WO2018034713A1

WO2018034713A1 - Multi-cell multi-beam adaptation techniques

Info

Publication number: WO2018034713A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/030007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarabjot SINGH; Nageen Himayat; Ehsan ARYAFAR
Original assignee: Intel Corporation
Priority date: 2016-08-19
Filing date: 2017-04-28
Publication date: 2018-02-22

Abstract

An apparatus is configured to be employed within one or more nodes. The apparatus includes control circuitry and a transceiver interface. The control circuitry is configured to perform adaptive ranking to generate an alternative ranked set of beam pairs based on an adaptive ranking criteria, where the adaptive ranking criteria includes switching latencies and predicted qualities and select an alternative beam pair of the alternative ranked set of beam pairs. The transceiver interface is configured to communicate with a second node using the alternative beam pair.

Description

MULTI-CELL MULTI-BEAM ADAPTATION TECHNIQUES

FIELD

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

particularly to beam adaptation techniques for mobile communications.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

62/377,300, 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 adaptive ranking in mmWave communication systems.

[0008] Fig. 3A is a diagram illustrating a signaling technique for exchanging adaptive ranking information.

[0009] Fig. 3B is another diagram illustrating a signaling technique for exchanging adaptive ranking information.

[0010] Fig. 3C is a diagram illustrating a signaling technique for exchanging adaptive ranking information between eNodeBs. [0011] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating one or more nodes that utilizes alternative beam pair ranking in mmWave communication systems.

[0012] Fig. 5 illustrates example components of a User Equipment (UE) device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] 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."

[0014] 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).

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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".

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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, the mmWave communication is directional and its signal propagation at mmWave frequencies is sensitive to

blocking/blockage from buildings, foliage, vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic and the like. The blocking can degrade mobile communication.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 the paths for selection in the event that a particular beam pair is blocked.

[0021] The framework includes techniques to counter blockage by switching from a current used beam pair to a beam pair selected from a ranked set of beam pairs. The ranked set is ranked or ordered based on several beam ranking criteria including, but not limited to, switching latencies and qualities.

[0022] 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 ranking a set of beam pairs by information that includes switching latencies and/or beam quality. The ranked alternative beam pairs are utilized to select a new beam pair for communication between nodes or network nodes. The arrangement 100, can also be an apparatus. Additionally, the arrangement 1 00 can be used for other types of directional communications besides or in addition to mmWave communications.

[0023] 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. The nodes 120 can also be referred to as network (NW) nodes. 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. The term network node refers to a node operated by a network operator and may share information with other nodes, such as UE devices.

[0024] The UE 102 includes the transceiver 106, a storage component 1 18, and control circuitry or controller 104. The storage component 1 1 8 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 102. 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 transceiver 106 can communicate through and/or via a transmitter interface. The UE 102 also includes one or more antenna 108 for communications with the network entities 120.

[0025] The eNodeB 1 24 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 of the eNodeB includes transmitter functionality and receiver

functionality. The transceiver can communicate through and/or via a transmitter interface. The eNodeB 124 can also include one or more antenna for communications with the nodes 120 and/or other UEs.

[0026] 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, as shown above.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The framework can include determining a set of feasible UE 1 02 to eNodeB 124 beam sector pairs, performing an initial ranking of the set of beam sector pairs, performing an adaptive ranking on the set of beam pairs to generate an

adaptive/alternative ranked set of beam pairs upon a blockage, exchanging the ranked set of beam pairs, selecting an alternative beam pair and switching communications to the selected alternative beam pair. The rankings can be UE 102 initiated and/or eNodeB 124 initiated.

[0029] A plurality of pairs of beams between the UE 102 and the eNodeB 1 24 are identified as a set of pairs or set of beam sector pairs. The plurality of beam pairs can include beam pairs from one or more cells. 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 1 24. 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, in one example, 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The set of beam sector pairs are initially ranked based on an initial ranking criteria to generate a ranked set of beam sector pairs. The initial ranking criteria includes, for example, beam strength, RSSI and the like. The initial ranking identifies a primary beam pair to be utilized for communication between the UE 102 and the eNodeB 124. The utilized beam pair is also referred to as the current beam pair or current beam.

[0032] 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 initially ranking the set of beam sector pairs.

[0033] 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 inititiates, the ranked set of beam sector pairs is exchanged with or provided to the UE 102 from the eNodeB 124.

[0034] If a blockage is detected or predicted at the UE 120 and/or the eNodeB 124, an alternative beam pair is selected from the set of beam pairs or the ranked set of beam pairs. The UE 1 20 and/or the eNodeB 124 is configured to perform an adaptive ranking of the set of beam pairs based on adaptive ranking criteria to generate an updated ranked set of beam pairs. The highest ranked beam pair based on the adaptive ranking is selected as the current beam pair. The adaptive ranking can be performed in response to the blockage, periodically, and/or in anticipation of the blockage. In one example, the initial ranking criteria includes the adaptive ranking criteria. In another example, the initial ranking criteria is only based on a strength of the beams or signal strength.

[0035] The adaptive ranking criteria include associated switching latencies and predicted qualities. A lower latency implies a higher rank. A higher predicted quality implies a higher rank. The UE 102 is configured to rank the set of beam pairs based on the predicted qualities subject to their switching latencies being less than a threshold.

[0036] The switching latency is the estimated or predicted amount of time required to switch from a current beam pair to an alternate/alternative beam pair. Typically, the switching latency is higher for inter-cell beam pairs than beam pairs from the same cell. However, there may be instances where the switching latency from a current beam pair in one cell to an alternate beam pair in a second cell is lower than switching from a current beam pair to an alternate beam pair in the same cell. The latency threshold is set to a value, which in one example complies with a specification or standard.

[0037] The predicted quality includes a predicted signal strength and/or a predicted probability of blockage subject to the current beam pair being blocked.

[0038] In one example, the predicted quality is obtained through an online moving average filtering mechanism, which updates an old estimate with a new observed sample, thus the prediction is refined after each observation.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example flow for a node framework that adaptive ranking in mmWave communication systems. The flow enhances

communications by detecting/predicting beam pair blockages for communication paths and selecting alternative beam pairs based on switching latencies and predicted beam qualities.

[0041] 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. The first and second nodes can include the UE 120 and/or the eNodeB 124, as described above.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The second node NODE 2 generates an initial 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. [0044] 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 first 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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, also referred to as the current beam pair.

[0047] In this example, the second node predicts blockage of the primary beam sector pair. At least one of the first and second nodes is configured to perform an adaptive ranking of the set of beam pairs based on adaptive ranking criteria to generate an updated or adaptive/alternative ranked set of beam pairs. The highest ranked beam pair is selected as the current beam 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 includes with the ACK or is piggybacked on the ACK based on gradient detection. Both the first and second nodes switch to the new primary beam sector pair and resume communication.

[0048] Performance of the adaptive ranking can be done at the UE and

communicated to a network, where the network informs the UE with the switching latencies for the set of beam pairs using a serving cell. Or the ranking can be performed at the network or network node, where the UE device information the network about the involved beam qualities. The network nodes can coordinate the information over an interface, such as the X2 interface or alternate backhaul interfaces, to estimate switching latencies that can vary as a function of loading on network nodes, backhaul delays, and the like. The X2 interface can be used for communication between eNodeBs and network nodes. The X2 interface includes a Control Plane and a User Plane. The network nodes are configured to communicate over the X2 interface. The information can be shared with the UE, such as over the air through a data and control communication link. [0049] A model depicting beam pairs is described below. Let a number of transmit (TX) antennas be Nt, a number of receive (RX) antennas be Nr. The pth cluster located at ^{ί <¾:ί}" ^θί·^ρ) wrt TX, and ®r ) _WRT RX steering vectors are given by

[0050] TX steering vector

[0051] RX steering vector ^Ar

[0052] Analog BF with RF weights at TX and RX are represented as wt and wr respectively.

[0053] It is assumed periodic sector sweeping or beamforming procedure gives the optimal weights and a received signal energy for the alternative beam pairs. The process of obtaining the best or suitable beam pair is represented mathematically as

[0054] (w_t, w^*) = arg ma , p), w_t E C_t, w_r E C_r

[0055] where R w_r, w_t, p) =

[0056] Let dp denote a blockage damp factor on path (beam pair) p, e.g., d_p = 0 if path p blocked else 1 .

[0057] The blocked state with the current weights in usage w_t ^c and w_r ^c is then defined as the signal energy falling below a threshold

R(wi. -w'_t .)d^T < Ύ

[0058]

[0059] where d = [di, d₂, d_p] and γ is a signal threshold below which outage occurs.

[0060] The latency for switching from the current beam pair 'c' to the index ith beam pair is denoted as L(i,c). The latencies might differ, e.g., switching across synchronized beam pairs could incur lower latency as compared to a beam pair for which

synchronization would be needed first. Such latencies could be fixed system wide parameters and can be communicated using broadcast channels to receiver terminals, through unicast messages and the like.

[0061] A quality estimate is denoted as Q(i,c) of the index ith beam pair given that the current beam pair index (c) is in outage. Different quality metrics and methods to obtain them are described below.

[0062] Generally, upon detecting blockage on a current beam pair (c), the transmitter and receiver (pair of nodes communicating using the current beam pair) switch to the next highest ranking beam pair. The required rank ordering of beam pairs is

continuously updated at the receiver and communicated to transmitter periodically.

[0063] A first technique of adaptively ranking the set of beam pairs is described. For this technique, one or both nodes are configured to order the beam pairs in order of the switching latency subject to their quality estimate exceeding a quality threshold (Q_T). In this technique, beam pairs with lower latency for switching would be ranked higher. For this case, the analog beamforming weights corresponding to the best or suitable beam pair are

(wjT , w*) = arg mln L(i, c)

wjec_t,wj.eC,-

[0064, ^ QM > Q

[0065] A second technique of adaptively ranking the set of beam pairs is described. One or both of the nodes are configured to order the beam pairs in order of the beam quality subject to their switching latency being below a threshold, i.e., beam pairs with higher quality are ranked higher. For this case, the analog beamforming weights corresponding to the best beam pair are

(w* , w* ) = arg max Q{i, c)

wj€Cf ,w .€Cr

[0066]

[0067] The quality or predicted quality of beam pairs is determined using a suitable technique. In one example the quality of the candidate beam corresponds to an expected received signal energy of the candidate beam given that the current beam is blocked, i.e. w^c _t , .)d^r < i]

[0069] In another example, the quality of the candidate beam corresponds to the probability or likelihood of it being not blocked given that the current beam is blocked, i.e.

[0070] ^{1 1} " ' ^{' 1}

[0071] An online technique of continuous refinement of an initial quality estimate is proposed below. [0072] For a maximum or high expected energy approach, an initial estimate for the beam quality for uninitialized beams /^' can be obtained from the signal strength estimate available from a periodic sector sweep procedure. Assuming signal strength obtained for receiver beam i along with the best transmit beam is R(i), then

[0073] Q(i„:) = R(i)

[0074] For the max reliability proposal, the initial estimate for the beam quality for uninitialized beams is obtained in two steps: first the candidate beam's energy is compared to the outage threshold γ, and secondly if it is below, it is initialized to 0, else it is initialized to 1 .

[0075] Q(i,:) =1 if R(i)>

[0076] Q(i,:) =0 if R(i)<

[0077] Based on the available quality values, the proposed method would rank order beam pairs and perform switching as per the same upon encountering blockage. The observed values of quality of the beam pairs after undertaking the switch can be used to refine the quality estimate as follows

[0078] Q_{new}(i,c) = a Q_obs(i,c) + (1 - a) Q_{old}(i,c)

[0079] where Q₀bs(i,c) is the observed quality and a is the learning rate with value somewhere between 0 and 1 .

[0080] For the expected energy technique, the observed quality is the received signal energy post switching.

[0081 ] And for reliability technique, the observed quality is Ί ' if the signal is reliably decoded post switching else Ό'.

[0082] Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C are provided below and illustrate example techniques for signaling adaptive ranking information between nodes. The nodes are shown as a UE device and a network for illustrative purposes, however it is appreciated that the nodes can include other types of nodes, such as shown above.

[0083] Fig. 3A is a diagram illustrating a signaling technique 300 for exchanging adaptive ranking information. The information includes switching latencies and/or predicted beam qualities and adaptively ranked beam 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.

[0084] The signaling technique depicts a situation where a UE device communicates rank ordering information to a network (NW) node. The network informs the UE device about involved beam switching latencies using a serving cell and the UE device uses the received information to generate the rank ordering information.

[0085] A signal S1 includes a message containing beam qualities as measured by the UE device. The signal S1 is sent from the UE device to the NW.

[0086] The NW sends signal S2 to the UE device. The signal S2 includes rank ordering feedback and is sent in response to the signal S1 . The rank ordering feedback includes switching latencies for beam pairs based on a current beam pair. The UE device can then use the rank ordering feedback to generate a ranked set of beam pairs.

Additional signaling or messaging can be used to exchange the ranked set of beam pairs.

[0087] Fig. 3B is another diagram illustrating a signaling technique 301 for exchanging adaptive ranking information. The adaptive ranking is performed at the network NW and is communicated to the UE device. The UE device provides information about involved beam qualities using a serving cell. The technique 301 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.

[0088] A signal S1 includes a message containing beam latency feedback. The feedback includes switching latencies based on a current beam pair. The NW determines the switching latencies and provides the latency feedback to the UE device using the signal S1 .

[0089] The UE device uses the beam latency feedback to rank a set of beam pairs. The ranked set of beam pairs is provides as rank ordering feedback via signal S2 to the NW.

[0090] Fig. 3C is a diagram illustrating a signaling technique 302 for exchanging adaptive ranking information between eNodeBs. The network nodes, the eNodeBs in this example, coordinate with each other to estimate switching latencies, which can vary as a function of loading on the network nodes, backhaul delays, and the like.

[0091] The technique 302 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.

[0092] A first eNodeB, referred to as eNB1 , sends a signal S1 to a second eNodeB, referred to as eNB2. The signal S1 includes an inquiry for network load and associated latency information based on the current beam pair. The signal S1 is sent using an interfaces, such as the X2 interface. [0093] The eNB2 generates load and latency information in response to the signal S1 . The eNB2 provides the information as load and latency feedback by a signal S2.

[0094] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 of operating one or more network nodes that utilizes adaptive beam pair ranking 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 beam pair can be selected without performing an extensive sweep, such as a sector level sweep (SLS) and based on switching latencies and predicted qualities of a set of beam pairs.

[0095] The method 400 can be understood and utilized with the arrangement 100 and variations thereof, described above. The method 400 is described in conjunction with a first node and a second node, where the nodes are used for mobile

communications.

[0096] 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. It is further appreciated that the first node can be a different type than the second node.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The first node ranks the pairs of the set of beam sector pairs according to an initial ranking criteria and provides an initial ranked set of beam pairs at block 406. The beam ranking criteria includes information in addition to a beam strength or RSSI.

[00100] The highest ranked beam pair is selected as a primary or current beam pair. The initial 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/current beam pair and alternative or secondary beam pairs.

[00101] The first node and the second node communicate using the current/primary beam pair until a blockage is detected and/or predicted. 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 can be used.

[00102] The first node performs an adaptive ranking on the set of beam pairs to generate an updated, adaptive or alternative ranked set of beam pairs at block 408 when a blockage is predicted or detected. The adaptive ranking is performed based on adaptive ranking criteria. The adaptive ranking criteria include associated switching latencies and predicted qualities.

[00103] The first node can request switching latencies feedback and/or quality information/feedback from the second node and then determine the switching latency and the predicted qualities. Examples of suitable feedback are shown above. Further, example techniques for determining the switching latencies and predicted qualities are also shown above.

[00104] The first node sends the adaptive ranked set of beam pairs to the second node at block 410. The adaptive ranked set can be provided via one or more messages and/or a signal over a suitable interface.

[00105] The first node selects a highest ranked beam pair as an alternative beam pair at block 412. Additionally, communications between the first node and the second node are switched to the alternative beam pair at block 412.

[00106] For illustrative purposes, one of the first and second nodes may be described as performing a block. However, it is appreciated that either of the first and second nodes can be utilized to perform the described blocks.

[00107] The method 400 can return to block 41 0 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.

[00108] 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. [00109] 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. It is appreciated that other nodes or types of nodes, such as an eNodeB and the like, can be configured similar to the 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 device 500 is shown as a UE device for illustrative purposes, however the device can also be used for nodes and/or other types of nodes.

[00110] 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.

[00111] 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.

[00112] 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).

[00113] 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.

[00114] 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.

[00115] 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.

[00116] 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.

[00117] 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.

[00118] 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.

[00119] 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.

[00120] 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.

[00121] 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.

[00122] 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.

[00123] 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.

[00124] 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_Lo)- In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 506 can include an IQ/polar converter.

[00125] 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.

[00126] 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.

[00127] 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. [00128] 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 51 0 can also be utilized with an evolved Node B (eNodeB).

[00129] 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.

[00130] Example 1 is an apparatus configured to be employed within one or more nodes. The apparatus includes control circuitry and a transceiver interface. The control circuitry is configured to perform adaptive ranking to generate an adaptive ranked set of beam pairs based on an adaptive ranking criteria, where the adaptive ranking criteria includes switching latencies and predicted qualities and select an alternative beam pair of the adaptive ranked set of beam pairs. The transceiver interface is configured to communicate with a second node using the alternative beam pair.

[00131] 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.

[00132] Example 3 includes the subject matter of Examples 1 -2, including or omitting optional elements, where the one or more nodes is an evolved Node B (eNodeB).

[00133] Example 4 includes the subject matter of Examples 1 -3, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to detect blockage of a current beam pair.

[00134] Example 5 includes the subject matter of Examples 1 -4, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to predict blockage of a current beam pair and to perform the adaptive ranking in response to the predicted blockage.

[00135] Example 6 includes the subject matter of Examples 1 -5, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to perform an initial ranking to generate a ranked set of beam pairs and select a current beam pair from the ranked set of beam pairs.

[00136] Example 7 includes the subject matter of Examples 1 -6, including or omitting optional elements, where the transceiver interface is configured to send a request for beam latency feedback from the second node. [00137] Example 8 includes the subject matter of Examples 1 -7, including or omitting optional elements, where the transceiver interface is configured to send a request for beam quality feedback from the second node.

[00138] Example 9 includes the subject matter of Examples 1 -8, including or omitting optional elements, where the transceiver interface is configured to provide rank ordering feedback to the second node.

[00139] Example 10 includes the subject matter of Examples 1 -9, including or omitting optional elements, where the transceiver interface is configured to switch

communication from a current beam pair to the alternative beam pair.

[00140] Example 1 1 includes the subject matter of Examples 1 -10, including or omitting optional elements, where the predicted qualities include a probability of blockage.

[00141] Example 12 is an apparatus configured to be employed within one or more nodes. The apparatus includes control circuitry and a transceiver interface. The control circuitry is configured to generate an initial set of beam pairs and generate ordering feedback for the initial set of beam pairs based at least partially on blockage probability.

The transceiver interface is configured to transmit the ordering feedback.

[00142] Example 13 includes the subject matter of Example 12, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to select an alternative beam pair of the initial set of beam pairs based on the ordering feedback.

[00143] Example 14 includes the subject matter of Examples 12-1 3, including or omitting optional elements, where the transceiver interface is configured to provide an acknowledgement of the selected alternative beam pair.

[00144] Example 15 includes the subject matter of Examples 12-14, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to select a secondary beam pair of the initial set of beam pairs.

[00145] Example 16 includes the subject matter of Examples 12-15, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to generate the ordering feedback based on ranking criteria, wherein the ranking criteria includes the blockage probability, switching latencies and predicted qualities.

[00146] Example 17 includes the subject matter of Examples 12-16, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to generate load latency feedback, wherein the load latency feedback includes latency information for a primary beam pair of the initial set of beam pairs. [00147] Example 18 is one or more computer-readable media having instructions that, when executed, cause one or more nodes to perform an adaptive ranking based on ranking criteria to generate an adaptive ranked set of beam pairs, wherein the ranking criterial includes switching latencies and predicted qualities, select an alternative beam pair from the adaptive ranked set of beam pairs based at least partially on predicted blockage, and switch communication from a current beam pair to the selected alternative beam pair.

[00148] Example 19 includes the subject matter of Example 18, including or omitting optional elements, that further cause the one or more nodes to perform an initial ranking based on signal strength prior to performing the adaptive ranking.

[00149] Example 20 includes the subject matter of Examples 18-1 9, including or omitting optional elements, that further cause the one or more nodes to transmit ranking feedback based on the adaptive ranked set of beam pairs and the ranking criteria.

[00150] Example 21 is an apparatus configured to be employed within one or more nodes. The apparatus comprises a means to perform adaptive ranking to generate an adaptive ranked set of beam pairs based on an adaptive ranking criteria, where the adaptive ranking criteria includes switching latencies and predicted qualities; a means to select an alternative beam pair of the adaptive ranked set of beam pairs; and a means to communicate with a second node using the alternative beam pair.

[00151] 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.

[00152] 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. [00153] 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:

perform adaptive ranking to generate an adaptive ranked set of beam pairs based on an adaptive ranking criteria for directional communication, where the adaptive ranking criteria includes switching latencies and predicted qualities; and

select an alternative beam pair of the adaptive ranked set of beam pairs; and

a transceiver interface configured to communicate with a second node using the alternative beam pair.

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 an evolved Node B (eNodeB).

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to detect blockage of a current beam pair.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to predict blockage of a current beam pair and to perform the adaptive ranking in response to the predicted blockage.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to perform an initial ranking to generate a ranked set of beam pairs and select a current beam pair from the ranked set of beam pairs.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the transceiver interface is configured to send a request for beam latency feedback from the second node.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the transceiver interface is configured to send a request for beam quality feedback from the second node.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the transceiver interface is configured to provide rank ordering feedback to the second node.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the transceiver interface is configured to switch communication from a current beam pair to the alternative beam pair.

1 1 . The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the predicted qualities include a probability of blockage.

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

control circuitry configured to:

generate an initial set of beam pairs; and

generate ordering feedback for the initial set of beam pairs based at least partially on blockage probability; and

a transceiver interface configured to:

transmit the ordering feedback.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to select an alternative beam pair of the initial set of beam pairs based on the ordering feedback.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the transceiver interface is configured to provide an acknowledgement of the selected alternative beam pair.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the control circuitry is configured to select a secondary beam pair of the initial set of beam pairs.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 12-13, wherein the control circuitry is configured to generate the ordering feedback based on ranking criteria, wherein the ranking criteria includes the blockage probability, switching latencies and predicted qualities.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 12-13, wherein the control circuitry is configured to generate load latency feedback, wherein the load latency feedback includes latency information for a primary beam pair of the initial set of beam pairs.

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

perform an adaptive ranking based on ranking criteria to generate an adaptive ranked set of beam pairs, wherein the ranking criterial includes switching latencies and predicted qualities;

select an alternative beam pair from the adaptive ranked set of beam pairs based at least partially on predicted blockage;

switch communication from a current beam pair to the selected alternative beam pair.

19. The computer-readable media of claim 18, comprising one or more computer- readable media having instructions that, when executed, further cause the one or more nodes to:

perform an initial ranking based on signal strength prior to performing the adaptive ranking.

20. The computer-readable media of claim 18, comprising one or more computer- readable media having instructions that, when executed, further cause the one or more nodes to:

transmit ranking feedback based on the adaptive ranked set of beam pairs and the ranking criteria.

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

a means to perform adaptive ranking to generate an adaptive ranked set of beam pairs based on an adaptive ranking criteria, where the adaptive ranking criteria includes switching latencies and predicted qualities;

a means to select an alternative beam pair of the adaptive ranked set of beam pairs; and

a means to communicate with a second node using the alternative beam pair.