Dynamic Transceiver Antenna Element Assignment for Channel Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems operating in unlicensed spectrum, existing channel sensing methods face challenges such as increased collision risks due to limited sensing capabilities, especially with beamforming transmissions, leading to interference issues and reduced spatial reuse.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically assigning transceiver antenna elements between channel sensing and communication operations, allowing for omnidirectional or directional sensing while maintaining communication, based on network statistics and previous sensing results, to optimize channel access and minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all transceiver antenna elements are used for communication, then communication capacity is maximized, but channel sensing capability is reduced leading to increased collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transceiver antenna elements into two distinct sets: a first set dedicated to channel sensing operations and a second set dedicated to communication operations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain full channel sensing capability while preserving communication capacity, as each set operates independently for its designated function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the channel sensing function and communication function into a single transceiver system with multiple antenna elements. By integrating both functions within the same device using different antenna sets, the system achieves both reliable channel sensing and high communication capacity simultaneously, rather than requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Reliability
If transceiver antenna elements are dedicated to channel sensing, then sensing reliability is improved, but communication capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna elements into specialized groups where the first set is exclusively assigned to channel sensing tasks, ensuring high sensing reliability through dedicated hardware. The second set is exclusively assigned to communication tasks, preserving full communication capacity. This functional segmentation eliminates resource contention between sensing and communication operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both channel sensing and communication operations simultaneously using different antenna sets. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining optimal performance in both sensing and communication functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic assignment of antenna elements is implemented, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic assignment where the network node can flexibly allocate antenna elements between sensing and communication functions based on current network conditions, traffic requirements, and channel state. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying operational demands while maintaining a relatively simple underlying architecture through predefined assignment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for a wireless transceiver comprising a plurality of transceiver antenna elements and configured to operate in a communication network. The method comprises dynamically assigning (from the plurality of transceiver antenna elements) a first set of transceiver antenna elements allocated for channel sensing and a second set of transceiver antenna elements allocated for communication, performing channel sensing using the first set of transceiver antenna elements, and operating the wireless transceiver based on a result of the performed channel sensing. For example, dynamically assigning the first and second sets of transceiver antenna elements may comprise (in a non-communication mode of the wireless transceiver) letting the first set comprise all of the transceiver antenna elements and letting the second set be empty, (in a communication transmission mode of the wireless transceiver) letting the first set comprise a first subset of the transceiver antenna elements and letting the second set comprise a second subset of the transceiver antenna elements, wherein the first and second subsets are nonoverlapping, and (in a communication reception mode of the wireless transceiver) letting the first set comprise a third subset of the transceiver antenna elements and letting the second set comprise a fourth subset of the transceiver antenna elements, wherein the third and fourth subsets are non-overlapping or overlapping. Corresponding apparatus, wireless transceiver, access node, user device and computer program product are also disclosed.