Synchronization Signal Overhead Reduction in 5G Control Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G mobile communication system faces challenges in providing synchronization for control signals without incurring unnecessary overhead, particularly in scenarios where wireless devices wake up from deep sleep states, requiring efficient acquisition of coarse symbol timing and frequency synchronization for network access and paging mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves using existing configured signals for synchronization when available, and configuring a separate synchronization signal only when necessary, utilizing a System Control Plane with a System Signature Index that points to an Access Information Table, allowing for efficient transmission of tracking area information and other control signals without duplicating existing features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate synchronization signal is configured for every control signal requiring synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but signal overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by allowing a single synchronization signal to serve multiple control signals. The network node determines that one synchronization signal can provide synchronization support for several different control signals (e.g., tracking area information, paging information, random access response information), eliminating the need to configure separate synchronization signals for each control signal while maintaining sufficient synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the synchronization function across multiple control signals by configuring a shared synchronization signal. Instead of having separate synchronization signals for each control signal type, the invention combines them into a unified synchronization mechanism where one synchronization signal supports multiple control signals, reducing overall signal overhead.
2Reliability
If synchronization signals are transmitted frequently to maintain synchronization accuracy, then synchronization reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by configuring synchronization signals to be transmitted at specific intervals rather than continuously. The network node determines appropriate periodicity for synchronization signal transmission based on the requirements of control signals, allowing wireless devices to maintain synchronization while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
By making a single synchronization signal serve multiple control signals, the patent reduces the total number of synchronization signals needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining synchronization reliability across different control signal types.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to methods, devices, and computer programs in mobile communications. More specifically, the proposed technique relates to broadcasting and receiving transmitting control information for supporting system access or system monitoring. In particular the disclosure relates a method, performed in a network node, for transmitting control information for supporting system access or system monitoring. The method comprises obtaining (SI) a timing of a first control signal comprising the control information and evaluating (S2) whether a first synchronization signal associated with a previously configured second control signal can also be used to provide synchronization between a receiving wireless device and the network node at reception of the control information. The method comprises, when the evaluation (S2) is negative then, transmitting (S3) a second synchronization signal configured to provide synchronization between a receiving wireless device and the network node at reception of the first control signal, and transmitting (S5) the first control signal.