Frequency Band Segmentation for Mixed STA Capability Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems using multiple frequency band segments, the available frequency band is not utilized efficiently when stations (STAs) supporting all frequency band segments and those supporting only some segments are mixed, leading to wasted frequency resources.
Innovation Solution
A method that divides the frequency band into segments, allocates them to groups of STAs, and uses control frames to indicate segment allocation, allowing STAs to use either all or specific segments based on their capabilities and requirements, thereby optimizing frequency usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If frequency band segments are allocated to groups of STAs with different capabilities, then frequency resource efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for control frames and segmentation management
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency band is divided into multiple segments (e.g., 80 MHz segments) that can be independently allocated to different STAs. The AP determines which segments to allocate based on STA capabilities, allowing flexible resource distribution without requiring all STAs to support the entire band width.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a segment field in control frames that changes the parameter of frequency band allocation from fixed to variable. This allows the system to adapt the allocated bandwidth based on STA capabilities, transforming a static allocation system into a dynamic one that optimizes resource utilization.
2Device complexity
If all STAs must support all frequency band segments, then system simplicity is maintained, but frequency resources are wasted when some STAs can only support limited segments
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring STAs to support the full frequency band (excessive action), the system allows STAs to support only the necessary segments (partial action) based on their capabilities. The AP allocates appropriate segments to each STA, avoiding the waste of requiring full-band support from all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Different STAs are assigned different frequency band segments according to their individual capabilities. This creates local quality differentiation where each STA operates with the appropriate bandwidth for its capability level, rather than uniform treatment requiring all STAs to support the full band.
3Productivity
If frequency band is divided into multiple segments, then frequency efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing and allocating these segments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control frame acts as an intermediary mechanism that carries segment allocation information to STAs. The segment field within the control frame serves as an intermediate data structure that manages the complexity of segment allocation, allowing the AP to efficiently communicate allocation decisions without requiring complex direct management protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for transmitting data frames to multiple STAs in a wireless communication system which divides a frequency band into frequency band segments to allocate. The method includes: setting a group by grouping a plurality of STAs; determining whether or not to separately allocate the frequency band segments to the STAs within the group; constructing a control frame containing a segment field, based on the determination result; and transmitting the constructed control frame through a common signal, and transmitting data frames.