Resource Unit Combination Signaling for Flexible Multi-RU Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 802.11ax standard lacks support for allocating a plurality of contiguous or discontiguous resource units (RUs) to multiple users, leading to reduced flexibility and spectrum utilization, particularly in cases of preamble puncturing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for indicating resource unit combinations, allowing multiple users to transmit data using a combination of contiguous or discontiguous RUs, including small-size (26-tone, 52-tone, 106-tone) and large-size (242-tone, 484-tone, 996-tone) RUs, through a signal field in the physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only a single RU is allocated to one or more users according to the 802.11ax standard, then the resource allocation structure is simple, but the RU allocation flexibility is reduced and spectrum utilization becomes low in cases of preamble puncturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency band into multiple RUs (resource units) of different sizes (26-tone, 52-tone, 106-tone, 242-tone, 484-tone, 996-tone). Instead of allocating a single RU, the system can allocate multiple RUs to different users, enabling flexible spectrum utilization. The segmentation allows the system to divide the available spectrum into granular units that can be dynamically assigned based on user requirements and channel conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic RU allocation mechanisms where the number, size, and assignment of RUs can change based on real-time system conditions. The access point can dynamically determine how many RUs to allocate to each user, what size those RUs should be, and which specific frequency resources they occupy. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to varying traffic demands and channel qualities, improving both flexibility and spectrum utilization.
2Productivity
If multiple contiguous or discontiguous RUs are allocated to one or more users, then spectrum utilization improves, but the complexity of indicating resource allocation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal resource allocation indication mechanism that can handle multiple allocation scenarios through a unified framework. The same indication structure supports allocation of single RUs, multiple contiguous RUs, multiple discontiguous RUs, and RUs of various sizes. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve high spectrum utilization without requiring separate complex indication mechanisms for each allocation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the resource allocation indication to efficiently represent different allocation scenarios. By varying parameters such as the number of RUs indicated, the size of each RU, and the frequency position of each RU, the system can convey complex allocation information using a structured and compact indication format. This parameter-based approach enables flexible spectrum utilization while keeping the indication structure manageable.
3Productivity
If the 802.11ax standard does not support allocation of multiple RUs to users, then the standard implementation is simple, but system productivity and spectrum utilization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the allocation of multiple RUs to multiple users within a unified resource allocation framework. Instead of treating each RU allocation as a separate simple operation, the system combines multiple RU allocations into a single coordinated process managed by the access point. This merging enables the system to achieve high productivity by efficiently packing multiple users into the available spectrum while maintaining adaptability through the flexible RU allocation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a resource unit combination indication method and a communications apparatus. The method includes: determining a physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, where the PPDU includes a signal field, the signal field includes a resource unit allocation subfield and a combination indication corresponding to the resource unit allocation subfield, the resource unit allocation subfield indicates a plurality of resource units, and the combination indication indicates combination information of the plurality of resource units; and sending the PPDU. The method provided in this application can support one or more users in transmitting data by using a plurality of contiguous or discontiguous RUs, and indicate a combination status of the plurality of RUs to the user.