Explicit Latency Modes for Reliable 5G NR Beam Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam switching technologies in wireless telecommunication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges with latency and synchronization issues when switching between different transmission points, especially with repeaters and inter-cell scenarios, leading to inefficiencies and potential interference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism for explicit latency mode determination in beam switching, where network entities use L1/L2 signaling to command UEs to switch beams, allowing for different latency modes based on UE capabilities and synchronization needs, including PRACH preambles for resynchronization when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If beam switching is performed without explicit latency mode determination, then beam switching speed is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam switching process adaptive through latency mode determination. The UE dynamically selects between different latency modes (first latency mode with shorter latency, second latency mode with longer latency) based on whether the target TCI state is known or unknown. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between switching speed and synchronization accuracy depending on the specific scenario, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the latency parameter as a variable that can be adjusted based on the TCI state knowledge. By introducing explicit latency mode determination with different latency values (first latency mode vs. second latency mode), the system can modify the timing parameters of beam switching to achieve both fast switching when possible and accurate synchronization when necessary, thereby resolving the contradiction between switching speed and synchronization accuracy.
2Device complexity
If beam switching is performed without explicit latency indication, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam switching process into distinct latency modes (first latency mode and second latency mode) with different procedures. By dividing the switching process into segments based on TCI state knowledge, the system adds explicit latency indication only where necessary (when TCI state is unknown), rather than complicating the entire beam switching mechanism. This selective segmentation improves reliability without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the latency mode in advance before executing the beam switching. The UE determines whether to use the first or second latency mode based on whether the target TCI state is known, and prepares the appropriate switching procedure beforehand. This preliminary determination of latency mode ensures reliable beam switching by selecting the appropriate procedure in advance, while avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during switching.
3Ease of operation
If standard beam switching procedures are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the beam switching system dynamic by introducing adaptability through latency mode determination. The UE can adapt between different latency modes (first latency mode for known TCI states, second latency mode for unknown TCI states) based on the specific operational context. This dynamic adaptation enhances versatility while maintaining ease of operation, as the UE automatically selects the appropriate mode without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for facilitating explicit latency mode determination in beam switching. One method may include receiving, by a user equipment, at least one beam switch command from at least one network entity. The user equipment may further determine at least one latency and switching mode, and perform beam switch based on the at least one latency and switching mode.