Multi-Generation Random Access Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technologies, there is a need for fair multi-generation random access to address the uneven distribution of random access resource units (RA-RUs) and collision probability issues between older and newer generation stations (STAs), particularly due to differences in operating bandwidth and signaling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a communication apparatus and method that derives a contention window parameter based on the operating bandwidth to access RA-RUs and selects an appropriate RA-RU for uplink transmission, with a base communication apparatus generating trigger frames that allocate RA-RUs differently for various types of communication apparatuses, ensuring fair access and reducing collision probability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a same trigger frame is used by an access point to solicit uplink transmissions from stations of multiple generations, then the system can support multi-generation random access, but stations of older generation will have much fewer random access resource units to contend and thus have less chances of winning uplink OFDMA based random access parameter contention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random access resource units into different sets based on station generation. The trigger frame includes a first set of RA-RUs for older generation stations and a second set of RA-RUs for newer generation stations. This segmentation ensures that each generation has dedicated resources, preventing newer stations from monopolizing all RA-RUs and ensuring fair access opportunities for older stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different RA-RU allocation strategies for different station generations. Older generation stations are allocated a first set of RA-RUs with specific characteristics, while newer generation stations are allocated a second set of RA-RUs. This differentiated allocation ensures that each generation receives resources tailored to their specific capabilities and requirements.
2Productivity
If stations of newer generation also contend for the same RA-RUs allowed to stations of older generation, then resource utilization is maximized, but the probability of collision is higher in the RA-RUs allowed to stations of older generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments RA-RUs into generation-specific sets to prevent collisions. By separating the RA-RU pools for older and newer generation stations, the system maintains high resource utilization while eliminating the collision problems that would arise from mixed-generation contention on the same resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger frame acts as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates between different station generations. It selectively allocates different RA-RU sets to different generations based on their capabilities, enabling efficient resource utilization while preventing collisions through intelligent mediation of access rights.
3Device complexity
If padding field is used to demarcate RA-RUs allocated for new generation STAs, then signaling is simplified, but signaling issues arise that affect fairness and uneven distribution of collision probability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using padding fields to demarcate RA-RUs, the patent segments the trigger frame into distinct fields: a first set of RA-RU allocations for older generation stations and a second set of RA-RU allocations for newer generation stations. This segmentation approach eliminates the need for padding while maintaining clear signaling and ensuring fairness across generations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signaling parameters by using explicit RA-RU allocation fields with different characteristics for different generations. Rather than relying on padding field length to indicate RA-RU boundaries, the system uses dedicated allocation parameters that clearly distinguish between older and newer generation resources, improving both signaling clarity and access fairness.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a communication apparatus and a communication method for multi-generation random access, the communication apparatus comprising: a receiver which, in operation, receives, from a base communication apparatus, an uplink OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) based random access (UORA) parameter and a trigger frame comprising user information fields allocating a plurality of random access resource units (RA-RUs); and circuitry which is configured to, in operation, derive a contention window parameter from the UORA parameter based on an operating bandwidth of the communication apparatus, determine an UORA result to access the plurality of RA-RUs based on the contention window parameter and select one RA-RU from the plurality of RA-RUs according to the determination; and a transmitter which, in operation, transmits an uplink signal on the one RA-RU.