Predictive Handover for Beamformed mmWave Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handover processes in mmWave communication systems using sectored antennas are time-consuming due to signal quality measurements, leading to reduced throughput and delayed handovers.
Innovation Solution
A method for predicting handover timing and determining handover candidates based on beamforming parameters, such as directionality and relative placement, allowing for anticipatory adjustments in antenna steering and beamforming settings to facilitate smoother inter-sector and inter-cell handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal quality measurement is performed during handover, then handover reliability is improved, but handover time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs signal quality measurements and identifies handover candidates in advance, before the actual handover is needed. By using beamforming parameters to predict potential handover targets and their signal qualities beforehand, the system prepares the handover information so that when handover becomes necessary, the decision can be made rapidly without performing full measurements at that moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical signal quality measurement methods with a prediction-based approach using beamforming parameters. Instead of physically measuring signal qualities during handover through complex measurement procedures, the system uses computational methods to estimate handover candidates based on directional information and relative placement data, substituting computational prediction for physical measurement.
2Speed
If beamforming parameters are used for handover prediction, then handover speed is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential beamforming parameters needed for handover prediction, specifically directional information and relative placement data, from the complete set of available signal parameters. By focusing only on these critical geometric parameters rather than analyzing all possible signal characteristics, the system achieves fast handover prediction with reduced computational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses beamforming parameters to create a simplified model or representation of the radio environment that can be quickly processed. Instead of performing complex real-time signal analysis, the system creates a computational model based on directional and positional data that accurately predicts handover candidates without requiring intensive calculations.
3Productivity
If anticipatory beam adjustments are made, then throughput is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs anticipatory beam adjustments only when handover is predicted to be necessary, based on analysis of beamforming parameters indicating approaching handover conditions. By preparing beam directions in advance only when needed rather than continuously adjusting beams, the system maintains high throughput during handover while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption from constant beam adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of handover of a wireless beamformed link. For example, an apparatus may include a wireless communication unit to communicate between a wireless communication node and a mobile device via a beamformed link between the wireless communication node and the mobile device, the wireless communication unit is to determine a handover candidate for handing over the mobile device, based on at least one beamforming parameter of the beamformed link.