TOMMUNODUNU UNUILT ON AN
`
`US010079707B1
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Kim et al .
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . : US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`
`
`( 54 ) RECEIVER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`VARIABLE HEADER REPETITION IN A
`WIRELESS OFDM NETWORK
`@ ( 71 ) Applicant : APPLIED TRANSFORM , LLC ,
`Bedford , MA ( US )
`@ ( 72 ) Inventors : Joon Bae Kim , Lexington , MA ( US ) ;
`Marcos C . Tzannes , Petaluma , CA
`( US )
`@ ( 73 ) Assignee : APPLIED TRANSFORM , LLC ,
`Bedford , MA ( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 15 / 958 , 519
`Apr . 20 , 2018
`( 22 ) Filed :
`
`@ ( * ) Notice :
`
`( 63 )
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 58 )
`
`Related U . S . Application Data
`Continuation of application No . 15 / 476 , 284 , filed on
`Mar . 31 , 2017 , now Pat . No . 9 , 973 , 361 , which is a
`( Continued )
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`
`Int . Ci .
`HOIL 27 / 26
`H04L 27 / 26
`H04L 1 / 08
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . H04L 27 / 2601 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; H04L 1 / 08
`( 2013 . 01 )
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . HO4B 1 / 38 ; H04B 7700 ; H04B 7 / 155 ; H04J
`1 / 00 ; H04J 3 / 00 ; H04J 3 / 24 ; H04J 11 / 00 ;
`( Continued )
`
`( 56 )
`
`CN
`CN
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`6 , 567 , 383 B1
`5 / 2003 Bohnke
`6 , 580 , 713 B1
`6 / 2003 Abe
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1941665
`4 / 2007
`101433022
`5 / 2009
`( Continued )
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`“ IEEE 802 . 3 : Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detec
`tion ( CSMA / CD ) Access Method and Physical Layer Specifica
`tions ” Dec . 2008 ; 2977 pages .
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner — Shawkat M Ali
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Jason H . Vick ; Sheridan
`Ross , PC
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A method and apparatus for use within a wireless OFDM
`network that receives a first packet type and a second packet
`type . The first packet type has a header field with two parts
`with each part comprising a different set of header bits . The
`two parts of the header field are received using two OFDM
`symbols . The second packet type has a header field with four
`parts with the first and second parts comprising the same first
`set of header bits and the third and the fourth part comprising
`the same second set of header bits . The four parts of the
`header field are received using four OFDM symbols . The
`second packet type provides more reliable reception than the
`first packet type .
`20 Claims , 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`( 1 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 1 & D = 1 )
`Preamble
`Header
`. . .
`
`Payload
`
`- - - - - - - -
`
`( 2 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 1 & D = 2 )
`-
`-
`Header
`Header
`Preamble
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`( 3 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 2 & D = 1 )
`Preamble
`Header
`Header Ext
`
`( 4 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 2 &
`Header
`
`Preamble
`
`D = 2 )
`Header
`
`Payload
`
`Payload
`
`Header Ext
`
`Header Ext
`
`Payload
`
`( 5 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 2 & D = 2 )
`Preamble
`Header
`Header
`
`- -
`
`- - - - -
`
`- - - - - -
`
`- - -
`
`Header Ext | Header Ext
`
`Payload
`
`10 Bits
`
`11
`
`10 Bits i
`
`5 Bits 13
`
`14
`
`5 Bits
`
`INTEL-1001
`10,079,707
`
`

`

`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`Page 2
`
`Related U . S . Application Data
`continuation of application No . 15 / 350 , 418 , filed on
`Nov . 14 , 2016 , now Pat . No . 9 , 614 , 566 , which is a
`continuation of application No . 13 / 376 , 856 , filed as
`application No . PCT / US2010 / 046088 on Aug . 20 ,
`2010 , now Pat . No . 9 , 584 , 262 .
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 61 / 235 , 909 , filed on Aug .
`21 , 2009 .
`( 58 )
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . . . H04L 1 / 00 ; H04L 1 / 08 ; H04L 5 / 00 ; H04L
`12 / 26 ; H04L 12 / 43 ; H04L 12 / 54 ; H04L
`12 / 56 ; HO4L 12 / 403 ; HO4L 27 / 28 ; H04W
`4 / 00 ; H04W 24 / 00 ; H04W 52 / 02 ; H04W
`72 / 04 ; H04W 72 / 12 ; H04W 74 / 08 ; H04M
`1 / 00
`USPC . . . . . . . 370 / 207 , 229 , 242 , 252 , 294 , 328 , 329 ,
`370 / 330 , 336 , 338 , 356 , 389 , 449 , 474 ;
`375 / 130 , 219 , 259 , 260 , 261 , 267 , 295 ,
`375 / 316
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`6 , 671 , 284 B1 * 12 / 2003 Yonge , III . . . . . . . . . . . . HO4L 1 / 0083
`370 / 462
`8 , 266 , 488 B2
`9 / 2012 Spencer
`9 , 584 , 262 B2
`2 / 2017 Kim et al .
`9 , 614 , 566 B2
`4 / 2017 Kim et al .
`2003 / 0072255 A1 4 / 2003 Ma et al .
`2004 / 0179517 Al 9 / 2004 Yamamoto et al .
`2004 / 0228269 Al 11 / 2004 Balakrishnan et al .
`2005 / 0135284 AL 6 / 2005 Nanda et al .
`2005 / 0135318 A1 6 / 2005 Walton et al .
`2005 / 0169261 AL
`8 / 2005 Williams et al .
`2005 / 0180315 Al *
`8 / 2005 Chitrapu . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04B 7 / 2628
`370 / 208
`2005 / 0195765 A1 9 / 2005 Sharon et al .
`HO3M 13 / 09
`2008 / 0184088 A1 *
`7 / 2008 Yang . . . . . . . . . . . .
`714 / 755
`
`( 56 )
`
`2008 / 0219229 A1 9 / 2008 Zheng
`2009 / 0086646 AL
`4 / 2009 Kuchibhotla et al .
`2009 / 0290563 AL 11 / 2009 Gu et al .
`2010 / 0085964 Al 4 / 2010 Weir et al .
`2010 / 0158046 AL
`6 / 2010 Pu
`2010 / 0208594 AL
`8 / 2010 Kwon et al .
`2010 / 0260137 A1 10 / 2010 Vrzic et al .
`2010 / 0265398 A
`10 / 2010 Johnson et al .
`2017 / 0207940 A1 7 / 2017 Kim et al .
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1392025
`WO 2007 / 127311
`
`2 / 2004
`11 / 2007
`
`EP
`WO
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`“ IEEE 802 . 11 ; Wireless LAN Medium Access Control ( MAC ) and
`Physical Layer ( PHY ) Specifications ” Jun . 2007 ; 1233 pages .
`
`“ IEEE 802 . 16 : Air Interface for Fixed Broadband Wireless Access
`Systems ” Oct . 2004 ; 895 pages .
`“ ITU G . 9960 : Unified High - Speed Wire - Line Based Home Net
`working Transceivers — Foundation ” Oct . 2009 ; 112 pages .
`“ ITU Standard G . 997 . 1 : Physical Layer Management for Digital
`Subscriber Line ( DSL ) Transceivers ” Apr . 2009 ; 128 pages .
`Aware , Inc . , “ G . hn : PHY - Frame Header Extension , ” ITU - T SG15 /
`Q4 09CC - 046 , Concord , California , Aug . 2009 .
`CopperGate Communications , “ G . hn : Using Two Symbols for the
`Header of a PHY frame on Coax , " ITU - T SG15 / 04 09XC - 100 ,
`Xian , China , Jul . 2009 .
`Editor for G . 9960 , “ ITU - T Recommendation G . 9960 : Next genera
`tion wire - line based home networking transceivers — Foundation , "
`ITU - T SG15 / Q4 , Jan . 2009 .
`Intellon , Corporation , “ G . hn : Extended PHY frame header , ” ITU - T
`SG15 / Q4 09XC - 119 , Xian , China , Jul . 2009 .
`Oksman , et al . “ G . hn : The New ITU - T Home Networking Standard ”
`IEEE Communications Magazine , IEEE Service Center ; Piscataway ,
`US , vol . 47 ; No . 10 , Oct . 1 , 2009 , pp . 138 - 145 XP011283328 .
`International Search Report for International ( PCT ) Application No .
`PCT / US2010 / 046088 , dated Dec . 22 , 2010 .
`Written Opinion for International ( PCT ) Application No . PCT /
`US2010 / 046088 , dated Dec . 22 , 2010 .
`International Preliminary Report on Patentability for International
`( PCT ) Application No . PCT / US2010 / 046088 , dated Mar . 1 , 2012 .
`Official Action ( including translation ) for Chinese Patent Applica
`tion No . 201080037081 . 2 , dated Dec . 4 , 2013 .
`Official Action ( including translation ) for Chinese Patent Applica
`tion No . 201080037081 . 2 , dated Jul . 3 , 2014 .
`Official Action ( including translation ) for Chinese Patent Applica
`tion No . 201080037081 . 2 , dated Mar . 23 , 2015 .
`Notification to Grant the Patent ( including translation ) for Chinese
`Patent Application No . 201080037081 . 2 , dated Oct . 26 , 2015 .
`Communication Pursuant to Rules 161 ( 1 ) and 162 EPC for Euro
`pean Patent Application No . 10748023 . 8 , dated Apr . 18 , 2012 .
`Office Action for European Patent Application No . 10748023 . 8 ,
`dated Feb . 17 , 2015 .
`Office Action for U . S . Appl . No . 13 / 376 , 856 , dated Jun . 17 , 2014 .
`Office Action for U . S . Appl . No . 13 / 376 , 856 , dated Feb . 24 , 2015 .
`Office Action for U . S . Appl . No . 13 / 376 , 856 , dated Dec . 31 , 2015 .
`Office Action for U . S . Appl . No . 13 / 376 , 856 , dated Aug . 18 , 2016 .
`Notice of Allowance for U . S . Appl . No . 13 / 376 , 856 , dated Sep . 27 ,
`2016 .
`Office Action ( Ex Parte Quayle Action ) for U . S . Appl . No . 15 / 350 , 418
`dated Jan , 13 , 2017 .
`Notice of Allowance for U . S . Appl . No . 15 / 350 , 418 dated Feb . 10 ,
`2017 .
`Office Action for U . S . Appl . No . 15 / 476 , 284 dated Sep . 15 , 2017 .
`Notice of Allowance for U . S . Appl . No . 15 / 476 , 284 dated Jan . 8 ,
`2018 .
`ITU - T Recommendation G . 9960 “ Unified High - Speed Wire - Line
`Based Home Networking Transceivers Foundation ” XP044232807 ;
`pp . 1 - 107 ; Aug . 2009 .
`ITU — Telecommunication Standardization Sector Study Group
`15 “ G . hn : 09CC - R12 HomePlug AV Interoperability Updates ”
`Intellon Corporation , France Telecom , Gigle Semiconductor , Motorola ,
`SPIDCOM ; Aug . 2009 ; 5 pages .
`Official Action for Chinese Patent Application No . 201610015747 .
`3 , dated Jun . 4 , 2018 .
`Office Action for European Patent Application No . 10748023 . 8 ,
`dated Jul . 23 , 2018 .
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`Payload
`
`
`
`Header Ext
`
`| Header Ext
`Header
`Header
`Preamble
`
`
`
`( 4 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 2 & D = 2 )
`
`5
`
`3
`
`Payload
`
`1 Header Ext 1 Header Ext
`
`Header
`Header
`Preamble
`
`
`
`( 5 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 2 & D = 2 )
`
`Fig . 1
`
`5 Bits
`
`14
`
`5 Bits 13
`
`10 Bits 1
`
`11
`
`10 Bits
`
`Payload
`
`Header
`Header
`Preamble
`
`
`
`( 2 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 1 & D = 2 )
`
`4
`
`2
`
`Payload
`
`
`
`( 1 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 1 & D = 1 )
`
`Header
`Preamble
`
`Payload
`
`Header Ext
`
`
`
`( 3 ) PHY - frame header ( H = 2 & D = 1 )
`
`Header
`Preamble 1
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`Sheet 2 of 8
`
`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`Transceiver / Domain 200
`Master
`210
`MAP
`Determination
`Module or MAP
`Processing or
`Relaying Module
`
`220
`
`230
`
`Header
`Assembly
`Module
`
`Modulation
`Module
`
`Transmit MAP Frame including TXOP Descriptor or - -
`Receive MAP Frame that includes TXOP Descriptor
`
`Transmit Second Frame Having a Plurality of Header Bits
`Using D Header OFDM Symbols or
`
`Receive Second Frame That has a Plurality of Header Bits
`That Used D Header OFDM Symbols
`
`2403 - Update The Value of D Contained in the TXOP Descriptor
`Demodulation W
`14 - Repeat Above Steps
`Module
`250
`
`Communications
`Channel ( s )
`
`260
`
`270
`
`280
`
`Transmitter
`
`Encoding
`Module
`
`Decoding
`Module
`
`Receiver
`
`Controller /
`Processor
`
`Fig . 2
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
`
`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`2nd Transceiver
`
`320
`
`220
`
`MAP
`Processing or
`Relaying
`Module
`
`Header
`Assembly
`Module
`
`Modulation
`Module
`
`240
`Demodulation W
`Module
`
`250
`
`Transmitter
`
`1
`
`270
`
`280
`
`290
`
`Encoding
`Module
`
`Decoding
`Module
`
`Receiver
`
`Controller /
`Processor
`
`1st Transceiver or 310
`Domain Master N
`210
`
`MAP Determination
`Module or MAP
`Processing or
`Relaying Module
`
`202
`- - - Transmit MAP Frame including TXOP Descriptor or —
`Receive MAP Frame that includes TXOP Descriptorum
`
`220
`
`230
`
`Header
`Assembly
`Module
`
`Modulation
`Module
`
`240
`Demodulation W
`Module
`250
`
`Transmitter
`
`260
`
`270
`
`280
`
`290
`
`Encoding
`Module
`
`Decoding
`Module
`
`Receiver
`
`Controller
`Processor
`
`Transmit Second Frame Having a Plurality of Header Bits
`Using D Header OFDM Symbols or
`
`Receive Second Frame That has a Plurality of Header Bits
`That Used D Header OFDM Symbols
`
`Communications
`Channel ( s )
`
`Fig . 3
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`Sheet 4 of 8
`
`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`BEGIN
`
`S400
`S410
`
`Transmit MAP Frame
`including TXOP Descriptor
`
`Prepare Transmission of Second S420
`Frame Having a Plurality of Header N
`Bits
`Using D Header OFDM Symbols
`S430
`
`Encode the value of D into a
`Bit Field in the Header of the
`Second Frame
`
`S440
`
`Modulate the Header Bits
`Onto the D OFDM Symbols in
`the Same Order or in a
`Different Order
`
`S450
`
`Transmit
`Second Frame
`
`Optionally Update The Value
`of D , and Repeat Steps
`S430 - 5460
`
`S460
`
`S470
`
`END
`
`Fig . 4
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`Sheet 5 of 8
`
`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`S500
`
`BEGIN
`
`Receive MAP Frame
`including TXOP Descriptor
`
`S510
`
`Receive Second Frame Having a
`Plurality of Header Bits
`That Used D Header OFDM
`Symbols
`
`S520
`
`S530
`
`S540
`
`S550
`
`Demodulate the Header Bits
`from the D OFDM Symbols in
`the Same Order or in a
`Different Order
`
`Decode the value of D from
`a Bit Field in the Header of
`the Second Frame
`
`Optionally Repeating Steps
`S530 - S550 when the Value
`of D has Been Updated
`S560
`W
`
`END END
`
`Fig . 5
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`Sheet 6 of 8
`
`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`BEGIN
`
`S600
`Transmit MAP S610
`Frame including
`TXOP
`Descriptor
`
`S620
`
`Transmit
`Second Frame
`
`END
`
`$ 630
`
`S602
`
`BEGIN
`
`S604
`
`Receive MAP Frame
`including TXOP Descriptor
`
`Receive Second Frame Having a
`Plurality of Header Bits
`That Used D Header OFDM
`Symbols
`
`so S606
`
`S608
`
`S612
`
`5614
`
`Demodulate the Header Bits
`from the D OFDM Symbols in
`the Same Order or in a
`Different Order
`
`Decode the value of D from
`a Bit Field in the Header of
`the Second Frame
`
`Optionally Repeating Steps
`S608 - S616 when the Value
`of D has Been Updated
`S616
`
`END
`
`Fig . 6
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`Sheet 7 of 8
`
`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`S700
`
`BEGIN
`
`Transmit MAP SI
`Frame including N
`TXOP
`Descriptor
`
`S720
`
`END
`
`S702
`
`BEGIN
`
`Prepare Transmission of Second 5704
`Frame Having a Plurality of Header W
`Bits
`Using D Header OFDM Symbols
`- more recentementen S706
`Encode the Value of D into a
`Bit Field in the Header of the
`Second Frame
`
`S708
`Modulate the Header Bits
`Onto the D OFDM Symbols in W
`the Same Order or in a
`Different order
`
`S712
`
`Transmit
`Second Frame
`
`Optionally Updating The
`Value of D , and Repeating
`Steps S706 - 5714
`S716
`
`END
`
`S714
`
`Fig . 7
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`She 8 ore
`
`Sheet 8 of 8
`
`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`BEGIN
`
`S800
`2 S810
`
`Transmit MAP
`Frame including
`TXOP
`Descriptor
`
`END
`
`Other Transceiver
`Relays MAP Frame
`including
`TXOP Descriptor
`5820
`
`S802
`
`BEGIN
`
`Receive MAP S804
`Frame including
`TXOP
`Descriptor
`Prepare Transmission of Second
`Frame Having a Plurality of Header W
`Bits
`Using D Header OFDM Symbols
`S808
`
`Encode the value of D into a
`Bit Field in the Header of the
`Second Frame
`
`S812
`
`Modulate the Header Bits
`Onto the D OFDM Symbols in
`the Same Order or in a
`Different Order
`
`Transmit
`Second Frame S814
`S816
`
`Optionally Updating The
`Value of D , and Repeating
`Steps S808 - 5816
`
`END
`
`S818
`
`Fig . 8
`
`

`

`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`RECEIVER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`VARIABLE HEADER REPETITION IN A
`WIRELESS OFDM NETWORK
`
`bols for the Header of PHY Frame on Coax , " July , 2009 ,
`filed in the priority application and incorporated herein by
`reference in their entirety .
`The possibility of carrying more than PHY , bits in the
`5 header ( H = 1 or 2 ) is also under discussion as disclosed in the
`RELATED APPLICATION DATA
`" G . hn : PHY - Frame Header Extension ” article and in “ G . hn :
`Extended PHY Frame Header , ” ITU - T 5G15 / Q4 09XC - 119 ,
`This application is a continuation of U . S . patent applica -
`July 2009 , filed in the priority application and incorporated
`tion Ser . No . 15 / 476 , 284 , filed Mar . 31 , 2017 , now U . S . Pat .
`herein by reference in their entirety .
`No . 9 , 973 , 361 , which is a continuation of U . S . patent
`10
`application Ser . No . 15 / 350 , 418 , filed Nov . 14 , 2016 , now !
`SUMMARY
`U . S . Pat . No . 9 , 614 , 566 , which is a continuation of U . S .
`patent Ser . No . 13 / 376 , 856 , filed Feb . 8 , 2012 , now U . S . Pat .
`One exemplary technique discussed herein is allowing
`No . 9 , 584 , 262 , which is a national stage application under
`different values of D in a single domain where nodes are
`35 U . S . C . 371 of PCT Application No . PCT / US2010 / 15 operating in different portions of frequency bands . For the
`046088 , having an international filing date of Aug . 20 , 2010 ,
`power - line medium , G . 9960 has defined two overlapped
`which designated the United States , which PCT application
`baseband bandplans , 50 MHz - PB and 100 MHZ - PB . The
`claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U . S . C . § 119 ( e )
`possibility of having narrower bandplans such as 25 MHz
`to U . S . Patent Application No . 61 / 235 , 909 , filed Aug . 21 ,
`PB and 12 . 5 MHz - PB are under discussion in order to
`2009 , entitled " Header Repetition Scheme in Packet - Based 20 support , for example , SmartGrid applications .
`OFDM Systems , ” each of which are incorporated herein by
`In this exemplary scenario , the level of frequency diver
`reference in their entirety .
`sity is different depending on the bandplan , hence providing
`different header decodability if D is fixed to 1 . If D is fixed
`FIELD
`to 2 , then it increases reliability for the narrowband devices ,
`25 but may also unnecessarily increase overhead for the wide
`band devices .
`An exemplary aspect of this invention relates to commu
`An exemplary aspect is therefore directed to techniques to
`nications systems . More specifically , exemplary methods ,
`systems , means , protocols and computer - readable storage
`accommodate different repetitions schemes ( D = 1 , . . . ,
`media , are directed toward header repetition in a commu -
`DMAX and H = 1 , . . . , Hmax ) in a single domain , and still
`30 allow devices to communicate with one another . Dmax and
`nications environment .
`Hvar can be 2 or larger than 2 .
`BACKGROUND
`As illustrated in FIG . 1 , various header repetition schemes
`are illustrated where D , H = 1 or 2 . In FIG . 1 , the second
`instance of a block with the same label is a copy of the prior
`use
`Conventional multi - user communications system
`frame - based ( or packet - based ) transmission to communica - 35 35 block . The modulation of the copied block may not be
`exactly the same as the original version . For example , the
`tion between two or more users over a shared channel based
`label " Header Ext ” emphasizes the fact that it may contain
`on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing ( OFDM ) —
`different header information than the “ Header . ” The payload
`( OFDM is also sometimes referred to as multicarrier modu
`after the header may be omitted in some cases ( e . g . , ACK ,
`lation . ) A packet is usually formed by a preamble , header ,
`header , 40 RTS / CTS , etc . ) .
`and payload , and transmitted using time - sharing or conten
`The repetition scheme expands similarly with larger val
`tion - based media access methods . An example of such a
`ues of Dway and Hvar . An exemplary aspect focuses on
`system includes IEEE 802 . 11 ( Wireless LAN ) , IEEE 802 . 16
`dealing with different values of D , with different values of H
`capable of being supported in a straightforward way as
`( WiMAX ) , and ITU G . 9960 ( G . hn ) . These systems use
`OFDM transmission , which is also sometimes referred to as 45 discussed in the paper G . hn : PHY - Frame Header Extension .
`Discrete Multi - Tone ( DMT ) which divides the transmission
`On exemplary aspect is directed toward receiver detection
`frequency band into multiple subcarriers ( also referred to as
`of D with variable repetition . More specifically , in accor
`tones or sub - channels ) , with each sub - carrier individually
`dance with this exemplary embodiment , the transmitter
`modulating a bit or a collection of bits .
`selects ( or determines ) , the at least one D value . The
`The header contains important control information for the 50 selection may be at its own discretion , or may be based on
`receiver to decode the payload properly , and also provides
`information communicated between one or more receivers ,
`information about the packet length for virtual carrier sens
`or based on instruction ( s ) from one or more other receivers
`ing . Hence , it is essential to decode the header reliably . In
`and / or a domain master . Selection may depend on the
`G . 9960 , which is incorporated herein by reference in its
`number of available sub - carriers ( or the bandwidth ) of the
`entirety , and should be familiar to those skilled in the art , the 55 bandplan the transmitter operates on and / or the receiver ( s )
`header containing PHY , bits ( header information block ) is
`operates on . In accordance with this exemplary embodiment ,
`carried over one or two OFDM symbols ( D = 1 or 2 ) , and
`a receiving node in the domain should be able to decode
`within each symbol , multiple header information blocks are
`packets sent by the transmitter without knowing D a priori
`repeated over the entire frequency band . ( See Editor for
`( i . e . prior to decoding the packet header ) .
`G . 9960 , “ ITU - T Recommendation G . 9960 : Next generation 60
`Another exemplary aspect is for a transmitter to carry ,
`wire - line based home networking transceivers — Founda
`insert or otherwise communicate the value of D in the header
`tion , ” ITU - T SG15 / 04 , January 2009 ) The default value of
`so that all nodes know how many OFDM symbols are
`D
`is
`1 , but expanding it to 2 in some cases is under
`carrying header information . The receiver ( s ) starts process
`discussion . See , for example , " G . hn : PHY - Frame Header ing the header by decoding one OFDM header symbol . If the
`Extension , ” ITU Temporary Document ITU - T SG - 15 / Q4 65 receiver decodes it successfully , then the receiver knows
`09CC - 046 , August 2009 , and ITU Temporary Document
`how many more OFDM symbols ( D - 1 ) are carrying header
`ITU - T 5G15 / Q4 09XC - 100 entitled “ G . hn : Using Two Sym -
`information for a given frame . If the receiver fails to obtain
`
`

`

`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`FIG . 2 illustrates an exemplary transceiver ;
`the header information from the OFDM header symbol ( i . e . ,
`FIG . 3 illustrates an exemplary communications environ
`the header decoding fails ) , then the receiver can try to
`decode two OFDM header symbols , and so on . The decod
`ment ;
`decod -
`FIG . 4 is a flowchart outlining an exemplary method of a
`ing of each additional OFDM header symbol provides
`additional diversity thereby increasing the likelihood of 5 header repetition scheme ;
`FIG . 5 is a flowchart outlining another exemplary method
`decoding the header information correctly .
`Another exemplary aspect is directed to a fixed repetition
`for a header repetition scheme ;
`FIG . 6
`is a flowchart outlining yet another exemplary
`scheme per domain . More specifically , a domain master can
`select ( or determine ) one or more fixed D values for at least
`method for a header repetition scheme ;
`one node in the domain . For example , the domain master 10
`FIG . 7 is a flowchart outlining another exemplary method
`may select one fixed value for all nodes in
`a domain
`for a header repetition scheme ; and
`Selection may depend on the number of available sub -
`FIG . 8 is a flowchart outlining another method of an
`carriers ( or the bandwidth ) of the bandplans that the domain
`exemplary header repetition scheme .
`members operate on . The domain master may change the
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`value of D dynamically . A node in the domain first needs to 15
`determine the D that the domain master has set ( or selected /
`The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be
`determined ) .
`On exemplary aspect is for the domain master to carry ,
`described in relation to communications systems , as well as
`insert or otherwise communicate the selected value of D in
`protocols , techniques and methods for header repetition ,
`the header of the MAP frame while also using this D value 20 such as in a DSL or multimode multicarrier communications
`for the transmission of the MAP header as described above .
`environment , a home network or an access network , or in
`In this case , a node will be able to determine the value of D
`general any communications network operating using any
`using the methods described above . After this value is
`communications protocol ( s ) . Examples of such home or
`determined by a node , the node can use this value until it is
`access networks include home powerline networks , access
`changed or updated by , for example , a domain master , 25 powerline networks , home coaxial cable network , access
`coaxial cable network , wireless home networks , wireless
`another transceiver , etc .
`Another exemplary aspect is for the domain master to
`corporate networks , home telephone networks and access
`carry , insert or otherwise communicate the selected value of
`telephone networks . However , it should be appreciated that
`D in the MAP while using a fixed D for the header of the
`in general , the systems , methods , and techniques of this
`MAP frame ( e . g . , pre - defined per medium or Duay ) . The D
`30 invention will work equally well for other types of commu
`value in the MAP will be used for non - MAP frames / packets .
`nications environments , networks , and / or protocols .
`In this case , a node in the domain may not need multiple
`The exemplary systems and methods of this invention will
`levels of header decode process as described in above . Also
`also be described in relation to wired or wireless modems
`in this exemplary method , the MAP may be sent with a
`and / or a software and / or a hardware testing module , a
`different D value than the D value used for other ( non - MAP ) 35 telecommunications test device , or the like , such as a DSL
`modem , an ADSL modem , and xDSL modem , a VDSL
`frames / packets .
`Another exemplary aspect is directed toward a fixed
`modem , a line card , a G . hn transceiver , a MOCA transceiver ,
`a Homeplug® transceiver , a power line modem , a wired or
`repetition scheme per TXOP .
`More specifically , in addition , or alternatively , the domain
`wireless modem , test equipment , a multicarrier transceiver ,
`master may select ( or determine ) a D value per TXOP . This 40 a wireless wide / local area network system , a satellite com
`selection may be at its own discretion , or based on infor
`munications system , a network - based communications sys
`mation communicated between one or more transceivers or
`tems , such as an IP , Ethernet or ATM system , a modem
`receivers , or based on instruction from one or more trans -
`equipped with diagnostic capabilities , or the like , or a
`ceivers or receivers . Selection may depend on the number of
`separate programmed general purpose computer having a
`available sub - carriers ( and / or the bandwidth ) of the band - 45 communications device that is capable of operating in
`plan the transmitter / transceiver operates on and / or the
`conjunction with any one or more of the following commu
`receiver ( s ) operates on .
`nications protocols : MOCA , Homeplug , IEEE 802 . 11 , IEEE
`An exemplary technique is to include D in the TXOP
`802 . 3 , IEEE 802 . 16 ( WiMAX ) , and ITU G . 9960 ( G . hn ) , or
`descriptor transmitted in the MAP so that all nodes know in
`the like . However , to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
`advance what value of D is used for that TXOP . The TXOP 50 present invention , the following description omits well
`descriptor is the part of the MAP message which can be
`known structures , operations and devices that may be shown
`communicated via the MAP frame as discussed above .
`in block diagram form or are otherwise summarized or
`Any of the above aspects and further aspects may be
`known .
`located in a network management system or network opera -
`For purposes of explanation , numerous details are set
`tion device that is located inside or outside the network 55 forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
`and / or the transceiver ( s ) . The network operation or manage -
`present invention . It should be appreciated however that the
`ment device that is located inside or outside the network may
`present invention may be practiced in a variety of ways
`be managed and / or operated by a user , consumer , service
`beyond the specific details set forth herein . Furthermore ,
`provider or power utility provider , a governmental entity , or
`while the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein show
`60 various components of this system collocated , it is to be
`the like .
`appreciated that the various components of the system can
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION ON THE DRAWINGS
`be located at distant portions of a distributed network , such
`as a communications network , node , within a Domain
`The exemplary embodiments of the invention will be
`Master , and / or the internet , or within a dedicated secured ,
`described in detail , with reference to the following figures , 65 unsecured , and / or encrypted system and / or within a network
`operation or management device that is located inside or
`wherein :
`FIG . 1 illustrates exemplary header repetition schemes ;
`outside the network . As an example , a Domain Master can
`
`

`

`US 10 , 079 , 707 B1
`
`this example , the “ Header ” is limited to a certain number of
`m or
`bits ( here arbitrarily illustrated as 10 bits ) , however , for this
`manages and / or configures any one or more aspects of the
`example , there are 15 bits of information that need to be
`network or communications environment .
`included in the header . Thus , 10 bits are included in the
`Thus , it should be appreciated that the components of the
`" Header ” and the remaining 5 bits are included in the
`system can be combined into one or more devices , or split 5
`" Header Ext . ” As will be appreciated , the number of infor
`between devices , such as a modem , a station , a Domain
`mation bits to be included in the header , the number of bits
`Master , a network operation or management device , a node
`the header is capable of carrying and the number of bits the
`or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network ,
`header extended is capable of carrying can be any value ( s ) .
`such as a communications network . As will be appreciated
`from the following description , and for reasons of compu - 10 The 10 bits in “ Header ” 11 are repeated in " Header " 12 and
`tational efficiency , the components of the system can be
`the 5 bits in “ Header Ext ” 13 and repeated in “ Header Ext "
`arranged at any location within a distributed network with
`14 .
`out affecting the operation thereof . For example , the various
`FIG . 2 illustrates an exemplary transceiver or Domain
`components can be located in a Domain Master , a node , a
`Master 200 . In addition to well known componentry , the
`domain management device , such as a MIB , a network 15 transceiver or Domain Master 200 includes ( for a Domain
`operation or management device , or some combination
`Master ) a MAP determination module 210 and ( for a trans
`thereof . Similarly , one or more of the functional portions of
`ceiver ) a MAP processing or relaying module 210 , a header
`the system could be distributed between a modem and an
`assembly module 220 , modulation module 230 , demodula
`associated computing device / system , and / or in a dedicated
`tion module 240 , transmitter 250 , encoding module 260 ,
`20 decoding module 270 , receiver 280 , and controller / proces
`test and / or measurement device .
`Furthermore , it should be appreciated that the various
`sor 290 . In general , a Domain Master generally determines
`links 5 , including the communications channel ( s ) connect
`a MAP frame for transmission to one or more other trans
`ing the elements can be wired or wireless links or any
`ceivers while a transceiver is capable of one or more of
`combination thereof , or any other known or later developed
`receiving and / or relaying the received MAP frame to one or
`element ( s ) capable of supplying and / or communicating data 25 more other transceivers . For ease of discussion , in the
`to and from the connected elements . The term module as
`following description , the determining and transmitting of a
`used herein can refer to any known or later developed
`MAP frame will be performed by a Domain Master - type of
`hardware , software , firmware , or combination thereof , that is
`transceiver and the receiving and / or relaying of a MAP
`capable of performing the functionality associated with that
`frame will be performed by a non - domain master type of
`element . The terms determine , calculate , and compute and 30 transceiver . However , the description also allows and
`variations thereof , as used herein are used interchangeable
`enables any transceiver ( Domain master or non - domain
`and include any type of methodology , process , technique ,
`master ) to determine , transmit , receive