Method and apparatus for synchronization signal block transmission

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for NCR to send SSB. A method may include obtaining a synchronization signal block configuration comprising at least a set of synchronization signal block identifiers to be transmitted over an access link. The method may also include transmitting at least one synchronization signal block over the access link according to the synchronization signal block configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Certain example embodiments may relate generally to mobile or wireless telecommunications systems.Some example embodiments may relate specifically to systems, methods and / or apparatus for transmitting synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) by a network controlled repeater (NCR). Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include radio frequency (RF) fifth generation technology standards for broadband cell networks (5G) radio access technology (RAT), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), advanced LTE (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, new radio (NR) access technology and / or 5G and above. The goal of NR is to provide extreme broadband, ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and large-scale networks to support the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0003] The 5G standard is now considering NCR to further improve coverage, but the cost of NCR is limited. In this disclosure, NCR can be called a repeater. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one transceiver and at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver. The apparatus may be configured to at least obtain an SSB configuration, the SSB configuration including at least a set of SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link. The apparatus may also be configured to send at least one SSB over the access link according to the SSB configuration.

[0005] According to various example embodiments, a method may include obtaining an SSB configuration including at least a set of SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link. The method may also include sending at least one SSB over the access link according to the SSB configuration.

[0006] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for acquiring an SSB configuration including at least a set of SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link. The apparatus may also include means for sending at least one SSB over the access link according to the SSB configuration.

[0007] According to some example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include obtaining an SSB configuration, the SSB configuration including a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link. The method may also include sending at least one SSB over the access link according to the SSB configuration.

[0008] According to various example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include obtaining an SSB configuration, the SSB configuration including a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link. The method may also include sending at least one SSB over the access link according to the SSB configuration.

[0009] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least obtain an SSB configuration, the SSB configuration including at least a set of SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to send at least one SSB over an access link according to at least the SSB configuration.

[0010] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include an acquisition circuit system configured to acquire an SSB configuration including a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link. The apparatus may also include a transmission circuit system configured to transmit at least one SSB over the access link according to the SSB configuration.

[0011] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one transceiver and at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver. The apparatus may be configured to at least obtain an SSB configuration. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link of a repeater. The apparatus may also be configured to send the SSB configuration to the repeater.

[0012] According to various example embodiments, a method may include obtaining an SSB configuration. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link of a repeater. The method may also include sending the SSB configuration to the repeater.

[0013] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for obtaining an SSB configuration. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link of a repeater. The apparatus may also include means for sending the SSB configuration to the repeater.

[0014] According to some example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium includes program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include obtaining an SSB configuration. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link of a repeater. The method may also include sending the SSB configuration to the repeater.

[0015] According to various example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include obtaining an SSB configuration. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link of a repeater. The method may also include sending the SSB configuration to the repeater.

[0016] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least obtain an SSB configuration. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link of a repeater. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least send the SSB configuration to a repeater.

[0017] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include an acquisition circuit system configured to acquire an SSB configuration. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB identifiers to be sent over an access link of a repeater. The apparatus may also include a transmission circuit system configured to send the SSB configuration to the repeater. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] For a proper understanding of the various exemplary embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 An example of a topology architecture for a NR deployment with repeaters is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 2 An example of a signaling diagram is illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0021] Figure 3 An example of a deployment scenario according to some example embodiments is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 4 An example of another deployment scenario according to various example embodiments is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 5 An example of another deployment scenario in accordance with certain example embodiments is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 6 An example of a flow chart of a method according to some example embodiments is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 7 An example of a flow chart of another method according to various example embodiments is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 8 Examples of various network devices are illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It is readily understood that the components of some example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of various example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for NCR to send SSB is not intended to limit certain example embodiments, but rather represents selected example embodiments.

[0028] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Releases (Rel) 16 and 17 of 5G NR include some deployments for low frequency bands (i.e., below 6 GHz) and high frequency bands (i.e., 23 GHz). The propagation characteristics in these higher frequency deployments may become more challenging compared to lower frequency deployments. In particular, higher path losses and attenuation in reflection and diffraction paths at these higher frequencies may require densification of the network, thereby requiring more cell sites and / or the use of beamforming techniques to achieve the desired link budget.

[0029] However, it may not be possible to provide connectivity for all cells in such dense deployment scenarios due to unavailability of wired backhaul and / or high cost of deploying a wired backhaul (BH) network.

[0030] Currently, 3GPP specifies some RF and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for RF repeaters, such as Figure 1 The topology shown is a requirement in NR deployment architecture. These repeaters may include low-cost forwarding devices that amplify and forward received signals. However, these RF repeaters may have limited advantages in systems using beamforming links, especially in the high-frequency bands of NR. Therefore, repeaters with adaptive access link beamforming, ON-OFF control, and semi-static and / or dynamic time division duplexing (TDD) (e.g., NCR) may provide some solutions.

[0031] With adaptive beamforming capabilities, a repeater can receive downlink signals from a base station (e.g., gNB) via its backhaul (BH) link beam and then forward the signals on one or more access links via one or more beams. A base station may be referred to herein as a donor base station. Similarly, a repeater can receive signals from one or more user devices via one or more access links and then forward the signals to a donor base station via its BH link beam. One or more access link beams for sending or receiving signals to / from one or more user devices may be configured prior to transmission / reception.

[0032] As used herein, "user equipment" may refer to a user equipment (UE) and / or a user terminal. Similarly, an "access link" may refer to one or more links used to communicate with at least one user equipment. An access link may communicate with at least one user equipment via at least one beam.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the user device may include one or more mobile devices such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet or portable media player, a digital camera, a camcorder, a video game console, a navigation unit (such as a global positioning system (GPS) device), a desktop or laptop computer, a single positioning device (such as a sensor or smart meter), or any combination thereof. In addition, the user device may be one or more Citizen Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs).

[0034] As used herein, the term "beam" may refer to a communication resource. Different beams may be considered different resources. A beam may also be represented as a spatial filter. The technology used to form a beam may be a beamforming technology or another technology. The beamforming technology may specifically be a digital beamforming technology, an analog beamforming technology, or a hybrid digital / analog beamforming technology. A communication device (including a terminal device and a network device) may communicate with another communication device via one or more beams. A beam may include one or more antenna ports and may be configured for a data channel, a control channel, and the like. One or more antenna ports forming a beam may also be considered as an antenna port set. A beam may be configured with a resource set or a resource set for measurement.

[0035] The donor base station may have a limited number of SSB IDs in the SSB ID space it uses, and the beam corresponding to the SSBID may provide coverage of the service area covered by the beam and the service area of ​​the repeater associated with the beam. Each SSB transmission may have an overhead (e.g., 4 symbols) and may be associated with an SSB ID. There may also be radio resource requirements for the transmission of system information blocks (SIBs) and physical random access channel (PRACH) timings. In addition, each SSB may have some overhead for configuring the corresponding SIB. In some deployment scenarios (e.g., outdoor to indoor coverage extension), a repeater may support a large number of SSB beams, but the repeater may only detect one SSB from the (donor) base station. From the perspective of the access link, it is difficult to distinguish between different SSBs of the access link and to avoid interference with the access beams when the repeater can only detect a limited number of backhaul links / beams.

[0036] The various example embodiments described herein may have various benefits and / or advantages to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages. For example, certain example embodiments may reuse the SSB ID of the backhaul link on the access link of the repeater. This may provide the advantage of only requiring a limited number of SSB IDs. Some example embodiments may also avoid SSB interference between the backhaul link and the access link of the repeater by configuring the SSBs of different repeaters. Therefore, the various example embodiments discussed below are intended to improve computer-related technologies to support NCR / repeaters in wireless communication systems.

[0037] Certain example embodiments discussed below may relate to the transmission of synchronization signals (SS) in NR, and more specifically, the use of a limited set of SSBs to provide coverage of a cell extended by a repeater. For example, a base station may send an SS in an SSB via a directional beam. A repeater may relay / forward SSB transmissions via multiple directional beams to provide coverage of the repeater's coverage, where each SSB may be identified by a unique SSB ID (e.g., SSB_id). A repeater deployed to extend the coverage of a donor base station may forward SSB signals received from a donor base station via its access link beam, and vice versa, to extend its service area.

[0038] Some example embodiments may enable a donor base station (e.g., a gNB) to provide coverage for a repeater's service area by reusing a subset of SSB IDs that are already used to provide coverage for its own service area and / or another repeater's service area. The SSBs corresponding to the reused SSB IDs may be duplicated from different or the same antenna panels of the donor base station. For the panel providing a BH link to the repeater, these SSBs may be sent to the repeater via a BH beam, and the repeater may then forward or regenerate the SSBs via its access link beam to cover its service area.

[0039] Thus, various example embodiments discussed below may include a base station reusing an SSB ID between a service area of ​​the base station and a service area of ​​a repeater of the base station.

[0040] Figure 2 An example of a signaling diagram depicting the reuse of a subset of SSB IDs is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, NE 210 and repeater 220 may be similar to NE 810 and NCR 820, respectively, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0041] At 201, the repeater 220 may initiate an attachment procedure to the NE 210. At 202, the repeater 220 may send capabilities of the repeater 220 and / or SSB detection / measurement information to the NE 210. The transmission capabilities of the repeater 220 may indicate at least one of the following: the number of beams that can be supported in the access link; the number of analog beams supported; the number of digital beams supported; the number of bandwidth parts (BWPs) supported; and / or the supported bandwidth. For example, the SSB detection / measurement information may include at least one of the following: the SSB-RSRP measured by the repeater 220; and the detected beams with a quality higher than and / or lower than a threshold. Specifically, a beam with a quality higher than a threshold may not be a candidate for reuse, while a beam with a quality lower than a threshold may be a candidate for reuse. The SSB detection / measurement information may also include an indication of the number of SSB beams (and associated beam IDs) detected / measured by the repeater 220.

[0042] At 203, NE 210 may acquire an SSB configuration, and at 204, NE 210 may send the SSB configuration to repeater 220. Acquiring the SSB configuration may be based on the capabilities and / or SSB detection / measurement information received from repeater 220 at 202. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB IDs to be sent over the access link of the repeater. Specifically, NE 210 may acquire the SSB ID of repeater 220 based on the SSB configurations of other repeaters controlled by NE 210. For example, NE 210 may consider SSB IDs configured or reported by other repeaters near repeater 220 to acquire the SSB configuration of repeater 220. NE 210 may acquire the SSB configuration to avoid overlap between SSB IDs of other repeaters, thereby avoiding interference between repeaters.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the SSB configuration may include at least a set of time-frequency resource allocation information. In addition, in various example embodiments, the SSB configuration may include at least one set of information configured to generate at least one primary synchronization signal (PSS); information configured to generate at least one secondary synchronization signal (SSS); a physical broadcast channel (PBCH); at least one SSB sequence; at least one ID of a repeater configured to transmit at least one SSB; a time and / or duration associated with transmitting at least one SSB; at least one BW ID; and at least one BWP. The SSB IDs in the set of at least SSB IDs may be respectively different from the set of at least other SSB IDs measured by repeater 220.

[0044] In certain example embodiments, NE 210 may determine which SSB IDs may be reused. For example, the SSB ID may be used by NE 210 on one or more panels. At least one of these panels may provide a BH link to repeater 220. NE 210 may send time-frequency resources for transmission of the selected SSB to repeater 220 according to its SSB broadcast schedule. NE 210 may send SSBs with IDs from the selected multiple panels serving repeater 220. NE 210 may also include time-frequency resources for the PRACH opportunity corresponding to the selected SSB in the SSB configuration. Multiple SSBs may share the same PRACH opportunity. For each selected SSB ID, NE 210 may monitor the RACH preamble at the corresponding PRACH opportunity.

[0045] In some example embodiments, different panels of NE 210 may send SSB to the same or different repeaters 220. Figure 3 As shown, the donor gNB (e.g., NE 210) can receive antenna panels P 1 Send SSB with SSB ID 0 -SSB 3 The SSB, respectively in its beam d 0 ,d 1 ,d 2 and d 3 The antenna panel P of the donor gNB covers the service area of ​​the donor gNB. 2 It can be connected through BH link bh 2 A repeater (e.g., repeater 220) is configured with a SSB ID SSB 0 -SSB 3 The repeater can then access the link r 0 、r 1 、r 2 and r 3 Send SSB with SSB-ID 0 -SSB 3 of SSB, as described below.

[0046] In another example, NE 210 may control two repeaters (similar to repeater 220) that reuse the SSB ID SSB of NE 210. 0 -SSB 3 . Specifically, Figure 4 The donor gNB (e.g., NE 210) is depicted transmitting a signal with IDSSB from two antenna panels P1 and P2 to its repeaters NCR1 and NCR2 (e.g., repeater 220) via BH beams bh1 and bh2, respectively. 0-SSB 3 The two repeaters can send these SSBs over their access links, beam q 0 -q 3 For NCR 1 , beam r 0 -r 3 For NCR 2 , to cover their corresponding service areas.

[0047] In one example, NE 210 may support multiple BWPs, and some BWPs may support SSB transmissions. NE 210 may indicate at least one BWP ID associated with a set of SSB IDs, such as a set of SSB IDs that may be reused for the associated BWP IDs. If repeater 220 supports only one BWP, the SSB configuration may include only the SSB ID to be reused of the default BWP of NE 210. In a scenario with multiple BWPs, the SSB configuration may include at least two sets of SSB IDs, and each set of SSB IDs may correspond to one BWP identified by a BWP ID.

[0048] In various example embodiments, the SSB configuration may also include at least a set of time-frequency resources allocated for SSB transmission over the access link of repeater 220. In particular, time-frequency resources may be required when SSB may be transmitted over multiple BWPs.

[0049] In another example, NE 210 may configure SSB IDs for repeater 220, and then repeater 220 may use these SSB IDs to generate SSBs. Figure 5 As shown, the donor gNB (e.g., NE 210) can configure the SSB ID to its relay (e.g., relay 220), similar to the above Figure 3 and Figure 4 However, instead of the donor gNB sending the SSB to the repeater via the BH beam, the repeater itself can use Figure 5 The ID shown generates SSB. The SSB generated by the repeater can be based on the standard definition of SSB symbol index according to different frequencies in 3GPP technical specification 38.213. This solution can provide energy saving and reduce unnecessary donor link transmission.

[0050] In order for repeater 220 to generate and transmit an SSB signal, the repeater may require PSS and SSS; PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS) and PBCH data; and SSB schedule. Repeater 220 may obtain any of this information from NE 210 from the SSB configuration. In certain example embodiments, the SSB ID of repeater 220 may be configured by NE 210 based on the capabilities and detected / measured information sent by repeater 220. From the perspective of repeater 220, repeater 220 may receive the SSB configuration from NE 210, as described above.

[0051] In some example embodiments, various types of SSB configurations are possible. In various example embodiments, the SSB configuration may be persistent, where repetitive signals such as SSB, CSI-RS, and SI may be forwarded without requiring per-transmission control signals. After being configured with a persistent forwarding schedule, downlink (DE) and / or uplink (UE) transmissions may be forwarded without additional signaling from NE 210 to repeater 220.

[0052] In certain example embodiments, repeater 220 may be configured with one or more QCL-RNTI values ​​that allow NE 210 to be dynamically controlled using special DO transmissions to achieve dynamic control of forwarding. Each QCL-RNTI may be used to control forwarding in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner. As used herein, QCL may refer to different transmissions of SSBs on an access link beam (e.g., a set of associated precoding and / or beamforming weights used on an access link). For example, repeater 220 may send one or more beams to different areas / coverages over an access link based on the SSB configuration received at step 204.

[0053] In some example embodiments, relay 220 may be configured to generate repeated signals, such as SSB, CSI-RS, and SI broadcasts. This may eliminate the need for NE 210 to transmit such signals and may allow donor cell resources to be used for other transmissions.

[0054] In various example embodiments, the SSB configuration may include an SSB ID, a period and offset, a duration (e.g., a symbol), and a QCL identifier. The QCL identifier may be used to indicate the transmission direction. The QCL may be reported by the repeater 220 separately from or together with the detected / measured SSB. The NE 210 may also allocate CSI-RS resources for each QCL. In addition, the NE 210 may configure SI broadcast physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) resources associated with each SSB to be sent over the access link.

[0055] Turning to the repeater 220, the repeater 220 may be configured with a QCL identifier. The repeater 220 may store a forwarding configuration list containing a period and offset, a duration, and a QCL identifier. The repeater 220 may then independently schedule forwarding opportunities based on the configuration.

[0056] At 205, repeater 220 may generate an SSB according to the SSB configuration and transmit the SSB over the access link. In some example embodiments, the generation of the SSB may be based on at least one of: information configured to generate at least one PSS; information configured to generate at least one SSS; PBCH information; at least one SSB sequence; at least one ID of a repeater configured to transmit at least one SSB; a time and duration associated with transmitting at least one SSB; at least one BWPID; and at least one BWP.

[0057] Figure 6 An example of a flow chart of a method that may be performed by a repeater is illustrated; the corresponding apparatus of the repeater may be similar to Figure 8 NCR 820 shown.

[0058] At 601, the method may include obtaining an SSB configuration from a NE, similar to Figure 8 In the illustrated NE 810, the SSB configuration includes at least a set of SSB IDs to be sent over the access link.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the SSB configuration may include at least a set of time-frequency resource allocation information. In addition, at least the SSB IDs in the set of SSB IDs may be respectively different from the set of at least other SSB IDs measured by the repeater. The method may also include receiving a SIB message according to the SSB configuration.

[0060] In various example embodiments, the SSB configuration may include at least one of: information configured to generate at least one PSS; information configured to generate at least one SSS; PBCH information; at least one SSB sequence (e.g., SSB transport block); at least one ID of a repeater configured to transmit at least one SSB; a time and duration associated with transmitting at least one SSB; at least one BWP ID; and / or at least one BWP. In addition, the at least one BWP ID may be associated with one SSB ID in a set of at least SSB IDs to be transmitted over the access link.

[0061] In certain example embodiments, the SSB configuration may be received via the BH link. Alternatively, the SSB configuration may be manually acquired from the local configuration of the repeater.

[0062] At 602, the method may also include sending at least one SSB over the access link according to the SSB configuration.

[0063] In some example embodiments, prior to acquiring the SSB configuration, the method may include sending, to the NE, SSB information of at least one capability of the relay or detection / measurement of the network entity.

[0064] In various example embodiments, the SSB configuration may be manually retrieved / configured from the local configuration of the repeater. For example, the SSB configuration may be pre-configured by the operator before initially being used in the network. The operator may manually configure the SSB configuration.

[0065] Figure 7 An example of a flow chart of a method that may be performed by a NE is illustrated; according to some example embodiments, the corresponding apparatus of the NE may be similar to Figure 8 NE 810 shown.

[0066] At 701, the method may include obtaining an SSB configuration from a repeater, similar to Figure 8 820. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB IDs to be transmitted over the access link of the repeater. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least time-frequency resources allocated for SSB transmission over the access link of the repeater. The SSB ID in the set of at least SSB IDs may be different from a set of at least other SSB IDs detected / measured by the repeater.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the SSB configuration may include at least one of: information configured to generate at least one PSS; information configured to generate at least one SSS; PBCH information; at least one SSB sequence (e.g., an SSB transport block); at least one ID of a repeater configured to send at least one SSB; a time and duration associated with sending at least one SSB; at least one BWP ID; and / or at least one bandwidth part. At least one BWP ID may be associated with one SSB ID in a set of at least SSB IDs to be sent over an access link. The SSB configuration may be sent to the repeater over a BH link. As described above, at least one capability of the device may include at least one BWP part or BWP supported.

[0068] In certain example embodiments, prior to transmitting the SSB configuration, the method may include receiving SSB information of at least one capability of the repeater or detected / measured by the network entity.

[0069] In various example embodiments, the method may further include acquiring or determining the SSB configuration based on the detected / measured SSB information.

[0070] At 702, the method may also include sending the SSB configuration to the repeater.

[0071] Figure 8 An example of a system according to some example embodiments is illustrated.In various example embodiments, a system may include a plurality of devices, such as, for example, NE 810 and / or NCR 820.

[0072] NE 810 may be one or more base stations (e.g., 3G UMTS NodeB, 4G LTE evolved NodeB, or 5G NR next generation NodeB).

[0073] The NE 810 may also include at least one gNB centralized unit (CU) that may be associated with at least one gNB distributed unit (DU). The at least one gNB-CU and the at least one gB-DU may communicate with each other via at least one F1 interface, at least one X1 interface, and at least one X2 interface via a fifth generation core (5GC). n -C interface and / or at least one NG interface communication.

[0074] NE 810 and / or NCR 820 may include at least one processor, indicated as 811 and 821, respectively. Processors 811 and 821 may be embodied by any computing or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like. The processor may be implemented as a single controller, or multiple controllers or processors.

[0075] As shown in 812 and 822, at least one memory may be provided in one or more devices. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein. Memories 812 and 822 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The term "non-transitory" used herein may correspond to the limitations of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than the limitations of data storage persistence (e.g., random access memory (RAM) versus read-only memory (ROM)). A hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memory may be combined on a single integrated circuit as a processor, or may be separated from one or more processors. In addition, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and that may be processed by the processor may be computer program codes in any suitable form, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language.

[0076] Processors 811 and 821, memories 812 and 822, and any subset thereof may be configured to provide Figure 2-Figure 7Components corresponding to the various boxes of . Although not shown, the device may also include positioning hardware, such as GPS or micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which can be used to determine the location of the device. Other sensors are also allowed and can be configured to determine location, altitude, speed, orientation, etc., such as a barometer, compass, etc.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, transceivers 813 and 823 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, shown as 814 and 824, respectively. The device may have many antennas, such as an antenna array configured for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or multiple antennas for multiple RATs. For example, other configurations of these devices may be provided. Transceivers 813 and 823 may be transmitters, receivers, both transmitters and receivers, or units or devices (i.e., panels) that may be configured for both transmission and reception.

[0078] Transceivers 813 and 823 can be coupled to one or more antennas or antenna ports configured to wirelessly send and / or receive communication signals. Antennas or antenna ports can be of the same or different types. Antennas or antenna ports can be located at different locations of NE810 and NCR 820. Transceivers 813 and 823 can allow NE 810 and NCR 820 to communicate with other devices of wired and / or wireless, respectively. Transceivers 813 and 823 can include processors, controllers, radios, sockets, plugs, buffers, circuits, etc., to form one or more communication channels to one or more radio frequency units.

[0079] One or more transceivers may be integrated in a device or system, such as a cellular communication device or system, a WLAN system, or a short-range system, such as a Bluetooth system.

[0080] The memory and computer program instructions may be configured to, together with a processor of a particular device, cause a hardware device (such as NE 810 and / or NCR 820) to perform any of the above-described processes (i.e., Figure 2-Figure 7 ). Thus, in some example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, some example embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

[0081] In various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a Figure 2-Figure 7As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only), (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software and (multiple) memory with software, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions), and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but when software is not required for operation, the software may not be present. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or process and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term circuitry would also cover, if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cell network equipment, or other computing or networking equipment.

[0082] According to some example embodiments, processors 811 and 821 and memories 812 and 822 may be included in a processing circuit system or a control circuit system, or may form a part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 813 and 823 may be included in a transceiver circuit system, or may form a part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0083] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., NE 810 and / or NCR 820) may include components for performing methods, processes, or any variants discussed herein. Examples of the components may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for causing the execution of operations.

[0084] In certain example embodiments, NE 810 may be controlled by memory 812 and processor 811 to obtain an SSB configuration and send the SSB configuration. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB IDs to be sent over the access link of the repeater.

[0085] Some example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, including means for obtaining an SSB configuration and means for sending an SSB configuration. The SSB configuration may include a set of at least SSB IDs to be sent over an access link of a repeater.

[0086] In various example embodiments, the NCR 820 may be controlled by the memory 822 and the processor 821 to acquire an SSB configuration including a set of at least SSB IDs to be sent over an access link; and send at least one SSB over the access link according to the SSB configuration.

[0087] Certain example embodiments may relate to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising components for obtaining an SSB configuration comprising at least a set of SSB IDs to be sent over an access link; and components for sending at least one SSB over the access link according to the SSB configuration.

[0088] The features, structures, or characteristics of some example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more various example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "various example embodiments," "certain example embodiments," "some example embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an example embodiment may be included in at least one example embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in various example embodiments," "in certain example embodiments," "in some example embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same set of certain example embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more various example embodiments.

[0089] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) refer to at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0090] It should be noted that the embodiments in the present disclosure can be combined with each other, and in particular, some contents in one embodiment can be similar to or combined with another embodiment, but are not described in detail to avoid repeated description. In addition, if necessary, the above-mentioned different functions or processes can be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. In addition, if necessary, one or more of the above-mentioned functions or processes can be optional or can be combined. Therefore, the above description should be considered as an explanation of the principles and teachings of some example embodiments, rather than a limitation thereof.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the example embodiments discussed above may be practiced with processes in a different order and / or with hardware elements in configurations different from those disclosed. Therefore, although some example embodiments have been described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

[0092] Partial Glossary

[0093] 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

[0094] 5G: The fifth generation broadband community network technology standard

[0095] 5GC: Fifth Generation Core

[0096] 6G: Sixth Generation

[0097] AF: Application Function

[0098] ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

[0099] BH: Return

[0100] BS: Base Station

[0101] BWP: Bandwidth Part

[0102] CBSD: Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device

[0103] CORESET: Control resource set

[0104] CPU: Central Processing Unit

[0105] CSI-RS: Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0106] CU: Centralized Unit

[0107] DCI: Downlink Control Information

[0108] DL: Downlink

[0109] DL-SCH: Downlink Shared Channel

[0110] DMRS: Demodulation Reference Signal

[0111] DU: Distributed Unit

[0112] eMBB: enhanced mobile broadband

[0113] eNB: Evolved Node B

[0114] EMC: Electromagnetic Compatibility

[0115] eOLLA: Enhanced Outer Loop Link Adaptation

[0116] EPS: Evolved Packet System

[0117] GHz: Gigahertz

[0118] gNB: Next Generation NodeB

[0119] GPS: Global Positioning System

[0120] HDD: Hard Disk Drive

[0121] IAB-MT: Integrated Access and Backhaul - Mobile Terminals

[0122] IoT: Internet of Things

[0123] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0124] LTE-A: Long Term Evolution Advanced

[0125] MEMS: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems

[0126] MIB: Master Information Block

[0127] MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0128] MME: Mobility Management Entity

[0129] mMTC: massive machine type communications

[0130] MPDCCH: Machine Type Communication Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0131] Msg2: Msg2 in the random access process

[0132] Msg3: Msg3 in the random access process

[0133] Msg4: Msg4 in the random access process

[0134] NCR: Network Control Repeater

[0135] NE: Network Entity

[0136] NG: Next Generation

[0137] NG-eNB: Next Generation Evolved Node B

[0138] NG-RAN: Next Generation Radio Access Network

[0139] NR: New Radio

[0140] NR-U: New Radio Unlicensed

[0141] PBCH: Physical Broadcast Channel

[0142] PDA: Personal Digital Assistant

[0143] PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0144] PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0145] PSS: Primary Synchronization Signal

[0146] PRACH: Physical Random Access Channel

[0147] P-RNTI: Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0148] PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel

[0149] PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0150] QCL: Quasi-Co-located

[0151] QoS: Quality of Service

[0152] RACH: Random Access Channel

[0153] RAM: Random Access Memory

[0154] RAN: Radio Access Network

[0155] RAR: Random Access Response

[0156] RAT: Radio Access Technology

[0157] RE: Resource Element

[0158] RF: Radio Frequency

[0159] RLC: Radio Link Control

[0160] RNTI: Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0161] RO: Random access channel opportunity

[0162] ROM: Read Only Memory

[0163] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0164] RS: Reference signal

[0165] RSRP: Reference Signal Received Power

[0166] Rx: Receiver

[0167] SIB: System Information Block

[0168] SMF: Session Management Function

[0169] SRS: Sounding Reference Signal

[0170] SS: Synchronous signal

[0171] SSB: Synchronization Signal Block

[0172] SSS: Secondary synchronization signal

[0173] TDD: Time Division Duplex

[0174] Tx: Transmitter

[0175] UE: User Equipment

[0176] UL: Uplink

[0177] UL-SCH: Uplink Shared Channel

[0178] UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0179] UPF: User Plane Function

[0180] URLLC: Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications

[0181] UTRAN: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network

[0182] WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network

Claims

1. A device comprising: at least one transceiver; as well as at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver, wherein the apparatus is configured to: obtaining a synchronization signal block configuration, the synchronization signal block configuration comprising: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link; as well as At least one synchronization signal block is sent through the access link according to the synchronization signal block configuration.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration further comprises: At least a set of time-frequency resource allocation information.

3. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the synchronization signal block identifier in the set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers is different from a set of at least other synchronization signal block identifiers detected or measured respectively by the apparatus.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration further comprises at least one of the following: information configured to generate at least one primary synchronization signal; information configured to generate at least one secondary synchronization signal; Physical broadcast channel information; at least one synchronization signal block sequence; at least one identifier of a repeater, the repeater being configured to transmit the at least one synchronization signal block; a time and duration associated with sending the at least one synchronization signal block; at least one bandwidth portion identifier; or At least one bandwidth portion.

5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one bandwidth portion identifier is associated with a synchronization signal block identifier in a set of at least one synchronization signal block identifier to be sent over the access link.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration is received from a network entity through a backhaul link.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration is manually acquired from a local configuration of the apparatus.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver further causes the apparatus to at least: Sending at least one of the following to the network entity: at least one capability of the device; or The synchronization signal block information detected or measured by the network entity.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one capability of the apparatus comprises: At least one bandwidth portion or bandwidth supported.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver further causes the apparatus to at least: Sending at least one of the following to the network entity: at least one beam identifier associated with each of the at least one synchronization signal block; at least one reusability indicator associated with each of the at least one synchronization signal block; or At least one channel state information reference signal beam identifier corresponding to each of the channel state information reference signal beams.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the physical broadcast channel information comprises system information.

12. An apparatus comprising: at least one transceiver; as well as at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver, wherein the apparatus is configured to: obtaining a synchronization signal block configuration, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration comprises: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link of the repeater; as well as The synchronization signal block configuration is sent to the repeater.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration further comprises: A set of at least one time-frequency resources allocated for transmission of the synchronization signal block through the access link of the repeater.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the synchronization signal block identifier in the set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers is different from a set of at least other synchronization signal block identifiers detected or measured by the repeater.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration further comprises at least one of the following: information configured to generate at least one primary synchronization signal; information configured to generate at least one secondary synchronization signal; Physical broadcast channel information; at least one synchronization signal block sequence; at least one identifier of a repeater, the repeater being configured to transmit the at least one synchronization signal block; a time and duration associated with sending the at least one synchronization signal block; at least one bandwidth portion identifier; or At least one bandwidth portion.

16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the at least one bandwidth identifier is associated with a synchronization signal block identifier in the set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over the access link.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration is sent to the repeater through a backhaul link.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver further causes the apparatus to at least: Receiving from the repeater device at least one of: at least one capability of the repeater; or The synchronization signal block information detected or measured by the repeater.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the at least one capability of the apparatus comprises: At least one bandwidth portion or bandwidth supported.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver further causes the apparatus to at least: The synchronization signal block configuration is obtained or determined based on the synchronization signal block reported from the repeater based on the detected or measured synchronization signal block information.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver further causes the apparatus to at least: Receiving from the repeater device at least one of: at least one beam identifier associated with each of the at least one synchronization signal block; at least one reusability indicator associated with each of the at least one synchronization signal block; or At least one channel state information reference signal beam identifier corresponding to each of the channel state information reference signal beams.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the physical broadcast channel information comprises a system information broadcast message.

23. A method comprising: Acquiring, by the repeater, a synchronization signal block configuration, the synchronization signal block configuration comprising: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link; and At least one synchronization signal block is sent through the access link according to the synchronization signal block configuration.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration further comprises: At least a set of time-frequency resource allocation information.

25. A method according to any one of claims 23 or 24, wherein the synchronization signal block identifier in the set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers is different from a set of at least other synchronization signal block identifiers detected or measured respectively by the repeater.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration further comprises at least one of the following: information configured to generate at least one primary synchronization signal; information configured to generate at least one secondary synchronization signal; Physical broadcast channel information; at least one synchronization signal block sequence; at least one identifier of a repeater, the repeater being configured to transmit the at least one synchronization signal block; a time and duration associated with sending the at least one synchronization signal block; at least one bandwidth portion identifier; or At least one bandwidth portion.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the at least one bandwidth portion identifier is associated with a synchronization signal block identifier in a set of at least one synchronization signal block identifier to be sent over the access link.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration is received from a network entity through a backhaul link.

29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration is manually acquired from a local configuration of the repeater.

30. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, further comprising: Sending at least one of the following to the network entity: at least one capability of the repeater; or The synchronization signal block information detected or measured by the network entity.

31. The method of any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the at least one capability of the device comprises: At least one bandwidth portion or bandwidth supported.

32. The method of any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the at least one processor coupled to the at least one transceiver further causes the apparatus to at least: Sending at least one of the following to the network entity: at least one beam identifier associated with each of the at least one synchronization signal block; at least one reusability indicator associated with each of the at least one synchronization signal block; or At least one channel state information reference signal beam identifier corresponding to each of the channel state information reference signal beams.

33. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the physical broadcast channel information comprises system information.

34. A method comprising: obtaining a synchronization signal block configuration, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration comprises: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link of the repeater; and The synchronization signal block configuration is sent to the repeater.

35. An apparatus comprising: an acquisition circuit system configured to acquire a synchronization signal block configuration, the synchronization signal block configuration comprising: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link; and The sending circuit system is configured to send at least one synchronization signal block through the access link according to the synchronization signal block configuration.

36. An apparatus comprising: an acquisition circuit system configured to acquire a synchronization signal block configuration, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration includes: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link of the repeater; and A sending circuit system is configured to send the synchronization signal block configuration to the repeater.

37. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: obtaining a synchronization signal block configuration, the synchronization signal block configuration comprising: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link; as well as At least one synchronization signal block is sent through the access link according to the synchronization signal block configuration.

38. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: obtaining a synchronization signal block configuration, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration comprises: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link of the repeater; as well as The synchronization signal block configuration is sent to the repeater.

39. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions, which when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to at least perform: Acquire a synchronization signal block configuration, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration includes: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over the access link; as well as At least one synchronization signal block is sent through the access link according to the synchronization signal block configuration.

40. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions, which when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to at least perform: Obtain a synchronization signal block configuration, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration includes: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over the access link of the repeater; as well as The synchronization signal block configuration is sent to the repeater.

41. An apparatus comprising: means for acquiring a synchronization signal block configuration, the synchronization signal block configuration comprising: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link; and Means for sending at least one synchronization signal block over the access link according to the synchronization signal block configuration.

42. An apparatus comprising: means for acquiring a synchronization signal block configuration, wherein the synchronization signal block configuration comprises: a set of at least synchronization signal block identifiers to be sent over an access link of the repeater; and A component for sending the synchronization signal block configuration to the repeater.

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