Aggregated PPDU Transmission for Mixed-Generation Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently accommodating multiple generations of wireless devices with different packet formats, communication bandwidths, and features, leading to trade-offs in medium use efficiency, throughput, latency, and scheduling flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of aggregated physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission, where multiple PPDUs with different formats are transmitted together over different subchannels of an access point's operating bandwidth, allowing for simultaneous uplink or downlink communication of devices with varying capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple generations of wireless devices with different packet formats and bandwidth capabilities are accommodated in the same network, then device compatibility and coverage are improved, but medium use efficiency and throughput deteriorate due to bandwidth limitations of earlier generation devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidmedium use efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The available bandwidth is segmented into multiple subchannels, with different subchannels allocated to different device generations. Earlier generation devices are assigned to subchannels matching their bandwidth capabilities, while later generation devices can utilize wider subchannels or aggregate multiple subchannels, thereby resolving the contradiction between device compatibility and medium use efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different subchannels are configured with different properties (bandwidth, packet formats) tailored to specific device generations. This allows each device to operate on subchannels optimized for its capabilities, improving overall network efficiency while maintaining compatibility across generations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If transmission format is constrained to accommodate earlier generation devices, then device compatibility is improved, but throughput and communication efficiency deteriorate for later generation devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat compatibilityVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network divides transmission resources into multiple subchannels, each supporting different packet formats appropriate for specific device generations. This segmentation allows later generation devices to use advanced formats on dedicated subchannels while earlier generation devices use legacy formats on their assigned subchannels, eliminating the need to constrain all transmissions to the least capable device's format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access point implements a universal transmission framework that can simultaneously support multiple packet formats across different subchannels. This multi-functional approach allows the network to serve both legacy and advanced devices with their respective format requirements, maximizing throughput for each device type without compromising compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If all devices communicate sequentially to ensure compatibility, then device compatibility is maintained, but latency increases and scheduling flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network segments communication channels into multiple simultaneous subchannels, allowing devices of different generations to transmit in parallel rather than sequentially. This parallel communication approach maintains compatibility through subchannel-specific format requirements while dramatically reducing latency by eliminating sequential waiting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple communication streams from different device generations into a single aggregated transmission opportunity. By combining subchannels and allowing simultaneous transmissions, the network achieves both compatibility (through coordinated format usage) and reduced latency (through parallel communication).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250168702A1Aggregated Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit Transmission

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 APPLE INC

AI summary

This disclosure relates to methods for communicating aggregated physical layer protocol data units in a wireless local area network. An aggregated physical layer protocol data unit that includes multiple physical layer protocol data units may be transmitted, which may occupy a frequency channel that includes a primary subchannel and a secondary subchannel. A physical layer protocol data unit may be transmitted on the primary subchannel to a wireless device with smaller bandwidth capability than the bandwidth occupied by the aggregated physical layer protocol data unit, and another physical layer protocol data unit having the same or a different physical layer protocol data unit format may be transmitted on the secondary subchannel to an enhanced multi-link single radio secondary channel or dynamic subband operation capable wireless device with smaller bandwidth capability than the bandwidth occupied by the aggregated physical layer protocol data unit.