Reception Beam Selection for Fast mmWave Initial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of higher frequencies in wireless communication systems, particularly in millimeter wave communication, poses challenges related to beamforming and beamforming gains, especially in scenarios with small beams, which can lead to interference and complications in establishing communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for quickly determining a narrow communication beam using reference signaling, allowing improved beamforming gain and reduced interference by utilizing a set of reception beams associated with a first reception beam, where the target reception beam is selected based on signal strength and quality, enabling efficient communication even in early stages of wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If beamforming is used with small beams at high frequencies, then beamforming gain is improved, but interference and complications in establishing communication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam determination process into two distinct stages: initial access using wide beams for coverage, and subsequent communication using narrow beams for precision. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from wide beam coverage during cell search and initial access, then transition to narrow beamforming for high-gain communication, thereby reducing interference while maintaining beamforming gains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary beam determination during initial access before actual data communication begins. The receiving node determines the appropriate narrow beam based on wide beam measurements during the initial access phase, so that when data communication starts, the correct narrow beam is already established. This preliminary action prevents interference issues during the critical initial connection phase.
2Power
If narrow beams are used for communication, then beamforming gain is enhanced, but difficulty in establishing communication and determining appropriate beams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a two-dimensional beam selection approach: first selecting a wide beam dimension for initial access and coverage, then selecting a narrow beam dimension for precise communication. This dimensional transition simplifies the overall beam determination process by breaking it into manageable stages, where each stage operates in its appropriate beam width dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wide beams as an intermediary between the transmitting node and receiving node during initial access. These wide beams facilitate the establishment of initial connection and enable the receiving node to determine the appropriate narrow beam for subsequent communication, acting as a mediator that simplifies the beam determination process.
3Area of stationary object
If wide beams are used for initial access, then coverage is improved, but beamforming gain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam width adjustment where the beam width changes based on the communication phase. During initial access, wide beams are used to maximize coverage area. Once the receiving node determines the appropriate beam during initial access, the system dynamically transitions to narrow beams for data communication to maximize beamforming gain. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between coverage and gain.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method of operating a receiving radio node for a wireless communication network. The method includes receiving a first instance of reference signaling utilising a first reception beam, and receiving a second instance of reference signaling utilising a set of second reception beams associated to and/or based on the first reception beam. An instance of reference signaling includes signaling on a plurality of allocation units. The method further includes communicating utilising a communication beam associated to and/or based a target reception beam of the second reception beams. The disclosure also pertains to related devices and methods.