Variable Channel Bandwidth Support in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless networks with fixed channel bandwidths cannot support variable channel bandwidths, limiting the ability to perform channel bonding or splitting, which can enhance throughput and adapt to power consumption and regulatory requirements, while maintaining compatibility with existing devices.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communications system that includes a processor circuit and a communications management module capable of determining channel bandwidths, transmitting beamforming initiation messages, performing beamforming training, and communicating using determined channel bandwidths and beamforming parameters, while maintaining backwards compatibility through modified beacon messages and beamforming messages that include channel bandwidth information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If variable channel bandwidth support is added to a wireless network protocol, then channel bonding and channel splitting capabilities are improved, but backwards compatibility with existing devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel bandwidth flexibilityVSAvoidbackwards compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The beacon message is segmented into a fixed portion containing standard protocol fields for backwards compatibility and a variable portion that can carry channel bandwidth information for capable devices. This allows the protocol to maintain compatibility with existing devices while enabling variable channel bandwidth support for advanced devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beacon message structure is made dynamic by allowing the channel bandwidth information to be optionally included based on device capability. The message can adapt its content to match the capabilities of receiving devices, enabling flexible bandwidth negotiation without breaking backwards compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If channel bonding is implemented to increase throughput, then data transmission capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidprotocol implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Channel bonding configuration is performed in advance during the beacon message exchange phase, before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary setup includes negotiating the combined channel bandwidth and establishing beamforming parameters, which simplifies the data transmission phase and reduces runtime complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (channel bandwidth, beamforming angles) based on the negotiated configuration rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments. This parameter-based approach simplifies device implementation by using pre-agreed settings during data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If channel splitting is implemented to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidchannel bandwidth detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from beamforming training sequences to verify the selected channel bandwidth configuration. This feedback mechanism allows devices to confirm that the split channel parameters are correctly interpreted and adjusted, reducing the need for highly precise initial measurements while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250023608A1Techniques for variable channel bandwidth support

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Techniques for supporting variable channel bandwidths in a wireless communications network are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may comprise a processor circuit and a communications management module, and the communications management module may be operable by the processor circuit to determine a channel bandwidth for communication over a channel of a wireless network, transmit a beamforming initiation message comprising a channel bandwidth parameter indicating the determined channel bandwidth, receive a beamforming initiation confirmation message confirming the channel bandwidth parameter, perform a beamforming training sequence to determine one or more beamforming parameters, and transmit one or more messages over the channel according to the determined channel bandwidth and the one or more beamforming parameters. Other embodiments are described and claimed.