Uplink Multi-User Resource Allocation in WLAN Trigger Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN standards face challenges in efficiently allocating resources for uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission, particularly in HE WLAN systems, where simultaneous resource allocation for multiple stations is not effectively managed, leading to inefficiencies and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed where an Access Point (AP) transmits a trigger frame with scheduling information indicating allocated resource units, followed by a multi-user request-to-send (MU-RTS) frame, allowing stations to allocate specific channels for UL MU transmission, enabling efficient resource allocation and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional RTS/CTS mechanism is used for UL MU transmission, then collision avoidance is achieved, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to simultaneous transmission in fixed 20 MHz units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel allocation unit from fixed 20 MHz blocks to flexible resource units of varying sizes (26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 tones). This segmentation allows the AP to divide the available spectrum into non-uniform resource units that can be precisely allocated to different STAs based on their specific bandwidth requirements, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining collision avoidance through the RTS/CTS mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic resource unit allocation where the size and distribution of resource units are not fixed but adapt to the specific transmission needs of each STA. The AP dynamically determines the appropriate resource unit size (26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 tones) for each STA based on channel conditions, traffic requirements, and interference considerations, enabling flexible and efficient resource allocation while maintaining reliable collision avoidance.
2Productivity
If flexible resource unit allocation is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple RU size options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal resource unit allocation framework that can handle multiple resource unit sizes (26, 52, 106, 242, 484, 996 tones) within a single standardized mechanism. The trigger frame structure and resource allocation procedures are designed to be multi-functional, supporting different RU sizes through a unified bit field representation and allocation logic, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages the complexity of multiple resource unit sizes by parameterizing the allocation mechanism. Instead of creating separate procedures for each RU size, the system uses a parameterized approach where the resource unit size is indicated through bit fields in the trigger frame (with N>1 bits representing different RU configurations). This allows flexible parameter adjustment while maintaining a consistent allocation framework, improving efficiency without excessive complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved uplink multi-user (UL MU) resource allocation is proposed. For the UL MU scheduling information of trigger frame, N (N>1) bits indicate allocated resource unit (RU) in unit of 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, 242-tone RU, 484-tone RU and 996-tone RU in 80 MHz, and indicates the allocated RU in 80+80 MHz. The UL MU scheduling information of a multi-user request-to-send (MU-RTS) frame indicates an allocated channel corresponding to ‘242*M’-tone RU with a same bit pattern as the N bits of the first UL MU scheduling information, wherein ‘M’ is an integer greater than 0.