Synchronization Signal Sending in Small Cell Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely deployed small cell networks, the transition between uplink and downlink subframes leads to an idle period during data transmission due to the need for synchronization, resulting in wasted resources and delayed data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first node sends a synchronization signal during an uplink subframe, allowing a second node to remain synchronized without requiring a fixed downlink or special subframe, thereby eliminating idle periods and maintaining configuration flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a small cell device periodically retains one downlink subframe and one special subframe to transmit synchronization signals, then the second node can keep synchronous with the first node, but configuration flexibility of transmission manner is sacrificed and valuable transmission resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the synchronization signal transmission dynamic by allowing the first node to flexibly switch between transmitting in downlink subframes and uplink subframes based on transmission status changes, rather than being fixed to periodic downlink/special subframes. This enables the system to adapt to different operational states while maintaining synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables uplink subframes to serve dual purposes:既可以用于正常的数据传输,又可以用于传输同步信号。通过这种多功能设计，消除了专用同步子帧的需求，提高了资源利用效率和配置灵活性。
2Productivity
If a small cell device switches from sending uplink subframe to downlink subframe, then data transmission can be performed, but another small cell device needs to spend specific period of time synchronizing, causing idle period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds synchronization signals within uplink subframes before transmission status changes occur. This preliminary inclusion of sync signals ensures that receiving nodes are already synchronized and ready for immediate data transmission, eliminating idle periods that would otherwise be required for synchronization after mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
By continuously transmitting synchronization signals within uplink subframes during transmission status changes, the patent ensures that synchronization is maintained without interruption. This allows data transmission to proceed continuously without idle periods for re-synchronization.
3Reliability
If wired backhaul manner such as fiber is adopted, then data transmission between small cell devices can be established, but new route needs to be set causing relatively high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical/mechanical wired backhaul (fiber routes) with a wireless synchronization mechanism. By embedding sync signals in uplink subframes, the system enables reliable data transmission over wireless backhaul without requiring new physical route installations, significantly reducing deployment costs in mature city regions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a synchronization signal sending method and apparatus and a synchronization signal receiving method and apparatus. The synchronization signal sending includes: a sending module, configured to send a first-type subframe, where the first-type subframe includes a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and a first synchronization channel, the first synchronization channel includes a first primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a first secondary synchronization signal (SSS); and a processing module, configured to control the sending module to switch from sending the first-type subframe to sending a second-type subframe. The sending module is further configured to send the second-type subframe under the control of the processing module, where the second-type subframe includes a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and a second synchronization channel, the second synchronization channel includes a second PSS or a second SSS.