Cell-Free Network Access Via Synchronized Assisting Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for initial access in traditional cellular systems are not applicable to cell-free wireless communication systems, as improving the power of broadcast synchronization signals does not guarantee reception by all user equipments within the cell-free system coverage due to significant architectural differences.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cell-free wireless communication network with a plurality of access points and a central processing unit, where access assisting signals are obtained and broadcast simultaneously by these points to enable user equipment access, utilizing techniques like cyclic shifts and randomization to avoid destructive signal combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power of broadcast synchronization signals is improved in traditional cellular systems, then cell-edge user equipments can receive the signals correctly, but this method is not applicable to cell-free wireless communication systems due to architectural differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single base station broadcast function into multiple access points that simultaneously broadcast access assisting signals. Instead of relying on one high-power base station, the system segments the broadcast function across multiple lower-power access points distributed throughout the cell-free network, making the traditional broadcast method adaptable to the cell-free architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces access assisting signals as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between traditional cellular broadcast methods and cell-free system requirements. These signals serve as a mediator that enables user equipments to access the cell-free network despite the architectural differences, particularly addressing the signal reception issue at cell edges.
2Reliability
If multiple access points broadcast access assisting signals simultaneously, then user equipment can access the network more reliably, but destructive signal combinations may occur reducing signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by having access points broadcast access assisting signals in periodic time slots rather than continuously. This periodic transmission pattern allows the system to manage signal combinations more effectively, reducing the occurrence of destructive interference while maintaining reliable network access for user equipments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the timing, frequency, or phase parameters of access assisting signals broadcast by different access points. By dynamically changing these signal parameters, the system can avoid destructive signal combinations and minimize interference, thereby maintaining high signal quality while enabling reliable network access.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to methods and devices for enabling access to a cell-free wireless communication network. The cell-free wireless communication network may include a plurality of access points and at least one central processing unit controlling the access points. In one implementation, the method may include obtaining an access assisting signal in an access assisting signal set. The access assisting signal set may include a plurality of access assisting signals that enable a user equipment to initially access to the cell-free wireless communication network. The method may include broadcasting the access assisting signal. The plurality of access points broadcast respective access assisting signals at a same time.