Multiplexing Synchronization Signals for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently multiplexing synchronization signals across multiple network nodes, which affects the reliability and efficiency of initial access and communication quality for user equipment (UE) in heterogeneous networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves multiplexing synchronization signals in time and frequency across multiple network nodes, including reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), to provide UE with multiple synchronization signal options, improving initial access success rates and communication reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronization signals are transmitted by multiple network nodes including RIS, then initial access success rate and communication reliability are improved, but signal interference and complexity of signal management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments synchronization signals into different types (first synchronization signals from network nodes, second synchronization signals from RIS) and assigns them distinct time-frequency resources. This segmentation allows the UE to separately identify and process signals from different sources, reducing signal management complexity while maintaining high initial access success rate through multiple signal options
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network node controls and coordinates the synchronization signal transmissions from both network nodes and RIS. The network node acts as a mediator that manages the multiplexing arrangement, allocating time-frequency resources and providing indication information to the UE, thereby reducing the overall system complexity while enabling reliable multi-source synchronization
2Reliability
If multiple sets of synchronization signals are multiplexed in time and frequency, then communication quality and channel association accuracy are improved, but power consumption and processing resources at UE increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network node provide indication information to the UE about the multiplexing arrangement of synchronization signals before the UE needs to process them. This advance information allows the UE to prepare appropriate reception and processing strategies, improving communication quality through accurate channel association while reducing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary processing of all possible signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by enabling the UE to selectively process only the relevant synchronization signals based on the indication information received. Instead of processing all synchronization signals from all network nodes and RIS equally, the UE focuses on the specific signals indicated for its service, thereby maintaining high communication quality while conserving power and processing resources
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization signals from RIS are included in the multiplexing scheme, then network adaptability and coverage extension are improved, but signal differentiation and detection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning distinct characteristics to synchronization signals from different sources. First synchronization signals from network nodes and second synchronization signals from RIS are differentiated through specific time-frequency resource allocations and associated indication information. This local differentiation enables the UE to easily identify and detect signals from RIS versus network nodes, improving signal detection while maintaining network adaptability through the inclusion of RIS in the synchronization framework
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive at least one first synchronization signal within a first set of synchronization signals associated with a first network node. The UE may further receive at least one second synchronization signal within at least one second set of synchronization signals associated with at least one second network node. The at least one second set of synchronization signals is multiplexed with the first set of synchronization signals. Numerous other aspects are described.