Multi-RU Merge Signaling for Flexible WLAN Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, such as 802.11ax, suffer from reduced allocation flexibility and low spectrum utilization due to the limitation of allocating only one resource unit (RU) to one or more users, especially when preamble puncturing is performed.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for multi-resource unit (multi-RU) combination indication, allowing multiple RUs to be allocated to one or more users, with a signal field in the PPDU indicating whether to combine RUs and specifying their sizes and locations, and supporting MU-MIMO transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one RU is allocated to one or more users in 802.11ax, then the system maintains simple resource allocation management, but RU allocation flexibility is reduced and spectrum utilization is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource allocation indication into multiple parts: a resource allocation field indicating the first RU, and a combination indication field indicating whether to combine the first RU with a second RU. This segmentation allows flexible multi-RU allocation while maintaining manageable complexity through structured field definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to resource allocation by introducing the combination indication field that operates alongside the traditional resource allocation field. This additional dimension enables the system to indicate multi-RU combinations without completely redesigning the existing allocation framework.
2Productivity
If multiple RUs are allocated to one or more users, then RU allocation flexibility and spectrum utilization are improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resource allocation indication and combination indication into a unified signaling structure within the PPDU. By combining these functions into related fields that work together, the patent enables multi-RU allocation while optimizing signaling efficiency through integrated field definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the signal field by adding the combination indication field with specific bit definitions (e.g., 2 bits indicating different combination scenarios). This parameter change enables flexible multi-RU allocation while controlling signaling overhead through efficient bit utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a combination indication field is added to indicate multi-RU combination, then RU allocation flexibility is improved, but the complexity of the signal field structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combination indication field is designed to serve multiple functions: indicating whether to combine RUs, specifying combination patterns, and working with the resource allocation field to define complete multi-RU allocations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated fields for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the signal field parameters by defining specific bit allocations in the combination indication field (e.g., 2 bits with defined values for different combination scenarios). This structured parameter definition enables complex multi-RU capabilities while maintaining organized and manageable field structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application relates to the wireless communications field, and in particular, to a multi-resource unit multi-RU combination indication method and apparatus, to improve RU allocation flexibility and improve spectrum utilization. The method includes: A sending device determines a physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, where the PPDU includes a signal field, and the signal field includes a combination indication indicating whether to combine a first RU and a neighboring second RU into a multi-RU; the sending device sends the PPDU; and a receiving device determines, based on the signal field, whether the multi-RU is allocated to the method.