Multi-User RTS CTS Frame Sub-Channel Selective Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IEEE 802.11 standards are inflexible, preventing the transmission of MU-RTS frames to SST stations and requiring the whole channel to be idle for MU-CTS frame provision, which adversely impacts communication performance in WLANs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device provides an MU-RTS frame that communicates an RTS in a primary channel and a second RTS in a secondary channel associated with an SST station, allowing the SST station to respond with an MU-CTS frame even when the whole channel is not idle, and concurrently communicates with non-SST stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing IEEE 802.11 standards are used for channel allocation in MU-CTS transmission, then the primary 20 MHz channel must be included, but this prevents communication with SST stations that operate only on secondary channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel allocation mechanism by allowing separate indication of primary channel and secondary channels in the MU-RTS frame. This enables independent control of channel usage, permitting SST stations to transmit CTS frames on secondary channels without requiring the primary channel to be idle or included in the allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different channel allocation rules for different station types. Non-SST stations follow traditional primary channel requirements, while SST stations can operate independently on secondary channels. This differentiated approach optimizes communication performance for each station type according to its specific operational characteristics.
2Productivity
If the whole channel must be idle for MU-CTS frame provision, then channel access is simplified, but communication performance is adversely impacted due to unnecessary waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic channel access control where the network can selectively allocate channels based on actual traffic conditions and station requirements. Instead of requiring the entire channel to be idle, the system dynamically determines which channels can be used for MU-CTS transmission, optimizing both productivity and time utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allowing MU-CTS frames to be transmitted on only the necessary secondary channels rather than requiring the entire channel spectrum to be idle. This partial channel usage approach maintains communication efficiency while reducing unnecessary waiting time on channels that don't have active SST stations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If MU-RTS frames are not transmitted to SST stations, then existing standards are maintained, but flexibility and user experience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by extending MU-RTS frame functionality to support both SST and non-SST stations. The enhanced MU-RTS frame structure includes fields that can be interpreted differently based on station type, allowing a single frame format to serve multiple purposes and maintain compatibility with existing standards while enabling new capabilities for SST stations.
Data Source
AI summary
During operation, an electronic device (e.g., an access point) may provide a multi-user (MU)-request-to-send (RTS) frame that communicates an RTS in a channel associated with the second electronic device and a second RTS in a second channel associated with a third electronic device. For example, the channel may include a primary channel and the second channel may include a secondary channel. Note that the third electronic device may include a SST station and the second electronic device may include a non-SST station. Then, the electronic device may receive an MU-clear-to-send (CTS) frame that includes a CTS in a third channel associated with the third electronic device. Moreover, the third channel may be equal to or a subset of the second channel, and/or the third channel may include a CTS reception channel associated with the electronic device.