5G Band Selection Using Dynamic Performance Maps

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for wireless data necessitates the utilization of higher frequency bands above 6 GHz for 5G networks, but mmWave systems face challenges such as higher pathloss, shadowing, and absorption losses, requiring efficient spectrum management and dynamic access techniques to ensure reliable communication.

Innovation Solution

The creation of performance maps that incorporate semi-static and dynamic information, including terrain, user location, and weather conditions, to optimize the selection of frequency bands and channels for wireless connectivity, leveraging large antenna arrays and dynamic spectrum access to enhance spectral efficiency and capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If mmWave frequency bands above 6 GHz are utilized to meet increasing wireless data demand, then spectrum capacity and bandwidth are improved, but pathloss, shadowing, and absorption losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum capacityVSAvoidpathloss and absorption losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic band selection that adapts to changing propagation conditions. The system continuously monitors channel quality indicators and adjusts the selected frequency band in real-time, transitioning between mmWave and sub-6 GHz bands as needed to optimize performance while maintaining high data capacity utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating frequency parameter dynamically based on channel conditions. When channel quality degrades due to pathloss or shadowing, the system switches to lower frequency bands with better propagation characteristics, thereby adjusting the frequency parameter to maintain optimal signal strength and capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If dynamic spectrum access techniques are implemented to manage mmWave spectrum, then spectrum utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors channel quality indicators (CQI) and spectrum availability, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust band selection. This closed-loop approach optimizes spectrum utilization efficiency by responding to real-time conditions without requiring overly complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through autonomous band selection based on locally measured channel conditions. Each access point independently monitors its environment and selects appropriate frequency bands without requiring complex inter-node coordination, thereby improving spectrum utilization while limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If performance maps incorporating terrain, user location, and weather information are created, then band selection accuracy is improved, but information processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveband selection accuracyVSAvoidinformation processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates performance maps that capture local propagation characteristics specific to different geographic locations, terrain features, and weather conditions. By storing and utilizing location-specific channel quality data, the system achieves high band selection accuracy tailored to local conditions without requiring global processing of all possible parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary characterization of propagation conditions by creating performance maps in advance through systematic measurements of channel quality under various terrain, location, and weather conditions. This pre-characterization work enables faster, more accurate band selection during operation without requiring real-time processing of all environmental parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3081041B1Method and apparatuses for band and channel selection in 5g
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3081041B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3081041B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3081041B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program for band and channel selection in a radio system are provided. The method includes generating, by a network entity, at least one performance map showing performance for different portions of spectrum in a wideband radio system. The method may further include combining the at least one performance map with dynamic information, and selecting at least one portion of the spectrum to use for access based on the combined at least one performance map and dynamic information.