AI/ML FOR BEAM MANAGEMENT IN 5G-ADVANCED: A Standardization Perspective

In beamformed wireless cellular systems, such as 5G New Radio (NR) networks, beam management (BM) is a crucial operation. In the second phase of 5G NR standardization, known as 5G-Advanced, which is being vigorously promoted, the key component is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) based on machine learning (ML) techniques. AI/ML for BM is selected as a representative use case. This article provides an overview of AI/ML for BM in 5G-Advanced. The legacy non-AI and prime AIenabled BM frameworks are first introduced and compared. Then, the main scope of AI/ML for BM is presented, including improving accuracy and reducing overhead and latency. Finally, the key challenges and open issues in the standardization of AI/ML for BM are discussed, especially the design of new protocols for AIenabled BM. This article provides a guideline for the study of AI/ML-based BM standardization.