Node detection in a cellular communication network

Abstract

A technique for detecting a neighboring node in a cellular communication network is disclosed. The neighboring node may employ a different radio access technology (RAT) and / or operate at a different frequency than adjacent nodes. The neighboring node transmits cell-specific or user equipment (UE) specific information using one or more Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) subframes. This information can include data and / or control signaling for handover processing. A UE currently being served by another node can monitor the MBSFN subframes and initiate a search for the neighboring node, including inter-frequency measurements, based on the information contained in the MBSFN subframes. This allows UEs located at cell boundaries to become aware of the presence of the neighboring node, and may reduce UE power consumption used in searching for neighboring nodes, particularly those operating at a different carrier frequency or having a different RAT, for example, a wireless local area network (WIAN).

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]The present application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61 / 559,860 entitled “Different Frequency Neighboring Cell MBSFN Subframe,” filed Nov. 15, 2011, and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference.REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR PATENT[0002]The present application relates to PCI Application, entitled “Inter-cell Messaging Using MBSFN Subframe,” Reference Number TUTL 00209, filed concurrently with this application, and assigned to the assignee hereof and expressly incorporated by reference herein; to PCT Application, entitled “Handover Management Using a Broadcast Channel in a Network Having Synchronized Base Stations,” Reference Number TUTL 00207, filed concurrently with this application; and to PCT. Application No. entitled “Handover Signaling Using an MBSFN in a Cellular Communication System,” Reference Number TUTL 00210, filed concurrently this application, and assigned to the assignee hereof and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about techniques for detecting a neighboring node in a cellular communication network. The neighboring node may use a different radio access technology and operate at a different frequency than adjacent nodes. The neighboring node sends information using Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) subframes. The information includes data and control signaling for handover processing. UEs can monitor the MBSFN subframes and initiate a search for the neighboring node based on the information contained in the MBSFN subframes. This helps UEs at cell boundaries to become aware of the presence of the neighboring node and reduces power consumption. It also eliminates unnecessary searches for WLAN AP, which could use up the UE's battery power. Overall, this patent helps improve network efficiency and enhance user experience.

Problems solved by technology

Without such assistance, the UE would likely need to search frequently for a WLAN AP, even though no WLAN AP may be available, and with each search, potentially searching more frequencies, thus increasing the time of each search.

This type of search is undesirable since it typically wastes the UE's limited battery power.

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