Beam Refinement Protocol for 60 GHz Link Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
In directive multi-gigabit (DMG) wireless networks operating at 60 GHz, the link quality measured during beaconing does not accurately reflect the link quality for data transfer due to differences in antenna configurations between beacon and probe reception and data transfer, leading to inadequate association and potential network inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a beam refinement protocol (BRP) and link margin feedback mechanism during the scanning process, which involves encoding sector sweep beacons and feedback signals to refine beam configurations and determine accurate link quality metrics, ensuring alignment with data transfer configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beaconing with quasi-omni antenna configuration is used for scanning, then coverage and initial connection are improved, but link quality measurement accuracy for data transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs beam refinement and sector sweep operations before final association to pre-establish the optimal directional beam configuration. This preliminary action ensures that when data transfer begins, the directional antenna is already aligned with the best sector, eliminating the mismatch between beaconing configuration and data transfer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static quasi-omni antenna configuration during beaconing to a dynamic directional antenna configuration during data transfer. The system adapts the antenna beam direction based on sector sweep results, allowing the antenna to dynamically adjust its orientation to maintain optimal link quality throughout the data transfer process.
2Speed
If association is made based on beacon link quality, then association speed is improved, but association accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the association process into distinct phases: initial beaconing for discovery, sector sweep for beam refinement, and final association based on refined link quality. This segmentation allows each phase to serve its specific purpose - fast discovery followed by accurate measurement - resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sector sweep results and link quality measurements are continuously monitored and used to adjust the association decision. The system uses feedback from directional link quality measurements to confirm whether the selected BSS provides adequate performance before final association, ensuring accurate association decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of methods for scanning in a directive multi-gigabit network are generally described herein. An apparatus of a station may include processing circuitry configured to decode a sector sweep beacon received from an access point, encode for transmission a sector sweep feedback message to include a beam refinement protocol (BRP) request, and encode for transmission BRP responses to BRP signaling received from the access point. The processing circuitry may be further configured to decode a link margin feedback signal received from the access point to determine an access point link margin, measure signal information associated with the link margin feedback signal to determine a received link margin measurement, and encode signaling for association with the access point based on the access point link quality and the receive link quality.