Pseudo-omnidirectional Beam Discovery for mmWave Relay Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of millimeter wave (mmWave) technology in device-to-device (D2D) relaying networks is challenging due to the directional nature of mmWave transmissions and constraints such as power and thermal exposure, which complicates the establishment of reliable relay links in 5G wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of pseudo-omnidirectional beams for mmWave device discovery and relay link establishment, where user equipment (UEs) transmit synchronization signals over single antenna elements to enable UE discovery and synchronization, allowing base stations to intervene in relay link management and reduce network overhead through beam training procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If directional antenna beams are used for mmWave transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and beam management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam management process into two distinct phases: discovery phase using pseudo-omnidirectional beams for initial link establishment, and data transmission phase using directional beams for reliable communication. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both approaches without the continuous overhead of directional beam management during discovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary beam training and establishes relay links using pseudo-omnidirectional beams before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action using simpler beams prepares the system for subsequent directional communication, reducing the complexity of real-time beam management during data transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pseudo-omnidirectional beams are used for discovery, then device discovery capability is improved, but transmission precision and directional communication efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic beam switching mechanism where the system transitions from pseudo-omnidirectional beams during discovery to directional beams during data transmission. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for discovery capability when needed and for transmission precision when needed, without being constrained by a single beam type.
3Area of stationary object
If relay links are established between UEs, then coverage extension is improved, but power consumption and thermal exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic beam training and link maintenance procedures rather than continuous directional beam management. By using pseudo-omnidirectional beams for discovery and establishing relay links periodically, the system extends coverage while reducing the continuous power consumption and thermal exposure associated with maintaining directional beams at all times.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to millimeter wave (mmWave) device discovery for relay communication using pseudo-omnidirectional beams. A first user equipment (UE) may transmit a synchronization signal over each pseudo-omnidirectional beam to enable a second UE to discover a presence of the second UE within a range of the first UE. Upon the occurrence of an external event, a base station may either trigger a beam training procedure with the second UE to establish a relay link between the first and second UEs or broadcast a message to all UEs requesting a relay link be established with the first UE. The first and second UEs may then select a directional beam pair link (BPL) for the relay link and establish the relay link to enable information to be relayed between the base station and the first UE via the relay link.