Non-terrestrial Single Frequency Network Beam Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) face challenges due to the overlap between adjacent beams/cells, which limits the carrier-to-interference ratio and negatively impacts link and system performance.
Innovation Solution
Exploiting the overlap of beams in NTNs by synchronizing both uplink and downlink transmissions across multiple spot beams, enhancing antenna gain and reducing path loss for synchronization, random access, positioning, and multicast signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If adjacent beams/cells overlap in non-terrestrial networks, then coverage area is improved, but carrier-to-interference ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spot beams into a single frequency network where adjacent beams transmit synchronized signals on the same frequency. By combining the transmissions from multiple beams and applying time synchronization, the system achieves broader coverage while managing interference through constructive signal combination rather than treating overlapping beams as separate interfering sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of beam transmissions by introducing precise time synchronization across all spot beams. By adjusting the timing parameter and synchronizing uplink and downlink transmissions, the system transforms the interference scenario into a coordinated multi-beam operation where signals align constructively, improving carrier-to-interference ratio despite beam overlap
2Power
If synchronized transmissions are implemented across multiple spot beams, then antenna gain is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal synchronization mechanism that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it synchronizes uplink transmissions, synchronizes downlink transmissions, enables single frequency network operation, and provides timing reference for interference management. This multi-functional synchronization approach enhances antenna gain across all beams while avoiding the need for separate complexity-intensive systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network-level timing intermediary that coordinates transmissions across all spot beams. This intermediary synchronization mechanism allows individual beams to maintain their functions while achieving coordinated operation, thereby enhancing overall antenna gain without requiring each beam to independently manage the complexity of inter-beam coordination
3Reliability
If path loss is reduced through beam synchronization, then link performance improves, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary time synchronization to all spot beam transmissions before signals reach the user equipment. By pre-synchronizing the transmissions at the network level, the system ensures that signals arrive at the receiver in a coordinated manner, which reduces effective path loss and improves link performance without requiring complex processing at the user equipment side
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless devices, base stations, and other network devices and method are described that improve link level performance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In an embodiment, a method includes one or more of: configuring an NB-IoT (narrowband-Internet of Things) NPSS (Narrowband Primary Synchronization Signal) transmissions in multiple spot beams overlapping in time and frequency, configuring LTE PSS (Primary Synchronization Signal) transmissions in multiple beams overlapping in time and frequency, configuring NR (New Radio) PSS transmissions (e.g., which support the same shift of a respective M-sequence that defines the NR PSS) in multiple beams overlapping in time and frequency, configuring NR PSS transmissions (e.g., which support the same shift of a respective M-sequence that defines the NR PSS) in multiple beams configured to share the same SS/PBCH block index overlapping in time and frequency.