Multi-Stream Beamforming Training via Sector Group Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IEEE 802.11ad standard faces challenges in minimizing interference and reducing time required for beamforming in multi-stream transmissions using multiple array antennas, which is exacerbated in the next-generation IEEE 802.11ay standard.
Innovation Solution
The method involves setting up sector groups, assigning these groups to array antennas, and performing simultaneous sector sweeps to determine optimal sectors for data transmission, followed by adjusting antenna weight vectors during the beam refinement protocol, ensuring non-overlapping sectors and parallel beamforming processes across multiple antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If independent beamforming is performed for each array antenna to support multi-stream transmission, then the transmission capacity is improved, but severe interference occurs between streams and the time required for beamforming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides sectors into multiple sector groups and assigns different sector groups to different array antennas. This segmentation allows each antenna to operate on non-overlapping angular domains, eliminating interference between streams while maintaining multi-stream transmission capability. The sector grouping creates independent spatial channels for each antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by grouping sectors angularly and assigning groups to different antennas. Instead of treating all sectors uniformly across all antennas, the system creates a two-dimensional mapping: antennas × sector groups. This dimensional reorganization enables parallel beamforming without interference.
2Productivity
If independent beamforming is performed for each array antenna to support multi-stream transmission, then the transmission capacity is improved, but the time required for beamforming increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting sectors into groups and assigning them to different antennas, the patent enables parallel beamforming operations. Each antenna independently performs beamforming on its assigned sector group without waiting for other antennas, significantly reducing the total beamforming time compared to sequential independent beamforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous parallel operation of multiple beamforming processes simultaneously across different antennas. Instead of sequential execution where each antenna waits for the previous one to complete, all antennas perform beamforming continuously and concurrently on their respective sector groups, maximizing resource utilization and reducing total time.
3Productivity
If multiple array antennas are used for multi-stream transmission, then the throughput is improved, but the complexity of beamforming management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies beamforming management by segmenting the overall beamforming process into independent sector group assignments for each antenna. This segmentation creates manageable units that can be configured and controlled separately, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple antennas compared to managing all sectors across all antennas without structured grouping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing beamforming parameters specifically for each antenna's assigned sector group rather than using uniform parameters across all antennas. This localized optimization simplifies management by allowing independent tuning of each antenna-sector group combination, reducing the complexity of global coordination while maintaining overall system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing a beamforming training for a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) operation in a wireless local area network is provided. The apparatus assigns at least one of a plurality of sector groups with respect to each of a plurality of array antennas. The apparatus determines a sector used for a data transmission during a sector sweep by transmitting a plurality of sector sweep messages in the plurality of sector groups through the plurality of array antennas to responders simultaneously.