5G Beamforming via Strategic Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4G wireless networks are inadequate to handle the increasing demand for high-data-bandwidth and low-latency applications, such as ultra-high definition video and autonomous driving, due to signal attenuation and interference issues with higher frequency EM waves used in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of beamforming enhancement techniques through strategic resource utilization, which includes classifying end-user devices into different beamforming states and allocating communication resources to facilitate efficient antenna beam training, reducing latency and resource consumption, and optimizing signal directionality to enhance spectral and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If higher frequency EM waves are used in 5G networks to increase data bandwidth, then data transmission capacity is improved, but signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing beam training before actual data transmission. The base station and user equipment conduct beamforming training in advance to establish optimal beam directions, ensuring that when high-frequency signals are transmitted for high bandwidth, the beams are already precisely aligned to minimize signal attenuation and maximize transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting beamforming parameters such as beam width, direction, and power allocation based on channel conditions. This allows the system to optimize the balance between data bandwidth and signal attenuation by modifying transmission parameters in real-time according to environmental factors and user mobility.
2Reliability
If beamforming training is performed frequently to maintain signal quality, then communication reliability is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling beamforming training at optimized intervals rather than continuously or too frequently. The system determines appropriate training periods based on user mobility patterns and channel stability, performing beam training only when necessary to maintain signal quality, thereby reducing unnecessary latency while preserving communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting beamforming training in advance during periods of low activity or between data transmissions. This allows the system to prepare beam configurations beforehand so that when data transmission is needed, the beams are already optimized, reducing the latency that would otherwise be incurred during active transmission periods.
3Measurement precision
If more communication resources are allocated for beam training, then beamforming accuracy is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allocating communication resources for beam training in a selective and optimized manner. Rather than dedicating excessive resources to all users continuously, the system provides beam training resources only to users who require it based on their mobility patterns, channel conditions, and service requirements, achieving sufficient beamforming accuracy while minimizing overall resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the amount of resources allocated for beam training based on user-specific parameters such as mobility velocity, service type, and channel stability. This allows the system to optimize beamforming accuracy for each user according to their needs while preventing excessive resource consumption across the network as a whole.
4Length of stationary object
If millimeter wave signals are transmitted over longer distances, then coverage area is improved, but signal strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing optimal beam directions and configurations through beamforming training before long-distance transmission. This preliminary beam alignment ensures that when millimeter wave signals are transmitted over extended distances, the energy is concentrated in the correct direction from the start, maximizing signal strength at the receiver despite the increased transmission distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting transmission parameters such as beam width, power allocation, and frequency selection based on distance and channel conditions. For long-distance transmissions, the system narrows beam width to concentrate energy, increases power allocation to compensate for path loss, and selects appropriate frequency bands, thereby maintaining signal strength over extended coverage areas.
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 more efficient use of the EM spectrum, reduces latency, and increases the range of millimeter wave signals, allowing for better support of high-bandwidth and low-latency applications in 5G wireless networks.
Implementation Method 1
These techniques and apparatuses enable wireless communications to be made using antenna beamforming with more spectral and power efficiency
Implementation Method 2
An air interface resource-which includes a slice of frequency spectrum over time-is allocated so as to provide opportunities to train a beamformer
Implementation Method 3
increases the range of millimeter wave signals, allowing for better support of high-bandwidth and low-latency applications in 5G wireless networks
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for beamforming enhancement via strategic resource utilization. In some aspects, an air interface resource is used for exchanging wireless communications using one or more signal beams. In some implementations, end‑user devices are classified into a beamforming state, such as active, idle, or inactive, based on an activity level with a base station. To facilitate antenna beamforming between the base station and an end‑user device, opportunities for beamforming training are provided by strategically granting resource units based on one or more resource allocation rules. For example, both control and data information can be allocated together on the same frequencies for each end‑user device. Also, an uplink or a downlink grant can be provided that precedes a downlink or an uplink allocation, respectively. In some implementations, the resource allocation rules are applied based on the beamforming state to which an end-user device has been classified.