Intra-Base Station Beam Switching via MAC Layer Message Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication networks using millimeter wave frequency bands, handover procedures between beams within the same base station result in increased handover delay and difficulty in fast switching due to the need for RRC layer operations and random access procedures, especially when frequent movement occurs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for beam switching that involves measuring signal intensity between serving and candidate beams, determining beam switching based on this intensity, and changing beam access through message exchange between MAC layers of the terminal and the base station, utilizing an exclusive uplink competition-based channel for efficient beam switching within the same base station, and message exchange between RRC layers for different base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handover procedure is used for beam switching between beams within the same base station, then beam switching can be performed, but handover delay time increases and fast switching becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover procedure into two distinct paths: intra-base station beam switching (using MAC layer message exchange) and inter-base station handover (using RRC layer message exchange). This segmentation allows the system to apply the simpler, faster MAC layer procedure for beam switching within the same base station, thereby reducing handover delay time while maintaining reliable beam switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional handover approach by allowing the terminal to initiate beam switching requests to the base station (uplink direction), rather than only allowing the base station to initiate handover to the terminal (downlink direction). This inversion enables faster beam switching by eliminating the need for downlink measurement configuration and uplink measurement report procedures.
2Reliability
If RRC layer handover procedure is used for beam switching, then beam switching is possible, but switching speed decreases due to multiple message exchanges required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control plane into MAC layer for fast beam switching and RRC layer for inter-base station handover. By handling intra-base station beam switching at the MAC layer with simplified message exchanges (BeamSwitchingRequest and BeamSwitchingResponse), the system achieves faster switching speed while maintaining the reliability function through the dual-layer architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated BeamSwitchingRequest message as an intermediary mechanism that allows direct beam switching requests from the terminal to the base station without going through the full RRC handover procedure. This intermediary message enables fast beam switching by providing a dedicated control path that bypasses the slower RRC layer procedures.
3Reliability
If random access procedure is required for beam switching, then beam access can be established, but access change efficiency decreases and service disconnection occurs during frequent movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing dedicated uplink resources for beam switching requests before actual beam switching is needed. The base station pre-configures uplink resources that the terminal can use for sending BeamSwitchingRequest messages, eliminating the need for random access procedures during frequent beam switching operations and improving access change efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In a mobile communication network, after a target beam is determined based on signal intensity of a serving beam and a candidate beam, when the serving beam and the target beam are operated in the same base station, a terminal performs a beam switching procedure in a layer 2.