Communications methods and apparatus using multiple beams
US10367565B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W72/56
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for facilitating the use of a plurality of antenna beams for communications purposes are described. In at least some embodiments beam priority information is periodically exchanged. Multiple timers are used to ensure beam information is exchanged at intervals intended to facilitate reliable beam synchronization and to control switching to one or more alternative beams in a predictable manner in the event beam change information or beam synchronization information is lost. In some but not all embodiments a wideband beam is used to communicate beam synchronization information when synchronization using narrower beams used for normal data communication is lost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.