Those terms are both used with slightly different meaning depending on the context (especially beamforming): for example, in MIMO they are refered to some weights applied to the symbols to be transmitted so that the SNR is maximized in the receiver; in array processing they are related to the design of a spatial filter to enhace the signals received from some directions of the space while removing some others; in antenna design they mean optimizing the weights applied to the elements of an antenna array to get a desired radiation pattern...

So, the slight differences between beamforming and beam-steering may depend on the context. However, in my opinion, beamforming implies generally the capability to design an arbitrary radiation pattern (somehow), while beam-steering means just to steer (re-direct) an already given pattern (pointing its main lobe in a different direction).

Notice that in some of above mentioned applications (e.g. MIMO) this radiation patterns are not calculated explicitly, but you are actually acting on them by changing weights in an array.

Hope it helps.

Beam-forming might be used to shape a beam to cover northern Europe, for example, from a satellite, with the right shaped beam not to waste power on the sea, and extra power sent north where the distance to the earth is bigger. Beam steering can be used with radar antennas, with fixed arrays instead of a spinning antenna.

Modern radar systems may use both, as may 5G antennas.

Beams can be shaped by using phase and amplitude adjustment of each element, steering is usually accomplished just with phase. 5G may generate beams shaped with multiple lobes or with nulls in the direction where no reception is required, or where reception needs to be suppressed.

• Beam forming:   This term refers to the basic formation of a beam of energy from a set of phased arrays. Using phased antenna arrays it is possible to control the shape and direction of the signal beam from multiple antennas based on the antenna spacing and the phase of signal from each antenna element in the array. Accordingly, the creation of the beam using the technique of interfering and constructing patterns is called beamforming.
• Beam steering:   Beamsteering takes the concept of beam forming a stage further. It is the way in which a beam pattern can be dynamically altered by changing the signal phase in real time without changing the antenna elements or other hardware.

Beamforming & Beamsteering Antennas

https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/antennas-propagation/smart-adaptive-antennas/beamforming-beamsteering-antenna-basics.php#:~:text=Beam%20forming%3A%20This%20term%20refers,a%20set%20of%20phased%20arrays.&text=Accordingly%2C%20the%20creation%20of%20the,beam%20forming%20a%20stage%20further.

The concepts are very close, but there is a subtle difference.

Beamforming simply means using an array of antennas and a combiner to form a spatial filter. Note that beamforming can be in a constant direction (i.e., the combiner can be static).

Beamsteering means changing the direction of the antenna array's main lobe.

Note that in principle this could mean physically rotating a directional antenna, but in 5G it means modifying the combiner.

Another term you need to know is beamtracking, which means following a mobile UE (in order to steer).

Y(J)S

Rafael González Ayestarán

thank you for your explanation, but need more about (( beamforming implies generally the capability to design an arbitrary radiation pattern ))

if u can give more details, please

B.R

Dear Amjad Abdulsatar Al-Rahmah ,

Hope you are well!

The colleagues brought the right definition of beamforming and beam steering.

I would like only outline what they said.

Beam forming is to build array of single antenna elements to form radiation beams. While steering means to move this beam in a defensive direction.

So to steer the beam you have to form it.

Best wishes

Hello,

According to my knowledge, Beamforming is related to a digital signal processing. An algorithm used to determinate the current law (amplitude and/or phase) of antenna array to form a specific beam shape ( single or multiple beams with or without nulls insertion) in specific direction(s).

However, steering beam is analog processing which change only the phase between antenna arrays to steer only one beam in specific directions. We can cite for example a 4×4 bulter matrix as analog beamformer which use 90° phase difference between adjustent antennas.

Abdelghani Rouini very clear thank you

Yaakov J Stein Thank you so much for the tip on Beamtracing I am appropriate for your relay.

Abdelhalim abdelnaby Zekry The explanation has been shortened in two words. Thank you for your comment

Mohamed Aymen El Cafsi please can share more information about ur comment?

Mr Rouini explained rightly. I would add to it that beam forming is static condition of radiation pattern exhibited from basic array design with fixed power and phase, and beam steering is dynamic condition of radiation pattern having spatial variations with varying phase

This meeting requirement for taking care of radiation/reception in/ from particular direction. This enhances effective space utilisation without interfering other

Hello @Amjad Abdulsatar Al Easkari

According to my understanding, beam steering is varying the direction of antenna array's main lobe or changing the phase of radio signal, which generates very narrow beams in a cell.

In case of beam forming, it uses combiners, which combines the signal beam and focuses to the specific direction only so that the intended receiver end can only receives the signal. This increases the signal strenght and so that there will be minimization in interference and losses for the communication.

Thank you!

Ayane Lebeta Goshu Very good explanation, but according to our reply beam steered is used with Phase Shift array either the beamforming is utilized with MIMO array? this right ?