Relay Beam Pair Configuration for mmW Link Reliability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, beam management is challenging due to frequency selectivity and changing environmental conditions, particularly in millimeter wave (mmW) networks, where beam pairs configured for control signaling on the backhaul link may be unsuitable for access link communication, leading to deep fades and asymmetrical uplink/downlink communication requirements.

Innovation Solution

A control node performs beam management by configuring beam pair links for both backhaul and access links, determining suitable beam pairs based on measurements and transmitting configuration information to relay devices, ensuring effective communication through beam training and dynamic adjustment of beamforming configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single beam pair is configured for control signaling on the backhaul link, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to frequency selectivity causing deep fades in access link portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam configuration complexityVSAvoidcommunication link reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the beam configuration into separate beam pairs for backhaul link control signaling and access link relay signaling. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each link's beam parameters to suit its specific frequency characteristics, preventing deep fades while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured separation of functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different beam configurations tailored to specific link requirements. The backhaul link uses one beam pair optimized for control signaling, while the access link uses different beam pairs optimized for relay signaling in specific spectrum portions. This local quality approach ensures each link has the appropriate beam characteristics for its operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If beam configurations are optimized for specific frequency portions, then communication quality improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple beam pair configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidbeam pair configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into distinct portions, each with its own optimized beam pair configuration. This allows high-quality communication in each frequency band while managing overall complexity through systematic organization of beam pairs by their intended use and frequency range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic beam selection based on which spectrum portion is currently active for relay signaling. The system can switch between different beam pair configurations depending on operational requirements, maintaining optimal communication quality while adapting to changing conditions without requiring all beams to be simultaneously active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate beam pairs are configured for uplink and downlink communication, then communication adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to asymmetrical configuration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink/downlink adaptabilityVSAvoidbeam configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separately configures beam pairs for uplink and downlink directions, allowing each direction to be optimized for its specific communication requirements. This segmentation enables independent adaptation of beam parameters for asymmetrical traffic patterns while maintaining structured management through clear separation of uplink and downlink beam configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11700045B2System and method for beam training with relay links
Publication Date: 2023.07.11 QUALCOMM INC
  • US11700045B2 patent drawing
  • US11700045B2 patent drawing
  • US11700045B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating beam training with relay link are disclosed herein. An example method for wireless communication at a control node includes determining a first set of measurements associated with at least one set of beam pairs. In some examples, the at least one set of beam pairs is associated with a wireless backhaul link between a first wireless device and a relay device, a first relay access link portion between the first wireless device and the relay device, or a second relay access link portion between the relay device and at least one second wireless device. The example method also includes configuring at least one subset of beam pairs of the at least one set of beam pairs based on the first set of measurements. Additionally, the example method includes transmitting information indicating the at least one subset of beam pairs to the relay device.