Multi-AP Joint Sounding Frame Format for WiFi Channel Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WiFi standards lack effective methods and frame formats for Multi-Access Point (M-AP) coordinated transmission, particularly in supporting Joint NDP sounding schemes involving multiple APs and STAs, which are not compatible with legacy devices and do not allow correct identification and efficient indication of sounding parameters.
Innovation Solution
A new frame format for NDPA frames is introduced, featuring a broadcast TA indication, M-AP Set ID, and AP IDs to prevent legacy device decoding, along with flexible indication of sounding parameters through M-AP Set Info and STA Info Subblocks, ensuring correct operation and efficient STS indication for Multi-AP coordinated transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a new frame format for NDPA is introduced to support multiple AP identifiers, then the ability to identify multiple transmitters is improved, but the frame format complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame format is segmented into distinct fields: M-AP Set ID field to identify the multi-AP set, and multiple AP identifier fields to identify individual transmitting APs. This segmentation allows precise identification of multiple transmitters while maintaining structured organization that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame format uses nested identification structure where M-AP Set ID contains or references a group of AP identifiers. This nesting allows the frame to convey hierarchical information about the multi-AP structure without requiring completely separate identification mechanisms for each AP.
2Reliability
If legacy devices are prevented from misinterpreting new frame types, then communication reliability is improved, but frame design constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
Specific fields within the frame (such as M-AP Set ID and AP identifier fields) are designed with unique characteristics that distinguish the new frame type from legacy frames. These localized differentiating features allow legacy devices to recognize and discard incompatible frames without affecting the overall communication reliability for supported devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a network device for announcing a multi-access point (M-AP), joint channel sounding procedure in a WiFi network for acquiring channel state information between multiple access points (APs), which belong to a same M-AP set, and multiple stations associated with at least one of those multiple APs, wherein the network device is an access point of a subset of the M-AP set which subset includes APs that are configured to transmit an announcement frame, the network device comprising: a processor configured to provide the announcement frame of the M-AP joint channel sounding procedure, wherein the announcement frame comprises an identification of the M-AP set and identifications of the APs, associated to the subset of the M-AP set which subset of APs is configured to transmit the announcement frame; and a transceiver configured to transmit the announcement frame.