RU Allocation Signaling for Multi-RU TB PPDU

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IEEE 802.11ax specifications do not define usage scenarios for Resource Unit (RU) allocation signaling in Uplink (UL) transmissions for Trigger-Based Physical layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) with multiple RUs, limiting high-throughput wireless communication capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an additional bit in the RU Allocation subfield of trigger frames to indicate support for 320 MHz bandwidth and using multiple RU Allocation subfields to specify combinations of RUs for Extremely-High Throughput (EHT) TB PPDU transmissions, as defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard, to enable efficient RU allocation for multi-RU scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IEEE 802.11ax specification uses single RU Allocation subfield for downlink transmissions, then the signaling format remains simple and compatible, but it cannot support uplink multi-RU allocations for high-throughput scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRU allocation support for uplink multi-RUVSAvoidtrigger frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RU Allocation subfield is segmented into multiple subfields (first RU Allocation subfield, second RU Allocation subfield, etc.) to indicate different resource units. This segmentation allows the trigger frame to specify multiple RUs for uplink multi-RU allocations while maintaining a structured and manageable format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the RU allocation signaling from a single-dimension approach (one subfield for one RU) to a multi-dimensional approach by adding multiple RU Allocation subfields. This dimensional expansion enables the representation of multiple RUs and their combinations without fundamentally changing the underlying signaling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the trigger frame includes multiple RU Allocation subfields to specify multi-RU combinations, then uplink high-throughput transmission is enabled, but the signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink transmission throughputVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Each RU Allocation subfield uses the same format and encoding rules, making them universal and interchangeable. This multi-functionality allows the system to support various RU combinations (single RU, multiple RUs, contiguous or non-contiguous) using the same basic structure, reducing the need for additional specialized signaling elements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of RU Allocation subfield from a single instance to multiple instances, where each subfield can represent different RU configurations. By varying the number and configuration of RU Allocation subfields, the system can adapt to different throughput requirements and bandwidth allocations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If IEEE 802.11ax uses existing RU allocation signaling format, then backward compatibility is maintained, but it limits the bandwidth to less than 320 MHz for uplink transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating bandwidthVSAvoidspecification compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares the RU allocation signaling structure in advance to support future bandwidth expansions. By designing the trigger frame with multiple RU Allocation subfields from the outset, the system is pre-configured to handle 320 MHz and potentially larger bandwidths without requiring future specification changes or compatibility breaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The RU allocation signaling is made dynamic and configurable, allowing the system to adapt to different bandwidth scenarios. The number and configuration of RU Allocation subfields can be adjusted based on the actual bandwidth requirements, enabling the system to operate efficiently across a range of bandwidths from traditional Wi-Fi frequencies to the 6 GHz band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3908040B1Apparatuses and methods for resource unit (RU) allocation signaling to support trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) with multi-ru
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP3908040B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3908040B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3908040B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless communication terminal operating as a Station, STA, is provided. The wireless communication terminal includes a wireless transceiver and a controller. The wireless transceiver performs wireless transmission and reception to and from an Access Point, AP. The controller receives a trigger frame including a Resource Unit, RU, Allocation subfield which has one bit to indicate support of 320 MHz bandwidth from the AP (S1010) via the wireless transceiver, determines a combination of RUs to be used in a Trigger-Based Physical layer Protocol Data Unit, TB PPDU, according to the RU Allocation subfield (S1020), and sends the TB PPDU for Uplink, UL, data transmission to the AP via the wireless transceiver in response to the trigger frame (S1030).