Short SSW Frame Beamforming Training Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beamforming training methods in wireless communication systems, such as those adhering to the IEEE 802.11ad standard, are inefficient due to the use of larger SSW frames, which prolong the beamforming time and limit the number of opportunities for stations to participate in the beamforming procedure simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a method that supports various types of Sector Sweep (SSW) frames, including a shorter SSW frame type in the IEEE 802.11ay standard, allows for a reduced beamforming time by enabling a larger number of SSW frames to be transmitted within a fixed A-BFT period, utilizing the FSS field to indicate the number and type of SSW frames, and optimizing the A-BFT length and SSW slot time to increase transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If legacy SSW frames (802.11ad) are used for beamforming training, then the beamforming procedure is complete and reliable, but the beamforming time is prolonged and the number of stations that can participate simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SSW frame into two types: legacy SSW frames (first type) that maintain complete beamforming functionality, and short SSW frames (second type) that provide a truncated version with essential information only. This segmentation allows stations to choose appropriate frame types based on time constraints while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the size parameter of SSW frames by introducing a frame type indicator that determines whether to use legacy or short frames. The short SSW frame reduces the number of information elements included, thereby decreasing transmission time while preserving critical beamforming information through the frame type differentiation mechanism.
2Quantity of substance
If more SSW slots are allocated in A-BFT to accommodate more stations, then more stations can participate in beamforming simultaneously, but the A-BFT period length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic frame type selection where stations can adaptively choose between legacy and short SSW frames based on channel conditions and time constraints. The FSS field dynamically indicates the number of short SSW frames allowed, enabling flexible adjustment of participation capacity without fixed A-BFT period extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using short SSW frames that contain only essential beamforming information, sacrificing some completeness (partial information) to achieve faster transmission. This allows multiple stations to participate within the same A-BFT period by transmitting truncated frames that still enable functional beamforming.
3Productivity
If the number of SSW frames transmitted per slot is increased to improve efficiency, then more stations can participate, but the complexity of managing frame types and slot allocation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the FSS field multi-functional by having it serve dual purposes: indicating the number of SSW frames allowed in legacy mode and indicating the number of short SSW frames allowed in enhanced mode. This universal field usage simplifies the overall system complexity while enabling flexible frame type management and improved transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method for beamforming training and an apparatus using the same. An STA receives a beacon frame from an AP during a BTI. The STA transmits SSW frames during an A-BFT. The beacon frame comprises an A-BFT length indicating the number of a plurality of SSW slots included in the A-BFT, a FSS field indicating the number of the SSW frames allowed in one SSW slot among the plurality of SSW slots, and information about the type of the SSW frames used in one SSW slot. The information about the type of the SSW frames indicates that the SSW frames are determined to be one from among first type SSW frames and second type SSW frames. The second type SSW frames have a smaller size than that of the first type SSW frames. If the SSW frames are determined to be the second type SSW frames, the FSS field indicates the number of the second type SSW frames that can be transmitted in one SSW slot.