Timing Advance Configuration for Scalable Numerology in 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in configuring timing advance parameters to accommodate diverse numerologies and services, leading to inefficiencies in uplink control channel management and user equipment (UE) synchronization across varying propagation delays.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring timing advance parameters in radio access networks that supports scalable numerology, allowing for dynamic adjustment of subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix length, enabling precise timing advance calculations and transmissions to UEs during initial access or connected states, thereby synchronizing uplink transmissions across different propagation delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional timing advance configuration is used in 5G NR, then network simplicity is maintained, but timing accuracy and flexibility for diverse numerologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting timing advance parameters based on the specific numerology configuration (subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length) of each UE. The base station determines appropriate timing advance values and applies different configurations for different numerologies (e.g., 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz subcarrier spacing), thereby improving timing accuracy without requiring a completely new configuration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the timing advance configuration to be adaptive and flexible rather than static. The base station can dynamically select and apply different timing advance parameters based on real-time UE requirements, service type (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC), and numerology configuration, allowing the system to respond to varying network conditions and UE capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed timing advance parameters are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to diverse services and numerologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a timing advance configuration mechanism that can serve multiple purposes and accommodate multiple numerologies through a unified framework. The base station can configure timing advance parameters that work across different service types (enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, massive machine type communications) and numerologies (15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz subcarrier spacing) without requiring separate dedicated configurations for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to achieve adaptability by adjusting timing advance values and related parameters according to the specific numerology and service requirements of each UE. This allows the same configuration mechanism to adapt to diverse scenarios by simply changing the parameter values rather than requiring different configuration systems.
3Reliability
If timing advance is optimized for single numerology, then timing precision for that numerology is improved, but performance for other numerologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by determining and applying different timing advance parameters for different numerologies to ensure reliable uplink control channel transmission for each UE type. The base station adjusts timing advance values based on the specific numerology configuration (e.g., 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz subcarrier spacing) and service requirements, thereby maintaining high reliability across multiple numerologies rather than optimizing for a single one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the timing advance configuration to adapt dynamically to different numerologies and service types. The base station can switch between different timing advance parameter sets based on real-time UE requirements, ensuring that each UE receives optimized timing configuration for its specific numerology and service type while maintaining compatibility with others.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to communication systems, apparatus and methods which enable or support configuring timing advance in a radio access network. The method includes defining a timing advance configuration for a radio access network that employs a modulation scheme with scalable numerology, determining timing advance parameters consistent with the timing advance configuration for a user equipment (UE) that is in communication with the radio access network, and transmitting the timing advance parameters to the UE during an initial access procedure involving the UE or while the UE is in a connected state in the radio access network. The timing advance configuration may be defined to accommodate a numerology used by the radio access network.