RIS and Repeater SSB Transmission for Initial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) and repeaters for synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission and initial access, particularly in enhancing coverage and reducing interference in heterogeneous networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing RIS or repeater-assisted techniques for SSB transmission, including the use of modulation signatures and power control for SSBs, to optimize initial access and improve communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If RIS or repeater assisted SSB transmission is implemented, then communication coverage is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RIS and repeaters as intermediary devices between the base station and user equipment. These intermediaries receive, process, and retransmit SSB signals to extend coverage to areas that would otherwise be unreachable, directly resolving the contradiction by adding intermediate components rather than increasing the complexity of existing devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the SSB transmission function into multiple independent components: base station SSB generation, RIS signal processing, repeater amplification, and UE reception. Each component operates independently with simplified functionality, allowing the system to achieve extended coverage without requiring any single device to become overly complex
2Reliability
If RIS or repeater assisted SSB transmission is implemented, then network performance is improved, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring RIS elements to provide spatially selective signal enhancement. Different RIS elements can be independently controlled to redirect signals toward specific target areas while maintaining low gain in other directions, thereby improving network performance in coverage holes while minimizing interference generation in other spatial regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station receives measurement reports from UEs about received signal quality and interference levels. Based on this feedback, the base station dynamically adjusts RIS configuration and repeater power levels to optimize network performance while keeping interference below harmful thresholds
3Productivity
If modulation signatures are used for RIS or repeater identification, then initial access efficiency is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses modulation signatures as distinctive 'colors' or identifiers for different RIS and repeater units. Each RIS/repeater is assigned a unique modulation pattern that allows UEs to quickly identify and distinguish between multiple intermediaries during initial access, improving efficiency without requiring complex processing - the UE simply detects which modulation pattern is present to determine which RIS/repeater is transmitting
Data Source
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AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmitted by a base station. The UE may receive system information that includes reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) or repeater assisted initial access information that identifies a set of SSBs that are associated with an RIS or a repeater and a modulation signature associated with the RIS or the repeater. The UE may selectively perform initial access using the SSB or search for another SSB based at least in part on the RIS or repeater assisted initial access information. Numerous other aspects are described.