Millimeter-Wave Network Map for Beamforming Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mmW communication systems face challenges with high path loss and short range, leading to increased time and overhead in beamforming procedures due to the large number of potential beams that need to be scanned, which compromises peak beamforming gain.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to create a mmW network map and determine cell geometry to seed narrow beam base station and UE codebooks, reducing the number of beams to be scanned by identifying the most likely access beams for communication, thereby improving beamforming efficiency and reducing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beamforming is used to compensate for high path loss and short range in mmW communications, then communication reliability is improved, but the number of beams to be scanned increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete beam codebook into multiple subsets based on geographic location and cell geometry. Instead of scanning all possible beams, the system divides the beam space into manageable segments corresponding to different spatial regions, allowing UEs to only scan relevant beam subsets based on their location.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity performs preliminary actions by determining cell geometry and pre-calculating appropriate beam subsets before the actual beamforming procedure. This advance preparation allows UEs to receive and utilize pre-filtered beam information, eliminating the need to scan the entire beam codebook during real-time communication setup.
2Reliability
If a large number of beams are scanned during beamforming procedure, then peak beamforming gain is achieved, but the time required for beam scanning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary beam subsets from the complete codebook based on UE location and cell geometry. By taking out and transmitting only the relevant beam information to UEs, the system maintains the ability to achieve peak beamforming gain with the extracted beams while dramatically reducing the scanning time required.
3Productivity
If broader beams are used at base station and pseudo-omni beam at UE to speed up scanning, then beam scanning time is reduced, but peak beamforming gain is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different beam configurations to different UEs based on their specific location and conditions. Each UE receives a customized subset of narrow beams appropriate for its geographic position, allowing the system to maintain narrow beam precision for peak gain while effectively managing the scanning process for each local context.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A network server may configure a base station for beamforming communications based on a service type of data used by a user equipment (UE). The network server may determine the service type of the data based on position data of the UE, along with other statistical information related to data usage. The position information may include global position system (GPS) information, gyroscope information, accelerometer information, or information related to the UE's subarray geometry. The base station may receive the position information from the UE and convey it to the network server. The network server may use the position information to generate a network map and to identify the service type of communication.