AI Antenna Switching for 5G Beam Decay and Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G New Radio (NR) networks, the mobility of user equipment and changing channel conditions affect antenna performance, leading to potential communication failures and increased power consumption due to inefficient beam recovery procedures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an artificial intelligence (AI) supported antenna switching algorithm that dynamically switches between array and omni-directional antennas based on signal decay rates and sensor inputs, adapting to changing conditions to maintain reliable communication with lower power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam forming antenna is used for communication, then directional signal transmission and reception is improved, but adaptability to changing channel conditions and mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between beam forming antenna and omni-directional antenna based on real-time signal decay rate measurements. When signal decay exceeds a threshold, the system transitions from directional beam forming to omni-directional transmission, enabling adaptive response to changing channel conditions and user mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the antenna radiation pattern parameter from directional (beam forming) to omni-directional based on signal decay rate. This parameter change allows the system to adapt its transmission characteristics dynamically, improving reliability when channel conditions deteriorate beyond what beam forming can handle.
2Reliability
If beam recovery procedures are implemented to handle mobility and channel changes, then connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of signal decay rate and proactively switches to omni-directional antenna before complete connection failure occurs. This preliminary action prevents the need for more power-intensive beam recovery procedures by maintaining connectivity through anticipatory adaptation to deteriorating channel conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a low-power omni-directional antenna as a fallback solution when beam forming becomes unreliable. This simpler antenna type consumes less power and provides sufficient connectivity in challenging conditions, avoiding the need for continuous high-power beam tracking and recovery operations.
3Device complexity
If antenna switching is delayed until beam failure occurs, then system complexity is reduced, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of signal decay rate and uses this information to trigger proactive antenna switching. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect deteriorating channel conditions early and switch antennas before beam failure occurs, reducing latency while maintaining manageable system complexity through rule-based decision making.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
A method for antenna selection, performed by a user equipment, UE, in a wireless communication system includes determining signal performance of a signal received by the UE. The signal is received by an array antenna of the UE for communication with a network node of the wireless communication system. The method includes determining a signal decay rate associated with the signal performance of the signal, and replacing the array antenna with an omni-directional antenna of the UE for communication with the network node, based on the signal decay rate. Related devices are also described.