Uplink Bandwidth Allocation in HEW WLAN via Trigger Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no specified method for determining bandwidth for simultaneous uplink multi-user transmission in High Efficiency Wireless Local Area Networks (HEW), which affects the performance and user experience, especially in environments with multiple access points and overlapping coverage areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining bandwidth for uplink multi-user transmission in HEW, where a station (STA) receives a trigger frame with bandwidth information and transmits an uplink Physical layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) frame based on its available bandwidth and the indicated bandwidth, and an access point (AP) transmits a trigger frame with bandwidth information to multiple STAs, allowing each STA to determine its transmission based on its available bandwidth and the indicated bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional WLAN systems increase bandwidth and peak transmission rate, then theoretical performance improves, but actual user-perceived performance does not drastically increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink transmission opportunity by allocating different bandwidths to different stations based on their individual capabilities and requirements. The AP divides the channel into multiple bandwidth segments (e.g., 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz) and assigns each STA an appropriate segment through trigger frames, allowing simultaneous multi-user transmission without one user monopolizing the entire bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the bandwidth allocation for each station according to its specific characteristics (capability, traffic demand, channel conditions). Each STA receives a bandwidth assignment tailored to its local requirements rather than using a uniform bandwidth for all users, optimizing performance for diverse user scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points are deployed to support increased numbers of WLAN devices, then network coverage and capacity improve, but bandwidth determination for simultaneous uplink multi-user transmission becomes undefined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the AP pre-determine and communicate bandwidth allocations to multiple STAs before they begin uplink transmission. The trigger frame contains pre-calculated bandwidth information that each STA uses to configure its transmission parameters in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time bandwidth negotiation during simultaneous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The AP acts as an intermediary that centralizes the bandwidth determination function. Instead of requiring complex peer-to-peer bandwidth negotiation between multiple STAs, the AP mediates the bandwidth allocation process by issuing trigger frames with assigned bandwidths, simplifying the overall system complexity while enabling multi-user support.
3Extent of automation
If bandwidth is allocated for uplink multi-user transmission without a specified determination method, then simultaneous transmission capability is enabled, but transmission efficiency and network performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the AP monitors uplink transmission from multiple STAs and adjusts future bandwidth allocations based on observed performance, channel conditions, and traffic patterns. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to optimize transmission efficiency dynamically while maintaining automated simultaneous transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making bandwidth allocations adaptive rather than static. The AP can dynamically adjust the bandwidth assigned to each STA in different transmission opportunities based on current network conditions, ensuring optimal transmission efficiency while maintaining the ability to support simultaneous multi-user transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for determining a bandwidth for Multi-User (MU) transmission in a High Efficiency WLAN (HEW). According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for transmitting by a Station (STA) to an Access point (AP) an uplink Physical layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) frame in a WLAN may be provided. The method may include receiving a trigger frame including bandwidth information, the trigger frame eliciting a transmission of the uplink PPDU frame including a data unit of the STA and at least one data unit of at least one other STA, and transmitting the data unit of the STA in the uplink PPDU frame, based on an available bandwidth of the STA and a bandwidth indicated by the bandwidth information included in the trigger frame.