U.S. patent application number 14/842740 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for systems and methods for improvements to training field design for increased symbol durations.
The applicant listed for this patent is QUALCOMM Incorporated. Invention is credited to Dung Ngoc Doan, Rahul Tandra, Bin Tian, Sameer Vermani.
Application Number | 20150372848 14/842740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54368780 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150372848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vermani; Sameer ; et
al. |
December 24, 2015 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO TRAINING FIELD DESIGN FOR
INCREASED SYMBOL DURATIONS
Abstract
Methods, devices, and computer program products for improving
training field design in packets with increased symbol durations
are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of transmitting a packet on
a wireless communication network is disclosed. The method includes
transmitting a preamble of the packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of
space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the preamble
including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation for each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams, where a subset of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams is active on each tone. The method further
includes transmitting a payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams.
Inventors: |
Vermani; Sameer; (San Diego,
CA) ; Tian; Bin; (San Diego, CA) ; Tandra;
Rahul; (San Diego, CA) ; Doan; Dung Ngoc; (San
Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QUALCOMM Incorporated |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54368780 |
Appl. No.: |
14/842740 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14702558 |
May 1, 2015 |
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14842740 |
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61989397 |
May 6, 2014 |
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62034101 |
Aug 6, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/328 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 17/309 20150115;
H04L 27/2607 20130101; H04L 25/0226 20130101; H04L 1/0681 20130101;
H04L 27/2611 20130101; H04L 1/0625 20130101; H04L 27/2613 20130101;
H04L 5/0048 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 27/26 20060101
H04L027/26; H04B 17/309 20060101 H04B017/309 |
Claims
1. A method of transmitting a packet on a wireless communication
network, the method comprising: transmitting a preamble of the
packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of space-time-streams over a
plurality of tones, the preamble including a number (N.sub.TF) of
training fields configured to be used for channel estimation for
each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams, where a subset of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-streams is active on each tone; and
transmitting a payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the N.sub.TF of training
fields is transmitted over the plurality of tones, and where each
of the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams is part of one of a number
(N.sub.g) of groups, each of the N.sub.g of groups transmitting to
a subset of the plurality of tones based upon an orthogonal
matrix.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein for each training field, each
tone is masked by a column of a P-matrix comprising a number of
columns equal to a value of the N.sub.STS divided by a value of the
N.sub.g, and a number of rows equal to the value of the N.sub.STS
divided by the value of the N.sub.g.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein a value of the N.sub.g is equal
to a value of the N.sub.STS and a single training field is
transmitted over the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams interleaved
over the plurality of tones.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein a value of the N.sub.STS is not
an integer multiple of a value of the N.sub.g and each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are transmitted on an average number
of the plurality of tones equal to the value of the N.sub.g divided
by the value of the N.sub.STS.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein a value of the N.sub.STS is not
an integer multiple of a value of the N.sub.g and each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are transmitted on an average number
of the plurality of tones equal to the value of the N.sub.g.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein every odd tone is populated with
a first subset of space-time-streams and every even tone is
populated with a second subset of space-time streams.
8. A wireless communication apparatus, comprising: a processor
configured to: generate a preamble of a packet over a number
(N.sub.STS) of space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the
preamble including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields
configured to be used for channel estimation for each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-streams, where a subset of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams is active on each tone; generate a payload of
the packet to be transmitted over the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams; and a transmitter configured to transmit the
packet.
9. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of
the N.sub.TF of training fields is transmitted over the plurality
of tones, and where each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams is
part of one of a number (N.sub.g) of groups, each of the N.sub.g of
groups transmitting to a subset of the plurality of tones based
upon an orthogonal matrix.
10. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 9, wherein for
each training field, each tone is masked by a column of a P-matrix
comprising a number of columns equal to a value of the N.sub.STS
divided by a value of the N.sub.g, and a number of rows equal to
the value of the N.sub.STS divided by the value of the N.sub.g.
11. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 9, wherein a
value of the N.sub.g is equal to a value of the N.sub.STS and a
single training field is transmitted over the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams interleaved over the plurality of tones.
12. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 9, wherein a
value of the N.sub.STS is not an integer multiple of a value of the
N.sub.g and each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are
transmitted on an average number of the plurality of tones equal to
the value of the N.sub.g divided by the value of the N.sub.STS.
13. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 9, wherein a
value of the N.sub.STS is not an integer multiple of a value of the
N.sub.g and each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are
transmitted on an average number of the plurality of tones equal to
the value of the N.sub.g.
14. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 8, wherein every
odd tone is populated with a first subset of space-time-streams and
every even tone is populated with a second subset of space-time
streams.
15. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising
instructions that when executed cause a processor in a device to
perform a method of transmitting a packet over a wireless
communication network, the method comprising: transmitting a
preamble of the packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of
space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the preamble
including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation for each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams, where a subset of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams is active on each tone; and transmitting a
payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams.
16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein each of the
N.sub.TF of training fields is transmitted over the plurality of
tones, and where each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams is
part of one of a number (N.sub.g) of groups, each of the N.sub.g of
groups transmitting to a subset of the plurality of tones based
upon an orthogonal matrix.
17. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein for each
training field, each tone is masked by a column of a P-matrix
comprising a number of columns equal to a value of the N.sub.STS
divided by a value of the N.sub.g, and a number of rows equal to
the value of the N.sub.STS divided by the value of the N.sub.g.
18. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein a value of
the N.sub.g is equal to a value of the N.sub.STS and a single
training field is transmitted over the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams interleaved over the plurality of tones.
19. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein a value of
the N.sub.STS is not an integer multiple of a value of the N.sub.g
and each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are transmitted on
an average number of the plurality of tones equal to the value of
the N.sub.g divided by the value of the N.sub.STS.
20. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein a value of
the N.sub.STS is not an integer multiple of a value of the N.sub.g
and each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are transmitted on
an average number of the plurality of tones equal to the value of
the N.sub.g.
21. The computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein every odd
tone is populated with a first subset of space-time-streams and
every even tone is populated with a second subset of space-time
streams.
22. A wireless communication apparatus, comprising: means for
transmitting a preamble of a packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of
space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the preamble
including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation for each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams, where a subset of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams is active on each tone; and means for
transmitting a payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams.
23. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 22, wherein each
of the N.sub.TF of training fields is transmitted over the
plurality of tones, and where each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams is part of one of a number (N.sub.g) of groups,
each of the N.sub.g of groups transmitting to a subset of the
plurality of tones based upon an orthogonal matrix.
24. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 23, wherein for
each training field, each tone is masked by a column of a P-matrix
comprising a number of columns equal to a value of the N.sub.STS
divided by a value of the N.sub.g, and a number of rows equal to
the value of the N.sub.STS divided by the value of the N.sub.g.
25. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 23, wherein a
value of the N.sub.g is equal to a value of the N.sub.STS and a
single training field is transmitted over the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams interleaved over the plurality of tones.
26. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 23, wherein a
value of the N.sub.STS is not an integer multiple of a value of the
N.sub.g and each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are
transmitted on an average number of the plurality of tones equal to
the value of the N.sub.g divided by the value of the N.sub.STS.
27. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 23, wherein a
value of the N.sub.STS is not an integer multiple of a value of the
N.sub.g and each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are
transmitted on an average number of the plurality of tones equal to
the value of the N.sub.g.
28. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 22, wherein every
odd tone is populated with a first subset of space-time-streams and
every even tone is populated with a second subset of space-time
streams.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/702,558, filed on
May 1, 2015 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO
TRAINING FIELD DESIGN FOR INCREASED SYMBOL DURATIONS," which claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 61/989,397 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
IMPROVEMENTS TO TRAINING FIELD DESIGN FOR INCREASED SYMBOL
DURATIONS" filed on May 6, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 62/034,101 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
IMPROVEMENTS TO TRAINING FIELD DESIGN FOR INCREASED SYMBOL
DURATIONS" filed on Aug. 6, 2014, the disclosures of which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present application relates generally to wireless
communications, and more specifically to systems, methods, and
devices for improvements to long training field design for longer
symbol durations. Certain aspects herein relate to reducing the
overhead which can otherwise be associated with long training
fields when longer symbol durations are used.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] In many telecommunication systems, communications networks
are used to exchange messages among several interacting
spatially-separated devices. Networks can be classified according
to geographic scope, which could be, for example, a metropolitan
area, a local area, or a personal area. Such networks would be
designated respectively as a wide area network (WAN), metropolitan
area network (MAN), local area network (LAN), or personal area
network (PAN). Networks also differ according to the
switching/routing technique used to interconnect the various
network nodes and devices (e.g. circuit switching vs. packet
switching), the type of physical media employed for transmission
(e.g. wired vs. wireless), and the set of communication protocols
used (e.g. Internet protocol suite, SONET (Synchronous Optical
Networking), Ethernet, etc.).
[0006] Wireless networks are often preferred when the network
elements are mobile and thus have dynamic connectivity needs, or if
the network architecture is formed in an ad hoc, rather than fixed,
topology. Wireless networks employ intangible physical media in an
unguided propagation mode using electromagnetic waves in the radio,
microwave, infra-red, optical, etc. frequency bands. Wireless
networks advantageously facilitate user mobility and rapid field
deployment when compared to fixed wired networks.
[0007] The devices in a wireless network can transmit/receive
information between each other. The information can comprise
packets, which in some aspects can be referred to as data units.
Each data unit can be made up of a number of symbols, each of which
can be of a particular duration. Longer symbol durations can be
desirable in certain environments, such as when transmitting over
longer distances, or such as when transmitting in outdoor
environments. However, transmitting longer symbols can increase
network overhead for certain aspects of transmissions. Accordingly,
it may be desirable to minimize this overhead.
SUMMARY
[0008] The systems, methods, devices, and computer program products
discussed herein each have several aspects, no single one of which
is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without
limiting the scope of this invention as expressed by the claims
which follow, some features are discussed briefly below. After
considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the
section entitled "Detailed Description," it will be understood how
advantageous features of this invention include reduced overhead in
certain transmissions with increased symbol length.
[0009] One aspect of the disclosure provides a method of
transmitting a packet on a wireless communication network. The
method comprises transmitting a preamble of the packet over one or
more space-time-streams, the preamble including one or more
training fields configured to be used for channel estimation, the
one or more training fields each comprising one or more symbols of
a first symbol duration. The method further comprises transmitting
a payload of the packet over the one or more space-time-streams,
the payload comprising one or more symbols of a second symbol
duration, the second symbol duration greater than the first symbol
duration.
[0010] In one aspect, a wireless communication apparatus is
disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processor configured to
generate a preamble of a packet, the preamble to be transmitted
over one or more space-time-streams, the preamble including one or
more training fields configured to be used for channel estimation,
the one or more training fields each comprising one or more symbols
of a first symbol duration. The processor is also configured to
generate a payload of the packet, the payload to be transmitted
over the one or more space-time-streams, the payload comprising one
or more symbols of a second symbol duration, the second symbol
duration greater than the first symbol duration. The apparatus
further comprises a transmitter configured to transmit the
packet.
[0011] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a
non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions
that when executed cause a processor in a device to perform a
method of transmitting a packet over a wireless communication
network. The method comprises transmitting a preamble of the packet
over one or more space-time-streams, the preamble including one or
more training fields configured to be used for channel estimation,
the one or more training fields each comprising one or more symbols
of a first symbol duration. The method also comprises transmitting
a payload of the packet over the one or more space-time-streams,
the payload comprising one or more symbols of a second symbol
duration, the second symbol duration greater than the first symbol
duration.
[0012] In one aspect, a wireless communication apparatus is
disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for generating a preamble
of a packet to be transmitted over one or more space-time-streams,
the preamble including one or more training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation, the one or more training fields each
comprising one or more symbols of a first symbol duration. The
apparatus further comprises means for generating a payload of the
packet to be transmitted over the one or more space-time-streams,
the payload comprising one or more symbols of a second symbol
duration, where the second symbol duration is greater than the
first symbol duration. The apparatus further comprises means for
transmitting the packet.
[0013] One aspect of the disclosure provides a method of
transmitting a packet on a wireless communication network. The
method comprises transmitting a preamble of the packet over a
number (N.sub.STS) of space-time-streams over a plurality of tones,
the preamble including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields
configured to be used for channel estimation for each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-streams, where a value of the N.sub.STS is
greater than one and a value of the N.sub.TF is less than the value
of the N.sub.STS. The method further comprises transmitting a
payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams.
[0014] In one aspect, a wireless communication apparatus is
disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processor configured to
generate a preamble of a packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of
space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the preamble
including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation for each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams, where a value of the N.sub.STS is greater than
one and a value of the N.sub.TF is less than the value of the
N.sub.STS. The processor is further configured to generate a
payload of the packet to be transmitted over the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams. The apparatus further comprises a transmitter
configured to transmit the packet.
[0015] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a
non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions
that when executed cause a processor in a device to perform a
method of transmitting a packet over a wireless communication
network. The method comprises transmitting a preamble of the packet
over a number (N.sub.STS) of space-time-streams over a plurality of
tones, the preamble including a number (N.sub.TF) of training
fields configured to be used for channel estimation for each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-streams, where a value of the N.sub.STS is
greater than one and a value of the N.sub.TF is less than the value
of the N.sub.STS. The method further comprises transmitting a
payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams.
[0016] In one aspect, a wireless communication apparatus is
disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for transmitting a
preamble of a packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of
space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the preamble
including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation for each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams, where a value of the N.sub.STS is greater than
one and a value of the N.sub.TF is less than the value of the
N.sub.STS. The apparatus further comprises means for transmitting a
payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams.
[0017] One aspect of the disclosure provides a method of
transmitting a packet on a wireless communication network. The
method comprises transmitting a preamble of the packet over a
number (N.sub.STS) of space-time-streams over a plurality of tones,
the preamble including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields
configured to be used for channel estimation for each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-streams, where a subset of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams is active on each tone. The method further
comprises transmitting a payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS
of space-time-streams.
[0018] In one aspect, a wireless communication apparatus is
disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processor configured to
generate a preamble of a packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of
space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the preamble
including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation for each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams, where a subset of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams is active on each tone. The processor is further
configured to generate a payload of the packet to be transmitted
over the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams. The apparatus further
comprises a transmitter configured to transmit the packet.
[0019] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a
non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions
that when executed cause a processor in a device to perform a
method of transmitting a packet over a wireless communication
network. The method comprises transmitting a preamble of the packet
over a number (N.sub.STS) of space-time-streams over a plurality of
tones, the preamble including a number (N.sub.TF) of training
fields configured to be used for channel estimation for each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-streams, where a subset of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams is active on each tone. The method further
comprises transmitting a payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS
of space-time-streams.
[0020] In one aspect, a wireless communication apparatus is
disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for transmitting a
preamble of a packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of
space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the preamble
including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation for each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams, where a subset of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams is active on each tone. The apparatus further
comprises means for transmitting a payload of the packet over the
N.sub.STS of space-time-streams.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication
system in which aspects of the present disclosure can be
employed.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary
wireless device that can be employed within the wireless
communication system of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary
components that can be utilized with the wireless device of FIG. 2
to transmit wireless communications.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary
components that can be utilized with the wireless device of FIG. 2
to receive wireless communications.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a tone-interleaved long
training field (LTF) format.
[0026] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a matrix that can be used as a
frequency domain P-matrix in order to generate LTFs.
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates the time-domain counterpart to the
frequency domain mapping of FIG. 6.
[0028] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the interleaving which can be
used when transmitting LTFs using an orthogonal matrix scheme as in
FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0029] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a method for transmitting a
packet.
[0030] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a method for transmitting a
packet.
[0031] FIG. 11A is an illustration of a matrix that can be used as
a frequency domain P-matrix in order to generate LTFs.
[0032] FIG. 11B is a table showing LTF signals generated using the
matrix of FIG. 11A.
[0033] FIG. 12A is an illustration of a matrix that can be used as
a frequency domain P-matrix in order to generate LTFs according to
a tone-grouping embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 12B is an illustration of tone-dependent matrices that
can be used as frequency domain P-matrices in order to generate
LTFs according to a tone-grouping embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 12C is a table showing LTF signals generated using the
matrices of FIGS. 12A-12B.
[0036] FIG. 13A is a table showing an LTF spatial stream tone
mapping according to one embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 13B is a table showing an LTF spatial stream tone
mapping according to another embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 13C is a table showing an LTF spatial stream tone
mapping according to another embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 14 is an illustration of another method for
transmitting a packet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Various aspects
of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods are described more
fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This
disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or
function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these
aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and
complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to
those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled
in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is
intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems, apparatuses, and
methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of, or
combined with, any other aspect of the invention. For example, an
apparatus can be implemented or a method can be practiced using any
number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of
the invention is intended to cover such an apparatus or method
which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or
structure and functionality in addition to or other than the
various aspects of the invention set forth herein. It should be
understood that any aspect disclosed herein can be embodied by one
or more elements of a claim.
[0041] Although particular aspects are described herein, many
variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope
of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the
preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not
intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, or objectives.
Rather, aspects of the disclosure are intended to be broadly
applicable to different wireless technologies, system
configurations, networks, and transmission protocols, some of which
are illustrated by way of example in the figures and in the
following description of the preferred aspects. The detailed
description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure
rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by
the appended claims and equivalents thereof
[0042] Wireless network technologies can include various types of
wireless local area networks (WLANs). A WLAN can be used to
interconnect nearby devices together, employing widely used
networking protocols. The various aspects described herein can
apply to any communication standard, such as Wi-Fi or, more
generally, any member of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless
protocols. For example, the various aspects described herein can be
used as part of the IEEE 802.11 ax protocol.
[0043] In some implementations, a WLAN includes various devices
which are the components that access the wireless network. For
example, there can be two types of devices: access points ("APs")
and clients (also referred to as stations, commonly known as
"STAs"). In general, an AP serves as a hub or base station for the
WLAN and an STA serves as a user of the WLAN. For example, an STA
can be a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a
mobile phone, etc. In an example, an STA connects to an AP via a
Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol such as 802.11ax) compliant
wireless link to obtain general connectivity to the Internet or to
other wide area networks. In some implementations an STA can also
be used as an AP.
[0044] An access point ("AP") can also comprise, be implemented as,
or known as a NodeB, Radio Network Controller ("RNC"), eNodeB, Base
Station Controller ("BSC"), Base Transceiver Station ("BTS"), Base
Station ("BS"), Transceiver Function ("TF"), Radio Router, Radio
Transceiver, or some other terminology.
[0045] A station "STA" can also comprise, be implemented as, or
known as an access terminal ("AT"), a subscriber station, a
subscriber unit, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote
terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, user
equipment, or some other terminology. In some implementations an
access terminal can comprise a cellular telephone, a cordless
telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol ("SIP") phone, a wireless
local loop ("WLL") station, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a
handheld device having wireless connection capability, or some
other suitable processing device connected to a wireless modem.
Accordingly, one or more aspects taught herein can be incorporated
into a phone (e.g., a cellular phone or smartphone), a computer
(e.g., a laptop), a portable communication device, a headset, a
portable computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an
entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite
radio), a gaming device or system, a global positioning system
device, or any other suitable device that is configured to
communicate via a wireless medium.
[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication
system 100 in which aspects of the present disclosure can be
employed. The wireless communication system 100 can operate
pursuant to a wireless standard, for example the 802.11ax standard.
The wireless communication system 100 can include an AP 104, which
communicates with STAs 106a-d (referred to herein as STAs 106).
[0047] A variety of processes and methods can be used for
transmissions in the wireless communication system 100 between the
AP 104 and the STAs 106. For example, signals can be sent and
received between the AP 104 and the STAs 106 in accordance with
OFDM/OFDMA techniques. If this is the case, the wireless
communication system 100 can be referred to as an OFDM/OFDMA
system. Alternatively, signals can be sent and received between the
AP 104 and the STAs 106 in accordance with CDMA techniques. If this
is the case, the wireless communication system 100 can be referred
to as a CDMA system.
[0048] A communication link that facilitates transmission from the
AP 104 to one or more of the STAs 106 can be referred to as a
downlink (DL) 108, and a communication link that facilitates
transmission from one or more of the STAs 106 to the AP 104 can be
referred to as an uplink (UL) 110. Alternatively, a downlink 108
can be referred to as a forward link or a forward channel, and an
uplink 110 can be referred to as a reverse link or a reverse
channel.
[0049] The AP 104 can act as a base station and provide wireless
communication coverage in a basic service area (BSA) 102. The AP
104 along with the STAs 106 associated with the AP 104 and that use
the AP 104 for communication can be referred to as a basic service
set (BSS). It should be noted that the wireless communication
system 100 may not have a central AP 104, but rather can function
as a peer-to-peer network between the STAs 106. Accordingly, the
functions of the AP 104 described herein can alternatively be
performed by one or more of the STAs 106.
[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates various components that can be utilized
in a wireless device 202 that can be employed within the wireless
communication system 100. The wireless device 202 is an example of
a device that can be configured to implement the various methods
described herein. For example, the wireless device 202 can comprise
the AP 104 or one of the STAs 106.
[0051] The wireless device 202 can include a processor 204 which
controls operation of the wireless device 202. The processor 204
can also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Memory
206, which can include both read-only memory (ROM) and random
access memory (RAM), provides instructions and data to the
processor 204. A portion of the memory 206 can also include
non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). The processor 204
typically performs logical and arithmetic operations based on
program instructions stored within the memory 206. The instructions
in the memory 206 can be executable to implement the methods
described herein.
[0052] The processor 204 can comprise or be a component of a
processing system implemented with one or more processors. The one
or more processors can be implemented with any combination of
general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal
processors (DSPs), field programmable gate array (FPGAs),
programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines,
gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware
finite state machines, or any other suitable entities that can
perform calculations or other manipulations of information.
[0053] The processing system can also include machine-readable
media for storing software. Software shall be construed broadly to
mean any type of instructions, whether referred to as software,
firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or
otherwise. Instructions can include code (e.g., in source code
format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other
suitable format of code). The instructions, when executed by the
one or more processors, cause the processing system to perform the
various functions described herein.
[0054] The wireless device 202 can also include a housing 208 that
can include a transmitter 210 and a receiver 212 to allow
transmission and reception of data between the wireless device 202
and a remote location. The transmitter 210 and receiver 212 can be
combined into a transceiver 214. An antenna 216 can be attached to
the housing 208 and electrically coupled to the transceiver 214.
The wireless device 202 can also include (not shown) multiple
transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and/or
multiple antennas.
[0055] The wireless device 202 can also include a signal detector
218 that can be used in an effort to detect and quantify the level
of signals received by the transceiver 214. The signal detector 218
can detect such signals as total energy, energy per subcarrier per
symbol, power spectral density and other signals. The wireless
device 202 can also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 220
for use in processing signals. The DSP 220 can be configured to
generate a data unit for transmission. In some aspects, the data
unit can comprise a physical layer data unit (PPDU). In some
aspects, the PPDU is referred to as a packet.
[0056] The wireless device 202 can further comprise a user
interface 222 in some aspects. The user interface 222 can comprise
a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, and/or a display. The user
interface 222 can include any element or component that conveys
information to a user of the wireless device 202 and/or receives
input from the user.
[0057] The various components of the wireless device 202 can be
coupled together by a bus system 226. The bus system 226 can
include a data bus, for example, as well as a power bus, a control
signal bus, and a status signal bus in addition to the data bus.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate the components of the
wireless device 202 can be coupled together or accept or provide
inputs to each other using some other mechanism.
[0058] Although a number of separate components are illustrated in
FIG. 2, those of skill in the art will recognize that one or more
of the components can be combined or commonly implemented. For
example, the processor 204 can be used to implement not only the
functionality described above with respect to the processor 204,
but also to implement the functionality described above with
respect to the signal detector 218 and/or the DSP 220. Further,
each of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 can be implemented
using a plurality of separate elements.
[0059] As discussed above, the wireless device 202 can comprise an
AP 104 or an STA 106, and can be used to transmit and/or receive
communications. FIG. 3 illustrates a transmitter module 300 that
can be utilized in the wireless device 202 to transmit wireless
communications. The components illustrated in FIG. 3 can be used,
for example, to transmit OFDM communications.
[0060] The transmitter module 300 can comprise a modulator 302
configured to modulate bits for transmission. For example, if the
transmitter module 300 is used as a component of wireless device
202 in FIG. 2, the modulator 302 can determine a plurality of
symbols from bits received from the processor 204 or the user
interface 222, for example by mapping bits to a plurality of
symbols according to a constellation. The bits can correspond to
user data or to control information. In some aspects, the bits are
received in codewords. In one aspect, the modulator 302 comprises a
QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) modulator, for example a
16-QAM modulator or a 64-QAM modulator. In other aspects, the
modulator 302 comprises a binary phase-shift keying (BPSK)
modulator or a quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) modulator.
[0061] The transmitter module 300 can further comprise a transform
module 304 configured to convert symbols or otherwise modulated
bits from the modulator 302 into a time domain. In FIG. 3, the
transform module 304 is illustrated as being implemented by an
inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) module. In some
implementations, there can be multiple transform modules (not
shown) that transform units of data of different sizes.
[0062] In FIG. 3, the modulator 302 and the transform module 304
are illustrated as being implemented in the DSP 220. In some
aspects, however, one or both of the modulator 302 and the
transform module 304 can be implemented in other components of
wireless device 202, such as in the processor 204.
[0063] Generally, the DSP 220 can be configured to generate a data
unit for transmission. In some aspects, the modulator 302 and the
transform module 304 can be configured to generate a data unit
comprising a plurality of fields including control information and
a plurality of data symbols. The fields including the control
information can comprise one or more training fields, for example,
and one or more signal (SIG) fields. Each of the training fields
can include a known sequence of bits or symbols. Each of the SIG
fields can include information about the data unit, for example a
description of a length or data rate of the data unit.
[0064] Returning to the description of FIG. 3, the transmitter
module 300 can further comprise a digital to analog converter 306
configured to convert the output of the transform module into an
analog signal. For example, the time-domain output of the transform
module 304 can be converted to a baseband OFDM signal by the
digital to analog converter 306. In some aspects, portions of the
transmitter module 300 can be included in wireless device 202 from
FIG. 2. For example, the digital to analog converter 306 can be
implemented in the processor 204, the transceiver 214, or in
another element of the wireless device 202.
[0065] The analog signal can be wirelessly transmitted by the
transmitter 310. The analog signal can be further processed before
being transmitted by the transmitter 310, for example by being
filtered or by being upconverted to an intermediate or carrier
frequency. In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 3, the transmitter 310
includes a transmit amplifier 308. Prior to being transmitted, the
analog signal can be amplified by the transmit amplifier 308. In
some aspects, the amplifier 308 comprises a low noise amplifier
(LNA).
[0066] The transmitter 310 is configured to transmit one or more
packets or data units in a wireless signal based on the analog
signal. The data units can be generated using a processor and/or
the DSP 220, for example using the modulator 302 and the transform
module 304 as discussed above. Data units that can be generated and
transmitted as discussed above are described in additional detail
below with respect to FIGS. 5-14.
[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates a receiving module 400 that can be
utilized in the wireless device 202 to receive wireless
communications. The components illustrated in FIG. 4 can be used,
for example, to receive OFDM communications. In some aspects, the
components illustrated in FIG. 4 are used to receive data units
that include one or more training fields, as will be discussed in
additional detail below. For example, the components illustrated in
FIG. 4 can be used to receive data units transmitted by the
components discussed above with respect to FIG. 3.
[0068] The receiver 412 is configured to receive one or more
packets or data units in a wireless signal. Data units that can be
received and decoded or otherwise processed as discussed below are
described in additional detail with respect to FIGS. 5-14.
[0069] In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 4, the receiver 412
includes a receive amplifier 401. The receive amplifier 401 can be
configured to amplify the wireless signal received by the receiver
412. In some aspects, the receiver 412 is configured to adjust the
gain of the receive amplifier 401 using an automatic gain control
(AGC) procedure. In some aspects, the automatic gain control uses
information in one or more received training fields, such as a
received short training field (STF) for example, to adjust the
gain. Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand
methods for performing AGC. In some aspects, the amplifier 401
comprises an LNA.
[0070] The receiving module 400 can comprise an analog to digital
converter 402 configured to convert the amplified wireless signal
from the receiver 412 into a digital representation thereof.
Further to being amplified, the wireless signal can be processed
before being converted by the analog to digital converter 402, for
example by being filtered or by being downconverted to an
intermediate or baseband frequency. In some aspects, the analog to
digital converter 402 can be implemented in the processor 204 of
FIG. 2, the transceiver 214, or in another element of the wireless
device 202.
[0071] The receiving module 400 can further comprise a transform
module 404 configured to convert the representation the wireless
signal into a frequency spectrum. In FIG. 4, the transform module
404 is illustrated as being implemented by a fast Fourier transform
(FFT) module. In some aspects, the transform module can identify a
symbol for each point that it uses.
[0072] The receiving module 400 can further comprise a channel
estimator and equalizer 405 configured to form an estimate of the
channel over which the data unit is received, and to remove certain
effects of the channel based on the channel estimate. For example,
the channel estimator can be configured to approximate a function
of the channel, and the channel equalizer can be configured to
apply an inverse of that function to the data in the frequency
spectrum.
[0073] In some aspects, the channel estimator and equalizer 405
uses information in one or more received training fields, such as a
long training field (LTF) for example, to estimate the channel. The
channel estimate can be formed based on one or more LTFs received
at the beginning of the data unit. This channel estimate can
thereafter be used to equalize data symbols that follow the one or
more LTFs. After a certain period of time or after a certain number
of data symbols, one or more additional LTFs can be received in the
data unit. The channel estimate can be updated or a new estimate
formed using the additional LTFs. This new or update channel
estimate can be used to equalize data symbols that follow the
additional LTFs. In some aspects, the new or updated channel
estimate is used to re-equalize data symbols preceding the
additional LTFs. Those having ordinary skill in the art will
understand methods for forming a channel estimate.
[0074] The receiving module 400 can further comprise a demodulator
406 configured to demodulate the equalized data. For example, the
demodulator 406 can determine a plurality of bits from symbols
output by the transform module 404 and the channel estimator and
equalizer 405, for example by reversing a mapping of bits to a
symbol in a constellation. In some aspects, where the receiving
module 400 is implemented as a portion of wireless device 202, the
bits can be processed or evaluated by the processor 204, or used to
display or otherwise output information to the user interface 222.
In this way, data and/or information can be decoded. In some
aspects, the bits correspond to codewords. In one aspect, the
demodulator 406 comprises a QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation)
demodulator, for example a 16-QAM demodulator or a 64-QAM
demodulator. In other aspects, the demodulator 406 comprises a
binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) demodulator or a quadrature
phase-shift keying (QPSK) demodulator.
[0075] In FIG. 4, the transform module 404, the channel estimator
and equalizer 405, and the demodulator 406 are illustrated as being
implemented in the DSP 220. In some aspects, however, one or more
of the transform module 404, the channel estimator and equalizer
405, and the demodulator 406 can be implemented in another
component of wireless device 202, such as in the processor 204.
[0076] As discussed above, the wireless signal received at the
receiver 412 comprises one or more data units. These data units can
be decoded, evaluated and/or processed using the components
described above. For example, a processor and/or the DSP 220 can be
used to decode data symbols in the data units using the transform
module 404, the channel estimator and equalizer 405, and the
demodulator 406.
[0077] Data units exchanged by the AP 104 and the STAs 106 can
include control information or data. At the physical (PHY) layer,
these data units can be referred to as physical layer protocol data
units (PPDUs). In some aspects, a PPDU can be referred to as a
packet or physical layer packet. Each PPDU can comprise a preamble
and a payload. The preamble can include training fields and a SIG
field. For example, the training fields can include one or more
long training field (LTF) and one or more short training field
(STF). The payload can comprise a Media Access Control (MAC) header
and/or user data. The payload can be transmitted using one or more
data symbols, such as BPSK symbols or QPSK symbols.
[0078] In some aspects, it can be desirable to increase the
robustness of propagation in outdoor environments. For example, in
an outdoor environment, there can be a much higher delay spread.
This can be caused by, for example, transmissions echoing off of
more distant surfaces than can be present in indoor environments.
Accordingly, this higher delay spread can cause inter-symbol
interference (ISI) when a cyclic prefix (CP) of relatively short
duration is used. For example, in the IEEE 802.11ac standard, a
normal CP is 0.8 .mu.s, while when a short guard interval (GI) is
used, the CP can be 0.4 .mu.s. These CP lengths can cause problems
with ISI in an outdoor environment, and performance of the network
can be degraded in such an environment. Accordingly, in order to
provide for more robust performance in an outdoor environment, it
can be desirable to increase the CP of each symbol.
[0079] However, increasing the CP of each symbol can increase the
overhead of each symbol. For example, an IEEE 802.11ac symbol is
3.2 .mu.s. Thus, the CP overhead of an IEEE 802.11ac symbol is 25%
for a normal GI transmission with 0.8 .mu.s CP, and is 12.5% for a
short GI transmission with 0.4 .mu.s CP. However, if the CP is
increased, for example to 3.2 .mu.s, and if symbol length is kept
constant, the overhead of the CP would increase to 100%.
Accordingly, when increasing CP, it can also be desirable to
increase symbol length. For example, symbol length can be increased
to 4 or 8 times as long as in an IEEE 802.11ac packet, to 12.8 or
25.6 .mu.s. By increasing symbol length, a longer CP can be used,
while keeping CP overhead low. However, longer symbols and longer
CPs can result in an increase in the length of the preamble of a
packet. For example, LTFs can be used for channel estimation, and
if CP and symbol length are each increased by 4 or 8 times, each
LTF can accordingly also take 4 or 8 times longer to transmit. In
some aspects, it can be desirable to decrease the amount of time
used to transmit LTFs for packets with increased CP and symbol
length, and accordingly, to decrease the LTF overhead of such a
packet. Generally, it can be desirable to maintain a ratio in which
CP length is 25% or less than a duration of a data symbol, and so
CP overhead can be said to be 25% or less.
[0080] Generally, when a single space-time-stream is used to
transmit a packet, a single LTF can be used. The most rudimentary
approach for such a packet, when using symbols which are N times
longer than ordinary IEEE 802.11ac 3.2 .mu.s symbols would be to
transmit an LTF which is, likewise, N times longer than an ordinary
IEEE 802.11ac LTF. However, several methods can be used to reduce
the length of such an LTF, which can reduce the overhead caused by
LTFs on such a packet.
[0081] In some aspects, LTFs can use a different symbol duration
than those used in the data portion of a packet. For example, a
data symbol in a packet can be N times longer than a data symbol in
an IEEE 802.11 ac packet, while an LTF symbol in a packet can be M
times longer than a data symbol in an IEEE 802.11 ac packet, where
M is less than N. For example, if data symbols in a given packet
are four times longer, that is, 12.8 .mu.s, and LTF can use symbols
which are the same length or only twice as long as in an IEEE
802.11ac packet, that is, 3.2 or 6.4 .mu.s. By using shorter
symbols during an LTF, the duration of the LTF can be reduced
accordingly.
[0082] Because each symbol can be of a longer duration, each symbol
can contain more data tones. For example, a symbol which is four
times longer than an IEEE 802.11 ac data symbol can contain four
times as many data tones within the same bandwidth. Thus, while a
20 MHz bandwidth can carry 64 tones in IEEE 802.11 ac, the same
bandwidth can carry 256 tones if each symbol is four times longer.
Accordingly, when the symbol length for an LTF is shorter than the
symbol length for data symbols, a receiving device can require
interpolation to decode data in the data section of the packet.
Further, reducing the symbol duration in the LTF may only be
effective if ISI, due to channel delay spread, is not an issue with
the symbol duration in the LTF.
[0083] If ISI is problematic when using shorter symbols in an LTF
than in the data portion of a packet, the CP in the LTF can be
increased. For example, an LTF can have CP overhead that is higher
than 25%, while it can be desirable to keep such overhead to 25% or
less in the data portion of the packet. Increasing the CP length in
the LTF, from the CP length in an IEEE 802.11 ac packet, can allow
such an LTF to exhibit more robust performance in an outdoor
propagation environment, while still allowing for the LTF to use a
shorter symbol duration than other portions of the packet, such as
the data portion of the packet. Thus, even with increased CP
overhead in the LTF, LTF overhead (LTF length as compared to total
length of the packet) can still be reduced. In some aspects, the CP
of two LTF symbols can be combined together, into a double-length
CP, followed by two LTF symbols which are not separated from each
other by a CP.
[0084] Generally, in packets which are transmitted using multiple
space-time-streams, the number of LTFs (N.sub.LTF or N.sub.TF) in a
packet corresponds to the number of space-time-streams (N.sub.STS)
in the packet. For example, the number of LTFs can be the same as
the number of streams, or can, be a one-to-one mapping from the
number of space-time-streams. That is, if there is some known
number of space-time-streams, such as five, there will be a known
number of LTFs in the packet, such as five. If, in such a packet,
the length of CPs and symbols is increased, such as increased by
eight times, the length of the LTFs can also increase by eight
times, as above. A number of different approaches can be used to
reduce this LTF overhead caused by the additional LTFs that must be
transmitted with each transmission.
[0085] For example, each of the N.sub.LTF LTFs can be transmitted
at an M times symbol duration, compared to the duration of a IEEE
802.11ac packet, while the data portion of the packet can be
transmitted at an N times symbol duration, where N>M. This can
reduce the length of each LTF in a similar manner to that discussed
above with reference to the single space-time-stream packet.
Similarly, as with a single space-time-stream packet, CP size can
be increased relative to the size of the LTF symbol duration as
needed in order to avoid ISI. For example, an LTF symbol duration
can be the same as that found in an IEEE 802.11ac packet (3.2
.mu.s), and the CP duration in an LTF can be four times that of the
CP duration of an IEEE 802.11ac packet, that is, also 3.2 .mu.s.
Increasing the duration of the CP relative to the duration of an
LTF symbol will increase the CP overhead of the LTF, but by having
a LTF symbols with a shorter duration relative to the duration of
symbols found in the data portion of the packet, the overall
duration of the LTF section can still be decreased. Accordingly,
using this concept, the number of LTFs can remain the same as in an
IEEE 802.11ac packet with the same number of space-time-streams,
but the duration of each individual LTF can be reduced, due to a
smaller symbol size in the LTF than is found in the data portion of
the packet. This is unlike an ordinary IEEE 802.11ac packet, which
contains a symbol size that is the same in both the LTF and the
data portion of the packet.
[0086] Rather than decreasing the duration of each individual LTF,
transmitting a reduced number of LTFs can also reduce the total
duration of the LTF portion of a packet. In an IEEE 802.11ac
packet, the number of LTFs transmitted in a packet (N.sub.LTF) is
based on the number of space-time-streams in that packet
(N.sub.STS). For example, the correspondence between N.sub.LTF and
N.sub.STS in an IEEE 802.11ac packet is given by the following
table:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 N.sub.STS N.sub.LTF 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 6
7 8 8 8
[0087] However, in some aspects, it can be possible to transmit
fewer LTFs than this, in order to reduce the duration of the LTF
portion of a given packet, where that packet has an increased
symbol duration compared to an IEEE 802.11ac packet. In some
aspects, transmitting fewer LTFs can be done together with, or
separate from, using a shorter duration symbol in LTFs than in the
data portion of a packet. Different methods can be used to transmit
fewer LTFs in a given packet than the number of LTFs contained in
an IEEE 802.11ac packet. The method that is used can depend, at
least in part, on an LTF format that is used in a given packet.
[0088] For example, one type of LTF format can be a
tone-interleaved training field (e.g., LTF) format. FIG. 5 is an
illustration of a tone-interleaved LTF format. In this
illustration, four space-time-streams are used, and four LTFs are
used, as per Table 1 above. As illustrated, in the first LTF, LTF1
505, space-time-stream 1 transmits on the first tone, the fifth
tone, and so on. In a next LTF, LTF2 510, space-time-stream 1
transmits on the second tone, the sixth tone, and so on. Each of
the other space-time-streams operates in a similar manner,
transmitting on every fourth tone in a given LTF, and rotating
which tones it transmits in the subsequent LTF. Accordingly, using
such a tone-interleaved LTF structure allows each of the four
space-time-streams to transmit at least once on each of the tones
of the packet, during one of the LTFs.
[0089] In order to reduce the total duration of the LTF portion of
a packet when using tone-interleaved LTFs, fewer LTFs can be
transmitted. As above and as illustrated in FIG. 5, each
space-time-stream can typically transmit on each tone at least
once, in one of the LTFs. However, with a reduced number of LTFs,
this can no longer be true. For example, in FIG. 5, the number of
LTFs transmitted can be reduced to two LTFs (transmitting half the
number of LTFs found in an IEEE 802.11ac packet), or to one LTF
(transmitting only one-quarter the number of LTFs found in an IEEE
802.11ac packet).
[0090] For example, if half the number of LTFs is to be
transmitted, it can make sense to transmit, for example, only LTF1
505 and LTF3 515. Transmitting only these two LTFs would allow, for
example, space-time-streams 1 and 3 to transmit on each
odd-numbered tone, and allow space-time-streams 2 and 4 to transmit
on each even-numbered tone. Thus, a device receiving the packet and
using the LTFs for channel estimation would be able to identify the
channel at which tones 1, 3, 5, and so on that space-time-stream 1
is transmitted on. Based on this information, the receiving device
can be configured to interpolate the channel on which the even
numbered tones on which space-time-stream 1 is transmitted. Thus,
transmitting half the number of LTFs can require a receiving device
to interpolate the channels of certain other tones from certain
space-time-streams. However, this interpolation can be possible
without causing increased error rates, and thus, the reduction in
the number of transmitted LTFs, and the reduction in the duration
of the transmitted LTFs can still allow more data to be
successfully transmitted on the network in a given period of time.
Note that, when transmitting two LTFs out of the four illustrated
in FIG. 5, it can be easier for devices to interpolate tones when
both adjacent tones are transmitted. Accordingly, it can be
beneficial to transmit, e.g., LTF1 505 and LTF3 515, so that each
stream transmits on every second tone, rather than transmitting,
e.g., LTF1 505 and LTF2 510, where this would not be the case.
[0091] If the number of LTFs transmitted in FIG. 5 was reduced to
one-quarter of the LTFs, any of the four LTFs 505, 510, 515, 520
can be transmitted. Regardless of which LTF is transmitted, a
device can need to interpolate three tones for each one tone it
receives over a given space-time-stream. However, in some
environments, this can be possible without causing too many errors,
and can therefore be useful for transmitting more information over
the wireless medium in a given period of time.
[0092] Note that a tone-interleaved LTF design allows each of the
four space-time-streams to transmit on each of the tones. However,
this can also be accomplished in a trivial manner by, for example,
allowing space-time-stream 1 to transmit over all tones in LTF1
505, allowing space-time-stream 2 to transmit over all tones in
LTF2 510, and so on. However, one advantage of a tone-interleaved
LTF over such an LTF design can be apparent when it is considered
that each of the space-time-streams can be transmitted by a
different antenna with a given power level. If a single antenna
(space-time-stream) is used to transmit LTF1, this LTF can be
transmitted with one-quarter the power as an LTF that is
transmitted using four antennas (four space-time-streams).
Accordingly, a tone-interleaved LTF can allow for higher
transmission power on each of the LTFs, as compared to an LTF
design wherein only a single space-time-stream is used on each LTF.
These advantages of increased transmission power can also be
realized even when transmitting a reduced number of
tone-interleaved LTFs. In some aspects, other proportions can also
be used to reduce the numbers of LTFs which are transmitted. For
example, a number of LTFs can be transmitted which allows each
space-time-stream to transmit on every second tone, every third
tone, every fifth tone, two out of every three tones, and so on. In
each case, a receiving device can use interpolation to interpolate
the tones on which a given space-time-stream did not transmit.
[0093] LTFs can also be generated in other manners, rather than
using tone-interleaved LTFs. For example, a frequency domain
P-matrix 605 can be used to generate LTFs. FIG. 6 is an
illustration 600 of a matrix that can be used as a frequency domain
P-matrix in order to generate LTFs. In such a system, pairs of
neighboring tones, such as tones 1 and 2 can have 2 stream
orthogonal mappings. For example, the included matrix 605 can be
used when two space-time-streams transmit simultaneously on two
tones. For example, each pair of two tones can have an orthogonal
mapping in frequency like the illustrated mapping.
[0094] FIG. 7 illustrates 700 the time-domain counterpart to the
frequency domain mapping of illustration 600. This illustration
illustrates a time domain counterpart, with a symbol duration of
12.8 .mu.s, and a CP of 3.2 .mu.s. This symbol and CP duration
corresponds to four times the ordinary durations used in an IEEE
802.11ac packet. Thus, in illustration 700, the first 3.2 .mu.s
corresponds to a cyclic prefix 705. In matrix 605, when a signal is
multiplied by 1, this does not shift the signal at all. When a
signal is multiplied by -1, this shifts the signal by it radians,
which, when the symbol duration is 12.8 .mu.s corresponds to a
shift of 6.4 .mu.s.
[0095] Accordingly, a first stream 710, corresponding to the first
column of matrix 605, and a second stream 715, corresponding to the
second column of matrix 605, can transmit simultaneously during an
LTF on two different tones, corresponding to the first and second
rows of matrix 605. For example, on the first tone, both the first
stream 710 and the second stream 715 will not be shifted, as both
are multiplied by 1. FIG. 7 is an illustration of the time domain
counterpart for the second tone, in which the second stream 715 has
been shifted by 6.4 .mu.s. For example, if the normal value that a
space-time-stream can transmit on a given tone during an LTF is
illustrated in FIG. 7, stream 1 can begin its transmission at 3.2
.mu.s, immediately following the cyclic prefix 705. However,
because the second stream 715 has been shifted by 6.4 .mu.s, the
transmission from the second stream will be 6.4 .mu.s out of phase
with the same transmission from the first stream 710, as
illustrated.
[0096] A receiving device can thus receive transmissions on the
first tone and on the second tone. These transmissions can both
contain information from both the first space-time-stream, and the
second space-time-stream. A receiving device can be able to
determine which portion of the transmission is attributable to each
space-time-stream, due to the orthogonality of matrix 605.
Accordingly, other orthogonal matrices can be used instead of
matrix 605, so long as the matrices are orthogonal, in order to
allow receiving devices to determine the contributions of each
stream to each of the tones. By using such an orthogonal matrix in
an LTF, it should be observed that a single LTF can allow both the
first stream 710 and the second stream 715 to transmit on both the
first tone and the second tone. And, due to the orthogonality of
matrix 615, a receiving device can be able to isolate the
transmissions from each of the two streams 710, 715 on each of the
two tones. Accordingly, a single LTF can be enable two different
space-time-streams to transmit on the same tone. This can reduce
the number of LTFs needed in a given packet by a factor of two.
Similarly, a larger orthogonal matrix can be used to transmit using
more streams on more tones. For example, a 3.times.3 orthogonal
matrix can be used across three tones, to allow three streams to
transmit simultaneously across those three tones. Thus, this would
allow the number of LTFs needed to be reduced by a factor of
three.
[0097] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the interleaving which can be
used when transmitting LTFs using an orthogonal matrix scheme as in
FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, Group 1 can include two different
space-time-streams, such as streams 1 and 2. Similarly, each of
Groups 2, 3, and 4 can also include two unique streams. Thus, each
of eight space-time-streams can be included in the four groups.
Similarly, Group 1 can transmit on a certain number of tones, such
as two tones, while Group 2 can transmit on the next two tones,
Group 3 on the next two tones, and so on. In each subsequent LTF,
the tones on which each group of streams transmits on can rotate,
such that after four LTFs 805, 810, 815, 820, each of the eight
space-time-streams has transmitted on each tone of a given
transmission. This interleaving can be similar to the tone
interleaving found in FIG. 5, but with each tone being assigned to
a group of streams in a single LTF, rather than each tone being
assigned to a single stream.
[0098] As with the tone-interleaved LTFs earlier, one advantage of
such interleaving is that it allows each space-time-stream to
transmit during each of the four LTFs 805, 810, 815, 820.
Accordingly, each LTF can be transmitted using the same power as
each other, and transmitted using the same power as the data
portions of the packet. In contrast, if Group 1 transmitted on all
tones of LTF1 805, and so on for Group 2 in LTF2 810, this can
result in LTFs with different levels of power to each other.
Accordingly, such interleaving based on groups can be
beneficial.
[0099] Another benefit of this matrix-based LTF is that each
space-time-stream can be able to transmit on each tone of the
packet during an LTF. Unlike the tone-interleaving discussed
earlier, here, each space-time-stream transmits on each tone of the
packet during at least one LTF. Thus, this approach may not require
interpolation as was required for such a tone-interleaved LTF.
However, this approach can require slightly more processing by each
receiver, in order to differentiate the contributions to each tone
from the two streams included in each group. Accordingly, there can
be benefits to each of the various approaches described above.
Further, the approaches described above can be combined in various
ways, as desired. For example, it can be possible to use reduced
numbers of orthogonal-matrix-based LTFs that use a different symbol
duration than that used in the data portion of a given packet.
Other combinations can also be used as well, such as altering the
CP duration for any of the above approaches, as needed in order to
allow for robust performance in outdoor environments.
[0100] In IEEE 802.11ac, there is a short guard interval (GI) mode,
in which a shorter-duration cyclic prefix is used. Rather than
using a CP of 0.8 .mu.s, a CP of 0.4 .mu.s is used while in the
short GI mode. Similarly, a shorter GI mode can also be offered
that is still compatible with improved propagation in outdoor
environments. For example, if a particular packet typically has a
CP of 3.2 .mu.s, a short GI mode can be used in which the CP is
only 1.6 .mu.s. In some aspects, the LTF design of a particular
packet can vary based on the CP configuration, that is, whether a
short GI mode is used or not. For example, if a packet normally has
a symbol duration of 12.8 .mu.s, there can be two modes offered-one
in which the CP is 3.2 .mu.s, and one in which the CP is 1.6 .mu.s.
Based on which of these two modes is used, the LTF portion of the
packet can be different. For example, when 3.2 .mu.s CP is used,
the symbols in the LTF portion of the packet can be, for example,
6.4 .mu.s or 12.8 .mu.s, while if 1.6 .mu.s CP is used, the symbols
in the LTF section can be 3.2 .mu.s or 6.4 .mu.s.
[0101] Alternatively, if more than one space-time-stream is
present, and if symbols are 12.8 .mu.s in duration while CP can be
either 1.6 .mu.s or 3.2 .mu.s (corresponding to 12.5% or 25% CP
overhead, as in IEEE 802.11ac), group size can be altered based on
the chosen CP. For example, if 3.2 .mu.s CP is used, group size can
be 1 or can be 2 (as illustrated in FIG. 6). However, if 1.6 .mu.s
is used, group size can be 2 or 4. Accordingly, LTF format can
alter based, at least in part, on whether or not a particular
packet is being transmitted using a relatively shorter or a
relatively longer guard interval.
[0102] FIG. 9 is an illustration 900 of a method for transmitting a
packet. This method can be done by a wireless communications
device, such as a station (e.g., STA 106b) via a wireless
communication network, including, for example, either an AP 104 or
another STA 106 of wireless communication system 100.
[0103] At block 905, the wireless communication device transmits a
preamble of the packet over one or more space-time-streams, the
preamble including one or more training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation, the one or more training fields each
comprising one or more symbols of a first symbol duration. For
example, as discussed above, the symbol duration of training fields
used for channel estimation, such as LTFs, can be a duration of 3.2
.mu.s or 6.4 .mu.s. The means for transmitting the preamble can
include a transmitter, and the means for generating the
transmission can include a processor or other device.
[0104] At block 910, the wireless communication device transmits a
payload of the packet over the one or more space-time-streams, the
payload comprising one or more symbols of a second symbol duration,
where the second symbol duration is greater than the first symbol
duration. Accordingly, different symbol durations can be used for a
payload of a packet and a training field, such as an LTF, of the
packet. For example, the symbol duration in the payload of the
packet can be 6.4, 12.8, or 25.6 .mu.s, while the symbol duration
in the training field can be less than this. The means for
transmitting the payload can include a transmitter, and the means
for generating the transmission can include a processor or other
device. In some aspects, the first symbol duration can be 3.2 .mu.s
and the second symbol duration can be 6.4 .mu.s. In other aspects,
the first symbol duration can be 6.4 .mu.s and the second symbol
duration can be 12.8 .mu.s. Alternatively, the second symbol
duration can be 25.6 .mu.s.
[0105] In one aspect, the one or more symbols of the first symbol
duration can be preceded by a cyclic prefix of a third duration,
the one or more symbols of the second symbol duration are preceded
by a cyclic prefix of a fourth duration, and the cyclic prefix of
the second duration can be greater than the cyclic prefix of the
first duration. In some aspects, the third duration can be 0.8
.mu.s and the fourth duration can be 3.2 .mu.s. In other aspects,
the third duration can be 0.4 .mu.s and the fourth duration can be
1.6 .mu.s. In various aspects, the one or more symbols of the
second symbol duration can each be separated from each other by a
cyclic prefix of a third duration, and the first symbol duration
can be determined based at least in part on the third duration.
[0106] FIG. 10 is an illustration 1000 of a method for transmitting
a packet. This method can be done by a wireless communications
device, such as a station (e.g., STA 106b) on a wireless
communication network, including, for example, either an AP 104 or
another STA 106 in wireless communication system 100.
[0107] At block 1005, the wireless communication device transmits a
preamble of the packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of
space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the preamble
including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation for each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams, where a value of the N.sub.STS is greater than
one and a value of the N.sub.LTF is less than the value of the
N.sub.STS. As above, in previous formats, a number of training
fields used for channel estimation can have been kept at a level
higher than the number of space-time-streams. Accordingly, by
transmitting fewer training fields than the number of
space-time-streams, an overhead of the packet can be reduced. In
some aspects, fewer training fields can be transmitted due to
either the tone-interleaving discussed above, or the matrix-based
grouping of different space-time-streams in a single training
field, as described above. In some aspects, the means for
transmitting a preamble can include a transmitter, and the means
for generating the preamble can include a processor.
[0108] At block 1010, the wireless communication device transmits a
payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams. In
some aspects, the means for generating this packet can include a
processor, and the means for transmitting the packet can include a
transmitter.
[0109] In some aspects, each of the N.sub.TF of training fields can
be a tone-interleaved training field transmitted over the plurality
of tones, such that each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams
transmits on a subset of the plurality of tones and such that each
tone of the plurality of tones is transmitted on by exactly one of
the space-time-streams from the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams. In
some aspects, each of the N.sub.TF of training fields can be
transmitted over the plurality of tones, and each of the N.sub.STS
of space-time-streams can be part of a group of a plurality of
groups, each group transmitting to a subset of the tones of the
plurality of tones based upon an orthogonal matrix. In some
aspects, each group of the plurality of groups can include two
space-time-streams of the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams. In some
aspects, each group of the plurality of groups can include four
space-time-streams of the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams. The
value of the N.sub.TF can be approximately half of the value of the
N.sub.STS, or can be approximately one-quarter of the value of the
N.sub.STS. Both the preamble and the payload can be transmitted
with a symbol duration of at least 12.8 .mu.s. Both the preamble
and the payload can be transmitted with a cyclic prefix of at least
1.6 .mu.s.
[0110] As discussed above, for example with respect to FIG. 6, LTFs
can be generated according to a frequency domain P-matrix. In some
P-matrix applications, every stream is active on each tone. In
various embodiments discussed herein, N.sub.STS spatial streams can
be subdivided into N.sub.g groups, where each group can include
N.sub.STS/N.sub.g streams. Each tone can be populated with
N.sub.STS/N.sub.g spatial streams using a smaller orthogonal
P-matrix. Thus, each spatial stream will visit every N.sub.g tones,
and channel interpolation can be used to obtain channel estimation
on unvisited tones. Accordingly, only a subset of the N.sub.STS
spatial streams is active on each tone. Advantageously, fewer LTF
symbols can be used to orthogonalize the subset of streams, thereby
reducing LTF overhead.
[0111] FIG. 11A is an illustration of a matrix 1100A that can be
used as a frequency domain P-matrix in order to generate LTFs. The
illustrated matrix 1100A includes four spatial streams on the
y-axis and four LTF time symbols in the time-domain on the x-axis.
As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the
LTFs in the time-domain on the x-axis can be translated into tones
in the frequency domain. In a P-matrix system, each tone, carries
all N.sub.STS spatial streams by the use of an orthogonal mapping.
For example, the illustrated matrix 1100A can be used when four
space-time-streams transmit simultaneously on each tone. Each tone
can have an orthogonal mapping in frequency as illustrated in FIG.
11A. Each LTF can be determined by multiplying each of four spatial
streams x1, x2, x3, and x4, by respective column in the matrix
1100A.
[0112] FIG. 11B is a table 1100B showing LTF signals generated
using the matrix 1100A of FIG. 11A. As discussed above, each of
four spatial streams x1, x2, x3, and x4 can be multiplied by
respective columns in the matrix 1100A. Thus, for example, LTF1 can
include x1*1+x2*1+x3*1+x4*-1, as shown in the highlighted column
1110A. LTF2 can include x1*-1+x2*1+x3*1+x4*1; LTF3 can include
x1*1+x2*-1+x3*1+x4*1; LTF4 can include x1*1+x2*1+x3*-1+x4*1, and so
on. Accordingly, each frequency tone includes a combination of all
N.sub.STS spatial streams, and all four LTFs are used for channel
estimation.
[0113] In other embodiments, tone grouping can be used to reduce
the number of LTFs used for channel estimation. For example, the
N.sub.STS spatial streams can be subdivided into N.sub.g groups,
where each group has N.sub.STS/N.sub.g streams. Accordingly,
N.sub.STS/N.sub.g LTFs can be used with a smaller P-matrix, as
shown in FIGS. 12A-12C.
[0114] FIG. 12A is an illustration of a matrix 1200A that can be
used as a frequency domain P-matrix in order to generate LTFs
according to a tone-grouping embodiment. The illustrated matrix
1200A includes two spatial stream groups on the y-axis and two LTF
time symbols in the time-domain on the x-axis. As will be
appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the LTFs in
the time-domain on the x-axis can be translated into tones in the
frequency domain. The P-matrix 1200A includes orthogonal mappings.
Each LTF can be determined by multiplying each of two spatial
stream tone groups by respective values in the matrix 1200A. The
matrix 1200A can be described alternatively as two conditional
P-matrices of size N.sub.STS by N.sub.STS/N.sub.g, which are tone
dependent, as shown in FIG. 12B.
[0115] FIG. 12B is an illustration of tone-dependent matrices 1200B
and 1205B that can be used as frequency domain P-matrices in order
to generate LTFs according to a tone-grouping embodiment. The
illustrated odd-tone matrix 1200B includes four spatial streams on
the y-axis and two LTF time symbols in the time-domain on the
x-axis. As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the
art, the LTFs in the time-domain on the x-axis can be translated
into tones in the frequency domain. The P-matrix 1200B includes
orthogonal mappings. For odd tones, each LTF can be determined by
multiplying each of four spatial streams by respective values in
the matrix 1200B.
[0116] Similarly, the illustrated even-tone matrix 1205B includes
four spatial streams on the y-axis and two LTF time symbols in the
time-domain on the x-axis. As will be appreciated by one having
ordinary skill in the art, the LTFs in the time-domain on the
x-axis can be translated into tones in the frequency domain. The
P-matrix 1205B includes orthogonal mappings. For even tones, each
LTF can be determined by multiplying each of four spatial streams
by respective values in the matrix 1205B. Because the matrices
1200B and 1205B are tone-dependent, they are equivalent to the
tone-group matrix 1200A of FIG. 12A.
[0117] FIG. 12C is a table 1200C showing LTF signals generated
using the matrices 1200A, 1200B, and/or 1205B of FIGS. 12A-12B. As
discussed above, each of four spatial streams x1, x2, x3, and x4
can be multiplied by respective values in the matrices 1200A,
1200B, and/or 1205B, according to their tone groupings. Thus, for
example, odd tones in LTF1 can include x1*1+x2*1+x3*0+x4*0. Odd
tones in LTF2 can include x1*-1+x2*1+x3*0+x4*0, as shown in the
highlighted column 1210A. Even tones in LTF1 can include
x1*0+x2*0+x3*1+x4*1. Even tones in LTF2 can include
x1*0+x2*0+x3*-1+x4*1, as shown in the highlighted column 1210B, and
so on. Accordingly, each frequency tone includes only a subset of
N.sub.STS spatial streams, and only two LTFs are used for channel
estimation.
[0118] In other words, no frequency tone includes every spatial
stream. In the illustrated embodiment, every odd tone is populated
with streams x1 and x2. Every even tone is populated with streams
x3 and x4. Thus, on a given LTF symbol, each tone is masked by a
column of the smaller P-matrix 1200A:
P(N.sub.STS/N.sub.g).times.(N.sub.STS/N.sub.g). Because a given
spatial stream may not be included on any given tone, interpolation
can be used on neighboring tones to estimate any excluded tone.
[0119] Although the matrices and tables of FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate
an embodiment with four spatial streams (N.sub.STS=4), two spatial
stream groups (N.sub.g=2), and eight tones, a person having
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other combinations
are possible. For example, various other combinations are shown in
FIGS. 13A-13C.
[0120] FIG. 13A is a table 1300A showing an LTF spatial stream tone
mapping according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment,
the number of spatial streams (N.sub.STS=4) is equal to the number
of spatial stream groups (N.sub.g=4). Thus, there is only one
spatial stream in each group. In this case, the P-matrix with tone
grouping collapses into the tone-interleaved scheme shown in FIG.
13A.
[0121] FIG. 13B is a table 1300B showing an LTF spatial stream tone
mapping according to another embodiment. In the illustrated
embodiment, the number of spatial streams (N.sub.STS=3) is not an
integer multiple of the number of spatial stream groups
(N.sub.g=2). Thus, there may not the same integer number of spatial
streams in each group. In the illustrated embodiment, spatial
streams are assigned to tones in a balanced or round-robin fashion,
with each spatial stream occupying every N.sub.g/N.sub.STS tone.
For example, the spatial stream x1 occupies tones 1, 2, 4, and 5.
The spatial stream x2 occupies tones 1, 3, 4, and 6. The spatial
stream x3 occupies tones 2, 3, 5, and 6, and so on. Thus, in the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13B, power is balanced across all
tones, and each stream visits on average 2/3 of the tones. In other
embodiments, non-integer multiples of spatial stream groups can be
handled differently, for example as shown in FIG. 13C.
[0122] FIG. 13C is a table 1300C showing an LTF spatial stream tone
mapping according to another embodiment. In the illustrated
embodiment, the number of spatial streams (N.sub.STS=3) is not an
integer multiple of the number of spatial stream groups
(N.sub.g=2). Thus, there may not the same integer number of spatial
streams in each group. In the illustrated embodiment, spatial
streams are assigned to tones in weighted or protected fashion.
Thus, each spatial stream occupies N.sub.STS tones, but some
spatial streams share tones with other streams while others occupy
streams alone. For example, the spatial stream x1 and x2 occupy
tones 1, 3, and 5 together, while the spatial stream x3 occupies
tones 2, 4, and 6 alone. In various embodiments, the spatial stream
x3 can be assigned to occupy tones alone based on a stream
protection (for example, stream x3 can have a higher MCS than
streams x1 and/or x2). Accordingly, the spatial stream x3 can have
more desirable CFO and timing error protection. In the illustrated
embodiment, there is higher power on odd tones, and each stream
will visit on average half of the tones. In some embodiments,
balanced power on all tones can be achieved by power boosting even
tones by, for example, 3 dB. In this case, stream x3 can also
benefit from better channel estimation (hence better noise
protection).
[0123] FIG. 14 is an illustration 1400 of another method for
transmitting a packet. This method can be done by a wireless
communications device, such as a station on a wireless
communication network, including either an AP 104 or another STA
106 on a network. Although various blocks are shown in the
illustration 1400, a person having ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that blocks can be added, removed, or reordered within
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0124] At block 1405, the wireless communication device transmits a
preamble of the packet over a number (N.sub.STS) of
space-time-streams over a plurality of tones, the preamble
including a number (N.sub.TF) of training fields configured to be
used for channel estimation for each of the N.sub.STS of
space-time-streams. A subset of the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams
is active on each tone. As discussed above with respect to FIGS.
12-13, grouping the space-time-steams can result in a smaller
P-matrix. Accordingly, by transmitting fewer training fields than
the number of space-time-streams, an overhead of the packet can be
reduced. In various embodiments, N.sub.STS is greater than one and
N.sub.LTF is less than N.sub.STS. In some aspects, fewer training
fields can be transmitted due to the matrix-based grouping of
different space-time-streams in a single training field, as
described above. In some aspects, the means for transmitting a
preamble can include a transmitter, and the means for generating
the preamble can include a processor.
[0125] In various embodiments, each of the N.sub.TF of training
fields can be transmitted over the plurality of tones. Each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-streams can be part of one of a number
(N.sub.g) of groups. Each of the N.sub.g of groups can transmit to
a subset of the tones of the plurality of tones based upon an
orthogonal matrix.
[0126] In various embodiments, for each training field, each tone
can be masked by a column of a P-matrix of size N.sub.STS/N.sub.g
by N.sub.STS/N.sub.g (e.g., each tone is masked by a column of a
P-matrix comprising a number of columns equal to a value of the
N.sub.STS divided by a value of the N.sub.g, and a number of rows
equal to the value of the N.sub.STS divided by the value of the
N.sub.g). In various embodiments, a value of the N.sub.g is equal
to a value of the N.sub.STS and a single training field can be
transmitted over the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams interleaved
over the plurality of tones.
[0127] In various embodiments, a value of the N.sub.STS may not be
an integer multiple of a value of the N.sub.g and each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-steams may be transmitted on an average of
N.sub.g/N.sub.STS of the plurality of tones (e.g., transmitted on
an average number of the plurality of tones equal to the value of
the N.sub.g divided by the value of the N.sub.STS). In various
embodiments, N.sub.STS may not be an integer multiple of N.sub.g
and each of the N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are transmitted on
an average of N.sub.g of the plurality of tones (e.g., each of the
N.sub.STS of space-time-steams are transmitted on an average number
of the plurality of tones equal to the value of the N.sub.g). In
various embodiments, every odd tone can be populated with a first
subset of space-time-streams and every even tone can be populated
with a second subset of space-time streams.
[0128] At block 1410, the wireless communication device transmits a
payload of the packet over the N.sub.STS of space-time-streams. In
some aspects, the means for generating this packet can include a
processor, and the means for transmitting the packet can include a
transmitter.
[0129] It should be understood that any reference to an element
herein using a designation such as "first," "second," and so forth
does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements.
Rather, these designations can be used herein as a convenient
wireless device of distinguishing between two or more elements or
instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second
elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed there
or that the first element must precede the second element in some
manner. Also, unless stated otherwise a set of elements can include
one or more elements.
[0130] A person/one having ordinary skill in the art would
understand that information and signals can be represented using
any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For
example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits,
symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above
description can be represented by voltages, currents,
electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields
or particles, or any combination thereof
[0131] A person/one having ordinary skill in the art would further
appreciate that any of the various illustrative logical blocks,
modules, processors, means, circuits, and algorithm steps described
in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented
as electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog
implementation, or a combination of the two, which can be designed
using source coding or some other technique), various forms of
program or design code incorporating instructions (which can be
referred to herein, for convenience, as "software" or a "software
module), or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this
interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative
components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been
described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether
such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends
upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on
the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described
functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but
such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing
a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0132] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and
circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein
and in connection with FIGS. 1-7 can be implemented within or
performed by an integrated circuit (IC), an access terminal, or an
access point. The IC can include a general purpose processor, a
digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other
programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,
discrete hardware components, electrical components, optical
components, mechanical components, or any combination thereof
designed to perform the functions described herein, and can execute
codes or instructions that reside within the IC, outside of the IC,
or both. The logical blocks, modules, and circuits can include
antennas and/or transceivers to communicate with various components
within the network or within the device. A general purpose
processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the
processor can be any conventional processor, controller,
microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be
implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration. The functionality of the
modules can be implemented in some other manner as taught herein.
The functionality described herein (e.g., with regard to one or
more of the accompanying figures) can correspond in some aspects to
similarly designated "means for" functionality in the appended
claims.
[0133] If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on
or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a
computer-readable medium. The steps of a method or algorithm
disclosed herein can be implemented in a processor-executable
software module which can reside on a computer-readable medium.
Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and
communication media including any medium that can be enabled to
transfer a computer program from one place to another. A storage
media can be any available media that can be accessed by a
computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store
desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures
and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection can be
properly termed a computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used
herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc,
digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where
disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce
data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also
be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm can reside as
one or any combination or set of codes and instructions on a
machine readable medium and computer-readable medium, which can be
incorporated into a computer program product.
[0134] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of
steps in any disclosed process is an example of a sample approach.
Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific
order or hierarchy of steps in the processes can be rearranged
while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The
accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in
a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific
order or hierarchy presented.
[0135] Various modifications to the implementations described in
this disclosure can be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to
other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of
this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited
to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the claims, the principles and the
novel features disclosed herein. The word "exemplary" is used
exclusively herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or
illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other implementations.
[0136] Certain features that are described in this specification in
the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in
combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various
features that are described in the context of a single
implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations
separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although
features can be described above as acting in certain combinations
and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the
combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a
sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[0137] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances,
multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Moreover,
the separation of various system components in the implementations
described above should not be understood as requiring such
separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that
the described program components and systems can generally be
integrated together in a single software product or packaged into
multiple software products. Additionally, other implementations are
within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the
actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order
and still achieve desirable results.
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