Virtual Base Station Beamforming Training Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In millimeter-wave communication networks, beamforming training is time-consuming due to the need for directional control and the use of multiple antennas, which increases circuit complexity and reduces frequency use efficiency, making it difficult to extend the cell area and maintain communication as terminals change orientation.

Innovation Solution

A virtual base station apparatus is formed by coordinating multiple base station apparatuses to share beamforming control information and transmit training frames simultaneously, reducing the number of training frames and the time required for beamforming training by allowing simultaneous reception and transmission across multiple antennas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If beamforming training is performed with directional control using multiple antenna elements, then communication speed and signal quality are improved, but the time required for training increases and frequency use efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidbeamforming training time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple base station apparatuses are merged into a virtual base station that performs beamforming training simultaneously. Each base station transmits training frames in parallel, and their results are combined to determine the optimal beamforming directions, reducing total training time while maintaining communication quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary beamforming training with multiple base stations before actual data transmission begins. By completing the training phase in advance with parallel transmissions, the system establishes optimal beamforming parameters ahead of time, enabling faster subsequent communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If beamforming training scans over wider angles to increase cell area, then coverage range is extended, but training time increases and frequency use efficiency reduces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell areaVSAvoidbeamforming training time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple base station apparatuses are combined to form a virtual base station with expanded coverage area. Each base station covers a specific angular sector, and together they provide wider overall coverage without requiring each individual station to scan the entire range, reducing training time for each participant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The total angular coverage area is segmented among multiple base station apparatuses. Each base station is responsible for a specific sector or direction, allowing them to perform training more efficiently within their designated area rather than scanning the entire 360-degree range individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If multiple base station apparatuses coordinate beamforming control information sharing, then frequency use efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency use efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual base station framework provides a universal platform where multiple physical base stations can coordinate and share beamforming control information. This multi-functional system allows any participating base station to contribute to and benefit from the collective training process, improving frequency efficiency through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A coordination mechanism acts as an intermediary to manage information sharing between multiple base station apparatuses. This intermediary structure facilitates the exchange of beamforming control information and training results, enabling efficient coordination without requiring direct complex interactions between each base station pair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9942778B2Virtual base station apparatus and communication method

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

A virtual base station apparatus (virtual AP) formed by a plurality of base station apparatuses (APs) requests a terminal apparatus (STA) to start beamforming training. The terminal apparatus transmits a plurality of first training frames to the virtual base station apparatus. The virtual base station apparatus receives the plurality of first training frames by using the plurality of base station apparatuses, and transmits a plurality of second training frames including information on a training frame received under the best conditions from a first base station apparatus that has received the training frame received under the best conditions to the terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus receives the plurality of second training frames, and transmits to the virtual base station apparatus a second frame including information on a frame received under the best conditions among the plurality of second received training frames.