Continuous Steering Backups of NLoS-Assisted mmWave Networks to Avoid Blocking

Millimeter wave (MMW) communication constitutes a fundamental technology in next-generation networks. However, with high propagation loss and unfavorable atmospheric absorption, MMW systems are highly susceptible to blocking MMW nodes, thus requiring frequent re-steering of highly directional antenna beams to establish and maintain links disrupted by link blockage or beam misalignment. Consequently, setting up a backup communication link in an MMW network involves creating a redundant connection that can be used as an alternative when the primary link experiences difficulties. This is essential to ensure continuous communication and minimize downtime in the MMW network. This paper proposes a vision-assisted beam-steering framework for steering both line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) beams in addition to setting up a backup communication link that uses NLoS paths for data communication during blockage events. Visual information captured by cameras mounted on the MMW BS can effectively reflect the sizes and locations of the environmentally scattered objects and thereby can be used to infer communications parameters like propagation, and blockage characteristics. In addition to the need for steering the LoS beam toward the mobile at a certain angle for beam-steering, here we propose the need for steering the backup NLoS beam reflected from the surrounding building surface toward the mobile at another certain angle to avoid disconnection during temporary blockages.