Hierarchical Beam Sequencing for THz Path Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Terahertz (THz) communication systems face significant path loss and alignment challenges due to narrow beamwidths and distance-dependent signal attenuation, requiring advanced antenna arrays and complex beam management procedures, but lack effective techniques to address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a high frequency network base station that generates a primary beam with a wide beamwidth and multiple secondary beams with narrower beamwidths, allowing for hierarchical beam sequencing and synchronization message transmission to user equipment, enabling flexible bandwidth and center frequency allocation to support users at varying distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If narrow beamwidths are used to enhance signal strength and reduce path loss, then signal coverage is improved, but the number of beams required increases making beam management exhaustive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell coverage area into multiple sub-regions, each served by a broader beam. This segmentation allows the system to use fewer, wider beams instead of many narrow beams, thereby reducing beam management complexity while maintaining adequate signal coverage through spatial division of the coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension approach by dividing the cell into multiple sub-regions and assigning different beamwidths to different directional sectors. This dimensional organization allows broader beams to cover larger angular ranges while still providing targeted coverage, reducing the total number of beams needed without sacrificing signal strength in critical directions.
2Area of stationary object
If highly directive antennas and massive antenna arrays are deployed to compensate for absorption losses, then outdoor coverage is enhanced, but device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different beamwidth characteristics to different spatial regions and user scenarios. Broad beams are used for initial access and coverage areas with high absorption loss, while narrower beams can be selectively applied where needed. This local differentiation allows enhanced outdoor coverage without requiring massive antenna arrays everywhere, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic beamwidth adjustment where the base station can adaptively select between broad and narrow beams based on user location, mobility state, and channel conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to use broader beams for stationary users in challenging outdoor environments while switching to narrower beams for mobile users, avoiding the need for permanently complex massive antenna arrays.
3Use of energy by moving object
If narrow beamwidths are used to provide energy efficient beamwidths, then energy efficiency is improved, but beam alignment becomes very difficult especially for user mobility and orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses broader initial access beams to establish connectivity before transitioning to narrower beams for data transmission. The broader beams make initial alignment trivial even for mobile users, and once connected, the system can switch to energy-efficient narrow beams. This preliminary action with wide beams eliminates the alignment difficulty that would otherwise exist with narrow beams from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic beam sweeping and re-alignment procedures where broader beams are used at intervals to maintain alignment, especially for mobile users. This periodic use of wide beams ensures that even when narrow beams are used for energy efficiency, the system periodically re-establishes alignment using the more tolerant broad beams, making the overall process easier to operate.
4Productivity
If distance dependent path loss procedures are implemented in THz systems, then resource allocation is optimized, but system complexity increases compared to lower frequency systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the beamwidth parameter based on user distance from the base station. For distant users experiencing high path loss, broader beams are used to provide sufficient signal strength. For closer users, narrower beams can be used for efficient resource allocation. This parameter change approach allows distance-dependent optimization without requiring completely new complex procedures, as it builds on existing beamforming capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure refers to a method and a base station for communication in a high frequency network are provided. The method includes generating a first beam having a first beamwidth in a first area of a cell, determining a plurality of second beamwidth levels for a plurality of second beams possible in the first beamwidth of the first beam, wherein a second beamwidth associated with each of the plurality of second beams is narrower than the first beamwidth, generating the plurality of second beams having the plurality of determined second beamwidth levels, and transmitting at least one synchronization message to a plurality of user equipments via the first beam and the plurality of second beams.