SSB Signaling Segmentation for NTN Beam-Hopping Handover Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) with beam hopping, terminal devices experience inefficiencies in measuring synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) due to frequent cell handovers and reselections, leading to high overheads and low communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first cell sends separate SSBs for initial access and cell handover/reselection, allowing the cell to send the appropriate SSB based on the terminal device's requirements, reducing overlap and interference, and utilizing different periods and resources for these SSBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If beam hopping is used for region coverage, then wide coverage is achieved, but frequent cell handover and reselection cause high overhead and low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SSB function into two distinct types: first SSB for initial access and second SSB for cell handover/reselection. This segmentation allows the system to optimize resource allocation for each function separately, reducing overhead and improving handover efficiency while maintaining wide coverage through beam hopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic SSB sending based on terminal device states. The network device determines whether to send first SSB or second SSB based on whether the terminal is in initial access mode or handover/reselection mode. This dynamic approach reduces unnecessary SSB transmissions and improves overall system efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If separate SSBs are sent for initial access and handover, then SSB overhead is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal SSB structure that can serve multiple functions. The same SSB format is used for both initial access and cell handover/reselection, but with different purposes determined by the terminal device state and network device configuration. This multi-functionality approach reduces overhead while avoiding significant system complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device autonomously determines which type of SSB to process based on its current state (initial access or handover/reselection). The network device sends SSB according to the terminal's stated requirement, and the terminal self-manages the measurement and handover process based on the received SSB type, reducing the need for complex control signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: A first cell may send a first SSB, where the first SSB is an SSB used for initial access. The first cell may further send a second SSB, where the second SSB is an SSB used for cell handover or cell reselection. According to the method, the first cell may separately send the first SSB used for initial access and the second SSB used for cell handover or cell reselection. In this way, when a terminal device needs to access the first cell, the first cell may send the first SSB; or when the terminal device needs to hand over or reselect to the first cell, the first cell may send the second SSB, so that the SSB can be sent based on a requirement.