Beamforming PHY Frame Shortening for Faster Sector Sweep
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IEEE 802.11ad standard's Sector Level Sweep (SLS) procedure for beamforming training is inefficient as the length of SSW frames is fixed at 26 octets, leading to increased time requirements as the number of sectors increases, hindering the completion of SLS in a timely manner.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that generate shorter Sector Sweep (SSW) frames, replacing the Short SSW Feedback field with a Short Scrambled Basic Service Set ID (BSSID) field, which abbreviates the destination address, and using a scrambler to generate a hash value from MAC addresses, reducing frame length and enabling faster sector selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the SSW frame length is fixed at 26 octets according to the IEEE 802.11ad standard, then the frame structure is standardized and compatible, but the time required to complete SLS increases as the number of sectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of frame length from a fixed value (26 octets) to a variable value that adapts to the number of sectors. By dynamically adjusting the SSW frame length based on the actual number of sectors required for beamforming training, the system reduces unnecessary transmission time while maintaining standard compatibility through the use of defined frame structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary fields from the SSW frame structure. Specifically, it eliminates the Short SSW Feedback field when not required, and replaces the destination address with a shortened format. This extraction of essential elements only reduces frame length to the minimum necessary, thereby decreasing SLS completion time while preserving critical functionality.
2Reliability
If the SSW frame includes complete address fields, then address identification is accurate and reliable, but frame length increases leading to slower SLS completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copying approach where the complete destination address is replaced with a shortened version or identifier that references the full address. This allows the frame to carry sufficient identification information in a compact form, reducing frame length and transmission time while maintaining the reliability of address identification through the use of valid address pointers or hashes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the address field into multiple parts: a shortened version is included in the SSW frame for quick identification, while the complete address is stored separately or reconstructed when needed. This segmentation allows the critical identification function to be performed with minimal data, reducing frame length without sacrificing address identification accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a PHY frame generating circuit that generates a PHY frame including either of a short Sector Sweep frame and a Sector Sweep frame; and an array antenna that selects, based on the PHY frame, any sector from among a plurality of sectors and transmits the PHY frame. In a case where, in the PHY frame including the short Sector Sweep frame, a Direction field of the short Sector Sweep frame indicates Initiator Sector Sweep, the PHY frame generating circuit replaces a Short Sector Sweep Feedback field indicating a number of a selected best short Sector Sweep with a Short Scrambled Basic Service Set ID field indicating an abbreviated address generated from an address of a destination communication apparatus.