Patent Description:
Some wireless communication systems may communicate over the Millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band, e.g., the <NUM> Frequency band. A mmWave propagation has a few major distinctive features in comparison with lower frequency bands, e.g., the frequency bands of <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the mmWave propagation may have a propagation loss greater than the propagation loss in the lower frequency bands, and may have Quasi-optical propagation properties.

A mmWave communication system may use high-gain directional antennas to compensate for large path loss and/or employ beam-steering techniques. Design of appropriate antenna system and/or further signal processing may be an important aspect of mmWave communication system development.

Multi-element phased antenna arrays may be used, for example, for creation of a directional antenna pattern. A phased antenna array may form a directive antenna pattern or a beam, which may be steered by setting appropriate signal phases at the antenna elements.

<CIT> discloses a Base Station (BS), a Mobile Station (MS), and a millimeter Wave (mmWave) Access Point (mmAP), for use in a mobile communication system that includes a plurality of Base Stations BSs capable of communicating with a plurality of Mobile Stations (MSs). The BS includes a cellular band transceiver for communicating in a cellular band, an mmWave band transceiver for communicating in the mmWave band, and a controller for controlling both the cellular band transceiver and the mmWave band transceiver for communication with an MS.

<CIT> discloses performing wireless communications in a wireless network by forming at least two spatial beams within a cell segment, where the at least two spatial beams are associated with different power levels. The at least two spatial beams are swept across the cell segment according to a sweep pattern. In some implementations, multiple antenna assemblies can be used, where each antenna assembly has plural antenna elements. A lower one of the antenna assemblies can be used to form high and lower power beams, and an upper one of the antenna assemblies can be used to communicate backhaul information, for example.

<CIT> discloses a communication system and a method of communicating backhaul data. The communication system can include a controller. The controller can dynamically select from a plurality of backhaul sites at least a first backhaul site to establish a backhaul communication link with an access point. The controller also can generate a control signal that indicates to the access point to beam steer a backhaul signal to the first backhaul site. The access point can include a phased array that dynamically beam steers the backhaul signal in azimuth and elevation.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.

Discussions herein utilizing terms such as, for example, "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "establishing", "analyzing", "checking", or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories or other information storage medium that may store instructions to perform operations and/or processes.

The terms "plurality" and "a plurality", as used herein, include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more". For example, "a plurality of items" includes two or more items.

References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "demonstrative embodiment", "various embodiments" etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third" etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with various devices and systems, for example, a Personal Computer (PC), a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an Ultrabook™ computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, a handheld device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device, a handheld PDA device, an on-board device, an off-board device, a hybrid device, a vehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a mobile or portable device, a consumer device, a non-mobile or non-portable device, a wireless communication station, a wireless communication device, a wireless Access Point (AP), a wired or wireless router, a wired or wireless modem, a video device, an audio device, an audio-video (A/V) device, a wired or wireless network, a wireless area network, a Wireless Video Area Network (WVAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless LAN (WLAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Wireless PAN (WPAN), and the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing Wireless-Gigabit-Alliance (WGA) specifications (<NPL>, Final specification) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing IEEE <NUM> standards (<NPL>; IEEE802. <NUM> task group ac (TGac) ("IEEE802. <NUM>-<NUM>/0308r12 - TGac Channel Model Addendum Document"); IEEE <NUM> task group ad (TGad) (IEEE P802.11ad Standard for Information Technology - Telecommunications and Information Exchange Between Systems - Local and Metropolitan Area Networks - Specific Requirements - Part <NUM>: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications - Amendment <NUM>: Enhancements for Very High Throughput in the <NUM> Band)) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing WirelessHD™ specifications and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, units and/or devices which are part of the above networks, and the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with one way and/or two-way radio communication systems, cellular radio-telephone communication systems, a mobile phone, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a Personal Communication Systems (PCS) device, a PDA device which incorporates a wireless communication device, a mobile or portable Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a device which incorporates a GPS receiver or transceiver or chip, a device which incorporates an RFID element or chip, a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transceiver or device, a Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) transceiver or device, a Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) transceiver or device, a device having one or more internal antennas and/or external antennas, Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) devices or systems, multistandard radio devices or systems, a wired or wireless handheld device, e.g., a Smartphone, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) device, or the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with one or more types of wireless communication signals and/or systems, for example, Radio Frequency (RF), Infra Red (IR), Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM), Orthogonal FDM (OFDM), Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM), Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Extended TDMA (E-TDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), extended GPRS, Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), CDMA <NUM>, single-carrier CDMA, multi-carrier CDMA, Multi-Carrier Modulation (MDM), Discrete Multi-Tone (DMT), Bluetooth®, Global Positioning System (GPS), Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, ZigBee™, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, Fifth Generation (<NUM>) mobile networks, 3GPP, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE advanced, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), or the like. Other embodiments may be used in various other devices, systems and/or networks.

The term "wireless device", as used herein, includes, for example, a device capable of wireless communication, a communication device capable of wireless communication, a communication station capable of wireless communication, a portable or non-portable device capable of wireless communication, or the like. In some demonstrative embodiments, a wireless device may be or may include a peripheral that is integrated with a computer, or a peripheral that is attached to a computer. In some demonstrative embodiments, the term "wireless device" may optionally include a wireless service.

The term "communicating" as used herein with respect to a wireless communication signal includes transmitting the wireless communication signal and/or receiving the wireless communication signal. For example, a wireless communication unit, which is capable of communicating a wireless communication signal, may include a wireless transmitter to transmit the wireless communication signal to at least one other wireless communication unit, and/or a wireless communication receiver to receive the wireless communication signal from at least one other wireless communication unit.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be used in conjunction with a WLAN. Other embodiments may be used in conjunction with any other suitable wireless communication network, for example, a wireless area network, a "piconet", a WPAN, a WVAN and the like.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be used in conjunction with a wireless communication network communicating over a frequency band of <NUM>. However, other embodiments may be implemented utilizing any other suitable wireless communication frequency bands, for example, an Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band (the millimeter wave (mmwave) frequency band), e.g., a frequency band within the frequency band of between <NUM> and <NUM>, a WLAN frequency band, a WPAN frequency band, a frequency band according to the WGA specification, and the like.

The phrase "peer to peer (PTP or P2P) communication", as used herein, may relate to device-to-device communication over a wireless link ("peer-to-peer link") between a pair of devices. The P2P communication may include, for example, wireless communication over a direct link within a QoS basic service set (BSS), a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) link, a station-to-station (STA-to-STA) communication in an independent basic service set (IBSS), or the like.

The term "antenna", as used herein, may include any suitable configuration, structure and/or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies and/or arrays. In some embodiments, the antenna may implement transmit and receive functionalities using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In some embodiments, the antenna may implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and/or integrated transmit/receive elements. The antenna may include, for example, a phased array antenna, a single element antenna, a set of switched beam antennas, and/or the like.

The phrase "mmWave frequency band" as used herein may relate to a frequency band above <NUM>, e.g., a frequency band between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The phrases "directional multi-gigabit (DMG)" and "directional band" (DBand), as used herein, may relate to a frequency band wherein the Channel starting frequency is above <NUM>.

The phrases "DMG STA" and "mmWave STA (mSTA)" may relate to a STA having a radio transmitter, which is operating on a channel that is within the mmWave or DMG band.

The term "beamforming", as used herein, may relate to a spatial filtering mechanism, which may be used at a transmitter and/or a receiver to improve one or more attributes, e.g., the received signal power or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at an intended receiver.

The term "cell", as used herein, may include a combination of network resources, for example, downlink and optionally uplink resources. The resources may be controlled and/or allocated, for example, by a wireless communication node (also referred to as a ""node" or a "base station"), or the like. The linking between a carrier frequency of the downlink resources and a carrier frequency of the uplink resources may be indicated in system information transmitted on the downlink resources.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

As shown in <FIG>, in some demonstrative embodiments, system <NUM> may include one or more wireless communication devices capable of communicating content, data, information and/or signals via a wireless medium (WM). For example, system <NUM> may include one or more wireless communication nodes, e.g., including nodes <NUM> and <NUM>, and one or more mobile devices, e.g., including mobile device <NUM>. The wireless medium may include, for example, a radio channel, a cellular channel, an RF channel, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) channel, an IR channel, and the like. One or more elements of system <NUM> may optionally be capable of communicating over any suitable wired communication links.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM>, node <NUM> and mobile device <NUM> may form and/or communicate as part of one or more wireless communication networks. For example, node <NUM> and mobile device <NUM> may form and/or may communicate as part of a wireless communication cell, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, nodes <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include or may perform the functionality of a Base Station (BS), a macro BS, a micro BS, an Access Point (AP), a WiFi node, a Wimax node, a cellular node, e.g., an Evolved Node B (eNB), an LTE node, a station, a hot spot, a network controller, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, mobile device <NUM> may include, for example, a User Equipment (UE), a mobile computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an Ultrabook™ computer, a mobile internet device, a handheld computer, a handheld device, a storage device, a PDA device, a handheld PDA device, an on-board device, an off-board device, a hybrid device (e.g., combining cellular phone functionalities with PDA device functionalities), a consumer device, a vehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a portable device, a mobile phone, a cellular telephone, a PCS device, a mobile or portable GPS device, a DVB device, a relatively small computing device, a non-desktop computer, a "Carry Small Live Large" (CSLL) device, an Ultra Mobile Device (UMD), an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), a Mobile Internet Device (MID), an "Origami" device or computing device, a video device, an audio device, an A/V device, a gaming device, a media player, a Smartphone, or the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or mobile device <NUM> may include one or more wireless communication units to perform wireless communication between node <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or mobile device <NUM> and/or with one or more other wireless communication devices, e.g., as described below. For example, node <NUM> may include a wireless communication unit <NUM>, node <NUM> may include a wireless communication unit <NUM> and/or mobile device <NUM> may include a wireless communication unit <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication units <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include, or may be associated with, one or more antennas. In one example, wireless communication unit <NUM> may be associated with one or more antennas <NUM>; wireless communication unit <NUM> may be associated with one or more antennas <NUM>; and/or wireless communication unit <NUM> may be associated with one or more antennas <NUM>.

Antennas <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include any type of antennas suitable for transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals, blocks, frames, transmission streams, packets, messages and/or data. For example, antennas <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include any suitable configuration, structure and/or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies and/or arrays. Antennas <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include, for example, antennas suitable for directional communication, e.g., using beamforming techniques. For example, antennas <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include a phased array antenna, a multiple element antenna, a set of switched beam antennas, and/or the like. In some embodiments, antennas <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may implement transmit and receive functionalities using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In some embodiments, antennas <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and/or integrated transmit/receive elements.

In some demonstrative embodiments, nodes <NUM> and/or <NUM> may also include, for example, one or more of a processor <NUM>, a memory unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. Node <NUM> may optionally include other suitable hardware components and/or software components. In some demonstrative embodiments, some or all of the components of node <NUM> may be enclosed in a common housing or packaging, and may be interconnected or operably associated using one or more wired or wireless links. In other embodiments, components of node <NUM> may be distributed among multiple or separate devices.

Processor <NUM> includes, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), one or more processor cores, a single-core processor, a dual-core processor, a multiple-core processor, a microprocessor, a host processor, a controller, a plurality of processors or controllers, a chip, a microchip, one or more circuits, circuitry, a logic unit, an Integrated Circuit (IC), an Application-Specific IC (ASIC), or any other suitable multi-purpose or specific processor or controller. Processor <NUM> executes instructions, for example, of an Operating System (OS) of node <NUM> and/or of one or more suitable applications.

Memory unit <NUM> includes, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SD-RAM), a flash memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a cache memory, a buffer, a short term memory unit, a long term memory unit, or other suitable memory units. Storage unit <NUM> includes, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a Compact Disk (CD) drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or other suitable removable or non-removable storage units. Memory unit <NUM> and/or storage unit <NUM>, for example, may store data processed by node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, antennas <NUM> may include an antenna array, which may include a plurality of antenna elements, e.g., as described below. The plurality of antenna elements of the antenna array may be configured, for example, for creation of a plurality of highly-directional antenna patterns. The plurality of antenna elements may include, for example, about <NUM>-<NUM> antenna elements, or any other number of antenna elements, which may be placed in a predefined geometry. The plurality of antenna elements may be configured to form a plurality of highly directive antenna patterns or beams, which may be steered by setting appropriate signal phases at the antenna elements, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may be configured to control antenna array <NUM> to generate and steer the plurality of beams to be directed to a plurality of other devices, e.g., including node <NUM> and mobile device <NUM>. Wireless communication unit <NUM> may communicate with the plurality of other devices via a plurality of wireless communication links over the plurality of beams formed by antenna array <NUM>, as described in detail below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, one or more elements of system <NUM> may utilize the mmWave communication band to provide wireless connectivity for a relatively large coverage area. In one example, elements of system <NUM> may be deployed, for example, in outdoor spaces, e.g., a street, a stadium, and the like, and/or large indoor areas, e.g., conference halls, and the like.

For example, system <NUM> may include a plurality of small cells, e.g., a large number of small cells, which may be deployed to cover the large coverage area, e.g., as described below with reference to <FIG>. A cell may include a wireless communication node, e.g., a BS, which may be configured to cover and/or serve a relatively small number of users, for example, mobile devices, e.g., User Equipment (UE), and the like. The deployment of the small cells may provide, for example, high-speed wireless access for communication by many users, e.g., simultaneously.

In one example, a first cell may include node <NUM>, which may serve one or more users, e.g., including mobile device <NUM>; and a second cell may include node <NUM>, which may serve one or more users (not sown in <FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication node <NUM> may communicate with the mobile devices of the first cell via a plurality of wireless communication links ("access links"). For example, wireless communication node <NUM> may communicate with mobile device <NUM> via a wireless access link <NUM>. Wireless access link <NUM> may include a downlink for communicating downlink data from wireless communication node <NUM> to mobile device <NUM> and/or an uplink for communicating uplink data from mobile device <NUM> to wireless communication node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, backhaul links may be utilized for communication between the wireless communication nodes. For example, wireless communication node <NUM> may communicate with wireless communication node <NUM> via a wireless backhaul link <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the backhaul links may be utilized for direct or indirect communication between the wireless communication nodes.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the backhaul links may be utilized for communicating between the wireless communication nodes and a core network.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least one wireless communication node of system <NUM> may be connected to a core network, and one or more other wireless communication nodes may communicate with the core network via the backhaul links.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication node <NUM> may include at least one network interface <NUM> configured to communicate with at least one core network, e.g., a telephone network, the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), and the like, via one or more wired and/or wireless connections. For example, network interface <NUM> may include a modulator-demodulator (Modem), a Cable Modem, a router, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the core network may optionally be configured to enable communication between one or more elements of the wireless communication network, e.g., over a wired connection.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM>, may include high-throughput links, which may be required to communicate high throughput data between the wireless communication nodes and the core network.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the wireless backhaul links, e.g., wireless backhaul link <NUM>, may be utilized, for example, for systems including a relatively high density of nodes per area unit.

In some demonstrative embodiments, utilizing separate antenna systems at a node of system <NUM> for access and backhaul, e.g., one or more antenna arrays dedicated for communication over backhaul links and one or more other antenna arrays dedicated for communication over access links, may be beneficial in some aspects. For example, utilizing separate antenna systems at a node for access and backhaul may limit interference in an environment, e.g., since directional antenna arrays may be utilized for directional backhaul links; and/or may enable using different types of antennas, for example, for forming the access and backhaul links in different frequency bands.

However, in some demonstrative embodiments, a node, e.g., a mmWave node, implementing separate antennas for access and backhaul, e.g., over the mmWave band, may be bulky, expensive, complex and/or inefficient.

In some demonstrative embodiments, one or more wireless communication nodes of system <NUM>, e.g., wireless communication node <NUM>, may utilize a common antenna array for communicating over both one or more backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM>, and for communicating over one or more access links, e.g., access link <NUM>, as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, high throughputs of the access links may require comparable high throughput backhaul links. Accordingly, it may be beneficial to implement the backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM>, in the mmWave band as well.

Some demonstrative embodiments are described herein with reference to a device, e.g., node <NUM>, utilizing one common antenna array, for example, antenna array <NUM>, e.g., a single common antenna array, for communicating over both access and backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM> and access link <NUM>. However, in other embodiments a device, e.g., a node or any other suitable device, may include a plurality of common antenna arrays, e.g., each configured to communicate over both the access and backhaul links.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless backhaul link <NUM> may include a direct link, e.g., a P2P link, for example, to enable direct communication between nodes <NUM> and <NUM>; and/or wireless access link <NUM> may include a direct link, e.g., a P2P link, for example, to enable direct communication between node <NUM> and mobile device <NUM>. In other embodiments, wireless access link <NUM> may include a point-to-multipoint, multicast, broadcast and/or any other suitable type of link to allow communication between node <NUM> and two or more mobile devices, e.g. simultaneously.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless access link <NUM> and/or wireless backhaul link <NUM> may include a wireless communication link over the mmWave band, e.g., the DMG band.

In some demonstrative embodiments, nodes <NUM> and/or <NUM>, and/or mobile device <NUM> may perform the functionality of mmWave STAs, e.g., DMG stations ("DMG STA"). For example, nodes <NUM> and/or <NUM>, and/or mobile device <NUM> may be configured to communicate over the DMG band.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless access link <NUM> and/or wireless backhaul link <NUM> may include a wireless beamformed link.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless access link <NUM> and/or wireless backhaul link <NUM> may include a wireless gigabit (WiGig) link. For example, wireless access link <NUM> and/or wireless backhaul link <NUM> may include a wireless beamformed link over the <NUM> frequency band.

In other embodiments, wireless access link <NUM> and/or wireless backhaul link <NUM> may include any other suitable link and/or may utilize any other suitable wireless communication technology.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may control antenna array <NUM> to form one or more first beams for communicating over one or more access links, e.g., including access link <NUM>, with one or more mobile devices, e.g., mobile device <NUM>; and to form one or more second beams for communicating over one or more backhaul links, e.g., including backhaul link <NUM>, with one or more wireless communication nodes, e.g., node <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may control antenna array <NUM> to communicate over backhaul link <NUM> and access link <NUM> during separate time periods, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may control antenna array <NUM> to communicate over backhaul link <NUM> and access link <NUM> during a common time period, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may control antenna array <NUM> to communicate over backhaul link <NUM> and access link <NUM> according to a Multi-User (MU) Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) scheme. For example, wireless communication unit may control antenna array <NUM> to communicate a MIMO communication over a plurality of beams including one or more first beams directed to one or more wireless communication nodes, and one or more second beams directed to one or more mobile devices, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may control antenna array <NUM> to transmit communications over backhaul link <NUM> and access link <NUM> during a first common time period, and to receive communications over backhaul link <NUM> and access link <NUM> during a second common time period, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may control one or more first sub-arrays of antenna array <NUM> to form the one or more first beams, and to control one or more second sub-arrays of antenna array <NUM> to form the one or more second beams, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the access and backhaul links may not be required to operate synchronously, although they could.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the access and backhaul links may use different physical (PHY) layer designs, e.g. different signal waveforms, for access and for backhaul. However, in other embodiments the same PHYs may also be used.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a multi-cell wireless communication system <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

In some demonstrative embodiments, system <NUM> may include a plurality of wireless communication devices configured to form a plurality of cells, e.g., small cells, for communicating with one or more mobile devices.

In some demonstrative embodiments, one or more elements of system <NUM> may utilize the mmWave communication band to provide wireless connectivity for a relatively large coverage area. In one example, elements of system <NUM> may be deployed, for example, in outdoor spaces, e.g., a street, a stadium, and the like, and/or large indoor areas, e.g., conference halls, and the like. For example, system <NUM> may include a large number of small cells, which may be deployed to cover the large coverage area.

In some demonstrative embodiments, system <NUM> may include a wireless communication node <NUM> to communicate with one or more mobile devices <NUM> of a first cell <NUM>, a wireless communication node <NUM> to communicate with one or more mobile devices <NUM> of a second cell <NUM>, and a wireless communication nodes <NUM> to communicate with one or more mobile devices <NUM> of a third cell <NUM>.

In one example, node <NUM> (<FIG>) may perform the functionality of one node of nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>; node <NUM> (<FIG>) may perform the functionality of another node of nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>; and/or mobile device <NUM> (<FIG>) may perform the functionality of a mobile device of mobile devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may be configured to communicate with mobile devices <NUM> within cell <NUM> via one or more first wireless communication access links <NUM>; node <NUM> may be configured to communicate with mobile devices <NUM> within cell <NUM> via one or more second wireless communication access links <NUM>; and/or node <NUM> may be configured to communicate with mobile devices <NUM> within cell <NUM> via one or more third wireless communication access links <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to form one or more wireless communication backhaul links for wirelessly communicating information, e.g., backhaul information, between nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

In one example, node <NUM> may communicate with node <NUM> over a wireless backhaul link <NUM> formed between node <NUM> and node <NUM>; node <NUM> may communicate with node <NUM> over a wireless backhaul link <NUM> formed between node <NUM> and node <NUM>; and/or node <NUM> may communicate with node <NUM> over a wireless backhaul link <NUM> formed between node <NUM> and node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least one node of system <NUM> may be connected, e.g., via a wired or wireless link <NUM>, to a core network.

In one example, as shown in <FIG>, node <NUM> may be connected to the code network. According to this example, node <NUM> may communicate with the core network via the backhaul link <NUM> between node <NUM> and node <NUM> and/or node <NUM> may communicate with the core network via the backhaul link <NUM> between node <NUM> and node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to form one or more of access links <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> over the mmWave band, e.g., over the <NUM> frequency band.

In some demonstrative embodiments, nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to form one or more of backhaul links <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> over the mmWave band, e.g., over the <NUM> frequency band.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least one of nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to utilize a common antenna array for commonly communicating over the access and backhaul links.

In one example, node <NUM> may utilize a common antenna array for communicating over access links <NUM> with mobile devices <NUM> of cell <NUM>, as well as for communicating with node <NUM> over backhaul link <NUM> between node <NUM> and node <NUM> and/or for communicating with node <NUM> over backhaul link <NUM> between node <NUM> and node <NUM>.

In another example, node <NUM> may utilize a common antenna array for communicating over access links <NUM> with mobile devices <NUM> of cell <NUM>, as well as for communicating with node <NUM> over backhaul link <NUM> between node <NUM> and node <NUM> and/or for communicating with node <NUM> over backhaul link <NUM> between node <NUM> and node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the at least one node of nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include an antenna array, e.g., antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>), having an increased aperture, e.g., a very large aperture, which may have increased gain and/or may be configured to steer narrow beams in different angles. In one example, the antenna array, e.g., antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>), may be configured to steer narrow beams in different angles in at least two dimensions, e.g., in both elevation and azimuth.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the antenna array, e.g., antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>), may be configured to create multiple beams carrying different information. Accordingly, nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to simultaneously communicate with a plurality of stations, for example, including both mobile units as well as nodes, e.g., utilizing a Multi-User (MU) Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) communication mode. In one example, the antenna array may include a modular phased antenna array, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the nodes of system <NUM>, e.g., nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>, may utilize the antenna array to perform the functionality of a self-backhauling small cell BS, for example, to facilitate mmWave communication in a large area, e.g., as described above.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the nodes of system <NUM>, e.g., nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>, may implement a time-division scheme to separate between the communications over the backhaul and access links of a wireless communication node.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the time-division scheme may be beneficial, for example, in order to avoid a situation in which a wireless communication node is required to simultaneously perform both receive and transmit operations, for example, a situation, in which the wireless communication node, e.g., node <NUM>, is required to transmit over the access link, e.g., access link <NUM>, at the same time when the wireless communication node, e.g., node <NUM>, is required to receive a communication over the backhaul link, e.g., backhaul link <NUM> and/or backhaul link <NUM>; and/or a situation, in which the wireless communication node, e.g., node <NUM>, is required to receive a communication over the access link, e.g., access link <NUM>, at the same time when the wireless communication node, e.g., node <NUM>, is required to transmit a communication over the backhaul link, e.g., backhaul link <NUM> and/or backhaul link <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the time-division scheme may allow a wireless communication node, e.g., node <NUM>, to support only one of the access and backhaul links at a time. Accordingly, the time-division scheme may be beneficial, for example, for using the entire antenna gain, e.g., of antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>), of the wireless communication node, e.g., node <NUM>, for the backhaul links, e.g., backhaul links <NUM> and/or <NUM>, or the access links, e.g., links <NUM>. As a result, an increased cell converge of the access links may be achieved. The increased cell coverage may allow an increased inter-small-cell distance, e.g., without affecting backhaul link performance.

In some demonstrative embodiments, system <NUM> may be configured to enable a node of nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> to simultaneously communicate over both the backhaul and access links, e.g., as described below. For example, node <NUM> may be allowed to simultaneously communicate via a common antenna array, e.g., antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>), over both access links <NUM> as well as backhaul links <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may implement an ordered communication scheme, which may define an ordering on the directionality of the communication performed by each wireless communication node.

For example, the communications of nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be ordered, such that a node, e.g. node <NUM>, may be allowed to either transmit communications over both the access and backhaul links, e.g. access links <NUM> and backhaul links <NUM> and/or <NUM>, or to receive communications over both the access and backhaul links, e.g. access links <NUM> and backhaul links <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include an antenna array, e.g., antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or a wireless communication unit, e.g., wireless communication unit <NUM> (<FIG>), configured to perform spatial multiplexing of the access and backhaul links, e.g., according to a MU-MIMO scheme.

In one example, node <NUM> may generate a plurality of directional beams including one or more directional beams for communicating over access links <NUM>, e.g., for communicating access traffic to and/or from mobile devices <NUM>; and one or more directional beams for communicating over backhaul links, e.g., two directional beams for communicating over backhaul links <NUM> and <NUM> with nodes <NUM> and <NUM>.

In another example, node <NUM> may generate a plurality of directional beams including one or more directional beams for communicating over access links <NUM>, e.g., for communicating access traffic to and/or from mobile devices <NUM>; and one or more directional beams for communicating over backhaul links, e.g., two directional beams for communicating over backhaul links <NUM> and <NUM> with nodes <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the spatial multiplexing scheme may provide a reduced cell coverage and, accordingly, a reduced inter-small-cell distance, e.g., compared to the time-division scheme described above, for example, since spatial-multiplexing antenna signal processing may be more sensitive to interference and/or noise.

However, in some demonstrative embodiments, the spatial multiplexing scheme may provide an increased aggregate throughput per small cell, e.g., since data may be simultaneously communicated by the wireless communication node of the small cell over all the links, e.g., including both one or more of the access links as well as one or more of the backhaul links, using the MU-MIMO scheme.

Reference is also made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates an ordered communication scheme <NUM> for communication of a first node <NUM>, a second node <NUM> and a third node <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. In one example, nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may perform the functionality of nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, a first predefined period may be allocated, during which one or more of nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be allowed to only transmit communications over the access and/or backhaul links, and one or more other nodes o nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be allowed to only receive communications over the access and/or backhaul links.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, during a first predefined time period, node <NUM> may be allowed to utilize an antenna array of node <NUM>, e.g., antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>), to only receive communications over one or more access links <NUM> and one or more backhaul links, e.g., a backhaul link <NUM> between node <NUM> and <NUM>; node <NUM> may be allowed to utilize an antenna array of node <NUM> to only transmit communications over one or more access links <NUM> and one or more backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM> and/or a backhaul link <NUM> between nodes <NUM> and <NUM>; and node <NUM> may be allowed to utilize an antenna array of node <NUM> to only receive communications over one or more access links <NUM> and one or more backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a second predefined time period may be allocated, e.g., successive to the first time period. The second time period may be configured, for example, to allow a wireless communication node which, during the first time period, was allowed to transmit communication over the backhaul and access links, to receive communications over the backhaul and access links, and/or to allow a wireless communication which, during the first time period, was allowed to receive communications over the backhaul and access links, to transmit over the backhaul and access links.

For example, at least one other time period may be allocated, e.g., following the first period discussed above, during which node <NUM> may be allowed to utilize an antenna array of node <NUM>, e.g., antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>), to only transmit communications over one or more access links <NUM> and one or more backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM> between node <NUM> and <NUM>; node <NUM> may be allowed to utilize an antenna array of node <NUM> to only receive communications over one or more access links <NUM> and one or more backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM> and/or backhaul link <NUM> between nodes <NUM> and <NUM>; and/or node <NUM> may be allowed to utilize an antenna array of node <NUM> to only transmit communications over one or more access links <NUM> and one or more backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a wireless communication node <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. For example, node <NUM> may perform the functionality of node <NUM> (<FIG>), node <NUM> (<FIG>), node <NUM> (<FIG>), node <NUM> (<FIG>), node <NUM> (<FIG>), node <NUM> (<FIG>), node <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or node <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may be configured to connect to a core network via a core network connection <NUM>. For example, node <NUM> may perform the functionality of node <NUM> (<FIG>) or node <NUM> (<FIG>).

In other embodiments, node <NUM> may not be connected to the core network. For example, node <NUM> may perform the functionality of node <NUM> (<FIG>), node <NUM> (<FIG>), or node <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may include at least one antenna array <NUM> to commonly form a plurality of directional beams <NUM>, e.g., including n directional beams, wherein n is equal to or greater than two. The n directional beams <NUM> may include one or more backhaul beams and one or more access beams. For example, directional beams <NUM> may include k backhaul beams and (n-k) access beams, wherein k is equal to or greater than one. In one example, k may be greater than one.

In one example, as shown in <FIG>, directional beams <NUM> may include four directional beams including two backhaul beams <NUM> and <NUM> and two access beams <NUM> and <NUM>. In other embodiments, directional beams <NUM> may include any other number of access beams and/or any other number of backhaul beams.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may utilize the backhaul beams to communicate with one or more other nodes over one or more backhaul links. For example, node <NUM> may communicate with a node <NUM>, e.g., a BS, denoted BS1, via a backhaul link over backhaul beam <NUM>, and/or node <NUM> may communicate with a node <NUM>, e.g., a BS, denoted BS3, via a backhaul link over backhaul beam <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may utilize the access beams to communicate with one or more mobile devices, e.g., of a cell controlled by node <NUM>, over one or more access links. For example, node <NUM> may communicate with a mobile device <NUM>, denoted UE1, via an access link over access beam <NUM>, and/or node <NUM> may communicate with a mobile device <NUM>, denoted UE2, via an access link over access beam <NUM>.

For example, backhaul beam <NUM> may be formed by antenna array <NUM>, e.g., according to a beamforming training procedure, which may be performed between node <NUM> and node <NUM>; backhaul beam <NUM> may be formed by antenna array <NUM>, e.g., according to a beamforming training procedure, which may be performed between node <NUM> and node <NUM>; access beam <NUM> may be formed by antenna array <NUM>, e.g., according to a beamforming training procedure, which may be performed between node <NUM> and mobile device <NUM>; and/or access beam <NUM> may be formed by antenna array <NUM>, e.g., according to a beamforming training procedure, which may be performed between node <NUM> and mobile device <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a backhaul network may include, for example, the connection to/from the core network and/or the wireless backhaul links with nodes <NUM> and <NUM>. Node <NUM> may communicate data between the backhaul network and mobile devices <NUM> and <NUM> via access links <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may include a processor <NUM> ("MIMO and beamforming processor") to control antenna array <NUM> to form beams <NUM> and to process communications via beamformed links over beams <NUM>, for example, according to a MIMO processing scheme, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, processor <NUM> and antenna array <NUM> may be implemented as part of a modular antenna array <NUM>, e.g., as described below with reference to <FIG>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may include one or more baseband (BB) processors <NUM>, e.g., k processors <NUM> denoted BB#<NUM>. BB#k, to process communications over the plurality of backhaul beams, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may include one or more BB processors <NUM>, e.g., n-k processors <NUM> denoted BB#k+<NUM>. BB#n, to process communications over the plurality of access beams, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may include a backhaul processor <NUM> to process and/or control communications over the backhaul links, and an access processor <NUM> to process and/or control communications over the access links, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, e.g., as shown in <FIG>, access processor <NUM> and backhaul processor <NUM> may be implemented as two separate elements of node <NUM>. In other embodiments, access processor <NUM> and backhaul processor <NUM> may be implemented as part of a common processor or controller, e.g., a Media-Access-Control (MAC) processor of node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may process data communicated from a first mobile device, e.g., mobile device <NUM>, which may be connected to node <NUM> via an access beam, e.g., access beam <NUM>, to another mobile device ("the destination mobile device"). In one example, the destination mobile device may be connected to node <NUM>. For example, the destination mobile device may include UE2 connected to node <NUM> via access beam <NUM>. In another example, the destination mobile device may be connected to another node, e.g., to BS1, which in turn may be connected to node <NUM> over a backhaul beam, e.g., backhaul beam <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may receive a data signal from mobile device <NUM> via access beam <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, processor <NUM> may separate the data signal from other signals, e.g., backhaul signals and/or access signals received over other beams of beams <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a BB processor of BB processors <NUM> corresponding to access beam <NUM>, e.g., BB#k+<NUM>, may decode the separated signal.

In some demonstrative embodiments, access processor <NUM> may receive the decoded data, and may control forwarding of the decoded data towards the destination mobile device.

In one example, the destination mobile device is connected to node <NUM>, e.g., the destination mobile device includes mobile device <NUM> connected to node <NUM> over the access beam <NUM>. According to this example, access processor <NUM> may select to send the decoded data to a baseband processor of BB processors <NUM>, e.g. the BB #n, corresponding to access beam <NUM>. The BB processor BB#n may encode the data for transmission to mobile device <NUM> over the access beam <NUM> formed by antenna array <NUM>.

In another example, the destination mobile device is connected to another node, e.g., to BS1 <NUM>, which may be connected to node <NUM> via a backhaul beam, e.g., backhaul beam <NUM>. According to this example, access processor <NUM> may send the data received from UE1 to backhaul processor <NUM>. Backhaul processor <NUM> may send the data to a BB processor <NUM>, e.g., the BB #<NUM>, corresponding to the backhaul link of the other node. The BB processor BB#<NUM> may encode and modulate the data for transmission to node <NUM> over backhaul beam <NUM> formed by antenna array <NUM>.

In another example, the destination mobile device may be connected to a remote node, which may communicate with node <NUM> over the core network. According to this example, access processor <NUM> may send the data to backhaul processor <NUM>, and backhaul processor <NUM> may forward the data to the core network, e.g., via connection <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may communicate data intended for the UE1, e.g., by reversing the operations described above.

In some demonstrative embodiments, backhaul processor <NUM> may be configured to distribute traffic between one or more other nodes connected to node <NUM> via wire, e.g., via the core network, or wirelessly, e.g., via the backhaul links.

In one example, node <NUM> may forward traffic received from a first node, e.g., node <NUM>, connected to node <NUM> via a first backhaul beam, e.g., backhaul beam <NUM>, to a second node, e.g., node <NUM>, connected to node <NUM> via a second backhaul beam, e.g., backhaul beam <NUM>. According to this example, node <NUM> may receive a data signal from node <NUM> via backhaul beam <NUM>, and processor <NUM> may separate the data signal from other signals, e.g., access signals and/or backhaul signals received via other beams of beams <NUM>. A BB processor of BB processors <NUM> corresponding to backhaul beam <NUM>, e.g., BB#<NUM>, may decode the separated signal. Backhaul processor <NUM> may receive the decoded data, and may forward the decoded data to a BB processor <NUM> corresponding to backhaul beam <NUM>, e.g., the BB #k. The BB processor <NUM> may encode, modulate and transmit the data to node <NUM> over backhaul beam <NUM>.

In another example, node <NUM> may be configured to forward traffic from the core network to a node, e.g., node <NUM>, connected to node <NUM> via a wireless backhaul beam, e.g., over beam <NUM>.

For example, backhaul processor <NUM> may receive the data from the core network, e.g., via connection <NUM>. Backhaul processor <NUM> may forward the data to be processed by a BB processor of BB processors <NUM>, e.g., BB#<NUM>, corresponding to backhaul beam <NUM>. BB processor BB#<NUM> may encode, modulate and transmit the data to node <NUM> over backhaul beam <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may communicate data from node <NUM> to the core network, e.g., by reversing the operations described above.

Following is a description of a modular antenna array, which may be utilized by one or more of the nodes of <FIG>, <FIG> and/or <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. In other embodiments, any other suitable antenna array may be used. For example, the modular antenna array may perform the functionality of antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>). In some demonstrative embodiments, the modular antenna array may also perform shared MIMO and/or beamforming processing for a plurality of beams, e.g., the modular antenna array may perform the functionality of processor <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, an antenna array may include a modular architecture configured to synthesize larger composite antenna arrays from smaller sub-array antenna modules. A combination of RF beamforming in the sub-array antenna modules and baseband beamforming between sub-array antenna modules may provide, for example, increased beamforming capabilities, for example, in terms of beam width, gain, coverage and beam steering. The antenna array may be configured, for example, to operate in the mmWave region of the RF spectrum and, in particular, the <NUM> region associated with the use of, for example, wireless personal area network (WPAN) and wireless local area network (WLAN) communication systems.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a modular antenna array <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

In some demonstrative embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may include at least one antenna array <NUM> including a plurality of antenna elements <NUM>. The plurality of antenna elements <NUM> may be configured, for example, for creation of a highly directional antenna pattern. The plurality of antenna elements <NUM> may include, for example, about <NUM>-<NUM> antenna elements, or any other number of antenna elements, which may be placed in a predefined geometry. The plurality of antenna elements <NUM> may be configured to form a plurality of highly directive antenna patterns or beams, which may be steered by setting appropriate signal phases at antenna elements <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, array <NUM> may include a plurality of antenna subarrays. For example, array <NUM> may include a first antenna subarray <NUM>, and a second antenna subarray <NUM>. In other embodiments, array <NUM> may include any other number of antenna subarrays, e.g., more than two antenna subarrays.

The phrase "antenna subarray" as used herein may relate to a group of antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements <NUM>, which may be coupled, for example, to a common RF chain. In one example, array <NUM> may include an antenna array, which may be divided into a plurality of, e.g., independent subarrays, each capable of independently generating a directional beam. In another example, array <NUM> may include a plurality of different antenna arrays to generate a plurality of directional beams. One or more of the different antenna arrays may be divided into two or more subarrays.

In some demonstrative embodiments, first antenna subarray <NUM> may include a first plurality of antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements <NUM> configured to form a first directional beam <NUM> directed in a first direction <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, second antenna subarray <NUM> may include a second, e.g., different, plurality of antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements <NUM> configured to form a second directional beam <NUM> directed in a second direction <NUM>.

Some demonstrative embodiments are described herein with respect to a modular antenna array, e.g., modular antenna array <NUM>, including two sub-arrays, e.g., antenna sub-arrays <NUM> and <NUM>, configured to form two directional beams. However, in other embodiments, the modular antenna array may include any other plurality of antenna-sub-arrays to form any other plurality of directional beams. For example, antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>) may include n antenna sub-arrays to form the n directional beams <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may include a plurality of Radio Frequency (RF) chains configured to control the first and second pluralities of antenna elements of antenna subarrays <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the plurality of RF chains may be coupled to the plurality of antenna subarrays. For example, modular antenna array <NUM> may include a first RF chain <NUM> connected to first antenna subarray <NUM>, and a second RF chain <NUM> connected to second antenna subarray <NUM>. In other embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may include any other number of RF chains coupled to the any other number of the plurality of antenna subarrays, e.g., more than two RF chains connected to more than two antenna subarrays.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RF chains <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include or may be included as part of a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), which may be connected to antenna subarrays <NUM> and <NUM> through a plurality of feed lines <NUM>, which may be, for example, micro-strip feed lines.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the plurality of RF chains may enable processing of two or more independent RF signals, e.g., carrying different data. For example, RF chain <NUM> may process an RF signal <NUM>, and RF chain <NUM> may process an RF signal <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RF chain <NUM> may include a plurality of phase shifters <NUM> configured to adjust the phases of the antenna elements of antenna subarray <NUM>. For example, a phase shifter of phase shifters <NUM> may be configured to adjust the phase of a corresponding antenna element of antenna subarray <NUM>.

For example, phases of the antenna elements of antenna subarrays <NUM> may be shifted, e.g., by phase shifters <NUM>, to provide a constructive and/or destructive interference, configured to change the beamforming scheme of antenna subarray <NUM> and to change the direction of directional beam <NUM>.

Phase shifters <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be discrete, e.g., configured to rotate the phase of the antenna elements of antenna subarrays <NUM> and/or <NUM> to a limited set of values, for example, <NUM>, ±π/<NUM>, and π, allowing only a relatively coarse beamforming for changing a direction of directional beams <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RF chain <NUM> may include a summer/splitter block <NUM> coupled to phase shifters <NUM> and/or RF chain <NUM> may include a summer/splitter block <NUM> coupled to phase shifters <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, summer/splitter block <NUM> may include a splitter <NUM>, e.g., a multiplexer, configured to reproduce and split RF signal <NUM> between the antenna elements of antenna subarray <NUM> and to couple the reproduced signals of RF signal <NUM> to phase shifters <NUM>, e.g., when transmitting RF signal <NUM> via beam <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, summer/splitter block <NUM> may include a summer <NUM> configured to sum into RF signal <NUM> signals received from the antenna elements of antenna subarray <NUM>, e.g., when receiving RF signal <NUM> via beam <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, utilizing two or more RF chains may enable baseband processing of two or more independent signals, e.g., carrying different data, communicated via two or more directional beams. In contrast, utilizing a single RF chain may enable baseband processing of only one signal, e.g., even if a large number of antenna elements <NUM> are utilized.

For example, RF chains <NUM> and <NUM> may enable baseband processing, e.g., independent baseband processing, of RF signals <NUM> and <NUM> communicated via directional beams <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RF signal <NUM> may include data communicated via an access link, e.g., access link <NUM> (<FIG>), over beam <NUM>, and RF signal <NUM> may include data communicated via a backhaul link, e.g., backhaul link <NUM> (<FIG>), over beam <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may utilize the two or more RF chains to perform beamformed diversity communication, e.g., as described below.

The phrase "beamformed diversity communication", as used herein may relate to any communication utilizing a plurality of beams.

In some demonstrative embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may include a baseband <NUM> configured to control antenna subarrays <NUM> and <NUM> to form directional beams <NUM> and <NUM> directed to directions <NUM> and <NUM> for communicating a MIMO wireless transmission.

In some demonstrative embodiments, baseband <NUM> may process data <NUM> corresponding to the MIMO wireless transmission communicated utilizing a MIMO beamformed scheme, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, data <NUM> may include data communicated over one or more backhaul links, e.g., backhaul link <NUM> (<FIG>), and one or more access links, e.g., access link <NUM> (<FIG>).

For example, input data <NUM> may include one or more data streams processed by BB processors <NUM> (<FIG>) for transmission over one or more of beams <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>); one or more data streams received over one or more of beams <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>) and processed by BB processors <NUM> (<FIG>); one or more data streams processed by BB processors <NUM> (<FIG>) for transmission over one or more of beams <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>); and/or one or more data streams received over one or more of beams <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>) and processed by BB processors <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

Some demonstrative embodiments are described herein with reference to a wireless communication unit, e.g., modular antenna array <NUM>, configured to perform both transmission and reception of a MIMO beamformed communication. Other embodiments may include a wireless communication unit capable of performing only one of transmission and reception of a MIMO beamformed communication.

Some demonstrative embodiments are described herein with reference to a communication system, e.g., wireless communication system <NUM>, wherein both the TX side and the RX side utilize a plurality of antenna subarrays to communicate a MIMO transmission. However, other embodiments may be implemented with respect to systems configured to communicate any other diversity communication, for example, systems in which only one of the Tx and Rx sides utilizes a plurality of antenna subarrays, e.g., to form a Single-Input-Multi-Output (SIMO) and/or a Multi-Input-Single-Output (MISO) beamformed link. For example, one of the Tx and Rx sides may utilize an omni-directional antenna, and another one of the Tx and Rx sides may utilize a multi-array transceiver, e.g., modular antenna array <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may include a plurality of baseband (BB) to RF (BB2RF) converters interfacing between the plurality of RF chains and baseband <NUM>. For example, modular antenna array <NUM> may include BB2RF converters <NUM> interfacing between RF chain <NUM> and baseband <NUM>, and BB2RF converters <NUM> interfacing between RF chain <NUM> and baseband <NUM>. In other embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may include any other number of BB2RF convertors connecting between baseband <NUM> and any other number of RF chains, e.g., more than two.

In some demonstrative embodiments, BB2RF converter <NUM> may convert RF signal <NUM> into baseband data signal <NUM> and vice versa, and/or BB2RF converters <NUM> may convert RF signal <NUM> into baseband data signal <NUM> and vice versa.

In one example, BB2RF converter <NUM> may convert RF signal <NUM> into baseband data signal <NUM>, and/or BB2RF converter <NUM> may convert RF signal <NUM> into baseband data signal <NUM>, e.g., if modular antenna array <NUM> receives the MIMO wireless transmission via beams <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

In another example, BB2RF converter <NUM> may convert baseband data signal <NUM> into RF signal <NUM> and/or BB2RF converter <NUM> may convert baseband data signal <NUM> into RF signal <NUM>, e.g., if modular antenna array <NUM> transmits the MIMO wireless transmission via beams <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, BB2RF converters <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include down-converters, configured to convert an RF signal into a baseband data signal, and to provide the baseband data signal to baseband <NUM>, e.g., if modular antenna array <NUM> receives the MIMO wireless transmission.

For example, BB2Rf converter <NUM> may include a down converter <NUM> configured to down-convert RF signal <NUM> into data signal <NUM>, and to provide data signal <NUM> to baseband <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, baseband to RF converters <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include up-converters, configured to convert a baseband data signal into an RF signal and to provide the RF signal to an RF chain, e.g., if modular antenna array <NUM> transmits the MIMO wireless transmission.

For example, BB2RF converter <NUM> may include an up-converter <NUM> configured to up-convert data signal <NUM> into RF signal <NUM> and to provide RF signal <NUM> to RF chain <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may be configured to perform hybrid beamforming. The hybrid beamforming may include, for example, performing a coarse beamforming in RF chains <NUM> and/or <NUM>, e.g., using phase-shifters <NUM> and/or <NUM>; and fine beamforming in baseband <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In one example, the coarse beamforming may be performed, for example, as part of a beamforming procedure for setting up a beamformed link.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the fine beamforming may include diversity processing, e.g., MIMO processing, MISO processing and/or SIMO processing, at baseband <NUM>. For example, the MIMO processing may include, for example, closed-loop (CL) MIMO processing, Open Loop (OL) MIMO processing, Space-Block Code (SBC) MIMO processing, e.g., Space Time Block Code (STBC) MIMO processing, Space Frequency Block Code (SFBC) MIMO processing, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> configured to control RF Chains <NUM> and <NUM> and baseband <NUM> to perform the coarse beamforming and/or the fine beamforming.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may control antenna subarrays <NUM> and/or <NUM> utilizing a control signal <NUM> carrying the amount of phase shift to be applied to one or more phase shifters of phase shifters <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the phase shift adjustments to phase shifters <NUM> may determine and/or control the beam width, gain and/or direction of directional beam <NUM> formed by antenna subarray <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the phase shift adjustments to phase shifters <NUM> may determine and/or control the beam width, gain and/or direction of directional beam <NUM> forms by antenna subarray <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, each phase shifter of an antenna element of antenna subarrays <NUM> and/or <NUM> may perform a local phase adjustment to a signal to create a phase distribution across antenna elements to steer a beam in a desired direction.

In some demonstrative embodiments, control signal <NUM> may include weighting coefficients, which may be generated and/or derived from controller <NUM>, configured to steer directional beams <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may provide via control signal <NUM> a first set of weighting coefficients to phase shifters <NUM> configured to form a local phase adjustment to one or more antenna elements of antenna subarray <NUM>, resulting in directing beam <NUM> to direction <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may provide via control signal <NUM> a second, e.g., different set of weighting coefficients, to phase shifters <NUM> configured to form a local phase adjustment to one or more antenna elements of antenna subarray <NUM>, resulting in directing beam <NUM> to direction <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, modular antenna array <NUM> may be utilized by a node, e.g., node <NUM> (<FIG>), to form a plurality of independent directional communication beams, e.g., beams <NUM> (<FIG>), including one or more access beams, e.g., beams <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>), and one or more backhaul beams, e.g., beams <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, a plurality of different signals, e.g., signals corresponding to BB processors <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>), may be communicated via a plurality of beamformed links formed by the plurality of beamformed beams. Each beamformed link, which corresponds to an antenna subarray of the plurality of antenna subarrays, may communicate a signal, for example, via a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna subarray.

For example, a first signal, e.g., signal <NUM>, may be communicated via a first beamformed link formed by directional beam <NUM> generated by antenna subarray <NUM>, and a second, e.g., different signal, for example, signal <NUM>, may be communicated via a second beamformed link formed by directional beam <NUM> generated by antenna subarray <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a planar modular antenna array <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. For example, planar antenna array <NUM> may perform the functionality of modular antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, planar antenna array <NUM> may include a planar array of antenna modules <NUM>, e.g., arranged in a two-dimensional array. For example, antenna modules <NUM> may be arranged in one or more rows, e.g., two rows, and one or more columns, e.g., two columns.

In some demonstrative embodiments, an antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antenna elements <NUM>, e.g., including antenna elements <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, antenna elements <NUM> of an antenna module <NUM> may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. For example, antenna elements <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM> may be arranged in one or more rows, e.g., two or more rows, and one or more columns, e.g., two or more columns.

In some demonstrative embodiments, antenna module <NUM> may also include an RF chain, e.g., RF chain <NUM> (<FIG>) or RF chain <NUM> (<FIG>), to control antenna elements <NUM>, e.g., as described above with reference to <FIG>.

For example, antenna modules <NUM> may be controlled by a controller <NUM> via control links <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may be implemented, for example, as part of a BB <NUM>. For example, controller <NUM> may perform the functionality of controller <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or BB <NUM> may perform the functionality of BB <NUM> (<FIG>). Data links <NUM> may transfer data signals between BB <NUM> and modules <NUM>. For example, control links <NUM> may transfer control signals <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or data links may transfer data signals <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, the planar arrangement of antenna modules <NUM> and the planar arrangement of antenna elements <NUM> may be advantageous, for example, for beam steering in two dimensions, e.g., azimuth and elevation and/or any other dimensions.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a method of wireless backhaul and access communication, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. For example, one or more of the operations of the method of <FIG> may be performed by a wireless communication system, e.g., system <NUM> (<FIG>); a wireless communication node, e.g., node <NUM> (<FIG>); and/or a wireless communication unit, e.g., wireless communication units <NUM> (<FIG>).

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include controlling an antenna array of a wireless communication node to form one or more first beams for communicating over one or more wireless access links between the wireless communication node and one or more mobile devices. For example, wireless communication unit <NUM> (<FIG>) may control antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>) to form a directional beam for communicating over access link <NUM> (<FIG>) between wireless communication node <NUM> (<FIG>) and mobile device <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include controlling the antenna array to form one or more second beams for communicating over one or more wireless backhaul links between the wireless communication node and one or more other wireless communication nodes. For example, wireless communication unit <NUM> (<FIG>) may control antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>) to form a directional beam for communicating over backhaul link <NUM> (<FIG>) between wireless communication node <NUM> (<FIG>) and mobile device <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include communicating over the backhaul and access links.

As indicated at block <NUM>, communicating over the backhaul and access links may include communicating over the backhaul and access links during separate time periods. For example, wireless communication unit <NUM> (<FIG>) may control antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>) to communicate over links <NUM> and <NUM> during separate time periods, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, communicating over the backhaul and access links may include communicating over the backhaul and access links during a common time period. For example, wireless communication unit <NUM> (<FIG>) may control antenna array <NUM> (<FIG>) to communicate over links <NUM> and <NUM> during a common time periods, e.g., as described above with reference to <FIG>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a product of manufacture <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Product <NUM> may include a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium <NUM> to store logic <NUM>, which may be used, for example, to perform at least part of the functionality of wireless communication node <NUM> (<FIG>), wireless communication unit <NUM> (<FIG>), wireless communication nodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> (<FIG>), wireless communication nodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or wireless communication node <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or to perform one or more operations of the method of <FIG>. The phrase "non-transitory machine-readable medium" is directed to include all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory propagating signal.

In some demonstrative embodiments, product <NUM> and/or machine-readable storage medium <NUM> may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing data, including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and the like. For example, machine-readable storage medium <NUM> may include, RAM, DRAM, Double-Data-Rate DRAM (DDR-DRAM), SDRAM, static RAM (SRAM), ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), Compact Disk ROM (CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable (CD-RW), flash memory (e.g., NOR or NAND flash memory), content addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory, phase-change memory, ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, a disk, a floppy disk, a hard drive, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a card, a magnetic card, an optical card, a tape, a cassette, and the like. The computer-readable storage media may include any suitable media involved with downloading or transferring a computer program from a remote computer to a requesting computer carried by data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium through a communication link, e.g., a modem, radio or network connection.

In some demonstrative embodiments, logic <NUM> may include instructions, data, and/or code, which, if executed by a machine, may cause the machine to perform a method, process and/or operations as described herein. The machine may include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, logic <NUM> may include, or may be implemented as, software, a software module, an application, a program, a subroutine, instructions, an instruction set, computing code, words, values, symbols, and the like. The instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. The instructions may be implemented according to a predefined computer language, manner or syntax, for instructing a processor to perform a certain function. The instructions may be implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and/or interpreted programming language, such as C, C++, Java, BASIC, Matlab, Pascal, Visual BASIC, assembly language, machine code, and the like.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Example <NUM> includes an apparatus of wireless communication, the apparatus comprising a wireless communication unit to control an antenna array to form one or more first beams for communicating over one or more access links and to form one or more second beams for communicating over one or more backhaul links, the access links including wireless communication links between a wireless communication node and one or more mobile devices, and the backhaul links including wireless communication links between the wireless node and one or more other wireless communication nodes.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally, wherein the wireless communication unit is to control the antenna array to communicate over the backhaul and access links during separate time periods.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally, wherein the wireless communication unit is to control the antenna array to communicate over the backhaul and access links during a common time period.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally, wherein the wireless communication unit is to control the antenna array to communicate over the backhaul and access links according to a Multi-User (MU) Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) scheme.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> or <NUM> and optionally, wherein the wireless communication unit is to control the antenna array to transmit communications over the backhaul and access links during a first common time period, and to receive communications over the backhaul and access links during a second common time period.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of any one of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and optionally, wherein the backhaul links comprise links for communicating traffic between the mobile devices and a core network.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of any one of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and optionally, wherein the controller is to control one or more first sub-arrays of the antenna array to form the one or more first beams, and to control one or more second sub-arrays of the antenna array to form the one or more second beams.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of any one of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and optionally, wherein the access links and backhaul links comprise beamformed links.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of any one of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and optionally, wherein the access links and backhaul links comprise links over a millimeter-wave (mmWave) band or a directional multi-gigabit (DMG) band.

Example <NUM> include a wireless communication system comprising at least one wireless communication node to communicate with one or more mobile devices of a wireless communication cell, the wireless communication node comprising an antenna array; and a wireless communication unit to control the antenna array to form one or more first beams for communicating over one or more access links and to form one or more second beams for communicating over one or more backhaul links, the access links including wireless communication links between the wireless communication node and the mobile devices of the wireless communication cell, and the backhaul links including wireless communication links between the wireless communication node and one or more other wireless communication nodes of one or more other wireless communication cells.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of any one of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and optionally comprising a plurality of wireless communication nodes forming a plurality of wireless communication cells, the plurality of wireless communication nodes to communicate over a backhaul network formed by a plurality of wireless backhaul links between the plurality of wireless communication nodes.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of any one of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and optionally, wherein the wireless communication node comprises a Base Station (BS).

Example <NUM> includes a product including a non-transitory storage medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a machine, result in controlling an antenna array of a wireless communication node to form one or more first beams for communicating over one or more wireless access links between the wireless communication node and one or more mobile devices; and controlling the antenna array to form one or more second beams for communicating over one or more wireless backhaul links between the wireless communication node and one or more other wireless communication nodes.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally, wherein the instructions result in communicating over the backhaul and access links during separate time periods.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally, wherein the instructions result in communicating over the backhaul and access links during a common time period.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally, wherein the instructions result in communicating over the backhaul and access links according to a Multi-User (MU) Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) scheme.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> or <NUM> and optionally, wherein the instructions result in transmitting communications over the backhaul and access links during a first common time period, and receiving communications over the backhaul and access links during a second common time period.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of any one of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and optionally, wherein the instructions result in controlling one or more first sub-arrays of the antenna array to form the one or more first beams, and controlling one or more second sub-arrays of the antenna array to form the one or more second beams.

Example <NUM> includes a method of wireless communication, the method comprising controlling an antenna array of a wireless communication node to form one or more first beams for communicating over one or more wireless access links between the wireless communication node and one or more mobile devices; and controlling the antenna array to form one or more second beams for communicating over one or more wireless backhaul links between the wireless communication node and one or more other wireless communication nodes.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally comprising communicating over the backhaul and access links during separate time periods.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally comprising communicating over the backhaul and access links during a common time period.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally comprising communicating over the backhaul and access links according to a Multi-User (MU) Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) scheme.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> or <NUM> and optionally comprising transmitting communications over the backhaul and access links during a first common time period, and receiving communications over the backhaul and access links during a second common time period.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of any one of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and optionally comprising controlling one or more first sub-arrays of the antenna array to form the one or more first beams, and controlling one or more second sub-arrays of the antenna array to form the one or more second beams.

Example <NUM> includes an apparatus of wireless communication, the apparatus comprising means for controlling an antenna array of a wireless communication node to form one or more first beams for communicating over one or more wireless access links between the wireless communication node and one or more mobile devices, and controlling the antenna array to form one or more second beams for communicating over one or more wireless backhaul links between the wireless communication node and one or more other wireless communication nodes.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally comprising means for communicating over the backhaul and access links during separate time periods.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally comprising means for communicating over the backhaul and access links during a common time period.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> and optionally comprising means for communicating over the backhaul and access links according to a Multi-User (MU) Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) scheme.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of Example <NUM> or <NUM> and optionally comprising means for transmitting communications over the backhaul and access links during a first common time period, and means for receiving communications over the backhaul and access links during a second common time period.

Example <NUM> includes the subject matter of any one of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and optionally comprising means for controlling one or more first sub-arrays of the antenna array to form the one or more first beams, and controlling one or more second sub-arrays of the antenna array to form the one or more second beams.

Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments, or vice versa.

Claim 1:
A wireless communication apparatus comprising:
a memory (<NUM>); and
a Multi-Input-Multi-Output, MIMO, and beamforming processor (<NUM>) to process Multi-User, MU, MIMO communications via an antenna array (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of a wireless communication node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the MIMO and beamforming processor to cause one or more first sub-arrays of the antenna array (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to form one or more first directional beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to allow communications on one or more backhaul links between the wireless communication node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and one or more other wireless communication nodes (<NUM>, <NUM>), and to cause one or more second sub-arrays of the antenna array (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to form one or more second directional beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to allow communications on one or more access links between the wireless communication node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and one or more User Equipment, UEs (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a backhaul processor (<NUM>) to process the communications on said one or more backhaul links and configured to forward traffic received from a first other wireless communication node (<NUM>) via a first backhaul beam (<NUM>) to a second other wireless communication node (<NUM>) via a second backhaul beam (<NUM>); and
an access processor (<NUM>) to process the communications on said one or more access links, and configured to send data received from a UE to the backhaul processor (<NUM>) that further sends the data to the first other wireless communication node (<NUM>) through a baseband processor,
wherein the access processor (<NUM>) and the backhaul processor (<NUM>) are implemented as two separate elements.