Control Trailer Carrying MIMO Configuration Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in high frequency bands like Wi-Fi, there is a challenge in efficiently transmitting configuration information for uplink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) communications between an access point (AP) and multiple stations (STAs), which affects signal balance and reception quality.
Innovation Solution
The method involves carrying configuration information for MIMO communication in a control trailer, which is sent after a data frame, reducing transmission overhead and complexity by allowing STAs to directly obtain the information without determining its presence, and optionally adding a padding bit to ensure consistent PPDUs lengths for synchronized processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a newly designed frame is used to carry configuration information, then the configuration information can be transmitted to STAs, but the transmission overhead increases and communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration information transmission function into the existing control trailer structure. Instead of creating a new frame type, the AP reuses the control trailer (which already exists for other control purposes) to carry MIMO configuration information, thereby avoiding additional overhead and complexity while still achieving reliable information delivery to STAs
Solution Approach 2:
The control trailer is designed to serve multiple functions: it continues to carry existing control information and simultaneously carries MIMO configuration information. This multi-functional approach allows the same structural element to perform multiple tasks without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function, thus reducing overall system complexity
2Loss of information
If a control trailer is added after another frame, then configuration information can be transmitted, but the transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by placing the control trailer immediately after the data frame in the expected location, allowing STAs to find the configuration information without having to search through additional frames. This pre-positioning approach reduces the overhead of frame searching and processing while ensuring reliable information delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The control trailer structure is designed to be self-identifying and self-contained, allowing STAs to directly access the configuration information without requiring additional signaling or complex frame parsing. The trailer structure serves itself by providing clear delimitation and direct access points for the configuration information, minimizing the overhead required for information retrieval
3Measurement precision
If STAs need to determine whether control trailer carries configuration information, then information accuracy can be ensured, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration information determination function from the general frame parsing process. By placing the control trailer in a fixed, predictable location immediately after the data frame, STAs can directly access the configuration information without having to parse through multiple possible frame types or search extensively, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The control trailer structure provides equipotential access to configuration information for all STAs. The standardized positioning and structure of the control trailer ensures that all STAs can access the information using the same simple mechanism, eliminating variations in processing complexity and time across different STA implementations
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a communication method and a communications apparatus. According to the communication method, a first device sends to one or more second devices, by using a control trailer, configuration information used for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication between the first device and the one or more second devices, so that the MIMO communication can be performed between the first device and the one or more second devices based on the configuration information.