Providing RRC parameters in network controlled repeater deployments

Abstract

The network transmits synchronization signal block (SSB) signals to the signal forwarding device via a first beam selected from a first set of beams utilized by the network to transmit the SSB signals. Each of the first set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from a first set of SSB indexes. The network also transmits SSB configuration information indicating a second set of beams that the signal forwarding device can use to forward the SSB signals. Each of the second set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from the second set of SSB indexes. In response to receiving an indication from the signal forwarding device that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device is a preferred beam candidate, the network schedules transmission for the UE device via the signal forwarding device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claims This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 63 / 388,739, entitled "INITIAL BEAM MANAGEMENT FOR NETWORK CONTROLLED REPEATER DEPLOYMENTS," filed July 13, 2022, with Docket No. TPRO 00375 US, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to configuring a signal forwarding device for communicating with a user equipment (UE) device. [Background technology]

[0003] Beamforming is a traffic signaling system for cellular base stations that identifies the most efficient spatial direction of data delivery to a specific user equipment (UE) device while reducing interference to other nearby UE devices. Beamforming involves focusing signals into a concentrated beam that points in the direction of a specific UE device, rather than broadcasting the signal in all directions at once. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The apparatus, system, and method described herein are directed to a network that transmits synchronization signal block (SSB) signals to a signal forwarding device (e.g., NCR) via a first beam selected from a first set of beams utilized by the network to transmit the SSB signals. Each of the first set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from a first set of SSB indexes. The network also transmits SSB configuration information indicating a second set of beams that the signal forwarding device can use to forward the SSB signals. Each of the second set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from the second set of SSB indexes. In response to receiving an indication from the signal forwarding device that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device is a preferred beam candidate, the network schedules transmission for the UE device via the signal forwarding device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] 1 is a block diagram of an example system in which a base station of a network communicates with user equipment (UE) devices located at particular angles and distances from the base station.

[0006] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a system in which the set of SSB indices that a first signal forwarding device can use to forward SSB signals is the same as one or more of the sets of SSB indices that a base station utilizes to transmit SSB signals.

[0007] [Figure 2A] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of the base station shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3, and 4.

[0008] [Figure 2B] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a user equipment device shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3, and 4.

[0009] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a system in which a set of SSB indices that a first signal forwarding device can use to forward SSB signals is different from the set of SSB indices that a base station uses to transmit SSB signals.

[0010] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a system in which the set of SSB indices that a first signal forwarding device can use to forward SSB signals is the same as one or more of the sets of SSB indices that a base station utilizes to transmit SSB signals.

[0011] [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of an example of a method implemented in a network, the method including transmitting an SSB signal and SSB configuration information to a signal forwarding device, the method further including scheduling transmissions for the UE device via the signal forwarding device in response to receiving an indication from the signal forwarding device that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device is a preferred beam candidate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) base station uses multiple antennas to transmit signals to one or more intended user equipment (UE) devices. MIMO can also refer to a class of technologies for transmitting and receiving two or more data signals simultaneously over the same wireless channel by taking advantage of multipath propagation.

[0013] MIMO base stations use narrow beams to transmit data to specific UE devices within the base station's coverage area because higher frequency bands have higher path loss. Figure 1A is a block diagram of an example system in which a base station communicates with a UE device located at a known angle and distance from the base station, and this information can be used by the base station to form a beam for transmitting data to the UE device. For simplicity, Figure 1A illustrates only one UE device 102. However, in other examples, any number of UE devices may be used.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2B, the user equipment device (UE) 102 includes a controller 216, a transmitter 218, a receiver 214, and an antenna 212, as well as other electronics, hardware, and software code. The UE device 102 may also be referred to herein as a UE device or a wireless communication device (WCD). The UE 102 is wirelessly connected to a radio access network (not shown) via a base station 106 that provides various wireless services to the UE 102. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the UE 102 operates in accordance with at least one revision of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5G New Radio (3GPP 5G NR) communication specification. In other examples, the UE 102 may operate in accordance with other communication specifications. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the UE 102 has the same components, circuitry, and configuration as the UE 102 of FIG. 2B. However, the UE 102 of FIG. 1A may have different components, circuitry, and configuration from the UE 102 of FIG. 2B in other examples.

[0015] The UE 102 is any fixed, mobile, or portable device that performs the functions described herein. The various functions and operations of the blocks described with reference to the UE 102 may be implemented in any number of devices, circuits, or elements. Two or more of the functional blocks may be integrated into a single device, and functionality described as being performed in any single device may be implemented across several devices.

[0016] The controller 216 includes any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware for performing the functions described herein and facilitating the overall functionality of the user equipment device. An example of a suitable controller 216 includes software code running on a microprocessor or processor arrangement coupled to memory. The transmitter 218 includes electronics configured to transmit wireless signals. In some circumstances, the transmitter 218 may include multiple transmitters. The receiver 214 includes electronics configured to receive wireless signals. In some circumstances, the receiver 214 may include multiple receivers. The receiver 214 and the transmitter 218 receive and transmit signals, respectively, via the antenna 212. The antenna 212 may include separate transmit and receive antennas. In some circumstances, the antenna 212 may include multiple transmit and receive antennas.

[0017] The transmitter 218 and receiver 214 in the example of FIG. 2B perform radio frequency (RF) processing, including modulation and demodulation. Accordingly, the receiver 214 may include components such as a low noise amplifier (LNA) and a filter. The transmitter 218 may include a filter and an amplifier. Other components may include an isolator, a matching circuit, and other RF components. These components, in combination with or in cooperation with other components, perform user equipment device functions. The required components may depend on the specific functionality required by the user equipment device.

[0018] The transmitter 218 includes a modulator (not shown), and the receiver 214 includes a demodulator (not shown). The modulator can apply any one of a plurality of modulation orders to modulate the signal transmitted by the transmitter 218. The demodulator demodulates the received signal according to one of the plurality of modulation orders.

[0019] For clarity and brevity, only one base station is shown in FIG. 1A . However, in other examples, any suitable number of base stations may be utilized. In the example of FIG. 1A , a base station 106 provides wireless service to UEs within a coverage area 108. Although not explicitly shown, the coverage area 108 may be comprised of multiple cells. In the example shown in FIG. 1A , the base station 106, which may also be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB, may receive uplink messages from UE devices and transmit downlink messages to UE devices.

[0020] The base station 106 is connected to the network via a backhaul (not shown) using known techniques. As shown in FIG. 2A , the base station 106 includes a controller 204, a transmitter 206, a receiver 208, and an antenna 210, as well as other electronics, hardware, and code. The base station 106 is any fixed, mobile, or portable device that performs the functions described herein. The various functions and operations of the blocks described with reference to the base station 106 may be implemented in any number of devices, circuits, or elements. Two or more of the functional blocks may be integrated into a single device, and functionality described as being implemented in any single device may be implemented across several devices.

[0021] In the example shown in FIG. 2A , the base station 106 may be a fixed device or facility that is installed at a specific location during system deployment. Examples of such equipment include a fixed base station or a fixed transceiver station. In some circumstances, the base station 106 may be a mobile device that is temporarily installed at a specific location. Some examples of such equipment include a mobile transceiver station that may include power generation equipment such as a generator, solar panels, and / or batteries. Larger and heavier versions of such equipment may be transported by trailer. In still other circumstances, the base station 106 may be a portable device that is not fixed to any specific location. Thus, the base station 106 may be a portable user device, such as a UE device, in some circumstances.

[0022] The controller 204 includes any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware for performing the functions described herein and facilitating the overall functionality of the base station 106. An example of a suitable controller 204 includes code running on a microprocessor or processor arrangement coupled to memory. The transmitter 206 includes electronics configured to transmit wireless signals. In some circumstances, the transmitter 206 may include multiple transmitters. The receiver 208 includes electronics configured to receive wireless signals. In some circumstances, the receiver 208 may include multiple receivers. The receiver 208 and the transmitter 206 receive and transmit signals, respectively, via an antenna 210. The antenna 210 may include separate transmit and receive antennas. In some circumstances, the antenna 210 may include multiple transmit and receive antennas.

[0023] The transmitter 206 and receiver 208 in the example of FIG. 2A perform radio frequency (RF) processing, including modulation and demodulation. Accordingly, the receiver 208 may include components such as a low noise amplifier (LNA) and a filter. The transmitter 206 may include a filter and an amplifier. Other components may include an isolator, a matching circuit, and other RF components. These components, in combination with or in cooperation with other components, perform base station functions. The required components may depend on the specific functionality required by the base station.

[0024] The transmitter 206 includes a modulator (not shown), and the receiver 208 includes a demodulator (not shown). The modulator modulates the signal to be transmitted, and can apply any one of several modulation orders. The demodulator demodulates any uplink signals received at the base station 106 according to one of several modulation orders.

[0025] As shown in the example of FIG. 1A, the system 100 includes a base station 106 having a coverage area 108. A UE device 102 (e.g., a UE A) is located within the coverage area 108. More specifically, the UE device 102 is located at an angle φ A along the distance d from the base station 106 A In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the angle φ A is the horizontal angle (e.g., azimuth angle) from a cardinal direction (e.g., north). In another example, the angle φ A may be determined relative to any other suitable reference direction. As will be explained more fully below, a beam sweeping operation may be used to determine the optimal beam for the base station 106 to transmit a synchronization signal block (SSB) signal to the UE device 102, which in FIG. 1A is angle φ from the base station 106. A The SSB signal may be transmitted at a transmit power based on the distance between the UE device 102 and the base station 106.

[0026] Because a narrow beam can only reach a small portion of a coverage area at a given time, the base station performs a beam sweeping operation to reach different portions of the coverage area. Similarly, a UE device within the coverage area of ​​a base station also performs its own sweeping operation to determine the best link for communicating with the base station. The UE device obtains the best link when the transmit / receive beam pair is optimal for the UE device at a particular time. Depending on the number of beams and the coverage area size, the beam sweeping operation can be time-consuming. In practice, the beam sweeping operation requires several iterations, starting from an initial suboptimal beam pair. After further channel state information (CSI) is exchanged between the base station and the UE device, a beam refinement process is performed until an optimal transmit / receive beam pair is determined.

[0027] In the 3GPP 5G NR communication specifications, a base station transmits SSB signals during a beam sweeping procedure using one beam in one direction, then transmits the next SSB block in a different direction using a different beam, and so on. Each SSB signal is transmitted with an SSB index (e.g., an identifier) ​​to facilitate identification of the beam on which that particular SSB signal was transmitted. The SSB signal is repeatedly transmitted in different directions using different beams until the SSB signal has been effectively transmitted to all parts of the coverage area. This burst of SSB transmission is repeated at a fixed periodicity (e.g., time interval) known to UE devices located within the base station's coverage area.

[0028] A UE device receiving an SSB transmission performs beam strength measurements for each received SSB transmission. Based on a comparison of the beam strength measurements, the UE device transmits a report to the base station that includes the SSB index(es) of the best candidate beam. The report from the UE device enables the base station to determine the best direction to apply for transmission to and from the reporting UE device.

[0029] A radio frequency (RF) repeater is a network node that performs amplify-and-forward (A&F) operations on signals received from a donor base station (e.g., gNB). While RF repeaters provide a cost-effective means of extending network coverage, RF repeaters have limitations. For example, RF repeaters simply perform A&F operations without considering various factors that may improve performance. Such factors may include information about quasi-static and / or dynamic downlink / uplink configurations, adaptive transmitter / receiver spatial beamforming, on / off states, etc.

[0030] Network-controlled repeaters (NCRs) are more enhanced than traditional RF repeaters, with the ability to receive and process side-control information from the network. The side-control information can enable the NCR to perform A&F operations in a more efficient manner. For example, the NCR can use the side-control information to mitigate unwanted noise amplification, transmit and receive signals with better spatial directionality, and simplify network integration.

[0031] To achieve simplicity and backward compatibility, the NCR is transparent to the UE device. Thus, in some examples, during initial beam acquisition, the NCR performs A&F operations on the set of assigned SSB transmissions. Thus, in these examples, the gNB assigns a first set of SSB indices to the NCR (e.g., #K+1, K+2, ..., K+L) and transmits SSB signals toward the NCR using the first set of SSB indices.

[0032] The NCR performs A&F operations on SSB signals received from the gNB. When performing A&F operations, the NCR transmits (e.g., forwards) SSB signals having a first set of assigned SSB indexes, and each forwarded SSB signal is transmitted in a different direction from the NCR to reach all of the different portions of the NCR's coverage area. However, such a configuration can cause problems.

[0033] For example, consider the situation shown in FIG. 1B in which (1) UE device A 102 is located within the coverage area 108 of gNB 106 and receives SSB signals from gNB 106, (2) UE device B 104 is located within the coverage area of ​​NCR #1 110 and receives SSB signals from NCR #1 110, and (3) gNB 106 and NCR #1 110 transmit their respective SSB signals using at least some of the same set of SSB indices 112 (e.g., #K+1, #K+2, ..., #K+L) to the gNB 106. This problem arises when both UE device A 102 and UE device B 104 report the same SSB index (e.g., #K+1) to the gNB 106 as their best beam candidate. Based on the reported SSB indices, the gNB 106 cannot determine whether either of the reporting UE devices 102, 104 is located within the coverage area of ​​the NCR. This is a problem because the gNB 106 must be able to reliably determine that the UE device B 104 is within the coverage area of ​​the NCR #1, 110 so that the gNB 106 can transmit data for the UE device B 104 to be relayed / forwarded via the NCR #1, 110. Therefore, a solution to this problem is needed. The apparatus, systems, and methods described below may advantageously enable the network to schedule data transmissions for UE devices within the coverage area of ​​an NCR.

[0034] For example, the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein are directed to a network that transmits SSB signals to a signal forwarding device (e.g., an NCR) via a first beam selected from a first set of beams utilized by the network to transmit the SSB signals. Each of the first set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from a first set of SSB indexes. The network also transmits SSB configuration information indicating a second set of beams that the signal forwarding device can use to forward the SSB signals. Each of the second set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from the second set of SSB indexes. In response to receiving an indication from the signal forwarding device that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device is a preferred beam candidate, the network schedules transmission for the UE device via the signal forwarding device.

[0035] In some examples, the second set of SSB indices is different from the first set of SSB indices. In other examples where the second set of SSB indices is the same as one or more of the first set of SSB indices, the network may transmit SSB signals via the first set of beams during a first period that is different from a second period during which the signal forwarding device forwards the SSB signals via the second set of beams. In still further examples, the network may select timing and / or frequency resources for transmitting SSB signals such that the SSB signal transmissions do not interfere with signal forwarding devices forwarding SSB signals.

[0036] Although the different examples described herein may be described separately, any of the features of any of the examples may be added to, omitted from, or combined with any other example. Similarly, any of the features of any of the examples may be performed in parallel or in a different manner / order than described or shown herein.

[0037] During operation, the network transmits SSB signals to the signal forwarding device via first beams selected from a first set of beams utilized by the network to transmit SSB signals. Each of the first set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from a first set of SSB indexes. The network also transmits SSB configuration information to the signal forwarding device indicating a second set of beams that the signal forwarding device can use to forward SSB signals. Each of the second set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from the second set of SSB indexes. An example of this configuration is shown in FIG. 3, where the base station 106 implements at least a portion of the network's functionality.

[0038] In some examples, the base station 106 performs all of the network functionality described herein (e.g., transmitting SSB signals, transmitting SSB configuration information, receiving indications regarding preferred beam candidates, and scheduling transmissions for LIE devices via signal forwarding devices). In other examples, the base station 106 may perform some of the network functionality described herein, and one or more other base stations or components of the network may perform one or more other network functions.

[0039] 3, network controlled repeaters (e.g., NCR #1 110 and NCR #2 114) are used as signal forwarding devices, however, in other examples, intelligent reflective surfaces (IRS) may be used as signal forwarding devices.

[0040] In some examples, an NCR is located at or near the edge of a gNB's coverage area. Thus, in these examples, SSB transmissions from the base station 106 are unlikely to interfere with SSB transmissions from NCR #1 110 as received by UE device B 104. However, in other examples, SSB transmissions from the base station 106 may cause interference to UE devices served by the NCR. To avoid such situations, the base station 106, in some examples, may refrain from transmitting SSB signals when the NCR is transmitting / transmitting SSB signals and / or when transmitting SSB signals on a set of frequency resources or subbands different from those utilized by the NCR.

[0041] 3 illustrates a base station 106 of a network transmitting SSB signals to NCR#1 110 via a first beam selected from a first set of beams utilized by the network to transmit SSB signals. Each of the first set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from a first set of SSB indexes. The base station 106 also transmits SSB configuration information to NCR#1 110 indicating a second set of beams that NCR#1 110 can use to forward SSB signals. Each of the second set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from the second set of SSB indexes. In some examples, the base station 106 can receive a request from NCR#1 110 for a particular number of SSB indexes to be included in the second set of SSB indexes. In these examples, the base station 106 can include the requested number of SSB indexes in the second set of SSB indexes in the SSB configuration information.

[0042] In some examples, the SSB configuration information indicates a set of resource NCRs 1, 110 that are permitted to be used to transmit SSB signals. More specifically, the base station 106 can indicate which SSB indexes and which SSB resource NCRs 1, 110 are permitted to be used. In the example of FIG. 3, the base station 106 configures the NCRs 1, 110 using SSB indexes #K+1 through #K+L. For SSB resources, the base station 106 configures the NCRs 1, 110 using a bitmap for available resources within a group and another bitmap for the presence and periodicity of the group (e.g., similar to the ssb-PositionsInBurst and ssb-periodicityServingCell information).

[0043] In some examples, the second set of SSB indices is different from the first set of SSB indices. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a system in which the set of SSB indices that the first signal forwarding device can use to forward SSB signals is different from the set of SSB indices that the base station utilizes to transmit SSB signals. More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates that the base station 106 transmits SSB configuration information to the NCR #1 110 indicating the second set of SSB indices (e.g., #K+1, K+2, ..., K+L) that the NCR #1 110 can use when forwarding SSB signals. Thus, in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the second set of SSB indices (e.g., #K+1, K+2, K+L) is different from the first set of SSB indices (e.g., #1, #2, #K, #K+L+1).

[0044] In some examples, the base station 106 transmits SSB configuration information to the NCR #1 110 via SSB signals containing a Master Information Block (MIB) message containing a set of Radio Resource Control (RRC) parameters to be used by the NCR #1 110 when transmitting the forwarded SSB signals. In other examples, the base station 106 explicitly configures the NCR #1 110 with the set of RRC parameters. These alternative methods of the base station 106 configuring the NCR with the appropriate SSB configuration information are represented in Figures 3 and 4 using the "MIB / RRC" label on the signaling from the base station 106 to the NCR.

[0045] For example, an SSB signal includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a master information block (MIB). The MIB includes a set of RRC parameters. When the NCR generates a forwarded SSB signal, the NCR also needs to configure the RRC parameters in the MIB of the forwarded SSB signal. In some examples, the NCR obtains the set of RRC parameters from the MIB transmitted by the gNB and configures the RRC parameters in the MIB of the forwarded SSB signal to match the set of RRC parameters received in the SSB signal from the gNB. In other examples, the gNB explicitly configures the NCR by transmitting a set of RRC parameters in a control signal to the NCR, and the NCR configures the RRC parameters in the MIB of the forwarded SSB signal to match the set of RRC parameters received in the control signal.

[0046] Similarly, the NCR transmits a System Information Block 1 (SIB1) message containing information provided by the gNB. The SIB1 message is also transmitted by the NCR in the same direction as the SSB signal. Otherwise, the UE device cannot decode the SIB1 message. For example, after the UE device successfully decodes the MIB and obtains information about the control resource set (CORSET), the UE device can find the SIB1 message using the acquired physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space. In particular, by obtaining the SIB1 message, the UE device can determine ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB, which is part of the RACH-ConfigCommon information element.

[0047] Using the SSB configuration information received from the base station 106, the NCR #1 110 generates its SSB signals with the allowed SSB indexes and transmits them within the allowed SSB resources. In some examples, the NCR #1 110 adjusts the beam weight for each SSB signal based on the number of SSBs the NCR #1 110 is allowed to use to transmit broadcast information to all portions of the NCR #1 110's coverage area.

[0048] Applying the example of FIG. 3, UE device A102 receives an SSB signal having SSB index #K+L+1 from base station 106, and UE device B104 receives a transmitted SSB signal having SSB index #K+1 from NCR #1 110. Upon receiving their respective SSB signals, UE device A102 and UE device B104 determine their respective preferred beam candidates. Assuming that the preferred beam candidate for UE device A102 is the SSB signal having SSB index #K+L+1, UE device A102 transmits an indication (e.g., report) to base station 106 that the SSB signal having SSB index #K+L+1 is the preferred beam candidate. Assuming that the preferred beam candidate for UE device B104 is the SSB signal having SSB index #K+1, UE device B104 transmits an indication (e.g., report) to base station 106 that the transmitted SSB signal having SSB index #K+1 is the preferred beam candidate. In some examples, the report from UE device B 104 is forwarded to the base station 106 by NCR#1 110. In other examples, the report from UE device B 104 is sent directly to the base station 106.

[0049] Since a second set of SSB indexes (e.g., #K+1, K+2,...., K+L) is assigned to NCR#1,110, the base station 106 determines that the UE device B104 is within the coverage area of NCR#1,110 and the UE device A102 is within its own coverage area 108. Thus, in some examples, in response to receiving an indication that the transferred SSB signal received from the UE device B104 from NCR#1,110 is a preferred beam candidate, the base station 106 uses its control unit 204 to schedule a transmission for the UE device B104 via NCR#1,110. In other examples, a network entity other than the base station that receives a report from the UE device (e.g., another base station) may be used to schedule downlink / uplink data transmission for the UE device B104 via NCR#1,110. Regardless of which network entity performs the scheduling, the network transmits scheduling information to NCR#1,110 to schedule a transmission via NCR#1,110 for the UE device B104.

[0050] FIG. 3 also shows an example where the distance between the first signal transfer device and the second signal transfer device is below a threshold distance. More specifically, the example of FIG. 3 shows that the set 112 of SSB indexes that can be used by NCR#1,110 when transferring an SSB signal is different from the set 116 of SSB indexes that can be used by NCR#2,114 when transferring an SSB signal. Each of the SSB indexes within the set 116 of SSB indexes is associated with a beam selected from a set of beams that can be used by NCR#2,114 to transfer an SSB signal when the distance d between NCR##1,110 and NCR#2,114 is below a minimum threshold distance d0 (e.g., d < d0). In other examples where the distance between adjacent NCRs is greater than or equal to the minimum threshold distance (e.g., d > d0), it can be assumed that transmissions from the NCRs do not interfere with each other.

[0051] In the foregoing example, different sets of SSB indices are utilized by the base station and one or more signal forwarding devices to facilitate determining whether a UE device is within the coverage area of ​​the base station or a particular signal forwarding device. In another example, the second set of beams that the signal forwarding device can use to forward SSB signals are the same as one or more of the first set of SSB indices utilized by the base station to transmit SSB signals. An example of such a configuration is shown in FIG. 4.

[0052] 4 is a block diagram of an example system in which the set of SSB indices that the signal forwarding device can use to forward SSB signals is the same as one or more of the sets of SSB indices that the base station 106 uses to transmit SSB signals. For example, FIG. 4 shows that the set of SSB indices that the NCR #1 110 can use to forward SSB signals (e.g., #K+1, K+2, ..., K+L) is the same as a subset of the SSB indices that the base station 106 uses to transmit SSB signals. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the SSB indices that the base station 106 uses to transmit SSB signals include #1, #2, ..., #K, #K+1, K+2, ..., K+L. Therefore, the set of SSB indices that the NCR #1 110 uses to forward SSB signals (e.g., #K+1, K+2, ..., K+L) is a subset of the SSB indices that the base station 106 uses to transmit SSB signals.

[0053] To distinguish between transmissions from the base station 106 and transmissions from NCR #1 110, the base station 106 utilizes its transmitter 206 to transmit SSB signals via a first set of beams during a first period that is different from a second period during which NCR #1 110 transmits (e.g., forwards) SSB signals via a second set of beams. The network can utilize information received in a report from a UE device to determine which base station or NCR transmitted / forwarded the SSB signal that is the preferred beam candidate for the reporting UE device. In addition to the SSB index, the information can include timing information and / or frequency resource information associated with the SSB signal transmission that is the preferred beam candidate for the reporting UE device.

[0054] In another example, assume that the periodicity of a set of SSB bursts transmitted by base station 106 consists of a number L of SSBs, is 80 ms, and L< <L max Thus, the first burst set can be completed in 20 ms, and a time-shifted burst set from the base station 106 can begin 20 ms later using one or more of the same SSB indices assigned to NCR #1, 110. Each of these SSB burst sets from the base station 106 can repeat with the same 80 ms periodicity. The network can determine the preferred beam candidate indicated by the UE device by noting the SSB index (e.g., based on the selected random access channel (RACH) resource) as well as the time shift indicated in the report received from the UE device (e.g., when the RACH is transmitted). This configuration advantageously enables the use of narrow beamwidths designed for higher frequency bands in 3GPP 5G NR (e.g., FR2).

[0055] In the FR2 example, the number of SSB indices is much higher (e.g., L max= 64), which is necessary to create narrower beams so that an increased number of beams cover a similar area during beam sweeping compared to the lower frequency bands of 3GPP 5G NR (e.g., FR1). However, in these scenarios, the same L max Assuming that SSBs are available, NCR #1,110 is assigned only a subset of the SSB indices, which means that a wider beamwidth is used to cover a similar coverage area.

[0056] In a further example, the gNB can determine which NCR the UE device is accessing from either an SSB index reported by the UE device or a physical random access channel (PRACH) resource used by the UE device. In some examples, the gNB can selectively reject an RRC setup request received at the network from the UE device via an NCR (e.g., when the UE device is attempting to establish a connection with the network via an NCR). In a further example, the gNB can selectively accept an RRC setup request received at the network from the UE device via an NCR when a condition is met. In some examples, any suitable condition can be utilized to enable the gNB to selectively accept an RRC setup request received from a UE device attempting to establish a connection via an NCR.

[0057] In still further examples, SSB-based cell barring is used to bar UE devices served by an NCR from attempting to establish a connection with the network through the serving NCR. More specifically, in these examples, the gNB sends an instruction to the NCR to set the "cellBarred" value in its forwarded SSB signals to "barred." In some examples, the gNB can instruct the NCR via dedicated signaling whether the MIB in its forwarded SSB signals should indicate "barred" or "notBarred."

[0058] In response to receiving an instruction from the gNB indicating that the NCR should set its "cellBarred" value as "barred," the NCR transmits a forwarded SSB signal, and the "cellBarred" value in the MIB is set to "barred." Meanwhile, the "cellBarred" value in the MIB for the SSB signal transmitted from the gNB is set to "notBarred." This approach prohibits all forwarded SSB signals from the NCR, thereby preventing UE devices served by the NCR from attempting to establish a connection with the network via the NCR. However, in some examples, UE devices served by the NCR may still be permitted to attempt to establish a connection with the network if the RRC setup request includes an establishment cause field set to "emergency." This system configuration advantageously enables connection establishment in emergency situations that would not be possible if the NCR were simply turned off.

[0059] In other examples, the gNB and the NCR transmit their respective SSB signals using the same set of time-frequency resources and the same (or at least partially overlapping) set of SSB indices. However, in these examples, the UE device served by the gNB and the UE device served by the NCR are assigned different sets of physical random access channel (PRACH) resources. For example, the gNB may transmit different MIB / SIB1 messages (within the SSB signal) to inform the UE device of the PRACH resource assignment. In some of these examples, the ssb-SubcarrierOffset field is used to indicate the presence of a SIB1 message, and the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 field indicates the frequency location where the UE device can find the SSB blocks in the SIB1 message. In other examples, the gNB transmits a first set of SSB signals that (1) indicates a first set of PRACH resources allocated to the network for transmitting SSB signals and (2) includes instructions to the NCR to refrain from forwarding the first set of SSB signals received from the gNB. The gNB transmits a second set of SSB signals that (1) indicates another set of PRACH resources allocated to the NCR for transmitting the forwarded SSB signals, and (2) includes instructions to the NCR to forward the second set of SSB signals to the UE device within the coverage area of ​​the NCR.

[0060] The above-described techniques describe selective forwarding of MIB / SIB1 messages by the NCR, which may require that UE devices served by the gNB be signaled to ignore the second set of SSB signals. Thus, in these examples, the gNB sends an instruction to the UE device (e.g., the gNB) served by the network to ignore the second set of SSB signals. However, if the gNB transmits the second set of SSB signals with different PRACH information to the NCR over the control link as a dedicated message or as part of the NCR configuration information, this signaling to the UE device for selective listening is not necessary. The NCR uses the MIB / SIB1 information provided by the gNB to generate and broadcast a MIB / SIB1 message that includes the PRACH resources allocated to the NCR for transmitting the forwarded SSB signals.

[0061] 5 is a flowchart of an example method implemented in a network. The method includes transmitting an SSB signal and SSB configuration information to a signal forwarding device. The method further includes scheduling transmission for the UE device via the signal forwarding device in response to receiving an indication from the signal forwarding device that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device is a preferred beam candidate. In step 502, the network transmits the SSB signal to the signal forwarding device via a first beam of a first set of beams utilized by the network to transmit the SSB signal. Each of the first set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from a first set of SSB indexes.

[0062] In step 504, the network transmits SSB configuration information indicating a second set of beams that the signal forwarding device can use to forward SSB signals. Each of the second set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from the second set of SSB indexes. In step 506, the network receives an indication from a UE device within the coverage area of ​​the signal forwarding device that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device from the signal forwarding device is a preferred beam candidate. In step 508, the network schedules transmission for the UE device via the signal forwarding device in response to receiving the indication from the signal forwarding device that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device is a preferred beam candidate.

[0063] In other examples, one or more of the steps of method 500 may be omitted, combined, performed in parallel, or performed in a different order than described herein or illustrated in Figure 5. In still further examples, additional steps may be added to method 500 that are not explicitly described in connection with the example illustrated in Figure 5.

[0064] Clearly, other embodiments and modifications of the present invention will occur readily to those skilled in the art in view of these teachings. The above description is illustrative, not limiting. The present invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims, which include all such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specification and accompanying drawings. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

1. a network, The signal transmission device a first synchronization signal block (SSB) signal via a first beam selected from a first set of beams utilized by the network to transmit the first SSB signal, each of the first set of beams being associated with an SSB index selected from a first set of SSB indexes; SSB configuration information indicating a second set of beams that the signal forwarding device can use to transmit forwarded SSB signals, each of the second set of beams being associated with an SSB index selected from a second set of SSB indexes; and A set of Radio Resource Control (RRC) parameters to be used when transmitting the forwarded SSB signal. a transmitter configured to transmit A receiver configured to receive an indication from a user equipment (UE) device within a coverage area of ​​the signal forwarding device that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device from the signal forwarding device is a preferred beam candidate; a control unit configured to schedule transmission for the UE device via the signal forwarding device in response to receiving the indication that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device from the signal forwarding device is a preferred beam candidate; A network comprising:

2. The network of claim 1 , wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit the set of RRC parameters in the first SSB signal.

3. The network of claim 1 , wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit the set of RRC parameters in a control signal.

4. The network of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to reject an RRC setup request received at the network from the UE device via the signal forwarding device.

5. The network of claim 4 , wherein the control unit is further configured to selectively accept the RRC setup request received at the network from the UE device via the signal forwarding device when a condition is met.

6. The network of claim 5 , wherein the condition is met if the RRC setup request includes an establishment cause field set to “emergency”.

7. The network of claim 1 , wherein the transmitter is further configured to send an instruction to the signal forwarding device to set a “cellBarred” value in the forwarded SSB signal to “barred.”

8. The transmission unit transmitting a second SSB signal indicating a first set of physical random access channel (PRACH) resources allocated to the network to transmit the first SSB signal; 2. The network of claim 1, further configured to send, via dedicated signaling, an instruction to the signal forwarding device to refrain from forwarding the second SSB signal.

9. The transmission unit transmitting a third SSB signal indicating a second set of PRACH resources allocated to the signal forwarding device to transmit the forwarded SSB signal; 9. The network of claim 8, further configured to send, via dedicated signaling, an instruction to the signal forwarding device to forward the third SSB signal to the UE device within the coverage area of ​​the signal forwarding device.

10. 10. The network of claim 9, wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit instructions to UE devices served by the network to ignore the third SSB signal.

11. A signal forwarding device, From the network, a first synchronization signal block (SSB) signal via a first beam selected from a first set of beams utilized by the network to transmit the first SSB signal, each of the first set of beams being associated with an SSB index selected from a first set of SSB indexes; SSB configuration information indicating a second set of beams that the signal forwarding device can use to transmit forwarded SSB signals, each of the second set of beams being associated with an SSB index selected from a second set of SSB indexes; and A set of Radio Resource Control (RRC) parameters to be used when transmitting the forwarded SSB signal. a receiver configured to receive the a transmitting unit configured to transmit the forwarded SSB signals to a user equipment (UE) device within a coverage area of ​​the signal forwarding device; Equipped with The receiving unit is further configured to receive, from the network, scheduling information for scheduling transmission via the signal forwarding device for the UE device, the scheduling information being transmitted in response to the network receiving, from the signal forwarding device, an indication that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device is a preferred beam candidate. Signal transmission device.

12. The signal forwarding device according to claim 11, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive the set of RRC parameters in the first SSB signal.

13. The signal forwarding device according to claim 11, wherein the receiver is further configured to receive the set of RRC parameters in a control signal.

14. 12. The signal forwarding device of claim 11, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive an instruction from the network to set a "cellBarred" value in the forwarded SSB signal to "barred".

15. The receiving unit receiving a second SSB signal indicating a first set of physical random access channel (PRACH) resources allocated to the network and transmitting the first SSB signal; 12. The signal forwarding device of claim 11, further configured to receive, via dedicated signaling, an instruction requesting the signal forwarding device to refrain from forwarding the second SSB signal.

16. The receiving unit receiving a third SSB signal indicating a second set of PRACH resources allocated to the signal forwarding device and transmitting the forwarded SSB signal; 16. The signal forwarding device of claim 15, further configured to receive, via dedicated signaling, an instruction requesting the signal forwarding device to forward the third SSB signal to the UE device within the coverage area of ​​the signal forwarding device.

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