Beam Training Coordination in Millimeter-Wave Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam training methods in millimeter-wave communication are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly in distributed networks where multiple access points (APs) require sequential training with stations (STAs), leading to high signaling overheads.
Innovation Solution
A method where receiving devices negotiate and coordinate sending moments for feedback and acknowledgment information, allowing beam training to be performed in parallel with multiple APs, reducing training time and signaling overheads by synchronizing the transmission of sector sweep frames and feedback information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential beam training is performed with each AP in a distributed network, then beam alignment can be achieved, but training time and signaling overheads increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sequential beam training operations into a single parallel training process. Multiple APs simultaneously transmit sector sweep frames to the STA, and the STA simultaneously sends feedback to multiple APs, combining what would otherwise be separate sequential operations into one concurrent process, thereby reducing total training time while maintaining beam alignment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by having the STA negotiate and coordinate feedback sending moments with multiple APs before the actual beam training begins. The setup frame exchange pre-establishes the timing and coordination framework, allowing the subsequent parallel training to proceed efficiently without conflicts or delays
2Reliability
If sequential beam training is performed with each AP in a distributed network, then beam alignment can be achieved, but signaling overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate feedback signaling operations into a single coordinated feedback transmission. The STA sends feedback to multiple APs simultaneously using pre-coordinated timing, and the APs use a common feedback format that reduces redundant signaling, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining reliable beam alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal training framework where a single set of negotiated parameters and coordinated timing can be used for training with multiple APs. The setup frame and feedback mechanisms are designed to work universally across multiple APs, eliminating the need for separate signaling sequences for each AP
3Productivity
If parallel beam training is implemented without coordination, then training time is reduced, but timing conflicts and signaling chaos occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing coordination through setup frame exchange before parallel training begins. The STA and APs negotiate feedback sending moments, SSW frame sending moments, and acknowledgment receiving moments in advance, creating a predetermined coordination framework that enables parallel operation without timing conflicts or signaling chaos
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a beam training method and apparatus. The method includes: generating and sending a set up frame, where the set up frame includes M pieces of time information, each piece of time information corresponds to one receiving device in the M receiving devices, each piece of time information is used to indicate a feedback information sending moment of the corresponding receiving device, each piece of time information is further used to indicate an acknowledgment information receiving moment of the corresponding receiving device; receiving a sector sweep SSW frame, generating feedback information based on the SSW frame; sending the feedback information at a feedback information sending moment indicated by corresponding time information; receiving, at an acknowledgment information receiving moment indicated by the corresponding time information, acknowledgment information. Therefore, a training time can be shortened and signaling overheads can be reduced.