UHR Initial Control Frames and Responses for 802.11 Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication standards, such as IEEE 802.11, have limited control information capacity in frames, which hinders efficient network management and optimization, particularly in high-density environments and for advanced features like enhanced power saving and in-device coexistence.
Innovation Solution
Introduce new frame formats, including Initial Control Frames (ICF) and Initial Control Responses (ICR), which enhance control information exchange by incorporating common and per-STA initial control information, supporting multiple IEEE 802.11 standards, and allowing dynamic adjustments based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing IEEE 802.11 frame formats are used, then backward compatibility is maintained, but control information capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control information is segmented into two types: common initial control information applicable to multiple stations, and per-STA initial control information specific to individual stations. This segmentation allows efficient use of frame capacity by avoiding redundant information while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame format incorporates dynamic elements that allow adjustment based on network conditions. The per-STA initial control information can be selectively included or excluded based on whether the station requires enhanced control parameters, enabling adaptability without requiring all stations to process the entire frame structure.
2Productivity
If control information fields are expanded, then network management capability is improved, but frame processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding all control fields uniformly, the patent applies partial expansion only where needed. Common initial control information provides essential control parameters to all stations, while per-STA initial control information is selectively applied only to stations that require enhanced control, avoiding unnecessary processing overhead for simpler stations.
3Measurement precision
If per-STA control information is added to existing frames, then control precision is improved, but message overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of control information to different stations based on their specific needs. Stations requiring enhanced control receive per-STA initial control information with detailed parameters, while stations with basic needs receive only common initial control information, optimizing the balance between precision and overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are described for communicating initial control information between devices of a wireless network. In a method, a first wireless device generates an Initial Control Frame (ICF) or an Initial Control Response (ICR) including initial control information. The initial control information includes common initial control information for one or more recipient wireless devices and per-STA initial control information for a specific recipient wireless device of the one or more recipient wireless devices. The first wireless device subsequently transmits the ICF or ICR for receipt by the one or more recipient wireless devices. In various embodiments, the ICF or ICR is a protected/unprotected Trigger frame (e.g., a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP) Trigger frame), and the common initial control information and per-STA initial control information are included in a padding field of the Trigger frame.