5G Beams Types

In this post, we will have a look at 5G Beams Types: Broadcast & Traffic Beams – SSB, CSI-RS, PMI & SRS

In 5G, there are multiple types of beams that are used to transmit different types of information. For instance, we have broadcast beams and traffic beams.

The Broadcast beams are mainly the common channel beams that are used to transmit SSB. The same beams are also used for other broadcast channels like CSI resources. Then we have traffic beams which are mostly based on PMI or SRS. If the PMI based beams are used then those beams depend on CSI resources and configuration as the UE decodes the CSI resources to generate CSI feedback which carries the PMIs. If the SRS based beams are used then those depend on the UE’s uplink coverage and the gNB uses the SRS to estimate the optimal beam candidate for the UE.

In a nutshell, below are 5G Beams Types.

– SSB Beams are Broadcast Type beams and cover larger areas
– PMI based Beams are more focused and narrower. They are Traffic Type Beams.
– SRS Based Beams can be even more focused and they are also Traffic Type Beams.

5G Beams Types: Broadcast & Traffic Beams – SSB, CSI-RS, PMI & SRS

In 5G networks, several types of beams are used to facilitate communication between the base station (eNodeB/gNodeB) and user devices.

Broadcast Beams

Broadcast beams are used to transmit broadcast or multicast services to multiple user devices simultaneously. These beams allow the base station (eNodeB/gNodeB) to efficiently deliver content such as live TV broadcasts, software updates, emergency alerts, and other mass communication services. However, it’s important to note that the use of broadcast beams in 5G is still being developed and standardized, and their implementation may vary.

It’s important to note that the specific implementation and deployment of 5G broadcast beams may depend on the network operator, available spectrum, and the support provided by user devices. Broadcast/multicast services in 5G are still evolving, and the industry continues to explore and standardize solutions for efficient and scalable broadcast/multicast content delivery in 5G networks.

Traffic Beams

Traffic beams are used to transmit data between the base station (eNodeB/gNodeB) and user devices. These beams are responsible for delivering user-specific traffic, such as internet data, video streams, voice calls, and other communication services. Traffic beams are optimized to provide high data rates, low latency, and reliable connectivity.

The configuration, management, and optimization of traffic beams may vary depending on factors such as network capacity, user density, channel conditions, and quality of service requirements. Advanced techniques and algorithms are continuously being developed and implemented to ensure efficient and reliable traffic beam management in 5G networks.

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Ali Khalid

Senior Solution Architect at Ericsson SCU, Australia | 5G NR | VoLTE | LTE-A | Massive MIMO | NB-IoT
Ali Khalid is a Senior LTE/VoLTE RNPO, NB-IoT and 5G Solution Architect who has successfully led and delivered a number of projects in different regions across the globe including Pakistan, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Oman, KSA, Nigeria, Turkey, Poland and Japan. He is currently working in Strategic Competence Unit (SCU), a highly experienced global team at Ericsson, Australia. In case of any questions or feedback, please feel free to drop a comment below or connect with him on LinkedIn.

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