Opportunistic Sync Block Transmission for mmWave NR-SS
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mmWave new radio shared spectrum networks, the existing methods for synchronization block transmission are inefficient due to the need for separate listen-before-talk procedures for each directional beam, leading to increased signaling overhead and latency, especially when multiple network operating entities contend for shared resources.
Innovation Solution
The method involves scheduling a data burst with an opportunistic synchronization block embedded in the data burst, which includes network access information usable by non-served UEs, allowing them to access the network without additional medium-sensing procedures, and enabling random access signals to be transmitted on identified opportunities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate listen-before-talk procedures are performed for each directional beam, then network access information can be transmitted reliably, but signaling overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the synchronization block transmission with an existing data burst transmission on a directional beam. Instead of performing separate listen-before-talk procedures for synchronization blocks, the base station embeds the synchronization block within a data burst that has already been scheduled for transmission, thereby merging two transmissions into one and eliminating redundant medium-sensing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The data burst transmission serves dual purposes: delivering data to the intended UE and simultaneously providing synchronization information to non-served UEs. This multi-functionality allows the same transmission resource to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the need for dedicated synchronization transmission resources and procedures
2Reliability
If separate listen-before-talk procedures are performed for each directional beam, then medium access can be controlled, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
By embedding the synchronization block within an existing data burst, the patent eliminates the need for a separate listen-before-talk procedure for synchronization transmission. This merging reduces the number of times the medium is accessed, thereby reducing overall interference in the shared spectrum environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of sharing unlicensed spectrum with multiple network operating entities by reducing the frequency of access attempts. Instead of frequently accessing the medium for separate synchronization transmissions, the system leverages existing data burst opportunities, thereby converting the challenge of shared spectrum into a benefit of reduced interference
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization blocks are transmitted separately, then non-served UEs can access network information, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data burst is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: data transmission to served UEs and synchronization information delivery to non-served UEs. This universality eliminates the need for separate synchronization block transmission procedures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining network access capability for non-served UEs
Data Source
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AI summary
Opportunistic synchronization block transmission for millimeter (mm) wave (mmW) new radio (NR) shared spectrum (NR-SS) is disclosed. In the shared spectrum operations, additional opportunities for synchronization signaling are provided by piggy backing a single shot, opportunistic synchronization (sync) block onto the directional beam used for transmitting a data burst to a served user equipment.