NR Cell Access Using Time-Multiplexed SSBs for RedCap Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing wireless communications of reduced capability (Redcap) devices and legacy devices within a network, such as NR networks, is challenging due to differences in capabilities, leading to difficulties in scheduling and cell access.
Innovation Solution
Revising initial cell access procedures for devices, including the consideration of cell-defining synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and bandwidth parts (BWPs) to differentiate between Redcap and legacy devices, and employing time-multiplexed SSBs to broadcast distinct initial downlink BWPs for each group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cell-defining SSB is used for both Redcap and legacy devices, then network configuration is simplified, but coexistence and access efficiency deteriorate due to capability differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell-defining SSB into two separate SSBs: one for Redcap devices and another for legacy devices. Each SSB contains device-specific information including capability indicators, allowing the network to provide tailored configuration parameters to each device type, thereby improving coexistence and access efficiency while maintaining configuration manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different information blocks within SSBs tailored to specific device capabilities. Redcap devices receive information blocks containing reduced capability indicators and appropriate bandwidth part configurations, while legacy devices receive standard information blocks, ensuring each device type accesses the network with optimal parameters for its capabilities
2Productivity
If separate cell-defining SSBs are used for Redcap and legacy devices, then scheduling and access efficiency improve, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple device-specific configurations into a unified SSB structure. Both Redcap and legacy device information are embedded within the same SSB transmission framework, allowing the network to broadcast differentiated configurations simultaneously without requiring separate transmission channels or procedures, thus managing complexity while maintaining access efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal SSB structure that serves multiple functions: it provides cell synchronization information, broadcasts capability indicators for different device types, and delivers device-specific access parameters all in a single message. This multi-functional approach improves scheduling efficiency while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate configuration mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy cell access procedures are used without revision, then compatibility with legacy devices is maintained, but Redcap device access and coexistence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies cell access procedures by introducing capability indicators and device-type-specific information blocks within the SSB structure. These parameter changes allow the network to distinguish between Redcap and legacy devices during initial access, enabling differentiated handling and configuration assignment while maintaining the overall familiar SSB-based access framework that ensures legacy compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
Improved network configuration options enable reduced capability (Redcap) devices to coexist with legacy devices. A master information block (MIB) cellBarred indication received in a Synchronization System Block (SSB) by a Redcap device may be ignored by the Redcap device, which may read a System Information Block1 (SIB1) to determine whether to connect to the cell defined by the received SSB. The Redcap device may consider the cell barred if the SIB1 includes a cellBarred indication targeting Redcap devices. The Redcap device may alternately search for an alternative SSB indicated by the SIB1 to determine whether to connect to the cell defined by the alternative SSB. A network node may broadcast Redcap specific and legacy specific SSBs at the same frequency location in a time-multiplexed manner, with each type of device determining cell access based on the received specific SSB. The network node may transmit SSB bursts specifically targeting Redcap devices.