Adaptive Beamwidth Channel Sensing for Wireless Spatial Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam-based wireless communication systems in unlicensed spectrum face challenges in spatial reuse due to differences in antenna configurations between user devices and base stations, leading to inefficient channel access and potential overprotective behavior, which impairs network capacity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining and comparing beamwidths between devices to select appropriate channel sensing methods, allowing for adaptive directional channel sensing, thereby optimizing channel access and reducing interference by tailoring sensing methods based on the specific beamwidths and capabilities of transmitter nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beam-based channel sensing is used in unlicensed spectrum, then spatial reuse and network capacity are improved, but differences in antenna configurations between user devices and base stations cause overprotective behavior that impairs channel access efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of beamwidth used for channel sensing from a fixed value to an adaptive value that is selected based on the transmitting device's antenna configuration. User devices and base stations use different beamwidths appropriate to their capabilities, allowing each to efficiently access the channel without overprotective behavior while maintaining improved spatial reuse and network capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different antenna configurations are used between user devices and base stations, then device capabilities are optimized, but channel access becomes inefficient due to overprotective behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the system (user devices vs. base stations) to use different beamwidth parameters according to their specific antenna configurations and capabilities. This localized adaptation enables each device type to optimize its channel sensing approach, preventing overprotective behavior while maintaining efficient channel access.
3Reliability
If omnidirectional channel sensing is used, then fair channel access is ensured, but spatial reuse and network capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by replacing omnidirectional channel sensing with directional beam-based sensing. Instead of treating all directions equally, the system uses directed beams with specific beamwidths that are asymmetric relative to the device's antenna configuration. This asymmetric approach maintains fairness through proper beam management while significantly improving spatial reuse and network capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, comprising: receiving, by a first device from a second device, a message on a wireless medium indicating that the wireless medium has been reserved for at least one transmission from the first device to the second device by the second device detecting that the wireless medium is not occupied, based on a first beamwidth. The method further comprises determining, by the first device, a second beamwidth for performing the at least one transmission, selecting, by the first device on the basis of the received message, a method for the first device, from a set of at least two methods, to determine whether the wireless medium is occupied, determining, by the first device, based on the selected method for the first device whether the wireless medium is occupied, and in response to detecting that the wireless medium is not occupied, performing the at least one transmission by the first device.