Wi-Fi Sensing NDPA Frame Format for EHT and Ranging NDP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi sensing technologies face challenges in supporting both EHT and ranging NDP PPDUs due to limited space in the sensing NDPA format, which hinders the indication of necessary parameters and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sending a sensing null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame with additional fields and segments to accommodate EHT NDP PPDUs, allowing for partial bandwidth feedback and preamble puncturing, and indicating sub-channel puncturing patterns through extended common information fields or repurposed subfields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensing NDPA format uses the ranging NDPA structure, then compatibility with existing ranging NDP is improved, but the space to indicate necessary parameters for EHT NDP PPDUs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the NDPA frame into multiple common information fields (first CIF, second CIF, third CIF) with different AID11 values. Each field handles specific parameter sets, allowing the frame to accommodate both ranging NDP parameters and EHT NDP parameters without conflict. This segmentation resolves the space constraint by organizing information hierarchically rather than attempting to fit all parameters in a single field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the NDPA frame universal by enabling it to carry multiple types of information through different common information fields. The same frame structure can indicate parameters for ranging NDP PPDUs, EHT NDP PPDUs, or both simultaneously, depending on which AID11 values are used. This multi-functionality allows the frame to adapt to different NDP types without requiring separate frame formats.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the NDPA frame supports both EHT and ranging NDP PPDUs, then versatility is improved, but the frame structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frame structure into multiple common information fields, each with specific AID11 value ranges. This segmentation allows the frame to handle different NDP types by activating only the relevant fields, preventing unnecessary complexity in the frame processing while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic selection of common information fields based on the NDP type being transmitted. The frame structure adapts its active fields dynamically - using ranging NDP fields for legacy compatibility and EHT NDP fields for high throughput modes. This dynamic adaptation allows the frame to maintain simplicity for each specific mode while achieving overall versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partial bandwidth feedback is enabled, then feedback capability is improved, but the requirement for additional parameters increases the frame space requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the common information fields universal by enabling them to indicate both full bandwidth and partial bandwidth feedback capabilities. The same field structure can accommodate different feedback requirements by interpreting the AID11 values and field contents differently, eliminating the need for separate parameter sets for different feedback modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the common information fields to indicate different feedback capabilities. By changing the AID11 value or specific field contents within the existing field structure, the frame can dynamically indicate whether partial bandwidth feedback is enabled or disabled, avoiding the need for additional dedicated fields.
4Adaptability or versatility
If preamble puncturing is supported, then flexibility in channel usage is improved, but the number of parameters to indicate puncturing patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing common information fields universal by enabling them to indicate both full bandwidth operation and preamble puncturing patterns. The same fields can be interpreted differently based on the AID11 value and field contents, allowing the frame to accommodate puncturing parameters without requiring separate dedicated fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the parameter indication by using the AID11 value and field activation status as additional indication mechanisms. Instead of only using explicit puncturing pattern fields, the system can indicate puncturing by combining AID11 values with field presence/absence, effectively using the frame structure itself as an indication dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
A format for a Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) frame for Wi-Fi sensing is provided. The frame format is based on the ranging NDPA frame format. The sensing frame can indicate channel state information measurement parameters, for a preamble punctured EHT NDP PPDU, in the Common Info field of the frame. When there is insufficient space in the Common Info field, the puncturing patterns can be indicated in each station (STA) field of the frame. Alternatively, the sensing frame can include an additional Common Info field that includes the information defining the puncturing patterns. Also provided is a method that indicates partial bandwidth (BW) feedback when the BW of each STA is smaller than the BW of the EHT NDP PPDU. A method that indicates the BW of the sensing NDPA frame is also provided, as is a method for setting the signal field in the EHT NDP PPDU for a number of long training field repetition.