Poll Response Frame for 802.11az Simultaneous Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current 802.11az specification lacks a defined poll response frame for simultaneous ranging with multiple initiating stations (ISTAs), leading to inefficiencies in medium and power usage, as the widely implemented QoS NULL approach uses data packets, which are typically reserved for associated STAs, causing pushback from the Wi-Fi community.
Innovation Solution
An efficient poll response frame system is developed, utilizing a multiuser location trigger frame of subtype 'poll' to identify present ISTAs, followed by location trigger frames of subtype 'sounding' and downlink NDP frames for ranging measurement reports, allowing ISTAs to determine their locations through triangulation and trilateration, and using a Clear to Send (CTS) frame as the poll response to support both associated and unassociated ISTAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If QoS NULL frames are used as poll response, then ranging functionality is achieved, but medium efficiency deteriorates and power usage increases due to data packet overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a purpose-built poll response frame instead of repurposing QoS NULL data packets. This dedicated frame structure is optimized specifically for poll response functionality, eliminating unnecessary data packet overhead and enabling more efficient medium usage while maintaining the required ranging response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frame type parameter from data packet (QoS NULL) to control frame (poll response). This parameter change fundamentally alters the frame structure and handling, removing data packet-specific fields and optimizations, thereby reducing overhead and improving medium efficiency while preserving the essential poll response function.
2Reliability
If QoS NULL frames are used as poll response, then ranging response is possible, but power consumption increases due to larger frame size
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated poll response frame structure eliminates unnecessary data packet fields, resulting in a more compact frame that requires fewer bits to transmit. This reduction in transmission size directly lowers the energy consumption of wireless devices responding to range requests while maintaining full ranging response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the frame type from data packet to control frame, the patent optimizes the frame structure for its specific purpose. This parameter change removes data packet overhead and optimizes the frame for minimal size and maximum efficiency in the ranging response context, thereby reducing power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If QoS NULL approach is widely implemented, then compatibility is achieved, but it causes pushback from Wi-Fi community due to misuse of data packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal poll response frame that serves as the standard mechanism for all devices to respond to range requests. This dedicated frame type is universally supported and properly designed for the function, replacing the ad-hoc use of QoS NULL frames and gaining full community acceptance while maintaining compatibility across the Wi-Fi ecosystem.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to efficient poll response frame in wireless communications. A device may cause to send a multiuser location trigger frame of subtype poll to one or more initiating station devices (ISTAs) in a multi-user trigger-based range measurement during a polling phase. The device may identify a first clear to send (CTS) frame received from a first ISTA of the one or more ISTAs during the polling phase. The device may identify a second CTS frame received from a second ISTA of the one or more ISTAs during the polling phase. The device may determine the identity of a first ISTA based on information comprised in the first CTS frame received from the first ISTA. The device may determine the identity of the second ISTA based on information comprised in the second CTS frame received from the second ISTA.