Cell Beam Mapping for Low-Power Radio Resource Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing radio resource mapping and scheduling, particularly in narrowband-internet of things (NB-IoT) and enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) networks, leading to high power consumption and reduced network capacity due to frequent system information acquisition by user equipment in large coverage areas.
Innovation Solution
The method involves splitting a cell into multiple cell beams, each mapped to satellite beams, and optimizing the transmission and reception occasions of common signals like PSS, SSS, and MIB, allowing user equipment to select the best beam based on signal quality, thereby reducing the frequency of system information reading and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user equipment frequently acquires system information to maintain connectivity in large coverage cells, then connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic system information acquisition with variable periods based on UE state and beam conditions. In idle state, UEs acquire system information at longer intervals (e.g., every 1.28 seconds or longer), while in connected state with stable beam conditions, acquisition can be suspended or extended. This periodic approach with adaptive timing reduces power consumption while maintaining connection reliability through timely updates when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables UEs to autonomously determine their acquisition frequency based on their current state (idle or connected) and beam stability metrics. The UE self-adjusts the system information acquisition schedule without network intervention, selecting from predefined acquisition periods or extending intervals based on measured beam quality. This self-service mechanism reduces unnecessary acquisitions and power consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity.
2Reliability
If user equipment switches between satellite beams to maintain optimal signal quality, then connection reliability is improved, but system information acquisition frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary beam selection and evaluation before triggering system information acquisition. UEs continuously monitor beam quality metrics (RSRP, SINR) and maintain a list of candidate beams with predicted quality. When beam switching is anticipated based on movement patterns or quality degradation trends, the UE prepares by selecting from candidate beams, reducing the need for frequent system information acquisitions to discover new beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report beam quality metrics to the network, which adjusts system information transmission timing and content based on observed beam switching patterns. The network uses this feedback to optimize system information acquisition schedules, reducing frequency for UEs with stable beam connections while maintaining higher frequency for those experiencing frequent beam switching, thus balancing reliability with reduced acquisition overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network transmits system information frequently to support beam switching, then adaptability is improved, but network capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments system information into multiple parts transmitted at different times and frequencies across different beams. Instead of transmitting complete system information repeatedly on all beams, the network divides information into essential elements (required for initial access) and optional elements (useful for optimization). UEs acquire essential information from current beam and can obtain additional information from neighboring beams when switching, reducing overall transmission frequency and increasing network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial system information transmission where UEs receive only the necessary subset of system information for their current operational state and beam conditions. In idle state, UEs receive minimal information for cell selection; in connected state with stable beams, acquisition can be partial or suspended. This partial action approach provides sufficient adaptability for beam switching while significantly reducing network transmission overhead and preserving capacity for data traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a wireless communication method includes receiving, by a wireless communication device from a wireless communication node, a plurality of common signals. The wireless communication node provides a plurality of cell beams. The wireless communication method includes determining, by the wireless communication device, based on respective reception occasions of one or more of the plurality of common signals, an index of one of a plurality of cell beams that the wireless communication device selects.