Enhancing throughput using agile beam switching and user scheduling in cellular systems

摘要

A method of communicating with UEs located within a serviced area, the method involving: defining a set of differently directed, narrow beams which collectively cover the serviced area; (a) during a first period of operation: (i) cycling through the beams one at a time by separately activating each beam in synchronization with the subframe structure of a signal from the BBU; and (ii) while each beam is activated, initiating channel sounding for all of the UEs in the serviced area; and (b) during a second period of operation immediately following the first period of operation: (i) cycling through all of the beams one at a time by separately activating each beam in synchronization with the subframe structure of the signal from the BBU; and (ii) while each beam is activated, transmitting data over that beam to the UEs in accordance with a scheduling scheme.