Wireless Beam Switching With Coordinated Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications, particularly in mobile networks, beam switching between user equipment and base stations is often uncertain, leading to inefficiencies, increased latency, and data transfer inefficiencies due to the base station and receiving device using different beams during the transition period.
Innovation Solution
A method is disclosed for determining exact timing for beam switching by communicating this timing to user equipment, using existing messaging means like PDCCH order, MAC control element, or RRC signaling, and incorporating additional fields in these messages to indicate the switching time, allowing synchronized beam changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the base station communicates beam change instructions to the receiving device, then the receiving device can switch beams, but there is a period of uncertainty where both parties may use different beams causing data transfer inefficiency and increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The base station receives feedback from the receiving device confirming when the beam change message has been received and when the beam switch will be executed. This feedback mechanism allows the base station to synchronize its beam switching with the receiving device, eliminating the uncertainty period where different beams might be used simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station sends the beam change instruction in advance and coordinates the timing based on feedback about message reception. This preliminary action allows both parties to prepare for the beam switch at a predetermined time, ensuring synchronized switching and avoiding data transfer losses during the transition.
2Productivity
If the number of beams is increased to improve coverage and capacity, then more users can be served, but beam switching occurs more frequently leading to increased uncertainty and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing feedback mechanisms that confirm message reception and beam switch execution timing, the system maintains high beam switching efficiency even when the number of beams is increased. The feedback allows precise coordination of each beam switch, preventing the efficiency degradation that would normally accompany frequent switching.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for switching beams in wireless communications is based on determining an exact timing for switching from one beam to another. The determined exact timing is communicated to a user equipment requiring a beam switch. The user equipment receives the determined exact timing and is capable of switching beams in synchronicity with the base station.