Variable coherence adaptive antenna array

A method implemented by a host computer operating in a communication system to provide an over-the-top (OTT) service) to a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

• requesting user data from the UE;
• and
• initiating a transmission to carrying the user data to the host computer via a cellular network comprising a network node, wherein the processing circuitry of the network node is configured to perform operations, to receive the user data for the host computer from the UE, the operations comprising:
• transmitting a control message to the UE, the control message including a precoding matrix indication field configurable to at least a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, wherein:
• the first configuration of the precoding matrix indication field identifies precoding matrices in both a first set and a second set of precoding matrices, where the first and second set of precoding matrices correspond to a requirement for a first transmission coherence and a second transmission coherence of the UE, respectively;
• the second configuration of the precoding matrix indication field identifies precoding matrices in the second set of precoding matrices, but not the first set of precoding matrices;
• the third configuration of the precoding matrix indication field identifies precoding matrices in a third set of precoding matrices, in addition to the first and second sets of precoding matrices, the third set of precoding matrices corresponding to a requirement for a third transmission coherence of the UE;
• and
• the first, second, and third configurations of the precoding matrix indication field occupy 5, 4, and 6 information bits, respectively, for a maximum of four spatial layers;
• and
• receiving an uplink transmission from the UE utilizing a precoding matrix from either the first, second, or third set of precoding matrices, the uplink transmission comprising user data associated with the OTT service.

A communication system operable to enable provision of an over-the-top (OTT) service, the communication system comprising:

• a host computer configured to provide the over-the-top (OTT) service, the host computer comprising:
• processing circuitry configured to initiate transmissions to receive or provide user data associated with the OTT service;
• and
• a network interface configured to facilitate reception or transmission of the user data from a user equipment (UE) via a network node in a cellular network, the network node having a communication interface and processing circuitry, the processing circuitry of the network node configured to perform operations comprising:
• transmitting a control message to the UE, the control message including a precoding matrix indication field configurable to at least a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, wherein:
• the first configuration of the precoding matrix indication field identifies precoding matrices in both a first set and a second set of precoding matrices, where the first and second set of precoding matrices correspond to a requirement for a first transmission coherence and a second transmission coherence of the UE, respectively;
• the second configuration of the precoding matrix indication field identifies precoding matrices in the second set of precoding matrices, but not the first set of precoding matrices;
• the third configuration of the precoding matrix indication field identifies precoding matrices in a third set of precoding matrices, in addition to the first and second sets of precoding matrices, the third set of precoding matrices corresponding to a requirement for a third transmission coherence of the UE;
• and
• the first, second, and third configurations of the precoding matrix indication field occupy 5, 4, and 6 information bits, respectively, for a maximum of four spatial layers;
• and
• receiving an uplink transmission from the UE utilizing a precoding matrix from either the first, second, or third set of precoding matrices, the uplink transmission comprising user data associated with the OTT service.