 503) can be transmitted via subcarriers.

[0048] In an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system, subcarriers across all frequency bands can be used to transmit a single MPDU (e.g., 501). The subcarriers across all frequency bands can be amplitude- and phase-modulated using the same MCS.

[0049] A subcarrier can be expressed as in mathematical expression 1.

[0050]

[0051] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0052]

[0053]

[0054] In mathematical expression 1, is the amplitude of the kth subcarrier, is the frequency of the kth subcarrier, can represent the phase of the kth subcarrier. Subcarriers can be distinguished from other subcarriers through their frequency. Data can be carried on the subcarrier by modulating the amplitude and phase of the subcarrier.

[0055]

[0056] Figures 6a to 6c are drawings for explaining rate adaptation.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6A, as the STA (701) moves, a deviation may occur in the signal between the AP (601) and the STA (701) (e.g., see 610). For example, if the physical distance between the AP (601) and the STA (701) is close, the signal between the AP (601) and the STA (701) may have relatively weak attenuation, and the signal between the AP (601) and the STA (701) may have a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For example, if the physical distance between the AP (601) and the STA (701) is far, the signal between the AP (601) and the STA (701) may have relatively high attenuation, and the signal between the AP (601) and the STA (701) may have a low SNR. A signal with a low SNR cannot fully transmit data.

[0058] Although the physical distance between the AP (601) and the STA (701) is used as an example in FIG. 6A, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other wireless communication environments may also cause deviations in the signals between the AP (601) and the STA (701). In a wireless communication system, adaptive MCS determination considering the wireless communication environment may be required. A wireless communication system considering the wireless communication environment can efficiently transmit data while minimizing data loss.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 6b, an example of rate adaptation can be seen.

[0060] The AP (601) and the STA (701) can adaptively determine the MCS according to the wireless communication environment. For example, when the wireless communication environment is good, the modulation method of the subcarrier can be changed (e.g., 256QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) -> 1024QAM) by increasing the MCS index. By increasing the complexity of the subcarrier modulation method, the number of bits of data that can be carried on the subcarrier can be increased (e.g., 8 bits -> 10 bits). For example, when the wireless communication environment is poor, the modulation method of the subcarrier can be changed (e.g., 256QAM -> 64QAM) by decreasing the MCS index. By reducing the complexity of the subcarrier modulation method, the number of bits of data that can be carried on the subcarrier is reduced (e.g., 8 bits -> 6 bits), but data loss can be minimized.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6c, an example of a rate-sampling-based rate adaptation algorithm can be seen. A rate-sampling-based rate adaptation algorithm may be a technology for dynamically adjusting a data transmission rate (e.g., bit rate) in communications. A rate-sampling-based rate adaptation algorithm may be an algorithm for selecting an optimal data transmission rate (e.g., bit rate) based on changing signal and bandwidth conditions in a wireless communication environment.

[0062] An electronic device performing a rate adaptation algorithm based on rate sampling can perform sampling transmission and normal transmission, respectively. The ratio of sampling transmission to normal transmission can be 1:9. The sampling transmission can utilize a random bitrate. The rate adaptation algorithm based on rate sampling can collect the results of the sampling transmission (e.g., success or failure) while changing the bitrate (e.g., utilizing a random bitrate). Through the sampling transmission, the rate adaptation algorithm based on rate sampling can obtain statistics in a changing wireless communication environment.

[0063] Table (611) may be an example of a result based on collected statistics (e.g., sampling transmission results). r0 may be a bitrate utilized in the initial transmission. An electronic device utilizing table (611) may utilize the maximum bitrate in the case of r0 normal transmission (e.g., initial transmission). r1 may be a bitrate utilized when a transmission fails once. An electronic device utilizing table (611) may utilize the second highest bitrate in the case of r1 normal transmission (e.g., second transmission). Note that table (611) is an example collected by any electronic device utilizing a rate sampling-based rate adaptation algorithm. That is, rate adaptation is not limited to table (611).

[0064] Figures 7a to 7d are diagrams for explaining small-scale fading.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7A, an AP (601) may transmit a signal (700). The signal (700) may propagate through multiple paths (710 and 720). When the signal (700) propagates through multiple paths, small-scale fading may occur.

[0066] During the propagation of the signal (700), the signal (700) may be reflected, diffracted, and / or scattered by another object (e.g., a building). The signals (712 and 722) may be the result of the signal (700) being reflected, diffracted, and / or scattered by another object (e.g., a building). The signals (712 and 722) may have different phases (e.g., θ1 or θ2) as they propagate through different paths (e.g., 710 or 720). The signal received by the STA (701) may be the result of the superposition of the signals (712 and 722) having different phases. The signal received by the STA (701) may include constructive interference (e.g., an increase in the amplitude of the signal) based on the phase difference between the signals (712 and 722). The signal received by STA (701) may include destructive interference (e.g., a decrease in the amplitude of the signal) based on the phase difference between the signals (712 and 722).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 7B, large-scale fading (730) and small-scale fading (740) can be observed. Large-scale fading (730) may be a phenomenon in which the amplitude of a received signal decreases relatively uniformly based on the distance (e.g., physical distance) between the AP (601) and the STA (701). Small-scale fading (740) may be a phenomenon in which there is a fluctuation in the amplitude of a received signal based on multiple paths (e.g., various propagation paths of a signal).

[0068] Referring to Figure 7c, the results of observing small-scale fading phenomena across frequency bands can be confirmed. That is, channel gain may vary depending on the frequency of the subcarriers (e.g., 750 to 755). Each subcarrier may have a different frequency and phase, and the small-scale fading results occurring on each subcarrier may also vary. For example, the subcarrier having a frequency (750) may have a minimum channel gain, and data transmitted through the subcarrier having a frequency (750) may not be fully transmitted to the receiver.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7d, the data region (751) transmitted via the subcarrier of the frequency (750) may not be transmitted completely to the external electronic device. The data region (751) that is not transmitted completely may span the entire MPDU (761, 762, 763). In this case, the entire data (e.g., an A-MPDU (aggregated MPDU) in which the MPDU (medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit) (761, 762, 763) is aggregated) may not be transmitted completely.

[0070]

[0071] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining a method of transmitting data by applying different MCSs to each frequency group.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 8, an example of a method for applying different MCSs to each subcarrier in consideration of small-scale fading can be seen. For example, the method can apply a first MCS to a subcarrier (or subcarrier group) corresponding to a first frequency band (801), a second MCS to a subcarrier (or subcarrier group) corresponding to a second frequency band (802), and an Nth MCS to a subcarrier (or subcarrier group) corresponding to an nth frequency band (803). However, even if different MCSs are applied to each subcarrier (or subcarrier group), a problem may occur when carrying one data frame (e.g., MPDU) (e.g., 811) on all subcarriers within the bandwidth. The success or failure of data transmission can be confirmed in units of MPDUs (MAC (medium access control) protocol data units) according to an acknowledgment policy. Therefore, if the transmission of a data frame (e.g., MPDU) (e.g., 811) fails, it is impossible to determine which frequency band (or MCS) is at fault. Consequently, rate adaptation algorithms based on rate sampling cannot function properly.

[0073]

[0074] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0075] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (901) (e.g., an STA (301) of FIG. 3 or an AP (401) of FIG. 4) may adaptively perform modulation of subcarriers by taking small-scale fading into account. The electronic device (901) may not carry a single data frame (e.g., a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU)) on all subcarriers within a bandwidth. The electronic device (901) may carry a single data frame (e.g., an MPDU) on a group of subcarriers (e.g., a single subcarrier group) modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS) (e.g., mapping).

[0076] In one embodiment, one subcarrier group may be modulated with a different MCS than other subcarrier groups. Rate adaptation may be performed on one subcarrier group independently of other subcarrier groups.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) can increase the efficiency and reliability of data transmission and reception by performing subcarrier modulation that takes small-scale fading into account.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) can map one data frame (e.g., MDPU) to one subcarrier group even in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system. The electronic device (901) can operate robustly even when the performance of the OFDMA system deteriorates due to a multipath environment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (901) may include a wireless communication circuit (910), a processor (920), and a memory (930). The wireless communication circuit (910) may be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wireless communication circuit (910) may be a Wi-Fi chipset. The processor (920) may be operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit (910). The memory (930) may be electrically connected to the processor (920) and store one or more instructions executable by the processor (920). The electronic device (901) may correspond to the electronic device described in FIG. 15 (e.g., the electronic device (1501) of FIG. 15). Therefore, any description overlapping with that described with reference to FIG. 15 will be omitted. The operations performed by the electronic device (901) may include operations performed by the wireless communication circuit (910) and operations performed by the processor (920) through the wireless communication circuit (910).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the processor (920) may be implemented as a circuit (e.g., a processing circuit) such as a system on chip (SoC) or an integrated circuit (IC). The processor (920) may include one or more processors. For example, the processor (920) may include a combination of one or more processors such as a CPU, a GPU, an MPU, an AP, and a CP.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the memory (930) may include one or more memories. The instructions stored in the memory (930) may be stored in a single memory. The instructions stored in the memory (930) may be divided and stored in multiple memories. The instructions stored in the memory (930) may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (920) to cause the electronic device (901) to perform the data transmission method according to the embodiments described herein.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) may generate a data frame (e.g., an aggregated MPDU (MAC (medium access control) protocol data unit)) to be transmitted to an external electronic device.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) may receive information associated with subcarrier grouping from an external electronic device. The information associated with subcarrier grouping may include information about a wireless communication environment. The information associated with subcarrier grouping may include information regarding whether subcarrier grouping is required. The information associated with subcarrier grouping may include information regarding the size of a subcarrier group.

[0084] According to one embodiment, information related to subcarrier grouping may be included in the operating mode field of an operating mode notification frame transmitted by an external electronic device. Information related to subcarrier grouping may also be included in the A-control (aggregated control) subfield of the MAC header of the frame transmitted by the external electronic device. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B .

[0085] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) may form one or more subcarrier groups based on information associated with the grouping of subcarriers. The electronic device (901) may map one MPDU (e.g., a portion of an A-MPDU) to each of the one or more subcarrier groups. That is, the electronic device (901) may modulate the amplitude and phase of the subcarriers so as to correspond to the mapped MPDU.

[0086] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (901) may transmit data (e.g., A-MPDU) to an external electronic device based on one or more subcarrier groups. The data (e.g., A-MPDU) may be a set of different MPDUs modulated by each of one or more subcarrier groups. The different MPDUs may include the same MAC address (e.g., have the same destination), and thus the data may be transmitted to the external electronic device. The data may include information about one or more subcarrier groups in a signal field of a physical layer (PHY) header. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11.

[0087]

[0088] FIGS. 10A to 10C are drawings for explaining a data transmission method according to one embodiment.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., STA 304 of FIG. 3, AP 401 of FIG. 3, or electronic device 901 of FIG. 9) may form a subcarrier group. For example, the electronic device 901 may form a group of subcarriers included in a frequency band 1001 (e.g., a first subcarrier group). For example, the electronic device 901 may form a group of subcarriers included in a frequency band 1002 (e.g., a second subcarrier group). The first subcarrier group may be a group of subcarriers modulated with a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS). The second subcarrier group may be a group of subcarriers modulated with a second MCS. The first MCS and the second MCS may have different indices. It should be noted that MCS 1 and MCS 2, respectively, illustrated in Fig. 10a, refer to the first MCS or the second MCS, and do not refer to an MCS index.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) may map one medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) to each of one or more subcarrier groups. For example, the electronic device (901) may map the MPDU (1011) to a first subcarrier group (e.g., a group of subcarriers included in a frequency band (1001). For example, the electronic device (901) may map the MPDU (1012) to a second subcarrier group (e.g., a group of subcarriers included in a frequency band (1002). The electronic device (901) may map each MPDU (e.g., 1011, 1012) sharing the same time resource to different subcarrier groups (e.g., a first subcarrier group, a second subcarrier group). Similarly, the electronic device (901) can map each MPDU (e.g., 1021, 1022) sharing the same time resource to a different subcarrier group.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 10B , according to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) may differentiate the sizes of subcarrier groups based on information associated with subcarrier grouping received from an external electronic device (e.g., compare FIGS. 10A and 10B ). For example, the electronic device (901) may set the size of the subcarrier group to be smaller as the number of multipaths in the wireless communication environment increases. For example, the frequency band (1001 or 1002) may be smaller than the frequency band (1003). For example, the subcarrier group of the frequency band (1003) may have fewer subcarriers grouped therein than the subcarrier group of the frequency band (1001 or 1002). As described above, the information associated with the grouping of subcarriers may include information about the wireless communication environment, information about whether grouping is required, and / or information about the size of the subcarrier group.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 10c, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (901) may map one MPDU fragment (1041, 1042, or 1043) to each of one or more subcarrier groups. Acknowledgement of successful transmission of data may be performed not only on an MPDU basis but also on an MPDU fragment basis. The electronic device (901) may apply different MCSs to each MPDU fragment. The electronic device (901) may perform rate adaptation on an MPDU fragment basis.

[0093]

[0094] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a signal field of a physical layer header of data according to one embodiment.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 11, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an STA (304) of FIG. 3, an AP (401) of FIG. 3, or an electronic device (901) of FIG. 9) may include information about a bandwidth and a subcarrier group in a signal field (1102) of a physical layer header (physical layer (PHY) header) (1101) of data (e.g., an aggregated MPDU (MAC (medium access control) protocol data unit)) of an A-MPDU (aggregated MPDU). The information about the subcarrier group may include grouping information of the subcarriers (e.g., the number of subcarrier groups). The information about the subcarrier group may include MCS information for each subcarrier group (e.g., an MCS index of a first subcarrier group to an MCS index of an n-th subcarrier group). The physical layer header (1101) is not transmitted in a frequency division multiplexing manner like data (e.g., an MPDU), but is not limited thereto.

[0096]

[0097] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are diagrams illustrating fields in which information related to grouping of subcarriers is embedded, according to one embodiment.

[0098] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., STA (304) of FIG. 3, AP (401) of FIG. 3, or electronic device (901) of FIG. 9) may receive information associated with grouping of subcarriers from an external electronic device. The information associated with grouping of subcarriers may include information about a wireless communication environment. The information associated with grouping of subcarriers may include information about whether subcarrier grouping is required. The information associated with grouping of subcarriers may include information about the size of a subcarrier group.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 12A, according to one embodiment, information related to grouping of subcarriers may be included in an operating mode notification frame transmitted by an external electronic device. The operating mode notification frame may be a frame for notifying other electronic devices about their operating status. Information related to grouping of subcarriers may be included in an operating mode field (1201) of the operating mode notification frame. Information related to grouping of subcarriers may be included in a chunk encoding field (1202). The chunk encoding field (1202) may be a result of extending the operating mode field (1201).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 12b, according to one embodiment, an A-control (aggregated control) subfield (1211) and a table (1212) indicating information that can be stored in the A-control subfield can be identified.

[0101] According to one embodiment, information associated with grouping of subcarriers may be included in an A-control (aggregated control) subfield (1211) of a MAC (medium access control) header of a frame transmitted by an external electronic device.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the A-control subfield (1211) may include various information. The A-control subfield (1211) may include different information depending on the control ID value. The control information subfield of the A-control subfield (1211) may have a different number of bits depending on the control ID value. For example, if the control ID value corresponds to 4, the control information subfield may be composed of 8 bits and may include information about uplink power headroom.

[0103] In one embodiment, a new control ID may be defined to include information related to subcarrier grouping in the MAC header. Within the control information subfield corresponding to the new control ID, an optimal field for conveying information related to subcarrier grouping may be defined. By utilizing the A-control subfield (1211), a new frame does not need to be defined. By utilizing the spare resources included in the existing frame without defining a new frame, efficiency can be maximized. However, the information related to subcarrier grouping is not limited to being embedded in the new A-control subfield (1211), and the information related to subcarrier grouping may also be included in a new action frame.

[0104] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., STA (304) of FIG. 3, AP (401) of FIG. 3, or electronic device (901) of FIG. 9) can obtain information related to subcarrier grouping not only from information embedded in a frame received from an external electronic device, but also from the frame itself received from the external electronic device. For example, by performing channel estimation on a frame received from an external electronic device, the electronic device (901) can determine the degree of small-scale fading (e.g., the fluctuation width of the received signal size) in the frequency domain. The electronic device (901) can adaptively perform subcarrier grouping according to the degree of small-scale fading. For example, if the degree of small-scale fading is not greater than a preset threshold, the electronic device (901) may not perform subcarrier grouping. For example, the size of a subcarrier group may be set according to the magnitude of the degree of small-scale fading. The electronic device (901) can perform subcarrier grouping in real time whenever it receives a frame (e.g., any frame) from an external electronic device.

[0105]

[0106] Fig. 13 is a flowchart of an operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 13, according to one embodiment, operations 1310 and 1320 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (1310-1320) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0108] According to one embodiment, in operation 1310, an electronic device (e.g., an STA (301) of FIG. 3, an AP (401) of FIG. 3, or an electronic device (901) of FIG. 9) may map one MPDU (MAC (medium access control) protocol data unit) to each of one or more subcarrier groups. The electronic device may modulate the amplitude and phase of the subcarriers to correspond to the mapped MPDU. The operation performed by the electronic device may include an operation performed by a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication circuit (910) of FIG. 9) and an operation performed by a processor (e.g., a processor (920) of FIG. 9) through the wireless communication circuit.

[0109] According to one embodiment, in operation 1320, the electronic device may transmit data (e.g., an aggregated A-MPDU (MAC (medium access control) protocol data unit)) to an external electronic device based on one or more subcarrier groups. The electronic device may adaptively perform modulation of the subcarriers by taking small-scale fading into account.

[0110] According to one embodiment, an electronic device can increase the efficiency and reliability of data transmission and reception by performing subcarrier modulation that takes small-scale fading into account.

[0111]

[0112] Fig. 14 is a flowchart of a method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 14, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., STA (301) of FIG. 3, AP (401) of FIG. 3, or electronic device (901) of FIG. 9) may map one data frame (e.g., MDPU (MAC (medium access control) protocol data unit)) to one subcarrier group even in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system.

[0114] In one embodiment, an OFDMA system may be a system that divides bandwidth according to the needs of terminals. An OFDMA system can divide the transmission bandwidth into subcarrier sets and allocate different subcarrier sets to different users (e.g., different terminals). Since each terminal occupies a non-overlapping subcarrier set, an OFDMA system can achieve ideal synchronization without interference between multiple users. In an OFDMA system, multiple users can access the same channel simultaneously. An OFDMA system may be a system that divides the entire resource (e.g., time, bandwidth) in frequency to achieve multi-user access.

[0115] According to one embodiment, operations 1410 to 1430 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (1410 to 1430) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. The operations performed by the electronic device may include operations performed by a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication circuit (910) of FIG. 9) and operations performed by a processor (e.g., a processor (920) of FIG. 9) via the wireless communication circuit.

[0116] According to one embodiment, in operation 1410, the electronic device may assign at least some of the plurality of subcarrier groups to each of the plurality of external electronic devices.

[0117] According to one embodiment, in operation 1420, the electronic device may map one MPDU to each of the plurality of subcarrier groups.

[0118] According to one embodiment, in operation 1430, the electronic device may transmit data to each of a plurality of external electronic devices. Different MPDUs modulated by each of the plurality of subcarrier groups may include different MAC addresses. The different MPDUs may be transmitted to different external electronic devices. The electronic device may operate robustly against performance degradation of an OFDMA system due to a multipath environment.

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 15, in a network environment (1500), an electronic device (1501) (e.g., an STA (301) of FIG. 3, an AP (401) of FIG. 3, or an electronic device (901) of FIG. 9) may communicate with an electronic device (1502) via a first network (1598) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (1504) or a server (1508) via a second network (1599) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1501) may communicate with the electronic device (1504) via the server (1508). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1501) may include a processor (1520), a memory (1530), an input module (1550), an audio output module (1555), a display module (1560), an audio module (1570), a sensor module (1576), an interface (1577), a connection terminal (1578), a haptic module (1579), a camera module (1580), a power management module (1588), a battery (1589), a communication module (1590), a subscriber identification module (1596), or an antenna module (1597). In some embodiments, the electronic device (1501) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (1578)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (1576), camera module (1580), or antenna module (1597)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (1560)).

[0122] The processor (1520) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (1540)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1501) connected to the processor (1520) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1520) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (1576) or a communication module (1590)) in a volatile memory (1532), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (1532), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (1534). According to one embodiment, the processor (1520) may include a main processor (1521) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1523) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (1521). For example, when the electronic device (1501) includes the main processor (1521) and the auxiliary processor (1523), the auxiliary processor (1523) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (1521) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (1523) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1521) or as a part thereof.

[0123] The auxiliary processor (1523) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display module (1560), the sensor module (1576), or the communication module (1590)) of the electronic device (1501), for example, on behalf of the main processor (1521) while the main processor (1521) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1521) while the main processor (1521) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1523) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (1580) or a communication module (1590)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1523) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (1501) where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (1508)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0124] The memory (1530) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (1520) or the sensor module (1576)) of the electronic device (1501). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (1540)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (1530) can include volatile memory (1532) or non-volatile memory (1534).

[0125] The program (1540) may be stored as software in memory (1530) and may include, for example, an operating system (1542), middleware (1544), or an application (1546).

[0126] The input module (1550) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (1501) (e.g., a processor (1520)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1501). The input module (1550) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0127] The audio output module (1555) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (1501). The audio output module (1555) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0128] The display module (1560) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1501). The display module (1560) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (1560) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0129] The audio module (1570) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1570) can acquire sound through the input module (1550), output sound through the sound output module (1555), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1502)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (1501).

[0130] The sensor module (1576) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (1501) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1576) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0131] The interface (1577) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (1501) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1502)). In one embodiment, the interface (1577) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0132] The connection terminal (1578) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1501) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1502)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (1578) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0133] The haptic module (1579) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (1579) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0134] The camera module (1580) can capture still images and videos. In one embodiment, the camera module (1580) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0135] The power management module (1588) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (1501). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1588) can be implemented as at least a part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0136] A battery (1589) may power at least one component of the electronic device (1501). In one embodiment, the battery (1589) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0137] The communication module (1590) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (1501) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1502), electronic device (1504), or server (1508)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1590) may operate independently from the processor (1520) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (1590) may include a wireless communication module (1592) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (1594) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (1504) via a first network (1598) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (1599) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (1592) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1596) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (1501) within a communication network such as the first network (1598) or the second network (1599).

[0138] The wireless communication module (1592) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency communications (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (1592) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (1592) may support various technologies for securing performance in high-frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (1592) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1501), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1504)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (1599)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1592) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB implementation, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC implementation, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC implementation.

[0139] The antenna module (1597) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1597) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1597) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (1598) or the second network (1599), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (1590). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1590) and the external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (1597).

[0140] In one embodiment, the antenna module (1597) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0141] At least some of the above components may be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0142] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1501) and an external electronic device (1504) via a server (1508) connected to a second network (1599). Each of the external electronic devices (1502 or 1504) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1501). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (1501) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (1502, 1504, or 1508). For example, when the electronic device (1501) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1501) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (1501). The electronic device (1501) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (1501) may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (1504) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1508) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1504) or server (1508) may be included within the second network (1599). The electronic device (1501) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0143]

[0144] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0145] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0146] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0147] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (1740)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (1736) or an external memory (1738)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1701)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (1720)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (1701)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0149] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0150]

[0151] An electronic device (e.g., STA (301) of FIG. 3, AP (401) of FIG. 3, electronic device (901) of FIG. 9, or electronic device (1501) of FIG. 15) according to one embodiment may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., wireless communication circuit (910) of FIG. 9 or wireless communication module (1592) of FIG. 15) configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The electronic device may include a processor (e.g., processor (920) of FIG. 9 or processor (1520) of FIG. 15) operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit. The electronic device may include a memory (e.g., memory (930) of FIG. 9 or memory (1530) of FIG. 15) that stores instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to map one medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) to each of one or more subcarrier groups. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit data to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1504 of FIG. 15) based on the one or more subcarrier groups. Each of the one or more subcarrier groups may be a group of subcarriers modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the MCS applied to each of the one or more subcarrier groups may be different from the MCS applied to the other subcarrier groups.

[0153] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more subcarrier groups may perform rate adaptation independently of other subcarrier groups.

[0154] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to receive information associated with a grouping of subcarriers from the one external electronic device. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to form the one or more subcarrier groups based on the information associated with the grouping of subcarriers. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to map the one MPDU to each of the one or more subcarrier groups.

[0155] According to one embodiment, information associated with the grouping of the subcarriers may be included in an operating mode field of an operating mode notification frame transmitted by the one external electronic device.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the information associated with the subcarrier grouping may be included in an A-control (aggregated control) subfield of a MAC (medium access control) header of a frame transmitted by the one external electronic device.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the data may include information about the one or more subcarrier groups in a signal field of a physical layer (PHY) header.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the information about the one or more subcarrier groups may include grouping information of the subcarriers and MCS information for each subcarrier group.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the data may be a set of different MPDUs modulated by each of the one or more subcarrier groups. The different MPDUs may include the same MAC address, and the data may be transmitted to the one external electronic device.

[0160] An operating method of an electronic device (e.g., an STA (301) of FIG. 3, an AP (401) of FIG. 3, an electronic device (901) of FIG. 9, or an electronic device (1501) of FIG. 15) according to an embodiment may include an operation of mapping one MPDU (MAC (medium access control) protocol data unit) to each of one or more subcarrier groups. An operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment may include an operation of transmitting data to one external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (1504) of FIG. 15) based on the one or more subcarrier groups. Each of the one or more subcarrier groups may be a group of subcarriers modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the MCS applied to each of the one or more subcarrier groups may be different from the MCS applied to the other subcarrier groups.

[0162] According to one embodiment, each of the one or more subcarrier groups may perform rate adaptation independently of other subcarrier groups.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the mapping operation may include receiving information associated with a grouping of subcarriers from the one external electronic device. The mapping operation may include forming one or more subcarrier groups based on the information associated with the grouping of the subcarriers. The mapping operation may include mapping one MPDU to each of the one or more subcarrier groups.

[0164] According to one embodiment, information associated with the grouping of the subcarriers may be included in an operating mode field of an operating mode notification frame transmitted by the one external electronic device.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the information associated with the subcarrier grouping may be included in an A-control (aggregated control) subfield of a MAC (medium access control) header of a frame transmitted by the one external electronic device.

[0166] According to one embodiment, an operating method of an electronic device (e.g., STA (301) of FIG. 3, AP (401) of FIG. 3, electronic device (901) of FIG. 9, or electronic device (1501) of FIG. 15) may include an operation of allocating at least some of a plurality of subcarrier groups to each of a plurality of external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device (1504) of FIG. 15). The operating method may include an operation of mapping one MPDU to each of the plurality of subcarrier groups. The operating method may include an operation of transmitting data to each of the plurality of external electronic devices. Each of the plurality of subcarrier groups may be a group of subcarriers modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

[0167] According to one embodiment, the different MPDUs modulated by each of the plurality of subcarrier groups may include different MAC addresses. The different MPDUs may be transmitted to different external electronic devices.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may be a device that supports wireless communication based on an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) transmission method.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the MCS applied to each of the plurality of subcarrier groups may be different from the MCS applied to other subcarrier groups.

[0170] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of subcarrier groups may perform rate adaptation independently of other subcarrier groups.

Claims

1. In electronic devices (301; 401; 901; 1501), A wireless communication circuit (910; 1592) configured to transmit and receive wireless signals; a processor (920; 1520) operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit; and Memory to store instructions (930; 1530) Including, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (920; 1520), cause the electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501) to: To each of one or more subcarrier groups, one MPDU (MAC (medium access control) protocol data unit) is mapped, To transmit data to one external electronic device (1504) based on one or more of the above subcarrier groups, Each of the above one or more subcarrier groups, A group of subcarriers modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS). Electronic devices (301; 401; 901; 1501).

2. In paragraph 1, The MCS applied to each of the above one or more subcarrier groups is: It is different from the MCS applied to other subcarrier groups. Electronic devices (301; 401; 901; 1501).

3. In either of paragraphs 1 and 2, Each of the above one or more subcarrier groups, Rate adaptation is performed independently from other subcarrier groups. Electronic devices (301; 401; 901; 1501).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (920; 1520), cause the electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501) to: Receive information related to grouping of subcarriers from said one external electronic device (1504), Forming one or more subcarrier groups based on information associated with the grouping of the subcarriers, To each of the one or more subcarrier groups, one MPDU is mapped, Electronic devices (301; 401; 901; 1501).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, Information related to the grouping of the above subcarriers is: Included in the operating mode field of the operating mode notification frame transmitted by the above one external electronic device (1504), Electronic devices (301; 401; 901; 1501).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, Information related to the above subcarrier grouping is: Included in the A-control (aggregated control) subfield of the MAC (medium access control) header of the frame transmitted by the above one external electronic device (1504), Electronic devices (301; 401; 901; 1501).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above data is, Including information about one or more subcarrier groups in a signal field of a physical layer (PHY) header, Electronic devices (301; 401; 901; 1501).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, Information about one or more of the above subcarrier groups, Grouping information of subcarriers; and MCS information by subcarrier group An electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501) comprising:

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above data is, A set of different MPDUs modulated by each of the above one or more subcarrier groups, The above different MPDUs contain the same MAC address, and the data is transmitted to the one external electronic device. Electronic devices (301; 401; 901; 1501).

10. In the operating method of an electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501), An operation of mapping one MPDU (MAC (medium access control) protocol data unit) to each of one or more subcarrier groups; and An operation of transmitting data to an external electronic device (1504) based on one or more of the above subcarrier groups. Including, Each of the above one or more subcarrier groups, A group of subcarriers modulated with the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS). A method of operating an electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501).

11. In paragraph 10, The MCS applied to each of the above one or more subcarrier groups is: It is different from the MCS applied to other subcarrier groups. A method of operating an electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501).

12. In either of paragraphs 10 and 11, Each of the above one or more subcarrier groups, Rate adaptation is performed independently from other subcarrier groups. A method of operating an electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501).

13. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 12, The above mapping operation is, An operation of receiving information associated with grouping of subcarriers from said one external electronic device (1504); An operation of forming one or more subcarrier groups based on information associated with grouping of said subcarriers; and An operation of mapping one MPDU to each of the one or more subcarrier groups. A method of operating an electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501), comprising:

14. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 13, Information related to the grouping of the above subcarriers is: Included in the operating mode field of the operating mode notification frame transmitted by the above one external electronic device (1504), A method of operating an electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501).

15. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 15, Information related to the above subcarrier grouping is: Included in the A-control (aggregated control) subfield of the MAC (medium access control) header of the frame transmitted by the above one external electronic device (1504), A method of operating an electronic device (301; 401; 901; 1501).

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