Small Cell SSB Configuration via Macro Scan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face interference and congestion due to overlapping coverage areas of macro and small cell base stations, leading to reduced performance and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method where a small cell base station scans for synchronization signal block (SSB) configurations of a macro base station, determining unused frequencies, indices, or frame portions to transmit SSBs, thereby reducing collisions and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small cell base station transmits SSBs using the same frequency and timing as a macro base station, then network simplicity is maintained, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to interference and collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring SSB transmission parameters differently for small cell base stations compared to macro base stations. Specifically, small cell base stations use a second set of SSB configuration parameters including different time offsets and frequency allocations, while macro base stations use a first set of parameters. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by maintaining network simplicity through parameter sets while improving signal-to-noise ratio by eliminating interference in overlapping coverage areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If base stations transmit SSBs simultaneously in overlapping coverage areas, then network deployment is simplified, but power consumption increases due to repeated transmissions and interference mitigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by staggering SSB transmission timing between macro and small cell base stations using different time offsets. The small cell base station transmits SSBs at a second time offset that differs from the first time offset used by macro base stations. This periodic differentiation reduces simultaneous transmissions in overlapping areas, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining simplified deployment through standardized parameter sets.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple base stations use the same SSB frequency resources, then frequency spectrum utilization is maximized, but interference between transmissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the frequency spectrum into different allocations for macro and small cell base stations. Small cell base stations are configured to use a second frequency allocation that is distinct from the first frequency allocation used by macro base stations. This segmentation reduces interference between transmissions while maintaining efficient spectrum utilization by ensuring that each segment is appropriately used by the corresponding base station type.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wireless communication includes, in response to a trigger event detected at a first base station, performing, by the first base station, a scan of a plurality of frequencies for a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission from a second base station. The plurality of frequencies correspond to a plurality of global synchronization channel numbers (GSCNs) associated with the first base station and the second base station. The first base station is associated with a first coverage area that is at least partially within a second coverage area associated with the second base station. The method further includes transmitting, by the first base station, one or more SSBs having an SSB configuration that is based on a result of the scan.