NDPA Frame Partial Band Feedback in 320 MHz WLAN

The patent divides the 320 MHz bandwidth into multiple partial bands (primary 160 MHz and secondary 160 MHz), each represented by a separate STA information field in the NDPA frame. This segmentation allows the system to request feedback for specific frequency ranges independently, enabling fine-grained control over feedback requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall frame structure.

The patent introduces a new dimension to the STA information field by adding a bandwidth indicator subfield that specifies the feedback bandwidth (20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz). This dimensional addition allows a single field to represent multiple feedback scenarios, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

The patent merges multiple feedback requests for different STAs into a single NDPA frame by using multiple STA information fields with the same AID value but different bandwidth indicators. This merging approach allows the access point to request feedback from multiple STAs simultaneously for different bandwidths, improving productivity while avoiding the complexity of managing separate feedback sessions for each STA.

The STA information field is designed with multi-functionality to handle various feedback scenarios. By incorporating a bandwidth indicator subfield, the same field structure can serve multiple purposes: requesting feedback for 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz bands. This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized fields for each feedback type, thereby reducing management overhead.

The patent segments the 320 MHz bandwidth into manageable portions (primary and secondary 160 MHz bands, each further divisible into 20 MHz units). The access point can selectively request feedback for specific segments based on actual channel conditions and beamforming requirements. This segmentation enables the system to obtain sufficient channel status information for accurate beamforming while avoiding the time penalty of processing complete 320 MHz feedback when only partial band information is needed.

The patent implements partial feedback requests where the access point can request feedback for only the necessary bandwidth portions rather than the entire 320 MHz band. By using the bandwidth indicator subfield to specify the exact feedback scope, the system performs partial action (requesting only needed feedback) rather than excessive action (requesting all feedback), thereby reducing processing time while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for the intended beamforming operation.