Initial Access Configuration for LTE-5G Coexistence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in coexisting effectively, particularly with the transition from LTE to 5G, due to overlapping spectrum usage, requiring efficient mechanisms for initial access configuration that support semi-static and dynamic time-domain multiplexing and frequency domain multiplexing between LTE and 5G.
Innovation Solution
The system facilitates initial access configuration by determining mobile device capabilities and selecting appropriate numerologies for synchronization signal blocks, enabling 5G initial access on overlapping spectrum with minimal impact on LTE or 5G performance, and allowing for flexible selection of synchronization signal block configurations based on deployment scenarios and device capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LTE and 5G systems use overlapping spectrum, then spectral efficiency is improved, but interference between systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time domain by introducing separate initial access windows for LTE and 5G systems. The 5G initial access window is configured to be separate from the LTE initial access window, allowing both systems to operate on overlapping spectrum without mutual interference during their respective access periods. This temporal segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling concurrent spectrum usage while preventing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the 5G initial access window to occur before the 5G subframe begins. The synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel are transmitted in this preliminary access window, allowing mobile devices to acquire 5G system information in advance. This preliminary configuration enables smooth transition and coexistence without causing interference to LTE operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If 5G initial access is enabled on LTE spectrum, then network flexibility is improved, but LTE performance may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the initial access process into distinct windows: an LTE initial access window for traditional LTE devices and a separate 5G initial access window for 5G-capable devices. By configuring these windows to be separate and by restricting 5G signals to specific resource elements within the LTE subframe (avoiding LTE control regions), the system maintains LTE performance reliability while enabling 5G flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting 5G synchronization signals and broadcast channels at specific, localized resource elements within the LTE subframe structure. The 5G physical broadcast channel is mapped to resource elements that do not overlap with LTE control information, allowing 5G signals to coexist locally within the LTE frame without degrading overall LTE performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple numerologies are supported for synchronization signal blocks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple numerologies for the 5G initial access window before actual communication begins. The network device determines and signals the selected numerology in advance through system information blocks, allowing mobile devices to be pre-prepared with the appropriate configuration. This eliminates the need for devices to handle multiple numerologies simultaneously, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the 5G initial access window to support multiple numerologies within a single configuration framework. The same access window structure can accommodate different subcarrier spacings and symbol durations by simply changing the numerology parameter, allowing one structural design to serve multiple technical requirements without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques and machine-readable storage media for initial access configuration for coexistence of multiple wireless communication systems are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: determining, by a base station device comprising a processor, a capability of a mobile device configured to operate according to a first communication protocol; and selecting, by the base station device, a numerology of numerologies for transmission of information from the base station device in a subframe of a frame, wherein the frame is associated with communications in accordance with the first communication protocol, wherein the selecting is based on the capability, wherein the numerologies are distinct combinations of frequency subcarrier spacing for synchronization signal blocks and placement locations of the synchronization signal blocks, and wherein the synchronization signal blocks are provided for initial access to a second communication protocol.