Antenna Polarization Indication in 802.11ay Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 802.11ay wireless networks, existing methods for indicating antenna polarization direction are inefficient, leading to increased system overheads and reduced communication efficiency due to the need for separate polarization configuration exchanges between stations, especially in MU-MIMO scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves adding a polarization information element to beacon frames, control trailers of RTS/CTS/DTS frames, and MIMO setup frames to indicate polarization types, allowing stations to select appropriate polarization modes without separate interactions, thereby reducing system overheads and improving communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If separate polarization configuration exchanges are performed between stations, then polarization information can be accurately indicated, but system overheads increase and communication efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolarization information indication accuracyVSAvoidsystem overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines polarization configuration information with existing beacon frames and control frames (RTS/CTS/DTS). By merging the polarization indication data into these already-transmitted frames, the system eliminates separate polarization exchange procedures, thereby reducing system overhead while maintaining accurate polarization information indication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing beacon frames and control frames serve multiple functions: their original control/beacon functions plus carrying polarization configuration information. This multi-functionality allows polarization information to be transmitted without requiring dedicated separate frames or procedures, thus reducing overall system overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate polarization configuration exchanges are performed between access points and stations in MU-MIMO operations, then polarization alignment can be achieved, but sequential interactions reduce communication efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolarization alignmentVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs polarization configuration indication in advance through beacon frames and control frames before actual data transmission. By pre-configuring polarization information in these preliminary frames, the system eliminates the need for sequential interactive exchanges during MU-MIMO operations, thereby improving communication efficiency while ensuring proper polarization alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous transmission of polarization information along with ongoing beacon and control frame sequences. Instead of interrupting data flow for separate polarization exchanges, the polarization information is continuously included in the regular frame sequence, maintaining uninterrupted communication flow and improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3618303B1Method and device for use in indicating antenna polarization direction in wireless network
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3618303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3618303B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3618303B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for indicating an antenna polarization direction in a wireless network. The method includes: sending, by a source station to a target station, polarization information of the source station and polarization information recommended to the target station for receiving; and receiving, by the source station, a message sent by the target station, where the message includes polarization information of the target station and polarization information of the source station that is acknowledged or negotiated by the target station. The polarization information of the source station and the polarization information of the target station are carried in a beacon frame/additional control information field/multiple-input multiple-output setup frame. This application further provides a corresponding indication apparatus. According to the method and the apparatus, system overheads for polarization information indication are reduced.