Beacon transmission over unlicensed spectrum

• US 9,713,035 B2
• Filed: 05/19/2014
• Issued: 07/18/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Malladi, Durga Prasad, Bhushan, Naga, Luo, Tao, Ji, Tingfang, Horn, Gavin Bernard, Chen, Wanshi, Wei, Yongbin, Gaal, Peter, Damnjanovic, Aleksandar
• Primary Examiner(s): Pham, Chi H
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hyun, Soon-Dong D
• Application Number:
  US14/281,641
• Publication Number:
  US 20140341035A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,156 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 11/00 Orthogonal multiplex systems, e.g. using WALSH codesH04J13/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/00 Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received correcting synchronisation H04L7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0003 by switching between different modulation schemes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0009 by adapting the channel coding H04L1/1812 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0026 Transmission of channel quality indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/003 Adaptive formatting arrangements particular to signalling, e.g. variable amount of bits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/009 arrangements specific to transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0612 Space-time modulation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/0006 Assessment of spectral gaps suitable for allocating digitally modulated signals, e.g. for carrier allocation in cognitive radio for spectrum sharing between different networks H04W16/14
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2602 Signal structure
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2603 Signal structure ensuring backward compatibility with legacy system
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/001 the frequencies being arranged in component carriers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0044 allocation of payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/005 of common pilots, i.e. pilots destined for multiple users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0053 Allocation of signaling, i.e. of overhead other than pilot signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1469 using time-sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/14 Spectrum sharing arrangements between different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/0252 per individual bearer or channel dynamic wireless traffic scheduling H04W72/12
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/0289 : Congestion control load shedding arrangements in network planning H04W16/08; performing reselection for handling the traffic H04W36/22; wireless traffic scheduling H04W72/12
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/08 : Load balancing or load distribution transferring a connection for handling the traffic H04W36/22; wireless traffic scheduling H04W72/12
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/16 : Central resource management; Negotiation of resources or communication parameters, e.g. negotiating bandwidth or QoS [Quality of Service]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/10 : using broadcasted information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/001 : Synchronization between nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/0015 : one node acting as a reference for the others
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/002 : Mutual synchronization
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/04 : Wireless resource allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/21 : in the uplink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/541 : using the level of interference
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/006 : in the downlink, i.e. towards the terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/04 : Scheduled access hybrid access H04W74/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/0808 : using carrier sensing, e.g. carrier sense multiple access [CSMA]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/0816 : with collision avoidance
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/0833 : Random access procedures, e.g. with 4-step access
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/15 : Setup of multiple wireless link connections
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses are described in which an unlicensed spectrum is used for Long Term Evolution (LTE) communications. A first method includes broadcasting beacon signals in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from an evolved Node B (eNB). A second method includes receiving beacon signals broadcast in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from an eNB. The beacon signals may include downlink signals identifying the eNB and at least one associated attribute of the eNB.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communications, comprising:

broadcasting beacon signals in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from an evolved Node B (eNB), the beacon signals identifying the eNB and at least one associated attribute of the eNB that comprises an eNB deployment configuration for an eNB deployment with which the eNB is associated, wherein downlink signals from eNBs in the eNB deployment are synchronized and concurrently transmitted by the eNBs of the eNB deployment in the unlicensed spectrum.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises at least one attribute of the eNB.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein broadcasting of the beacon signals is independent of a listen before talk (LBT) scheme.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration associated with the eNB, and wherein the beacon signals also comprise a paging message for at least one user equipment (UE).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the eNBs in the eNB deployment are each deployed by a same operator.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein broadcasting the beacon signals comprises broadcasting the beacon signals at a duty cycle below 5%, with a maximum broadcasting interval of approximately once every 50 milliseconds.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the beacon signals comprise one or more of:

a Primary Synchronization Signal;

a Secondary Synchronization Signal;

a Cell-Specific Reference Signal;

a Physical Broadcast Channel;

a Global Cell Identifier;

a CSG-ID;

a PLMN ID;

a deployment identifier;

a periodic gating structure configuration;

a Clear Channel Assessment randomization seed (CCA-RS)

a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration;

a System Information Block (SIB);

a lite version of an SIB (SIB-lite);

or

any combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the beacon signals comprise information that identifies the eNB as being active or dormant.

9. An apparatus for wireless communications, comprising:

means for generating beacon signals at an evolved Node B (eNB), the beacon signals identifying the eNB and at least one associated attribute of the eNB that comprises an eNB deployment configuration for an eNB deployment with which the eNB is associated, wherein downlink signals from eNBs in the eNB deployment are synchronized and concurrently transmitted by the eNBs of the eNB deployment in an unlicensed spectrum; and

means for broadcasting beacon signals in the unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises at least one attribute of the eNB.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein broadcasting of the beacon signals is independent of a listen before talk (LBT) scheme.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration associated with the eNB, and wherein the beacon signals also comprise a paging message for at least one user equipment (UE).

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the eNBs in the eNB deployment are each deployed by a same operator.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for broadcasting the beacon signals comprises means for broadcasting the beacon signals at a duty cycle below 5%, with a maximum broadcasting interval of approximately once every 50 milliseconds.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the beacon signals comprise one or more of:

a Primary Synchronization Signal;

a Secondary Synchronization Signal;

a Cell-Specific Reference Signal;

a Physical Broadcast Channel;

a Global Cell Identifier;

a CSG-ID;

a PLMN ID;

a deployment identifier;

a periodic gating structure configuration;

a Clear Channel Assessment randomization seed (CCA-RS)

a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration;

a System Information Block (SIB);

a lite version of an SIB (SIB-lite);

or

any combination thereof.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the beacon signals comprise information that identifies the eNB as being active or dormant.

17. An apparatus for wireless communications, comprising:

a processor;

memory in electronic communication with the processor; and

instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to;

broadcast beacon signals in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from an evolved Node B (eNB), the beacon signals identifying the eNB and at least one associated attribute of the eNB that comprises an eNB deployment configuration for an eNB deployment with which the eNB is associated, wherein downlink signals from eNBs in the eNB deployment are synchronized and concurrently transmitted by the eNBs of the eNB deployment in the unlicensed spectrum.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises at least one attribute of the eNB.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein broadcasting of the beacon signals is independent of a listen before talk (LBT) scheme.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration associated with the eNB, and wherein the beacon signals also comprise a paging message for at least one user equipment (UE).

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the eNBs in the eNB deployment are each deployed by a same operator.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the instructions executable by the processor to broadcast the beacon signals comprise instructions executable by the processor to broadcast the beacon signals at a duty cycle below 5%, with a maximum broadcasting interval of approximately once every 50 milliseconds.

23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the beacon signals comprise one or more of:

a Primary Synchronization Signal;

a Secondary Synchronization Signal;

a Cell-Specific Reference Signal;

a Physical Broadcast Channel;

a Global Cell Identifier;

a CSG-ID;

a PLMN ID;

a deployment identifier;

a periodic gating structure configuration;

a Clear Channel Assessment randomization seed (CCA-RS)

a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration;

a System Information Block (SIB);

a lite version of an SIB (SIB-lite);

or

any combination thereof.

24. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the beacon signals comprise information that identifies the eNB as being active or dormant.

25. A computer program product for communications by a wireless communications apparatus in a wireless communications system, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor to cause the wireless communications apparatus to:

broadcast beacon signals in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from an evolved Node B (eNB), the beacon signals identifying the eNB and at least one associated attribute of the eNB that comprises an eNB deployment configuration for an eNB deployment with which the eNB is associated, wherein downlink signals from eNBs in the eNB deployment are synchronized and concurrently transmitted by the eNBs of the eNB deployment in the unlicensed spectrum.

26. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises at least one attribute of the eNB.

27. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein broadcasting of the beacon signals is independent of a listen before talk (LBT) scheme.

28. A method for wireless communications, comprising:

receiving beacon signals broadcast in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from an evolved Node B (eNB), the beacon signals identifying the eNB and at least one associated attribute of the eNB that comprises an eNB deployment configuration with which the eNB is associated, wherein downlink signals from eNBs in the eNB deployment are synchronized and concurrently transmitted by the eNBs of the eNB deployment in the unlicensed spectrum.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises at least one attribute of the eNB.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration associated with the eNB, and wherein the beacon signals also comprise a paging message for at least one user equipment (UE).

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising:

responding to the paging message using the RACH configuration.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising:

using the beacon signals to make a coarse timing adjustment to communicate in the unlicensed spectrum at a user equipment (UE).

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the eNBs in the eNB deployment are each deployed by a same operator.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein receiving the beacon signals comprises receiving the beacon signals at a duty cycle below 5%, with a maximum receiving interval of approximately once every 50 milliseconds.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein the beacon signals comprise one or more of:

a Primary Synchronization Signal;

a Secondary Synchronization Signal;

a Cell-Specific Reference Signal;

a Physical Broadcast Channel;

a Global Cell Identifier;

a CSG-ID;

a PLMN ID;

a deployment identifier;

a periodic gating structure configuration;

a Clear Channel Assessment randomization seed (CCA-RS)

a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration;

a System Information Block (SIB);

a lite version of an SIB (SIB-lite);

or

any combination thereof.

36. The method of claim 28, wherein the beacon signals comprise information that identifies the eNB as being active or dormant.

37. An apparatus for wireless communications, comprising:

means for receiving beacon signals broadcast in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from an evolved Node B (eNB), the beacon signals identifying the eNB and at least one associated attribute of the eNB that comprises an eNB deployment configuration for an eNB deployment with which the eNB is associated, wherein downlink signals from eNBs in the eNB deployment are synchronized and concurrently transmitted by the eNBs of the eNB deployment in the unlicensed spectrum; and

means for determining the eNB deployment configuration based at least in part on the at least one associated attribute of the eNB.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises at least one attribute of the eNB.

39. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration associated with the eNB, and wherein the beacon signals also comprise a paging message for at least one user equipment (UE).

40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising:

means for responding to the paging message using the RACH configuration.

41. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising:

means for using the beacon signals to make a coarse timing adjustment to communicate in the unlicensed spectrum at a user equipment (UE).

42. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the eNBs in the eNB deployment are each deployed by a same operator.

43. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the means for receiving the beacon signals comprises means for receiving the beacon signals at a duty cycle below 5%, with a maximum receiving interval of approximately once every 50 milliseconds.

44. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the beacon signals comprise one or more of:

a Primary Synchronization Signal;

a Secondary Synchronization Signal;

a Cell-Specific Reference Signal;

a Physical Broadcast Channel;

a Global Cell Identifier;

a CSG-ID;

a PLMN ID;

a deployment identifier;

a periodic gating structure configuration;

a Clear Channel Assessment randomization seed (CCA-RS)

a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration;

a System Information Block (SIB);

a lite version of an SIB (SIB-lite);

or

any combination thereof.

45. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the beacon signals comprise information that identifies the eNB as being active or dormant.

46. An apparatus for wireless communications, comprising:

a processor;

memory in electronic communication with the processor; and

instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to;

receive beacon signals broadcast in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from an evolved Node B (eNB), the beacon signals identifying the eNB and at least one associated attribute of the eNB that comprises an eNB deployment configuration for an eNB deployment with which the eNB is associated, wherein downlink signals from eNBs in the eNB deployment are synchronized and concurrently transmitted by the eNBs of the eNB deployment in the unlicensed spectrum.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises at least one attribute of the eNB.

48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration associated with the eNB, and wherein the beacon signals also comprise a paging message for at least one user equipment (UE).

49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to:

respond to the paging message using the RACH configuration.

50. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to:

use the beacon signals to make a coarse timing adjustment to communicate in the unlicensed spectrum at a user equipment (UE).

51. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the eNBs in the eNB deployment are each deployed by a same operator.

52. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein receiving the beacon signals comprises receiving the beacon signals at a duty cycle below 5%, with a maximum receiving interval of approximately once every 50 milliseconds.

53. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the beacon signals comprise one or more of:

a Primary Synchronization Signal;

a Secondary Synchronization Signal;

a Cell-Specific Reference Signal;

a Physical Broadcast Channel;

a Global Cell Identifier;

a CSG-ID;

a PLMN ID;

a deployment identifier;

a periodic gating structure configuration;

a Clear Channel Assessment randomization seed (CCA-RS)

a Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration;

a System Information Block (SIB);

a lite version of an SIB (SIB-lite);

or

any combination thereof.

54. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the beacon signals comprise information that identifies the eNB as being active or dormant.

55. A computer program product for communications by a wireless communications apparatus in a wireless communications system, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor to cause the wireless communications apparatus to:

receive beacon signals broadcast in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from an evolved Node B (eNB), the beacon signals identifying the eNB and at least one associated attribute of the eNB that comprises an eNB deployment configuration with which the eNB is associated, wherein downlink signals from eNBs in the eNB deployment are synchronized and concurrently transmitted by the eNBs of the eNB deployment in the unlicensed spectrum.

56. The computer program product of claim 55, wherein the at least one associated attribute of the eNB comprises a random Access Channel (RACH) configuration associated with the eNB, and wherein the beacon signals also comprise a paging message for at least one user equipment (UE).

57. The computer program product of claim 56, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the wireless communications apparatus to:

respond to the paging message using the RACH configuration.

58. The computer program product of claim 55, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the wireless communications apparatus to:

use the beacon signals to make a coarse timing adjustment to communicate in the unlicensed spectrum at a user equipment (UE).