Uplink Beam Training via Reciprocity Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face interference and performance degradation due to increasing demand for mobile broadband access, leading to congested networks and inefficient uplink beam training processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting an indication of beamforming reciprocity and receiving associated transmission beams for uplink communication, allowing devices to use reciprocal or proposed beams for efficient data transmission, thereby reducing the need for extensive beam training and improving communication quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional uplink beam training is used in congested networks, then beam identification can be achieved, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to extensive training requirements and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs downlink beam training first to identify optimal downlink beams, then uses the identified beam information to determine corresponding uplink beams in advance. This preliminary downlink training eliminates the need for separate extensive uplink beam training, as the uplink beams are selected based on the already-identified downlink beam characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the beam information identified during downlink training to automatically determine the uplink beams without requiring separate uplink training procedures. The base station leverages its own beam identification results to configure uplink communication, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating redundant training operations.
2Reliability
If extensive beam training is performed to identify optimal beams, then beam quality improves, but network capacity deteriorates due to increased training overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges downlink beam training and uplink beam identification into a single unified process. The beam training operations for both downlink and uplink are combined, where the downlink training simultaneously provides the information needed for uplink beam selection, eliminating the need for separate training procedures and reducing overall training overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The downlink beam training process serves multiple functions: it identifies optimal downlink beams for transmission and simultaneously determines the corresponding uplink beams for reception. This multi-functional approach allows a single training operation to accomplish what would traditionally require separate training procedures for both directions.
3Reliability
If reciprocal beams are used for uplink communication, then communication quality improves, but interference increases from neighboring base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different beam selection strategies to different spatial locations and interference scenarios. When a reciprocal beam is identified as being subject to significant interference from neighboring base stations, the system selects an alternative non-reciprocal beam for that specific case, while maintaining reciprocal beam usage in scenarios where interference is not problematic. This localized adaptation optimizes communication quality while minimizing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam selection process is made dynamic by continuously evaluating interference conditions and adjusting beam choices accordingly. The system determines whether to use reciprocal or non-reciprocal beams based on real-time interference assessment, allowing flexible adaptation to changing network conditions rather than rigidly sticking to one beam selection approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless communication techniques that include beam training performed to aid mobile devices in identifying beams for use in communications (e.g., uplink communications) are discussed. A mobile device may transmit to a base station an indication of a level of beamforming reciprocity of the mobile device. A base station/gNB may transmit an indication of one or more transmission beams to be used by the mobile device for uplink wireless communication based on the level of beamforming reciprocity. The one or more transmission beams to be used by the mobile device for uplink communication may include a reciprocal transmission beam. A mobile device not capable of full beamforming reciprocity may determine a transmission beam through uplink beam training. A mobile device may transmit to a base station information using at least one of the one or more transmission beams. Other aspects and features are also claimed and discussed.