MU-MIMO Setup Frame for Multi-User Wireless Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in the millimeter-wave band, face challenges in supporting multiple-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) technology, as existing standards like IEEE 802.11ad are not designed to handle simultaneous transmissions to multiple devices, limiting data rates and compatibility with both legacy and non-legacy devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an MU-MIMO setup frame that uses a modified RTS frame structure, compatible with legacy systems, to notify multiple devices of an upcoming MU-MIMO transmission, allowing for backward compatibility and efficient data transmission over a 60 GHz frequency band, enabling simultaneous data exchange with multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing standards like IEEE 802.11ad are used, then legacy device compatibility is maintained, but the ability to support simultaneous transmissions to multiple devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame structure into distinct components: a legacy-compatible header portion and a new control trailer portion. The control trailer contains specific fields (MU_MIMO_TYPE, N_USER, USER_INFO) that enable multi-user MIMO functionality while keeping the main frame structure compatible with existing standards. This segmentation allows incremental adoption and maintains backward compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the MU-MIMO control information within the existing frame structure by adding a control trailer that nests new functionality inside the conventional frame format. The control trailer is nested after the MAC payload, allowing legacy devices to ignore it while new devices can utilize the embedded MU-MIMO control fields.
2Productivity
If a new frame structure is created for MU-MIMO, then simultaneous transmissions to multiple devices are enabled, but compatibility with legacy systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal frame structure that serves multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with legacy IEEE 802.11ad devices while simultaneously enabling MU-MIMO transmissions to multiple devices. The frame can be interpreted by legacy devices as a standard frame or by MU-MIMO capable devices as a multi-user transmission frame, making it multi-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The control trailer acts as an intermediary layer that bridges legacy and modern requirements. It contains the necessary MU-MIMO control information while being positioned and structured in a way that doesn't interfere with legacy device operation, effectively mediating between old and new system requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple devices are notified of upcoming MU-MIMO transmission, then network capacity is expanded, but frame structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user information into individual user info fields within the control trailer, where each field contains parameters for a specific user (beamforming index, spatial stream allocation, etc.). This segmentation allows the frame to support multiple users by simply adding more user info fields rather than redesigning the entire frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the frame structure by appending a control trailer that contains multi-user information. Instead of modifying the existing single-user frame fields, it creates a new dimensional layer (the control trailer) that can accommodate arbitrary numbers of users through repeated user info structures.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to a multiuser multiple-input and multiple-output (MU-MIMO) setup frame. A device may generate an MU-MIMO setup frame comprising a physical layer (PHY) header and a media access control (MAC) header, the PHY header comprising an indication of a control trailer after the MAC header, the MAC header comprising a first receive address (RA) field comprising one or more first device identifiers (IDs), and the control trailer comprising a second RA field comprising one or more second device IDs. The device may transmit the MU-MIMO setup frame over a directional multi-gigabit (DMG) channel.