Initial access coverage extension

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for initial access coverage extension indication. A method may include receiving, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may also include detecting a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may further include determining, based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. The method may also include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

Description

TITLE:INITIAL ACCESS COVERAGE EXTENSIONFIELD:

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology, or 5G beyond, or sixth generation (6G) access technology, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to initial access coverage extension.BACKGROUND:

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology and / or sixth generation (6G) radio access technology. Fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G and 6G network technology is mostly based on new radio (NR) technology, but the 5G / 6G (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR may provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit / s or higher, and may support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (loT).SUMMARY:

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal. The method may also include detecting a demodulation reference signal sequence in a physical broadcast channel based on the determined physical cell identifier. According to certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The method may further include determining, based on the detected demodulation referencesignal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0004] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal. The apparatus may also be caused to detect a demodulation reference signal sequence in a physical broadcast channel based on the determined physical cell identifier. According to certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. Further, the apparatus may be caused to determine, based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal. The apparatus may also include means for detecting a demodulation reference signal sequence in a physical broadcast channel based on the determined physical cell identifier. According to certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may further include means for determining, based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the apparatus may include means for, in response to the determination that thereceived transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0006] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal. The method may also include detecting a demodulation reference signal sequence in a physical broadcast channel based on the determined physical cell identifier. According to certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The method may further include determining, based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal. The method may also include detecting a demodulation reference signal sequence in a physical broadcast channel based on the determined physical cell identifier. According to certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The method may further include determining, based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to determine a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primarysynchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to detect a demodulation reference signal sequence in a physical broadcast channel based on the determined physical cell identifier. According to certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to determine, based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. Further, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0009] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include transmitting, to a user equipment, at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal associated with a physical cell identifier. The method may also include generating a demodulation reference sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block . According to certain example embodiments, generation of the demodulation reference signal sequence may be a function of a synchronization signal block index, the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor. The method may further include transmitting the demodulation reference signal sequence to the user equipment.

[0010] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit, to a user equipment, at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal associated with a physical cell identifier. The apparatus may also be caused to generate a demodulation reference sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the demodulation reference signal sequence may be a function of a synchronization signal block index, the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor. The apparatus may further be caused to transmit the demodulation reference signal sequence to the user equipment.

[0011] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus mayinclude means for transmitting, to a user equipment, at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal associated with a physical cell identifier. The apparatus may also include means for generating a demodulation reference signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the demodulation reference signal sequence may be a function of a synchronization signal block index, the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting the demodulation reference signal sequence to the user equipment.

[0012] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include transmitting, to a user equipment, at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal associated with a physical cell identifier. The method may also include generating a demodulation reference sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block . According to certain example embodiments, generation of the demodulation reference signal sequence may be a function of a synchronization signal block index, the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor. The method may further include transmitting the demodulation reference signal sequence to the user equipment.

[0013] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include transmitting, to a user equipment, at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal associated with a physical cell identifier. The method may also include generating a demodulation reference sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block . According to certain example embodiments, generation of the demodulation reference signal sequence may be a function of a synchronization signal block index, the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor. The method may further include transmitting the demodulation reference signal sequence to the user equipment.

[0014] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to transmit, to a user equipment, at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal associated with a physical cell identifier. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to generate a demodulation reference sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the demodulation reference signal sequence may be a function ofa synchronization signal block index, the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to transmit the demodulation reference signal sequence to the user equipment.

[0015] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal. The method may also include detecting the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence is associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The method may further include determining, based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a transmission instance for the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0016] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal. The apparatus may also be caused to detect the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may further be caused to determine, based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a transmission instance for the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0017] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primarysynchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal, the apparatus may also include means for detecting the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may further include means for determining, based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the apparatus may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, means for determining a transmission instance for the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0018] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal. The method may also include detecting the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence is associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The method may further include determining, based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a transmission instance for the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0019] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal. The method may also include detecting the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence is associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The method may further include determining, based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, atleast one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a transmission instance for the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0020] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to determine a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to detect the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to determine, based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. Further, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a transmission instance for the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0021] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include generating a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block and a physical cell identifier. The method may also include transmitting, to a user equipment, the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the primary synchronization signal sequence may be a function of the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor.

[0022] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to generate a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block and a physical cell identifier. The apparatus may also be caused to transmit, to a user equipment, the primarysynchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the primary synchronization signal sequence may be a function of the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor.

[0023] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for generating a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block and a physical cell identifier. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting, to a user equipment, the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the primary synchronization signal sequence may be a function of the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor.

[0024] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include generating a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block and a physical cell identifier. The method may also include transmitting, to a user equipment, the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the primary synchronization signal sequence may be a function of the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor.

[0025] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include generating a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block and a physical cell identifier. The method may also include transmitting, to a user equipment, the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the primary synchronization signal sequence may be a function of the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor.

[0026] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to generate a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block and a physical cell identifier. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit, to a user equipment, the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the primary synchronization signal sequence may be a function of the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor.

[0027] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may includegenerating physical broadcast channel symbols whose transmission is repeated. According to certain example embodiments, the physical broadcast channel symbols may be associated with a synchronization signal block. The method may also include, performing initial transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols to a user equipment on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The method may further include repeating transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0028] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to generate physical broadcast channel symbols whose transmission is repeated. According to certain example embodiments, the physical broadcast channel symbols may be associated with a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may also be caused to perform initial transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols to a user equipment on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The apparatus may further be caused to repeat transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0029] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for generating physical broadcast channel symbols whose transmission is repeated. According to certain example embodiments, the physical broadcast channel symbols may be associated with a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may also include means for performing initial transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols to a user equipment on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The apparatus may further include means for repeating transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0030] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readablemedium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include generating physical broadcast channel symbols whose transmission is repeated. According to certain example embodiments, the physical broadcast channel symbols may be associated with a synchronization signal block. The method may also include, performing initial transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols to a user equipment on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The method may further include repeating transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0031] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include generating physical broadcast channel symbols whose transmission is repeated. According to certain example embodiments, the physical broadcast channel symbols may be associated with a synchronization signal block. The method may also include, performing initial transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols to a user equipment on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The method may further include repeating transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0032] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to generate physical broadcast channel symbols whose transmission is repeated. According to certain example embodiments, the physical broadcast channel symbols are associated with a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to perform initial transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols to a user equipment on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to repeat transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0033] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving an initial transmission of physical broadcast channel symbols associated with a synchronization signal block, from a network element on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The method may also include receiving a repeated transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0034] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive an initial transmission of physical broadcast channel symbols associated with a synchronization signal block, from a network element on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The apparatus may also be caused to receive a repeated transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0035] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving an initial transmission of physical broadcast channel symbols associated with a synchronization signal block, from a network element on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a repeated transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0036] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving an initial transmission of physical broadcast channel symbols associated with a synchronization signal block, from a network element on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The method may also include receiving arepeated transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0037] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving an initial transmission of physical broadcast channel symbols associated with a synchronization signal block, from a network element on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The method may also include receiving a repeated transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0038] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive an initial transmission of physical broadcast channel symbols associated with a synchronization signal block, from a network element on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive a repeated transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0039] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include generating a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may also include transmitting, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence may indicate at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0040] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to generate a synchronization signal blockassociated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may also be caused to transmit, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence may indicate at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0041] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for generating a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence may indicate at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0042] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include generating a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may also include transmitting, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence may indicate at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0043] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include generating a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may also include transmitting, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence may indicate at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0044] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to generate a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence may indicate at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block

[0045] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may also include detecting a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may further include determining, based on the detected time location of the PSS sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0046] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may also be caused to detect a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may further be caused to determine, based on the detected time location of the PSS sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0047] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may also include means for detecting a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may further include means for determining, based on the detected time location of the PSS sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the apparatus may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, means for determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0048] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may also include detecting a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may further include determining, based on the detected time location of the PSS sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0049] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may also include detecting a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may further include determining, based on the detected time location of the PSS sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of thesynchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0050] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to detect a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to determine, based on the detected time location of the PSS sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0051] For proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates an example synchronization signal block (SSB) structure of 5G New Radio (NR).

[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates an example alternative structure of the SSB in FIG. 1.

[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of another alternative structure of the SSB in FIG. 1.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates an example SSB repetition configuration using demodulation reference signal (DMRS) for repetition indication, according to certain example embodiments.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of another SSB repetition configuration using DMRS for repetition indication, according to certain example embodiments.

[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates an example non-repeated SSB transmission and an example repeated SSB transmission using primary synchronization signal (PSS) for repetition indication, according to certain example embodiments.

[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates an example primary synchronization signal (PSS) sequence indicatinga number of repetitions for each transmitted SSB, according to certain example embodiments.

[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates an example PSS indication, according to certain example embodiments.

[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates an example repeated transmission of an SSB, according to certain example embodiments.

[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates an example configuration of an SSB transmission, according to certain example embodiments.

[0062] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a repeated SSB transmission, according to certain example embodiments.

[0063] FIG. 12 illustrates an example configuration of an SSB transmission, according to certain example embodiments.

[0064] FIG. 13 illustrates an example repetition of physical broadcast channel (PBCH) symbols, according to certain example embodiments.

[0065] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of another repetition of PBCH symbols, according to certain example embodiments.

[0066] FIG. 15 illustrates an example repeated PBCH symbol transmission, according to certain example embodiments.

[0067] FIG. 16 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0068] FIG. 17 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0069] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0070] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0071] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0072] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0073] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0074] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0075] FIG. 24 illustrates a set of apparatuses, according to certain example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0076] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for initial access coverage extension indication. For instance, certain example embodiments may relate to initial access coverage extension (e.g., for low power wide area in a 6G system).

[0077] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Further, the terms “base station”, “cell”, “node”, “gNB”, “network” or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably.

[0078] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0079] The first release of 6G may provide future compatible support for lower power wireless access (LPWA) devices. For instance, 6G may support synchronization signal block (SSB) design such that LPWA devices may be able to process and receive the SSB for certain maximum bandwidth and coverage requirements. The coverage requirements may be more stringent than, for example, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) user equipment (UEs).

[0080] FIG. 1 illustrates an example SSB structure of 5G NR, FIG. 2 illustrates an example alternative structure of the SSB, and FIG. 3 illustrates a further alternative structure of the SSB. As illustrated in FIGs. 1-3, the SSB structure in 5G may be defined as a 4-symbol structurewith a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). FIGs. 1-3 illustrate various configurations and arrangements of the PSS, SSS, and PBCH of 5G NR, which may also include different numbers of subcarriers. In any of the examples herein, the bandwidth (e.g., the number of subcarriers, N) of the SSB may depend on the frequency range. In a lower frequency range, the SSB bandwidth may be narrower than in higher frequency range. As an example, below 3 GHz or below 1GHz, the occupied SSB bandwidth (BW) may be 200 subcarriers (3 MHz, 200 subcarriers with 15kHz subcarrier spacing). In some examples, the SSB in below 6GHz or other frequency range may occupy 240 subcarriers (3,6 MHz with 15kHz subcarrier spacing). FIGs. 1-3 are merely examples. In some other examples, the synchronization signal PSS / SSS and the PBCH may have same bandwidth (e.g., same number of subcarriers).

[0081] In the specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the Lmax may refer to the maximum number of SSB time locations (i.e. potential time locations where SSBs may be transmitted) in a half frame. The Lmax may in some cases depend on the used frequency range, e.g. below 3 / 6GHz or above 6GHz and so on. Candidate SSB blocks in a half frame may be indexed in an ascending order in time from 0 t0™JL,, / (J0BJ- 1. A UE may determine the 2 least significant bits (LSB) for Lmax = 4, or the 3 LSB bits, for Lmax > 4, of a SS / PBCH block index per half frame from a one-to-one mapping with an index of the DMRS sequence transmitted in the PBCH. For Lmax = 64, the UE may determine the 3 most significant bits (MSB) of the SS / PBCH block index per half frame from PBCH payload bits a^+5, a^+(>, a^+ -

[0082] Supporting LPWA in a forward compatible manner may pose a challenge, e.g., avoiding different types of SSBs for eMBB initial access and LPWA initial access while also ensuring coverage for the LPWA. An assumption may be made where the same minimum bandwidth may be supported for both LPWA and eMBB (e.g., 3 or 5 MHz). Additionally, the same bandwidth may be assumed for signals of SSB (e.g., the same assumed SSB structure). As an example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the SSB structure may include at least one of PSS or SSS. The SSB structure may also include one or more symbols of PBCH, including DMRS symbols. For initial cell detection and access, specifically for the first SSB detection, the LPWA and eMBB UEs may be able to operate in a similar manner (e.g., eMBB may not be required to search for the presence of both LPWA SSB and eMBB SSB).

[0083] LPWA devices may have various characteristic which may include, for example, a single band support, low and mid frequency bands, narrowband radio frequency (RF) and baseband (3-5 MHz), half-duplex frequency division duplex (FDD), ITx-lRx antenna,maximum 16-QAM DL / UL modulation, low-complexity forward error correction (FEC), adaptive asynchronous hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), relaxed processing time, and reduced number of HARQ processes.

[0084] A low number of receive antennas and target to support wide area poses stringent requirements for coverage, such as, for example, coverage enhancement schemes for the SSB. One way to achieve coverage may be the repetition of one or more signals and a design method to avoid having separate initial access (e.g., SSB designs) for eMBB and LPWA.

[0085] In view of the drawbacks described above, certain example embodiments may indicate a repeated transmission of an SSB using a DMRS sequence, a PSS sequence, or a structure of the SSB. For instance, in certain example embodiments, the DMRS sequence of the PBCH (PBCH DMRS) may indicate whether the transmission of the SSB is repeated, and / or indicate the repetition instance of a transmission of the SSB if the transmission of the SSB is repeated. Other example embodiments may provide a method for repeating SSB PBCH symbols or symbols containing PBCH, i.e., PSS / SSS may not be repeated, and only PBCH may be repeated. Additionally, repeating and number of repetitions may either be predefined / preconfigured or configured and indicated by signaling in advance as described below.

[0086] In various examples, an initial version of the SSB may refer to a transmission of SSB that is not a repeated transmission but the transmission that may be repeated if repetition is indicated or enabled. In various examples, the initial version of the SSB may refer to SSB that is present. In various examples, the initial version of the SSB may indicate whether the repetition is used. In various examples, the initial version of the SSB may refer to transmission of SSB which is used to derive the repeated transmission (e.g. the initial version is modified to obtain the repeated transmission). In various examples, the initial version of the SSB may refer to transmission of SSB that would be transmitted in case of no repetition is used. In various examples, the initial version of the SSB may refer to transmission of SSB that is transmitted in a specified / certain time location which may imply no repetition. In various examples, the initial version of the SSB may refer to transmission of SSB where the SSB index (or SSB identifier) corresponds to the SSB time location index where the SSB is transmitted. As an example, the initial version of the SSB with index#0 is transmitted at SSB time location #0, the initial version of SSB with index#2 is transmitted at SSB time location #2 and so on. In various examples, the initial version of the SSB and the repeated transmission of the SSB may be identical. In various examples, the initial version of the SSB and the repeated transmission ofthe SSB may be identical wherein the initial version of the SSB is transmitted in certain SSB time location which corresponds to the SSB time location that is for the non-repeated transmission mode. In various examples, the initial version of the SSB may refer to SSB that is transmitted in the same SSB time location as in non-repeated mode (but not necessarily in same format or with same information).

[0087] Assuming there are two SSB time locations in one slot, in certain example embodiments, the repeated version of SSB may be transmitted in the second SSB time location of the same slot (R = 2). In other example embodiments, the repeated version of SSB may be transmitted in the second SSB time location of the same slot and in the first and second SSB time location of the following slot (R = 4).

[0088] According to certain example embodiments, the candidate locations for initial SSB transmissions may be limited to the first (or second or specific / specified) SSB time location of a slot (e.g., when R = 2). As an example, the SSB time locations for initial versions (if R=2) may be even SSB time location index values e.g. 0,2,4 etc. In such case, the repeated versions would be in the time locations 1,3,5... (e.g. transmission at location#! for SSB #0 whose initial transmission is at location #0, transmission at location#3 for SSB #2 whose initial transmission is at location #2). According to other example embodiments, the candidate locations for initial SSB transmissions may be limited to the first SSB time location of the slot with even slot index (e.g., when R = 4), i.e., SSB time locations with index values 0, 4, 8...etc. In this case, the R value also defines the candidate locations for the repeated SSB transmissions. The repeated transmission candidate locations would be between location 0 and 4 (e.g., SSB time locations 1,2,3 for the SSB #0 whose initial transmission is at time location #0).

[0089] According to certain example embodiments, the PBCH DMRS sequence may be generated in accordance with whether the transmission of the SSB is repeated, and / or the repetition instance of the transmission of the SSB. According to example embodiments, the PBCH DMRS sequence initialization may be a function of an SSB index, iSSB, physical cell-ID, / Vnf11, and repetition instance, r = 0, ...R — 1, and a repetition factor, for example, the number of repetitions R, as: cinitr, R).

[0090] In certain example embodiments, the PBCH DMRS sequence initialization may also be represented as a function of another repetition factor, p, that defines whether a repetition of SSB transmission is enabled or not enabled. For instance, this PBCH DMRS sequence initialization may be represented as cinit= f( ssB,NiDl,r,R, ), where P indicates whether repetition of the SSB transmission is enabled (P =' 1'), or not enabled (P = '0').

[0091] According to certain example embodiments, the PBCH DMRS sequence may initialize a repetition instance specifically by using a modulo of a repetition factor R with the r-th repetition instance represented as:Cinit = 211mod 4) + p(r mod / ?), where mod is the modulo operator, and iSSBis function of SSB index, iSSB, and half-frame index nhf. For example, when the maximum number of SSB indices in a cell is 4, Lmax = 4, F SSB=*SSB + nhf. As an example, in 5G, one frame may be 10ms and have 10 subframes. As such, a half-frame may be 5ms and have 5 subframes. Additionally, one subframe may have 1, 2, 4, ... 64 slots, and Lmax may be within one half-frame. A UE may determine the 2 LSB bits of a candidate SS / PBCH block index per half frame from an index determined based on of the DMRS sequence transmitted in the PBCH.

[0092] Other example embodiments may provide a repetition instance specific PBCH DMRS sequence detection procedure, which may be applicable when each SSB is transmitted with repetition by using a repetition factor, R and enabling repetition, p — 1'. The UE may assume that for a fixed combination of the physical cell ID,and SSB index, iSSB, the UE may perform R different PBCH DMRS sequence initialization hypothesis by assuming R different initialization seed values.

[0093] In certain example embodiments, when the repeated SSB transmission is used, the repeated SSB may be transmitted in various ways. For instance, in some example embodiments, the DMRS sequence of the initial version of the SSB may be initialized in the same way as the DMRS sequence used for non-repeated SSB, and the DMRS sequence of repeated versions may be initialized with a different seed value. In some example embodiments, the seed values for DMRS sequence initialization are same for different repeated versions of the SSB. In some other example embodiments, the seed values are different for DMRS sequence initialization for different repeated versions. For example, the seed value may depend on the repetition instance. Upon detecting the DMRS sequence for initial version of SSB, the UE may continue to detect repetition. In certain example embodiments, the enablement of repeating and / or number of repetitions may either be predefined or configured.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the DMRS sequence of repeated version of the SSB and the DMRS sequence of the initial version of the SSB may be same but different from the DMRS sequence that is used for non-repetition mode such that the DMRS sequence can indicate whether the transmission repetition is enabled or not. In an example embodiment, theDMRS sequence used for repetition mode is same regardless of the number of repetitions that may be predefined or configured. In another example, the DMRS sequence may indicate how many times the transmission of the SSB is repeated, i.e., different DMRS sequences may be used for different numbers of repetitions. In other example embodiments, each of the initial and one or more repeated versions of the SSB may use DMRS sequence initialized with a respective first, second, and Nth seed value.

[0095] According to certain example embodiments, the repeated SSB may have the same index as the initial version of SSB. For instance, FIG. 4 illustrates an example SSB repetition configuration using DMRS for repetition indication, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 4, assuming that there are two SSB time locations in one slot, the repeated versions of the SSBs are located in the second SSB time location of the same slot as the initial version. FIG. 4 illustrates a scenario where R = 2, where the SSBs with index 0 and 2 are repeated, and the DMRS sequences in the initial and repeated versions are same (e.g., DMRS1) but may be different from the one used in non-repeated mode (e.g., DMRSO).

[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of another SSB repetition configuration using DMRS for repetition indication, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the repeated versions of the SSBs are located in the second SSB time location of the same slot, and the first and second SSB time location of the subsequent slot following the first slot (with initial version of the SSB) . In the example of FIG. 5, the number of repetitions R = 4, and the SSB with index 0 is repeated in the subsequent SSB time locations and the DMRS sequences in the initial and repeated versions are same (e.g., DMRS1) but may be different from the one used in non-repeated mode (e.g., DMRSO).

[0097] According to certain example embodiments, the UE may detect whether the repeated transmission of SSB is used by detecting the PBCH DMRS sequence. Upon detection of a cell (and physical cell ID based on PSS and SSS), the UE may generate the DMRS sequences for the non-repeated transmission of SSB , and the DMRS sequences for the repeated transmission of SSB. For example, upon detection of physical cell ID based on PSS and SSS, the UE may generate Lmax x R different PBCH DMRS sequence hypotheses. UE may compute for all Lmax x R PBCH DMRS sequence hypotheses, Lmax x R different auto-correlation functions by correlating Lmax x R DMRS sequences with received SSB samples. The UE may select the maximum auto-correlation value out of Lmax x R different auto-correlation results. The selected maximum auto-correlation value corresponds to the pair of detected SSB block index and repetition instance (i.e., r) value. Upon detection of SSB index and repetition instance, the UEmay determine how many repetition instances of the transmission of the SSB the UE shall combine for SSB detection.

[0098] In certain example embodiments, a PSS sequence or a symbol location may indicate a transmission mode of the SSB. The SSS and PBCH may be identical with the repeated version and the initial version. For instance, in some example embodiments, the PSS sequence may indicate information on the transmission characteristics (e.g., repeated or not repeated) of the SSB. In other example embodiments, the PSS may be transmitted in a system frame number (SFN) manner (e.g., the PSS may be transmitted using one PSS sequence for the carrier / frequency layer). In some example embodiments, once the PSS sequence is detected, the PSS sequence indicates the presence of a cell.The SSB may include one or more options for the PSS sequence to indicate whether the transmission of SSB is repeated.

[0099] According to certain example embodiments, the applicability of SSB repetition (e.g., repeated or not repeated) may be based on the frequency range. For example, SSB repetition may be not needed in a certain frequency range (FR) such as, for example, FR1, sublG, or sub3G. According to some example embodiments, the SSB repetition may be configured when Emax is E = 4, and the SFN PSS formats may be used in all frequency ranges in 6G.

[0100] In certain example embodiments, the PSS may indicate whether a repeated SSB transmission is used or not used. In one example embodiment, a PSS sequence with index#0 (e.g., PSS_0) may indicate there is no repetition of SSB transmission, and a PSS sequence with index#l (e.g., PSS_1) may be used when transmission of a SSB is repeated. In this case, PSS_1 may be used for both initial transmission and repeated transmission. In this example embodiment, the number of repetitions may be predefined or configured in advance.

[0101] FIG. 6 illustrates an example non-repeated SSB transmission and an example repeated SSB transmission using PSS for repetition indication, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the upper part indicates the non-repeated SSB transmission where PSS_0 is used, and the lower part indicates the repeated SSB transmission with R = 2 where PSS_1 is used.

[0102] In certain example embodiments, the PSS sequence may indicate a number of repetitions for SSB transmissions. In one example embodiment, different PSS sequences may indicate a different number of repetitions. For example, PSS_0 may be used for non-repeated transmission, PSS_1 may be used for two transmissions, and PSS_2 may be used for four transmissions.

[0103] FIG. 7 illustrates an example PSS sequence indicating a number of repetitions for eachtransmitted SSB, according to certain example embodiments. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the top portion shows a repetition = 1, i.e., no repetition, the middle portion shows a repetition = 2, and the bottom portion shows a repetition = 4. In these example embodiments, a repetition scheme may be indicated by the PSS sequence, which may refer to a number of repetitions applied for the SSB. For instance, PSS sequence with index_0 may indicate no repetition, PSS sequence with index 1 may indicate 2 repetitions, and PSS sequence with index 2 may indicate 4 repetitions.

[0104] In certain example embodiments, the PSS sequence may indicate whether an SSB is a repeated version or an initial version, and / or the repetition instance. FIG. 8 illustrates an example PSS indication, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, a PSS sequence with index value 0 may indicate an initial version of the SSB, a PSS sequence with index value 1 may indicate that the transmission of SSB is a first repeated version, a PSS sequence with index value 2 may indicate that the transmission of SSB is a second repeated version, and a PSS sequence with index value 3 may indicate that the transmission of SSB is a third repeated version.

[0105] According to certain example embodiments, when R = 4, a first PSS sequence may indicate the initial version, a second PSS sequence may indicate the first repeated version and a third PSS sequence may indicate both the second and the third repeated version.

[0106] In certain example embodiments, the PSS sequence of the initial version of the SSB may be same as the PSS sequence used for non-repeated SSB, and the PSS sequence of repeated versions may be different from the one used in the initial version but same for all repeated versions. In certain example embodiments, the enablement of repeating and / or number of repetitions may either be predefined or configured.

[0107] According to certain example embodiments, similar to using various DMRS or PSS sequences, various SSB structures may be used to indicate whether repeated transmission of SSB is used and / or the repetition instance of repeated transmission of SSB. In certain example embodiments, the time locations of the one or more signals / channels in the SSB may be different in the initial version and the repeated version. For instance, in certain example embodiments, the PSS time location may indicate whether repetition of SSB transmission is used or enabled, and / or whether a transmission of SSB is an initial version or a repeated version. For example, the time locations of the PSS and SSS may be switched for the repeated version (e.g., the time location of the PSS may be the third symbol of the SSB, and the time location of the SSS may be the first symbol of the SSB). For the repeated SSB, the PSS / SSSand PBCH may be identical for the repeated version and the initial version.

[0108] FIG. 9 illustrates an example repeated transmission of an SSB, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 9 illustrates an example repeated transmission of an SSB by having SSS and PSS symbols in different locations within the SSB when R=2. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 9, different positions of PSS may result in a different structure of the SSB, and the initial transmission and repeated transmission may use different SSB structures (SSBS). In some example embodiments, SSBSO (i.e., PSS and SSS are in the first and the third symbol of SSB, respectively) may be used for an initial transmission, and SSBS1 (i.e., PSS and SSS are in the third and the first symbol of SSB, respectively) may be used for repeated transmission.

[0109] FIG. 10 illustrates another example repeated transmission of an SSB, according to certain example embodiments when R=4. According to certain example embodiments, the SSBSO may indicate the initial version, and SSBS1 may indicate all three repeated versions. In other example embodiments, different SSB structures may be used to indicate different repetition instances of the transmission of SSB.

[0110] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a repeated SSB transmission, according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the non-repeated transmission may use SSBSO, and SSBS1 may be used for both the initial transmission and the repeated transmission when transmission repetition is enabled / used.

[0111] This is further illustrated in FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the upper portion indicates the non-repeated SSB transmission using SSBSO. The lower portion in FIG. 12 indicates the repeated SSB transmission using SSBS1 when R= 2. According to certain example embodiments, the repeated SSB may be transmitted in the second SSB time location of the same slot (when R = 2).

[0112] In certain example embodiments, different SSB structures may be used for different numbers of repetitions. For example, SSBS1 may be used for the initial transmission and the repeated transmission when R=2, and SSBS2 may be used for the initial transmission and the repeated transmissions when R=4.

[0113] In certain example embodiments, the PSS may indicate whether SSB transmissions is used or not used. For instance, in certain example embodiments, when the UE detects the first PSS sequence (e.g., PSSO), the UE may assume that no repetition is applied. In some example embodiments, when the UE detects the second PSS sequence (e.g., PSS1), the UE may assume that repetition is configured. In other example embodiments, when the repetition is configured,the UE may assume that the SSB time locations (e.g., the first and the second) within the same slot has the same SSB index values.

[0114] According to certain example embodiments, the PSS may indicate whether the SSB transmission is repeated or not repeated, and indicate a number of repetitions that are applied for each of the transmitted SSB indices. For instance, according to some example embodiments, the UE may determine, based on the reception of the PSS sequence ID, the number of repetitions that are applied for the SSB transmission.

[0115] In certain example embodiments, the PSS sequence may indicate whether the SSB is a repeated version or the initial version of the SSB. For instance, in certain example embodiments, the UE may determine, based on the reception of the PSS sequence ID, whether the SSB is a repeated version or the initial version. In some example embodiments, when the UE receives the PSS sequence indicating a non-repeated SSB, the UE may determine to obtain at least one or more PSS sequences on another SSB time location (e.g., the next SSB time location in time) to determine whether the PSS is identical to a previous PSS. If the PSS is identical to a previous one, the UE may assume that there is no repetition in the cell. In other example embodiments, when the UE receives the PSS sequence indicating a repeated SSB transmission, the UE may determine that repetition is used in the cell.

[0116] According to certain example embodiments, the repeated transmission of the SSB may have structure where the PSS / SSS / PBCH symbols are in different symbols compared to the initial version. According to certain example embodiments, the UE may determine, based on the reception of the PSS time location within the SSB, whether the SSB is a repeated version or an initial version. According to some example embodiments, when the UE determines a PSS time location indicating a non-repeated SSB, the UE may determine to obtain at last one or more PSS time locations on another SSB time location (e.g., the next SSB time location) to determine whether the PSS time location is identical to a previous PSS time location. If the PSS time location is identical to the previous one, the UE may assume that there is no repetition in the cell. According to other example embodiments, when the UE determines that the PSS time location indicates a repeated SSB transmission, the UE may determine that repetition is used in the cell.

[0117] In certain example embodiments, in the repeated SSB transmission mode, the SSB may have a structure where PSS / SSS / PBCH symbols are in different symbols with respect to the non-repeated transmission. For instance, in certain example embodiments, when the UE determines that the PSS time location indicates a repeated SSB, the UE may assume repetitionin the cell. In other example embodiments, when the UE determines that the PSS time location indicates a non-repeated SSB, the UE may assume that there is no repetition in the cell.

[0118] Certain example embodiments may provide ways to repeat SSB PBCH symbols or symbols containing PBCH. For instance, in some example embodiments, when SSB PBCH symbols or symbols containing PBCH may be repeated, an indication of the time location of the repeated PBCH symbols may be provided by the network (as part of the at least one signal included in the SSB) or it may be specified in the specification. In other example embodiments, when SSB PBCH symbols or symbols containing PBCH may be repeated, an indication of repetition and / or the number of repetitions for the PBCH symbols may be provided by the network (e.g. as part of the at least one signal in the SSB).

[0119] FIG. 13 illustrates an example repetition of PBCH symbols, according to certain example embodiments. For instance, FIG. 13 illustrates a repetition of PBCH symbols for SSB#0 in SSB time location with index 1. In certain example embodiments, the repeated PBCH symbols may be transmitted on symbols corresponding to the SSB time location with index 1, and the PBCH symbols may be in the same relative position as the initial version .

[0120] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the SSB may include two symbols carrying the PBCH (e.g., symbols 3 and 5 in SSB time location with index 0). The repeated PBCH symbols may be on symbols 9 and 11 at SSB time location with index 1, and the same SSB index may be encoded in the PBCH DMRS. In some example embodiments, the PBCH bandwidth of the repeated SSB may correspond to the PBCH bandwidth of the initial version on the corresponding symbols.

[0121] In certain example embodiments, the PBCH may share the orthogonal frequencydivision modulation (OFDM) symbol with SSS. In this case, the SSB may include 3 symbols carrying the PBCH (e.g., 2 PBCH symbols on symbols 3 and 5, and 1 symbol with SSS and PBCH on symbol 4 if referring to FIG.13). The repeated PBCH symbols are on symbols 9, 10, and 11 at SSB time location with index 1. In some example embodiments, the same SSB index (e.g., for the SSB in SSB time location with index 1) may be encoded in the PBCH DMRS for the repeated transmission and the initial transmission. As an example if SSB index 0 in SSB time location with index 0 is repeated in the SSB time location with index 1, the same SSB index (i.e., index 0) would be used for the SSB in the SSB time location with index 1. In certain example embodiments, the PBCH bandwidth of the repeated SSB may correspond to the PBCH symbol bandwidth of the base version.

[0122] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of another repetition of PBCH symbols, according tocertain example embodiments. For instance, FIG. 14 illustrates a repetition of PBCH symbols for SSB#0 in SSB time location with index 1. In other example embodiments, repetition may occur on consecutive symbols for 3 PBCH symbols. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the repeated PBCH symbols may be transmitted on symbols corresponding to the SSB time location with index 1, and the PBCH symbols may be in the consecutive symbols in the SSB time location with index 1 where the PBCH is repeated. In certain example embodiments, the PBCH symbols may be repeated in a specific time location which is based on the symbols of the SSB time location with index 1. In other example embodiments, the first repeated PBCH symbol may be in the first symbols of the SSB time location with index 1. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the initial transmission of SSB may include 2 symbols carrying PBCH (e.g., symbols 3 and 5). The repeated versions of the PBCH may be located in symbols 8 and 9 (e.g., first symbols of the SSB time location with index 1). When there are three symbols carrying PBCH in one SSB, the repeated versions of the PBCH may be located in symbols 8, 9 and 10 of the SSB time location with index 1.

[0123] FIG. 15 illustrates an example repeated PBCH symbol transmission, according to certain example embodiments. According to certain example embodiments, there may be an N symbol time interval where the repeated PBCH symbols are transmitted. According to some example embodiments, the repeated PBCH symbols may be transmitted based on the timing reference obtained from the initial transmission of SSB. When the repeated PBCH symbols are transmitted based on the timing reference obtained from the initial transmission of SSB, the timing information may include at least one of transmission timing of PSS, SSS, or the first symbol of the PBCH.

[0124] As also illustrated in FIG.15 the repeated version of the PBCH may be transmitted N or / and M symbols after or / and before the timing reference, respectively. In some example embodiments, the N or M may be predefined values. In certain example embodiments, SSB index may correspond to the index of SSB time location where the initial version of SSB is transmitted.

[0125] In certain example embodiments, mapping for the repeated SSB and / or the PBCH symbols may be based on certain conditions. For instance, in some example embodiments, mapping rules may be used for PBCH symbols depending on the time location of the initial version of SSB. If the initial version of SSB is located in the first SSB time location of the slot, the repeated PBCH symbols may be located in the second SSB time location in the slot. On the other hand, if the base SSB is located in the second time location of the slot, the repeatedPBCH symbols may be located in the first SSB time location in the slot. In other example embodiments, if the initial version of SSB is located in the first or second time location of the slot, the repeated PBCH symbols may be located in the first or second SSB time location in the next slot.

[0126] According to certain example embodiments, the number of repetitions, and the time location of the repetitions may be predefined. Additionally, the number of repetitions and the time location of the repetitions may be signaled to the UE using broadcast signaling or dedicated signaling (e.g., for different calls).

[0127] In certain example embodiments, the PSS may be used to indicate repetition of the PBCH symbols. For instance, the PBCH symbols may be repeated based on the PSS sequence carried by the initial version of the SSB. In some example embodiments, a first PSS sequence (PSS_0) may indicate that no PBCH symbols are repeated in a specific time location. In example embodiments, a second PSS sequence (PSS_1) may indicate that the PBCH symbols are repeated in the specific time location, and number of repetitions 2 (initial transmission of SSB and one repeated transmission of PBCH only). In certain example embodiments, a third PSS sequence (PSS_2) may indicate that the PBCH symbols are repeated in the specific time location and number of repetitions 4 (initial transmission of SSB and 3 repeated transmissions of PBCH only).

[0128] According to certain example embodiments, the DMRS sequence may be used to indicate repetition of the PBCH symbols. For instance, if the PBCH DMRS of initial version of SSB is a first DMRS sequence, the repetition may not be used. On the other hand, if the PBCH DMRS of initial version of SSB is a second DMRS sequence indicating repetition, the repetition may be used.

[0129] In certain example embodiments, the UE (e.g., EPWA UE) may be configured to perform a blind detection of the repetition in certain frequency ranges (e.g., for the case where indication is based on DMRS). For instance, when the SSB is detected in an SSB time location , the UE may perform a hypothesis that repetition is used, and tries to detect the PBCH DMRS in the next SSB time location . If the UE detects the same SSB index value for two different SSB time locations , the UE determines that the repetition is used.

[0130] In some example embodiments, when the SSB is detected in an SSB time location , the UE may perform a hypothesis that repetition is used, and tries to detect the PBCH DMRS N symbols after the initial transmission of SSB. In other example embodiments, when the SSB is detected in a certain time location index, the UE may perform a hypothesis that repetition isused, and the UE may try to detect the PBCH DMRS after N symbols relative to the SSB. Alternatively or additionally, when the SSB is detected in an SSB time location , the UE may perform a hypothesis that repetition is used, and the UE may try to detect the PBCH DMRS M symbols before the initial (base) transmission of SSB. In some examples the UE may try to detect the repeated PBCH DMRS with a timing M symbols before the initial transmission of SSB on the next SSB burst (e.g., the SSBs are transmitted with a certain periodicity).

[0131] FIG. 16 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 16 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 16 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the method may include, at 1600, determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal. The method may also include, at 1605, detecting a demodulation reference signal sequence in a physical broadcast channel based on the determined physical cell identifier. According to certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The method may further include, at 1610, determining, based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. Further, the method may include, at 1615, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0133] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include determining an index of the synchronization signal block based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include determining a number of repetitions based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence, or based on configuration by a network node or a standard specification. According to other example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be different from a demodulation reference signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of thesynchronization signal block. According to further example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same or different.

[0134] In certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same as a demodulation reference signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block. In some example embodiments, the demodulation reference sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may be different from a demodulation reference signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated. In other example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may depend on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block. In further example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be generated based on at least one of the repetition instance of the transmission of the synchronization signal block, or a repetition factor of the synchronization signal block.

[0135] According to certain example embodiments, the repetition factor defines whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission or a repeated transmission, or how many times the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated. According to some example embodiments, when the repetition factor defines how many times the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be generated via a modulo of the repetition instance with the repetition factor. According to other example embodiments, the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is received based on at least one of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, or the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0136] In certain example embodiments, the detecting the demodulation reference signal sequence may include generating a plurality of demodulation reference signal sequences based on at least one of a number of synchronization signal block time locations or a number of repetitions, computing, for each generated demodulation reference signal sequence, an autocorrelation function by correlating the generated demodulation reference signal sequence witha received demodulation reference signal sequence, and selecting, from the generated plurality of demodulation reference signal sequences, a demodulation reference signal sequence with a maximum auto-correlation, as the detected demodulation reference signal sequence. In some example embodiments, the number of synchronization signal block time locations may be received from a network node or predefined in a standard specification.

[0137] FIG. 17 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 17 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 17 may be performed by a NW or gNB, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 17, the method may include, at 1700, transmitting, to a user equipment, at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal associated with a physical cell identifier. The method may also include, at 1705, generating a demodulation reference sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the demodulation reference signal sequence may be a function of a synchronization signal block index, the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor. The method may further include, at 1710, transmitting the demodulation reference signal sequence to the user equipment.

[0139] According to certain example embodiments, the repetition factor defines whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission or a repeated transmission, or how many times the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated. According to some example embodiments, when the repetition factor defines how many times the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be generated via a modulo of the repetition factor with the repetition instance. According to other example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence associated with a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be different from the demodulation reference signal sequence associated with an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block. According to further example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same or different.

[0140] In certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequenceassociated with a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same as a demodulation reference signal sequence associated with an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block. In some example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may be different from a demodulation reference signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated. In other example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may depend on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block. In further example embodiments, the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is transmitted based on at least one of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, or the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0141] FIG. 18 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 18 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 18 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the method may include, at 1800, determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal. The method may also include, at 1805, detecting the primary synchronization signal sequence, wherein the primary synchronization signal sequence is associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The method may further include, at 1810, determining, based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, at 1815, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a transmission instance for the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0143] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include determining an index of the synchronization signal block based on the detected primary synchronizationsignal sequence. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include determining a number of repetitions based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, or based on configuration by a network node or a standard specification. According to other example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be different from a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block. According to further example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same or different.

[0144] In certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same as a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block. In some example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may be different from a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated. In other example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may depend on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0145] According to certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence may be generated based on at least one of the repetition instance of the transmission of the synchronization signal block, or a repetition factor of the synchronization signal block. According to some example embodiments, the repetition factor may define whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission or a repeated transmission, or how many times the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated. According to other example embodiments, when the repetition factor defines how many times the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, the primary synchronization signal sequence may be generated via a modulo of the repetition instance with the repetition factor.

[0146] In certain example embodiments, the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is received based on at least one of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, or the repeatedtransmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block. In some example embodiments, the detecting the primary synchronization signal sequence may include generating a plurality of primary synchronization signal sequences based on at least one of a number of synchronization signal block time locations or a number of repetitions, computing, for each generated primary synchronization signal sequence, an auto-correlation function by correlating the generated primary synchronization signal sequence with a received primary synchronization signal sequence, and selecting, from the generated plurality of primary synchronization signal sequences, a primary synchronization signal sequence with a maximum auto-correlation, as the detected primary synchronization signal sequence. In other example embodiments, the number of synchronization signal block time locations may be received from a network node or predefined in a standard specification.

[0147] FIG. 19 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 19 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 19 may be performed by a NW or gNB, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the method may include, at 1900, generating a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block and a physical cell identifier. The method may also include at 1905, transmitting, to a user equipment, the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the primary synchronization signal sequence may be a function of the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor.

[0149] According to certain example embodiments, the repetition factor defines whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block may be repeated, whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission or a repeated transmission, or how many times the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated. According to some example embodiments, when the repetition factor defines how many times the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, the primary synchronization signal sequence may be generated via a modulo of the repetition factor with the repetition instance. According to other example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be different from the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with an initialtransmission of the synchronization signal block. According to further example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same or different.

[0150] In certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same as a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block. In some example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may be different from a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated. In other example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may depend on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0151] According to certain example embodiments, the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is transmitted based on at least one of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, or the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0152] FIG. 20 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 20 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 20 may be performed by a NW or gNB, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0153] As illustrated in FIG. 20, the method may include, at 2000, generating physical broadcast channel symbols whose transmission is repeated. According to certain example embodiments, the physical broadcast channel symbols may be associated with a synchronization signal block. The method may also include, at 2005, performing initial transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols to a user equipment on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The method may also include, at 2010, repeating transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0154] According to certain example embodiments, the synchronization signal block may include the physical broadcast channel symbols, and at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal sequence. According to some example embodiments, the synchronization signal block time location index may indicate a synchronization signal block time location of a transmission occasion for synchronization signal block transmission. According to other example embodiments, the different synchronization signal block time location index may indicate at least one of a second synchronization signal block time location after the first synchronization signal block time location or a second synchronization signal block time location before the first synchronization signal block time location.

[0155] In certain example embodiments, the transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols may be repeated a predetermined number of times. In some example embodiments, a number of repetitions of the transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols may be configurable. In other example embodiments, the method may also include using a primary synchronization signal sequence or a demodulation reference signal sequence to indicate at least one of a number of repetitions or repetition instance of the transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols.

[0156] FIG. 21 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 21 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 21 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0157] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the method may include, at 2100, receiving an initial transmission of physical broadcast channel symbols associated with a synchronization signal block, from a network element on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The method also include, at 2105, receiving a repeated transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0158] According to certain example embodiments, the synchronization signal block may include the physical broadcast channel symbols, and at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal sequence. According to some exampleembodiments, the synchronization signal block time location index may indicate a synchronization signal block time location of a transmission occasion for synchronization signal block transmission. According to other example embodiments, the different synchronization signal block time location index may indicate at least one of a second synchronization signal block time location after the first synchronization signal block time location or a second synchronization signal block time location before the first synchronization signal block time location.

[0159] In certain example embodiments, the transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols may be repeated a predetermined number of times. According to some example embodiments, a number of repetitions of the transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols may be configurable. In some example embodiments, the method may also include receiving a primary synchronization signal sequence or a demodulation reference signal sequence, and determining at least one of a number of repetitions or repetition instance of the transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols based on the received primary synchronization signal sequence or the demodulation reference signal sequence.

[0160] FIG. 22 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 22 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 22 may be performed by a NW or gNB, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0161] As illustrated in FIG. 22, the method may include, at 2200, generating a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may also include, at 2205, transmitting, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence indicates at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0162] According to certain example embodiments the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block. According to some example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of thesynchronization signal block are same or different. According to other example the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same as a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block embodiments.

[0163] In certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may be different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated. In some example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may depend on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block. In other example embodiments, the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is transmitted based on at least one of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, or the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0164] According to certain example embodiments, the synchronization signal block may include the primary synchronization signal sequence, and at least one of a secondary synchronization signal sequence, or a physical broadcast channel symbol. According to some example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence and a time location of the secondary synchronization signal sequence may be switched when the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated.

[0165] FIG. 23 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 23 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 23 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0166] As illustrated in FIG. 23, the method may include, at 2300, receiving, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may also include, at 2305, detecting a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. The method may further include, at 2310, determining, based on the detected time location of the PSS sequence, at least one of:whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the method may include, at 2315, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0167] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include determining an index of the synchronization signal block based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include determining a number of repetitions based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, or based on configuration by the network element or a standard specification. According to other example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0168] In certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same or different. In some example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block may be the same as a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block. In other example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may be different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated.

[0169] According to certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block may depend on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block. According to some example embodiments, the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is received based on at least one of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, or the repeated transmission of thesynchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0170] In certain example embodiments, the synchronization signal block may include the primary synchronization signal sequence, and at least one of a secondary synchronization signal sequence, or a physical broadcast channel symbol. In some example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence and a time location of the secondary synchronization signal sequence may be switched when the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated.

[0171] FIG. 24 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be elements in a communications network or associated with such a network. For example, apparatus 10 may be a UE, or other similar radio communication computer device, and apparatus 20 may be a BS, gNB, network, or other similar computing device.

[0172] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatuses 10 and 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 24.

[0173] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 24, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 and 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processors 12 and 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processors 12 and 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 and 22 is shown in FIG. 24, multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processors 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled(e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0174] Processors 12 and 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatuses 10 and 20 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatuses 10 and 20, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-23.

[0175] Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to a memories 14 and 24 (internal or external), which may be respectively coupled to processors 12 and 24 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processors 12 and 24. Memories 14 and 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memories 14 and 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memories 14 and 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processors 12 and 22, enable the apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0176] In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processors 12 and 22 and / or apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform any of the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-23.

[0177] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 and 25 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an UL from apparatuses 10 and 20. Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a transceivers 18 and 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceivers 18 and 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antennas 15 and 25. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example,digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an UL.

[0178] For instance, transceivers 18 and 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antennas 15 and 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna 15 and 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatuses 10 and 20. In other example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and / or output device (VO device). In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0179] In certain example embodiments, memories 14 and 34 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processors 12 and 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The components of apparatuses 10 and 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may optionally be configured to communicate each other (in any combination) via a wireless or wired communication links 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0180] According to certain example embodiments, processors 12 and 22 and memories 14 and 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0181] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to detect a demodulation reference signal sequence in a physical broadcast channel based on the determined physical cell identifier. According to certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence is associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine, based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of thesynchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0182] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, to a user equipment, at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal associated with a physical cell identifier. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to generate a demodulation reference sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the demodulation reference signal sequence may be a function of a synchronization signal block index, the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit the demodulation reference signal sequence to the user equipment.

[0183] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to detect the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine, based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a transmission instance for the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0184] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to generate a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with atransmission of a synchronization signal block and a physical cell identifier. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, to a user equipment, the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the primary synchronization signal sequence may be a function of the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor.

[0185] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to generate physical broadcast channel symbols whose transmission is repeated. According to certain example embodiments, the physical broadcast channel symbols are associated with a synchronization signal block. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to perform initial transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols to a user equipment on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to repeat transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0186] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive an initial transmission of physical broadcast channel symbols associated with a synchronization signal block, from a network element on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive a repeated transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0187] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to generate a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence may indicate at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of thesynchronization signal block.

[0188] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to detect a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine, based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0189] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0190] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal. The apparatus may also include means for detecting a demodulation reference signal sequence in a physical broadcast channel based on the determined physical cell identifier. According to certain example embodiments, the demodulation reference signal sequence may be associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may further include means for determining, based on the detected demodulation reference signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. Further, the apparatus may include means for, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0191] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for transmitting, to a user equipment, at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal associated with a physical cell identifier. The apparatus may also include means for generating a demodulation reference signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block. In certain example embodiments, generation of the demodulation reference signal sequence may be a function of a synchronization signal block index, the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor. Further, the apparatus may include means for transmitting the demodulation reference signal sequence to the user equipment.

[0192] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for determining a physical cell identifier based on at least one of a primary synchronization signal sequence or a secondary synchronization signal. The apparatus may also include means for detecting the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, the primary synchronization signal sequence is associated with a received transmission of a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may further include means for determining, based on the detected primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the apparatus may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, means for determining a transmission instance for the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0193] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for generating a primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a transmission of a synchronization signal block and a physical cell identifier. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting, to a user equipment, the primary synchronization signal sequence. According to certain example embodiments, generation of the primary synchronization signal sequence may be a function of the physical cell identifier, and at least one of a repetition instance or a repetition factor.

[0194] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for generating physical broadcast channel symbols whose transmission is repeated. According to certain example embodiments, the physical broadcast channel symbols may be associated with a synchronization signal block. The apparatus may also include means for performing initial transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols to a user equipment on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. In addition, the apparatus may include means for repeating transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0195] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving an initial transmission of physical broadcast channel symbols associated with a synchronization signal block, from a network element on symbols of a first synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a first synchronization signal block time location index. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a repeated transmission of the physical broadcast channel symbols on same relative symbols as the initial transmission or consecutive symbols of at least one second synchronization signal block time location corresponding to a different synchronization signal block time location index.

[0196] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for generating a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block. According to certain example embodiments, the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence indicates at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0197] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may also include means for detectinga time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence. The apparatus may further include means for determining, based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block. In addition, the apparatus may include, in response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, means for determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

[0198] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For instance, in some example embodiments, it may be possible to provide support of LPWA in a forward compatible manner. For example, it may be possible to avoid different types (or different bandwidth) of SSBs for an eMBB initial access and LPWA initial access.

[0199] A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of certain example embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[0200] As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and / or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0201] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), afield programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a nontangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0202] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

[0203] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the disclosure as discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and / or fourth generation (4G) technology.

[0204] Partial Glossary:

[0205] 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0206] 5G 5th Generation

[0207] 5GCN 5G Core Network

[0208] 5GS 5G System

[0209] BS Base Station

[0210] DL Downlink

[0211] eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0212] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0213] E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN

[0214] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB

[0215] LI Layer 1

[0216] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0217] LWPA Low Power Wireless Access

[0218] NR New Radio

[0219] PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel

[0220] PSS Primary Synchronization Sequence

[0221] RS Reference Signal

[0222] RSRP Reference Signal Received Power

[0223] SSB Synchronization Signal Block

[0224] SSS Secondary Synchronization Sequence

[0225] UE User Equipment

[0226] UL Uplink

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:generate a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence; andtransmit, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence indicates at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block are the same or different.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is the same as a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated.

6. The apparatus according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the time location of the primarysynchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block depends on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is transmitted based on at least one of the following:the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, orthe repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the synchronization signal block comprises the primary synchronization signal sequence, and at least one of a secondary synchronization signal sequence, or a physical broadcast channel symbol.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence and a time location of the secondary synchronization signal sequence are switched when the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated.

10. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:receive, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence;detect a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence; determine, based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block; andin response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determine a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to:determine an index of the synchronization signal block based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:determine a number of repetitions based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, or based on configuration by the network element or a standard specification.

13. The apparatus according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the time location of the PSS sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block are the same or different.

15. The apparatus according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the time location of the PSS sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is the same as a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated.

17. The apparatus according to claims 15 or 16, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block depends on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block.

18. The apparatus according to any of claims 10-17, wherein the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is received based on at least one of the following:the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, orthe repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10-18, wherein the synchronization signal block comprises the primary synchronization signal sequence, and at least one of a secondary synchronization signal sequence, or a physical broadcast channel symbol.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence and a time location of the secondary synchronization signal sequence are switched when the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated.

21. An apparatus, comprising:means for generating a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence; andmeans for transmitting, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence indicates at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block are the same or different.

24. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is the same as a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated.

26. The apparatus according to claims 24 or 25, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block depends on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block.

27. The apparatus according to any of claims 21-26, wherein the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is transmitted based on at least one of the following:the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, orthe repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 21-27, wherein the synchronization signal block comprises the primary synchronization signal sequence, and at least one of a secondary synchronization signal sequence, or a physical broadcast channel symbol.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence and a time location of the secondary synchronization signal sequence are switched when the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated.

30. An apparatus, comprising:means for receiving, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence;means for detecting a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence;means for determining, based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block; andin response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, means for determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising:means for determining an index of the synchronization signal block based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence.

32. The apparatus according to claim 30 or 31, further comprising:means for determining a number of repetitions based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, or based on configuration by the network element or a standard specification.

33. The apparatus according to any of claims 30-32, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block are the same or different.

35. The apparatus according to any of claims 30-32, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is the same as a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block is differentfrom a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated.

37. The apparatus according to claims 35 or 36, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block depends on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block.

38. The apparatus according to any of claims 30-37, wherein the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is received based on at least one of the following:the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, orthe repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 30-38, wherein the synchronization signal block comprises the primary synchronization signal sequence, and at least one of a secondary synchronization signal sequence, or a physical broadcast channel symbol.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence and a time location of the secondary synchronization signal sequence are switched when the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated.

41. A method, comprising:generating a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence; andtransmitting, to a user equipment, the synchronization signal block, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence indicates at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of thesynchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block are the same or different.

44. The method according to claim 41, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is the same as a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated.

46. The method according to claims 44 or 45, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block depends on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block.

47. The method according to any of claims 41-46, wherein the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is transmitted based on at least one of the following:the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, orthe repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

48. The method according to any one of claims 41-47, wherein the synchronization signal block comprises the primary synchronization signal sequence, and at least one of a secondary synchronization signal sequence, or a physical broadcast channel symbol.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence and a time location of the secondary synchronization signal sequence are switched when the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated.

50. A method, comprising:receiving, from a network element, a transmission of a synchronization signal block associated with a primary synchronization signal sequence;detecting a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence; determining, based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, at least one of: whether the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated, or whether the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block or a repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block; andin response to the determination that the received transmission of the synchronization signal block is a repeated transmission, determining a repetition instance of the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block.

51. The method according to claim 50, further comprising:determining an index of the synchronization signal block based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence.

52. The method according to claim 50 or 51, further comprising:determining a number of repetitions based on the detected time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence, or based on configuration by the network element or a standard specification.

53. The method according to any of claims 50-52, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

54. The method according to claim 53, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequences associated with more than one instance of repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block are the same or different.

55. The method according to any of claims 50-52, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is the same as a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

56. The method according to claim 55, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block is different from a time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with a synchronization signal block whose transmission is not repeated.

57. The method according to claims 55 or 56, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence associated with the synchronization signal block depends on a number of repetitions of the transmission of the synchronization signal block.

58. The method according to any of claims 50-57, wherein the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is received based on at least one of the following:the repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a second synchronization signal block time location of a same slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block, orthe repeated transmission of the synchronization signal block is located in a different slot as an initial transmission of the synchronization signal block.

59. The method according to any one of claims 50-58, wherein the synchronization signal block comprises the primary synchronization signal sequence, and at least one of a secondary synchronization signal sequence, or a physical broadcast channel symbol.

60. The method according to claim 59, wherein the time location of the primary synchronization signal sequence and a time location of the secondary synchronization signal sequence are switched when the transmission of the synchronization signal block is repeated.

61. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the method according to any of claims 41-60.

62. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any of claims 41-60.

Images