Tiered Synchronization Signals for D2D Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Device-to-device (D2D) networks face challenges in synchronization, particularly in decentralized environments without centralized infrastructure, leading to issues with communication between wireless devices that are not synchronized to the same source, such as those at the edge of synchronization clusters or using different synchronization sources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a tiered synchronization system with supporting synchronization signals, where synchronization slaves at the edge of clusters can transmit additional synchronization signals to help out-of-cluster devices synchronize, and using slot-specific synchronization signals to determine frame timing, reducing the need for Master Information Blocks and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices at the edge of synchronization clusters use different synchronization sources, then local synchronization is maintained, but communication reliability between devices from different clusters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization mechanism where devices at cluster edges transmit supporting synchronization signals that act as mediators between different synchronization clusters. These intermediate signals enable devices from different clusters to achieve mutual synchronization without requiring a centralized authority, thus maintaining both local synchronization reliability and inter-cluster communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system is segmented into hierarchical levels: primary synchronization signals from cluster centers and supporting synchronization signals from edge devices. This segmentation allows each segment to operate independently while contributing to the overall synchronization framework, enabling devices to synchronize with appropriate signals based on their location and requirements
2Measurement precision
If traditional synchronization methods are used without tiered signals, then system complexity is reduced, but synchronization precision for edge devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different synchronization signal types tailored to specific device locations: devices at cluster centers use primary synchronization signals while edge devices use supporting synchronization signals. This localized approach optimizes synchronization precision for each device's specific context without requiring all devices to handle complex multi-source synchronization protocols
3Loss of information
If Master Information Blocks are used for synchronization signaling, then comprehensive information is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential synchronization information needed for edge devices to function, separating it from the complete Master Information Block. Supporting synchronization signals contain only the critical timing and frequency synchronization data required for edge devices to communicate effectively, eliminating unnecessary information elements and reducing power consumption for signal processing and transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device may include a selection processor configured to process selection information to set a duration of a selection period and to start the selection period, a receiver configured to receive a synchronization initiation signal, and a transmitter configured to transmit a synchronization initiation signal after the selection period has expired if the receiver has not received a synchronization initiation signal during the selection period.