RAN Node Beam Management Using Operational Environment Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam management procedures in 5G wireless communication networks are less effective in non-line of sight communications, particularly when user equipment (UE) is indoors or subject to reflected signal paths.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves obtaining information defining the operational environment of a wireless device and using this information to manage communication with the UE, thereby improving beam management, handover operations, and carrier aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If beamforming is used to achieve sufficient link budget in high frequency bands, then data communication rate is improved, but beam alignment precision becomes more critical and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing beam sweeping and beam measurements before establishing communication. The gNodeB and UE perform beam sweeping procedures to identify suitable beam pairs in advance, conducting beam measurements and determining optimal beams before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary beam establishment process ensures that when high-frequency beamforming is activated, the beam alignment is already optimized, reducing the complexity of real-time alignment adjustments.
2Reliability
If conventional beam management procedures are used, then system operation is maintained, but effectiveness deteriorates in non-line of sight communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adapting beam management procedures to specific environmental conditions. The system performs beam measurements and determines optimal beams based on local propagation characteristics, such as identifying line-of-sight versus non-line-of-sight conditions. The beam reporting procedure provides detailed local quality information about signal strength and beam characteristics, enabling the gNodeB to make localized decisions about beam adjustment and handover timing tailored to each UE's specific environment rather than applying uniform procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making beam management procedures adaptive and time-varying. The system continuously performs beam measurements and updates beam decisions based on changing conditions. The handover procedure is triggered dynamically when beam failure is detected or when beam quality degrades below thresholds. The beam adjustment process allows for real-time modifications based on measured signal quality, enabling the system to respond dynamically to environmental changes such as UE movement or obstruct ion appearance.
3Area of stationary object
If beam sweeping is performed to cover geographical area, then coverage is improved, but time and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing beam sweeping and beam measurements only when necessary rather than continuously. The system determines whether beam management procedures are needed based on current communication conditions, such as detecting beam failure or degradation. Instead of performing exhaustive beam sweeping across all possible directions at all times, the system performs targeted beam measurements focused on relevant beam pairs, reducing the overall time and signaling overhead while maintaining adequate coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods may be provided to operate a Radio Access Network RAN node of a wireless communication network. Information defining an operational environment in which a wireless device is operating may be obtained. Communication with the wireless device may be managed based on the information defining the operational environment in which the wireless device is operating. Related RAN nodes, computer programs, and computer program products are also discussed.