Beam Selection for PDCCH Random Access in 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, network-initiated random access procedures in radio access technology face challenges in efficiently guiding user equipment to perform random access procedures, especially in highly beamformed environments, leading to increased power usage and interference.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a control message to user equipment to perform a random access procedure using a selected beam from a set of beams, allowing for beamforming instead of omnidirectional transmission, which reduces power usage and interference. This selection is based on reference signaling, system information, and historical information about the user equipment's movement patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If omnidirectional transmission is used for control messages, then all user equipment can receive the message, but power consumption increases and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting control messages using directional beams targeted at specific geographic locations or user equipment groups rather than omnidirectional transmission. The network node determines beam direction based on UE location information, historical movement patterns, and reference signaling, thereby concentrating transmission energy only where needed and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable delivery to target UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-determining beam directions and maintaining historical information about user equipment movement patterns before control message transmission is needed. The network node stores and updates UE location data and movement history in advance, allowing it to quickly select appropriate beams when control messages need to be sent, thereby reducing real-time computational overhead and improving transmission efficiency.
2Reliability
If omnidirectional transmission is used for control messages, then all user equipment can receive the message, but interference within the cell increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces interference by applying local quality through directional beam transmission. Instead of broadcasting control messages in all directions, the network node transmits messages only in specific directions where user equipment is located. This spatial targeting confines the transmission energy to necessary areas, minimizing interference to other users and reducing overall cell interference levels while ensuring reliable message delivery to intended recipients.
3Reliability
If beam selection based on historical information is used, then random access can be initiated in highly beamformed environments, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages device complexity through preliminary action by pre-collecting and storing user equipment location information and historical movement patterns in the network node before beam selection is needed. This historical data is maintained in advance, allowing the system to quickly determine appropriate beams when random access initiation is required, without requiring complex real-time calculations or sophisticated beam selection algorithms at the moment of transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a network node in a radio access network includes transmitting a control message indicating to a user equipment to perform a random access procedure, wherein the control message is transmitted utilising a beam selected from a set of beams. The disclosure also pertains to related devices and methods.