Short Sector Sweep Frame Format for Faster 802.11ad SLS
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IEEE 802.11ad standard's Sector Level Sweep (SLS) procedure for beamforming training is inefficient as the length of Sector Sweep (SSW) frames is fixed at 26 octets, leading to increased time requirements as the number of sectors increases, hindering the completion of SLS in a timely manner.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that generate shorter Sector Sweep (sSSW) frames, replacing the Short SSW Feedback field with a Short Scrambled Basic Service Set ID (BSSID) field, which includes an abbreviated address generated from the destination communication apparatus's address, to reduce frame length and expedite the SLS process, even with an increasing number of sectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the SSW frame length is fixed at 26 octets as per IEEE 802.11ad standard, then the frame structure is standardized and compatible, but the time required for SLS increases as the number of sectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of frame length from fixed (26 octets) to variable, allowing the SSW frame to be shortened when the number of sectors is small. This resolves the contradiction by enabling faster SLS completion while maintaining standard compatibility through the optional nature of the short frame format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic frame length adjustment based on the number of sectors. The SSW frame can be transmitted in a shortened format when sectors are few, and in the standard format when sectors are many, making the system adaptable to different scenarios and resolving the time vs. compatibility contradiction.
2Loss of information
If the SSW frame includes the Short SSW Feedback field to indicate the best sector, then the feedback information is complete, but the frame length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the feedback information from the traditional SSW Feedback field and embeds it in the Addressing field through scrambling. This removes the need for a separate feedback field, reducing frame length while preserving the essential feedback information about the best sector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the feedback information function into the Addressing field by using scrambled destination addresses. The Addressing field simultaneously serves as both an address identifier and a feedback indicator, eliminating the need for a separate feedback field and thus reducing overall frame length.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a PHY frame generating circuit that generates a PHY frame including either of a short Sector Sweep frame and a Sector Sweep frame; and an array antenna that selects, based on the PHY frame, any sector from among a plurality of sectors and transmits the PHY frame. In a case where, in the PHY frame including the short Sector Sweep frame, a Direction field of the short Sector Sweep frame indicates Initiator Sector Sweep, the PHY frame generating circuit replaces a Short Sector Sweep Feedback field indicating a number of a selected best short Sector Sweep with a Short Scrambled Basic Service Set ID field indicating an abbreviated address generated from an address of a destination communication apparatus.