Secondary Cell Discovery with Light Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular networks face high power consumption due to continuous transmission of synchronization signals and system information, especially in dense deployment areas with inactive cells, leading to inefficiencies in network energy usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a light reference signal (RS) for secondary cells (SCells) in a discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode, allowing cells to transmit only when data is present, and avoiding synchronization signal blocks, thereby reducing unnecessary transmissions and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cells continuously transmit synchronization signals and system information, then network coverage and reliability are maintained, but network energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous transmission (DTX) where SCells transmit synchronization signals and system information only periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The SCell transitions between active and dormant states, transmitting full synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) only when needed for cell discovery or reactivation, while using lighter reference signals during dormant periods to maintain basic connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary transmission components from SCells in dormant state. Specifically, SCells avoid transmitting full SSBs and system information blocks (SIBs) when not actively serving UEs, transmitting only essential light reference signals. This extraction of non-essential signals significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining basic network functionality.
2Reliability
If SCells transmit full SSB and system information continuously, then cell discovery and synchronization are reliable, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only a subset of the full signal suite. SCells in dormant state transmit light reference signals with reduced functionality compared to full SSB transmissions. These light signals provide basic cell identification and synchronization capabilities without the complete set of synchronization signals, physical broadcast channels, and system information blocks, achieving adequate cell discovery with significantly reduced power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Full SSB transmissions occur periodically or event-triggered rather than continuously. The SCell performs complete cell discovery transmissions only when transitioning from dormant to active state or when triggered by specific events, while using light reference signals for basic maintenance during dormant periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If SCells are turned off to save energy, then network energy consumption decreases, but cell detection and measurement capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light reference signals as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between full SSB transmissions and complete signal silence. These light signals serve as mediators that provide minimal cell detection and measurement capabilities during dormant state, enabling UEs to identify and measure dormant SCells without requiring full synchronization signal transmission. This intermediary approach maintains basic detection capability while achieving significant power savings.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are disclosed for performing communication by receiving a light reference signal (RS) on a carrier frequency where a synchronization signal block (SSB) is not detected; in response to receiving the light RS, obtaining a light RS measurement and transmitting a light RS measurement report based on the light RS measurement; and starting to receive at least one SSB on the carrier frequency based on the light RS measurement report.