WiFi Beamforming Tone Index Mapping for Partial-Bandwidth Sounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The IEEE 802.11be standard introduces larger bandwidths and MIMO sizes, requiring updated feedback parameters and tone definitions for beamforming, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of new sounding indices definitions, extended compressed precoder matrix values, and SNR values, along with mechanisms to adjust tone indices to the 802.11be tone plan, including options for unified, partial, and reused sounding indices sets, to support improved beamforming in advanced communication schemes like EHT WiFi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing 802.11ax tone plan is used for full BW sounding, then compatibility with previous standards is maintained, but it cannot support the new 802.11be partial BW tone plan requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tone plan support into different modes: full BW mode uses the existing 802.11ax tone plan, while partial BW mode uses the new 802.11be tone plan. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compatibility with previous standards while supporting new requirements through separate operational modes, avoiding the need to redesign the entire tone plan handling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the beamformer to adapt between different tone plans based on the sounding request. The system can dynamically select whether to use the 802.11ax or 802.11be tone plan depending on the bandwidth configuration and sounding requirements, providing flexibility without requiring permanent support for all variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new unified sounding indices set is introduced for all bandwidths, then comprehensive support for both tone plans is achieved, but the complexity of index management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unified sounding indices set that serves multiple functions: it can be used for both full BW and partial BW sounding, and is compatible with both 802.11ax and 802.11be tone plans. This universal index set acts as a multi-functional tool that eliminates the need for separate index sets for different configurations, reducing overall system complexity despite its comprehensive coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extended compressed precoder matrix values are defined for larger MIMO sizes, then support for 802.11be MIMO configurations is enabled, but the feedback parameter definitions become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the compressed precoder matrix values by introducing new parameter definitions that accommodate larger MIMO sizes up to 16x16 or higher. The extension follows a systematic approach where existing parameter structures are replicated and scaled, allowing support for larger MIMO configurations without fundamentally redesigning the feedback mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If partial BW sounding is implemented with new tone plan, then bandwidth flexibility is improved, but the sounding procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth into discrete RU (resource unit) portions that can be independently sounded. Each RU can be configured with appropriate tone plans based on its size and location, allowing flexible partial BW sounding while maintaining a structured approach that simplifies the overall procedure through standardized segmentation units.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to techniques for beamforming, in particular for WiFi communication schemes such as IEEE 802.11ax and 802.11be. In particular the disclosure relates to a beamformer device (110) configured to: transmit a request to a beamformee device (120), the request comprising a set of sounding tone indices, the set of sounding tone indices indicating tones for which a report (121) of beamforming information is requested from the beamformee device (120), wherein the tones are defined according to a first WiFi scheme, wherein the set of sounding tone indices is based on a first tone plan (400) defined by the first WiFi scheme for a partial channel bandwidth and on a second tone plan (200) defined by a second WiFi scheme for a full channel bandwidth. The disclosure further relates to a corresponding beamformee device.