Beam-Sweep Synchronization Timing for Faster Wireless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in initial-access procedures due to the use of high-gain narrow beamforming, where UEs need to transmit or receive synchronization signals at multiple time instances, leading to inefficient use of radio resources and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting synchronization sequences with timing indications that allow UEs to determine a precise time for events such as system access requests, eliminating the need for multiple transmissions by aligning these events with a common time frame, even when using beam sweeps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If beamforming with multiple beam directions is used for synchronization signal transmission, then coverage area is improved, but the number of time instances for transmission increases leading to inefficient radio resource usage
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization signal transmission is segmented into multiple beam directions (e.g., first beam direction and second beam direction) to cover different geographical areas. Each beam direction transmits synchronization signals at different time instances, allowing the network to serve multiple coverage areas simultaneously without requiring all areas to wait for a single transmission cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing indications for different beam directions based on the actual transmission schedule. The timing indication mechanism allows flexible coordination between multiple beam transmissions, enabling the network to optimize resource allocation dynamically rather than using fixed transmission patterns for all directions.
2Area of stationary object
If synchronization sequences are transmitted at different time instances for different beam directions, then coverage is improved, but UE complexity increases due to multiple transmission instances
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides timing indications within the synchronization signals that feed back to the UE about the scheduled transmission times for different beam directions. This feedback mechanism allows the UE to understand the transmission schedule and synchronize its operations accordingly, reducing the complexity of handling multiple transmission instances.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing indication mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides synchronization information, indicates the timing for uplink signals, and coordinates resource allocation across different beam directions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms, thereby reducing overall UE complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple synchronization sequences are transmitted for beam sweep, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but the time for initial access procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures and transmits synchronization sequences with embedded timing indications before the UE needs to perform initial access. This preliminary action allows the UE to receive and process synchronization information in advance, reducing the overall time required for the initial access procedure while maintaining accurate synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization signal transmission continues across multiple beam directions with overlapping time instances, ensuring continuous availability of synchronization information. This continuous action reduces the total time a UE needs to wait for synchronization compared to sequential transmission of all beams, while still providing accurate synchronization through multiple sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to transmitting synchronization signals and in particular to so called beam sweep. In particular the disclosure relates to methods for providing synchronization using synchronization sequences that are transmitted at different points in time. The disclosure also relates to corresponding devices and computer programs. A method in a network node, for transmitting synchronization sequences of a synchronization signal to one or more receiving wireless devices, comprises determining multiple synchronization sequences, such that each synchronization sequence comprises a respective timing indication, whereby each synchronization sequence enables determination of a time of an event in a receiving wireless device and transmitting the synchronization sequences to the one or more wireless devices, at different points in time.