Method and apparatus for enabling unequal modulation in wireless local area network

Abstract

Embodiments disclose methods for enabling an unequal modulation in a wireless local area network. The method determines a number of spatial streams (NSS) per UE associated with a user. The method determines a type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE. The method identifies a primary spatial stream, based on the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE (102). The method enables assignment of the at least one unequal modulation index to all the spatial streams based on at least one of the NSS, the maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user, the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE (102) and the identification of the primary spatial stream.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING UNEQUAL MODULATION IN WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK

[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a wireless communication network, and more particularly to methods and a user equipment (UE) for enabling an unequal modulation in a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0002] In current wireless Local Area Network (LAN), modulation and coding scheme (MCS) assignment for each user follows equal modulation (EQM) approach, which is assigned to all spatial streams of a user. A modulation level selection is performed based on a worst spatial stream, which can result in underutilization of higher-quality streams and reduced throughput.

[0003] Currently, equal modulation (EQM) is assigned for all spatial streams per user, wherein the modulation coding schemes (MCS) assignment is usually based on the worst spatial stream. In Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) configuration, different modulation (MOD) and modulation coding scheme (MCS) may be assigned to different users. However, per user with the MOD and MCS remains the same for all spatial streams. In some cases, improved throughput and reliability can be obtained by using different MOD or MCS for different spatial streams of the user.

[0004] As mentioned in the technical specification, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11bn, unequal modulation (UEQM) is discussed, in which each spatial stream of the user can be assigned a different modulation to address spatial stream quality imbalance. All the spatial streams use the same code or are jointly coded, allowing the stronger spatial stream to assist the weaker one in decoding. There are also discussions to limit the maximum modulation index difference to two or three.

[0005] Currently, a method for assigning different modulation for different spatial streams of the user doesn't exist, wherein the spatial stream with the lowest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is the worst spatial stream, and spatial stream with the highest SNR is the best spatial stream.

[0006] Hence, there is a need in the art for solutions which will overcome the above-mentioned drawback(s), among others.

[0007] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems (or UE) for enabling an unequal modulation in a wireless local area network (LAN).

[0008] Further object of embodiments herein is to determine a number of spatial streams (NSS) per user associated with a user.

[0009] Another object of embodiments herein is to determine a maximum difference in a modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user and a type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE.

[0010] Another object of the embodiments herein is to identify a primary spatial stream, based on the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE.

[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to identify the type of unequal modulation to be enabled comprises at least one of a first type of unequal modulation, a second type of unequal modulation and a third type of unequal modulation.

[0012] Further object of embodiments herein is to enable assignment of the unequal modulation index to all the spatial streams based on at least one of a number of spatial streams (NSS), a maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user, the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE and the identification of a primary spatial stream.

[0013] The embodiment discloses a method for enabling an unequal modulation in a wireless local area network　(LAN) by a UE. The method includes determining a number of spatial streams (NSS) per UE associated with a user. The method includes determining a maximum difference in a modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user. The method includes determining a type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE. The method includes identifying a primary spatial stream, based on the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE. The method includes enabling assignment of the at least one unequal modulation index to all the spatial streams based on at least one of the NSS, the maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user, the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE and the identification of the primary spatial stream.

[0014] The embodiments disclose a User Equipment, comprising: a processor; a memory; and an unequal modulation enabling controller, coupled with the processor and the memory. The unequal modulation enabling controller is configured to determine a NSS per UE associated with a user. The unequal modulation enabling controller is configured to determine a maximum difference in a modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user. The unequal modulation enabling controller is configured to determine a type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE. The unequal modulation enabling controller is configured to identify a primary spatial stream, based on the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE. The unequal modulation enabling controller is configured to enable assignment of the at least one unequal modulation index to all the spatial streams based on at least one of the NSS, the maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user, the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE and the identification of the primary spatial stream.

[0015] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the scope thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

[0016] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the following illustratory drawings. Embodiments herein are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 shows various hardware components of a UE, for enabling unequal modulation in a wireless LAN, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for enabling an unequal modulation in the wireless local area network (LAN), according to embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates Table 1 is an example table regarding the possible modulations assignment for two spatial streams with a best spatial stream as primary stream with maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user is two, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates Table 2 is an example table regarding the possible modulations assignment for two spatial stream with a worst spatial stream as primary stream with maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user is two, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0021] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate Table 3 and Table 4 are example tables illustrating the possible modulations assignment for three spatial streams with a best spatial stream as primary stream and a worst spatial stream as primary stream, respectively, with maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user is two, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and

[0022] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate Table 5 and Table 6 are example tables illustrating the possible modulations assignment for four spatial streams with a best spatial stream as primary stream and a worst spatial stream as primary stream, respectively with maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user is two, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0023] The same reference numerals are used to represent the same elements throughout the drawings.

[0024] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0025] For the purposes of interpreting this specification, the definitions (as defined herein) will apply and whenever appropriate the terms used in singular will also include the plural and vice versa. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "comprising", "having" and "including" are to be construed as open-ended terms unless otherwise noted.

[0026] The words / phrases "exemplary", "example", "illustration", "in an instance", "and the like", "and so on", "etc.", "etcetera", "e.g.," , "i.e.," are merely used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein using the words / phrases "exemplary", "example", "illustration", "in an instance", "and the like", "and so on", "etc.", "etcetera", "e.g.,", "i.e.," is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0027] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0028] The term "include" or "may include" refers to the existence of a corresponding disclosed function, operation or component which can be used in various embodiments of the disclosure, and does not limit the existence of one or more additional functions, operations, or components. The terms "include" and / or "have" may be construed to represent certain characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof, but may not be construed to exclude the possibility of existence of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0029] The term "or" used in various embodiments of the disclosure includes any of the listed terms or all combinations thereof. For example, "A or B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

[0030] Unless defined differently, all terms used in the disclosure, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those understood by the skilled in the art as described in the disclosure. Common terms as defined in a dictionary are to be interpreted to have meanings consistent with the context in the relevant technical field o, and are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively, unless clearly defined as such in the disclosure.

[0031] In addition, the terms "if ~" and "in case that ~" as used in the disclosure or claims may be interpreted to include the meanings of "when (or upon) ~," "in response to ~," "based on ~," or "according to ~," and may be used interchangeably with these expressions. In addition, expressions other than those exemplified herein may also be used, as long as they have substantially the same meaning and do not impair the technical features of the present disclosure.

[0032] In addition, the expression that information is configured by the BS, as used in the present disclosure or claims, may, in context, be understood to mean that the terminal receives the corresponding information from the BS via the aforementioned higher layer signaling. Such an expression may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially equivalent meaning.

[0033] In addition, the term "not perform" as used in the present disclosure or claims may, in context, be understood to mean that the corresponding step is omitted or skipped. Such a term may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially equivalent meaning.

[0034] The drawings or flowcharts described below illustrate exemplary methods that may be implemented according to the principles of the present disclosure, and various modifications may be made to the methods illustrated in the flowcharts of the present disclosure. For example, although illustrated as a series of steps, various steps in each drawing or flowchart may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or be repeated. In other examples, any step may be omitted or replaced with another step.

[0035] Embodiments herein may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions.　These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by a firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like.　The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block.　Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.　Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0036] It should be noted that elements in the drawings are illustrated for the purposes of this description and ease of understanding and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts / sequence diagrams illustrate the method in terms of the steps required for understanding of aspects of the embodiments as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in terms of the system, one or more components / modules which comprise the system may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0037] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description. Usage of words such as first, second, third etc., to describe components / elements / steps is for the purposes of this description and should not be construed as sequential ordering / placement / occurrence unless specified otherwise.

[0038] Embodiments herein disclose methods and systems for enabling an unequal modulation in a wireless local area network (LAN). Thus, it results in improving the efficient utilization of spectrum and channel conditions.

[0039] In an embodiment, the proposed method allows a user equipment (UE) to determine a number of spatial streams (NSS) per UE associated with a user. The UE determines a maximum difference in a modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user. Further, the UE may determine a type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE. The UE identifies a primary spatial stream, based on the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE. The UE may enable the assignment of the at least one unequal modulation index to all the spatial streams based on at least one of the NSS, the maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user, the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE and the identification of the primary spatial stream.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows various hardware components of the UE (102), for enabling unequal modulation in a wireless LAN. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system comprises the UE 102 interacting with the LAN to enable unequal modulation. The UE 102 referred to herein may be an electronic device / user device that is used by the user to connect, interact, and / or control the operations of the plurality of other devices using a 3GPP network or a non-3GPP network. Examples of the UE 102 may include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a video phone, a computer, a tablet personal computer (PC), a laptop, a wearable device, television, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an IoT device, or any other device that may use the 3GPP network or the non-3GPP network.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the UE 102 begins with determining the number of spatial streams (NSS) per UE 102 associated with a user. The UE 102, on determining the NSS, may determine the maximum difference in the modulation index allowable across different spatial streams per user, referred to as diff_p. The maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different streams, wherein the modulation index with the best spatial stream (denoted as 'M') and the worst spatial stream (denoted as 'N') and the difference between the spatial streams 'M' and 'N' is bounded around the parameter diff_p. For an instance, if the best stream of the UE 102 supports the modulation index MODmand the weakest stream supports modulation index MODn, then the maximum difference in the modulation index is MODm- MODnand the difference is bounded by the parameter diff_p. The parameter diff_p sets the bounds for different the modulation levels can be between the best and the worst streams, so as to ensure that complexity and reliability are kept within acceptable limits. In another example, suppose there are 'N' number of spatial streams per user, the spatial stream corresponding to the maximum channel gain is the best spatial stream. Likewise, the 'N' number of spatial streams per user, corresponding to the minimum channel gain the worst spatial stream.

[0042] Further, the UE 102 selects the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE 102. The UE 102 enables the assignment of unequal modulation index to all the spatial streams based on at least one of the NSS, the maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user, the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE 102 and the identification of the primary spatial stream.

[0043] The type of unequal modulations to be enabled comprises at least one of a first type of unequal modulation, a second type of unequal modulation and a third type of unequal modulation. The first type corresponds to an unequal modulation assignment based on a worst spatial stream, the second type corresponds to unequal modulation assignment based on a median spatial stream, and the third type corresponds to unequal modulation assignment based on a best spatial stream. For the first type, assignment is based on the suitable modulation index identified as the worst spatial stream. For the second type, assignment is based on the suitable modulation index identified as the median spatial stream. For the third type, assignment is based on the suitable modulation index identified as the best spatial stream.

[0044] In another instance, based on the SNR the streams are classified as the best, the worst, and the median spatial stream. The spatial stream with a lowest Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) is the worst spatial stream, the spatial stream with a median SNR is the median spatial stream and the spatial stream with a best SNR is the best spatial stream.

[0045] After determining the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE 102, the UE 102 identifies the primary spatial stream accordingly. The UE 102 identifies the worst spatial stream, and that a first type of unequal modulation is enabled. The UE 102 identifies the median spatial stream, and that a second type of unequal modulation is enabled. The UE 102 identifies the best spatial stream, and that a third type of unequal modulation is enabled.

[0046] The UE 102, on identifying the worst spatial stream, choses the lowest Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR). If the UE 102 identifies the median spatial stream, the median SNR is selected. For the best spatial stream, the UE 102 chooses the highest SNR.

[0047] Therefore, the UE 102 with the selected primary spatial stream, proceeds to assign unequal modulation indices to all spatial streams. The assignment is performed based on the combination of the NSS, the maximum difference in the modulation index allowable across different spatial streams per user, the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE 102 and identification of the primary spatial stream. The streams with the better SNR may receive higher-order modulation, while those with weaker SNR are assigned more robust, lower-order modulation.

[0048] The UE 102 comprises at least one processor 104, a memory 106, a communicator 108, and an unequal modulation enabling controller 110.

[0049] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 may determine the NSS per user. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 may be configured to enable the assignment of the unequal modulation to all spatial streams per user, on determining that the first type of unequal modulation is enabled, by identifying the worst spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 may assign a lowest modulation index (MODlowest) to a primary spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 may assign modulation index for remaining spatial streams in a range from the lowest modulation index (MODlowest) to a combination of the lowest modulation index (MODlowest), and a predefined maximum modulation index difference across the different spatial streams.

[0050] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 determines that the first type of the unequal modulation is enabled, by identifying the worst spatial stream, and the modulation index (MODn) assigned to the spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 may compute a subtraction of the lowest modulation index (MODlowest) from a modulation index (MOD) associated with the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of a spatial stream (SNRn). The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 determines the computed subtraction of the lowest modulation index (MODlowest) from the modulation index (MODn) associated with the MCS corresponding to the obtained SNR of the spatial stream (SNRn) is lesser than or equal to a predefined maximum modulation index difference across the different spatial streams.

[0051] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 may perform one of assigning the modulation index (MODn) with the modulation index (MOD) of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the spatial stream (SNRn) in response to determining that the computed subtraction of the lowest modulation index (MODlowest) from the modulation index (MOD) associated with the MCS corresponding to the obtained SNR of the spatial stream (SNRn) is lesser than or equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference across the different spatial streams.

[0052] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 may assign the modulation index (MODn) with the sum of lowest modulation index (MODlowest) and the predefined maximum modulation index difference in response to determining that the computed subtraction of the lowest modulation index (MODlowest) from the modulation index (MOD) associated with the MCS corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) is not lesser than and equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference across the different spatial streams.

[0053] In an embodiment, the unequal modulation enabling controller 110 may enable unequal modulation (UEQM) i.e. different modulation for different spatial streams of the user. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 may be configured to determine equal modulation (EQM) based modulation index (MODlowest) for the worst spatial stream among all the spatial streams per user, as per the channel quality indicator (CQI) or SNR-MCS mapping. To all other NSS-1 spatial streams, the unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns a modulation index from the subset of MODlowestto MODlowest+diff_Pbased on the channel condition.

[0054] Another embodiment as disclosed herein, the UE 102 enables the UEQM for different spatial streams of the user. The UE 102 is configured to assign the modulation index (MOD) to each spatial stream of the user such that the modulation index of all the spatial streams is bound by the maximum difference of diff_P. The diff_P is either user defined or it can be negotiated during setup. The UE 102 is configured to assign modulation index (MOD) to each spatial stream of the user. Starting with / based on the spatial stream with worst condition MODlowest. Assigning rest of the spatial streams in the range MODlowest, MODlowest+diff_P.

[0055] For the n-th spatial stream MOD n-th= MOD(MCS (SNR n-th)) if MOD (MCS (SNR n-th))-MOD_lowest<=diff_P or else MOD n-th = MOD_lowest+diff_P. MCS (SNR n-th) represents MCS corresponding to the SNR of the n-th spatial stream. MOD(MCS) provides the Modulation index MOD used in the corresponding MCS Index MCS.

[0056] In another embodiment, for assigning the modulation index, on identifying the worst spatial stream, the UE 102 assigns the MOD for the worst spatial stream (determined using sounding / feedback / other mechanism) referred as MODlowest. As defined in IEEE 802.11, Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) is used for MCS mapping. An EQM based MCS index (MCSlowest) is determined for the worst spatial stream among all the spatial streams per user, as per the signal to noise ratio (SNR)-MCS mapping in the existing specification. From the MCSlowest, a modulation index for used modulation (MODlowest) and coding rate (CODE) is determined. Higher modulation is used i.e. higher MOD levels are used for better spatial stream (based on sounding SNR). Since worst spatial stream is assigned the lowest MOD, the proposed method reduces combined Bit Error Rate (BER) and ensures higher reliability. diff_P is the maximum allowed difference in modulation index across different spatial streams per user.

[0057] For an instance, if there are 'm' spatial streams per user and the worst spatial stream is assigned with BPSK then the rest of the spatial streams may have modulation among BPSK, QPSK, 22*m QAM, 22*(m+1) QAM, ... , 22*(m+diff_P) QAM, where m starts from 2. Practically, diff_P is limited to 2 or 3 to avoid complexity. As any value higher than 2 or 3 does not fetch much improvement in gain. Assign higher / same MCSs for remaining spatial streams i.e., MOD>= MODlowest. The best spatial stream is assigned with MOD <= MODlowest+diff_P. Since the worst spatial stream is assigned with the lowest MCS, the proposed method reduces combined BER and ensures higher reliability.

[0058] For the n-th spatial stream MOD n-th= MOD(MCS (SNR n-th)) if MOD (MCS (SNR n-th))-MODlowest<=diff_P or else MOD n-th = MODlowest+diff_P. MCS (SNR n-th) represents MCS corresponding to the SNR of the n-th spatial stream. MOD(MCS) provides the Modulation index MOD used in the corresponding MCS Index MCS.

[0059] In another embodiment, a coding rate (CODE) associated with the primary spatial stream is determined and the determined coding rate is assigned to the spatial streams corresponding to the UE 102 to maintain joint coding across spatial streams.

[0060] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 enables the assignment of unequal modulation to all spatial stream per user, on determining that the third type of unequal modulation and identifying the best spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns a highest modulation index (MODhighest) to the primary spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns the modulation index for the remaining spatial streams in a range from the highest modulation (MODhighest) to predefined maximum modulation index difference across the spatial streams subtracted from the MODhighest.

[0061] The embodiment defines the method to assign modulation index (MOD) to each spatial stream of the user. The embodiment starts with / based on the spatial stream with best condition MCShighest. The embodiment assigns rest of the spatial streams in the range MCShighest, MCShighest-diff_P. For the n-th spatial stream MOD n-th= MOD(MCS (SNR n-th)) if MOD_highest-MOD(MCS (SNR n-th))<=diff_P or else MOD n-th = MOD_highest-diff_P. MCS (SNR n-th) represents MCS corresponding to the SNR of the n-th spatial stream. MOD(MCS) provides the Modulation index MOD used in the corresponding MCS Index MCS.

[0062] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110, determines the third type of the unequal modulation with the best spatial stream. The modulation index (MODn) assigned to a predefined spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 computes a subtraction of the modulation index (MOD) of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR associated with the nthspatial stream (SNRn) from the highest modulation index (MODhighest). The unequal modulation enabling controller 110, determines whether the computed subtraction is less than or equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference across the spatial streams. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 performs one of assigning the modulation index (MODn) with the modulation index (MOD) of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) on determining that the computed subtraction is less than and equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference (diffp) across the spatial streams. In another embodiment, the unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns the modulation index (MODn) with predefined maximum modulation index difference across the spatial streams subtracted from the highest modulation index (MODhighest) on determining that the computed subtraction is less than and equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference (diffp) across the spatial streams.

[0063] In an embodiment, the unequal modulation enabling controller 110 can determine the EQM based modulation index (MODhighest) for the best spatial stream among all the spatial streams per user, as per the CQI-MCS or SNR-MCS mapping. To all other NSS-1 spatial streams, the unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns the modulation index from the subset of MODhighest-diff_Pto MODhighestbased on the channel condition.

[0064] Another embodiment as disclosed herein, for the best spatial stream, MOD is assigned for the best spatial stream (determined using sounding / feedback / other mechanism) denoted by MODhighest. As defined in IEEE 802.11, CQI to MCS mapping or SNR to MCS mapping is used. An EQM based MCS index (MCShighest) is determined for the best spatial stream among all the spatial streams per user, as per the signal to noise ratio (SNR)-MCS mapping in the existing specification. From the MCShighest, a modulation index for used modulation (MODhighest) and coding rate (CODE) is determined. Lower modulation is used, i.e. lower MCS levels are used for worse spatial stream (based on sounding SNR).

[0065] Lower / same MOD is assigned for remaining spatial streams i.e.,MOD<= MODhighest. The worst spatial stream is assigned with MOD >= MODhighest-diff_P. Since the best spatial stream is assigned the highest MCS, the proposed method improves overall throughput. For the n-th spatial stream MOD n-th= MOD(MCS (SNR n-th)) if MODhighest-MOD(MCS (SNR n-th))<=diff_P or else MOD n-th = MODhighest-diff_P. MCS (SNR n-th) represents MCS corresponding to the SNR of the n-th spatial stream. MOD(MCS) provides the Modulation index MOD used in the corresponding MCS Index MCS. Since the best spatial stream is assigned with the highest MCS, the proposed method ensures higher spectral efficiency / throughput.

[0066] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 enables the assignment of unequal modulation to all spatial stream per user, on determining that the second type of unequal modulation is enabled and identifying the median spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns the median modulation index (MODmedian) to the primary spatial stream and identifies that the remaining spatial streams are better than the second type of the spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns the modulation index for the remaining spatial streams in the range of the median modulation index (MODmedian) to MODmedianalong with the diffp / 2in response to identifying that the remaining spatial streams are better than the second type of the spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns the modulation index for the remaining spatial streams in the range of computing subtraction of diffp / 2from the median modulation index (MODmedian) to the MODmedianin response to identifying that the remaining spatial streams are not better than the second type of the spatial stream.

[0067] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 identifies that the second type of unequal modulation is enabled, and the modulation index (MODn) is assigned to the predefined spatial stream. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 computes the subtraction of the modulation (MOD) of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) from the median modulation index (MODmedian). The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 determines that the computed subtraction of the modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) from the median modulation index (MODmedian) is less than and equal to diffp / 2. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 performs one of assigning the modulation index (MODn) with the diffp / 2subtracted from the MODmedianin response to determining that the computed subtraction of the modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the SNR of the spatial stream (SNRn) from the median modulation index (MODmedian) is not less than and equal to diffp / 2and modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) is less than MODmedian.

[0068] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns the modulation index (MODn) with sum of MODmedianalong with the diffp / 2in response to determining that the computed subtraction of the modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) from the median modulation index (MODmedian) is not less than and equal to diffp / 2and modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) is greater than MODmedian. The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns the modulation index (MODn) with the modulation of the MOD of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn), in response to, determining that the modulus of the computed subtraction is less than and equal to diffp / 2, wherein MOD of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) provides modulation index used in the corresponding MCS index.

[0069] In another embodiment, the unequal modulation enabling controller 110 determines the EQM based modulation index (MODmedian) for the median spatial stream among all the spatial streams per user, as per the CQI-MCS or SNR-MCS mapping. Median spatial stream is a spatial stream with condition between the best spatial stream and the worst spatial stream. To all other NSS-1 spatial streams, the unequal modulation enabling controller 110 assigns the modulation index. The spatial stream is better than median spatial stream from the subset of MODmedianto MODmedian+diff_P / 2. If spatial stream is worse than median spatial stream from the subset of MODmedian-diff_P / 2to MODmedianbased on the channel condition.

[0070] Further modulation index (MOD) is assigned to each spatial stream of the user. Starting with / based on the spatial stream with best condition MCSmedian. Assigning rest of the spatial streams in the range MCSmedian-diff_P / 2, MCShighest+diff_P / 2.

[0071] For n-th spatial stream, MOD n-th= MOD(MCS (SNR n-th)) if |MODmedian-MOD(MCS (SNR n-th))|<=diff_P / 2, |.| represents the modulus operator. MOD n-th = MODmedian-diff_P / 2if MODmedian-MOD(MCS (SNR n-th))<-diff_P / 2. MOD n-th = MODmedian+diff_P / 2if MODmedian-MOD (MCS (SNR n-th))>diff_P / 2. MCS (SNR n-th) represents MCS corresponding to the SNR of the n-th spatial stream, wherein MOD(MCS) provides the Modulation index MOD used in the corresponding MCS Index MCS.

[0072] Another embodiment as disclosed herein, each spatial stream of the user may have different SNR, wherein the modulation to SNR matching is required. In the UEQM, different modulation index is assigned for different spatial streams to take the advantage of spatial stream selective gains. Therefore, to avoid additional complexity / requirement of additional encoders and decoders, same / joint coding across spatial streams of a user is preferred. diff_P is the maximum allowed difference in modulation index across different spatial streams per user

[0073] For an instance, if there are 'm' spatial streams per user and the worst spatial stream is assigned with BPSK then the rest of the spatial streams may have modulation among Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), 22*mQuadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), 22*(m+1)QAM, ... , 22*(m+diff_P)QAM, where 'm' starts from 2. Also, diff_P is limited to 2 or 3 to avoid complexity. As any value higher than 2 or 3 does not fetch much improvement in gain.

[0074] Another embodiment as disclosed herein for the median spatial stream, assign the MOD for the median spatial stream (determined using sounding / feedback / other mechanism) referred as MODmedian. As defined in IEEE 802.11, the proposed method uses CQI to MCS mapping, wherein based on the SNR, spatial streams are provided with the CQI, which is further mapped to MCS. An EQM based MCS index (MCSmedian) is determined for the median spatial stream among all the spatial streams per user, as per the signal to noise ratio (SNR)-MCS mapping in the existing specification. From the MCSmedian, a modulation index for used modulation (MODmedian) and coding rate (CODE) is determined. Increased and decreased MCS levels are used for the better and worse spatial streams (based on sounding SNR), respectively.

[0075] To all other NSS-1 spatial streams, if the spatial stream is better than the median spatial stream, a modulation index is assigned from the subset of MODmedianto MODmedian+diff_P / 2. To all other spatial streams, if the spatial stream is worse than the median spatial stream, a modulation index is assigned from the subset of MODmedian-diff_P / 2 to MODmedianbased on the channel condition. All the spatial streams are coded with same coding rate CODE as used for the best spatial stream.

[0076] For n-th spatial stream MOD n-th= MOD(MCS (SNR n-th)) if |MODmedian-MOD(MCS (SNR n-th))|<=diff_P / 2, |.| represents the modulus operator. MOD n-th = MODmedian-diff_P / 2 if MODmedian-MOD(MCS (SNR n-th))<-diff_P / 2. MOD n-th = MODmedian+diff_P / 2 if MODmedian-MOD(MCS (SNR n-th))>diff_P / 2.

[0077] The unequal modulation enabling controller 110 is implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

[0078] The processor 104 may include one or a plurality of processors. The one or the plurality of processors may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an AI-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). The processor 104 may include multiple cores and is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory 106. Further, the processor 104 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 106 and to perform various processes.

[0079] The communicator 108 is configured for communicating internally between internal hardware components and with external devices via one or more networks. The communicator 108 is referred to at least one transceiver. The transceiver may transmit and receive signals to and from network entities. In addition, the transceiver can receive a signal through a wireless channel and output it to the processor, and transmit the signal output from the processor through a wireless channel. The transceiver 108 may be a communication circuit that enables the UE 102 to transmit or receive a signal to or from a BS through cellular communication, an access point or other UE. According to an embodiment, the UE 102 may include a plurality of transceivers. According to still another embodiment, in the case of supporting near field wireless communication, the UE 102 may separately include a transceiver supporting at least one standard in the group of wireless communication protocol standards as defined in the protocol standards for Bluetooth®, wireless local area network (WLAN) network (including institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.11-2016 standard or its amendments, e.g., 802.11ah, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be, without being limited thereto).

[0080] The processor 104 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) (IC) chips and may execute various data processings. The processor 104 may include at least one electric circuit, and may execute instructions (or a program, codes, data, etc.) stored in the memory 106, individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. Further, the processor 104 may include a single-core processor or multi-core processor, and may include a processor assembly including a plurality of processing circuits (circuitry) according to a specific implementation scheme.

[0081] The processor 104 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the transceiver to control the transceiver.

[0082] The processor 104 may include at least one processor (or processing circuitry), and the at least one processor may perform the following operations individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. For example, the processor 104 may include a communication processor (CP) configured to control communication operations and an application processor (AP) configured to control execution of an upper layer (for example, an application layer). In a specific embodiment, at least a part of the processor 104 may be included in one chip and the other part of the processor 104 may be included in another chip. Otherwise, at least one processor may be included in another component, for example, the transceiver or the memory 106.

[0083] The processor 104 may perform or control or cause an operation of the UE 102 for executing at least one or a combination of methods according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the processor 104 may control operations of the UE 102 for processing a downlink signal received from a BS or generating and transmitting an uplink signal to a BS. To this end, the processor 104 may execute a computer program, codes, or instructions stored in the memory 106, so as to control other components of the UE 102 to enable execution of various operations.

[0084] The memory 106 also stores instructions to be executed by the processor 104. The memory 106 may include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory 106 may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted that the memory 106 is non-movable. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).

[0085] The memory 106 corresponds to a hardware storage device capable of temporarily or permanently storing information and may include one or more storage media. For example, the memory 106 may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or read-only memory (ROM), semipermanent memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory, or a combination thereof.

[0086] The memory 106 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the processor 104 and may be accessed by the processor 104.

[0087] The memory 106 may store a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 104. According to an embodiment, a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 104 may be either stored in a single memory device or separated and distributedly stored in two or more memory devices. By executing the instructions stored in the memory 106, the processor 104 may perform various functions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, operations of the UE 102 discussed below may be caused to be performed based on execution of instructions (or a computer program or codes) stored in the memory 106 by at least one processor (or processing circuitry) configured to execute the same individually, collectively, or in any combination thereof, based on processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions, and / or based on components of processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions.

[0089] FIG. 2 is a flow chart S200 depicting a method for enabling an unequal modulation in a wireless local area network (LAN) 104. As depicted in FIG. 2, in step S202, the UE 102 may determine the number of spatial streams (NSS) per UE associated with the user. In step S204, the UE 102 may determine a maximum difference in a modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user.

[0090] In step S206, the UE 102 may determine a type of unequal modulation to be enables at the UE 102. In step S208, the UE 102 may identify a primary spatial stream, based on the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE 102.

[0091] In step S210, the UE 102 may enable the assignment of the at least one unequal modulation index to all the spatial streams based on at least one of the NSS, the maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user, the type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE 102 and the identification of the primary spatial stream.

[0092] FIG. 3 illustrates Table 1 is an example table regarding the possible modulations assignment for two spatial streams with a best spatial stream as primary stream with maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user is two, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0093] FIG. 4 illustrates Table 2 is an example table regarding the possible modulations assignment for two spatial stream with a worst spatial stream as primary stream with maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user is two, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0094] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate Table 3 and Table 4 are example tables illustrating the possible modulations assignment for three spatial streams with a best spatial stream as primary stream and a worst spatial stream as primary stream, respectively, with maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user is two, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0095] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate Table 5 and Table 6 are example tables illustrating the possible modulations assignment for four spatial streams with a best spatial stream as primary stream and a worst spatial stream as primary stream, respectively with maximum difference in the modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per user is two, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0096] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow charts / diagrams (S200) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0097] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The elements include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.

[0098] Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in at least one embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g., Very high-speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g., hardware means like e.g., an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g., an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g., using a plurality of CPUs.

[0099] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

1.A method, by a user equipment (UE), for enabling an unequal modulation in a wireless local area network　(LAN) communication system, the method comprising:determining a number of spatial streams (NSS) per the UE associated with a user;determining a type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE;identifying a primary spatial stream among the spatial streams; andenabling assignment of at least one unequal modulation index to the spatial streams based on at least one of the NSS, the type of unequal modulation and the primary spatial stream.2.The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining a maximum difference in a modulation index allowed across different spatial streams per the user,wherein the assignment of the at least one unequal modulation index to all the spatial streams is enabled further based on the maximum difference in the modulation index.3.The method of claim 1, wherein the type of unequal modulation to be enabled includes at least one of a first type of unequal modulation, a second type of unequal modulation and a third type of unequal modulation.4.The method of claim 2, wherein the first type corresponds to unequal modulation assignment based on a worst spatial stream, the second type corresponds to unequal modulation assignment based on a median spatial stream, and the third type corresponds to unequal modulation assignment based on a best spatial stream, wherein the spatial stream with a lowest Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) is the worst spatial stream, the spatial stream with a median SNR is the median spatial stream and the spatial stream with a best SNR is the best spatial stream.5.The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the primary spatial stream based on the type of unequal modulation enabled, by performing one of:identifying a worst spatial stream, on determining that a first type of unequal modulation is enabled;identifying a median spatial stream, on determining that a second type of unequal modulation is enabled; andidentifying a best spatial stream, on determining that a third type of unequal modulation is enabled.6.The method of claim 1, wherein enabling by the UE (102), the assignment of unequal modulation to all spatial stream per user, on determining that a first type of unequal modulation is enabled, comprises of:assigning a lowest modulation index (MODlowest) to the primary spatial stream; andassigning modulation index for remaining spatial streams in a range from the lowest modulation index (MODlowest) to a combination of the lowest modulation index (MODlowest), and a predefined maximum modulation index difference across the different spatial streams.7.The method of claim 5, wherein on determining the first type of the unequal modulation is enabled, the modulation index (MODn) assigned to the spatial stream, the method comprises:computing a subtraction of a lowest modulation index (MODlowest) from a modulation index (MOD) associated with a modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of a spatial stream (SNRn);determining that the computed subtraction of the lowest modulation index (MODlowest) from the modulation index (MODn) associated with the MCS corresponding to the obtained SNR of the spatial stream (SNRn) is lesser than or equal to a predefined maximum modulation index difference across the different spatial streams; andperforming one of:assigning the modulation index (MODn) with the modulation index (MOD) of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the spatial stream (SNRn) in response to determining that the computed subtraction of the lowest modulation index (MODlowest) from the modulation index (MOD) associated with the MCS corresponding to the obtained SNR of the spatial stream (SNRn) is lesser than or equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference across the different spatial streams, andassigning the modulation index (MODn) with the sum of lowest modulation index (MODlowest) and the predefined maximum modulation index difference in response to determining that the computed subtraction of the lowest modulation index (MODlowest) from the modulation index (MOD) associated with the MCS corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) is not lesser than and equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference across the different spatial streams.8.The method of claim 5, wherein a coding rate (CODE) associated with the primary spatial stream is determined and the determined coding rate is assigned to the spatial streams corresponding to the UE (102) to maintain joint coding across spatial streams.9.The method of claim 1, wherein enabling by the UE (102), the assignment of unequal modulation to all spatial stream per user, on determining that a third type of unequal modulation is enabled, comprises of:assigning a highest modulation index (MODhighest) to the primary spatial stream; andassigning modulation index for the remaining spatial streams in a range from the highest modulation (MODhighest) to predefined maximum modulation index difference across the spatial streams subtracted from the MODhighest.10.The method of claim 8, wherein on determining the third type of the unequal modulation is enabled, the modulation index (MODn) assigned to a predefined spatial stream, the method comprises:computing a subtraction of the modulation index (MOD) of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR associated with the nthspatial stream (SNRn) from the highest modulation index (MODhighest);determining whether the computed subtraction is less than or equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference across the spatial streams; andperforming one of:assigning the modulation index (MODn) with the modulation index (MOD) of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) on determining that the computed subtraction is less than and equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference (diffp) across the spatial streams; andassigning the modulation index (MODn) with predefined maximum modulation index difference across the spatial streams subtracted from the highest modulation index (MODhighest) on determining that the computed subtraction is less than and equal to the predefined maximum modulation index difference (diffp) across the spatial streams.11.The method of claim 8, wherein a coding rate (CODE) associated with the primary spatial stream is determined and the determined coding rate is assigned to the spatial streams corresponding to the UE (102) to maintain joint coding across spatial streams.12.The method of claim 1, wherein enabling by the UE (102), the assignment of unequal modulation to all spatial stream per user, on determining that a second type of unequal modulation is enabled, comprises of:assigning a median modulation index (MODmedian) to the primary spatial stream;identifying that the remaining spatial streams are better than the second type of the spatial stream; andperforming one of:assigning the modulation index for the remaining spatial streams in the range of the median modulation index (MODmedian) to MODmedianalong with the diffp / 2in response to identifying that the remaining spatial streams are better than the second type of the spatial stream, andassigning the modulation index for the remaining spatial streams in the range of computing subtraction of diffp / 2from the median modulation index (MODmedian) to the MODmedianin response to identifying that the remaining spatial streams are not better than the second type of the spatial stream.13.The method of claim 10, wherein on identifying the second type of unequal modulation is enabled, the modulation index (MODn) assigned to the predefined spatial stream, the method comprises:computing the subtraction of the modulation (MOD) of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) from the median modulation index (MODmedian);determining that the computed subtraction of the modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) from the median modulation index (MODmedian) is less than and equal to diffp / 2; andperforming one of:assigning the modulation index (MODn) with the diffp / 2 subtracted from the MODmedianin response to determining that the computed subtraction of the modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the SNR of the spatial stream (SNRn) from the median modulation index (MODmedian) is not less than and equal to diffp / 2and modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) is less than MODmedian;assigning the modulation index (MODn) with sum of MODmedianalong with the diffp / 2in response to determining that the computed subtraction of the modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) from the median modulation index (MODmedian) is not less than and equal to diffp / 2and modulation of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn) is greater than MODmedian; andassigning the modulation index (MODn) with the modulation of the MOD of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the obtained SNR of the predefined spatial stream (SNRn), in response to, determining that the modulus of the computed subtraction is less than and equal to diffp / 2, wherein MOD of the modulation coding scheme (MCS) provides modulation index used in the corresponding MCS index.14.The method of claim 11, wherein a coding rate (CODE) associated with the primary spatial stream is determined and the determined coding rate is assigned to the spatial streams corresponding to the UE (102) to maintain joint coding across spatial streams.15.A user equipment (UE) comprising:memory; andat least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to:determine a number of spatial streams (NSS) per the UE associated with a user,determine a type of unequal modulation to be enabled at the UE;identify a primary spatial stream among the spatial streams;enable assignment of at least one unequal modulation index to the spatial streams based on at least one of the NSS the type of unequal modulation and the primary spatial stream.

Images