Fast Beam Switching for 5G Wireless Communication

Solution Overview

Problem

High-frequency wireless communication systems face challenges in quick and low-overhead beam switching, particularly in millimeter wave communication, due to the need for precise beam management to maintain signal quality and avoid interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining and switching between reception beams based on reference signaling measurements, using a beam switch indication to facilitate fast and efficient beam switching with low signaling overhead, particularly in 5G networks operating at frequencies above 52.6 GHz.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If beamforming is used at high frequencies with small beams, then communication bandwidth and signal quality are improved, but beam switching complexity and time delay increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidbeam switching complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary beam measurements using reference signals (SSB, CSI-RS) to identify candidate reception beams before actual data transmission. The gNB prepares beam switch indications in advance based on measurement reports, allowing the UE to pre-configure reception beams for upcoming transmissions, thus reducing switching complexity during active communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Reference signals (SSB, CSI-RS) serve as intermediaries that carry beam measurement information. The gNB transmits these reference signals through different beams, and the UE measures them to determine beam quality without directly measuring data channels. This intermediary approach simplifies beam management by separating measurement functions from data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If frequent beam switching is performed to track user movement, then communication reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidbeam switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple beam measurement results and channel state information into a single measurement report that the UE sends to the gNB. The gNB then determines the target reception beam by combining this report with its own transmission beam information, reducing the number of separate signaling messages needed and accelerating the beam switching decision process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary beam measurements using reference signals (SSB, CSI-RS) to identify candidate reception beams before actual data transmission. The gNB prepares beam switch indications in advance based on measurement reports, allowing the UE to pre-configure reception beams for upcoming transmissions, thus reducing switching complexity during active communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple reference signaling beams are measured to determine best reception beam, then beam selection accuracy is improved, but measurement overhead and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam selection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of measuring all possible beams, the UE measures a subset of reference signaling beams (SSB or CSI-RS) that are most relevant to its current position and movement pattern. The gNB configures the measurement set dynamically, including only beams that have a reasonable chance of being optimal, thus reducing measurement overhead while maintaining selection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Reference signals (SSB, CSI-RS) serve as intermediaries that carry beam measurement information. The gNB transmits these reference signals through different beams, and the UE measures them to determine beam quality without directly measuring data channels. This intermediary approach simplifies beam management by separating measurement functions from data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230216575A1Fast beam switching for wireless communication

Publication Date: 2023.07.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is disclosed a method of operating a first radio node for a wireless communication network. The method includes determining one or more reception beams based on measurements on reference signaling and performing beam switch to a target reception beam associated to the reception beams based on a beam switch indication received from a second radio node. The disclosure also pertains to related devices and methods.