Licensed Supplemental Downlink Initial Access via Unlicensed Primary Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing spectrum sharing between licensed and unlicensed bands, particularly in providing reliable and high-bandwidth communications across diverse spectrum and deployments, especially with the transition from LTE to 5G NR technology.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless communication system that utilizes a licensed supplemental downlink (SDL) paired with an unlicensed band, enabling cross-carrier frequency indication and dynamic selection of anchor signals between SDL licensed and NDL unlicensed bands for improved coverage and reduced network load, while leveraging scalable numerology and advanced beamforming techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If system information signals are transmitted only in unlicensed bands, then spectrum sharing is enabled, but initial network access latency increases due to UE needing to search multiple frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting the first system information signal in the licensed band before the UE needs to access the unlicensed band. This pre-provides essential network access information in a reliable frequency band, eliminating the need for UEs to perform time-consuming searches across multiple unlicensed frequency bands during initial access, thereby reducing access latency while maintaining spectrum sharing benefits
2Loss of information
If UEs search for system information in multiple unlicensed frequency bands, then comprehensive network information is obtained, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments system information transmission across two frequency bands with distinct functions: the licensed band carries the first system information signal for initial access and essential parameters, while the unlicensed band carries the second system information signal for additional network information. This segmentation allows UEs to obtain critical information from the reliable licensed band first, reducing the complexity and power consumption of searching unlicensed bands, while still accessing comprehensive network information when needed
3Ease of operation
If all system information is transmitted in licensed bands, then initial network access is simplified, but spectrum sharing benefits and bandwidth aggregation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different transmission characteristics to different frequency bands based on their specific properties. The licensed band is used for initial access information where reliability and simplicity are prioritized, while the unlicensed band is used for additional system information where spectrum sharing and bandwidth aggregation benefits are leveraged. This localized optimization allows the system to achieve both simplified initial access and full spectrum sharing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless communications systems and methods related to communications in a network that supports data transmitted in an unlicensed frequency band and a licensed frequency band are provided. A first wireless communication device communicates, with a second wireless communication device in a first frequency band, a first system information signal indicating a transmission configuration for a second system information signal in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The first wireless communication device communicates, with the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band, the second system information signal based on the transmission configuration.