OFDMA Resource Unit Segmentation for WLAN Hardware Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies face challenges in reusing hardware from previous version devices due to differences in resource units used for multi-user transmission, particularly with the adoption of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) in newer standards like IEEE 802.11ax, which requires different subcarrier spacings and resource unit configurations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves generating symbols using a combination of resource units with varying numbers of tones, such as 26, 52, 242, and 484 tones, with specific pilot tones and subcarrier spacings, to enable frame transmission and reception in a way that allows for hardware reuse across different WLAN standards, including legacy devices, by using a 256-point FFT for increased subcarrier usage and efficient bandwidth allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If OFDMA transmission with different resource unit configurations is implemented, then system throughput in high density scenarios is enhanced, but hardware compatibility with previous version WLAN devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource units into different types (first resource unit with 26 tones, second resource unit with 52 tones, third resource unit with 242 tones) with different pilot tone configurations. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple resource unit types within the same OFDMA transmission, enabling both new functionality and backward compatibility. Legacy devices can interpret the transmitted frames using their existing resource unit definitions while new devices can utilize the extended resource unit types for improved throughput.
2Productivity
If resource units with different number of tones are used for multi-user transmission, then bandwidth allocation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal frame structure that can carry multiple resource unit types. The transmitting device generates symbols using different resource unit configurations (26-tone, 52-tone, 242-tone) with appropriate pilot tone allocations, while the receiving device decodes data from these varied resource units using a unified decoding process. This multi-functionality allows a single hardware implementation to support efficient bandwidth allocation across multiple user scenarios without requiring separate processing paths for each resource unit type.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame transmitting method by a device in a wireless communication network is provided. The device generates a symbol using a part of a plurality of resource units having a different number of tones and transmits a frame including the symbol. A length of symbol duration excluding a guard interval in the symbol is 12.8 μs. The plurality of resource units includes a first resource unit having 26 tones and a second resource unit having 52 tones. Two tones in the 26 tones of the first resource unit are used as pilot tones, and four tones in the 52 tones of the second resource unit are used as pilot tones.