Beam-Forming Selection via Simultaneous Beacon Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication, particularly in millimeter wave applications, it is challenging to efficiently select an optimal beam-forming alternative among many possible directions due to the time-consuming nature of existing beam-sweeping methods, which can lead to a significant fraction of time allocated for initial search being undesirably large.
Innovation Solution
A method where a wireless communication access node simultaneously transmits multiple beacon signals using different beam-forming alternatives, each with unique predetermined content, allowing for efficient selection of the best beam-forming alternative based on reception quality metrics received from the device, thereby reducing the time needed to establish a communication link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam-sweeping method is used to determine optimal beam direction, then beam direction can be found, but the time required for initial search becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the access node pre-configure multiple beam-forming alternatives and prepare beacon signals for each direction before actual communication begins. The device receives information about all possible beam directions in advance, allowing it to efficiently select the optimal direction without exhaustive sequential searching, thus reducing initial search time while maintaining beam direction accuracy.
2Reliability
If a large number of beam-forming alternatives are considered, then communication performance can be optimized, but the complexity of selection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the wireless device measure the reception quality of beacon signals from different beam directions and report these measurements back to the access node. The access node uses this feedback information to automatically select the optimal beam-forming alternative, simplifying the selection process while ensuring communication link quality is optimized based on actual channel conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless device performs self-service by autonomously measuring reception quality of beacon signals from various beam directions and determining which beam direction provides the best signal quality. This self-measurement and self-reporting capability reduces the complexity at the access node while ensuring reliable beam selection based on actual device reception conditions.
3Measurement precision
If sequential beam-sweeping is performed to test each direction, then optimal beam can be identified, but the fraction of time allocated for initial search becomes undesirably large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple beam-direction testing operations into a single coordinated process. Instead of sequentially testing each beam direction one at a time, the access node transmits beacon signals for multiple beam directions simultaneously or in an optimized manner, allowing the device to evaluate multiple directions in parallel and rapidly identify the optimal beam direction, thus improving link establishment speed while maintaining identification accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of a wireless communication access node is disclosed. The wireless communication access node is adapted to establish a wireless communication link to a wireless communication device by beam-formed transmission using a beam-forming alternative selected from a plurality of beam-forming alternatives each corresponding to a direction emanating from the wireless communication access node. The method comprises simultaneously transmitting two or more beacon signals having different respective predetermined content, wherein each beacon signal is transmitted using a respective one of the plurality of beam-forming alternatives and wherein the predetermined content of each beacon signal is associated with the direction corresponding to the respective beam-forming alternative. The method also comprises receiving a beacon reading report from the wireless communication device, wherein the beacon reading report is indicative of a reception quality at the wireless communication device of the two or more beacon signals, and selecting the beam-forming alternative for establishment of the wireless communication link based on the received beacon reading report. Corresponding arrangement, wireless communication access node and computer program product are also disclosed, as well as a method of a wireless communication device and corresponding arrangement, wireless communication device and computer program product.