Frequency-Translating Repeaters for Reliable Initial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communications systems face challenges in improving signal coverage, efficiency, and reliability, especially in complex and dynamic environments, where signal attenuation and blockage occur, necessitating enhancements in initial access procedures for wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of licensed-to-unlicensed frequency-translating network-controlled repeaters (FT-NCRs) that translate synchronization signals from a licensed frequency band to an unlicensed frequency band, allowing user equipment to access the network through initial control resource sets indicated by a master information block, facilitating efficient initial access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If licensed frequency bands are used for initial access, then signal reliability is improved, but frequency spectrum efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum usage by function: licensed bands are used specifically for initial access and synchronization signal transmission where reliability is critical, while unlicensed bands are used for data transmission and other services where spectrum efficiency is prioritized. This functional segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each band to optimize for its intended purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network entity provides configuration information to the repeater, which then translates and forwards synchronization signals to UEs. This intermediary setup enables the coordinated use of licensed and unlicensed bands, allowing the system to achieve both reliability through licensed band initial access and spectrum efficiency through unlicensed band data transmission.
2Area of stationary object
If frequency translation is implemented, then signal coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-controlled repeater as an intermediary device that performs frequency translation between licensed and unlicensed bands. The repeater receives synchronization signals on licensed bands, translates them to unlicensed bands, and forwards them to UEs. This intermediary approach extends coverage to areas where the gNB cannot directly reach UEs while maintaining controlled complexity through network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater dynamically changes frequency parameters based on network configuration. It translates synchronization signals from licensed frequency bands to unlicensed frequency bands according to configuration information received from the network entity. This parameter change capability enables coverage extension while keeping the repeater's operation controllable and manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unlicensed frequency bands are used for synchronization signals, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but initial access reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the usage of unlicensed and licensed bands: unlicensed bands are used for data transmission to maximize spectrum efficiency, while licensed bands are reserved for initial access and synchronization signal transmission to ensure reliability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both spectrum efficiency and initial access reliability by assigning each band its optimal function.
4Area of stationary object
If network-controlled repeaters are deployed, then signal coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network-controlled repeaters as intermediary devices that extend coverage between the gNB and UEs in areas with poor direct signal reception. The repeaters are controlled by the network entity through configuration information, allowing them to perform frequency translation and signal forwarding. This controlled intermediary approach extends coverage while managing system complexity through centralized network management rather than distributed intelligence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances signal coverage and reliability by enabling effective initial access in dynamic environments, improving the efficiency of wireless communication systems and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a repeater associated with the network entity to translate transmissions from the network entity to an unlicensed frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for initial access with licensed-to-unlicensed frequency-translating network controlled repeaters (FT-NCRs). A method for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving a synchronization signal (SS) burst from a repeater on an unlicensed frequency band associated with an unlicensed synchronization raster. The SS burst includes an SS block (SSB) and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying a master information block (MIB) indicating an initial control resource set (CORESET) via a mapping associated with the unlicensed frequency band. The method includes monitoring the initial CORESET based on the MIB and the mapping associated with the unlicensed frequency band for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission scheduling a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission carrying an initial system information block (SIB) associated with a serving cell that uses a licensed frequency band associated with a licensed synchronization raster.