RIC-Coordinated Beamforming for 5G Spectrum Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G wireless systems face challenges in efficiently managing beam forming to support a high number of users and diverse traffic scenarios, requiring dynamic configuration of waveform parameters to meet capacity and latency demands while optimizing spectrum utilization.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a radio access network intelligent controller (RIC) that integrates external and internal radio access network states to determine optimal beam patterns, using hybrid reactive and proactive beam control algorithms, machine learning, and geographical information to steer beams effectively, thereby enhancing spectrum efficiency and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional beam forming methods are used in 5G networks, then device complexity is reduced, but spectrum efficiency and network capacity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidbeam control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Radio Access Network Intelligent Controller (RIC) as an intermediary component that coordinates beam forming across multiple network nodes. The RIC receives channel state information from gNBs, processes this data using machine learning algorithms, and generates coordinated precoding matrices. This intermediary structure enables complex beam coordination without requiring each individual gNB to independently manage the complexity, thus increasing network capacity while controlling device-level complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical beam switching methods with intelligent software-based control. Instead of physically reconfiguring antenna systems, the system uses machine learning algorithms and precoding matrices to dynamically steer beams electronically. This substitution of mechanical systems with intelligent software control enables faster, more flexible beam management and improves spectrum efficiency without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic waveform parameter configuration is implemented, then adaptability to diverse traffic scenarios improves, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic scenario adaptabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the RIC pre-process channel state information and pre-determine optimal beam configurations before actual data transmission. The system performs beam coordination and precoding matrix generation in advance based on predicted traffic patterns and channel conditions. This preliminary processing reduces the need for extensive real-time signaling during data transmission, as many configuration decisions are made beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service through machine learning algorithms that automatically adapt waveform parameters based on observed traffic patterns and channel conditions. The RIC learns from historical data and autonomously adjusts beam forming parameters without requiring extensive manual configuration or frequent signaling requests. This self-adaptive capability improves traffic scenario adaptability while minimizing signaling overhead by reducing the need for continuous network controller intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If hybrid reactive and proactive beam control algorithms are used, then beam control precision improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam control precisionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by combining proactive beam control (periodic planning based on historical patterns) with reactive adjustments (real-time responses to channel changes). The RIC periodically updates beam configurations based on learned traffic patterns while also responding to real-time channel state information. This periodic hybrid approach maintains high beam control precision by balancing advance planning with real-time adjustments, while managing processing time by not requiring continuous full-recalculation of all beam parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11012993B2Coordinated beam forming for 5G or other next generation network

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

In 5G, a high degree of automated management and control mechanisms can coordinate various radios in relatively close proximity, via a zone, or in a cluster. Reactive automation coupled with hybrid algorithms utilizing internal radio states and known or expected external events or entities can enable a smart proactive 5G automation. The smart proactive 5G automation can minimize signaling between the radios and provide a hybrid distributed and centralized model utilizing a radio access network intelligent controller to increase spectrum efficiencies. Additionally, the smart proactive 5G automation can provide new service opportunities that can be offered by service providers.