Rapid, automatic directional beam alignment in 5G/6G networks

Non-transitory computer-readable media in a first wireless entity of a wireless network, the non-transitory computer-readable media containing instructions that, when executed by a computing environment, cause a method to be performed for determining an alignment angle toward a second wireless entity, the method comprising:

• a) transmitting a first pulse of electromagnetic energy spanning 360 degrees of angle around the first entity;
• b) wherein the first pulse is configured to have a phase value that varies by 360degrees of phase as the angle is varied by 360 degrees of angle around the first wireless entity;
• and
• c) wherein the phase value varies monotonically with angle.

A method for a second wireless entity to determine a direction toward a first wireless entity, the method comprising:

• a) receiving a first pulse comprising electromagnetic energy, the first pulse transmitted by the first wireless entity;
• b) measuring a received phase of the first pulse as-received by the second wireless entity;
• c) transmitting a reply message to the first wireless entity, the reply message indicating the received phase;
• and
• d) receiving a data message from the first wireless entity indicating the direction toward the first wireless entity.