PRS-Assisted Beam Management for Interference-Limited Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face interference issues due to transmissions from neighbor base stations and other wireless RF transmitters, which degrade performance on both downlink and uplink, especially as demand for mobile broadband access increases and more UEs access long-range and short-range systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of positioning reference signals (PRS) for beam management, including line-of-sight (LOS) path measurements, to select optimal communication beams based on UE location and PRS characteristics, such as LOS path measurements, for improved communication between UEs and base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more UEs access wireless networks to meet growing mobile broadband demand, then network capacity and user coverage are improved, but interference from neighbor base stations and RF transmitters increases, degrading communication performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication spectrum into multiple spatial beams directed toward specific UE locations. By dividing the overall transmission into separate beam segments, the system can serve multiple UEs simultaneously without their transmissions interfering with each other, thus increasing network capacity while managing interference through spatial separation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spatial dimension to communication by using beamforming to direct signals in specific directions toward UEs at known locations. This adds a directional component to traditional omnidirectional transmission, allowing multiple UEs to be served simultaneously in different spatial directions, thereby increasing capacity while containing interference within specific spatial zones
2Reliability
If beamforming is used to improve signal quality for specific UEs, then communication performance is enhanced, but the system complexity for beam selection and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining UE locations and identifying appropriate beams before actual data transmission occurs. Location information is obtained in advance, and beam selection is predetermined based on this information, so that when communication begins, the optimal beam is already selected and configured, reducing real-time decision complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the UE's own location information and the pre-configured beam database to automatically determine the optimal beam without requiring complex real-time analysis. The UE essentially serves itself by providing location data, and the system automatically matches this to the appropriate pre-defined beam, simplifying the overall beam management process
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication that support positioning reference signal (PRS)-assisted beam management. In particular, various aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for a network entity to select a beam of a plurality of beams for communications between a base station and a user equipment (UE) based on line-of-sight (LOS) path detection results. In some implementations, the LOS path detection results may include an indication as to whether a PRS includes an LOS path signal and/or an NLOS, and/or a signal strength of the LOS path signal, as well as other information that a network entity (e.g., a UE or a base station) may use in a beam management procedure (e.g., to select a beam). Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.