Distributed RU Tone Mapping Across Punctured WLAN Channels

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple channels and further divides each channel into multiple distributed resource units (DRUs). Each DRU contains multiple subcarriers that are distributed across different frequency locations rather than contiguous. This segmentation enables finer-grained resource allocation, allowing the system to achieve higher transmission rates by utilizing multiple DRUs simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized segmentation rules.

The patent introduces a new dimension to resource allocation by distributing subcarriers across multiple frequency locations rather than using traditional contiguous frequency blocks. This dimensional change from contiguous to distributed allocation allows for more efficient bandwidth utilization and higher transmission rates while the patent manages complexity through defined allocation patterns and mapping relationships between DRUs and frequency channels.

The patent applies preamble puncturing selectively to specific DRUs within the multiple DRU structure rather than uniformly across all resources. By applying puncturing only where necessary and to the appropriate extent, the system reduces latency for time-sensitive transmissions while maintaining channel utilization efficiency in other regions. The selective application allows optimization of transmission time without excessive sacrifice of overall channel efficiency.

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where DRUs can be activated, deactivated, or punctured based on real-time transmission requirements and channel conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to reduce latency when needed by applying puncturing to specific DRUs while maintaining efficient channel utilization during normal operation. The flexibility to adapt the DRU configuration dynamically resolves the contradiction between latency reduction and channel efficiency.

The patent defines a universal structure for multiple DRUs that can be applied across different channel configurations and bandwidth settings. The same DRU composition principles and allocation patterns work consistently across various channels, allowing the system to achieve improved bandwidth utilization through multi-channel operation while avoiding the complexity of channel-specific allocation rules. The universal DRU structure serves multiple functions: resource allocation, channel mapping, and transmission scheduling.

The patent implements a nested structure where DRUs are composed of multiple subcarriers that are themselves organized in hierarchical patterns. The multiple DRUs are allocated across multiple channels in a nested manner, with each level of nesting providing organization and structure. This nested arrangement allows for efficient bandwidth utilization across multiple channels while managing complexity through hierarchical organization that simplifies allocation and mapping operations.