NCR SSB Beam Indexing for Accurate UE Coverage Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network-controlled repeaters (NCRs) face challenges in determining whether user equipment (UE) devices are within their coverage area due to overlapping SSB index reporting, leading to ambiguity in data transmission routing.
Innovation Solution
The network transmits SSB signals to NCRs using a distinct set of beams and indices, allowing differentiation between base station and NCR transmissions, and schedules data through NCRs based on UE reports of preferred beam candidates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the network uses the same SSB indices for both base station and NCR transmissions, then resource utilization is improved, but ambiguity in determining whether a UE is within NCR coverage area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SSB index space by allocating different SSB index ranges to base station transmissions versus NCR transmissions. Specifically, the network configures the NCR to transmit SSB signals using a second set of SSB indices that are distinct from the first set of SSB indices used by the base station. This segmentation allows the network to determine whether a UE is within NCR coverage by checking which SSB index range the UE reports, thereby resolving the ambiguity while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
2Measurement precision
If the network transmits SSB signals to NCR using distinct beams and indices, then UE location determination accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration mechanism where the network provides SSB configuration information to the NCR, which includes the second set of SSB indices and associated beam parameters. This intermediary configuration approach allows the NCR to operate with pre-defined beam and index settings, reducing the real-time decision-making complexity while still enabling accurate UE location determination through the distinct SSB index reporting.
3Productivity
If the network schedules transmissions through NCR based on UE reports, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the risk of scheduling errors due to ambiguous SSB reporting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where UEs report their preferred beam candidates along with the associated SSB indices to the network. The network uses this feedback, combined with the knowledge of which SSB index ranges are allocated to NCR, to accurately determine whether the UE is within NCR coverage and to make appropriate scheduling decisions. This feedback loop ensures that scheduling accuracy is maintained while maximizing data transmission efficiency through NCR.
Data Source
AI summary
A network transmits a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) signal to a signal forwarding device via a first beam that is selected from a first set of beams utilized by the network to transmit the SSB signal. Each of the first set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from a first set of SSB indices. The network also transmits SSB configuration information indicating a second set of beams that are available for the signal forwarding device to use to forward the SSB signal. Each of the second set of beams is associated with an SSB index selected from a second set of SSB indices. In response to receiving an indication that the forwarded SSB signal received at the UE device from the signal forwarding device is a preferred beam candidate, the network schedules transmissions for the UE device via the signal forwarding device.