SU-MIMO Beamforming Training via Sector Sweep Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beamforming protocols in millimeter-wave wireless communication networks, such as IEEE 802.11ad, are limited in supporting Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) training, particularly for Single-User MIMO (SU-MIMO) configurations, which restricts data transmission rates and network capacity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an enhanced Sector Level Sweep (SLS) protocol that includes Transmit Sector Sweep (TXSS) and Receive Sector Sweep (RXSS) training, allowing for SU-MIMO beamforming training and enabling higher data transmission rates by optimizing antenna sectors and sectors combinations for both transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current beamforming protocols (IEEE 802.11ad) are used, then basic wireless communication is supported, but MIMO training capability is limited which restricts data transmission rates and network capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The beamforming training process is segmented into distinct phases: initiator sector sweep (ISS), responder sector sweep (RSS), and beam refinement protocol (BRP). Each phase uses specific frame types (SSW frames, SSW-Feedback frames) to systematically train different antenna sectors, enabling comprehensive MIMO training capability that was previously limited
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends beamforming training from single-antenna operations to multi-antenna MIMO operations by introducing spatial dimensionality through multiple antenna sectors. The sector sweep mechanism systematically activates different antenna elements and their corresponding sectors to create multi-dimensional beamforming capabilities
2Productivity
If antenna sectors are optimized for SU-MIMO configurations, then data transmission rates increase up to 30 Gbps, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The initiator performs a complete sector sweep (ISS) first to identify optimal transmit sectors, followed by the responder performing its sector sweep (RSS). This preliminary action phase establishes the beamforming matrices before actual data transmission, separating the complex training process from the data transfer phase to manage protocol complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The responder sends SSW-Feedback frames containing feedback information about received signal quality and optimal sector selections back to the initiator. This feedback mechanism enables adaptive optimization of beamforming parameters without requiring complex real-time negotiations, simplifying the protocol while achieving high data rates
Data Source
AI summary
For example, an apparatus may include logic and circuitry configured to cause a first wireless station to perform a Transmit Sector Sweep (TXSS) protocol with a second wireless station over a directional frequency band using a plurality of antennas of the first wireless station, an antenna of the plurality of antennas of the first wireless station comprising a plurality of sectors; to perform a Receive Sector Sweep (RXSS) protocol with the second wireless station over the directional frequency band using the plurality of antennas of the first wireless station; and, based on the TXSS and RXSS protocols, to configure the plurality of antennas of the first wireless station to communicate a Single-User (SU) Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmission with the second wireless station.