MU-RTS Frame Length Field Differentiation for HEW WLAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local-area network (WLAN) technologies face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth and response times, particularly when operating with both newer and legacy protocols, and in environments with multiple access points and devices, where legacy devices may interfere with high-efficiency wireless (HEW) stations using IEEE 802.11ax protocols.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-user request-to-send (MU-RTS) frame mechanism that uses a longer length field in the legacy signal (L-SIG) to differentiate itself from legacy frames, allowing HEW stations to communicate using OFDMA or MU-MIMO during a controlled period, while legacy devices are excluded, ensuring efficient network allocation and minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If HEW stations use longer length fields in L-SIG to differentiate from legacy frames, then HEW communication efficiency is improved, but legacy device compatibility becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the length field in L-SIG variable in length depending on the frame type. HEW frames use a longer length field (e.g., 2 bytes) while legacy frames use a shorter length field (e.g., 1 byte). This localized differentiation allows receiving devices to quickly identify frame type based on the length field size, enabling HEW stations to efficiently recognize and process HEW frames while legacy devices can still handle their compatible frames without interference.
2Loss of time
If MU-RTS frames are used to enable simultaneous HEW station communication, then response time is improved, but interference with legacy devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication environment into distinct HEW and legacy portions using the length field differentiation. By making the length field longer for HEW frames, HEW stations can identify and process HEW-specific frames (like MU-RTS) separately from legacy frames. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of HEW and legacy devices without mutual interference, as legacy devices ignore frames with longer length fields while HEW devices efficiently process them.
3Measurement precision
If the length field is made longer to indicate HEW frames, then frame identification accuracy is improved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by extending the length field only when necessary for HEW frame identification, rather than making all frames use the longer format. The length field is made longer (e.g., 2 bytes instead of 1 byte) specifically for HEW frames to enable accurate identification, while legacy frames continue to use the shorter format. This partial extension provides the needed identification accuracy for HEW frames without unnecessarily increasing overhead for all traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, computer readable media, and methods for sending and receiving multi-user request-to-send frames in a high-efficiency wireless local-area network (HEW) are disclosed. HEW frames are sent with frame types and subtypes the same as legacy frames with a length field greater than a legacy length to indicate the frame is a HEW frame. An apparatus of a high-efficiency (HE) wireless local-area network device is disclosed. The apparatus including transceiver circuitry and processing circuitry configured to receive a frame comprising a legacy frame type, a legacy frame sub-type, and a length in a legacy signal field (L-SIG), and determine the frame is an HE frame if the length is greater than a threshold length, wherein the threshold length is greater than a second length of a legacy frame of the legacy frame type and legacy frame sub-type.