On-Demand Microcell Access via Macro Network Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems, user equipment in idle mode frequently wakes up to decode synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) from multiple cells, leading to inefficient resource usage and increased power consumption, particularly when varying QoS demands are imposed by different use cases like URLLC and eMBB.
Innovation Solution
A macro radio network node broadcasts secondary access information via a master information block to facilitate direct access to micro network nodes, reducing the need for user equipment to decode SSBs by providing explicit or differential access information, and utilizing energy-saving modes to minimize SSB transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user equipment periodically wakes up to decode SSBs from multiple cells, then cell access and camping are facilitated, but power consumption increases and resource usage becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The network node pre-calculates and stores access information (such as timing advance values, frequency offsets, and synchronization parameters) for multiple cells in advance. When user equipment needs to access a cell, this pre-prepared information is immediately available, eliminating the need for real-time SSB decoding and reducing power consumption while maintaining easy cell access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network node provides access information to user equipment through dedicated channels (such as RRC signaling or system information blocks). This intermediary information transfer mechanism replaces the direct SSB decoding process, enabling cell access without requiring user equipment to periodically wake up and decode synchronization signals, thus reducing power consumption.
2Reliability
If user equipment decodes SSBs to determine access information, then reliable cell identification and camping are achieved, but processing time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Access information including cell identifiers, timing parameters, and synchronization data is pre-calculated and stored by the network node before user equipment needs to access the cell. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time SSB decoding, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining reliable cell identification through the pre-provided accurate access information.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring user equipment to decode SSBs and extract access information directly from the physical layer, the patent provides copied or replicated access information through higher-layer signaling channels. This copying of access information (such as copying timing advance values, frequency offsets, and synchronization parameters) from network node to user equipment eliminates the time-consuming SSB decoding process while preserving the reliability of cell identification.
3Ease of operation
If network nodes transmit SSBs continuously to facilitate idle mode device access, then cell camping is supported, but network capacity is reduced and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node pre-provides access information for multiple cells through dedicated signaling channels before idle mode devices need to access them. This preliminary information provision enables devices to access cells without requiring continuous SSB transmissions, thereby preserving network capacity for active communications while maintaining ease of device access during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information delivery mechanism (such as RRC signaling or system information blocks) that provides cell access information to idle mode devices without requiring continuous SSB transmissions. This intermediary channel allows the network to maintain network capacity for data communications while still enabling idle devices to access cells efficiently through the provided access information.
4Ease of operation
If explicit access information is broadcast for all cells, then user equipment can access cells directly without calculation, but information overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing access information selectively based on the specific cell characteristics and user equipment location. Instead of broadcasting identical explicit access information for all cells (which would create redundant overhead), the network provides tailored access information for each cell or cell group, reducing overall information overhead while maintaining direct access capability for users in the appropriate service areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing access information only for cells that are relevant to the user equipment's current location and service requirements, rather than broadcasting comprehensive access information for all possible cells. This selective information provision reduces information overhead while still enabling direct access to the necessary cells, avoiding the excessive action of broadcasting complete access data for every cell in the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A macro radio access network node may broadcast a master information block secondary access information indication indicative of secondary access information that may be usable by a user equipment to access a micro radio access network node, corresponding to a micro node coverage zone that overlaps, or lies within, a covered zone corresponding to the macro node, during an activated energy saving mode period, at the micro node, during which the micro node may avoid transmission of synchronization signal block signals. A user equipment operating in an idle mode and located within a coverage zone corresponding to the micro node may detect a synchronization signal block signal transmitted by the macro node and may decode secondary access information, corresponding to the micro node, from a system information block, transmitted by the macro node, indicated by a master information block transmitted by the macro node.