WO2018034703A1

WO2018034703A1 - Beam prediction and adaptation for blockage mitigation

Info

Publication number: WO2018034703A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/025687
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarabjot SINGH; Nageen Himayat; Jing Zhu; Wook Bong Lee; Ehsan ARYAFAR
Original assignee: Intel Corp
Current assignee: Intel Corp
Priority date: 2016-08-19
Filing date: 2017-04-03
Publication date: 2018-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-19

Abstract

An apparatus is configured to be employed within one or more nodes. The apparatus includes control circuitry and a transceiver. The control circuitry is configured identify a set of beam sector pairs using a sector level sweep (SLS), rank the set of beam sector pairs to generate a ranked set of beam sector pairs based on beam ranking criteria, and provide the ranked set of beam sector pairs to a second node. The transceiver is configured to communicate with the second node using a primary beam pair of the ranked set of beam sector pairs. The control circuitry of the nodes is further configured to detect blockage on the primary beam pair and to switch to alternative beam pairs according to the ranking exchanged between the communicating nodes upon blockage detection.

Description

BEAM PREDICTION AND ADAPTATION FOR BLOCKAGE MITIGATION

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to mobile communication and, more

particularly for directional communication in massive millimeter wave mobile

communications systems.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

62/377,304, filed August 19, 2016.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Mobile communication, including cellular communication, involves the transfer of data between mobile devices. The use of mobile communication is continuously increasing. Additionally, the bandwidth or data rate used and needed for mobile communications is continuously increasing.

[0004] Some of the wavelengths used in mobile communication can be directional and/or sensitive to blocking. The blocking can be due to buildings, foliage, vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic and the like. The blocking can make reliable communication challenging.

[0005] Techniques are needed to facilitate reliable communication with wavelengths that can be impacted by blocking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement for mobile communications that leverages multipath diversity in mmWave communication systems.

[0007] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example flow for a node framework that facilitates multipath diversity in mmWave communication systems.

[0008] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a technique to obtain an ordered/ranked set of beam sector pairs.

[0009] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating one or more nodes that utilizes multipath diversity in mmWave communication systems.

[0010] Fig. 5 illustrates example components of a User Equipment (UE) device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, and wherein the illustrated structures and devices are not necessarily drawn to scale. As utilized herein, terms "component," "system," "interface," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, software (e.g., in execution), and/or firmware. For example, a component can be a processor (e.g., a

microprocessor, a controller, or other processing device), a process running on a processor, a controller, an object, an executable, a program, a storage device, a computer, a tablet PC, an electronic circuit and/or a mobile phone with a processing device. By way of illustration, an application running on a server and the server can also be a component. One or more components can reside within a process, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. A set of elements or a set of other components can be described herein, in which the term "set" can be interpreted as "one or more."

[0012] Further, these components can execute from various computer readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon such as with a module, for example. The components can communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network, such as, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or similar network with other systems via the signal).

[0013] As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, in which the electric or electronic circuitry can be operated by a software application or a firmware application executed by one or more processors. The one or more processors can be internal or external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts; the electronic components can include one or more processors therein to execute software and/or firmware that confer(s), at least in part, the functionality of the electronic components.

[0014] Use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term

"comprising".

[0015] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, circuitry may include logic, at least partially operable in hardware.

[0016] Some requirements for next generation (5G) wireless networks include providing high peak data rates and high edge data rates. Millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication is attractive for deployment for 5G due to a large available bandwidth that can provide the high peak data rates. However, it is noted that signal propagation at mmWave frequencies is sensitive to blocking from buildings, foliage, vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic and the like. The blocking can degrade mobile communication.

[0017] One technique to mitigate the effects of blocking is to utilize the sparse nature of the mmWave channel and use high directional beam sectors to use multipath diversity. Thus, if one path is blocked, a communication link can be switched to another blockage free path by performing a sector sweep to identify the blockage free path. However, performing the sector sweep to identify a blockage free path typically require a large overhead in terms of time and processing complexity. Further, this approach can result in relatively long or worse latency.

[0018] A low overhead and low latency framework or approach is provided for blockage mitigation that leverages multipath diversity in mmWave communication systems. Statistical criteria and a framework are developed to predict or estimate the likelihood of blockage on multiple alternative paths and rank orders the paths for selection in the event that a particular beam pair is blocked.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement 100 for mobile communications that leverages multipath diversity in mmWave communication systems. The

arrangement enhances communications by predicting blockage for sector beam pairs or paths and selecting alternative communication paths. The selected alternative paths are then used instead of the blocked or predicted blocked communication paths. The arrangement 100, can also be an apparatus.

[0020] The arrangement 100 includes a user equipment (UE) device 102, a transceiver 106, and nodes 120. The nodes 120 include components such as, but not limited to, a packet gateway (PGW), a secondary gateway (SGW), a mobility

management entity (MME), a packet data network (PDN), UEs, evolved Node Bs (eNodeB) or (eNB), access points (AP), base stations (BS) and the like. For illustrative purposes, a node 124 is shown as an eNodeB. However, it is appreciated that the node 124 can be one of the other types shown above.

[0021] The UE 102 includes the transceiver 106, a storage component 1 18, and control circuitry or controller 104. The storage component 1 18 includes a memory, storage element and the like and is configured to store information for the UE 102. The controller 104 is configured to perform various operations associated with the UE 1 02. The controller 104 can include logic, components, circuitry, one or more processors and the like. The transceiver 106 includes transmitter functionality and receiver functionality. The UE 102 also includes one or more antenna 108 for communications with the network entities 120.

[0022] The eNodeB 124 includes a transceiver, a storage component, and control circuitry or controller. The storage component includes a memory, storage element and the like and is configured to store information for the eNodeB 124. The controller is configured to perform various operations associated with the eNodeB 124. The controller can include logic, components, circuitry, one or more processors and the like. The transceiver 106 includes transmitter functionality and receiver functionality. The eNodeB 124 can also include one or more antenna for communications with the nodes 120 and/or other UEs.

[0023] The UE 102 can be another type of node, such as the types of nodes described above including, but not limited to an eNodeB, BS and the like. [0024] The UE 102 is configured to use a framework, also referred to as a node framework, for mitigating and/or countering beam blockage through blockage prediction, blockage detection and/or beam adaptation mechanisms.

[0025] The framework includes determining a set of feasible UE 1 02 to eNodeB 124 beam sector pairs, ranking/ordering the set of beam sector pairs, UE 102 initiated and/or eNodeB 124 initiated, exchanging a ranked set of beam sector pairs, blockage detection/prediction and beam switching, synchronization to facilitate fast beam switching, and interworking with multi-connectivity and fast cell selection.

[0026] Pairs of beams between the UE 102 and the eNodeB 124 are identified as a set of pairs or set of beam sector pairs. Each pair includes a beam from the UE 102 to the eNodeB 124 and a beam from the eNodeB 124 to the UE 102. In one example, a sector level sweep (SLS) procedure is performed by an initiating node of 102 and 124. Signal strength measurements, such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), is used to identify beams that have signal strengths above a threshold value. A primary beam sector pair is identified as one of the beam sector pairs that has the highest or a suitable strength measurement or RSSI measurement. The other beam sector pairs of the set are referred to as secondary beam sector pairs.

[0027] The SLS generally includes an exhaustive search to identify the best or suitable beam sector pairs for a pair of devices or nodes. The SLS identifies the beam pairs for both directions, where the first node is the transmitter and the second node is the receiver and the first node is the receiver and the second node is the transmitter. The SLS can include using omni-direction, omni-directional and the like antenna patterns. The SLS can occur in one or more stages. The SLS can include a sector sweep (SSW) and the like.

[0028] The set of beam sector pairs are ranked based on beam ranking criteria to generate a ranked set of beam sector pairs. The beam ranking criteria includes the sector providing the highest average RSSI conditional upon other beam pairs within sector that have higher RSSI being blocked. The criteria also can be based on the beam sector pair least likely to be blocked when all beam pairs ranked higher are blocked. Additionally, the ranking criteria can include cost in terms of switching time between a current used beam to another beam, signaling overhead, power consumption and the like. Other beam ranking criteria is contemplated and some additional examples are provided below. The criteria can also include spatial correlation and temporal correlation in blockage statistics. The spatial correlation includes correlation between a beam pair and other beam pairs based on distance, angular separation, and the like. The temporal correlation includes correlation between a given beam pair and other beam pairs based on their signal strengths, blockage and the like. The ranking criteria can include functional dependence, such as monotonically decreasing correlation with increasing angular separation. The primary beam pair is the highest ordered or ranked beam pair.

[0029] It is noted that either node, the eNodeB 124 or the UE 102 can initiate performance of identifying the set of beam sector pairs and ranking the set of beam sector pairs.

[0030] The ranked set of beam sector pairs is exchanged with or provided to the eNodeB 124 from the UE 102. However, it is appreciated that if the eNodeB 124 initiates the identifying the set of beam sector pairs and ranking the set of beam sector pairs, the ranked set of beam sector pairs is exchanged with or provided to the UE 102 from the eNodeB 124.

[0031] Communication between the UE 102 and the eNodeB 124 is performed using the primary beam sector pair. During the communication, blockage detection/prediction and beam switching are performed. In the event of blockage detection or prediction, a next highest ranked beam sector pair from the ranked set of beam sector pairs is selected and used for the communication. In one example, blockage detection occurs when a strength of a received signal at either node falls below a threshold value. In another example, blockage prediction occurs where the UE 102 detects the rate of change or gradient of the RSSI and predicts when the beam pair will fall below the threshold value. The UE 102 selects the next beam pair from the ranked set of beam sector pairs.

[0032] When a new beam pair is selected for the communication between the UE 102 and the eNodeB 124, synchronization procedures are performed to facilitate switching from the previous primary beam pair to the selected beam pair.

[0033] Thus, the communications for the UE 102 and the eNodeB 124 can switch to other paths during the communications. Further, the switch or transfer can be performed without performing or requiring another sector level sweep (SLS).

[0034] It is appreciated that the UE 102 is configured to use the framework for communication with other nodes, including BS, other eNodeBs and the like in a similar manner. [0035] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example flow for a node framework that facilitates multipath diversity in mmWave communication systems. The flow enhances communications by detecting/predicting beam pair blockages for communication paths and selecting alternative beam pairs.

[0036] The example includes a first node, NODE 1 and a second node, NODE 2. The first node can be a UE, eNodeB, AP, BS and the like. The second node can also be a UE, eNodeB, AP, BS and the like. In one example, the first node is an AP and the second node is a UE.

[0037] One or both of the nodes perform a SLS at portion S1 . The SLS identifies a set of beam sector pairs between the first and second nodes.

[0038] The second node NODE 2 generates a ranked set of beam sector pairs based on the set of beam sector pairs and a ranking criteria at portion S2. The ranking or ordering criteria includes strength of received signals at the first and second nodes. The ranking criteria also includes a likelihood of being blocked when neighboring pairs are blocked. The ranking criteria can also includes spatial and temporal correlation with blockage statistics.

[0039] The second node NODE 2 identifies a primary beam sector pair for use with communications between the first and second nodes. The second node provides the selected primary beam sector pair along with the ranked set of beam sector pairs to the second node NODE 1 at S3. The ranked set indicates or assists in identifying which beam sector pair to use in the event of a blockage or predicted blockage of the primary beam sector pair.

[0040] Data is communicated between the first and second nodes at S4 using the primary beam sector pair. Data is transmitted from the first node to the second node.

[0041] The second node sends an acknowledgement (ACK) once the data has been received. The ACK is sent at S5 using the primary beam sector pair.

[0042] In this example, the second node predicts/detect blockage of the primary beam sector pair. Suitable techniques can be used by the UE and/or node to predict blockage (failure to decode the received packet through error detection, loss of signal, or through gradient detection, etc.). In another example, blockage detection is facilitated by a node (e.g., the AP and UE) engaging in periodic blockage poll (B- Poll) and blockage response (B-RSP) procedures. In this example, blockage is predicted based on a failure of R consecutive B-Poll and B-RSP (where R is a system parameter). [0043] Another suitable technique for predicting/detecting blockage is to utilize a B-POLL channel to detect blockage and inform a transmitter of the detected blockage. Four examples of this are provided below.

[0044] The first example is threshold based. If the node detects an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) dropping below at threshold, a receiver node sends a switch command to a transmitter node to indicate the beam adaptation or change to a next beam pair in the ranked set of beam pairs. A second example is gradient based. If the receiving node detects the rate of RSSI dropping across consecutive signals, where the rate exceeds a threshold, the receiving node sends a switch command to the transmitter node to indicate that beam adaptation or switching to a next beam pair is to occur. In another example, a broad beam or shortened UE-RXSS is provided at a beginning of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Once detected, a receiving node, such as a UE device, sends a switch command to a transmitting node (eNodeB) to indicate that beam adaptation is to occur. The switch command can be piggybacked on an acknowledge (ACK) as part of an uplink (UL) message or sent using another radio access technology (RAT), such as LTE, 802.1 1 n, and the like.

[0045] The second node selects a secondary beam sector pair to be used as the primary beam sector pair. The second node informs the first node to switch to use the secondary beam sector pair as the primary beam sector pair. In one example, the switch is included with the ACK or is piggybacked on the ACK. Both the first and second nodes switch to the new primary beam sector pair and resume communication.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a technique 300 to obtain an ordered/ranked set of beam sector pairs. The technique 300 can be used with the arrangement 100 and variations thereof. The Fig. 2 and its description can also be referenced to facilitate understanding of the technique.

[0047] The technique for obtaining the ranked set utilizes a received signal strength measurement, such as RSSI.

[0048] The technique first identifies a set of feasible/candidate beam sector pairs. An ith sector pair is denoted as (B,, U,), where B, is the sector id at a first node and the LI, is the sector id at the second node. For illustrative purposes, the first node is assumed to be a base station (BS) and the second node is assumed to be a UE, although it is appreciated that the first and second nodes can comprise other devices or entities, as shown above. [0049] Candidate beam sector pairs can be obtained using a known array factor gain of corresponding sectors when a channel between the BS and UE is known. If A denotes an array factor gain, then (B, U) is a candidate sector pair if the corresponding RSSI is greater than Th, where Th is a selected threshold. The RSSI for a sector pair is denoted by P. Thus:

[0050] P(B,U) = A(B)^*A(U)^*H, where H denotes the channel. The sign '^*' carries the meaning of coherent/incoherent summation of multipath.

[0051] When the channel is not known a SLS can be used where all sectors of a BS are swept sequentially for all UE sectors, while the corresponding P(B,U) is recorded at the UE in the corresponding sector sweep slot.

[0052] Fig. 3 depicts the SLS between the BS and the UE. The BS is the initiator and depicted on an upper line. The UE is the responder and depicted on a lower line. The initiator begins the sector by sector sweep for sectors of the BS at 302. The responder generates feedback for each sector sweep at 304. The initiator provides SSW feedback at 306. The responder acknowledges (ACK) the feedback at 308.

[0053] The sector beam pairs that have a P > Th are selected and placed in a set of sector beam pairs. It is noted that each pair also has a corresponding RSSI denoted as P.

[0054] In one example, the set of sector beam pairs are ranked solely on the RSSI to obtain the ranked sets of sector beam pairs. However, the beam ranking criteria can include other additional information such as likelihood of being blocked and the like.

[0055] A first example of beam ranking involves a model. A channel between the UE and the BS is given by :

[0056] h

with M propagation paths.

[0057] The received power with BS beam k and UE beam j is:

[0059] Where ...

[0060] 0_{i d}:AoD, 0 :AoA for path i, d, denotes the blockage damp factor on path /^' as d,, e.g., d, = 0 if path i blocked else 1 , B_k: array factor of kth beam for the BS, U . array factor of jth beam for the UE.

[0061] A second example of beam ranking attempts to identify a beam pair given that a current beam pair is blocked. [0062] The current beam can be considered blocked when its strength or power falls below a threshold, such as P_kj < y\ , where y\ is a threshold of power or strength, identifies a beam pair that provides a suitable or maximum expected power.

(k^*,j^*) = arg max_{n m} E[ P_nm \P_kj < γΐ] where

[0063] Assuming narrow beams that energize a particular cluster/path i.e. array factors are impulse in angular domain, i.e. ;

Β_η(θ ) = G_{b n}5(9 - 0_n,d) and U_m(9 ) = G_u,nS(0 - 0_m,a)

With this assumption, M beam pairs correspond to the M channel paths written as (B_u Ui i=1 ... M and powers P,. Therefore, the solution becomes choosing the pair p

p = arg max_{i=1 M} E [ d^dj} = 0] P_t

[0064] The quantity E[ di

= 0] is the probability that /th beam is not blocked given the set of beam pairs that are blocked. This, in turn, represents the spatial correlation in blockage statistics.

[0065] Based on the probability that a beam is not blocked (quantity E), the secondary beam pair with at least a certain angle away from blocked beam pairs that has the highest probability can be selected as the primary beam pair. Without spatial correlation, the maximum power beam pair can be selected.

[0066] Given that the current beam pair is blocked, i.e., P_kj < yl , another objective is to find the beam pair that is least likely to be blocked and use that beam pair as the primary beam pair.

[0067] (k^*,n = arg max_n,m P[ P_nm > _Y2 \P_k] < γ2]

[0068] P[P_nm > _Y2 \P_kj < _Y2] =

> _Y2 \SNR_kj < γ2] [0069]

[0070] Using the same assumptions as above, a solution here becomes choosing the pair p

[0071] p = arg max_{i=1 M} E[ d^dj} = 0] [0072] Assuming spatial correlation to be a monotonically decreasing function of angular separations, one solution of the above would be the beam pair with farthest angle away from the blocked beams.

[0073] The spatial correlation between beam pairs E[ d_t \dj = 0] can be obtained by observing long-term statistical information and machine learning techniques with additional aiding information, such as a radio environment map, location of AP/UE, blocker statistics and location, and the like.

[0074] Feedback Ordered Candidate Set: After performing the above candidate selection and ordering the UE can feed back the ordered AP sectors B1 , B2, ... BN (assuming N candidate pairs). This feedback may be carried in the "SSW Feedback" for an IEEE 802.1 1 as shown in Fig. 3. However, alternate feedback methods may be introduced for different wireless networks, such as the cellular 3GPP network, wherein signaling during random access or signaling at medium access control (MAC)/ physical (PHY) layer may be used to carry such feedback. The feedback includes the ranked set of beam pairs.

[0075] Various blockage detection techniques can be utilized in the arrangement 1 00. Examples of suitable blockage detection techniques are provided below.

[0076] Blockage detection can be facilitated by the AP and the UE engaging in periodic B-Poll and B-RSP procedure, and hence detecting blockage upon failure of R consecutive B-Poll and B-RSP (where R is a system parameter).

[0077] A receiver can utilize the B-Poll channel to detect blockage and inform the transmitter, and inform the transmitter using several approaches, which are shown below.

[0078] A first approach is threshold based. Upon detecting RSSI dropping below a threshold, the receiver sends a "switch command" to the transmitter indicating the beam adaptation to a next ordered pair.

[0079] A second approach is gradient based. Upon detecting the rate of RSSI dropping across consecutive signals exceeding a threshold, the receiver sends a "switch command" to the transmitter indicating the beam adaptation to a next ordered pair.

[0080] A third approach is broad beam based. Through a broad beam or through a shortened UE-RXSS at the beginning of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Upon detection, the UE sends a "Switch command" to an eNodeB indicating the beam adaptation to a next ordered pair. [0081] A fourth approach is to piggyback the switch command on an ACK. Thus, the switch command is piggy backed on the ACK (data acknowledgement message) and can be sent as a dedicated uplink message, or sent using another radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., LTE, 802.1 1 n).

[0082] Prior to switching from a primary sector beam pair to another sector beam pair, synchronization between the nodes for the another or secondary sector beam pair is typically required. For example, if a selected beam pair does not belong to a broad beam sector used for control channel transmission, then time-frequency synchronization may be required before transmission may begin on the selected secondary pair. This synchronization may be obtained by using a suitable procedure. A first example of a suitable synchronization procedure is using an explicit on demand bi-directional reference message exchange, such as dSR (dynamic scheduling request), BPoll and the like. The bi-directional reference message exchange can be used on all the candidate beam pairs and/or restricted among some of those pairs.

[0083] Another example of suitable synchronization is memory based. In this procedure, the UE and the AP exchange timing advance information across candidate sectors during the sector sweep procedure.

[0084] Another example of suitable synchronization is in-packet synchronization, where each packet carriers a preamble/synchronization channel, such as that used in the IEEE 802.1 1 ad standard. Yet another example of suitable synchronization is cyclic prefix (CP) based. Here, the CP of a downlink transmission on a new sector is increased to determine a timing advance.

[0085] Intra-cell beam adaptation is also contemplated and can be performed by nodes of the arrangement 1 00. The intra-cell beam adaptation can be extended and/or combined with fast cell selection procedures designed for multi-cell connectivity.

[0086] For example, the beam adaptation procedure can take precedence over cell switching in certain cases. Some examples of the plausible cases are listed below:

[0087] The cardinality of the candidate set of feasible beam pairs exceeds a threshold.

[0088] The maximum average power possible from adaptation exceeds a threshold (T1 , say), i.e.,

[0089] max_nim E[

< γ] > Tl

[0090] The maximum reliability possible from adaptation exceeds a threshold (T2, say), i.e.,

[0092] Alternatively, a joint formulation can be used similar to the above

formulations, but with different weights assigned to powers to beam sectors belonging to different cells, such that beam/cell switching costs are appropriately weighted.

[0093] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 of operating one or more nodes that utilizes multipath diversity in mmWave communication systems. The method enhances mobile communications by detecting/predicting blockages for sector beam pairs or paths and selecting alternative communication paths or pairs to use instead of the blocked beam pairs. The alternative pairs can be selected without performing an extensive sweep, such as a sector level sweep (SLS).

[0094] The method 400 can be understood and utilized with the arrangement 100 and variations thereof, described above.

[0095] A first node and a second node are provided for mobile communications at block 402. The first node and second node are each a type of node including, but not limited to, a UE device, eNodeB, AP, BS, and the like. The first node is the initiator node and the second node is the responder node, however it is appreciated that these roles can be reversed.

[0096] The first node performs a sector level sweep (SLS) to identify a set of beam sector pairs for communication with the second node at block 404. The set of beam sector pairs includes candidate beam pairs that have a strength measurement, such as an RSSI, greater than a threshold value.

[0097] The SLS typically includes an exhaustive search to identify suitable beam sector pairs for the first and second nodes. The beam pairs are identified for both communication directions, from the first node to the second node and from the second node to the first node. The SLS can be performed in one or more stages.

[0098] The first node ranks the pairs of the set of beam sector pairs according to a ranking criteria at block 406. The beam ranking criteria includes information in addition to a beam strength or RSSI. The beam ranking criteria includes spatial correlation, temporal correlation, and the like that can impact likelihood of a beam sector pair being blocked. The beam ranking criteria can also include functional dependence, such as dependence based on angular separation of the beam sector pairs.

[0099] Thus, based on the beam ranking criteria, the first node generates a ranked set of beam sector pairs. The highest ranked beam pair is selected as a primary beam sector pair. The other beam sector pairs are selected as secondary beam sector pairs. [00100] The first node provides the ranked set of beam sector pairs to the second node at block 408. The ranked set can be provided as part of a sector sweep feedback and/or provided via another suitable mechanism. The ranked set of beam sector pairs includes the primary beam pair and the secondary beam pairs.

[00101 ] The first node and the second node communicate using the primary beam pair until a blockage is detected and/or predicted at block 410. The blockage can be the result of an object interfering with the path of the primary beam pair. The blockage can be detected based on received signal strength measurements, such as RSSI, and the like. Additionally, the blockage can be predicted based on measurements and the like. In one example, the blockage is predicted based on a detected rate of change in the RSSI. Other blockage prediction techniques, such as a keep-alive mechanism as B- POLL/RSP (Blockage Poll/Blockage Response) can be used. Some examples of suitable techniques are provided above.

[00102] The first node selects a secondary beam pair to use as the primary beam sector pair based on beam selection criteria at block 412. The selection criteria can include the beam ranking criteria and other information, such as beam pair proximity to the blocked beam pair.

[00103] The method 400 can return to block 410 wherein the selected secondary beam is used as the primary beam pair to communicate. Synchronization techniques and the like can be used to adjust to the new primary beam pair.

[00104] While the methods described within this disclosure are illustrated in and described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein. In addition, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement one or more aspects or embodiments of the description herein. Further, one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out in one or more separate acts and/or phases.

[00105] Embodiments described herein can be implemented into a system using any suitably configured hardware and/or software. FIG. 5 illustrates, for one embodiment, example components of a User Equipment (UE) device 500. In some embodiments, the UE device 500 (e.g., the wireless communication device) can include application circuitry 502, baseband circuitry 504, Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry 506, front-end module (FEM) circuitry 508 and one or more antennas 510, coupled together at least as shown. It is appreciated that the components and the device 500 can be incorporated into other types of devices, including nodes, base stations (BS), eNodeBs and the like.

[00106] The application circuitry 502 can include one or more application processors. For example, the application circuitry 502 can include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor(s) can include any combination of general-purpose processors and dedicated processors (e.g., graphics processors, application processors, etc.). The processors can be coupled with and/or can include memory/storage and can be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory/storage to enable various applications and/or operating systems to run on the system.

[00107] The baseband circuitry 504 can include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The baseband circuitry 504 can include one or more baseband processors and/or control logic to process baseband signals received from a receive signal path of the RF circuitry 506 and to generate baseband signals for a transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 506. Baseband processing circuity 504 can interface with the application circuitry 502 for generation and processing of the baseband signals and for controlling operations of the RF circuitry 506. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 504 can include a second generation (2G) baseband processor 504a, third generation (3G) baseband processor 504b, fourth generation (4G) baseband processor 504c, and/or other baseband processor(s) 504d for other existing generations, generations in development or to be developed in the future (e.g., fifth generation (5G), 6G, etc.). The baseband circuitry 504 (e.g., one or more of baseband processors 504a-d) can handle various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks via the RF circuitry 506. The radio control functions can include, but are not limited to, signal modulation/demodulation, encoding/decoding, radio frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, modulation/demodulation circuitry of the baseband circuitry 504 can include Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT), precoding, and/or constellation

mapping/demapping functionality. In some embodiments, encoding/decoding circuitry of the baseband circuitry 504 can include convolution, tail-biting convolution, turbo, Viterbi, and/or Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) encoder/decoder functionality.

Embodiments of modulation/demodulation and encoder/decoder functionality are not limited to these examples and can include other suitable functionality in other embodiments. [00108] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 504 can include elements of a protocol stack such as, for example, elements of an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) protocol including, for example, physical (PHY), media access control (MAC), radio link control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and/or radio resource control (RRC) elements. A central processing unit (CPU) 504e of the baseband circuitry 504 can be configured to run elements of the protocol stack for signaling of the PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP and/or RRC layers. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry can include one or more audio digital signal processor(s) (DSP) 504f. The audio DSP(s) 504f can be include elements for compression/decompression and echo cancellation and can include other suitable processing elements in other embodiments. Components of the baseband circuitry can be suitably combined in a single chip, a single chipset, or disposed on a same circuit board in some embodiments. In some embodiments, some or all of the constituent components of the baseband circuitry 504 and the application circuitry 502 can be implemented together such as, for example, on a system on a chip (SOC).

[00109] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 504 can provide for

communication compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 504 can support communication with an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) and/or other wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry 504 is configured to support radio communications of more than one wireless protocol can be referred to as multi-mode baseband circuitry.

[00110] RF circuitry 506 can enable communication with wireless networks

using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry 506 can include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc. to facilitate the communication with the wireless network. RF circuitry 506 can include a receive signal path which can include circuitry to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 508 and provide baseband signals to the baseband circuitry 504. RF circuitry 506 can also include a transmit signal path which can include circuitry to up- convert baseband signals provided by the baseband circuitry 504 and provide RF output signals to the FEM circuitry 508 for transmission.

[00111 ] In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 506 can include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the RF circuitry 506 can include mixer circuitry 506a, amplifier circuitry 506b and filter circuitry 506c. The transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 506 can include filter circuitry 506c and mixer circuitry 506a. RF circuitry 506 can also include synthesizer circuitry 506d for synthesizing a frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the transmit signal path. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path can be configured to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 508 based on the synthesized frequency provided by synthesizer circuitry 506d. The amplifier circuitry 506b can be configured to amplify the down-converted signals and the filter circuitry 506c can be a low-pass filter (LPF) or band-pass filter (BPF) configured to remove unwanted signals from the down-converted signals to generate output baseband signals. Output baseband signals can be provided to the baseband circuitry 504 for further processing. In some embodiments, the output baseband signals can be zero- frequency baseband signals, although this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path can comprise passive mixers, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00112] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the transmit signal path can be configured to up-convert input baseband signals based on the synthesized frequency provided by the synthesizer circuitry 506d to generate RF output signals for the FEM circuitry 508. The baseband signals can be provided by the baseband circuitry 504 and can be filtered by filter circuitry 506c. The filter circuitry 506c can include a low-pass filter (LPF), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00113] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 506a of the transmit signal path can include two or more mixers and can be arranged for quadrature downconversion and/or upconversion respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 506a of the transmit signal path can include two or more mixers and can be arranged for image rejection (e.g., Hartley image rejection). In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 506a can be arranged for direct downconversion and/or direct upconversion, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 506a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 506a of the transmit signal path can be configured for super-heterodyne operation.

[00114] In some embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals can be analog baseband signals, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. In some alternate embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals can be digital baseband signals. In these alternate embodiments, the RF circuitry 506 can include analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry and the baseband circuitry 504 can include a digital baseband interface to communicate with the RF circuitry 506.

[00115] In some dual-mode embodiments, a separate radio IC circuitry can be provided for processing signals for each spectrum, although the scope of the

embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00116] In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 506d can be a fractional-N synthesizer or a fractional N/N+8 synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect as other types of frequency synthesizers can be suitable. For example, synthesizer circuitry 506d can be a delta-sigma synthesizer, a frequency multiplier, or a synthesizer comprising a phase-locked loop with a frequency divider.

[00117] The synthesizer circuitry 506d can be configured to synthesize an output frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 506a of the RF circuitry 506 based on a frequency input and a divider control input. In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 506d can be a fractional N/N+8 synthesizer.

[00118] In some embodiments, frequency input can be provided by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), although that is not a requirement. Divider control input can be provided by either the baseband circuitry 504 or the applications processor 502 depending on the desired output frequency. In some embodiments, a divider control input (e.g., N) can be determined from a look-up table based on a channel indicated by the applications processor 502.

[00119] Synthesizer circuitry 506d of the RF circuitry 506 can include a divider, a delay-locked loop (DLL), a multiplexer and a phase accumulator. In some

embodiments, the divider can be a dual modulus divider (DMD) and the phase accumulator can be a digital phase accumulator (DPA). In some embodiments, the DMD can be configured to divide the input signal by either N or N+8 (e.g., based on a carry out) to provide a fractional division ratio. In some example embodiments, the DLL can include a set of cascaded, tunable, delay elements, a phase detector, a charge pump and a D-type flip-flop. In these embodiments, the delay elements can be configured to break a VCO period up into Nd equal packets of phase, where Nd is the number of delay elements in the delay line. In this way, the DLL provides negative feedback to help ensure that the total delay through the delay line is one VCO cycle. [00120] In some embodiments, synthesizer circuitry 506d can be configured to generate a carrier frequency as the output frequency, while in other embodiments, the output frequency can be a multiple of the carrier frequency (e.g., twice the carrier frequency, four times the carrier frequency) and used in conjunction with quadrature generator and divider circuitry to generate multiple signals at the carrier frequency with multiple different phases with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the output frequency can be a LO frequency (f|_o)- In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 506 can include an IQ/polar converter.

[00121 ] FEM circuitry 508 can include a receive signal path which can include circuitry configured to operate on RF signals received from one or more antennas 580, amplify the received signals and provide the amplified versions of the received signals to the RF circuitry 506 for further processing. FEM circuitry 508 can also include a transmit signal path which can include circuitry configured to amplify signals for transmission provided by the RF circuitry 506 for transmission by one or more of the one or more antennas 510.

[00122] In some embodiments, the FEM circuitry 508 can include a TX/RX switch to switch between transmit mode and receive mode operation. The FEM circuitry can include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the FEM circuitry can include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) to amplify received RF signals and provide the amplified received RF signals as an output (e.g., to the RF circuitry 506). The transmit signal path of the FEM circuitry 508 can include a power amplifier (PA) to amplify input RF signals (e.g., provided by RF circuitry 506), and one or more filters to generate RF signals for subsequent transmission (e.g., by one or more of the one or more antennas 580.

[00123] In some embodiments, the UE device 500 can include additional elements such as, for example, memory/storage, display, camera, sensor, and/or input/output (I/O) interface.

[00124] It is appreciated that the described application circuitry 502, baseband circuitry 504, Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry 506, front-end module (FEM) circuitry 508 and one or more antennas 510 can also be utilized with an evolved Node B (eNodeB).

[00125] Examples herein can include subject matter such as a method, means for performing acts or blocks of the method, at least one machine-readable medium including executable instructions that, when performed by a machine (e.g., a processor with memory or the like) cause the machine to perform acts of the method or of an apparatus or system for concurrent communication using multiple communication technologies according to embodiments and examples described.

[00126] Example 1 is an apparatus configured to be employed within one or more nodes. The apparatus includes control circuitry and a transceiver. The control circuitry is configured identify a set of beam sector pairs using a sector level sweep (SLS) for directional communication, rank the set of beam sector pairs to generate a ranked set of beam sector pairs based on beam ranking criteria, and provide the ranked set of beam sector pairs to a second node. The transceiver is configured to communicate with the second node using a primary beam pair of the ranked set of beam sector pairs.

[00127] Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1 , including or omitting optional elements, where the one or more nodes is a user equipment (UE) device.

[00128] Example 3 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -2, including or omitting optional elements, where the one or more nodes is a base station (BS).

[00129] Example 4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -3, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to detect blockage of the primary beam pair.

[00130] Example 5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -4, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to predict blockage of the primary beam pair.

[00131 ] Example 6 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -5, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to select a secondary beam pair of the ranked set of beam sector pairs to replace the primary beam pair on a predicted blockage of the primary beam pair.

[00132] Example 7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -6, including or omitting optional elements, where the ranking criteria includes a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), spatial correlation and temporal correlation.

[00133] Example 8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -7, including or omitting optional elements, where the directional communication is millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication.

[00134] Example 9 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -8, including or omitting optional elements, where wherein the ranking criteria includes an average power.

[00135] Example 10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -9, including or omitting optional elements, where the ranking criteria includes spatial correlation. [00136] Example 1 1 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -1 0, including or omitting optional elements, where the ranking criteria additionally includes a cost of switching to an alternate beam pair.

[00137] Example 12 is an apparatus configured to be employed within one or more nodes. The apparatus includes control circuitry and a transceiver. The control circuitry is configured to rank a set of beam sector pairs to generate a ranked set of beam sector pairs based on beam ranking criteria, select a primary beam pair of the ranked set of beam second pairs to use for communication, predict blockage of the primary beam pair, and switch from the primary beam pair to a secondary beam pair of the ranked set of beam sector pairs based on a predicted blockage of the primary beam pair. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a second node using the primary beam pair.

[00138] Example 13 includes the subject matter of Example 12, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to predict the blockage of the primary beam pair by using a periodic blockage poll (B-POLL) and blockage response (B-RSP) procedure.

[00139] Example 14 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-13, including or omitting optional elements, where wherein the control circuitry is configured to predict the blockage of the primary beam pair based on a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the primary beam pair falling below a threshold value.

[00140] Example 15 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-14, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to predict the blockage of the primary beam pair based on a rate of change of receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the primary beam pair falling below a threshold value.

[00141 ] Example 16 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-15, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to predict the blockage of the primary beam pair based on a shortened user equipment receive UE- RX signal at a beginning of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[00142] Example 17 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-16, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to synchronize the secondary beam pair using a bi-directional message through a dynamic scheduling request (dSR). [00143] Example 18 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-17, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to synchronize the secondary beam pair using a timing advance.

[00144] Example 19 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 12-18, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to use a cyclic prefix (CP) for synchronization of the secondary beam pair.

[00145] Example 20 is one or more computer-readable media having instructions that, when executed, cause one or more nodes to identify a set of beam sector pairs for directional communication, rank the set of beam sector pairs to generate a ranked set of beam sector pairs based on beam ranking criteria and select a primary beam of the ranked set of beam sector pairs.

[00146] Example 21 includes the subject matter of Example 20, including or omitting optional elements, further having instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more nodes to communicate using the primary beam.

[00147] Example 22 is an apparatus configured to be employed within one or more nodes. The apparatus comprises a means to rank a set of beam sector pairs to generate a ranking set of beam sector pairs based on beam ranking criteria, a means to select a primary beam pair of the ranked set of beam sector pairs, and a means to switch from the primary beam pair to a secondary beam pair.

[00148] The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

[00149] In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described in connection with various embodiments and corresponding Figures, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below. [00150] In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components or structures (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structure which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An apparatus configured to be employed within one or more nodes, the apparatus comprising:

control circuitry configured to:

identify a set of beam sector pairs using a sector level sweep (SLS) for directional communication;

rank the set of beam sector pairs to generate a ranked set of beam sector pairs based on beam ranking criteria; and

provide the ranked set of beam sector pairs to a second node; and a transceiver configured to communicate with the second node using a primary beam pair of the ranked set of beam sector pairs.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more nodes is a user equipment (UE) device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more nodes is a base station (BS).

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to detect blockage of the primary beam pair.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to predict blockage of the primary beam pair.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to select a secondary beam pair of the ranked set of beam sector pairs to replace the primary beam pair on a predicted blockage of the primary beam pair.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the ranking criteria includes a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), spatial correlation and temporal correlation.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the directional communication is millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the ranking criteria includes an average power.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the ranking criteria includes spatial correlation.

1 1 . The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the ranking criteria additionally includes a cost of switching to an alternate beam pair.

12. An apparatus configured to be employed within one or more nodes, the apparatus comprising:

control circuitry configured to:

rank a set of beam sector pairs to generate a ranked set of beam sector pairs based on beam ranking criteria;

select a primary beam pair of the ranked set of beam second pairs to use for communication;

predict blockage of the primary beam pair; and

switch from the primary beam pair to a secondary beam pair of the ranked set of beam sector pairs based on a predicted blockage of the primary beam pair; and a transceiver configured to communicate with a second node using the primary beam pair.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to predict the blockage of the primary beam pair by using a periodic blockage poll (B-POLL) and blockage response (B-RSP) procedure.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to predict the blockage of the primary beam pair based on a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the primary beam pair falling below a threshold value.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to predict the blockage of the primary beam pair based on a rate of change of receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the primary beam pair falling below a threshold value.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to predict the blockage of the primary beam pair based on a shortened user equipment receive (UE-RX) signal at a beginning of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 12-16, wherein the control circuitry is configured to synchronize the secondary beam pair using a bi-directional message through a dynamic scheduling request (dSR).

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 12-16, wherein the control circuitry is configured to synchronize the secondary beam pair using a timing advance.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 12-16, wherein the control circuitry is configured to use a cyclic prefix (CP) for synchronization of the secondary beam pair.

20. One or more computer-readable media having instructions that, when executed, cause one or more nodes to:

identify a set of beam sector pairs for directional communication;

select a primary beam of the ranked set of beam sector pairs.

21 . The computer-readable media of claim 20, comprising one or more computer- readable media having instructions that, when executed, further cause the one or more nodes to:

communicate using the primary beam.

22. An apparatus configured to be employed within one or more nodes, the apparatus comprising:

a means to rank a set of beam sector pairs to generate a ranking set of beam sector pairs based on beam ranking criteria;

a means to select a primary beam pair of the ranked set of beam sector pairs; and

a means to switch from the primary beam pair to a secondary beam pair.