Sync Signal Allocation via Dynamic Frequency Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The synchronization (sync) frequency allocation in 5G cellular systems faces contradictory requirements of complexity and flexibility, with the need for lean signaling overhead and minimal complexity, while also requiring flexible and efficient spectrum utilization, which existing methods struggle to meet effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining sets of sync signal features and corresponding sync frequency locations within a cellular band, allowing for varying sync periodicity and waveform, enabling efficient allocation of sync signals that meet the requirements of different network configurations, such as national broadband and local factory networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed sync frequency allocation method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but spectrum utilization flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sync frequency allocation where the network can flexibly assign sync signals to different frequency locations based on network configuration and service requirements. The sync frequency is no longer fixed but can be dynamically adjusted through network signaling, allowing the system to adapt to different spectrum scenarios while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized processing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sync frequency allocation from a fixed value to a configurable parameter that can be signaled by the network. By introducing configurable sync frequency parameters that can be indicated through system information or dedicated signaling, the system achieves spectrum flexibility without requiring complex device-side frequency search and detection algorithms.
2Loss of energy
If lean signaling overhead is implemented, then operating expenses are reduced, but sync signal allocation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sync signal allocation mechanism universal by designing a flexible frequency indication method that can serve multiple network scenarios (broadband, factory networks, rural areas) through a single standardized interface. The network can indicate sync frequency using existing signaling resources, making the same mechanism applicable across diverse deployment scenarios without requiring separate signaling protocols for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configurable sync frequency parameters that can be signaled through existing network signaling mechanisms. By changing the sync frequency from a fixed parameter to a signalable parameter, the system achieves allocation flexibility while utilizing existing signaling resources, thereby avoiding additional signaling overhead.
3Device complexity
If sync signals are allocated at fixed frequency locations, then device complexity is reduced, but co-channel interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sync frequency allocation that allows the network to assign different frequency locations for sync signals based on interference conditions and network configuration. This dynamic allocation enables the system to avoid frequency collisions and reduce co-channel interference while maintaining simple device-side processing through standardized sync detection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sync frequency from a fixed parameter to a configurable parameter that can be indicated by the network. By allowing the sync frequency parameter to be dynamically assigned based on interference conditions, the system can optimize frequency allocation to minimize co-channel interference while keeping device complexity manageable through standardized parameter processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operation of a network node in a wireless communications network comprises determining a set of sync signal features for a sync signal to be transmitted by either the network node or another network node. The method further comprises determining a sync frequency location for the sync signal based on the set of sync signal features for the sync signal to be transmitted and transmitting or causing transmission of the sync signal on the sync frequency location. A method of a wireless communication device for performing synchronization to a wireless communications network comprises determining a set of sync signal features for a sync signal to be searched for by the wireless communication device and determining a set of sync frequency locations defined for the set of sync signal features for a cellular band and searching for a sync signal in the set of sync frequency locations.