Multi-Channel Aggregation in mmW WLAN Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN systems face limitations in achieving high-throughput multi-channel transmission and efficient beamforming in millimeter wave (mmW) environments, particularly in supporting directional multi-gigabit communications and managing channel bonding and aggregation effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-channel aggregation and bonding techniques, including frequency and space-based multiple access, with various beamforming strategies such as single or dual analog beams combined with digital precoding schemes, to enhance transmission efficiency and adapt to different channel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-channel aggregation and bonding are implemented in mmW WLAN systems, then data throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission system into multiple independent channels (e.g., 802.11ad channels) that can be aggregated. Each channel operates with its own beamforming and modulation, allowing parallel data transmission. This segmentation enables throughput multiplication while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized channel interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple channels into a bonded channel configuration where multiple 802.11ad channels are combined to form a single logical transmission medium. This merging approach aggregates the capacity of individual channels while sharing common beamforming and control mechanisms, achieving high throughput without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple beamforming strategies are used for multi-channel transmission, then transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal beamforming framework that can operate across multiple channels using the same hardware architecture. The beamforming processor handles all channels through a unified algorithm, enabling efficient multi-channel transmission without requiring separate beamforming chains for each channel, thus avoiding complexity multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial beamforming where not all antenna elements need to be actively controlled for every channel simultaneously. By using beamforming only where needed and sharing beamforming resources across channels, the system achieves transmission efficiency improvements without the full complexity of complete beamforming across all channels.
3Productivity
If channel bonding is implemented for directional multi-gigabit communications, then data throughput is improved, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary channel bonding setup and beamforming training before actual data transmission begins. By establishing the bonded channel configuration and beamforming parameters in advance, the system avoids repeated overhead during data transmission, achieving high throughput with minimized overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous beamforming and channel estimation across bonded channels during data transmission, eliminating the need for repeated beamforming training and channel setup overhead. This continuity allows the system to maintain high throughput without periodic overhead interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple channel transmission in mmW Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems may be provided. Multi-channel aggregation and channel bonding may include, for example, multi-channel aggregation for a single transmitter/receiver pair or multi-channel aggregation and bonding for multiple transmitter/receiver pairs with frequency and space based multiple access. Multi-channel beamforming may include, for example, one analog beam across two channels and analog circuits on each channel or a single analog circuit on both channels, one analog beam across two channels and separate digital precoding schemes on each channel, one analog beam across a primary channel and separate digital precoding schemes on each channel or two analog beams on two channels and separate digital precoding on each channel. Preamble signaling may be provided.