WLAN Multi-STA Frame Signaling Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In IEEE 802.11ax WLAN systems, there is a need for an efficient method to allocate resources for transmitting radio frames to multiple users and to efficiently transmit radio frames including various pieces of control information for multiple users.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transmitting a radio frame to multiple Stations (STAs) in a WLAN system, which generates a frame with a signaling field and a data field, where the signaling field includes a first signaling field (SIG A) for frame interpretation and a second signaling field (SIG B) with common and individual control information for each STA, including resource allocation information, and is encoded and transmitted efficiently across multiple frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single signaling field is used to transmit control information to multiple STAs, then the frame structure is simple, but the control information for each STA cannot be efficiently transmitted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe structureVSAvoidcontrol information transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The signaling field is divided into two parts: a first signaling field containing common control information applicable to all STAs, and a second signaling field containing STA-specific control information. This segmentation allows efficient transmission of differentiated control information to multiple STAs while maintaining a structured and manageable frame format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If control information is transmitted individually to each STA, then the control information is precise, but the processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol information accuracyVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges common control information into a single first signaling field that all STAs can interpret, eliminating the need to repeat identical information for each STA. STA-specific information is efficiently transmitted in a compact second signaling field, reducing overall processing overhead while maintaining precise control for each STA.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If resource allocation information is included for all STAs, then the resource allocation is efficient, but the signaling field size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling field size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing detailed resource allocation information only where needed - in the second signaling field for specific STAs that require it - while using the first signaling field for common information. This approach optimizes resource allocation efficiency for individual STAs without unnecessarily increasing the overall signaling field size for all STAs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3065493B1Method and apparatus for transmitting radio frame including control information in a WLAN system
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3065493B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3065493B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3065493B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus for transmitting a multi-user or multi-Station (multi-STA) radio frame including control information in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system are disclosed. The method includes generating a frame including a signaling field and a data field, and transmitting the generated frame to the plurality of STAs. The signaling field includes a first signaling field (a SIG A field) including control information for frame interpretation and a second signaling field (a SIG B field) including control information individually for each of the plurality of STAs, the second signaling field includes a first block including common control information for the plurality of STAs, and a second block including control information for each of the plurality of STAs.