Adaptive Beam Settings for Wireless Network Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam management procedures in communications networks face challenges in reducing overhead signaling, especially in network configurations with varying user density and traffic distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for determining beam settings that adapt to the expected distribution of terminal devices within the network coverage region, using a first set of wider beams for initial direction approximation and a second set of narrower beams for precise beam selection, thereby reducing the number of beams resources needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a periodic TX beam sweep with wider beams is used to determine approximate direction, then the number of beams resources needed is reduced, but the beam management precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The beam management procedure is divided into two phases: a first phase using wider beams for approximate direction determination, and a second phase using narrower beams for precise beam selection. This segmentation allows the system to reduce overhead in the first phase while maintaining precision in the second phase, resolving the contradiction between reducing beam resources and maintaining beam management precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The first phase of beam management performs preliminary direction approximation using wider beams before the second phase uses narrower beams for precise selection. This preliminary action reduces the overall number of beam resources needed by eliminating the need for exhaustive narrow beam sweeping when the user is clearly located within a wide beam coverage area.
2Measurement precision
If narrow beams are used for all beam management operations, then beam management precision is maintained, but overhead signaling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam management procedure is segmented into two phases with different beam widths. The first phase uses wider beams for coarse direction estimation, reducing overhead, while the second phase uses narrower beams for precise beam selection only when necessary. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by applying narrow beams only when needed for precision rather than throughout the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using narrow beams for all beam management operations (excessive action), the system uses narrow beams only partially in the second phase when precise beam selection is required. This partial application of narrow beams maintains precision where needed while reducing overall overhead signaling.
3Device complexity
If the same beam settings are used for all terminal devices, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying user density and traffic distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beam settings are made adaptive based on the expected distribution of terminal devices in different parts of the network coverage region. Different beam widths are selected for different spatial regions depending on user density and traffic distribution patterns. This local adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing simple beam configuration while achieving high adaptability through region-specific optimization.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for determining beam settings for beam management. A method is performed by a first radio transceiver device. The method comprises obtaining information about expected distribution of second radio transceiver devices in a network coverage region of the first radio transceiver device in which the beam management is to be performed. The method comprises determining beam settings for a first set of beams and a second set of beams. The first set of beams and the second set of beams are to be used for the beam management. There are fewer beams in the first set of beams than in the second set of beams. The beams in the first set of beams collectively cover all beams in the second set of beams. The beam settings for the beams in the first set of beams are determined according to the obtained information.