5G Beam Tracking With Spatial Relation Hold for Faster SCell Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in 5G networks is the latency and unpredictability in SCell activation and deactivation due to the use of beamforming, especially in frequency range 2 (FR2), which affects UE performance and power consumption, particularly in scenarios involving multiple reception beams and frequent cell tracking, especially in frequency range 2 (FR2), leading to delays in secondary cell activation and deactivation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the network requests SSB-based measurement reporting from the UE with or without beam index indication, allowing the UE to maintain spatial relations with reported cells for a defined period, reducing the need for continuous beam sweeping and enhancing predictability in secondary cell activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If beamforming is used in FR2 for 5G networks, then communication capacity and coverage are improved, but latency and unpredictability in SCell activation and deactivation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network configures the UE with multiple spatial relations (beam configurations) in advance through RRC reconfiguration messages. The UE prepares multiple reception beams and maintains spatial relations with multiple cells/carriers beforehand, so when SCell activation is needed, the UE can immediately use the pre-configured beam without performing time-consuming beam sweeping procedures.
2Measurement precision
If continuous beam sweeping is performed for cell tracking, then spatial accuracy is maintained, but power consumption and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous beam sweeping, the UE performs beam tracking periodically or event-triggered based on RRC-configured parameters. The network can configure measurement gaps and reporting triggers that reduce the frequency of beam sweeping while maintaining adequate spatial tracking accuracy, thereby reducing power consumption during cell tracking operations.
3Reliability
If multiple reception beams are configured for FR2 operation, then coverage and robustness are improved, but activation and deactivation delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides RRC reconfiguration messages that include multiple spatial relation configurations and beam parameters in advance. The UE configures multiple reception beams and maintains spatial relations with multiple cells/carriers beforehand, so when SCell activation is needed, the UE can immediately use the pre-configured beam without performing time-consuming beam sweeping procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for beam tracking to reduce latency. A method may include receiving from a network node, a radio resource control reconfiguration message. The method may also include sending a radio resource control reconfiguration complete message in response to the radio resource control reconfiguration message. The method may further include performing radio resource management measurements according to information contained in the radio resource control reconfiguration message. In addition, the method may include preparing a measurement report based on the radio resource management measurements. Further, the method may include sending the measurement report to the network node. The method may also include maintaining a spatial relation with a cell or a carrier that is identified in the measurement report, as indicated in the radio resource control reconfiguration message.