Hierarchical Beam Management for Multi-TRP 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing beams for multi-TRP operation, particularly in 5G and beyond networks, where seamless mobility and beam switching are essential for maintaining connectivity and performance, especially in scenarios with multiple transmission-reception points and varying antenna panel configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of hierarchical beam management techniques, including static and flexible beam mapping, and MAC control element reporting for UE antenna panel pairing and beam switching, allows for efficient beam refinement and switching between multiple TRPs, optimizing beam alignment and switching strategies based on L1/L2 signaling without handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional beam management procedures are used in multi-TRP scenarios, then basic connectivity is maintained, but beam alignment accuracy and switching efficiency deteriorate due to lack of hierarchical refinement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The beam management process is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: first-level beam sweeping for coarse beam identification, second-level beam refinement for precise beam alignment, and third-level beam tracking for continuous optimization. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high beam alignment accuracy through progressive refinement while managing complexity by organizing procedures into distinct stages with specific functions at each level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary beam sweeping and identification procedures before establishing the final beam alignment. By pre-identifying candidate beams and their characteristics through initial scanning, the system prepares the necessary information in advance, which facilitates faster and more accurate beam switching when conditions change, thereby improving overall beam management efficiency.
2Reliability
If frequent beam switching is performed to maintain connectivity during mobility, then connectivity is maintained, but switching overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary beam identification and characterization during initial beam sweeping, storing information about multiple candidate beams in advance. When mobility requires beam switching, the UE can immediately switch to a pre-identified candidate beam without performing a complete re-sweep, significantly reducing switching latency while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam management system dynamically adapts the frequency and granularity of beam switching based on UE mobility conditions. For stationary or slow-moving UEs, the system uses longer beam validity periods to reduce switching overhead. For fast-moving UEs, the system increases switching frequency but leverages pre-identified candidate beams to minimize actual switching time, thus balancing reliability and latency requirements.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive beam sweeping is performed to identify all candidate beams, then beam selection accuracy improves, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam sweeping process is segmented into targeted sub-sweps focused on specific angular regions or frequency ranges rather than exhaustive full-spectrum scanning. The system divides the beam space into multiple sectors and performs refined sweeping only in regions where beams are likely to be present or where previous measurements indicate potential candidates, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining selection accuracy through focused measurement efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different measurement densities and reporting granularities to different spatial regions and beam types. In regions with high signal strength or where UEs are currently connected, the system performs detailed local beam refinement with high measurement precision. In other regions, coarser measurements are sufficient, reducing signaling overhead. This local quality approach ensures high beam selection accuracy where needed while minimizing unnecessary signaling in less critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-readable storage medium stores instructions to configure a UE for beam management for multi-TRP operation in a 5G NR and beyond wireless network, and to cause the UE to perform operations. The operations include performing measurements on a plurality of SS/PBCH blocks to determine a set of preferred SS/PBCH beams. A MAC control element (CE) is encoded for transmission to a base station. The MAC CE includes at least one preferred beam pair for the multi-TRP operation. The at least one preferred beam pair includes a pair of preferred SS/PBCH beams selected from the set and corresponding to a pair of UE antenna panels. Downlink data received by the pair of UE antenna panels during the multi-TRP operation is decoded. The downlink data is received via reception beams corresponding to the pair of preferred SS/PBCH beams.