WLAN Resource Unit MCS Segmentation for Higher Spectral Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless local area network (WLAN) communication systems face limitations in spectral efficiency due to the use of a fixed modulation and coding scheme (MCS) within a specific bandwidth, which restricts data transmission efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a communication method that allows a resource unit (RU) to utilize at least two different MCSs for data transmission, enabling flexible selection based on channel conditions and interference, and dividing subcarrier groups to optimize spectral efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed MCS is used within a specific bandwidth, then the system maintains simplicity in modulation and coding scheme management, but spectral efficiency of data transmission is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMCS management complexityVSAvoidspectral efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the RU into multiple subcarrier groups, where each subcarrier group can be assigned a different MCS. This segmentation allows the system to apply different modulation and coding schemes to different portions of the frequency spectrum, thereby improving spectral efficiency without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire transmission system. The segmentation is achieved by dividing the 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996 subcarriers into multiple groups, each with its own MCS assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different MCSs to be assigned to different subcarrier groups within the same RU, based on local channel conditions. This means that subcarrier groups experiencing better channel conditions can use higher-order MCSs for higher data rates, while subcarrier groups with poorer conditions use more robust lower-order MCSs. This localized adaptation of MCS assignments optimizes spectral efficiency by matching transmission parameters to actual channel quality in each frequency region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If one RU uses one MCS, then the system maintains ease of operation in data transmission, but spectral efficiency cannot be further improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission operationVSAvoidspectral efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by enabling flexible MCS assignment across multiple subcarrier groups within an RU. Instead of a static one-MCS-per-RU approach, the system can dynamically assign different MCSs to different subcarrier groups based on channel conditions, interference levels, and spectral availability. This dynamic allocation is facilitated by indicating the start subcarrier index and number of subcarriers for each MCS assignment, allowing the system to adapt transmission parameters in real-time while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized indication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4730678A1Communication method and communication apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4730678A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4730678A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4730678A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method provides a solution that can further improve spectral efficiency of data transmission. The method includes: A first device generates first data (for example, the first data may be a physical layer protocol data unit or a part of data of a physical layer protocol data unit), and sends the first data to a second device on a resource unit, where the resource unit corresponds to or uses at least two different modulation and coding schemes. The resource unit may be any one of a 26-tone resource unit, a 52-tone resource unit, a 106-tone resource unit, a 242-tone resource unit, a 484-tone resource unit, and a 996-tone resource unit. The resource unit can use the at least two different modulation and coding schemes for data transmission in one transmission process, so that spectral efficiency of data transmission can be further improved.