WLAN Packet Header Detection for 802.11ad and 802.11ay Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation 60 GHz WLANs (NG60) need to be compatible with current 802.11ad devices while offering higher performance, requiring a method to differentiate and handle 802.11ad and 802.11ay packets efficiently to reduce complexity and power consumption in receivers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating new header fields in 802.11ay packets with different modulation and encoding schemes, allowing receivers to auto-detect packet types based on header fields, and using modified PPDU parameters to distinguish between 802.11ad and 802.11ay packets, enabling early detection and proper handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NG60 uses the same packet format as 802.11ad for compatibility, then legacy devices can receive packets, but receivers cannot differentiate between 802.11ad and 802.11ay packets causing increased complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The packet format is segmented into distinct sections: a legacy-compatible header portion and a new header portion. The legacy header maintains compatibility with 802.11ad devices, while the new header contains differentiation fields that enable receivers to identify packet types. This segmentation allows both compatibility and differentiation without requiring complete packet reformatting.
Solution Approach 2:
A new header field acts as an intermediary element between the legacy header and the packet payload. This intermediary contains specific information elements that enable receiver differentiation while maintaining the overall packet structure compatibility with legacy systems. The intermediary header provides the necessary distinction without disrupting legacy device operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NG60 transmits packets without differentiation, then legacy devices can process them, but receivers must continuously process all packets increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Differentiation information is placed in the preliminary header section of the packet, allowing receivers to identify packet types before full packet processing. This preliminary identification enables receivers to make early decisions about packet handling, avoiding unnecessary processing of incompatible packets and reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The differentiation function is extracted from the main packet processing flow and placed in a separate header field. This extraction allows receivers to quickly check the differentiation indicator without processing the entire packet, enabling early termination of processing for incompatible packets and significant power savings.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If NG60 adds differentiation fields to packets, then receivers can identify packet types, but packet format complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Differentiation capability is implemented locally within specific header fields rather than throughout the entire packet structure. The new header contains targeted information elements that provide differentiation functionality without requiring changes to other packet sections. This localized approach minimizes overall format complexity while achieving the desired detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The header structure is designed to serve multiple functions: maintaining legacy compatibility, providing packet type differentiation, and supporting both 802.11ad and 802.11ay protocols. By making the header multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate packet formats for different protocol versions, reducing overall complexity despite adding differentiation capabilities.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If NG60 uses modified header fields for auto-detection, then packet identification is improved, but encoding and modulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the entire packet encoding and modulation scheme, the patent applies differentiation only to specific header fields. The new header contains information elements that provide detection capability without requiring complex encoding changes across the whole packet. This partial application of modification reduces implementation complexity while achieving the desired detection functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2E
AI summary
A system and method of auto-detection of WLAN packets includes transmitting in a 60GHz frequency band a wireless packet comprising a first header, a second header, a payload, and a training field, the first header carrying a plurality of bits, a logical value of a subset of the plurality of bits in the first header indicating the presence of the second header in the wireless packet.