MAC Range Extension via Directional Beacon Training Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IEEE 802.11ad systems face limitations in MAC range extension, particularly in asymmetric links, where distant stations with smaller antenna arrays struggle to communicate directionally due to quasi-omni mode restrictions, leading to challenges in channel access and beamforming training.
Innovation Solution
The proposed MAC range extension system enhances communication by appending training fields to directional beacon frames during sector sweeps, allowing devices to determine optimal transmit and receive sectors, and modifies the extended schedule element to indicate directional allocations, enabling efficient directional communication without modifying existing A-BFT procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If quasi-omni mode is used for reception at distant stations, then coverage area is improved, but directional communication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between quasi-omni mode and directional mode based on the communication phase. During initial access and sector sweep, the AP uses quasi-omni mode to cover all directions. During data transmission and beamforming training, the system transitions to directional mode using trained sectors. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by providing both wide coverage when needed and directional precision when needed.
2Measurement precision
If sector sweep with training fields is implemented, then beamforming training accuracy is improved, but communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is segmented into distinct phases: sector sweep phase, beamforming training phase, and data transmission phase. Each phase has specific functions and requirements. The training fields are only added during sector sweep and beamforming training phases, not during regular data transmission. This segmentation reduces overall protocol complexity while maintaining high training accuracy where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding training fields to all frames, the system adds them only to beacon frames during sector sweep and to specific training frames during beamforming training. This partial application of the training field mechanism provides sufficient training accuracy without the excessive overhead of adding training fields to every communication frame, thus balancing accuracy and complexity.
3Productivity
If directional communication is enforced at distant stations, then data transmission rate is improved, but channel access difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sector sweep and beamforming training actions before actual data transmission. During these preliminary phases, the AP transmits beacon frames with training fields in multiple directions to help distant stations identify the best sectors. This preliminary action enables distant stations to acquire directional information in advance, making subsequent channel access easier while maintaining high data transmission rates.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes methods, apparatus, and systems related to media access control (MAC) range extension. A device may cause to append a training field to each of one or more beacon frames. The device may cause to send the one or more beacon frames directionally using a sector sweep to one or more responder devices during a first interval. The device may determine an extended schedule element to be sent to the one or more responder devices, the extended schedule element including one or more directional antenna sectors to be used by the device during a second interval. The device may identify a first frame from a first responder device, during the second interval, wherein the first frame is received on a directional antenna sector of the one or more directional antenna sectors corresponding to an operating sector of the first responder device.