Method and apparatus for initial cell search enhancement in wireless communication

Abstract

Various solutions for initial cell search enhancements in wireless communications are described. An apparatus can receive a synchronization assistance signal from a network node. The apparatus can determine a frequency range based on reception of the synchronization assistance signal. The apparatus can then receive a synchronization signal block from the network node within the frequency range.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This disclosure is part of a non-provisional application claiming priority interest, PCT application number PCT / CN2024 / 110335, filed on 7 August 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, and more specifically, to enhancements to initial cell search in wireless communications. Background Technology

[0004] Unless otherwise stated, the methods described in this section are not prior art to the following claims and are not considered prior art because they are included in this section.

[0005] Wireless communication technologies have experienced exponential growth over the years. Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems offer peak data rates, low latency, increased system capacity, and lower operating costs due to simplified network architecture. LTE systems, also known as 4G systems, can seamlessly integrate with older wireless networks such as GSM, CDMA, and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). In LTE systems, the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) comprises multiple evolved Node Bs (eNodeBs or eNBs) that communicate with multiple mobile stations (called User Equipment (UEs)). 3GPP networks typically include a hybrid of 2G / 3G / 4G systems. The Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Board has decided to focus future NGMN activities on defining the end-to-end requirements for 5G New Radio (NR) systems and 6G systems.

[0006] In 5G NR, the initial cell search process aims to enable the UE to establish a connection with the network, obtain synchronization, and acquire the resources needed to initiate communication. Taking synchronization as an example, 5G NR's channel bandwidth covers a wide range from 0 to 100 GHz, and the channel grid is very fine-grained. A synchronization grid is also defined to help locate the frequency position of the synchronization signal block (SSB), thereby reducing the time required for blind scan. However, the UE may still need to perform blind scans on dozens or even hundreds of possible frequency positions, depending on the frequency range (FR) used. In scenarios such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) non-terrestrial networks (NTN), access time sensitivity is even higher, requiring further reductions in initial cell search latency.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to provide appropriate solutions to the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The following summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. That is, the following summary aims to introduce the concepts, key points, benefits, and advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described herein. Some embodiments will be further described in the detailed description below. Therefore, the following summary is not intended to identify the essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] One objective of this disclosure is to provide schemes, concepts, designs, systems, methods, and apparatus related to enhanced initial access in wireless communications. It is believed that by implementing one or more of the schemes proposed herein, the aforementioned problems can be avoided or mitigated.

[0010] In one aspect, a method may involve a device receiving a synchronization auxiliary signal (SAS) from a network node. The method may also involve the device determining a frequency range based on the reception of the SAS. The method further involves the device receiving a synchronization signal block (SSB) from the network node within that frequency range.

[0011] In one aspect, a method may involve a network node sending a SAS to a device. The method may also involve the network node sending an SSB to the device within a frequency range associated with sending the SAS.

[0012] In one aspect, an apparatus may include a transceiver that wirelessly communicates with a network node during operation. The apparatus may also include a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. During operation, the processor may perform operations including receiving a SAS (Self-Regulating Array) from the network node via the transceiver. The processor may also perform operations including determining a frequency range based on the reception of the SAS. The processor may further perform operations including receiving an SSB (Self-Regulating Array) from the network node within that frequency range via the transceiver.

[0013] It is worth noting that although the content described herein may be set in the context of certain wireless access technologies, networks, and network topologies, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, 5th Generation (5G), New Radio (NR), Internet-of-Things (IoT), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Beyond 5G (B5G), and 6th Generation (6G), the proposed concepts, schemes, and any variations / derivatives thereof can be implemented, used, and realized in other types of wireless access technologies, networks, and network topologies. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the examples described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings are included in this specification to further understand this disclosure and form part of this disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as some components may be shown out of proportion to their actual dimensions for clarity of the concepts of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example scenario of synchronous grid blind detection in 5G NR.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example scenario of a communication environment in which various solutions and schemes of this disclosure can be implemented.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example scenario of enhancing blind scanning of the initial cell search according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example scenario of cell / beam and periodic configuration of SAS according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another example flow according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This specification discloses detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed subject matter. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are merely illustrative of the claimed subject matter, which can be implemented in various forms. This disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are provided to make the description of this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments and implementations.

[0023] Overview

[0024] According to the implementation of this disclosure, various techniques, methods, schemes, and / or solutions related to initial cell search enhancement in wireless communication are involved. According to this disclosure, multiple possible solutions can be implemented individually or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions are described separately below, two or more of them can be implemented in some combination.

[0025] In this disclosure, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) refers to a network that provides communication services to user equipment (UE) by utilizing radio frequency (RF) and information processing resources carried by high-, medium-, and low-Earth orbit satellites or other high-altitude communication platforms. Depending on the payload capabilities of the satellite, there are two typical scenarios: transparent payload and regenerative payload. In transparent payload mode, the satellite does not process the signals and waveforms in the communication service, but only acts as an RF amplifier to forward data. In regenerative payload mode, in addition to RF amplification, the satellite also possesses processing capabilities such as modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, switching, and routing.

[0026] In 5G New Radio (NR), blind detection of the synchronization grid is crucial for the initial cell search process. However, as mentioned earlier, in blind detection of the synchronization grid, the UE needs to perform blind scans at dozens or even hundreds of possible frequency locations, which leads to a significant delay in the initial cell search process. This is particularly pronounced in scenarios such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) NTN, where access time is more sensitive. Figure 1 Example scenario 100 of synchronous grid blind detection in 5G NR is shown. Figure 1As shown, the global frequency channel grid defines a set of radio frequency reference frequencies, which are used for signaling to identify the location of radio frequency channels, synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), and other elements. Due to different subcarrier spacings, the location of the SSB is not fixed, but there is a finite set of possible locations within each frequency band, called the synchronization grid or Global Synchronization Channel Number (GSCN) location (in...). Figure 1 The locations are represented as GSCN P to P+98. To detect SSBs, the UE needs to perform sparse and specific searches at these possible locations. For example, if a network system uses 3 frequency bands, each with 100 GSCN locations, the UE needs to blindly detect SSBs by searching these possible locations. That is, the UE may need to perform up to 300 searches. A disadvantage is that blind detection using a synchronous grid in traditional designs increases the latency of the initial cell search process (or initial access process).

[0027] In view of the above, the present disclosure is based on (but is not limited to) the NTN scenario and proposes several schemes related to enhancing the initial cell search in wireless communication. According to the scheme of this disclosure, a two-step frequency domain search with a new signal (e.g., a synchronization assist signal (SAS)) is introduced to further reduce the time required for blind scanning. In the first step of the frequency domain search, the SAS can serve as a reference signal with coarser frequency granularity. In the second step of the frequency domain search, the SSB (or particularly the primary synchronization signal (PSS) of the SSB) can serve as a reference signal, providing relatively finer frequency granularity. The SAS can be a normally open broadcast signal to all UEs and can be independent of the SSB or any other synchronization signal and information (e.g., PSS, secondary synchronization signal (SSS), physical broadcast channel (PBCH), etc.). Specifically, the SAS can be used to assist the UE in (coarse) frequency synchronization and satellite (or base station (BS)) positioning at the physical layer, as well as obtaining SSB and frequency location information. The SAS can be transmitted by the satellite / base station and detected by the UE at the start of the initial cell search or before the initial cell search. Therefore, by applying the scheme disclosed herein, the initial cell search delay can be significantly reduced, achieving efficient initial cell search and ensuring better communication performance.

[0028] Figure 2Example scenario 200 of a communication environment is illustrated, in which various solutions and schemes of this disclosure can be implemented. Scenario 200 involves UE 210 communicating wirelessly with network 220 (e.g., a wireless network including NTN and terrestrial network (TN),) via terrestrial network nodes 222 (e.g., base stations (BSs), such as evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), transceiver points (TRPs), relays, or gateways) and / or non-terrestrial network nodes 224 (e.g., satellites). For example, in transparent payload mode, terrestrial network nodes 222 (e.g., BSs) and non-terrestrial network nodes 224 (e.g., satellites acting as relays) can form an NTN serving cell to wirelessly communicate with UE 210. In regenerative payload mode, non-terrestrial network nodes 224 (e.g., satellites) can have all or part of the gNB functionality and can form an NTN serving cell to wirelessly communicate with UE 210, regardless of whether terrestrial network nodes 222 (e.g., BSs) are involved. Alternatively, terrestrial network nodes 222 can form a TN serving cell to wirelessly communicate with UE 210. In such a communication environment, UE 210, network 220, and terrestrial network node 222 and / or non-terrestrial network node 224 can implement the various schemes related to initial cell search enhancement in wireless communication. It is worth noting that although the various proposed schemes may be described separately or individually, in actual implementation, some or all of the proposed schemes may be used in combination or implemented together. Of course, each proposed scheme can also be used or implemented individually or separately.

[0029] Figure 3 An example scenario 300 of blind scanning for enhanced initial cell search according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 As shown, there is a set of possible locations for SSBs in each frequency band, called the synchronization grating or Global Synchronization Channel Number (GSCN) location (in Figure 3 In this context, it is represented as GSCN P to P+98). Besides the relatively fine-grained GSCN locations, there is also a set of possible SAS locations within each frequency band, called the coarse SAS channel number (CSCN) locations (in...). Figure 3The granularity of the search is relatively coarse (represented as CSCN1 to N+1). To detect SSBs, the User Equipment (UE) needs to perform a sparse search at CSCN locations and then a specific search at a limited number of GSCN locations. For example, if there are 99 GSCN locations and 34 CSCN locations in a frequency band used by the wireless network, the UE needs to blindly detect SAS by searching all CSCN locations and then blindly detect SSBs only at GSCN locations (e.g., GSCN P to P+2) within the frequency range indicated by the CSCN location (e.g., CSCN=N, where N=33). In this example, it is worth noting that the UE only needs to perform a maximum of 34+3=37 searches per frequency band. That is, the number of blind scans required in the initial cell search process is significantly reduced compared to traditional designs.

[0030] Under the first scheme of this disclosure, details of the SAS (sequence) generation design are presented. Specifically, the SAS sequence (i.e., SAS is a bit sequence) can be generated according to the following formula.

[0031] , , , , in ,

[0032] in , , ,or The frequency band number (denoted as band #n) depends on the frequency band number, as shown in Tables 1 to 3 below. The SAS repeats R times in the time domain, with each repetition occupying one symbol. , , and .

[0033]

[0034] Table 1

[0035] Table 2

[0036] Table 3

[0037] In Table 2, L SASP represents the length of the SAS sequence, and P represents the number of non-zero elements in the SAS sequence. This indicates the position (e.g., index) of the non-zero element in the SAS sequence. In Table 3, SCS represents the subcarrier spacing of the SAS. This indicates the number of subcarriers per resource block in this numerical system (i.e., SCS). This represents the number of cyclic prefix samples for the numerical system (i.e., SCS).

[0038] In some implementations, the SCS of the SAS can vary for different operating frequency bands. ∈{0,1,2,3,5,6} is used for different frequency bands.

[0039] In some implementations, SAS's L SAS It can vary depending on the operating frequency band.

[0040] In some implementations, the numerical values ​​of the number of repetitions (i.e., R1, R2, R3, and R4) can be tailored to different frequency bands, different SCS, and different L SAS Predefined. For example, R can be 2, when L SAS When =307 and SCS=1.25 kHz, or R can be 8, when L SAS =133 and SCS= At kHz, or R can be 4, when L SAS =273 and SCS=5 kHz or 1.25 kHz.

[0041] Under the second embodiment of this disclosure, a detailed design for the periodicity of the SAS is proposed. Specifically, the SAS can be cell-specific or beam-specific, for example, when supporting beam hopping or beam switching, and the periodicity of the SAS can be decoupled from the periodicity of the SSB. Figure 4 An example scenario 400 of the cell / beam and periodic configuration of SAS according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 4 Part (A) describes the case of beam-specific SAS and SSB, where the beam coverage of the SAS is greater than that of the SSB (e.g., one beam of the SAS covers the coverage of four beams of the SSB). Figure 4 Part (B) describes beam-specific SAS and SSB, where the beam coverage of the SAS is approximately the same as that of the SSB. Figure 4 Part (C) describes the periodicity of beam-specific SAS, where the SAS is repeatedly transmitted for each beam set.

[0042] In some implementations, the periodicity of the SAS can be predefined for each frequency band, for example, not less than (the maximum number of beams in that frequency band). ( For example, for the FR1 band, if the maximum number of beams in this band is 8, and R is 2, and =307, SCS=1.25 kHz, then (the maximum number of beams in this frequency band) ( = 14.45 milliseconds (ms), therefore, the periodicity of this SAS can be set to 15 ms, 16 ms, 18 ms, or 20 ms. For example, for the FR1 band, if the maximum number of beams in this band is 8, and R is 2, and =307, SCS=1.25 kHz, then (the maximum number of beams in this frequency band) ( =14.45 ms, therefore, the periodicity of this SAS can be set to 15 ms, 16 ms, 18 ms, or 20 ms. For example, for the FR1 band, if the maximum number of beams in this band is 64, and R is 8, and =133, SCS=60 kHz, then (the maximum number of beams in this frequency band) ( =9.13 ms, therefore, the periodicity of this SAS can be set to 10 ms.

[0043] According to the third aspect of this disclosure, a detailed design for CSCN calculation is proposed. Each CSCN indicates a possible location of the SAS, and the granularity of the CSCN can vary for different frequency ranges. Specifically, the CSCN can be calculated using the formulas provided in Tables 4 to 6 below, where the SAS... REF This indicates the frequency position corresponding to the CSCN.

[0044]

[0045] Table 4

[0046] Table 5

[0047] Table 6

[0048] In Table 4, for the frequency range of 3000 - 24250 MHz, SAS REF The coefficient 3.96 in the calculation formula is obtained by multiplying the number of SCS, subcarriers, and physical resource blocks (PRBs), which is 15. 12 22 = 3.96; for the frequency range of 24250-100000 MHz, the coefficient 31.68 is obtained in the same way, i.e., 120. 12 22 = 31.68. Similarly, in Table 5, for the frequency range of 0 - 3000 MHz, through 15 12 16 = 2.88 to obtain a coefficient of 2.88; for a frequency range of 3000 - 24250MHz, through 30 12 22=7.92 to obtain a coefficient of 7.92; for the frequency range of 24250-100000 MHz, through 120 12 22 = 31.68, yielding a coefficient of 31.68. Similarly, in Table 6, for the frequency range of 0 - 3000 MHz, through 15... 12 16 = 2.88 to obtain a coefficient of 2.88; for a frequency range of 3000 - 24250 MHz, through 30 12 20=7.2 to obtain a coefficient of 7.2; for a frequency range of 24250-100000 MHz, through 120 12 20 = 28.8, resulting in a coefficient of 28.8.

[0049] According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, a detailed design process for effectively determining the frequency location of an SSB is proposed. Each GSCN indicates a possible location of the SSB, and the granularity of the GSCN can be different for different frequency ranges. Specifically, the following steps can be used to effectively select only a few GSCNs from all predefined GSCNs. In step 1, the UE can detect the SAS in the supported operating frequency band in the wireless network based on the possible locations of the SAS described in the third aspect of this disclosure. Then, in step 2, the UE can detect the SSB (or PSS) based on a CSCN determined in step 1 and the possible locations of the SSB within the frequency range indicated by that CSCN. For different frequency ranges, the range of possible frequency locations of the SSB can be calculated using the formulas provided in Tables 7 to 9 below.

[0050]

[0051] Table 7

[0052] Table 8

[0053] Table 9

[0054] In some implementations, for a single beam or cell, the SSB can transmit and receive within a frequency range indicated by the CSCN. For example, when the SAS transmits / receives within the frequency range of CSCN=625, the frequency position of the SAS can be calculated. REF It equals 1800 MHz, and the SSB transmits / receives in the frequency range of 1797.12 MHz to 1802.88 MHz.

[0055] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, different SAS sequences or mask sequences can be used to transmit or indicate certain information. Specifically, different SAS sequences can be used to transmit or indicate satellite position aids, such as the minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index, satellite altitude information, and / or the number of repetitions (denoted as R) for different SAS beam sets (SAS / SSB). Different SAS sequences can be considered as different Each All of these indicate the position of non-zero elements in the SAS sequence. Alternatively, different mask sequences of the SAS sequence can be used to send or indicate satellite positional information, such as the minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index, satellite altitude information, or the number of repetitions (denoted as R) for different SAS beam sets (SAS / SSB). Different mask sequences of the SAS sequence can be applied to positional information within the SAS. ,in This indicates the position of non-zero elements in the SAS sequence. In other words, on the UE side, the received SAS sequence can be demasked using the mask sequence to obtain the unmasked SAS sequence. An example of satellite position assistance information is shown in Table 10 below.

[0056]

[0057] Table 10

[0058] Example Implementation

[0059] Figure 5 An example of a communication system 500 is provided, including an example communication device 510 and an example network device 520, consistent with one embodiment of this disclosure. Both the communication device 510 and the network device 520 can perform various functions to implement the schemes, techniques, processes, and methods described herein for enhancing initial cell search in wireless communication, including the aforementioned scenarios / schemes and processes 600 and 700 described below.

[0060] Communication device 510 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a user equipment (UE), such as a portable or mobile device, wearable device, wireless communication device, or computing device. For example, communication device 510 may be implemented in a smartphone, smartwatch, personal digital assistant, electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle, digital camera, or computing device such as a tablet, laptop, or notebook computer. Communication device 510 may also be part of a machine-type device, which may be an Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), or industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) user equipment (UE), such as a non-movable or fixed device, home appliance, roadside unit (RSU), wired communication device, or computing device. For example, communication device 510 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, smart refrigerator, smart door lock, wireless speaker, or home control center. Alternatively, communication device 510 may be implemented in the form of one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, or one or more complex instruction set computing (CISC) processors. Communication device 510 may include... Figure 5 The communication device 510 may include at least some of the components shown, such as processor 512. It may also include one or more other components unrelated to the present disclosure (e.g., internal power supply, display device, and / or user interface device), and therefore, these components of the communication device 510 are not included in... Figure 5 As shown in the text and not described below, this is for the purpose of simplification and conciseness.

[0061] Network device 520 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a network node, such as a satellite, base station (BS), cell, router, or 4G / 5G / B5G / 6G, NR, IoT, NB-IoT, IIoT, or non-terrestrial network (NTN) gateway. For example, network device 520 may be implemented in an eNB / gNB / TRP in a satellite or 4G / 5G, NR, IoT, NB-IoT, IIoT, or NTN network. Alternatively, network device 520 may be implemented as one or more IC chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more RISC or CISC processors. Network device 520 may include... Figure 5 The network device 520 may include at least some of the components shown, such as processor 522. It may also include one or more other components unrelated to the present disclosure (e.g., internal power supply, display device, and / or user interface device), and therefore, these components of the network device 520 are not included in... Figure 5 As shown in the text and not described below, this is for the purpose of simplification and conciseness.

[0062] In one aspect, each of processors 512 and 522 may be implemented as one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC processors. That is, although the singular term "processor" is used herein to refer to processors 512 and 522, each of processors 512 and 522 may include multiple processors in some implementations and a single processor in others, depending on the different implementations of this disclosure. In another aspect, each of processors 512 and 522 may be implemented in hardware (and optionally firmware) and include electronic components, such as, but not limited to, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more transformers, which are configured and arranged to achieve the specific purposes of this disclosure. In other words, in at least some implementations, each of processors 512 and 522 is a dedicated machine specifically designed, arranged, and configured to perform specific tasks under the various implementations of this disclosure in devices (e.g., represented by communication device 510) and network nodes (e.g., represented by network device 520).

[0063] In some implementations, communication device 510 may further include a transceiver 516 connected to processor 512, capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some implementations, transceiver 516 may be capable of wireless communication with different types of user equipment (UEs) and / or different radio access technologies (RATs) on wireless networks. In some implementations, transceiver 516 may be equipped with multiple antenna ports (not shown), such as four antenna ports. That is, transceiver 516 may be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for beamforming and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication. In some implementations, network device 520 may further include a transceiver 526 connected to processor 522. Transceiver 526 may include a transceiver capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some implementations, transceiver 526 may be capable of wireless communication with different types of user equipment (UEs) on different RATs. In some implementations, transceiver 526 may be equipped with multiple antenna ports (not shown), such as four antenna ports. In other words, transceiver 526 can be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for beamforming and MIMO wireless communication.

[0064] In some implementations, the communication device 510 may further include a memory 514 connected to the processor 512, which can be accessed by the processor 512 and stores data therein. In some implementations, the network device 520 may further include a memory 524 connected to the processor 522, which can be accessed by the processor 522 and stores data therein. Each of the memories 514 and 524 may include a random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), and / or zero-capacitance RAM (Z-RAM). Alternatively, each of the memories 514 and 524 may include a read-only memory (ROM), such as a mask ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). Alternatively, each of the memories 514 and 524 may include a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), such as flash memory, solid-state memory, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), and / or phase-change memory.

[0065] Both communication device 510 and network device 520 can be communication entities capable of communicating using the various proposed schemes of this disclosure. For illustrative purposes and without limitation, the following description, in conjunction with procedures 600 and 700, provides the capabilities of communication device 510 as a user equipment (UE) and network device 520 as a network node.

[0066] Example Process

[0067] Figure 6 An example flow 600 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Flow 600 may be an example implementation of the above-described scenario / solution, whether partially or entirely, for enhancement of initial cell search in wireless communication. Flow 600 may represent one aspect of the functional implementation of communication device 510. Flow 600 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as shown in modules 610 to 630. Although shown as discrete modules, the individual modules of flow 600 may be divided into more modules, merged into fewer modules, or omitted depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the individual modules of flow 600 may be arranged according to... Figure 6 The process can be executed in the order shown, or in a different order. Process 600 can be implemented by communication device 510 or any suitable user equipment (UE) or machine-type device. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 600 is described below with communication device 510 as the UE and network device 520 as a network node (e.g., gNB / satellite / TRP / relay). Process 600 can begin with module 610.

[0068] In module 610, process 600 may involve the processor 512 of communication device 510 receiving synchronization auxiliary signals (SAS) from network device 520 via transceiver 516. Process 600 can enter module 620 from module 610.

[0069] In module 620, process 600 may involve processor 512 determining a frequency range based on the reception of SAS. Process 600 can then proceed from module 620 to module 630.

[0070] In module 630, process 600 may involve processor 512 receiving synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) from network device 520 via transceiver 516 within the frequency range.

[0071] In some embodiments, reception of a SAS may be based on a band number of an operating band, the band number indicating at least one of the following: (i) the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the SAS; (ii) the length of the SAS; and (iii) the number of repetitions of the SAS.

[0072] In some embodiments, the SCS of the SAS is different for different operating frequency bands. Additionally or optionally, the length of the SAS is different for different operating frequency bands. Additionally or optionally, the number of repetitions of the SAS is different for at least one of the following: different operating frequency bands, different SCS of the SAS, and different lengths of the SAS.

[0073] In some embodiments, the SAS can be cell-specific or beam-specific. Additionally or optionally, the periodicity of the SAS can be predefined or configured to be the same as or different from the SSB periodicity. Additionally or optionally, the periodicity of the SAS can be band-specific.

[0074] In some embodiments, receiving a SAS may include: determining multiple possible locations of the SAS in the frequency domain based on a multiple coarse SAS channel number (CSCN) for the operating frequency band; and searching for the SAS at the possible locations in the frequency domain.

[0075] In some embodiments, the frequency range may be indicated by one of the CSCNs corresponding to the frequency location of the search for the SAS.

[0076] In some embodiments, receiving an SSB may include: determining multiple possible locations of the SSB within the frequency range based on multiple Global Synchronization Channel Numbers (GSCNs) for the frequency band number; and searching for the SSB at the possible locations within the frequency range.

[0077] In some embodiments, the SAS may include a bit sequence, and process 600 may further involve processor 512 determining satellite position assistance information based on the non-zero elements of the bit sequence, wherein the satellite position assistance information includes at least one of the following: (i) the minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index; (ii) satellite altitude information; and (iii) the number of repetitions of the SAS or the SSB for different beam sets.

[0078] In some embodiments, the SAS may include a bit sequence, and process 600 may further involve processor 512 demasking the bit sequence using a mask sequence applied to the non-zero elements of the bit sequence, and determining satellite position auxiliary information based on the mask sequence, wherein the satellite position auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: (i) the minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index; (ii) satellite altitude information; and (iii) the number of repetitions of the SAS or the SSB for different beam sets.

[0079] Figure 7 An example flow 700 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Flow 700 may be an example implementation of the above-described scenario / solution, whether partially or entirely, for enhancement of initial cell search in wireless communication. Flow 700 may represent one aspect of the functional implementation of network device 520. Flow 700 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as shown in modules 710 and 720. Although shown as discrete modules, the various modules of flow 700 may be divided into more modules, merged into fewer modules, or omitted depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the modules of flow 700 may be arranged according to... Figure 7 The process can be executed in the order shown, or in a different order. Process 700 can be implemented by network device 520 and any variant thereof. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 700 is described below with communication device 510 as the UE and network device 520 as the network node. Process 700 can begin with module 710.

[0080] In module 710, process 700 may involve the processor 522 of network device 520 sending a synchronization auxiliary signal (SAS) to communication device 510 via transceiver 526. Process 700 can enter module 720 from module 710.

[0081] In module 720, process 700 may involve processor 522 transmitting synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) to communication device 510 via transceiver 526 in a frequency range associated with the transmission of the SAS.

[0082] In some embodiments, process 700 may further involve processor 522 generating the SAS based on a band number of the operating band, including a bit sequence, the band number indicating at least one of the following: (i) the length of the bit sequence; (ii) the number of non-zero elements in the bit sequence; and (iii) the position of the non-zero elements in the bit sequence.

[0083] In some embodiments, the length of the bit sequence is different for different operating frequency bands. Additionally or optionally, the number of non-zero elements in the bit sequence is different for different operating frequency bands. Additionally or optionally, the position of the non-zero elements in the bit sequence is different for different operating frequency bands.

[0084] In some embodiments, the transmission of the SAS is repeated multiple times in the time domain, and each repetition occupies one symbol, which is determined based on at least one of the following: (i) the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the SAS; (ii) the number of subcarriers per resource block of the SCS; and (iii) the number of cyclic prefix samples of the SCS.

[0085] In some embodiments, the SAS can be cell-specific or beam-specific. Additionally or optionally, the periodicity of the SAS can be predefined or configured to be the same as or different from the SSB periodicity. Additionally or optionally, the periodicity of the SAS can be band-specific.

[0086] In some implementations, transmitting a synchronization auxiliary signal (SAS) may include: determining at least one frequency position of the SAS for a band number of the operating frequency band based on at least one coarse SAS channel number (CSCN); and transmitting the SAS at the at least one frequency position.

[0087] In some implementations, the frequency range may be indicated by at least one CSCN corresponding to the frequency location of the transmitted SAS.

[0088] In some implementations, transmitting a synchronization signal block (SSB) may include: determining at least one frequency position of the SSB within the frequency range for the frequency band number based on at least one global synchronization channel number (GSCN); and transmitting the SSB at the at least one frequency position within the frequency range.

[0089] In some implementations, the SAS may include a bit sequence, and the positions of the non-zero elements of the bit sequence may indicate satellite position assistance information, including at least one of the following: (i) the minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index; (ii) satellite altitude information; and (iii) the number of repetitions of the SAS or SSB for different beam sets.

[0090] In some implementations, the SAS may include a bit sequence, and process 700 may further involve processor 522 masking the bit sequence with a mask sequence applied to the non-zero elements of the bit sequence, wherein the mask sequence indicates satellite position aid information, including at least one of the following: (i) the minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index; (ii) satellite altitude information; and (iii) the number of repetitions of the SAS or SSB for different beam sets.

[0091] Additional Notes

[0092] The subjects described in this specification sometimes demonstrate different components contained in or connected to other different components. It should be understood that such illustrated architectures are merely examples, and many other architectures can actually be implemented to achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” to achieve the desired function. Therefore, any two components combined herein to achieve a particular function can be considered “associated with each other” to achieve the desired function, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two such associated components can also be considered “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be suchly associated can also be considered “operably coupled” to achieve the desired function. Specific examples of operably coupled components include, but are not limited to, physically matable and / or physically interactive components and / or wirelessly interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0093] Furthermore, regarding the use of almost all plural and / or singular terms in this document, those skilled in the art can appropriately convert plural to singular and / or singular to plural depending on the context and / or application. Various singular / plural arrangements are explicitly listed herein for clarity.

[0094] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the terms commonly used herein, particularly in appended claims, such as the body portion of appended claims, are generally intended as “open” terms; for example, “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” and “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of claim elements is explicitly expressed in the claim, then that intention is explicitly expressed in the claim; if it is not expressed, then that intention does not exist. For example, for ease of understanding, the following appended claims may contain the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim elements. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as limiting any particular claim containing that element to containing only one of that element, even if the same claim contains the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and the indefinite article “a,” for example, “a” should be interpreted as “at least one” or “one or more”; the same applies to definite articles used to introduce claim elements. Furthermore, even when a specific number of elements incorporating a claim is explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that the expression should be interpreted as at least the stated number. For example, expressing "two elements" without any other modifiers indicates at least two elements, or two or more elements. Additionally, when using conventions such as "at least one A, B, and C, etc.", this structure is generally intended to be interpreted in a manner understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems with only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and systems with A, B, and C. Similarly, when using conventions such as "at least one A, B, or C, etc.", this structure is generally intended to be interpreted in a manner understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems with only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and systems with A, B, and C. Those skilled in the art will further understand that almost all extractive terms and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms in the specification, claims, or drawings should be understood to include one, any, or both terms. For example, "A or B" should be understood as including the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0095] As can be seen from the foregoing, various embodiments of this disclosure have been described herein for illustrative purposes, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit are indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: The device's processor receives synchronization auxiliary signals from the network node; The processor determines the frequency range based on the reception of the synchronization auxiliary signal; as well as The processor receives synchronization signal blocks from the network node within this frequency range.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The operation of receiving the synchronization auxiliary signal is based on the band number of the operating frequency band, which indicates at least one of the following: The subcarrier spacing of the synchronization auxiliary signal; The length of the synchronization auxiliary signal; and The number of times the synchronization auxiliary signal is repeated.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein: The subcarrier spacing of the synchronization auxiliary signal is different for different operating frequency bands; The length of this synchronization auxiliary signal varies for different operating frequency bands; or The number of repetitions of the synchronization auxiliary signal is different for at least one of the following: Different operating frequency bands; The different subcarrier spacing of the synchronization auxiliary signal; The synchronization auxiliary signal has different lengths.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: The synchronization auxiliary signal is either cell-specific or beam-specific. The period of the synchronization auxiliary signal is predefined or configured to be the same period as the synchronization signal block or a different period than the synchronization signal block; or The period of this synchronization auxiliary signal is frequency band specific.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The operation of receiving the synchronization auxiliary signal includes: Based on the operating frequency band with the channel number of the multiple coarse synchronization auxiliary signals, the possible positions of the synchronization auxiliary signal in the frequency domain are determined; and Search for the synchronization auxiliary signal at the possible location in the frequency domain.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The frequency range is indicated by one of the coarse synchronization auxiliary signal channel numbers corresponding to the frequency location where the synchronization auxiliary signal is found.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The operation of receiving the synchronization signal block includes: Based on multiple global synchronization channel numbers corresponding to the frequency band number, the possible locations of the synchronization signal block within this frequency range are determined; and Search for the synchronization signal block at the possible location within this frequency range.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The synchronization auxiliary signal comprises a bit sequence, and the method further includes: The processor determines satellite position assistance information based on the positions of the non-zero elements in the bit sequence, wherein the satellite position assistance information includes at least one of the following: The minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index; Satellite altitude information; and The number of repetitions of the synchronization auxiliary signal or the synchronization signal block for different beam sets.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, The synchronization auxiliary signal comprises a one-bit sequence, and the method further includes: The processor demasks the bit sequence using a mask sequence applied to the non-zero elements of the bit sequence; and The processor determines satellite position assistance information based on the mask sequence, wherein the satellite position assistance information includes at least one of the following: The minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index; Satellite altitude information; and The number of repetitions of the synchronization auxiliary signal or the synchronization signal block for different beam sets.

10. A method comprising: The processor of the network node sends a synchronization auxiliary signal to the device; as well as The processor sends synchronization signal blocks to the device within a frequency range associated with the operation of sending the synchronization auxiliary signal.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The processor generates a synchronization auxiliary signal comprising a one-bit sequence based on a frequency band number of the operating frequency band, the frequency band number indicating at least one of the following: The length of the bit sequence; The number of non-zero elements in the bit sequence; and The position of the non-zero element in the bit sequence.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: The length of this bit sequence varies for different operating frequency bands; The number of non-zero elements in this bit sequence varies depending on the operating frequency band; or The position of the non-zero element in this bit sequence is different for different operating frequency bands.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, The operation of sending the synchronization auxiliary signal is repeated multiple times in the time domain, with each repetition occupying one symbol, which is determined based on at least one of the following: The subcarrier spacing of the synchronization auxiliary signal; The number of subcarriers per resource block in this subcarrier interval; The number of cyclic prefix samples for this subcarrier interval.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein: The synchronization auxiliary signal is either cell-specific or beam-specific. The period of the synchronization auxiliary signal is predefined or configured to be the same as or different from the period of the synchronization signal block; or The periodicity of this synchronization auxiliary signal is frequency band specific.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein, The operation of sending the synchronization auxiliary signal includes: The synchronization auxiliary signal is determined based on at least one coarsely numbered channel band, which is the operating band numbered to determine at least one frequency position of the synchronization auxiliary signal; and The synchronization auxiliary signal is transmitted at at least one frequency position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The frequency range is indicated by the at least one coarse synchronization auxiliary signal channel number corresponding to the frequency position where the synchronization auxiliary signal is transmitted.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The operation of sending this synchronization signal block includes: Based on at least one global synchronization channel number corresponding to the frequency band number within the frequency range, determine at least one frequency position of the synchronization signal block; and The synchronization signal block is transmitted at at least one frequency position within the frequency range.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein, The synchronization assistance signal comprises a bit sequence, wherein the positions of the non-zero elements of the bit sequence indicate satellite position assistance information, including at least one of the following: The minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index; Satellite altitude information; and The number of repetitions of the synchronization auxiliary signal or the synchronization signal block for different beam sets.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein, The synchronization auxiliary signal comprises a one-bit sequence, and the method further includes: The processor performs masking on the bit sequence using a mask sequence applied to the non-zero elements of the bit sequence. The mask sequence indicates satellite position assistance information, including at least one of the following: The minimum or maximum elevation angle of a beam index; Satellite altitude information; and The number of repetitions of the synchronization auxiliary signal or the synchronization signal block for different beam sets.

20. An apparatus comprising: A transceiver that communicates wirelessly with network nodes during operation; as well as A processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver causes the processor to perform several operations during operation, including: The transceiver receives synchronization auxiliary signals from the network node. The frequency range is determined based on the reception of the synchronization auxiliary signal; and The transceiver receives synchronization signal blocks from the network node within the frequency range.

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