Network Device Synchronization Signal Transmission in Unlicensed Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of next-generation wireless communications, particularly in multiple-beam scenarios, existing methods for transmitting synchronization signals in unlicensed high-band systems face inefficiencies due to high overheads and resource wastage in idle carrier sense processes, especially when using fixed time-frequency location reference signals.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a signal transmission method where a network device performs idle carrier sense in specific downlink beam directions only when predefined sending times arrive, allowing for flexible operation and reducing overheads by using configurable reference signals and physical broadcast channels with time indication information, thereby improving synchronization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network device performs idle carrier sense in each downlink beam direction at fixed time-frequency locations, then synchronization signal transmission can be achieved, but idle carrier sense overheads increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization signal transmission into multiple synchronization frames, where each frame contains synchronization signal blocks for different downlink beam directions. This segmentation allows the network device to perform idle carrier sense selectively for each beam direction at predefined sending times rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall overhead while maintaining reliable synchronization transmission across multiple beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing predefined sending times for synchronization frames and idle carrier sense operations in each downlink beam direction. Instead of continuous carrier sense, the network device performs idle carrier sense periodically at these predefined times, which significantly reduces overhead while ensuring synchronization signals are transmitted at appropriate intervals to maintain network synchronization
2Reliability
If the network device uses fixed time-frequency location reference signals, then synchronization can be established, but resource flexibility is reduced and overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed time-frequency location reference signals to configurable reference signals whose time-frequency locations can be dynamically adjusted. The network device configures downlink measurement signals and physical broadcast channels with flexible time-frequency positions according to actual transmission needs, enabling adaptive resource allocation while maintaining synchronization establishment capability across multiple beam directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the time-frequency location parameters of reference signals to be modified based on transmission requirements. Instead of using fixed parameters, the network device can change the time-frequency positions of synchronization signal blocks and downlink measurement signals dynamically, which improves resource flexibility and reduces overhead while ensuring reliable synchronization
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a signal transmission method and a device. The method includes: performing, by a network device, idle carrier sense in a downlink beam direction when a predefined sending time of each synchronization frame in a synchronization frame set arrives, where the synchronization frame set includes N synchronization frames, N is a positive integer, and each synchronization frame includes at least one synchronization signal block; and sending a synchronization signal block to a terminal in the downlink beam direction in a synchronization frame in which idle carrier sense succeeds, where the synchronization signal block includes a synchronization signal. The network device performs idle carrier sense in the downlink beam direction when the predefined sending time of each synchronization frame arrives, and sends the synchronization signal block including the synchronization signal in the downlink beam direction in the synchronization frame in which idle carrier sense succeeds. This implements how to transmit the synchronization signal, and also implements idle carrier sense in the downlink beam direction.