UE Beamformed Discovery for Millimeter Wave Link Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE technology operating at 2 GHz carrier frequency faces challenges with high path loss and short range in millimeter wavelength spectrum, necessitating improved beamforming techniques for user equipment (UE) initiated discovery in assisted millimeter wavelength wireless access networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of UE initiated discovery methods using beamforming techniques, where user equipment (UE) transmits beamformed broadcast request messages in multiple spatial directions and receives beamformed broadcast response messages, allowing mmW base stations to determine optimal transmit and receive spatial directions for reliable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter wavelength spectrum is used to meet increasing demand for mobile broadband, then bandwidth and capacity are improved, but path loss increases and range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from omnidirectional communication (360-degree coverage) to directional beamforming communication. By changing the spatial dimension of signal transmission from spherical propagation to focused directional beams, the system achieves higher signal strength and reliability in specific directions, compensating for the inherent high path loss of millimeter wave frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing uniform coverage in all directions, the patent applies beamforming to concentrate RF energy into specific spatial regions. This creates localized areas of high signal quality along the beam path, improving communication reliability in those specific directions while accepting reduced coverage in other areas.
2Length of stationary object
If beamforming is used to compensate for high path loss, then communication range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs beam discovery and spatial direction determination during the initial connection phase before actual data transmission begins. By pre-establishing the optimal beam directions and spatial configurations, the system avoids the need for continuous complex beam adjustments during data transmission, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extended communication range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional LTE discovery methods are used in millimeter wavelength networks, then compatibility is maintained, but discovery reliability fails due to high path loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the discovery process by changing key parameters: instead of using traditional LTE omnidirectional broadcast messages, it employs beamformed messages transmitted in multiple spatial directions with specific beamforming parameters. This adaptation maintains the overall LTE protocol compatibility while fundamentally changing the physical layer transmission characteristics to suit millimeter wave conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the reliability of the link between UE and mmW base stations, enabling network parameter initialization, secure handshaking, and network state tracking by focusing RF energy effectively, thus overcoming the limitations of high path loss and short range in millimeter wavelength communication.
Implementation Method 1
Beamforming techniques and methods are needed for UE initiated discovery in LTE assisted millimeter wavelength wireless access networks
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may be a UE. The UE transmits a beamformed broadcast request signal to a base station in a plurality of transmissions in transmit spatial directions of the UE, receives a beamformed broadcast response signal from the base station in a resource of a plurality of resources, and determines a preferred transmit spatial direction of the UE based on the resource in which the beamformed broadcast response signal is received. The apparatus may be a base station. The base station scans for a beamformed broadcast request signal from a UE, determines a preferred transmit spatial direction of transmit spatial directions of the UE, determines a resource of a plurality of resources for indicating the determined preferred transmit spatial direction, and transmits a beamformed broadcast response signal to the UE in the determined resource.