Wide And Narrow Beam Configuration for Power-Efficient Wireless Initial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite beam configurations in NTN frameworks result in lower transmission power per active beam due to equal power distribution among multiple beams, leading to non-ideal signal-to-noise ratios and inefficient power conservation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network node configuration with at least one wide beam associated with a cell-defining synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) and multiple narrow beams associated with non-cell-defining synchronization signal blocks (NCD-SSBs) or channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RSs), allowing the narrow beams to be selectively activated or deactivated based on periodicity patterns or traffic demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If total satellite transmission power is split equally among multiple active beams, then all beams can transmit simultaneously, but transmission power per beam decreases leading to non-ideal signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments beams into two categories: wide beams that are always active for coverage and initial access, and narrow beams that are selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to maintain full productivity with wide beams while concentrating power on narrow beams when needed, resolving the contradiction between simultaneous transmission capability and per-beam power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively activating only the necessary narrow beams for specific user connections rather than keeping all beams active. This reduces the total power consumption while maintaining adequate per-beam power for active connections, addressing both the power distribution and energy efficiency aspects of the contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If all beams are kept always ON for coverage and initial access, then initial access procedure is simplified, but power conservation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments beam management into two parts: wide beams remain always ON to provide continuous coverage and facilitate initial access, while narrow beams are selectively activated only when needed for specific user connections. This segmentation maintains ease of operation for initial access while significantly improving power conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the selective activation of narrow beams based on traffic demand and connection status. Narrow beams are activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining availability when needed for active user connections.
3Reliability
If multiple narrow beams are always activated for data transmission, then data transmission coverage is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making narrow beam activation adaptive and flexible rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts which narrow beams are active based on real-time traffic demand, user location, and connection status. This dynamic approach ensures reliable data transmission coverage only when and where needed, significantly reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different beam activation characteristics to different spatial regions. Wide beams provide universal coverage quality, while narrow beams provide enhanced local quality for specific user connections. This local differentiation ensures reliable data transmission in active regions without wasting power in regions without active users.
Data Source
AI summary
Various solutions for initial access with enhanced beam configuration in wireless communications are described. A network node may configure a cell with at least one wide beam and one or more narrow beams. The wide beam is associated with a cell-defining synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) and each of the narrow beams is associated with a non-cell-defining synchronization signal block (NCD-SSB) or a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS). The network node may transmit the CD-SSB on the wide beam. Then, the network node may receive a random access request from an apparatus for initial access to the cell.