UHR MU PPDU RU Allocation Subfields for Bandwidths Exceeding 320 MHz

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless LAN standards lack a mechanism for notifying a partner apparatus of communication using a frequency bandwidth exceeding 320 MHz, making it difficult to allocate suitable Resource Units (RUs) for multi-user communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus is designed to transmit an Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Multi User (MU) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) with a suitable frame configuration, including Legacy-Signal Field (L-SIG) and Universal-Signal Field (U-SIG), and additional RU Allocation subfields to convey RU allocation information for bandwidths exceeding 320 MHz.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wireless LAN standards (802.11be and earlier) are used, then communication can be performed with defined bandwidths up to 320 MHz, but communication with bandwidth exceeding 320 MHz cannot be notified to partner apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth adaptabilityVSAvoidRU allocation information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The RU allocation information for bandwidth exceeding 320 MHz is segmented into multiple subfields (RU Allocation-1, RU Allocation-2, RU Allocation-3) within the U-SIG. Each subfield carries a portion of the allocation information, allowing the complete RU allocation to be conveyed across multiple segmented data units rather than requiring a single oversized field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the RU allocation notification mechanism from the conventional two-dimension structure (RU Allocation-1 and RU Allocation-2 for up to 320 MHz) to a three-dimension structure by adding RU Allocation-3. This dimensional extension enables the representation of bandwidth allocations exceeding 320 MHz by utilizing an additional allocation dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If bandwidth exceeding 320 MHz is used for multi-user communication, then higher throughput can be achieved, but no suitable frame configuration exists for notifying partner apparatus of RU allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication throughputVSAvoidframe configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The U-SIG field is designed to serve multiple functions: it carries RU allocation information for various bandwidth configurations (20 MHz to 320 MHz using existing subfields, and exceeding 320 MHz using the extended RU Allocation-3 subfield). This universal design allows a single frame configuration to handle diverse bandwidth requirements without requiring entirely separate frame structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame configuration dynamically adapts to the bandwidth being used. When bandwidth exceeds 320 MHz, the system activates the RU Allocation-3 subfield; when bandwidth is 320 MHz or less, only RU Allocation-1 and RU Allocation-2 are used. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the frame structure based on actual communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4568339A1Communication device, communication method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 CANON KK
  • EP4568339A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4568339A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4568339A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication apparatus transmits, in a case where an Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Multi User (MU) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) with a bandwidth exceeding 320 Mhz is transmitted, the UHR MU PPDU including, after the U-SIG, an RU Allocation-1 sub field, an RU Allocation-2 sub field, and an RU Allocation-3 sub field. Further, the communication apparatus transmits, in a case where the UHR MU PPDU with a bandwidth of 320 Mhz is transmitted, the UHR MU PPDU including, after the U-SIG, the RU Allocation-1 sub field and the RU Allocation-2 sub field but not including the RU Allocation-3 sub field.