Millimeter Wave Small Cell Sector-Based Beamforming Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for user equipment (UE) handover from a universal mobile telecommunications system terrestrial radio access node B (eNB) to a millimeter wave capable small cell (MCSC) lack efficient methods for signal quality assurance and beamforming training, particularly in high communication rate or congested areas, and do not effectively manage UE communications during handovers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of MCSC as a booster or secondary carrier that supports millimeter wave frequencies, enabling efficient UE handover by performing signal quality measurements on a sector basis and coarse beamforming training, with customized PSS/SSS and PRACH sequences for UE association between eNB and MCSC, allowing for seamless communication and traffic offloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MCSC operates as a booster with millimeter wave frequencies, then communication efficiency and signal quality are improved, but system complexity and beamforming training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the MCSC operation into distinct functional segments: sector identification phase, beamforming training phase, and communication phase. Each phase handles specific tasks independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining signal quality through specialized processing at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary sector identification and coarse beamforming training before establishing full communication. By pre-aligning beams and identifying optimal sectors in advance, the system reduces the complexity of real-time beam management during actual communication while ensuring high signal quality.
2Reliability
If sector-based signal quality measurements are performed, then handover reliability is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments signal quality measurement into sector-level coarse measurements and beam-level fine measurements. Sector-based measurements provide reliable handover decisions at a higher level, while detailed beam measurements are performed only after sector selection, reducing overall measurement complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary sector identification and coarse signal quality assessment before detailed beam measurement. This preliminary action narrows down the search space from all possible beams to specific sectors, making subsequent detailed measurements more manageable while ensuring reliable handover decisions.
3Productivity
If MCSC provides consistent coverage through directional signals, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity and beamforming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments beamforming into coarse beamforming for sector coverage and fine beamforming for specific user communication. Coarse beamforming establishes consistent sector-level coverage with simpler algorithms, while fine beamforming optimizes individual user links, balancing communication efficiency with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary coarse beamforming training to establish sector-level directional coverage before detailed user-specific beamforming. This preliminary directional alignment ensures consistent coverage across the sector while reducing the complexity of subsequent user-specific beam optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and computer readable media to enable a millimeter wave capable small cell (MCSC) devices to receive a handover of a user equipment from a universal mobile telecommunications system terrestrial radio access node B(eNB.) In particular, systems and methods are described for user equipment (UE) association with a MCSC operating as a booster for an eNB, including identification of and communication on preferred cell sector between the UE and the MCSC.