FUTUREWEI · 10.5.2.4

Futurewei proposes a mixed antenna architecture combining a low-resolution all-digital receiver array for one-shot beam acquisition with an analog/hybrid array for data transmission to eliminate beam sweeping procedures. They require enabling UL signals (e.g., SRS) as QCL source RS for DL TCI states, departing from 5G NR's restriction to only DL signals. For UEIBM, they propose a network confirmation mechanism that updates TCI states and activates new beams without RRC reconfiguration or MAC-CE signaling, targeting approximately 30 ms latency reduction. On AI/ML, they support cross-frequency beam prediction using angular-delay domain FR1 channel inputs to predict mmWave beams, demonstrating feasibility for co-located scenarios with Transformer-based architectures. They propose specific LLS/SLS simulation parameters prioritizing around 7 GHz and 30 GHz with beam acquisition latency and overhead as primary performance metrics.

Futurewei proposes adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as the starting point for 6G development, arguing no fundamental paradigm shift is needed while supporting substantial evolution for upper midband (UMB) around 7 GHz and 15 GHz. They propose a mixed antenna architecture combining low-resolution 1-bit all-digital receiver arrays for one-shot beam acquisition with analog/hybrid arrays for data transmission, supported by feasibility results showing near-ideal beamforming gain using 1-bit receivers. They require QCL/TCI enhancements to enable UL signals (SRS) as QCL source RS for DL TCI states, extending the Rel-17/18 unified TCI framework. They propose AI/ML integration as an integral part of the 6G MIMO framework from day-1, identifying cross-frequency beam prediction (FR1-to-FR2) as a candidate use case requiring study of data collection configuration, inference-related resource configuration, and LCM operations including fallback and model switching.