ACK Frame Physical Layer Extraction for WLAN Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing acknowledgement (ACK) data frames in wireless local area networks (WLANs) are lengthy, leading to increased network resource overheads due to their high power requirements and long lengths.
Innovation Solution
A quick acknowledgement reply method and apparatus that reduces the length of ACK frames by eliminating the Media Access Control (MAC) part and only including a physical layer part, which consists of legacy or Internet of Things (IoT) training fields and signal fields, thereby minimizing network resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete ACK frame with both physical layer and MAC layer is used, then reliability of acknowledgement transmission is ensured, but the length of ACK frame increases and network resource overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the MAC layer part from the ACK frame, keeping only the essential physical layer components (training fields and signal fields). This extraction principle reduces the ACK frame length while maintaining the core functionality of acknowledgement transmission through the physical layer alone.
2Reliability
If a complete ACK frame with both physical layer and MAC layer is used, then reliability of acknowledgement transmission is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the MAC layer components from the ACK frame structure, retaining only the physical layer elements. This extraction eliminates the power consumption associated with transmitting and processing the MAC layer portion, thereby reducing overall power usage while preserving essential acknowledgement functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complete ACK frame with both physical layer and MAC layer is used, then compatibility with existing WLAN standards is maintained, but network resource overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary physical layer components (L-STF, L-LTF, and signal fields) from the complete ACK frame structure. This selective extraction maintains compatibility with existing WLAN physical layer standards while eliminating the MAC layer overhead, thereby reducing network resource consumption.
4Length of stationary object
If only physical layer part is used in ACK frame, then length of ACK frame is reduced and network resource overheads decrease, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simplified, disposable-like approach by using only the essential physical layer components for ACK transmission. The training fields and signal fields are designed as self-contained elements that can be transmitted and processed independently without requiring the more complex MAC layer processing, effectively reducing device complexity despite the shortened frame structure.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a quick acknowledgement reply method and apparatus, where the method includes the following steps: receiving, by an acknowledgement sending apparatus, a data frame sent by an acknowledgement receiving apparatus; and after successfully decoding the data frame, generating and replying with, by the acknowledgement sending apparatus, an acknowledgement ACK frame, where the ACK frame includes a physical layer part; and the physical layer part includes: a legacy short training field L-STF, a legacy long training field L-LTF, and identification information of a station. This application is advantageous in low overheads.