Trigger-Based PPDU RU Downsizing for Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication protocols, such as those defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard, lack flexibility in medium utilization due to the inability to transmit trigger-based physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) data units (PPDUs) if any portion of the wireless channel is busy or unavailable, especially with the increasing bandwidth and support for multiple resource unit (MRU) allocations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving a trigger frame that solicits a trigger-based (TB) PPDU, determining if any tones allocated for the PPDU are unavailable due to interference, and selectively transmitting the PPDU on a subset of tones based on downsizing information, ensuring that the transmission occurs on a smaller resource unit (RU) or MRU that includes guaranteed tones to maintain compatibility with the original allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger RUs or MRUs are allocated for TB PPDUs to increase bandwidth, then network throughput is improved, but the likelihood of interference on any portion of the wireless channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the allocated RU or MRU into multiple smaller RUs based on channel conditions. When interference is detected on certain tones, the system transmits only on the non-interfered portions, effectively segmenting the original large resource allocation into smaller usable units. This allows the system to maintain high throughput on clean channels while avoiding interference-affected frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic RU allocation where the actual transmission RU size and configuration are adjusted in real-time based on channel conditions. The system determines which tones are available versus interfered, then dynamically configures the transmission to use only available tones, making the resource allocation adaptive rather than static.
2Reliability
If the TB PPDU transmission requires the entire allocated RU to be available, then transmission reliability is improved, but the flexibility in medium utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different portions of the allocated spectrum to have different transmission statuses. Some tones are marked as available for transmission while others are identified as interfered and excluded. This enables the system to maintain reliable transmission on clean frequencies while adapting to local interference conditions on specific frequency portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of RU configuration from a fixed static allocation to a dynamic configuration based on channel conditions. The system modifies which tones are included in the transmission RU, changing the frequency domain parameters adaptively. This allows the transmission to maintain reliability on available frequencies while flexibly adapting to changing channel conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If downsizing of the allocated RU is permitted when tones are unavailable, then adaptability in medium utilization is improved, but the complexity of resource allocation management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by transmitting on a subset of the allocated tones rather than requiring all tones to be available. When interference is detected, the system performs partial transmission on the available portion of the RU, rather than abandoning the entire transmission. This allows adaptability without requiring complete re-allocation management.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, devices and systems for soliciting trigger-based (TB) physical layer protocol convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data units (PPDUs). Some implementations more specifically relate to trigger frame and PPDU designs that support RU downsizing. For example, an access point (AP) may transmit a trigger frame soliciting a TB PPDU from a wireless station (STA). In some aspects, the trigger frame may carry RU allocation information indicating the allocated RU or MRU (associated with a wireless medium) and downsizing information indicating whether downsizing of the RU or MRU is permitted. If interference is detected in a portion of the wireless medium, and downsizing is permitted, the STA may transmit the TB PPDU on a downsized RU or MRU. The downsized RU or MRU includes a subset of the tones in the RU or MRU allocated by the trigger frame.