Method of beamforming and system for implementing beamforming

Abstract

A beamforming method includes collecting data related to a connection between a first user equipment and a network. The method further includes determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming, determining whether a movement speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold, using broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a method of beamforming and a system for implementing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Beamforming is a technique in which an antenna directs a signal to a user device connected to a network, rather than broadcasting a uniform signal in all directions. Directing a signal to a specific user device improves communication speeds between the user device and the network compared to providing a uniform signal in all directions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of beamforming. The method includes collecting data related to a connection between a first user equipment (UE) and a network. The method further includes determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming, determining whether a moving speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold, using broadband beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for beamforming. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The system further includes a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The processor is configured to execute instructions for receiving data associated with a connection between a first user equipment (UE) and a network. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether a moving speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for instructing antennas in the network to use broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The instructions cause a processor to receive data associated with a connection between a first user equipment (UE) and a network. The instructions further cause the processor to determine whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. The instructions further cause the processor to determine whether a moving speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming. The instructions further cause the processor to instruct antennas in the network to use broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment (UE) and the network in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, according to standard industry practice, various features have not been drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be increased or decreased arbitrarily for clarity of discussion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a telecommunications network, according to some embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a method of beamforming, according to some embodiments.

[0009] [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart of a method of beamforming, according to some embodiments.

[0010] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for beamforming, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc. are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc. are contemplated. For example, in the following description, forming a first feature (component, portion) above or on a second feature (component, portion) can include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact with each other, and can also include embodiments in which an additional feature may be formed between the first and second features such that the first and second features are not in direct contact with each other. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters / symbols in various examples. This repetition is for the purposes of brevity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations described.

[0012] Additionally, spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein for ease of describing the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s), as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0013] As telecommunications systems transition to newer generations, such as fifth generation (5G), beamforming becomes more important due to the reduced coverage area of ​​each antenna. Signal loss in 5G technology is more pronounced than in other technologies, such as fourth generation (4G) or long-term evolution (LTE). This signal loss increases the usefulness of beamforming to maintain the high speeds consumers expect from 5G communications. Beamforming is used to provide a focusing signal between user equipment and the network. The focusing signal helps improve both upload and download speeds. Digital beamforming, such as sound reference signal (SRS), offers faster speeds than other types of beamforming, such as broad beam or single sideband (SSB).

[0014] Although beamforming can direct a focusing signal toward a specific user equipment, directing a focusing signal toward the user equipment may not be advantageous in all situations. For example, if the user equipment is moving rapidly (at a high speed), it is difficult to change the direction of the signal to match the user equipment's rapid movement. Providing a focusing signal that attempts to track the user equipment's rapid movement also increases the risk of interrupting the connection between the user equipment and the network if the signal movement does not sufficiently match the user equipment's movement. Furthermore, in some instances, due to a lack of line of sight (LoS) between the user equipment and the antenna, certain types of beamforming make it even more difficult to maintain a connection between the user equipment and the network.

[0015] The present disclosure measures a connection between a user equipment and a network to determine whether the connection with the user equipment is suitable for digital beamforming. If the connection is not suitable for digital beamforming, the beamforming method can select between available non-digital beamforming options (from among available non-digital beamforming methods). If the connection is suitable for digital beamforming, the beamforming method can determine whether to use single-user or multi-user digital beamforming. The ability to selectively change the type of beamforming for a particular user equipment reduces the risk of connection drops and improves the ability to provide high-speed service to consumers, resulting in improved overall consumer satisfaction with the network.

[0016] 1 is a schematic diagram of a telecommunications network 100, according to some embodiments. The telecommunications network 100 includes multiple base stations 110, each having a corresponding coverage area 115. A mobile device 130 in the telecommunications network 100 can connect to one or more base stations 110 when the mobile device 130 is within the coverage area 115 corresponding to the base station 110.

[0017] For example, to improve connection speeds, such as upload and / or download speeds, antennas within the base station 110 may be configured to use beamforming to more precisely direct signals to the location of the mobile device 130 under certain conditions. For example, in a situation where the mobile device 130 is within the coverage area 115a of the base station 110a, the antennas within the base station 110a may use beamforming to adjust the signal between the base station 110a and the mobile device 130 to help improve the connection speed between the mobile device 130 and the base station 110a. The type of beamforming used to improve the connection speed depends on the quality of the connection between the base station 110a and the mobile device 130, the movement rate of the mobile device 130 within the coverage area 115a, or other related factors. In some embodiments, the antennas of the base station 110a are capable of digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the antennas of the base station 110a are capable of SSB beamforming. In some embodiments, the antennas of the base station 110a are capable of broad-beam beamforming. In some embodiments, each of the base stations 110 has antennas with the same beamforming capabilities. In some embodiments, at least one of the base stations 110 has a different beamforming capability than at least one other base station 110. For example, in some embodiments, base station 110b is not capable of digital beamforming but is capable of SSB beamforming and broad beam beamforming, and base station 110a is capable of digital beamforming, SSB beamforming, and broad beam beamforming. As a result, in some embodiments, the beamforming method is adjusted based on the capabilities of the antennas in the base stations 110. For example, in some embodiments, the beamforming method while the mobile device 130 is in coverage area 115a is different from the beamforming method while the mobile device 130 is in coverage area 115b.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method 200 of beamforming according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method 200 is implemented using at least one base station, e.g., base station 110 (FIG. 1). Method 200 can be used to perform beamforming for a particular user equipment, e.g., mobile device 130 (FIG. 1). By performing user equipment-specific beamforming, method 200 improves (increases) the data rate of the particular user equipment. Method 200 can also correlate beamforming across multiple user equipment to increase network resource efficiency. Because each base station does not have an antenna for each user equipment in its corresponding coverage area, correlating multiple user equipment can, in some cases, help improve network resource efficiency and also improve data rates for user equipment connected to the base station.

[0019] In operation 205, a user equipment connects to the network. The user equipment connects to the network via wireless signals transmitted from an antenna connected to the network. In some embodiments, the user equipment comprises a mobile device, e.g., mobile device 130 (FIG. 1), such as a mobile phone, a smart watch, smart glasses, an automobile, or other suitable mobile device. In some embodiments, the user equipment comprises other devices, such as a smart appliance, a digital personal assistant, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or other suitable user equipment. In some embodiments, the user equipment connects to the network automatically. In some embodiments, connecting the user equipment to the network includes some interaction between the user and the user equipment, such as entering a password, network identification information, user credentials, or other suitable interaction.

[0020] At operation 210, data about the connection between the user equipment and the network is collected. The data includes key performance indicators (KPIs) about the connection between the user equipment and the network. The KPIs include information related to the strength and speed of the signal connecting the user equipment to the network. In some embodiments, the data includes multiple parameters. In some embodiments, at least one of the parameters is collected by the network. In some embodiments, at least one of the parameters is collected by the user equipment and transmitted to the network. In some embodiments, the data includes reference signal received power (RSRP), signal to noise ration (SNR), Doppler effect, reference signal received quality (RSRQ), or other suitable parameters. In some embodiments, the KPIs are collected using one or more channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) beams transmitted from the network to the user equipment.

[0021] In operation 215, a determination is made as to whether the user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. Digital beamforming uses multiple antennas to transmit signals with the same wavelength and phase. Digital beamforming provides high-speed data transfer between the user equipment and the network by directing a focusing signal toward the user equipment's location. Digital beamforming can be used in situations where the user equipment has a line of sight (LoS) with a base station as well as in situations where the user equipment does not have LoS with a base station. The determination as to whether the user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming is made for a specific user equipment on an individual device basis. The determination as to whether the user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming is made based on the data collected in operation 210. If the data collected in operation 210 indicates a sufficiently strong connection between the user equipment and the network, the user equipment is determined to be eligible for digital beamforming. If the data collected in operation 210 indicates that the connection between the user equipment and the network is not strong enough, the user equipment is determined to be ineligible for digital beamforming. If it is determined that the user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming, method 200 proceeds to operation 235. If it is determined that the user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming, method 200 proceeds to operation 220.

[0022] At operation 220, a determination is made as to whether the speed (movement speed) of the user equipment within the coverage area exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments, the speed of the user equipment is determined based on measured Doppler shifts from the user equipment. In some embodiments, the speed of the user equipment is determined based on global position information received from the user equipment, such as global position system (GPS) information. If the user equipment is moving quickly through the base station's coverage area, it becomes more difficult to focus a signal on the user equipment, reducing the likelihood of improving the user equipment's data rate. In fact, in some cases, if the user equipment is moving too fast, the focusing signal may not be able to maintain a sufficient connection to the user equipment. In response to a determination that the user equipment is moving at a speed below the threshold, the method proceeds to operation 230. In response to a determination that the user equipment is moving at a speed greater than the threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 225.

[0023] In operation 225, a broad beam beamforming method is used for connection between the user equipment and the network. The broad beam beamforming method broadcasts a wide signal over a significant portion or all of the coverage area. Broad beam beamforming provides a lower data rate compared to other beamforming methods. However, the risk of signal loss due to rapid movement of the user equipment within the coverage area is reduced using broad beam beamforming compared to other techniques.

[0024] In operation 230, a beamforming method of SSB beamforming is used for connection between the user equipment and the network. SSB beamforming provides faster data transfer than broad beam beamforming but slower data transfer than digital beamforming. SSB beamforming is used when the user equipment has line of sight (LoS) to the base station. The width of the signal beam using SSB beamforming is narrower than broad beam beamforming but wider than digital beamforming.

[0025] At operation 235, a determination is made as to whether the resource load on the network is greater than a threshold. Determining the resource load on the network determines what portion of the base station's capacity is currently being used to provide connections to user equipment connected to the network. As the load on the network increases, i.e., with more user equipment connected, the quality of service (QoS) to the user equipment increases in risk of degradation. As a result, increased load on the network increases the risk of slowed data transfer or dropped signals to user equipment. In some embodiments, network load is measured using physical resource blocks (PRBs) to determine the number of subcarrier channels in use. As unused capacity in the network decreases, i.e., as load increases, the network's ability to direct signals to a single user equipment decreases in order to maintain an adequate level of service to other user equipment connected to the network decreases. In response to a determination that the resource load on the network is greater than a threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 240. In response to a determination that the resource load on the network is equal to or less than the threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 250.

[0026] At operation 240, a determination is made as to whether the correlation between multiple user equipment is greater than a threshold. The correlation between multiple user equipment measures (indicates) the similarity of the signals used to connect each of the user equipment to the network. As the signal similarity increases, the ability to connect multiple user equipment to the network using a single signal increases. Connecting multiple user equipment to the network using a single signal reduces the load on the network and frees up additional network resources to provide connections to other user equipment. However, if the similarity between the signals is low, attempting to connect multiple user equipment to the network using a single signal increases the risk that one or more user equipment will experience poor QoS. As a result, the risk of customer dissatisfaction increases. In response to a determination that the correlation is greater than the threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 245. In response to a determination that the correlation is equal to or less than the threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 250.

[0027] In operation 245, multi-user digital beamforming is used to connect user equipment to the network. Multi-user digital beamforming uses digital beamforming to connect multiple user equipment using a single signal. In some embodiments, communication between different user equipment connected to a network using multi-user digital beamforming is implemented using time division multiplexing. In some embodiments, portions of the signal from the network are assigned to each of the user equipment sharing the single signal. Compared to single-user digital beamforming, multi-user digital beamforming reduces the load on the network but increases the risk of slow data transfer for individual user equipment with the network. In some embodiments, multi-user digital beamforming is implemented using sounding reference signal (SRS) beamforming.

[0028] In operation 250, single-user digital beamforming is used to connect user equipment to the network. Single-user digital beamforming uses digital beamforming to a single user equipment using a single signal. A dedicated signal to a single user equipment provides high-speed data transfer between the user equipment and the network. However, the load on the network increases compared to multi-user digital beamforming. In some embodiments, single-user digital beamforming is implemented using sounding reference signal (SRS) beamforming.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 200 can be used to determine which beamforming option (beamforming method) can balance network load with increased user equipment data rates based on the characteristics of the connection between the user equipment and the network. By utilizing method 200, customers can receive higher data rates with reduced risk of QoS degradation or signal loss. The ability to select a beamforming method (beamforming technique) for each user equipment also helps the network increase the efficiency of load management.

[0030] In some embodiments, method 200 includes additional operations. For example, in some embodiments, method 200 includes an operation of the network querying the user equipment for connection data associated with the connection between the user equipment and the network. In some embodiments, method 200 includes an operation for storing information regarding the connection data for determining base station efficiency. In some embodiments, at least one operation of method 200 is omitted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 220 is omitted, and any user equipment not eligible for digital beamforming is connected to the network using broad-beam beamforming. In some embodiments, the order of operations of method 200 is adjusted (changed). For example, in some embodiments, operation 220 is performed before operation 215.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method 300 of beamforming, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method 300 is implemented using at least one base station, e.g., base station 110 (FIG. 1). Method 300 can be used to perform beamforming for a specific user equipment, e.g., mobile device 130 (FIG. 1). By performing user equipment-specific beamforming, method 300 improves data rates for the specific user equipment. Method 300 can also correlate beamforming across multiple user equipment to improve network resource efficiency. Because each base station does not have an antenna for each user equipment in its corresponding coverage area, correlating multiple user equipment can, in some cases, improve network resource efficiency and also help improve data rates for user equipment connected to the base station. In some embodiments, method 300 is performed concurrently with method 200 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, method 300 is performed independently of method 200 (FIG. 2).

[0032] At operation 310, for each user equipment, a determination is made as to whether the corresponding user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. In some embodiments, operation 310 is an example of operation 215 (FIG. 2). Operation 310 is performed for each user equipment. That is, at operation 310a, a determination is made as to whether a first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. At operation 310b, a determination is made as to whether a second user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. At operation 310c, a determination is made as to whether a third user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. By determining whether each of the user equipment is individually eligible for digital beamforming, method 300 can provide user equipment-specific responses for beamforming, thereby improving user efficiency of network resources and increasing available data rates for the user equipment in applicable situations.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one parameter of the data relied upon to perform operation 310 is collected by the network. In some embodiments, at least one parameter of the data relied upon to perform operation 310 is collected by user equipment and transmitted to the network. Operation 310 is performed based on the KPIs RSRP, SNR, and Doppler effect. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these KPIs are merely examples, and that other KPIs may be used in addition to or instead of the KPIs used in operation 310. For example, in some embodiments, the KPI RSRP is replaced with the KPI RSRQ.

[0034] Operations 310 are described with respect to operations 310a for a first user equipment. Those skilled in the art will understand that the description of operations 310 is also applicable to operations 310b for a second user equipment and operations 310c for a third user equipment. In some embodiments, the determination of digital beamforming eligibility for each of the user equipment depends on the same KPI. In some embodiments, the determination of digital beamforming eligibility for at least one user equipment depends on at least one KPI that is different from the determination of digital beamforming eligibility for another user equipment.

[0035] At operation 312, the RSRP is compared to an RSRP threshold Th_rsrp. The RSRP threshold Th_rsrp is selected taking into account the number of user equipment connected to the base station. As the number of user equipment connected to the base station increases, the rate of data transfer between the network and the user equipment decreases. In some embodiments, Th_rsrp is selected from a value ranging from approximately 100 to approximately 105. Setting Th_rsrp too high potentially increases the risk of providing unnecessarily slow data rates to more user equipment. Setting Th_rsrp too low potentially increases the risk of attempting to provide digital beamforming to user equipment that may experience problems with the digital beamforming connection. In response to a determination that the RSRP is greater than Th_rsrp, method 300 proceeds to operation 325. In response to a determination that the RSRP is less than or equal to Th_rsrp, method 300 proceeds to operation 314.

[0036] At operation 314, the SNR is compared to an SNR threshold Th_snr. The SNR threshold Th_snr is selected taking into account the signal strength between the network and the user equipment to provide specified performance to the user equipment. Because line of sight (LoS) affects the SNR, SNR tends to decrease as the LoS decreases. In some embodiments, Th_snr is selected from a range of approximately 8 decibels (dB) to 15 dB. Setting Th_snr too low potentially increases the risk of providing unnecessarily slow data rates to more user equipment. Setting Th_snr too high potentially increases the risk of attempting to provide digital beamforming to user equipment that may experience problems with the digital beamforming connection. In response to a determination that the SNR is greater than Th_snr, method 300 proceeds to operation 316. In response to a determination that the SNR is less than or equal to Th_snr, method 300 proceeds to operation 325.

[0037] At operation 316, the Doppler effect is compared to a first Doppler effect threshold Th_D1. The first Doppler effect threshold Th_D1 is selected taking into account how rapidly the channel of the connection between the user equipment and the network is changing, which indicates the user equipment's speed of movement. As the rate of change of the channel increases, the risk of not being able to provide a stable connection between the user equipment and the network increases. In some embodiments, Th_D1 is selected from a range of approximately 10 Hertz (Hz) to approximately 15 Hz. Setting Th_D1 too low potentially increases the risk of providing unnecessarily slow data rates to more user equipment. Setting Th_D1 too high potentially increases the risk of attempting to provide digital beamforming to user equipment that may experience problems with the digital beamforming connection. In response to a determination that the Doppler effect is greater than or equal to Th_D1, method 300 proceeds to operation 320. In response to a determination that the Doppler effect is less than Th_D1, method 300 proceeds to operation 335.

[0038] At operation 320, the Doppler effect is compared to a second Doppler effect threshold Th_D2. The second Doppler effect threshold Th_D2 is selected taking into account how rapidly the channel of the connection between the user equipment and the network is changing, which indicates the user equipment's speed of movement. As the rate of change of the channel increases, the risk of not being able to provide a stable connection between the user equipment and the network increases. In some embodiments, Th_D2 is selected from a value in the range of approximately 40 Hz to approximately 50 Hz. Setting Th_D2 too low potentially increases the risk of providing unnecessarily slow data rates to more user equipment. Setting Th_D2 too high potentially increases the risk of attempting to provide digital beamforming to user equipment that may experience problems with the digital beamforming connection. In response to a determination that the Doppler effect is greater than or equal to Th_D2, method 300 proceeds to operation 325. In response to a determination that the Doppler effect is less than Th_D2, method 300 proceeds to operation 330. In some embodiments, operation 320 is similar to operation 220 (FIG. 2).

[0039] In operation 325, a broad beam beamforming method is used for connection between the user equipment and the network. The broad beam beamforming method broadcasts a wide signal over a significant portion or all of the coverage area. Broad beam beamforming provides a lower data rate compared to other beamforming methods. However, the risk of signal loss due to rapid movement of the user equipment within the coverage area is reduced using broad beam beamforming compared to other techniques. In some embodiments, operation 325 is similar to operation 225 (FIG. 2).

[0040] In operation 330, a beamforming method of SSB beamforming is used for the connection between the user equipment and the network. SSB beamforming provides faster data transfer than broad beam beamforming but slower data transfer than digital beamforming. SSB beamforming is used when the user equipment has line of sight (LoS) to the base station. The width of the signal beam using SSB beamforming is narrower than broad beam beamforming but wider than digital beamforming. In some embodiments, operation 330 is similar to operation 230 (FIG. 2).

[0041] At operation 335, the PRB load on the network is compared to a load threshold Th_load. The load threshold Th_load is selected taking into account the available resources within the base station providing the connection to the user equipment. In some embodiments, Th_load is selected from a range of approximately 100 PRBs to approximately 300 PRBs. Setting Th_load too high increases the risk of providing unnecessarily slow data rates to more user equipment, potentially because more user equipment may be connected using multi-user digital beamforming. Setting Th_load too low increases the risk of overburdening the base station, potentially leading to equipment failure within the base station. In response to a determination that the load is greater than Th_load, method 300 proceeds to operation 340. In response to a determination that the load is less than or equal to Th_load, method 300 proceeds to operation 350. In some embodiments, operation 335 is similar to operation 235 (FIG. 2).

[0042] Correlations between signals connecting different user equipment to the network are determined at operation 340. Correlations measure (indicate) the level of similarity between signals to help determine whether a single signal can potentially be used to connect multiple user equipment to the network.

[0043] At operation 345, the correlations of different user equipment on the network are compared to a correlation threshold Th_corr. The correlation threshold Th_corr is selected taking into account available resources within the base station providing connectivity to the user equipment. In some embodiments, Th_corr is selected from a range of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.3. If Th_corr is set too high, there is a risk of providing unnecessarily slow data rates to more user equipment, potentially as more user equipment connects using multi-user digital beamforming. If Th_corr is set too low, there is a risk of overburdening the base station, potentially leading to equipment failure within the base station. In response to a determination that the correlation is greater than or equal to Th_corr, method 300 proceeds to operation 350. In response to a determination that the correlation is less than Th_corr, method 300 proceeds to operation 355. In some embodiments, operation 345 is similar to operation 240 (FIG. 2).

[0044] In operation 350, single-user digital beamforming (SU digital beamforming) is used to connect user equipment to the network. Single-user digital beamforming uses digital beamforming to a single user equipment using a single signal. A dedicated signal to a single user equipment provides high-speed data transfer between the user equipment and the network. However, the load on the network increases compared to multi-user digital beamforming. In some embodiments, single-user digital beamforming is implemented using sounding reference signal (SRS) beamforming. In some embodiments, operation 350 is similar to operation 250 (FIG. 2).

[0045] In operation 355, multi-user digital beamforming (MU digital beamforming) is used to connect user equipment to the network. Multi-user digital beamforming uses digital beamforming to connect multiple user equipment using a single signal. In some embodiments, communication between different user equipment connected to a network using multi-user digital beamforming is implemented using time division multiplexing. In some embodiments, portions of the signal from the network are assigned to each of the user equipment sharing the single signal. Compared to single-user digital beamforming, multi-user digital beamforming reduces the load on the network but increases the risk of slow data transfer for individual user equipment with the network. In some embodiments, multi-user digital beamforming is implemented using sounding reference signal (SRS) beamforming. In some embodiments, operation 355 is similar to operation 245 (FIG. 2).

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 300 can be used to determine which beamforming option (beamforming method) can balance network load with increased user equipment data rates based on the characteristics of the connection between the user equipment and the network. By utilizing method 300, customers can receive higher data rates with reduced risk of QoS degradation or signal loss. The ability to select a beamforming method for each user equipment also helps the network increase the efficiency of load management.

[0047] In some embodiments, method 300 includes additional operations. For example, in some embodiments, method 300 includes an operation of the network querying the user equipment for connection data associated with the connection between the user equipment and the network. In some embodiments, method 300 includes an operation for storing information regarding the connection data for determining base station efficiency. In some embodiments, at least one operation of method 300 is omitted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 330 is omitted, and all user equipment not eligible for digital beamforming connects to the network using broad-beam beamforming. In some embodiments, the order of operations of method 300 is adjusted (changed). For example, in some embodiments, operation 340 is performed before operation 335.

[0048] 4 is a block diagram of a system 400 for implementing beamforming, according to some embodiments. The system 400 includes a hardware processor 402 and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (memory) 404 that is encoded with (i.e., has stored thereon) computer program code 406, i.e., a set of executable instructions. The computer-readable storage medium 404 is also encoded with instructions 407 for interfacing with external devices. The processor 402 is electrically coupled to the computer-readable storage medium 404 via a bus 408. The processor 402 is also electrically coupled to an I / O interface 410 by the bus 408. A network interface 412 is also electrically connected to the processor 402 via the bus 408. The network interface 412 is connected to a network 414, thereby enabling the processor 402 and the computer-readable storage medium 404 to connect to external elements via the network 414. The processor 402 is configured to execute computer program code 406 encoded in the computer-readable storage medium 404 to enable the system 400 to perform some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2) or method 300 (FIG. 3).

[0049] In some embodiments, processor 402 is a central processing unit (CPU), a multiprocessor, a distributed processing system, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or any other suitable processing device.

[0050] In some embodiments, computer-readable storage medium 404 is an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and / or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device). For example, computer-readable storage medium 404 includes a semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and / or an optical disk. In some embodiments using an optical disk, computer-readable storage medium 404 includes a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W), and / or a digital video disc (DVD).

[0051] In some embodiments, storage medium 404 stores computer program code 406 configured to cause system 400 to perform some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2) or method 300 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, storage medium 404 also stores information for performing some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2) or method 300 (FIG. 3), as well as information generated during the performance of some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2) or method 300 (FIG. 3), such as, for example, beam type parameter 416, RSRP threshold parameter 418, SNR threshold parameter 420, Doppler threshold parameter 422, PRB threshold parameter 424, correlation threshold parameter 426, and / or a set of executable instructions for performing some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2) or method 300 (FIG. 3).

[0052] In some embodiments, storage medium 404 stores instructions 407 for interfacing with external devices. Instructions 407 enable processor 402 to generate and receive instructions readable by external devices to effectively perform some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2) or method 300 (FIG. 3).

[0053] System 400 includes an I / O interface 410. I / O interface 410 is coupled to external circuitry. In some embodiments, I / O interface 410 includes a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, and / or cursor direction keys for communicating information and commands to processor 402.

[0054] System 400 also includes a network interface 412 coupled to processor 402. Network interface 412 enables system 400 to communicate with a network 414 to which one or more other computer systems are connected. Network interface 412 includes a wireless network interface, such as BLUETOOTH, WIFI, WIMAX, GPRS, or WCDMA, or a wired network interface, such as ETHERNET, USB, or IEEE-1394. In some embodiments, some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2) or method 300 (FIG. 3) are implemented in two or more systems 400, and information is exchanged between the different systems 400 via network 414.

[0055] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of beamforming. The method includes collecting data related to a connection between a first user equipment (UE) and a network. The method further includes determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. The method further includes determining whether a moving speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming. The method further includes using broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes using single-sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the first user equipment is not moving faster than the first threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether a load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the method further includes using single-user digital beamforming on a connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that a load on the network does not exceed a load threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether a correlation between the first user equipment and a second user equipment connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold in response to determining that a load on the network exceeds a load threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes using multi-user digital beamforming on a connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that a correlation between the first user equipment and the second user equipment exceeds a correlation threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether a second user equipment connected to the network is eligible for digital beamforming independently of determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming.

[0056] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for beamforming. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The system further includes a processor connected to the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The processor is configured to execute instructions for receiving data associated with a connection between a first user equipment (UE) and a network. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether a moving speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for instructing antennas in the network to use broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment (UE) and the network in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for instructing the antenna to use single-sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the first user equipment is not moving faster than a first threshold. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether a load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to determining that the load on the network does not exceed a load threshold in response to determining that the load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to determining that the correlation between the first user equipment and a second user equipment connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold.In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for instructing the antenna to use multi-user digital beamforming for a connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the correlation between the first user equipment and the second user equipment exceeds a correlation threshold. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether a second user equipment connected to the network is eligible for digital beamforming independently from determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming.

[0057] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The instructions cause a processor to receive data associated with a connection between a first user equipment (UE) and a network. The instructions further cause the processor to determine whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. The instructions further cause the processor to determine whether a moving speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming. The instructions further cause the processor to instruct an antenna in the network to use broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment (UE) and the network in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold. In some embodiments, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to instruct the antenna to use single-sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment (UE) and the network in response to determining that the first user equipment is not moving faster than the first threshold. In some embodiments, the instructions cause the processor to further determine whether a load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to direct the antenna to use single-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the load on the network does not exceed a load threshold. In some embodiments, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to determine whether a correlation between the first user equipment and a second user equipment connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold in response to determining that the correlation between the first user equipment and the second user equipment exceeds a correlation threshold. In some embodiments, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to direct the antenna to use multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the correlation between the first user equipment and the second user equipment exceeds a correlation threshold.

[0058] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that they may use this disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to carry out the same purposes and / or achieve the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A method of beamforming, comprising: collecting data relating to a connection between a first user equipment and a network; determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming; In response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming, determining whether a movement speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold; and in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold, using broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response to determining that the first user equipment is not moving faster than the first threshold, using single sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response to determining that the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming, determining whether a load on the network exceeds a load threshold.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: in response to determining that the load on the network does not exceed the load threshold, using single-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

5. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising, in response to determining that the load on the network exceeds the load threshold, determining whether a correlation between the first user equipment and a second user equipment connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: in response to determining that the correlation between the first user equipment and the second user equipment exceeds the correlation threshold, using multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether a second user equipment connected to the network is eligible for digital beamforming independently of the determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming.

8. 1. A system for beamforming, comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions; a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium, the processor configured to execute instructions, the instructions comprising: receiving data relating to a connection between a first user equipment and a network; determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming; In response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming, determine whether a movement speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold; responsive to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold, instructions to instruct antennas in the network to use broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

9. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions for instructing the antenna to use single sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the first user equipment is not moving faster than the first threshold.

10. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions for determining whether a load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions for instructing the antenna to use single-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the load on the network does not exceed the load threshold.

12. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions for determining, in response to determining that the load on the network exceeds the load threshold, whether a correlation between the first user equipment and a second user equipment connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions for instructing the antenna to use multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to determining that the correlation between the first user equipment and the second user equipment exceeds the correlation threshold.

14. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions for determining whether a second user equipment connected to the network is eligible for digital beamforming independently of the determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions, comprising: The instructions may include: receiving data relating to a connection between the first user equipment and the network; determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming; determining whether a movement speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming; A non-transitory computer-readable medium with instructions for, in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold, instructing an antenna in the network to use broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

16. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to, in response to determining that the first user equipment is not moving faster than the first threshold, direct the antenna to use single sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

17. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to determine whether a load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to determining that the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming.

18. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to, in response to determining that the load on the network does not exceed the load threshold, instruct the antenna to use single-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

19. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to determine, in response to determining that the load on the network exceeds the load threshold, whether a correlation between the first user equipment and a second user equipment connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold.

20. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to, in response to determining that the correlation between the first user equipment and the second user equipment exceeds the correlation threshold, direct the antenna to use multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

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