Beamformed Paging Optimization via Uplink Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paging mechanisms in wireless communications networks face challenges in efficiently covering wireless devices at the cell edge due to high-frequency systems relying on beamforming, leading to resource inefficiencies and prolonged monitoring times, especially in the RRC CONNECTED INACTIVE and RRC IDLE states.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the network node configures the wireless device to transmit an UL signal under specific conditions, allowing for beamformed paging transmissions directed towards the device, optimizing coverage without the scalability issues of prior art by using UL beacons only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beamformed paging transmission is implemented for all wireless devices, then coverage for cell edge devices is improved, but resource consumption increases and scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary actions by configuring wireless devices with UL signal transmission parameters in advance, and receives UL signals from devices before initiating beamformed paging. This preliminary UL signal exchange enables the network to determine appropriate beam directions only when needed, avoiding continuous beamformed transmissions to all devices and thus maintaining resource efficiency while ensuring reliable coverage when required.
2Measurement precision
If UL beacons are transmitted continuously for beamforming, then directional paging accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous UL beacon transmission, the invention implements periodic action by having the network node receive UL signals at specific intervals and only when paging conditions are met. The wireless device transmits UL signals periodically or event-triggered, allowing the network to update beam direction information only when necessary, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing the energy consumption associated with constant beacon transmission.
3Reliability
If paging monitoring is extended for cell edge devices, then paging reliability is improved, but device energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements feedback mechanisms where the network node receives UL signals from wireless devices to determine beam directions for paging transmission. This feedback loop allows the network to adaptively adjust beamforming parameters based on actual device locations and channel conditions, enabling reliable paging reception for cell edge devices while minimizing the need for extended monitoring periods, thus reducing device energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate directed beamforming for paging, improving network performance by reducing resource consumption and extending the energy-saving benefits of the DRX state.
Implementation Method 1
the network node pages the wireless device using beamformed transmission, wherein the direction of the beamformed transmission is derived at least in part from the reception of the UL signal
Data Source
AI summary
A network node and a method therein for optimizing paging in a wireless communications network. A wireless device operates in the communications network. The network node configures the wireless device for transmission of an UL signal and with conditions for when the wireless device should transmit the UL signal. Further, the network node receives the UL signal from the wireless device and pages the wireless device using beamformed transmission, wherein the direction of the beamformed transmission is derived at least in part from the reception of the UL signal.