EHT Capability Signaling for 4096-QAM Resource Unit Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Wi-Fi technologies lack definition for 4k QAM support and efficient identification of resource units smaller than 242-tone for 1k QAM and 4k QAM in multi-link communication environments, limiting spectrum utilization and throughput.

Innovation Solution

A communication method and apparatus that utilize EHT PHY capability information elements to indicate support capabilities for 1024-QAM and 4096-QAM through specific identifiers for single-type and multi-type resource units smaller than 242-tone, enabling efficient communication in multi-link environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If 4k QAM modulation mode is used to increase throughput, then spectrum utilization is improved, but there is no application definition for 4k QAM in existing standards causing compatibility issues

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidstandard compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines 4k QAM capability indication fields in advance in the EHT capability information element, allowing devices to declare their 4k QAM support capability before actual communication. This preliminary definition enables seamless integration of 4k QAM functionality into the existing Wi-Fi standard framework, resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining the throughput benefits of higher-order modulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If resource units smaller than 242-tone are not efficiently identified, then device complexity is reduced, but spectrum utilization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidresource unit identification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource unit identification by creating separate capability indication fields for different size types (single-type and multi-type RUs smaller than 242-tone). This segmentation allows the system to efficiently identify and allocate appropriate RU sizes for 1k QAM and 4k QAM transmissions without requiring complex identification mechanisms, thereby improving spectrum utilization while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces new parameters (capability indication fields) in the EHT capability information element that change the way resource unit sizes are identified and allocated. By defining specific bit fields to indicate support for different RU sizes with 1k QAM and 4k QAM, the system enables efficient spectrum utilization through parameter-based resource allocation rather than complex identification procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple frequency bands are aggregated for high throughput, then bandwidth is increased, but a new MAC mechanism is needed to manage simultaneous communication

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidMAC mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal capability indication mechanism in the EHT capability information element that can indicate support for different QAM modes (1k QAM, 4k QAM) and different resource unit sizes across multiple frequency bands. This multi-functional capability field allows the same MAC mechanism to manage aggregated frequency bands with varying modulation and resource allocation requirements, reducing the need for band-specific management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4301084B1Communication method and communication device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4301084B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4301084B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a communication method and a communication device. The communication method may comprise: determining a first message frame, the first message frame comprising first information, and the first information indicating the support capability for a single resource unit and/or a composite resource unit of a first size to be applied to 4096-QAM; and sending the first message frame. The technical solution provided in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can improve spectrum utilization.