Sidelink Beam Selection via Network Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sidelink communication technologies in wireless networks face challenges in efficiently managing beamforming for device-to-device communication, particularly in selecting and maintaining optimal TX/RX beams for unicast pairs, which affects the reliability and efficiency of sidelink data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a notification message system that alerts UEs in a unicast pair to tune their antennas to specific beams selected for sidelink communication, using methods such as activation commands, DCI messages, or configured grants, ensuring that both the transmitting and receiving UEs use optimal beams for successful data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beamforming is used for sidelink communication to improve reliability, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the complexity of beam selection and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network acts as an intermediary that selects optimal beams for unicast pairs and communicates these selections to the UEs via notification messages. This mediator approach transfers the complex beam selection task from individual UEs to the network, improving reliability while reducing UE complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report channel quality and beam measurements to the network, which then uses this feedback to make informed beam selection decisions. This feedback loop ensures reliable communication while keeping UE complexity manageable
2Productivity
If UEs continuously monitor and adjust beams for optimal communication, then the efficiency of sidelink transmission is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary beam selection and communicates the optimal beams to UEs in advance via notification messages. This preliminary action allows UEs to configure their beams beforehand without continuous monitoring, improving transmission efficiency while reducing ongoing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous beam monitoring, the system uses periodic beam selection and notification from the network. UEs adjust beams periodically based on network instructions rather than continuously, maintaining efficiency while significantly reducing energy consumption
3Measurement precision
If the network provides detailed beam configuration messages to each UE, then the precision of beam alignment is improved, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam configuration information is segmented into notification messages sent to specific UEs or UE pairs only when needed. This selective segmentation reduces overall signaling overhead while maintaining precise beam alignment for active unicast pairs through targeted notifications
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and processors are provided to support beamformed sidelink communication. In one example, a user equipment (UE) is configured for sidelink communication in a first unicast pair that includes the UE and a second UE. The UE includes a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors are configured to, when executing instructions stored in the memory, cause the UE to receive a message providing notification of sidelink communication between the UE and the second UE, and in response, perform sidelink communication of first sidelink data using a first transmit (TX) beam associated with the first unicast pair or a first receive (RX) beam associated with the first unicast pair.