EP4008138A1 - Enhancement on provision of timing advance data - Google Patents
Enhancement on provision of timing advance dataInfo
- Publication number
- EP4008138A1 EP4008138A1 EP20885708.6A EP20885708A EP4008138A1 EP 4008138 A1 EP4008138 A1 EP 4008138A1 EP 20885708 A EP20885708 A EP 20885708A EP 4008138 A1 EP4008138 A1 EP 4008138A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- timing advance
- user equipment
- sector
- index value
- processor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 103
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 claims description 60
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims description 28
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 description 16
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 14
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 13
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004422 calculation algorithm Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- GVVPGTZRZFNKDS-JXMROGBWSA-N geranyl diphosphate Chemical compound CC(C)=CCC\C(C)=C\CO[P@](O)(=O)OP(O)(O)=O GVVPGTZRZFNKDS-JXMROGBWSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006855 networking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
- H04B7/14—Relay systems
- H04B7/15—Active relay systems
- H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
- H04B7/1851—Systems using a satellite or space-based relay
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W56/00—Synchronisation arrangements
- H04W56/004—Synchronisation arrangements compensating for timing error of reception due to propagation delay
- H04W56/0045—Synchronisation arrangements compensating for timing error of reception due to propagation delay compensating for timing error by altering transmission time
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W74/00—Wireless channel access
- H04W74/08—Non-scheduled access, e.g. ALOHA
- H04W74/0833—Random access procedures, e.g. with 4-step access
Definitions
- FIELD Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology, or other communications systems.
- LTE Long Term Evolution
- 5G fifth generation
- NR new radio
- FIELD Some example embodiments may relate to apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for enhancing provision of timing advance data.
- Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE- Advanced (LTE- A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, and/or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology.
- UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
- UTRAN Long Term Evolution
- E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN
- LTE-A LTE- Advanced
- MulteFire LTE-A Pro
- 5G wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture.
- 5G is mostly built on a new radio (NR), but the 5G (or NG) network can also build on E- UTRAN radio.
- NR will provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit/s or higher, and will support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra reliable low-latency-communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine type communication (mMTC).
- eMBB enhanced mobile broadband
- URLLC ultra reliable low-latency-communication
- mMTC massive machine type communication
- NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra- robust, low latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT).
- IoT Internet of Things
- M2M machine-to-machine
- the nodes that can provide radio access functionality to a user equipment are named gNB when built on NR radio and named NG-eNB when built on E-UTRAN radio.
- Some example embodiments are directed to a method.
- the method may include receiving, at a user equipment, a broadcast including network range markers data from a network element.
- the method may also include performing a distance measurement of the user equipment to the network element.
- the method may further include determining, according to the network range markers data and the measured distance, a sector of a cell coverage area at which the user equipment is located.
- the apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code.
- the at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a broadcast including network range markers data from a network element.
- the apparatus may also be caused to perform a distance measurement of the apparatus to the network element.
- the apparatus may further be caused to determine, according to the network range markers data and the measured distance, a sector of a cell coverage area at which the apparatus is located.
- Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus.
- the apparatus may include means for receiving a broadcast including network range markers data from a network element.
- the apparatus may also include means for performing a distance measurement of the user equipment to the network element.
- the apparatus may further include means for determining, according to the network range markers data and the measured distance, a sector of a cell coverage area at which the user equipment is located.
- a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instmctions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method.
- the method may include receiving, at a user equipment, a broadcast including network range markers data from a network element.
- the method may also include performing a distance measurement of the user equipment to the network element.
- the method may further include determining, according to the network range markers data and the measured distance, a sector of a cell coverage area at which the user equipment is located.
- the method may include receiving, at a user equipment, a broadcast including network range markers data from a network element.
- the method may also include performing a distance measurement of the user equipment to the network element.
- the method may further include determining, according to the network range markers data and the measured distance, a sector of a cell coverage area at which the user equipment is located.
- Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive a broadcast including network range markers data from a network element.
- the apparatus may also include circuitry configured to perform a distance measurement of the apparatus to the network element.
- the apparatus may further include circuitry configured to determine, according to the network range markers data and the measured distance, a sector of a cell coverage area at which the apparatus is located.
- Certain example embodiments may be directed to a method.
- the method may include determining, by a network element, network range markers data which partitions a cell coverage into sectors.
- the method may also include calculating a timing advance value for a user equipment.
- the method may further include determining a timing advance index value based on the calculated timing advance value and the network range markers data.
- the method may include sending the timing advance index value to the user equipment.
- Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus.
- the apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code.
- the at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine network range markers data which partitions a cell coverage into sectors.
- the apparatus may also be caused to calculate a timing advance value for a user equipment.
- the apparatus may further be caused to determine a timing advance index value based on the calculated timing advance value and the network range markers data.
- the apparatus may be caused to send the timing advance index value to the user equipment.
- the apparatus may include means for determining network range markers data which partitions a cell coverage into sectors.
- the apparatus may also include means for calculating a timing advance value for a user equipment.
- the apparatus may further include means for determining a timing advance index value based on the calculated timing advance value and the network range markers data.
- the apparatus may include means for sending the timing advance index value to the user equipment.
- a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method.
- the method may include determining, by a network element, network range markers data which partitions a cell coverage into sectors.
- the method may also include calculating a timing advance value for a user equipment.
- the method may further include determining a timing advance index value based on the calculated timing advance value and the network range markers data.
- the method may include sending the timing advance index value to the user equipment.
- the method may include determining, by a network element, network range markers data which partitions a cell coverage into sectors.
- the method may also include calculating a timing advance value for a user equipment.
- the method may further include determining a timing advance index value based on the calculated timing advance value and the network range markers data.
- the method may include sending the timing advance index value to the user equipment.
- FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an apparatus.
- FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an apparatus.
- FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an apparatus.
- FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an apparatus.
- FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an apparatus.
- FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an apparatus.
- FIG. 1 A block diagram illustrating an example embodiments.
- FIG. 1 which illustrates uplink to downlink timing adjustment principles.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a scenario with three user equipments at different distances within a cell, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 3 illustrates certain values for the scenario illustrated in FIG. 2, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a global positioning system-based timing advance, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a scenario with three user equipments at different distances within the cell, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 6 illustrates timing advance index values provided by the eNB for three exemplary user equipments, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an unambiguity sector selection, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a signaling diagram of timing advance resolution enhancement with time of arrival-based verification, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 9 illustrates timing advance resolution enhancement in non- terrestrial network, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of another method, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 12(a) illustrates an apparatus, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 12(b) illustrates another apparatus, according to an example embodiment.
- Timing Advance based method may be utilized for uplink (UL) channel synchronization.
- 3GPP 3 rd Generation Partnership Project
- TS 3 rd Generation Partnership Project
- TS 3 rd Generation Partnership Project
- PRACH physical random access channel
- TS may include, for example, 3GPP TS 36.213 or TS 36.211.
- the user equipment (UE) UL channel synchronization and maintenance may be enabled by a timing advance (TA) command.
- TA command may be in the form of Eq. 1 shown below.
- T A may represent a timing advance index value provided by the eNB, and may be in the form of 11-bits.
- Ts may represent a basic time unit, and N TA may represent an UL timing adjustment.
- Eq. 2 In a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) update for UE mobility handling, the following Eq. 2 may be provided.
- MAC medium access control
- CE control element
- T A may represent 6-bits (0, ..., 63)
- NTA, n e w may represent a new timing adjustment value
- NTA, o l d may represent a current timing adjustment.
- the TA value may be provided by the eNB in MAC CE TA update.
- FIG. 1 illustrates UL to downlink (DL) timing adjustment principles.
- the UL to DL timing adjustment principles may be according to 3GPP TS 36.211.
- a DL radio frame i may be offset from an UL radio frame / by ⁇ NTA + NTA offset) * 7s seconds.
- a propagation delay distance between the UE and the eNB, D(Ts) may be calculated using Eq. 3 shown below.
- Ti may represent a reference signal reception time by the UE
- c may represent the speed of light
- Ts may represent a basic time unit and which measurement defines accuracy
- D(Ts) may represent a signal propagation delay distance.
- the distance D(Ts) may be expressed in the form of an index value TA d (Ts), as shown in Eq. 4 below.
- D(Ts) may represent a signal propagation delay distance
- IT A may represent 78 meters (m)
- minimal step
- TA d (Ts) may represent a TOA-based equivalent of the TA index value.
- the TA command may indicate the change of the UL timing relative to the currently UL timing as multiples of 16*Ts, which may be the current minimal TA step, and may correspond to a distance of 78 m, as shown by Eq. 5 below.
- Ts may represent a basic time unit.
- the TA related word length of 11 -bits for the TA command and 6-bits for MAC CE TA update may unambiguously address TA correction within a defined maximum range.
- to unambiguously address the TA correction may mean that the given TA value provided by the eNB may be unique for the given UE distance. For instance, no other TA value may be used to provide the required TA for the UE at the given distance from the eNB.
- 11-bits word length is needed for a 100 km cell radius.
- the defined maximum range may be approximately 100 km for TA command and 5 km for MAC CE update. This may limit the maximum cell range, where the eNB may provide unambiguous information about TA.
- certain example embodiments may use shorter TA word length for the same coverage. Although this may create some ambiguity, as the same TA value may address two or more distances, certain example embodiments may provide independent TOA measurements to be used, and a combination of these two values may provide an unambiguous value for TA.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a scenario with three UEs at different distances within a cell, according to an example embodiment.
- the eNB may provide omnidirectional coverage, and may be divided on three (3) 120-degree cells.
- the UEs may support TOA-based measurement, and may report TOA-based distance D(Ts) to the eNB.
- TOA-based distance D(Ts) TOA-based distance D(Ts) to the eNB.
- the three UEs may be detected by the eNB at various TA values for which the UEs may also measure TOA distances D(Ts) with a measurement accuracy of Ts.
- example embodiments are not just limited to these UEs, as a number of UEs may be included according to other example embodiments.
- FIG. 3 illustrates certain values for the scenario illustrated in FIG. 2, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 3 illustrates TA steps and TOA measurements with respect to distance.
- an 11 -bits TA Command may be used during a random access response (RAR) and may be used for uplink timing adjustment by the UE.
- RAR random access response
- 6-bits MAC CE TA update mechanism, [Eq. 2] may be applied for continuous UL to DL channel synchronization.
- the potential TA resolution may have the following considerations: 11-bits word length (i.e., 10100000010 (bit) is 1282; if 99996 km is divided by 1282, we my have step 78 m, which is a legacy solution); 11-bits word length (i.e., 11111111111 (bit) is 2047; if 99996 km is divided by 2047, we may have step 48.85 m, which is the maximum resolution for 11-bits word length); 12-bits word length (i.e., 111111111111 (bit) is 4095; if 99996 km divides by 4095, we may have step 24.42 m, which is the maximum resolution for 12-bits word length); 15-bits word length (i.e., 101000000100000 (bit) is 20512; if 9996 is divided by 20512, we may have step 4.875 m (Ts), which is the maximum resolution for 15-bits word length.
- 11-bits word length i.e., 101000
- improved accuracy of the TA index value may require longer bit word length, which may further require additional radio resources for signaling.
- the eNB may be able to determine TA with resolution of basic time unit Ts, but as a compromise between accuracy and signaling bit word length, minimum step 16*Ts may be used for TA.
- an extension of required TA-related word length may not be considered as a desirable solution as it may require more signaling data over radio interface.
- Another challenge may be related to usage of global positioning system (GPS) positioning data to determine initial or dedicated TA correction, especially in non terrestrial network (NTN) applications.
- GPS global positioning system
- FIG. 4 illustrates a GPS-based TA, according to an example embodiment.
- GPS or other satellite -based positioning system may be used to determine the position of the eNB, the eNB NTN, and the UE.
- the eNB based on received UE position may determine a geometric distance between the eNB and the UE. This may be denoted as Do, where Do may be considered as direct line of sight distance. Further, in normal circumstances, Do may correspond to the microwave signal path, which means that it may also correspond to the TA value in the RRC connection.
- the RRC connection may be established by multipath propagation or a reflected signal may be used.
- a microwave signal may travel a distance Di + ZU, which may be longer than Do-
- this may not be a problem as TA calculation may reflect a true path, which in this case, may be Di + D2.
- this may be a common behavior for a ground-based eNB and NTN.
- the eNB may have no information about the selected path, as this may be determined by the UE measurements.
- Establishment of the RRC connection described above may lead to errors if position- based distance is compared to reflected signal path distance, especially if a difference is significantly higher than 1TA minimal distance. This may be, for instance, 78 m for LTE. Thus, in this situation, the UE may be provided with inaccurate TA correction, or such method may provide only a rough TA estimation.
- the legacy TA method is specified in related 3GPP standards, which may define a current solution used for UL channel synchronization. For instance, in NTN, by using GPS positioning of the UE, it may be possible to provide initial TA for the UE. However, the UE may need to report its position to the eNB.
- the UE UL channel timing adjustment in the entire cell range may be maintained by one, unambiguous TA index value provided by the eNB, which may have a resolution defined by Eq. 5. Further, one example embodiment may provide a method that provides an increase resolution of the eNB provided TA index value up to ITs. According to an example embodiment, this may be 16 times better than the legacy TA, without the need for TA related word length extensions (i.e., TA command, 11-bits or MAC CE TA update, 6-bits). In this case, the entire cell coverage may be divided into sectors, for which unique TA index values may be provided.
- TOA distance measurements may be used to solve any potential ambiguities related to interpretation of received TA index value. According to certain example embodiments, this may be beneficial for time division duplex (TDD), where an interference level between UL and DL transmission may be reduced.
- TDD time division duplex
- Another example embodiment may provide a method that allows usage of a shorter TA- related word length. For example, as cell coverage may be divided into sectors, the TA index value range may be tailored to each sector size. In an example embodiment, if the TA resolution is not changed, a lower number of index values may be needed to cover the entire sector. Thus, a shorter word length may be used, which results in savings in radio resources.
- a method may be provided that uses TOA distance measurements as a reference.
- the TOA distance may correspond to a true microwave path, and may include any reflected signal paths.
- it may correspond to TA, which may result in better accuracy with respect to position-based timing adjustment.
- the UE may not have to report its position to the eNB or eNB NTN in order to receive an initial or accurate TA.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an example scenario with three UEs at different distances within the cell, according to an example embodiment.
- a method may be provided that enables the eNB to broadcast or transmit TA range markers (TARM(X)), expressed in legacy TA steps (resolution 78 m).
- TARM(X) marker indicates cell sector starting point. According to an example embodiment, this may define cell range sectors, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 for two sectors.
- the eNB may calculate TA for the UE as per legacy based procedures on RACH preamble format and guard period. Then, the eNB may use TARM(X) as a reference point and omit the distance covered by TARM(X) marker. Thus, instead of a full TA index value, the eNB may transmit as a TA index value a remaining distance from the given TARM(X) marker to the given UE location. This way, for example, a shorter TA related word length may be used to provide necessary timing index value for the remaining distance. As such, this may in turn require less radio resources for signaling. In another example embodiment, a higher resolution TA may be provided, and the data may be controlled by the eNB.
- the UE may unambiguously determine a sector in which the UE is located. This may be done by the UE based on a TO A distance measurement (and expressed in index form), and by a received TA index value assessment. The UE may then apply correct timing adjustment based on the received TA value, and static offset indicated by the given TARM(X).
- Certain example embodiments may be applied in any synchronous standard such as, for example, GSM, LTE, 5G, or NTN where there may be a need for UL channel synchronization.
- Other example embodiments may provide unique advantages in GPS- based initial timing adjustment used in NTN, and may be applied in a ground mobile network, for example, where TDD is used.
- Certain example embodiments may also provide more accurate timing adjustments that may be reduce cross channel interference.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a scenario, where the TA resolution may be increased to 39 m, instead of 78 m.
- N refers to the maximum number of sectors, and sector size may be the same or tailored to operator needs.
- FIG. 6 illustrates TA index values provided by the eNB for three example UEs, according to an example embodiment.
- the TA index values may correspond to data presented at FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 illustrates TA steps and TOA measurements with respect to distance.
- FIGs. 3 and 6 illustrate exemplary data.
- sector n 2 starts from 49998 m (excluded) to 2 * 1282 * 39 m, which is 99996 m (100 km) (included), and covers Ta index value ranges from 642 to 1282.
- the TA index value for UE2 may be lower than the TA value for UE1 (946).
- a higher TA resolution may be provided, and the TA related word length is not changed.
- the TA index value range may be 641. This means that only 641 different index values may be needed to be addressed by the eNB, with respect to 1282.
- a 10-bits word length may be sufficient with respect to 11 -bits that may be required for addressing 1282 unique values.
- sectors may also be divided in various ways for which different TA related word lengths may be applied.
- the TA resolution improvement rationale may be determined by Ts (Eq. 5), which may correspond to a distance of 4,875 m, and may be considered as the smallest TA step.
- Ts Eq. 5
- TA accuracy improvement ratio xl6 may be considered as the maximum possible improvement.
- the TOA distance measurements performed by the UE (Eq. 3, 4) may be used to determine the correct sector n, in which the UE is located, which enables correct understanding of the provided TA value.
- 1282 may not be the maximum value as 11-bits provides the ability to address 2048 index values (0 to 2047).
- the TOA distance measurements performed by the UE (Eq. 3, 4), may be used to determine the correct sector n, in which the UE is located, which provides a correct understanding of the provided TA value.
- TA accuracy may be improved, and TA word length may be reduced.
- the UE may be able to correctly determine the received TA index value based on TOA distance measurements.
- TA word length may be sector dependent.
- an 11-bits TA command may be replaced by a 6-bits word length and TOA measurements (Eq. 3, 4) used for unambiguous TA interpretation.
- the TARM(X) markers may be used as a reference or starting points (offsets) for each sector, and may be interpreted together with the provided TA value from the eNB in order to properly adjust UL timing.
- TARM(X) markers may be equally distributed (as in this example), or may be set independently by the operator. TARM(X) markers may also be part of the system information block (SIB), which means that such broadcast may be received by any UE within the given cell coverage.
- SIB system information block
- the UE within cell coverage, in an RRC IDLE or RRC CONNECTED state may receive TOA data from the broadcast.
- the broadcast may contain To time (physical reference signal transmission time, where the reference signal may be any frame, subframe, or symbol selected by the operator). Further, the UE may receive such reference signal at time Ti, and may perform TOA measurements as specified in Eq. 3, 4.
- the TOA accuracy may be similar to TA.
- the UE may send Msg 1 towards the eNB.
- the eNB may determine a T A index value for the given UE.
- the eNB may compare TA with TARM(X) markers using Eq. 6 as follows:
- distance 4992 m may be derived from TARM(64) in terms of required TA offset.
- the remaining part, 1248 m may equal TA(X), and Eq. 7 may be recalculated by the eNB to index form with a defined TA resolution for the given sector X, TAR(X), defined by Eqs. 8 and 8a shown below.
- TARM(X) may represent a TA-based range marker for this sector, and TARM(X+1) may represent a TA-based range marker for the next sector.
- T A max may represent the maximum number of unique index values for TA signaling, for instance, TA related word length.
- the TA resolution is not changed (Eq. 8), and may equal 78 m (Eq. 8a).
- the TA resolution may be 2x better (Eq. 8), and may equal 39 m (Eq. 8a). Then, T A (X) (Eq. 7) may be expressed in a new scale of index values for the given sector, as specified in Eq. 9 shown below.
- T A (X) (T A - TARM(X)) * TAR(X) [Eq.9]
- TAR(X) may represent a TA resolution sector in n, and T A (X) may represent a TA index value with minimal step specified for the given sector n.
- MSG 2 which may be a random access response, may include a TA command that may be 11-bits word length.
- the TA command may also include a TA index value calculated by the eNB for the UE.
- the TA command may be shorter (e.g., 6-bits instead of 11-bits), or the 1TA step may have a different value (e.g., 78 m).
- selection may be operator specific, and configurations may be broadcasted as part of the SIB data, or they may be standardized.
- TARM(X) may representing a TA-based range marker for this sector received from the eNB. Further, TARM(X+1) may represent a TA-based range marker for the next sector received from the eNB, and TA d (Ts) may represent a TOA-based equivalent of the TA index value.
- the above configuration of the UE may apply in the eNB part. For instance, the TA d (Ts) value may differ from TA. However, TA d (Ts) accuracy may still be sufficient to determine the correct sector n, as the received TA(X) value may provide insight to which sector the UE it should belong by solving equations stated in Eq. 10.
- TA(X) value may indicate that the UE belongs to a previous sector, i.e. sector n-1, whereas a small TA(X) value may indicate that it is for the next sector, denoted as n+1.
- the UE may not use the TA d (Ts) value for RRC, but may use this value for TA(X) value unambiguous allocation to the given sector.
- the eNB may still remain responsible for the provision of TA corrections.
- the UE may use the provided TA value for UL to DL channel timing adjustment.
- the received TA index value may be sector specific, a new equation may be used instead of Eq. 1 , such as, for example, Eq. 11 shown below.
- TARM(X) may represent a TA-based range marker in index form for this sector, and Ts may represent the basic time unit. Further, TA(X) may represent a TA index value with minimal step specified for the given sector n, and TAR(X) may represent a TA resolution ratio in sector n. Further, TA d (Ts) may represent a TOA- based equivalent of the TA index value used for sector n determination, and NTA(X) may represent a timing adjustment for the UE in the given sector n.
- TARM(X) may be received from the eNB broadcast (SIB) or transmission, or it may be provided to the UE during the RRC CONNECTED state, where TA resolution optimization may be triggered on the later stage.
- TA(X) may be received as the TA command, and its value may be interpreted by the UE together with TA d (Ts) index value for unambiguous sector n selection.
- TAR(X) may be derived from the received eNB broadcast (SIB) or transmission, or may be provided directly. This may also contain information about TA related word length. As such, both sector boundaries and TA related word length may need to be provided to the UE.
- An example embodiment may provide: int
- TAR(X) may be quantized to an allowed form such as that shown in Eq. 12.
- Eq. 11 may be simplified to Eq. 1 la shown below.
- N TA (X) TARM(X) * 16 * T s + [T A (X); TA d (T s )] * TAR(X) * 16 * T s [Eq. 1 la]
- TARM(X) * 16 * Ts this may provide an indication of the static offset.
- the UE may apply a TA correction with a higher resolution than the legacy resolution, if such was indicated by the eNB. This may also impact the minimal correction step at the UE (Eq. 5), which may be changed to Eq. 8a, as it may correspond to 16*Ts.
- Certain example embodiments may provide a TA index value unambiguous selection via a TOA method. For example, if the method is supported, the UE may receive TA correction decoded in shorten TA related word length (e.g., 6-bits). Then, by Eq.
- the UE may be able to determine in which sector the UE is localized with respect to a distance from the eNB.
- reference distance measurement such as propagation delay time may need to be of good quality.
- reference distance measurement may be poor quality, and still may be sufficient for unambiguous sector n selection.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an unambiguity sector selection, according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a scenario in which four UEs may receive TA index value on 6-bits, which may need to be unambiguously allocated to the given sector (n-1, n, n+1).
- TOA-measurement may be assumed to be of poor quality, but the TA index value received from the eNB is always correct.
- the eNB may broadcast TARM(X) data with specified sector starting points.
- TA on 6-bits means that the TA index values may be unambiguous only in one sector, and in opposite sectors, values may be cyclically repeated.
- a benefit may be that reduction of TA related signaling word length in the radio interface may be expected (e.g., from 11- to 6-bits).
- UE1 may also perform TOA distance measurement to determine the TOA distance.
- the eNB may use the same algorithm as for UE1.
- UE2 may be located near defined sector n-1 and n borders.
- a mirror case for UE2 may be illustrated.
- the reference distance accuracy error may be exceeded, which may result in the wrong sector being selected (n+1, instead of n). This may not be detected by the TA index value assignment (beginning or end).
- the sector verification may be made easier, assuming that the allowed reference distance accuracy error is within tolerance.
- the reference distance measurements based on TOA
- TA index value assessment beginning or end of TA range
- UE mobility handling by MAC CE TA update 6-bits
- MAC CE TA update (Eq. 2) may be optimized for 6-bits TA related word length, which may be considered as optimum.
- Eq. 2 a higher TA resolution may also be supported by modified Eq. 2, which may be specified as shown in Eq. 13 or Eq. 13a if TAR(X) meets the criteria of Eq. 12.
- NTA(X) new N TA (X) old + ([T A (X); TA d (T s )] - 31) » 16 » TAR(X)
- TARM(X) may represent a TA-based range marker in index form for this sector, and Ts may represent a basic time unit. Further, TA(X) may represent a TA index value with minimal step specified for the given sector n, TAR(X) may represent a TA resolution ratio in sector n, and TA d (Ts) may represent a TOA- based equivalent of the TA index value, used for sector n determination.
- NTA(X) O M represents a current timing adjustment, if the method is supported, and N TA (X) new represents a new timing adjustment, if the method is supported.
- the UE may implement smaller increments of timing adjustment, which may depend on the TAR(X) ratio, Eq. 8.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a signaling diagram of TA resolution enhancement with TOA-based verification, according to an example embodiment.
- the UE may be in an RRC IDLE state.
- the eNB may provision TOA data (To time), which may be considered as a prerequisite, and by provision of TARM(X) markers.
- these data may be broadcasted (for UE in RRC IDLE/CONNECTED state) for instance, as part of SIB, or transmitted directly to the given UE (for UE in RRC CONNECTED state).
- the eNB may provide information about TA related word length, or this may be predetermined.
- the TARM(X) markers and TA related word length may be static or dynamically changed. Additionally, other parameters (e.g., sector size and TA resolution enhancement) may be derived based on these two data.
- the UE may receive a broadcast from the eNB with all the required data. With the received information, the UE may perform a TOA distance measurement at 106. However, if the UE is in RRC IDLE state, no further actions may be taken. Further, at 108, the UE may decide to switch from RRC IDLE to RRC CONNECTED. At 110, the UE may receive the most up to date TARM(X) and TA- related word length configuration from the eNB. Further, similar to 106, the UE may, at 112, perform a TOA distance measurement. Then, at 114, the UE may initiate RACH preamble by sending the preamble to the eNB.
- this may be the first possible moment for the UE to indicate its TOA-related capabilities, by for instance, provisioning of TOA distance measurements by Eq. 3 or Eq. 4, or by provision of TOA status information element.
- these data may be part of any further UL data, which means that the TA modification may be effective after such data is provided.
- the eNB may receive UE RACH preamble and confirmation, that the UE may support TA accuracy enhancement or shorten TA related word length. The eNB may then recalculate legacy TA value according to the last valid TARM(X) markers scheme, where the only remaining part may be then transmitted as the TA index value for the given UE.
- the eNB may send a message to the UE, which may be RAR.
- the message may contain a TA index value specified according to defined rules.
- the eNB may provide some status data, which may reflect for instance, accuracy of reference distance measurement (based on received data from the UE).
- the status data may include, for instance, TARM(X) markers configuration, or indicated TA-related word bits length. According to an example embodiment, this solution may be applied instead of SIB broadcasts.
- status data may include verification of whether TOA distance match TA distance.
- the eNB may use status data to approve changes from legacy TA (11 -bits, 78 m) timing adjustment rules to new specific rules including, for example, 6 bits, 39 m.
- the UE may, at 120, determine a correct sector number based on TARM(X), reference distance in index representation TA d (Ts), and timing advance T A index value assessment. The UE may then, at 122, determine the correct T A (X) value. At 124, the UE may perform an UL channel timing adjustment with T A (X) resolution for the given sector, and apply the correct timing adjustment.
- the UE may switch to RRC CONNECTED state.
- the UE may receive new settings, which may be included in the message sent at 128, which may be broadcast of dedicated transmission.
- the new settings may include new TA resolution (e.g., switch from 78 m to 39 m) applicable for the next timing adjustment related signaling, or new TARM(X) scheme may be forced. These new settings may also modify rules for TA calculations and interpretations.
- the UE may then, at 130, recalculate related settings without losing connection.
- new setting rules may be applied. For instance, TARM(64), which may be for sector n, may be changed to TARM(32).
- the received TA correction T A (X) may have a different value. This may mean that the UE needs to recalculate this value accordingly (determine the sector and then interpret received TA value).
- the UE may send a dedicated message, or part of a regular UL transmission scope, which may contain related data, which may be used by the eNB. According to an example embodiment, this may lead to a decision as to whether the UE mobility should also be handled as specified herein.
- the eNB may keep the UE in-synch. In addition, this step may refer to mobility and continuous synchronization, where MAC CE TA Update, 6-bits is used. In addition, the timing aspect may not be covered, and legacy trigger may be used for MAC CE TA Update sending. In an example embodiment, in case of mobility, where a relative distance between the UE and eNB may change, TA enhancement may also be proposed.
- a decision may be taken how to further proceed, which may be similar to 116.
- the eNB may confirm whether the UE mobility should be handled as specified herein, and may provide MAC CE TA update including, for example, T A (X) with TAR(X) for the given sector. This may be similar to 118, where the eNB may approve or change certain settings.
- the UE may determine the sector based on TARM(X), D(Ts), and TA. Further, at 140, the UE may determine the correct T A (X) value for mobility, and at 142, determine an UL channel timing adjustment for mobility with a T A (X) resolution for the given sector. In addition, at 144, the UE may send further UL data to the eNB with UL timing adjustment. According to an example embodiment, if required, the initial settings may be modified both in terms of TA enhanced resolution, or TA related bit word length in order to assure optimal performance.
- Certain example embodiments may provide support for NTN. For instance, certain example embodiments may be especially efficient for NTN application. As illustrated in FIG. 4, multipath propagation or connections via reflected signal may be present in the NTN operation. Additionally, due to a high-speed scenario, proper timing adjustment may be challenging. In an example embodiment, TOA distance may correspond to TA distance, as both may be based on the same microwave signals. This may provide a benefit with respect to positioning based timing adjustment (GPS).
- GPS positioning based timing adjustment
- FIG. 9 illustrates TA resolution enhancement in NTN, according to an example embodiment.
- an additional benefit may be related to more efficient radio interface signaling, such as that illustrated in FIG. 9.
- the majority of UEs may be localized near the surface, as indicated by UE 1.
- UE2 may be considered as very rare, which may suggest that a majority of NTN cell range may not require allocation of TA index values, which may be needed only when some UE (UE2) will be detected by the eNB NTN during RACH preamble.
- the TARM(X) structure may be modified respectively. New TARM(X) scheme may be then broadcasted or transmitted to UEs. Further, UEs in the coverage may then recalculate TA related settings accordingly.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to an example embodiment.
- the flow diagram of FIG. 10 may be performed by a mobile station and/or UE, for instance similar to apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 12(a).
- the method of FIG. 10 may include initially, at 200, receiving, at the UE, a broadcast including network range markers data from a network element.
- the method may also include, at 205, performing a distance measurement of the UE to the network element.
- the method may include sending a random-access channel preamble including the distance measurement to the network element.
- the method may include receiving a timing advance index value from the network element.
- the method may include determining, according to the network range markers data and the measured distance, a sector of a cell coverage area at which the UE is located.
- the method may include receiving new settings at the UE, and at 230, the method may include applying a corrected timing adjustment according to a resolution of the sector based on the distance measurement and the index value.
- the UE may be in an RRC IDLE state or an RRC CONNECTED state.
- the distance measurement may be performed by TOA measurements, and the TOA measurements may be expressed in index form representation.
- the sector may be determined based on broadcasted or transmitted reference markers of at least one sector, and the TOA measurements in index form representation.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of another method, according to an example embodiment.
- the method of FIG. 11 may be performed by a telecommunications network, network entity or network node in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR.
- the method of FIG. 11 may be performed by a base station, eNB, or gNB, MCG, SCG, PCell, or PSCell for instance similar to apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG. 12(b).
- the method of FIG. 11 may include initially, at 300, determining network range markers data which partitions a cell coverage into sectors.
- the method may also include, at 305, calculating a timing advance value for a user equipment.
- the method may include determining a timing advance index value based on the calculated timing advance value and the network range markers data.
- the method may include sending the timing advance index value to the UE for channel timing adjustment.
- the method may further include, at 320, sending a broadcast including the network range markers data to the UE.
- the method may include, at 325, receiving, in response to the broadcast, time of arrival related capabilities of the UE.
- the method may also include, at 330, determining a timing advance resolution ratio for a given sector.
- the method may include, at 335, providing an updated timing index value and an updated timing resolution ratio to the use UE.
- the time of arrival related capabilities may be received via a random-access channel preamble.
- the timing advance index value may be sent via a random access response.
- the random access response may include status data reflecting accuracy of the time of arrival related capabilities.
- FIG. 12(a) illustrates an apparatus 10 according to an example embodiment.
- apparatus 10 may be a node or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, IoT device, or other device.
- UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smart phone, IoT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, or the like.
- apparatus 10 may be implemented in, for instance, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, or the like.
- apparatus 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and/or a user interface.
- apparatus 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and/or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 12(a).
- apparatus 10 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations.
- processor 12 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor.
- processor 12 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 12(a), multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments.
- apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing.
- processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor
- the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).
- Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, including processes illustrated in FIGs. 1-10.
- Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 12.
- Memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory.
- memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media.
- RAM random access memory
- ROM read only memory
- HDD hard disk drive
- the instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable the apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein.
- apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium.
- an external computer readable storage medium such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium.
- the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 12 and/or apparatus 10 to perform any of the methods illustrated in FIGs. 1-10.
- apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an uplink from apparatus 10.
- Apparatus 10 may further include a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information.
- the transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15.
- the radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like.
- the radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an uplink.
- filters for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like
- symbol demappers for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like
- signal shaping components for example, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like
- IFFT Inverse Fast Fourier Transform
- transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 10.
- transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly.
- apparatus 10 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device).
- apparatus 10 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.
- memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12.
- the modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 10.
- the memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 10.
- the components of apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.
- apparatus 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with apparatus 10 via a wireless or wired communications link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.
- processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry.
- transceiver 18 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.
- apparatus 10 may be a UE for example.
- apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform the functions associated with example embodiments described herein.
- apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive a broadcast comprising network range markers data from a network element.
- Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform a distance measurement of the user equipment to the network element.
- Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determining, according to the network range markers data and the measured distance, a sector of a cell coverage area at which the user equipment is located.
- apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive a timing advance index value from the network element.
- apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to apply a corrected timing adjustment according to a resolution of the sector based on the distance measurement and the index value.
- Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to send a random-access channel preamble including the distance measurement to the network element.
- Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive new settings, and apply a correct timing adjustment according to a resolution of the sector based on the index value.
- FIG. 12(b) illustrates an apparatus 20 according to an example embodiment.
- the apparatus 20 may be a RAT, node, host, or server in a communication network or serving such a network.
- apparatus 20 may be a base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and/or WLAN access point, associated with a radio access network (RAN), such as an LTE network, 5G or NR.
- RAN radio access network
- apparatus 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 12(b).
- apparatus 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations.
- processor 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor.
- processor 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 12(b), multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments.
- apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing.
- processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor
- the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster.
- processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 20, including processes illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 and 11.
- Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22.
- Memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory.
- memory 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media.
- the instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable the apparatus 20 to perform tasks as described herein.
- apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium.
- an external computer readable storage medium such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium.
- the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 22 and/or apparatus 20 to perform the methods illustrated in FIGs. 1-9 and 11.
- apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 20.
- Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information.
- the transceiver 28 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) 25.
- the radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultrawideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like.
- the radio interface may include components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to- analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (for example, via an uplink).
- components such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to- analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (for example, via an uplink).
- FFT Fast Fourier Transform
- transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 20.
- transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly.
- apparatus 20 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device).
- memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22.
- the modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20.
- the memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20.
- the components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.
- processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry.
- transceiver 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.
- circuitry may refer to hardware-only circuitry implementations (e.g., analog and/or digital circuitry), combinations of hardware circuits and software, combinations of analog and/or digital hardware circuits with software/firmware, any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors) that work together to cause an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and/or hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), or portions thereof, that use software for operation but where the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.
- an apparatus e.g., apparatus 10 and 20
- circuitry may also cover an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and/or firmware.
- the term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.
- apparatus 20 may be a radio resource manager, RAT, node, host, or server in a communication network or serving such a network.
- apparatus 20 may be a satellite, base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and/or WLAN access point, associated with a radio access network (RAN), such as an LTE network, 5G or NR.
- RAN radio access network
- apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to perform the functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein.
- apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine network range markers data which partitions a cell coverage into sectors. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to calculate a timing advance value for a UE. In addition, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine a timing advance index value based on the calculated timing advance value and the network range markers data. Further, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to send the timing advance index value to the UE for channel timing adjustment. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to send a broadcast comprising the network range markers data to the UE.
- apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, in response to the broadcast, time of arrival related capabilities of the UE.
- Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine a timing advance resolution ratio for a given sector.
- Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to provide an updated timing index value and an updated timing resolution ratio to the UE.
- the eNB may deliver TA index values with accuracy up to ITs, which may be 4,875 m for LTE.
- ITs which may be 4,875 m for LTE.
- 5-bits shorten word length may be used, which enables saving of radio resources.
- a combination of the above-described advantages may be achieved and tailored to the specific demands to the given sector. This then, may improve UL timing adjustment, which may be beneficial for instance, for reducing UL to DL interfaces in TDD.
- the TARM(X) concept may be efficient in NTN, where a majority of the cell is not occupied.
- the UE may not be required to calculate or provide its positioning data to the eNB in order to receive initial timing adjustment.
- user privacy may be protected.
- the procedures described herein may be simplified with less radio resources that may be needed for related signaling.
- Other example embodiments may be applied in any synchronous standard including, for example, GSM, LTE, 5G, and NTN where there may be a need for UL channel synchronization. This may be especially true where TDD is used, and where more accurate timing adjustment may reduce cross channel interferences.
- a computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments.
- the one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of an example embodiment may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.
- software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program.
- carrier may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example.
- the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers.
- the computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.
- the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software.
- ASIC application specific integrated circuit
- PGA programmable gate array
- FPGA field programmable gate array
- the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.
- an apparatus such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.
- a first embodiment is directed to a method that may include receiving, at a user equipment, a broadcast comprising network range markers data from a network element. The method may also include performing a distance measurement of the user equipment to the network element. The method may further include, determining, according to the network range markers data and the measured distance, a sector of a cell coverage area at which the user equipment is located.
- the method may further include receiving a timing advance index value from the network element.
- the method may further include applying a corrected timing adjustment according to a resolution of the sector based on the distance measurement and the index value.
- the method may further include sending a random-access channel preamble including the distance measurement to the network element.
- the method may further include receiving new settings at the user equipment.
- the user equipment may be in a radio resource control idle state or a radio resource control connected state.
- the distance measurement may be performed by time of arrival measurements, and the time of arrival measurements may be expressed in index form representation.
- the sector may be determined based on broadcasted or transmitted reference markers of at least one sector, and the time of arrival measurements in index form representation.
- a second embodiment may be directed to a method that may include determining, by a network element, network range markers data which partitions a cell coverage into sectors. The method may also include calculating a timing advance value for a user equipment. The method may further include determining a timing advance index value based on the calculated timing advance value and the network range markers data. The method may also include sending the timing advance index value to the user equipment for channel timing adjustment.
- the method may further include sending, from the network element, a broadcast including the network range markers data to the user equipment.
- the method may further include receiving, in response to the broadcast, time of arrival related capabilities of the user equipment.
- the method may further include determining a timing advance resolution ratio for a given sector.
- the method may further include providing an updated timing index value and an updated timing resolution ratio to the user equipment.
- the time of arrival related capabilities may be received via a random-access channel preamble.
- the timing advance index value may be sent via a random access response.
- the random access response may include status data reflecting accuracy of the time of arrival related capabilities.
- Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code.
- the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform the method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment or any of their variants discussed above.
- Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to perform the method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment or any of their variants.
- Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include means for performing the method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment or any of their variants.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962930909P | 2019-11-05 | 2019-11-05 | |
PCT/FI2020/050615 WO2021089906A1 (en) | 2019-11-05 | 2020-09-23 | Enhancement on provision of timing advance data |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4008138A1 true EP4008138A1 (en) | 2022-06-08 |
EP4008138A4 EP4008138A4 (en) | 2023-08-09 |
Family
ID=75849569
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20885708.6A Pending EP4008138A4 (en) | 2019-11-05 | 2020-09-23 | Enhancement on provision of timing advance data |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4008138A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN114631362A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021089906A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6950664B2 (en) * | 2002-01-24 | 2005-09-27 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Geolocation using enhanced timing advance techniques |
US7363044B2 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2008-04-22 | Motorola, Inc. | System and method for aiding a location determination in a positioning system |
NL2008683C2 (en) * | 2012-04-23 | 2013-10-28 | Gerald Jules Rudolf Taunay | Method, system and computer program for determining distances and positions. |
US9560513B2 (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2017-01-31 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Method and arrangement for D2D discovery |
WO2014185953A1 (en) * | 2013-05-16 | 2014-11-20 | Intel IP Corporation | Multiple radio link control (rlc) groups |
US9591603B2 (en) * | 2013-12-10 | 2017-03-07 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Dynamic network configuration based on passive location analytics |
EP3316632B1 (en) * | 2016-11-01 | 2020-12-02 | ASUSTek Computer Inc. | Method and apparatus in a wireless communication system for identifying an uplink timing advance received via a random access response of a random access procedure in a cell |
CN108882248B (en) * | 2017-05-16 | 2021-05-18 | 西安电子科技大学 | LTE (Long term evolution) ultra-long distance user random access method based on sector identification |
US11032816B2 (en) * | 2017-08-10 | 2021-06-08 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Techniques and apparatuses for variable timing adjustment granularity |
-
2020
- 2020-09-23 WO PCT/FI2020/050615 patent/WO2021089906A1/en unknown
- 2020-09-23 CN CN202080072709.6A patent/CN114631362A/en active Pending
- 2020-09-23 EP EP20885708.6A patent/EP4008138A4/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2021089906A1 (en) | 2021-05-14 |
CN114631362A (en) | 2022-06-14 |
EP4008138A4 (en) | 2023-08-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
KR102114623B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for transmitting uplink signal in wireless communication system | |
CN109996265B (en) | Beam measurement method, device, system, network equipment and terminal equipment | |
US11930469B2 (en) | Timing advance in full-duplex communication | |
CN106797656B (en) | System and method for beam-based physical random access | |
EP3531787A1 (en) | Wave beam-based multi-connection communication method, terminal device, and network device | |
CN108605356B (en) | Wireless device, first access node and method therein | |
EP3249825A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for obtaining location of user equipment (ue) | |
EP4027727A1 (en) | Data processing method and apparatus, and storage medium | |
CN111480375A (en) | System and method for multiple Round Trip Time (RTT) estimation in wireless networks | |
WO2019089965A1 (en) | Random access channel (rach) design | |
US11659599B2 (en) | Random access preamble transmission timing offset | |
US12069603B2 (en) | Time of arrival based method for extended connection range | |
US20220330345A1 (en) | Improving reliability of mobile-terminated (mt) early data transmission (edt) | |
US20190239251A1 (en) | Apparatuses and methods for preamble sequence management for contention based access | |
US20180152882A1 (en) | Apparatus and Methods for Providing and Receiving System Information in a Wireless Communications Network | |
EP4008138A1 (en) | Enhancement on provision of timing advance data | |
WO2022151362A1 (en) | Methods for allocating preconfigured resources | |
CN116326053A (en) | Method and apparatus for positioning reference signal transmission and reception | |
US11929821B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for determining and applying timing advance in communication system | |
KR102705863B1 (en) | Method and device for determining timing advance | |
WO2023151101A1 (en) | Indication of selection of segment duration |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20220302 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20230712 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: H04W 74/08 20090101ALI20230706BHEP Ipc: H04B 7/185 20060101ALI20230706BHEP Ipc: H04W 74/00 20090101ALI20230706BHEP Ipc: H04W 64/00 20090101ALI20230706BHEP Ipc: H04W 56/00 20090101AFI20230706BHEP |