Wireless Node Discovery via Time-Domain Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for wireless communication nodes to discover each other in multi-hop relay systems face challenges due to the half-duplex constraint, where nodes cannot receive and transmit data simultaneously, leading to difficulties in non-overlapping transmission of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and potential interference.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves generating and transmitting configuration information to relay nodes to coordinate the transmission of discovery signals at specific time and frequency positions, ensuring that at least two relay nodes transmit their discovery signals at different time domain positions, allowing them to monitor each other's signals without interfering with their own data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IAB nodes transmit SSBs for initial access in the same time domain, then initial access service is provided, but half-duplex constraint prevents nodes from receiving other nodes' SSBs simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time domain into different periods for different functions: some periods are designated for SSB transmission for initial access, while other periods are designated for SSB monitoring for node discovery. This temporal segmentation allows IAB nodes to perform both initial access service and node discovery without half-duplex conflict, as they transmit in one period and monitor in another.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for SSB transmission by defining specific time domain positions and periods that are separate from the initial access SSB transmission. This creates an additional temporal dimension where discovery SSBs can operate independently from initial access SSBs, resolving the half-duplex constraint by operating in different temporal layers.
2Reliability
If IAB nodes keep SSB silent to monitor other nodes' SSBs, then node discovery is enabled, but initial access of UEs is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic SSB transmission patterns where IAB nodes alternately transmit and monitor SSBs in different periods. During transmission periods, nodes provide initial access service; during monitoring periods, nodes discover other IAB nodes. This periodic alternation ensures both functions are maintained over time without permanent sacrifice of either service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes predetermined time domain configurations and patterns for SSB transmission and monitoring before actual operation begins. Nodes are pre-configured with knowledge of when to transmit and when to monitor, allowing them to perform preliminary actions in scheduled periods without disrupting ongoing services, thus maintaining both initial access and node discovery capabilities.
3Productivity
If SSB transmission period is short (≤20ms) with beam scanning, then initial access efficiency is improved, but multiple nodes cannot have non-overlapping SSB transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict by creating a separate temporal dimension for node discovery SSBs that is independent of the initial access SSB transmission dimension. Even though initial access SSBs use short periods with beam scanning for efficiency, the discovery SSBs operate in a different time domain configuration, allowing multiple nodes to transmit discovery signals without overlapping, thus maintaining both initial access efficiency and node discovery reliability.
Data Source
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Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems for wireless communication nodes to discover each other are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method performed by a first wireless communication node is disclosed. The method comprises: transmitting, to each of a plurality of second wireless communication nodes, respective configuration information that is utilized by the second wireless communication node to transmit a discovery signal in order to be discovered by at least one other second wireless communication node. At least two of the plurality of second wireless communication nodes transmit their discovery signals at different time domain positions based on their respective configuration information.