Dynamic WLAN Subchannel Puncturing for Bandwidth Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless local-area networks face inefficiencies in resource utilization due to devices with varying communication protocols and hardware limitations, leading to suboptimal bandwidth allocation and response times.

Innovation Solution

Implementing dynamic puncturing of subchannels with dynamic signaling in wireless local area networks (WLANs) to optimize bandwidth allocation and improve response times by enhancing coexistence between devices using different protocols and hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static puncturing patterns are used, then device compatibility is improved, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidbandwidth utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static puncturing patterns to dynamic puncturing patterns that adapt to current channel conditions. The receiver determines punctured subchannels based on received signals and communicates this information back to the transmitter, enabling real-time adjustment of puncturing patterns to optimize bandwidth utilization while maintaining compatibility through standardized signaling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of puncturing pattern from fixed/static to dynamic/variable. By allowing the puncturing pattern to change based on channel conditions and traffic requirements, the system can optimize bandwidth utilization for different scenarios while maintaining device compatibility through standardized parameter negotiation and signaling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If dynamic puncturing patterns are implemented, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receiver determines which subchannels are punctured based on received signals and communicates this information back to the transmitter. This feedback loop enables dynamic puncturing patterns to be established without requiring complex centralized control, as each device independently determines and signals its puncturing decisions based on local observations and standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If legacy devices are supported, then compatibility is improved, but response times deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a dynamic puncturing mechanism that works across multiple device types and protocol versions. The standardized signaling and feedback procedures allow both legacy and newer devices to participate in dynamic puncturing, enabling the system to optimize bandwidth utilization while maintaining broad device compatibility through universal communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12634034B2Dynamic puncturing with dynamic signaling
Publication Date: 2026.05.19 INTEL CORP
  • US12634034B2 patent drawing
  • US12634034B2 patent drawing
  • US12634034B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for dynamic puncturing with dynamic signaling are disclosed. Apparatuses of a non-access point (AP) station (STA) or of an AP are disclosed, where the apparatuses comprise processing circuitry configured to: decode a first physical (PHY) protocol data unit (PPDU) in accordance with a first channel width and first inactive subchannels, and encode a second PPDU, in response to the first PPDU, with a second channel width that is the same as or narrower than the first channel width and in accordance with second inactive subchannels, the second inactive subchannels being the same as or indicating a wider set of punctured subchannels than the first inactive subchannels. The processing circuitry is further configured to configure the non-AP STA to transmit the second PPDU in accordance with the second channel width and the second inactive subchannels.