Radio Network Node TCI Update for Beam Change Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, especially with reciprocity-based beamforming, beam changes can result in disrupted connections due to changes in channel properties, leading to dropped calls and increased delays in re-establishing connections.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented by a radio network node to transmit a Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) update to a wireless device, where the node associates a transmit beam with a reference signal and determines new QCL channel properties during a beam change, allowing the association of the new beam with a suitable reference signal and sending a TCI update to the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beam changes are performed to improve data rates and capacity, then network capacity and data rate are improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to dropped calls and increased delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple TCI states with different QCL properties before beam changes occur. The network node prepares advance information about reference signals and their associated QCL properties (Doppler shift, delay spread, spatial parameters) so that when a beam change is triggered, the wireless device can immediately switch to the appropriate pre-configured TCI state without interruption, thereby maintaining connection reliability during high-capacity beam switching operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network node monitors beam quality metrics and wireless device performance, then dynamically adjusts beam selection and TCI state configuration. This feedback loop enables the system to identify optimal beams that maintain both high capacity and connection reliability, preventing dropped calls by continuously adapting beam changes based on real-time channel conditions and device responses
2Speed
If beam changes are performed to increase data rates, then peak speed is improved, but service continuity deteriorates due to dropped calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple TCI states with different QCL properties before beam changes occur. The network node prepares advance information about reference signals and their associated QCL properties (Doppler shift, delay spread, spatial parameters) so that when a beam change is triggered, the wireless device can immediately switch to the appropriate pre-configured TCI state without interruption, thereby maintaining service continuity during high-speed beam switching operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by configuring a set of TCI states that serve as a buffer or safety net during beam changes. These pre-prepared TCI states with diverse QCL properties act as a cushion against connection disruptions, allowing the wireless device to seamlessly transition between beams without experiencing dropped calls, thus protecting service continuity while enabling high peak data rates
3Productivity
If beam changes are performed to improve capacity, then network throughput is improved, but latency increases due to re-establishment delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple TCI states with different QCL properties before beam changes occur. The network node prepares advance information about reference signals and their associated QCL properties (Doppler shift, delay spread, spatial parameters) so that when a beam change is triggered, the wireless device can immediately switch to the appropriate pre-configured TCI state without interruption, thereby reducing re-establishment latency while maintaining high network throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by ensuring that beam changes occur without breaking the active communication session. The pre-configured TCI states enable seamless transitions where the wireless device continues receiving data without interruption or re-establishment, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the beam switching process and eliminating latency penalties associated with connection re-establishment
Data Source
AI summary
A network node and a method for transmitting a Transmission Configuration Indication, TCI, update to a UE. The network node associates a first transmit beam with a first reference signal having first Quasi Co-Location, QCL, channel properties. The first transmit beam gives the same first QCL channel properties and is used in data transmission to the UE. Further, the network node determines second QCL channel properties given by a second transmit beam when a beam change is triggered. When the second QCL channel properties is within a QCL channel property range of a second reference signal and when the second reference signal has third QCL channel properties being different from the first QCL channel properties, the network node associates the second transmit beam with the second reference signal, and transmits, to the UE, a TCI update having an indication of the second reference signal.