Multiplexing Initial Access and Data in mmWave Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently managing initial access and data transmissions, especially in millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies, due to high propagation loss and susceptibility to blockages, which affects the reliability and efficiency of beam management, mobility management, and radio resource management.

Innovation Solution

A method where a primary base station operating in a lower frequency spectrum assists user equipment (UE) in accessing a secondary base station operating in a mmWave spectrum by providing directional transmission resources and bypassing initial synchronization, allowing for frequency multiplexing of initial access and data transmissions, thereby conserving mmWave resources and enhancing network flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If initial access and data transmissions are performed separately in mmWave systems, then beam management and mobility management can be maintained, but mmWave resources are consumed and access complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial access reliabilityVSAvoidmmWave resources

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines initial access transmissions and data transmissions into a single multiplexed transmission over shared mmWave resources. The base station transmits both synchronization signals (for initial access) and data payloads (for communication) simultaneously using the same time-frequency resources, thereby conserving mmWave resources while maintaining reliable access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes mmWave resources universal by enabling them to serve dual purposes: initial access synchronization and data transmission. The same mmWave resources are used for both functions, allowing the system to maintain beam management and mobility management capabilities while efficiently utilizing available resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If full synchronization procedures are performed for mmWave access, then beam management is maintained, but access time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management reliabilityVSAvoidinitial access time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary beam alignment and synchronization by having the UE utilize beams identified through lower-frequency assistance before attempting mmWave access. This preliminary action reduces the need for extensive mmWave synchronization procedures, thereby maintaining beam management reliability while reducing access time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces lower-frequency transmissions as an intermediary that assists the UE in identifying suitable beams for mmWave access. The lower-frequency channel serves as a mediator that provides beam indication information, enabling the UE to perform faster mmWave access without requiring complete synchronization procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If dedicated mmWave resources are allocated for initial access, then access reliability is improved, but resource efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess reliabilityVSAvoidresource efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges initial access signals and data transmissions into the same mmWave resources, eliminating the need for dedicated access resources. This combining approach maintains access reliability through proper signal design while significantly improving resource efficiency by allowing simultaneous access and data operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing mmWave resources to be continuously utilized for both access and data transmissions without idle periods dedicated solely to access procedures. The multiplexed approach ensures that resources remain productive throughout, improving overall system throughput and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11696218B2Multiplexing initial access and data transmissions in assisted millimeter wave systems

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for multiplexing initial access transmissions with data and/or control transmissions. For example, the techniques include a method for wireless communication by a first base station (BS). The method includes communicating, in a first time interval, with at least a first user equipment (UE), via directional transmissions using a first set of frequency resources, and participating in at least one of an access or management procedure, during the first time interval, via directional transmissions using a second set of frequency resources.