Directional Beam Discovery Protocol for mmW Network Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter wave (mmW) communication systems face challenges in discovering and associating with multiple connection points due to the limited coverage area caused by beamforming, which restricts the ability to communicate discovery signals effectively with neighboring connection points, especially in directional wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A signaling protocol that enables user equipment (UE) to detect directional beams according to specific patterns, determine beamforming directions for both UE and connection points (CPs), and transmit association signals in designated timeslots, allowing for efficient discovery and association with multiple CPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beamforming is used to overcome increased pathloss in mmW systems, then signal transmission quality is improved, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the coverage area into multiple directional beams, each covering a specific sector. Connection points transmit discovery signals through different directional beams to cover various areas, effectively dividing the limited coverage into manageable segments that collectively provide broader coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection points periodically switch between different directional beams in a sweeping manner to transmit discovery signals. This periodic action allows the limited beam coverage to eventually cover the entire surrounding area over time, resolving the contradiction between focused beam quality and overall coverage.
2Reliability
If directional beams are used for discovery signal transmission, then signal quality is improved, but the ability to communicate with multiple neighboring connection points is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery signal transmission is segmented into multiple directional beams, each targeted at a different neighboring connection point. By dividing the transmission into separate directional segments, the system maintains high signal quality for each individual connection while enabling communication with multiple connection points overall.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection points periodically alternate between transmitting and receiving discovery signals in different directions. This periodic switching enables each connection point to communicate with multiple neighbors over time while maintaining focused beam quality during each transmission interval.
3Measurement precision
If beamforming patterns are used for discovery signal detection, then detection precision is improved, but the complexity of the detection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple discrete beam directions that the UE sequentially monitors. By dividing the omnidirectional detection space into discrete directional segments, the system achieves precise detection in each direction while keeping the overall process manageable through systematic segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE periodically switches between different receive beam directions to detect discovery signals from multiple connection points. This periodic beam switching provides structured, manageable detection complexity while maintaining high precision through focused directional reception at each time interval.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This protocol enhances the UE's ability to discover and associate with neighboring CPs, providing continuous and seamless coverage by overcoming the limitations of beamforming in mmW systems, even in environments with signal blockages, and facilitates accelerated handover procedures.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging multiple antennas or antenna arrays to send a beamformed signal and yield a beamforming array gain
Implementation Method 2
beamforming may limit a coverage area of a phased antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus listens for directional signal beams according to a first pattern, detects a plurality of discovery signals respectively from a plurality of connection points (CPs), wherein each CP transmits a discovery signal by transmitting a directional beam according to a respective pattern, determines information related to each CP based on the discovery signal detected from a respective CP, determines a timeslot for transmitting an association signal to each CP, wherein a respective timeslot is determined based on the information determined for the respective CP or a timeslot in which the respective discovery signal is transmitted by the respective CP according to the respective pattern, and transmits an association signal to each CP in the respective timeslot according to a determined beamforming direction of the UE and a determined beamforming direction of the respective CP.