Cloud-Edge Beam Management for Low-Latency Wireless Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems in next-generation networks like 5G and 6G face challenges such as high latency during initial access, quality of experience (QoE) issues, heterogeneity in communication technologies, and dynamic environmental impacts that affect reliable connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A central cloud server and edge devices system that utilizes a connectivity enhanced database to bypass initial-access searches, manage beam alignment, and adapt to dynamic surroundings, ensuring seamless and low-latency wireless connectivity across different carrier networks and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard beam sweeping operation is used for initial access, then beam alignment can be achieved, but initial access latency increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs beam alignment measurements and collects sensing information in advance during normal operation, storing results in a database. When initial access is needed, pre-computed beam alignment data is retrieved instead of performing complete beam sweeping, thus achieving fast access without sacrificing alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively builds a database of beam alignment information and environmental sensing data before initial access events occur. This preparatory data storage cushions against the time penalty that would otherwise be incurred during actual initial access, allowing UEs to quickly retrieve pre-validated beam parameters
2Measurement precision
If more beams are scanned during initial access, then beam alignment accuracy improves, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Beam alignment measurements are performed in advance and stored in a database during periods when the system is not experiencing initial access demands. This preliminary measurement activity allows the system to have accurate beam alignment data ready when needed, eliminating the trade-off between measurement thoroughness and access speed
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete beam sweeping during initial access, the system retrieves copied beam alignment data from the pre-populated database. This copying approach provides accurate beam alignment information without repeating the time-consuming measurement process
3Loss of time
If edge computing is deployed closer to UEs, then response delay is reduced, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The database system serves multiple functions: it stores beam alignment information for fast initial access, maintains sensing data for environmental awareness, and provides connectivity information across multiple wireless carrier networks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized infrastructure components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary database layer between the central cloud server and edge devices that caches and manages beam alignment and sensing information. This intermediary reduces the need for complex distributed edge infrastructure by providing a centralized data repository that edge devices can access efficiently
4Reliability
If beam management is performed frequently to handle mobile systems, then connectivity reliability improves, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-computes and stores beam alignment information in the database during periods when mobility conditions are stable. When a UE becomes mobile, it retrieves pre-computed beam information rather than performing frequent real-time beam management, reducing processing overhead while maintaining connectivity reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensing information from edge devices about environmental conditions and UE mobility patterns to intelligently determine when beam management is necessary. This feedback mechanism allows the system to perform beam management only when actually needed, reducing unnecessary processing while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A first edge device includes a processor that captures and communicates position information of the first edge device and a time-of-day. Based on the time-of-day and a specific initial access information, the processor sets: a first beam index for an uplink communication and a second beam index for a downlink communication, a specific physical cell identity indicating a first base station to which the first edge device is to be connected, a first wireless carrier network (WCN) from amongst a plurality of different WCNs at the edge device, and a beam configuration to service one or more user equipment in a surrounding area of the first edge device.