Single-User Trigger Frame for Wi‑Fi Time Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The IEEE 802.11be standard lacks a clear method for implementing time resource allocation in scheduled Peer-to-Peer (P2P) and Coordinated Time Division Multiple Access (Co-TDMA) scenarios using Multi-User Request-to-Send (MU-RTS) frames.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a single-user trigger frame with a set trigger type subfield of 3 and no user information field to allocate time resources, reusing existing frame fields for duration indication, and employing specific subfields to explicitly indicate time duration allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an MU-RTS frame is used for time resource allocation in scheduled P2P and Co-TDMA scenarios, then the allocation can be performed, but the frame structure becomes complex and requires adding user information fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user information field from the MU-RTS frame structure when only single-user time resource allocation is needed. By removing the unnecessary user information field while retaining the trigger type subfield setting of 3, the frame structure is simplified for scheduled P2P and Co-TDMA scenarios where only one station receives the trigger frame, thereby reducing frame complexity while maintaining time resource allocation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the conventional MU-RTS frame with user information fields for time resource allocation, the patent inverts the approach by using a trigger frame with trigger type subfield set to 3 but without user information fields. This inverted approach simplifies the frame structure for single-user allocation scenarios while maintaining the essential triggering function
2Loss of information
If a new field is added to indicate time duration allocation in the trigger frame, then the time resource allocation becomes explicit, but the frame overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality to existing frame fields by making the Duration field serve dual purposes: indicating both the remaining duration of the current TXOP and the time duration allocated to the triggered station. This eliminates the need for a separate time duration allocation field, reducing frame overhead while maintaining explicit time resource allocation information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interpretation/parameter meaning of the Duration field to include time duration allocation information. By reusing the existing Duration field with a new semantic meaning (time duration allocated to the triggered station), the patent avoids adding new fields while ensuring explicit time resource allocation indication
3Ease of operation
If the trigger type subfield is set to 3 indicating an MU-RTS frame, then the frame can be used for triggering, but receiving devices may misinterpret it as a multi-user frame requiring user information fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the trigger frame structure locally adapted to the specific scenario. While the trigger type subfield is set to 3 (typically indicating MU-RTS), the frame locally omits the user information field when only single-user allocation is needed. This local structural adaptation allows receiving devices to correctly interpret the frame as a single-user trigger frame based on the absence of user information fields, eliminating ambiguity
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to the field of wireless communication. An example method includes a first device generating a media access control (MAC) frame. The MAC frame includes a subfield. The subfield indicates that the MAC frame is a modified multi-user request-to-send frame. The modified multi-user request-to-send frame indicates a time resource allocated to a second device. The example method further includes the first device sending the MAC frame.