Coordinated Initial Access in Millimetre Wave Standalone Networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a coordinated initial access scheme for millimeter wave small cells in 5G networks, reducing access time and complexity by avoiding exhaustive beam sweeping through cluster coordination.

Contribution

It proposes a novel coordinated IA method for mmWave small cells that improves efficiency and robustness without relying on legacy network support.

Findings

Significantly reduces initial access time.

Enhances robustness of initial access.

Lowers cost and complexity of mobile terminals.

Abstract

In this paper, a novel coordinated initial access (IA) scheme for clustered millimeter wave small cells (mmSCs) is proposed for the fifth generation mobile communication networks (5G). This solution is a method for efficient and fast initial access for ultra-dense millimeter wave standalone networks without presence of overlaid legacy networks operating on lower frequency. In contrast to the current full beam sweep scheme, where time consuming exhaustive searching is employed, the mmSCs within one cluster will perform the IA procedure in a coordinated manner based on the power delay profile (PDP) measurement reports shared with each other via the backhaul links and thereby avoiding the full beam sweep. The proposed scheme significantly reduces the initial access time, enhances the access robustness and reduces the cost and complexity of the mobile terminals.