Radio Broadcast Beam Coverage Enhancement with BWP-Configured SSB Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coverage of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, is limited due to the use of narrow beams, resulting in poorer coverage compared to data channels, which affects terminal devices' ability to access cells effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enhance SSB beam coverage by determining target traffic beams with high data channel quality and low broadcast channel quality, transmitting multiple SSB beams in a bandwidth part (BWP) to cover these areas, and configuring BWPs to ensure terminals can access cells with strong SSB signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If SSBs form narrow beams to improve beamforming gain, then spectral efficiency is improved, but coverage range is reduced and becomes poorer than data channel coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage enhancement task into two segments: data channels use narrow beams for high spectral efficiency, while SSB beams use wide beams for broad coverage. This segmentation allows each beam type to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different beam qualities to different signal types: narrow beams with high directional gain for data channels in serving cells, and wide beams with broader coverage for SSBs in neighboring cells. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between beam gain and coverage range.
2Area of stationary object
If SSBs form wide beams to expand coverage range, then coverage area is improved, but beamforming gain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming strategy by signal type: SSB beams use wide coverage patterns for neighbor cell detection, while data channels use narrow high-gain beams. This segmentation enables wide beam coverage without sacrificing data channel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different beam qualities are applied locally to different functions: wide beams for SSB transmission to maximize coverage area for cell search and selection, and narrow beams for data transmission to maximize spectral efficiency. This resolves the gain-area tradeoff.
3Device complexity
If the quantity of SSB beams is limited by 3GPP specifications, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage completeness is insufficient compared to data channel coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam coverage requirement between SSBs and data channels: SSBs provide coarse-grain coverage for cell selection with limited beams, while data channels provide fine-grain coverage for active communication. This segmentation allows limited SSB beams to suffice for their purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic SSB beam selection where the network configures specific SSB beams for neighbor cell measurement based on terminal location and channel conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures coverage completeness is achieved through intelligent selection rather than exhaustive beam transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a radio broadcast beam coverage enhancement method and apparatus. In some embodiments, the method includes: a base station determines at least one target traffic beam, where in an area covered by the at least one target traffic beam, data channel quality of at least one terminal is higher than a first threshold, and broadcast channel quality is lower than a second threshold. The base station transmits N first SSB beams in at least one BWP, where the N first SSB beams cover the area covered by the at least one target traffic beam, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. According to the foregoing method in this application, the at least one BWP can be configured for the area covered by the target traffic beam, to enhance an SSB signal in the area, so that the terminal can access a cell.