LiFi-Assisted LoS Beam Selection in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining whether a line-of-sight (LoS) exists between wireless communication devices are resource-intensive and complex, requiring extensive channel measurements and additional hardware, which can be costly and inefficient, especially in scenarios with mobility or blockages.
Innovation Solution
The method leverages wireless light communication (LiFi) to simplify the determination of LoS by using signal metrics from LiFi connections to identify candidate beams and compare them with thresholds, reducing the need for extensive resource usage and hardware, and allowing for more efficient beam selection in wireless communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive channel measurements and hypothesis testing are performed to determine LoS, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using signal metrics from LiFi connections as a proxy indicator for LoS determination in RF communication. Instead of performing extensive RF channel measurements, the system leverages the LiFi signal metrics (which are obtained through normal LiFi communication operations) to infer the LoS status. This intermediary use of LiFi measurement data resolves the contradiction by providing accurate LoS determination without requiring separate, time-consuming RF measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the LiFi communication infrastructure and signal metrics for dual purposes: (1) normal LiFi data communication, and (2) RF LoS determination. The same LiFi signal measurements that are taken for communication purposes are simultaneously utilized to determine LoS conditions for RF beamforming, eliminating the need for dedicated measurement resources and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If extensive channel measurements and dedicated channel sounders are used to determine LoS, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the LiFi communication infrastructure and signal metrics for dual purposes: (1) normal LiFi data communication, and (2) RF LoS determination. The same LiFi signal measurements that are taken for communication purposes are simultaneously utilized to determine LoS conditions for RF beamforming, eliminating the need for dedicated measurement resources and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using its own LiFi communication signal metrics to determine LoS conditions for RF communication. The LiFi infrastructure serves itself by providing measurement data that benefits both LiFi communication optimization and RF beamforming decisions, without requiring external or dedicated measurement hardware.
3Measurement precision
If ultra-wideband signaling is used to measure delay spread for LoS determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to specialized circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using signal metrics from LiFi connections as a proxy indicator for LoS determination in RF communication. Instead of performing extensive RF channel measurements, the system leverages the LiFi signal metrics (which are obtained through normal LiFi communication operations) to infer the LoS status. This intermediary use of LiFi measurement data resolves the contradiction by providing accurate LoS determination without requiring separate, time-consuming RF measurement procedures.
4Measurement precision
If multiple redundant reference signals with different polarization states are transmitted to determine LoS, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using signal metrics from LiFi connections as a proxy indicator for LoS determination in RF communication. Instead of performing extensive RF channel measurements, the system leverages the LiFi signal metrics (which are obtained through normal LiFi communication operations) to infer the LoS status. This intermediary use of LiFi measurement data resolves the contradiction by providing accurate LoS determination without requiring separate, time-consuming RF measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the LiFi communication infrastructure and signal metrics for dual purposes: (1) normal LiFi data communication, and (2) RF LoS determination. The same LiFi signal measurements that are taken for communication purposes are simultaneously utilized to determine LoS conditions for RF beamforming, eliminating the need for dedicated measurement resources and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and non-transitory machine-readable mediums are provided for wireless communication in communication networks comprising a wireless device, a radio access network node and a wireless light communication network node. In one embodiment, a method is performed by a node (102, 104, 120) of a wireless communication network (100), the wireless communication network comprising a wireless device (104), a radio access network node (102) and one or more wireless light communication (LC) network nodes (106). At least one of the wireless device and the radio access network node comprise a plurality of antenna elements configurable to provide a transmit or receive beam (110, 112) for communication with the other of the wireless device and the radio access network node. The method comprises obtaining (200) an indication of a wireless LC network node with which the wireless device has established a wireless LC connection; obtaining (202) one or more signal metrics for one or more transmit or receive beams which are directed towards a coverage area of the indicated wireless LC network node, or which are directed to receive transmissions from the coverage area of the indicated wireless LC network node; and determining whether or not a transmit or receive beam of the one or more transmit or receive beams corresponds to a line-of-sight (LoS) between the radio access network node and the wireless device based on a comparison (204) between the signal metric for the transmit or receive beam and a first threshold.