Wireless LAN Operating Mode Control for Channel Width Identification

The channel width information is segmented into two separate subfields: the Channel Width Subfield (4 bits) and the Channel Width Extension Subfield (4 bits). The Channel Width Subfield indicates the primary channel width (20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz), while the Channel Width Extension Subfield provides additional width information (0, 80, or 160 MHz). This segmentation allows pre-EHT stations to correctly interpret only the primary channel width they support, while EHT stations can combine both subfields to determine the full operating channel width, thus resolving the misidentification issue while maintaining legacy compatibility.

The patent applies local quality by making the OM control subfield structure adaptive to different station types. Pre-EHT stations interpret only the Channel Width Subfield (4 bits) which contains information about the primary channel width they can handle (20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz). EHT stations, which support wider bandwidths, interpret both the Channel Width Subfield and the Channel Width Extension Subfield (4 bits) to determine the full operating channel width. This localized interpretation strategy allows each station type to receive appropriate channel width information without confusion, ensuring reliable communication while enabling EHT stations to achieve high throughput.