Trigger Frame Sounding for Wireless Network Resource Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless local area networks (WLANs) face challenges in efficiently managing resources to provide bandwidth and response times due to multiple devices sharing the same resources, with some devices limited by their communication protocols or hardware bandwidth, and the need to operate with both new and legacy protocols.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for uplink and downlink sounding in WLANs using trigger frames and null data packet announcements to facilitate channel measurements and resource allocation, allowing for efficient communication between high-efficiency and legacy devices through techniques like OFDMA and MU-MIMO.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices share the same wireless resources, then network coverage and device compatibility are improved, but resource contention and communication efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into two distinct operational modes: legacy mode for backward compatibility and high-efficiency mode for improved performance. This segmentation allows devices to operate in appropriate modes based on their capabilities, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and efficiency by isolating legacy devices from high-efficiency resource allocation while maintaining overall network coherence through unified management protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy devices operate alongside high-efficiency devices, then network compatibility is improved, but resource allocation efficiency and bandwidth utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different resource allocation qualities to different device types. High-efficiency devices receive optimized resource allocation with advanced features like trigger-based transmissions and multi-user MIMO, while legacy devices operate with traditional allocation methods. This localized differentiation ensures that bandwidth is distributed according to device capabilities, improving overall utilization without sacrificing compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resource sharing is increased to support more devices, then network inclusivity is improved, but response times and bandwidth availability for individual devices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through structured transmission opportunities and scheduled resource allocations. High-efficiency devices are granted specific transmission opportunities with guaranteed response times, while legacy devices operate on traditional contention-based schedules. This periodic structure ensures that inclusivity is maintained through regular access for all devices while preventing response time degradation for high-priority traffic through predictable, scheduled allocations.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, computer readable media, and methods for uplink and downlink sounding for wireless networks are disclosed. An apparatus of a wireless device is disclosed. The apparatus comprising processing circuity configured to: encode a trigger frame for sounding (TF-S), the TF-S comprising an indication of whether a sounding is for uplink (UL) sounding or (DL) sounding, and the TF-S comprising an indication of stations to participate in the UL sounding or the DL sounding; and configure the wireless device to transmit the TF-S to the stations. The processing circuitry may be further configured to: if the sounding is for the DL sounding, encode a null data packet announcement (NDP-A), encode a null data packet (NDP), configure the wireless device to transmit the NDP-A, and configure the wireless device to transmit the NDP.