SSB Transmission in Network-Controlled Repeaters for 5G Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in 5G networks is providing comprehensive coverage in dense deployments using higher frequency bands, where path loss and attenuation are significant, and wired backhaul is often unavailable or costly, limiting the effectiveness of traditional RF repeaters, especially in beamformed links.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network-controlled repeaters (NCRs) that adaptively manage access-link beamforming and reuse a limited set of synchronization signal block (SSB) IDs across multiple beams to extend coverage, allowing for efficient SSB transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional RF repeaters are used in dense 5G deployments with higher frequency bands, then coverage extension is attempted, but path loss and attenuation significantly reduce effectiveness and wired backhaul is costly or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The NCR dynamically adapts beamforming parameters and SSB transmission configurations based on real-time channel conditions and network requirements. The system adjusts beam directions, gains, and SSB resource allocations dynamically to optimize coverage while maintaining signal quality in dense deployments with higher frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical layer parameters including SSB frequency positions, time-domain locations, and beamforming weights to overcome path loss and attenuation. By adjusting these parameters, the NCR extends coverage to areas that would otherwise be unreachable while maintaining adequate signal quality.
2Reliability
If NCRs transmit SSBs using traditional methods with dedicated SSB IDs, then synchronization is achieved, but signaling overhead increases and resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The NCR reuses existing SSB ID configurations from the donor gNB for its own SSB transmissions. This universal approach allows the NCR to perform synchronization functions using the same SSB ID space already allocated, eliminating the need for separate dedicated SSB IDs and reducing signaling overhead while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The NCR copies SSB configurations including frequency positions, time-domain locations, and ID assignments from the donor gNB. This copying mechanism allows the NCR to inherit proven working configurations, reducing the need for new signaling and configuration messages while ensuring reliable synchronization for user equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If NCRs are deployed to extend coverage in dense deployments, then network coverage is improved, but cost of deployment increases due to wired backhaul requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The NCR acts as an intermediary between the donor gNB and user equipment, using wireless backhaul to receive and relay signals. This eliminates the need for physical wired connections, reducing deployment costs while maintaining network coverage extension capabilities in dense deployments where wired infrastructure is unavailable or costly.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for a NCR transmitting SSBs. One method may include obtaining a synchronization signal block configuration including at least a set of synchronization signal block identifiers, to be transmitted over an access link. The method may further include transmitting at least one synchronization signal block over an access link according to the synchronization signal block configuration.