Adaptive CTS Channel Selection Using MRUs in WLAN

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless local area networks (WLAN), the transmission of clear-to-send (CTS) frames can cause unnecessary channel occupation and interference due to mismatched resource allocation, leading to inefficient use of bandwidth.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves transmitting CTS frames using multiple resource units (MRUs) based on preconfigured transport channels, aligning the resource allocation with actual PPDU transmission, thereby preventing unnecessary channel occupation and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If CTS frame is transmitted using fixed resource allocation, then transmission protocol simplicity is maintained, but channel occupation becomes unnecessary and interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission protocol simplicityVSAvoidchannel interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the CTS frame transmission resource adaptive rather than fixed. The receiving STA dynamically selects the transport channel based on the actual PPDU transmission resource determined through CCA and MRU configuration, allowing the system to adapt to real-time channel conditions and avoid unnecessary interference while maintaining protocol simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If CTS frame is transmitted using preconfigured transport channels, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but resource allocation flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preconfiguring multiple resource units (MRUs) as potential transport channels before actual transmission occurs. The receiving STA then selects the appropriate preconfigured MRU based on the actual PPDU transmission resource, combining the benefits of pre-planned efficiency with flexible adaptation to actual channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If CTS frame uses mismatched resource allocation, then transmission speed is maintained, but channel occupation time increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidchannel occupation time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by having the receiving STA perform clear channel assessment (CCA) to determine the actual PPDU transmission resource, then use this feedback information to select the appropriate transport channel for CTS frame transmission. This feedback mechanism ensures the CTS frame uses the correct resource, avoiding unnecessary channel occupation while maintaining transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12471143B2CTS transmission method

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

In a Wireless Local Area Network system, a reception STA can receive a request to send (RTS) frame. The RTS frame may include bandwidth information. The reception STA can perform clear channel assessment (CCA) on the basis of the bandwidth information. The reception STA can determine a transmission channel on the basis of the result of the CCA and information about preset multiple resource units (MRUs). The reception STA can transmit a clear to send (CTS) frame through the transmission channel. The transmission channel is one of the preset MRUs and may be a channel in which the CCA result is idle. The preset MRUs may include a first MRU composed of a first 996 tone RU, a second 996 tone RU, a third 996 tone RU, and a 484 tone RU.