Dynamic Beam Sweeping for 5G Coverage and Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing beamforming for high-frequency bands, particularly in 5G networks, where increased path loss requires higher antenna gain and larger arrays, limiting the number of concurrent high-gain beams that can be formed, leading to reduced coverage and increased interference.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a beam sweeping technique to dynamically adjust the number of beams formed by both the base station and user equipment, allowing for flexible beam management and coverage, with the base station and user equipment capable of generating multiple beams concurrently, and the network indicating the beam sweeping number to the user equipment to optimize signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If higher antenna gain is used to compensate for increased path loss in high-frequency bands, then signal coverage is improved, but the number of concurrent high-gain beams that can be formed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam management where the base station and user equipment adjust beam directions and sweep configurations based on channel conditions and mobility states. The beam sweeping number is dynamically indicated to the UE, allowing the system to adapt the number of concurrent beams and their temporal distribution according to real-time requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high antenna gain and managing beam complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic beam sweeping where beams are transmitted in sequential time intervals rather than all simultaneously. The base station performs beam sweeping across multiple time intervals, and the UE adjusts its beam sweep configuration accordingly. This periodic approach allows high-gain beams to be formed sequentially, improving coverage while managing the limitation on concurrent beam formation.
2Area of stationary object
If beam sweeping is performed with multiple time intervals, then coverage area is enhanced, but time consumption for signal transmission and reception increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the beam sweeping number and time interval configuration based on UE mobility state and channel conditions. For stationary or low-mobility UEs, longer time intervals with more comprehensive beam sweeping provide enhanced coverage. For high-mobility UEs, the system reduces the sweeping number and uses shorter time intervals, thus maintaining coverage while minimizing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including the beam sweeping number, time interval duration, and beam direction based on UE mobility state and channel quality. The base station indicates the beam sweeping number to the UE, and both parties adjust their beam management parameters dynamically. This allows the system to optimize the trade-off between coverage area and time consumption by adapting parameters to current operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for handling beamforming in a wireless communication system. Preferably, the method includes receiving a second signal indicating a number of beam sweeping from a cell, wherein there are multiple network nodes in the cell and at least two network nodes of the cell have different beamforming capabilities. The method also includes receiving a first signal from any network node of the cell at multiple time intervals based on the number of beam sweeping.