Millimeter-Wave Rate Selection via Antenna Training and MCS Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional millimeter-wave communication systems face inefficiencies in rate selection, requiring lengthy convergence times and often resulting in sub-optimal links due to a trial-and-error process that re-trains antennas only after testing all available Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCSs), leading to prolonged establishment of reliable radio links.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for rate selection in millimeter-wave communication systems that involves performing antenna training, conducting a rate search to select an optimal MCS based on the antenna configuration, engaging a rate lock for reliable links, and re-training antennas upon failure or reliability drop, thereby minimizing the time to find a suitable MCS and optimizing link performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional trial-and-error rate selection process is used, then all available MCSs are tested to ensure reliable link, but convergence time is prolonged and system productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing antenna training and selecting an initial MCS before actual data transmission begins. The system conducts a rate search to pre-determine a suitable MCS based on channel conditions, and engages rate lock to lock onto the optimal MCS in advance, avoiding the need for extensive trial-and-error processes during active communication. This preliminary configuration significantly reduces convergence time while ensuring reliable link establishment.
2Measurement precision
If antenna re-training is performed only after testing all MCSs, then exhaustive search is completed, but time to establish reliable link is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary antenna training and rate search to identify a suitable MCS before commencing data transmission. By conducting the rate search and engaging rate lock in advance, the system establishes a reliable link faster without sacrificing MCS selection accuracy, as the initial training phase allows for thorough channel assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic rate selection where the system can adaptively adjust the MCS based on changing channel conditions. The rate lock mechanism allows the system to maintain the optimal MCS while enabling re-training only when necessary, creating a dynamic balance between thorough search and time efficiency.
3Reliability
If rate scaling is used to improve link reliability, then channel reliability is restored, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By performing preliminary antenna training and rate search, the system identifies the optimal MCS before data transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures that the system starts with the highest reliable throughput possible, avoiding the need for subsequent rate scaling that would reduce throughput. The rate lock mechanism maintains this optimal setting, preserving throughput while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device, a computer implemented method, and an apparatus for rate selection in a millimeter-wave communication system. The method includes performing antenna training on at least one antenna of the millimeter-wave communication system; conducting a rate search to select a modulation coding scheme (MCS) among a plurality of MCSs based upon an antenna configuration provided by the antenna training; engaging a rate lock on the selected MCS in response to determining that a reliable radio link has been found among the plurality of MCSs, wherein the selected MCS defines a constellation configuration and a code rate for transmitting millimeter-wave signals; and performing re-training of the antenna upon an event including any one of: failing to find a MCS which supports the reliable radio link, and determining a drop in reliability of the radio link.