Access Node Low Latency Network Access via Dedicated Resources

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing initial access procedure in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G New Radio (NR), is prone to high latency due to periodic beam sweeping and sparse synchronization signal transmission, which can hinder time-critical operations requiring instant network access.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an access node and wireless terminal configuration that transmits synchronization signals identifying beam-specific resources and allocates dedicated, omni-directional resources for low latency message reception, allowing unscheduled transmission without relying on beam sweep detection and control signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic beam sweeping with synchronization signals is used for initial access, then wireless terminals can obtain network access, but access latency increases due to the periodic nature and sparse signal transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial access capabilityVSAvoidaccess latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The access node pre-configures and transmits dedicated random access resources periodically or continuously before they are needed, allowing wireless terminals to immediately transmit random access preambles without waiting for the next beam sweep opportunity. This preliminary preparation of resources eliminates the waiting time inherent in periodic beam sweeping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous or frequent transmission of dedicated random access resources rather than relying on periodic beam sweeps. This continuous availability of access resources ensures that wireless terminals can access the network at any moment without being constrained by the periodicity of traditional synchronization signal transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If beam-specific resources are allocated for responding to beam sweeps, then directional communication is established, but the sequential allocation of resources increases waiting time for wireless terminals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam direction accuracyVSAvoidresource allocation waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the random access resources into multiple simultaneous resources across different time-frequency-spaces, allowing multiple wireless terminals to access different beams concurrently. This segmentation eliminates the sequential allocation bottleneck while maintaining beam-specific precision through spatial separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds dimensional diversity by allocating random access resources across multiple dimensions (time, frequency, spatial beams) simultaneously. Instead of sequential allocation in one dimension, wireless terminals can access resources in parallel across multiple dimensions, reducing waiting time while maintaining beam directionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If synchronization signals are transmitted in a beam sweep pattern, then coverage is provided across multiple directions, but the 5ms transmission period followed by 15ms silence creates access delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidaccess delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dedicated random access resources serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide wide-area coverage like traditional beam sweeps, enable low-latency access for time-critical operations, and maintain beam-specific resource allocation. This multi-functionality allows the system to serve both broad coverage and rapid access needs with the same resource structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts resource allocation based on service requirements. For time-critical operations, dedicated random access resources are continuously or frequently transmitted. For normal operations, the system can revert to periodic beam sweeping. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both coverage and latency performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11888572B2Arrangement for low latency network access

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An access node (120) of a wireless network (100), comprising a wireless transceiver (313) coupled to an antenna arrangement (314) for communication of radio signals in a plurality of beams; logic (310) configured to control the wireless transceiver to: transmit (505) a plurality of synchronization signals in a period (P) of a beam sweep, in which each of said synchronization signals identifies a beam-specific resource to be used when responding to the beam sweep; and monitor (560) omni-directionally dedicated resources allocated for reception of a low latency message (55) from a wireless terminal (10). The dedicated resources may be are allocated throughout said period, allowing for unscheduled transmission of the message to the access node.