Vehicle mmWave Link Scheduling via Steerable Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems, such as Wi-Fi and cellular networks, face challenges in providing high-capacity, reliable, and efficient communication to fast-moving vehicles like trains due to limitations in frequency spectrum usage and mobility support, especially in millimeter-wave communication which requires directional links and frequent handovers.
Innovation Solution
A communication system employing multiple steerable beamforming directional antennas and a scheduler to manage mm wave radio communication links, allowing simultaneous data transmission over multiple links based on link quality, ensuring efficient and reliable communication by adapting to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Wi-Fi systems are used for wireless communication to vehicles, then mobility support is provided through handovers between access points, but the handovers are slow with data connectivity interruptions and the systems are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication function by separating the access point from the mobility management functionality. Multiple access points are deployed along the vehicle route, each serving a specific geographic segment. The network controller coordinates handovers between these segmented access points, reducing the complexity at each individual access point while maintaining reliable mobility support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing communication links and preparing handover parameters before the vehicle actually needs to switch access points. The network controller anticipates upcoming handovers and configures target access points in advance, enabling seamless transitions without connectivity interruptions.
2Reliability
If conventional Wi-Fi access points are used, then some mobility support is provided, but the capacity and throughput are limited to relatively low levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple access points into a coordinated network that serves a single moving vehicle. By combining the capacity of multiple access points along the vehicle route and coordinating their resources through a network controller, the system achieves high throughput and capacity that exceeds what any single access point could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single access point serving stationary or slow-moving users to a multi-access-point linear network designed specifically for fast-moving vehicles. This dimensional change from point-to-point to linear path coverage enables sustained high-speed communication by continuously providing access along the vehicle's trajectory.
3Speed
If cellular communication systems are used, then mobility support is provided, but the capacity and throughput speed are restricted to much lower levels than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by deploying access points with optimized characteristics for specific locations along the vehicle route. Each access point is configured to serve a particular geographic segment with appropriate transmit power, antenna orientation, and resource allocation, providing high throughput locally while maintaining end-to-end mobility support.
4Productivity
If millimetre-wave communication is used for high capacity support, then air interface resource utilization is improved, but the radio communication link becomes directional and heavily dependent on specific current conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by making the mmWave communication links adaptive to changing vehicle conditions. The network controller dynamically adjusts beam directions, selects appropriate access points based on real-time vehicle position and link quality, and reconfigures communication parameters as the vehicle moves, maintaining link stability despite the directional nature of mmWave signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of directional mmWave links. It coordinates beamforming between access points and the vehicle, handles link establishment and maintenance, and provides omnidirectional coverage by selecting the best directional links, thereby shielding the end systems from the complexity of directional communication requirements.
5Productivity
If directional beam communication is used for mm wave links, then high capacity is achieved, but the number of handovers increases for fast moving vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining overlapping coverage zones between adjacent access points and implementing make-before-break handovers. The network controller ensures that a vehicle always has an active connection by establishing the next link before terminating the current one, providing continuous high-capacity communication without interruptions during handovers.
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
The system provides improved performance and reliability for fast-moving vehicles by optimizing air interface usage and maintaining connectivity through adaptive beam steering and scheduling, enhancing data throughput and reducing handover disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a first wireless modem for establishing a first mm wave radio communication link to the first access point, the first wireless modem being located on the vehicle and employing a first electronically steerable beamforming directional antenna having a first main beam
Implementation Method 2
employing a first electronically steerable beamforming directional antenna having a first main beam for establishing the first mm wave radio communication link
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system comprises an access point (203) communicating via a directional beam and a first and second wireless modem (111, 703) for establishing a first and respectively second mm wave radio communication link to the first access point (203). The first and second wireless modems (111, 703) are located on a vehicle (103) and employ electronically steerable beamforming directional antennas having a first main beams for establishing the radio communication links. A scheduler (801) schedules data of the communication over the first mm wave radio communication link and the second mm wave radio communication link in dependence on a link quality of at least one of the first mm wave radio communication link and the second mm wave radio communication link. The main beams may be formed in substantially the same direction.