Beam Sweep Reception Timing for Wireless Device Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication networks, the reliance on beamforming for high-frequency transmissions leads to increased energy consumption due to the uncertainty of when a wireless communication device can receive signals during beam sweep transmissions, as it must remain awake for the entire duration of the beam sweep, degrading the efficiency of Discontinuous Reception (DRX) and increasing energy expenditure, especially for energy-deprived devices like sensor devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows wireless communication devices to determine their stationarity and acquire configuration information about the starting time of beam sweep transmissions, enabling them to switch between low and high activity states, thereby reducing the need to monitor multiple beams and optimizing energy usage by waking up only at the designated time for reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless communication device monitors the entire beam sweep duration to ensure reliable reception, then the reception reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network node transmits configuration information in advance that includes the starting time of the beam sweep transmission. The wireless communication device uses this information to determine when to wake up and monitor for the beam sweep, rather than monitoring continuously. This preliminary provision of timing information allows the device to prepare exactly when needed, ensuring reliable reception while minimizing energy consumption by staying in low-power mode during non-critical periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the wireless communication device stays in low-power sleep mode most of the time, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to receive beam sweep transmissions reliably is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication device determines whether it is stationary or mobile based on obtained information, and this determination feeds back into the decision of when to wake up for beam sweep reception. Stationary devices can rely on predictable beam sweep timing and wake up at specific determined times, while mobile devices may need to monitor for longer periods or use different strategies. This feedback mechanism ensures each device type receives reliable service while optimizing energy consumption for its specific characteristics.
3Area of stationary object
If the beam sweep transmission uses multiple consecutive narrow beams to cover the entire coverage area, then the coverage area is improved, but the transmission duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The network node provides configuration information in advance that includes the starting time of the beam sweep transmission. This allows wireless communication devices to wake up at precisely the right time to receive their specific beam, rather than needing to monitor the entire extended duration of multiple narrow beams. The preliminary timing information enables devices to target only their relevant reception window within the broader beam sweep sequence.
4Reliability
If the awake time period is extended to cover the entire beam sweep duration, then the reception of beam sweep transmissions is ensured, but the efficiency of Discontinuous Reception is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The network node transmits configuration information in advance containing the starting time of the beam sweep. The wireless communication device uses this information to calculate and wake up at a determined time that is earlier and more precise than waiting for the entire beam sweep to start. This preliminary timing information enables the device to minimize its awake period while still reliably receiving the beam sweep, thereby maintaining high DRX efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication device determines a specific wake-up time parameter based on the configuration information and its own characteristics (stationary or mobile). This parameter optimization allows the device to adjust its awake period duration and timing to match its specific reception needs, rather than using a fixed conservative window. This parameter customization improves both reception reliability and DRX efficiency for different device types.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method performed by a wireless communication device to enable the reception of a beam sweep transmission. The method comprises obtaining information enabling said wireless communication device to determine whether it is stationary, or essentially stationary. The method also comprises acquiring configuration information comprising information about the starting time for the beam sweep transmission. The method also comprises determining a time when to initiate a reception of the beam sweep transmission based at least partially on the obtained information and the acquired configuration information, thereby allowing said wireless communication device to enter, or remain in, a first activity state until the determined time. The method also comprises entering, at the determined time, a second activity state whereby said wireless communication device is capable to receive the beam sweep. There is also disclosed a complementary method performed by a radio network node as well as corresponding devices and computer programs.