Sidelink Beam Sensing for Interference Avoidance in 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, the increased path loss at higher frequency bands limits the number of concurrent high-gain beams that can be formed, reducing coverage area and increasing interference, as existing beamforming technologies face challenges in efficiently managing beam direction and interference in sidelink communications.
Innovation Solution
The User Equipment (UE) performs sensing on a second direction or beam to select a resource for sidelink transmission on a first direction or beam, based on the sensing results, to avoid interference and optimize beam selection, potentially using a combination of digital and analog beamforming techniques to generate beams that cover the required cell area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If beamforming is used to increase path loss compensation at higher frequency bands, then signal strength is improved, but the number of concurrent high-gain beams that can be formed is limited, reducing coverage area and increasing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming process into two distinct phases: a sensing phase where the UE measures interference and channel conditions on one beam, and a transmission phase where the UE transmits on a different beam. This segmentation allows the system to form high-gain beams for signal strength while using the sensing beam to identify and avoid interfering resources, thereby maintaining coverage area without excessive interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary sensing and measurement actions before the actual sidelink transmission. The UE senses the channel conditions and identifies interfering beams in advance, then uses this information to select appropriate resources for transmission. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare high-gain transmission beams while avoiding resources that would cause or experience interference, resolving the contradiction between signal strength and coverage area.
2Illumination intensity
If beamforming is used to increase path loss compensation at higher frequency bands, then signal strength is improved, but interference is increased due to limited concurrent beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensing beam as an intermediary that performs the function of channel measurement and interference detection without being the primary transmission beam. The sensing beam acts as a mediator that gathers information about channel conditions and interfering transmissions, allowing the main transmission beam to operate at high gain without causing or experiencing excessive interference. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by separating the measurement function from the transmission function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE measures interference and channel conditions on the sensing beam, then uses this feedback information to select appropriate resources and beams for the actual transmission. The feedback loop allows the system to adapt to channel conditions and avoid resources that would generate or experience interference, enabling high-gain transmission while maintaining low interference levels.
3Ease of operation
If the UE performs sensing on the same direction or beam as transmission, then resource selection is simplified, but interference from other UEs performing simultaneous sensing and transmission cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by performing sensing on a different direction or beam than the transmission beam. Instead of sensing and transmitting on the same beam, the UE uses a sensing beam to measure channel conditions and identifies resources that are free from interference, then transmits on a separate transmission beam. This inversion resolves the contradiction by allowing the UE to avoid interfering resources through sensing on one beam while transmitting on another, maintaining both ease of operation and low interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed from the perspective of an User Equipment (UE). In one embodiment, the method includes the UE performing sensing on a second direction or beam. The method also includes the UE performing a sidelink transmission on a resource on a first direction or beam, wherein the resource is selected based on at least sensing result of the second direction or beam.