Beam Scheduling Based on User Density in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G new radio (NR) networks, analog beamforming restricts scheduling to only users within a specific beam, leading to underutilization of beams and inefficient resource allocation due to the lack of consideration for the number of users in each beam during scheduling decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to determine the number of communication devices in each beam and assign a scheduling priority based on this count, prioritizing dense beams over sparse beams to optimize resource allocation and increase system throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analog beamforming is used in 5G NR high band, then beam directionality and signal quality are improved, but scheduling flexibility and resource utilization deteriorate because only users within a specific beam can be scheduled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam selection where the network node adaptively chooses between different beam types (wide beam vs. narrow beam) based on real-time conditions such as the number of users in each beam and their channel quality. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between signal quality and resource utilization by switching beam configurations as user distribution changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scheduling parameter from fixed beam assignment to variable beam selection based on user density metrics. By monitoring the number of users in each beam and adjusting scheduling decisions accordingly, the system transforms the static beamforming approach into a flexible parameter-driven scheduling mechanism that balances quality and efficiency
2Object-affected harmful factors
If users are restricted to a subset of beams, then interference between beams is reduced, but beam utilization and system throughput deteriorate due to wasted or underutilized beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different scheduling priorities to different beams based on their user density. Dense beams receive higher priority scheduling while sparse beams are scheduled less frequently, creating a localized optimization strategy that reduces interference in sparse areas while maximizing throughput in dense areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts beam utilization by changing scheduling decisions based on real-time user distribution. When users concentrate in certain beams, those beams are activated more frequently, while other beams are deactivated or used less, creating a dynamic resource allocation that adapts to spatial user patterns
3Productivity
If dense beams are prioritized in scheduling, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but wait times for users in sparse beams may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network node continuously monitors user distribution across beams and adjusts scheduling priorities accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that while dense beams are prioritized, the system can detect when sparse beams need attention and adjust scheduling to prevent excessive wait times, balancing efficiency with fairness
Data Source
AI summary
A network node configured to communicate with a plurality of communication devices in a communications network via a plurality of beams can schedule communications based on the number of communication devices in each beam. The network node can determine a number of communication devices of the plurality of communication devices that are in a beam of the plurality of beams. The network node can determine a scheduling priority of a communication device of the plurality of communication devices based on the number of communication devices that are in the beam, the communication device being in the beam. The network node can select the beam based on the scheduling priority of the communication device. The network node can, responsive to selecting the beam, schedule communication with the communication device via the beam.