Downlink Multi-User Extension PPDU for WLAN Bandwidth Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IEEE 802.11 WLAN systems face inefficiencies and low utilization of channel bandwidth due to the presence of significant amounts of non-high-efficiency (non-HE) downlink (DL) traffic, which occupies bandwidth for extended durations and leaves unused channel bandwidth unused.
Innovation Solution
The system and method involve transmitting a non-HE announcement frame followed by a downlink (DL) multi-user (MU) extension physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) that includes both a non-HE PPDU and a high-efficiency (HE) PPDU, allowing unused channel bandwidth to be utilized for MU transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-HE PPDUs are transmitted in the primary channel, then legacy STA compatibility is maintained, but channel bandwidth utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The channel bandwidth is segmented into a primary channel (20 MHz) for non-HE PPDUs and secondary channels for HE PPDUs. The access point transmits non-HE PPDUs in the primary channel to maintain compatibility with legacy STAs, while simultaneously transmitting HE PPDUs in secondary channels to serve high-efficiency STAs, thereby utilizing the full channel bandwidth without compromising legacy support
Solution Approach 2:
The solution extends the transmission dimension from a single primary channel to multiple channels by introducing secondary channels. Non-HE PPDUs occupy the primary channel while HE PPDUs occupy secondary channels, effectively adding a spatial/frequency dimension to the transmission and enabling simultaneous service to both legacy and high-efficiency STAs
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-HE PPDUs use low OFDM rates, then legacy STA compatibility is ensured, but transmission duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission is segmented into two parallel streams: non-HE PPDUs at low OFDM rates in the primary channel for legacy STAs, and HE PPDUs at high OFDM rates in secondary channels for high-efficiency STAs. This segmentation allows each stream to be optimized independently, so legacy STAs receive compatible transmissions while high-efficiency STAs benefit from faster transmission rates
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring all STAs to use low rates for compatibility, the solution applies partial action by using low rates only where necessary (primary channel for non-HE PPDUs) and excessive action by using high rates where beneficial (secondary channels for HE PPDUs), thereby reducing overall transmission duration for high-efficiency traffic
3Productivity
If unused channel bandwidth is allocated to HE PPDUs, then medium usage efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into primary and secondary portions, with clear functional assignments. The primary channel handles non-HE PPDUs for legacy compatibility, while secondary channels handle HE PPDUs for high efficiency. This segmentation simplifies the management of complexity by creating distinct, well-defined transmission paths rather than requiring complex dynamic allocation across the entire bandwidth
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality to simultaneously transmit both non-HE and HE PPDUs across different channels. This universal capability allows the system to serve both legacy and high-efficiency STAs within a single transmission opportunity, improving medium usage efficiency without requiring separate systems for each function
Data Source
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AI summary
A first electronic device (202) includes: a first transceiver (206); a first memory (210) storing at least one instruction; and a first processor (208) operatively connected to the first transceiver (206) and the first memory (210), the first processor (208) being configured to execute the at least one instruction to: transmit, to at least one second electronic device (204), a non-high-efficiency (non-HE) announcement frame, and transmit, to the at least one second electronic device (204), a downlink (DL) multi-user (MU) extension (Ext) physical layer protocol (PPDU), wherein the DL MU Ext PPDU includes: a non-HE PPDU and a HE PPDU.