Interference plus noise (IPN) measurement configurations

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a network node in communication with a plurality of wireless devices is provided. The network node includes processing circuitry configured to determine a dynamic Interference plus Noise, IpN, measurement configuration based on at least one criterion. The processing circuitry is configured to perform IpN measurements based on the IpN measurement configuration.

Description

[0001] INTERFERENCE PLUS NOISE (IPN) MEASUREMENT CONFIGURATIONS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to Interference-plus-Noise power (IpN) measurement configuration.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed and is developing standards for Fourth Generation (4G) (also referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and Fifth Generation (5G) (also referred to as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Such systems provide, among other features, broadband communication between network nodes, such as base stations, and mobile wireless devices (WD), as well as communication between network nodes and between WDs. The 3GPP is also developing standards for Sixth Generation (6G) wireless communication networks.

[0006] Link adaptation is used in wireless systems for efficient use of channel resources. To perform accurate link adaptation, measurements related to the downlink (DL) channel between the network node and the wireless device are performed at the wireless device. These DL measurements are reported back to the network node using the UL channel. Similarly, the measurements related to the uplink (UL) channel between the wireless device and the network node are performed at the network node, and then based on the measurements, network node schedules wireless devices for UL transmissions.

[0007] Interference-plus-Noise power (IpN) measurements are one such uplink measurement used for UL scheduling. These IpN measurements may be performed on certain symbols of uplink slots. In some cases, it may be necessary to perform measurements even on blank UL slots so that the filtering and update of IpN measurements are not impacted.

[0008] Using an energy saving algorithm, such as but not limited to that offered and / or marketed in association with the trademark MicroSleep Rx (MSRx), configuration, some of the hardware (HW) components can be switched off or put in low-power configuration mode when there is no data to be received from any connected wireless device in the uplink. Using the MSRx feature can save energy during UL slots. The gains with MSRx feature can be significant in frequency division duplex (FDD) radios. Energy Efficiency

[0009] Reducing power consumption in radio networks is of interest to organizations such as 3 GPP (see, e.g., 3 GPP Technical Specification (T.S.) 38.864. An example application is creating opportunities for more blank symbols / slots in DL and UL so that the HW components in the transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) of the network nodes can be turned-off or put in low-power mode to reduce power consumption.

[0010] Conventional IpN Measurements

[0011] UL IpN measurements can be used for determining the IpN values associated with different users in UL and scheduling them efficiently the in the upcoming UL slots. The measurements may be performed on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS) symbols in every resource block (a group of 12 subcarriers). The number and the location of DMRS symbols in a UL slot may depend on the mapping type for PUSCH and whether intra-slot frequency hopping is enabled. The location of DMRS in the frequency dimension may depend on the DMRS configuration type, as specified, e.g., in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.211.

[0012] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are example diagrams showing PUSCH DMRS symbols for the case of without and with intra-slot frequency hopping (respectively). As is shown, the maximum number of DMRS symbols per an UL slot can be four.

[0013] To have accurate estimates of the IpN values for different wireless devices, the measurements are performed in every uplink slot (both allocated and non-allocated (blank) UL slots) irrespective of whether a wireless device is scheduled in the UL slot. Furthermore, the measurements can be performed in every resource block (RB) of available cell bandwidth (BW).

[0014] With the IpN measurements performed according to the conventional approach, it may be possible to need to turn on the Rx part of the receiver in up to 4 out of 14 symbols in a blank uplink slot. This can lead to a loss of 4 / 14 ~28.5% opportunity for the MSRx feature and a significant loss in energy savings.

[0015] A flow chart showing a conventional implementation of IpN measurements in UL is shown in FIG. 3. In a conventional implementation of IpN measurements, the resolution in time and frequency for IpN measurements is fixed irrespective of the load of the cell in the UL. As described above, this can limit the gains that can be obtained with the MSRx feature. SUMMARY

[0016] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for Interference-plus-Noise power (IpN) measurement configuration.

[0017] Some embodiments describe an adaptive IpN measurement configuration in which the measurement resolution in time and frequency dimension is changed based on at least one criterion that may be based on the load in the uplink. This may include, for example:

[0018] • Determining the load in UL;

[0019] • Using adaptive resolution of IpN measurements based on the determined load in U ; and

[0020] • Turning off or using low-power configuration for the hardware components in the Rx part of the network node on the saved resources with adaptive configuration of IpN measurements.

[0021] Advantages of the embodiments described here include improved energy savings with MSRx by up to 40% for the case when PUSCH DMRS occupies 4 symbols in an UL slot.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a network node in communication with a plurality of wireless devices is provided. The network node includes processing circuitry configured to determine a dynamic Interference plus Noise, IpN, measurement configuration based on at least one criterion; and to perform IpN measurements based on the dynamic IpN measurement configuration.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect the at least one criterion includes an amount of load in a cell associated with the network node.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least one criterion includes one or more energy saving settings.

[0025] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the dynamic IpN configuration is determined based on a selection from a set of predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values in the set correspond to different load ranges and the energy saving settings.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, as a load increases, at least one of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution value increases. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain resolution value is one of a symbol level resolution or slot level resolution.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the frequency domain resolution value is one of a resource block (RB) level resolution or group of RBs level resolution.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the load is determined based on an average physical resource block, PRB, utilization.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the IpN measurements are performed based on a load.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the set of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values is selected adaptively based on at least one factor.

[0032] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values are based on a valid UL slot.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the processing circuitry is configured to implement an energy saving algorithm together with the dynamic IpN measurement configuration.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed in a network node is provided. The method includes determining a dynamic Interference plus Noise, IpN, measurement configuration based on at least one criterion; and performing IpN measurements based on the dynamic IpN measurement configuration.

[0035] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least one criterion includes an amount of load in a cell associated with the network node.

[0036] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least one criterion includes one or more energy saving settings.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the dynamic IpN configuration is determined based on a selection from a set of predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values in the set correspond to different load ranges and the energy saving settings.

[0039] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, as a load increases, at least one of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution value increases. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain resolution value is one of a symbol level resolution or slot level resolution.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the frequency domain resolution value is one of a resource block (RB) level resolution or group of RBs level resolution.

[0041] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the load is determined based on an average physical resource block, PRB, utilization.

[0042] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the IpN measurements are performed based on a load.

[0043] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the set of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values is selected adaptively based on at least one factor.

[0044] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values are based on a valid UL slot.

[0045] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the method further comprises implementing an energy saving algorithm together with the dynamic IpN measurement configuration.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0048] FIG. 1 is an example diagram of PUSCH DMRS symbols without intra-slot frequency hopping;

[0049] FIG. 2 is an example diagram of PUSCH DMRS symbols with intra-slot frequency hopping;

[0050] FIG. 3. is a flowchart of a conventional method for performing IpN measurements;

[0051] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example network architecture illustrating a communication system connected via an intermediate network to a host computer according to the principles in the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating via a network node with a wireless device over an at least partially wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another example process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example resolution of IpN resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example resolution of IpN resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example resolution of IpN resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0057] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example resolution of IpN resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Before describing in detail example embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to Interference-plus-Noise power (IpN) measurement configuration. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0060] As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0061] In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

[0062] In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0063] The term “network node” used herein can be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node” used herein may be used to also denote a wireless device (WD) such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

[0064] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or a user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The WD herein can be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another WD over radio signals, such as wireless device (WD). The WD may also be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) WD, machine type WD or WD capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low-cost and / or low-complexity WD, a sensor equipped with WD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, or a Narrowband loT (NB-IOT) device, etc.

[0065] Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used. It can be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any of base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, Multi-cell / multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

[0066] Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the aforementioned system. Other wireless systems, including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0067] In some embodiments, the general description elements in the form of “one of A and B” corresponds to A or B. In some embodiments, at least one of A and B corresponds to A, B or AB, or to one or more of A and B, or one or both of A and B . In some embodiments, at least one of A, B and C corresponds to one or more of A, B and C, and / or A, B, C or a combination thereof.

[0068] Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by a wireless device or a network node may be distributed over a plurality of wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network node and wireless device described herein are not limited to performance by a single physical device and, in fact, can be distributed among several physical devices.

[0069] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Some embodiments provide for Interference-plus-Noise power (IpN) measurement configuration.

[0070] Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 4 a schematic diagram of a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a 3 GPP -type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G), which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14. The access network 12 comprises a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (referred to collectively as network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired or wireless connection 20. A first wireless device (WD) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second WD 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. While a plurality of WDs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole WD is in the coverage area or where a sole WD is connecting to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two WDs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more WDs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0071] Also, it is contemplated that a WD 22 can be in simultaneous communication and / or configured to separately communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, a WD 22 can have dual connectivity with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or a different network node 16 that supports NR. As an example, WD 22 can be in communication with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR / NG-RAN.

[0072] The communication system 10 may itself be connected to a host computer 24, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 24 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The connections 26, 28 between the communication system 10 and the host computer 24 may extend directly from the core network 14 to the host computer 24 or may extend via an optional intermediate network 30. The intermediate network 30 may be one of, or a combination of more than one of, a public, private or hosted network. The intermediate network 30, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet. In some embodiments, the intermediate network 30 may comprise two or more subnetworks (not shown).

[0073] The communication system of FIG. 4 as a whole enables connectivity between one of the connected WDs 22a, 22b and the host computer 24. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection. The host computer 24 and the connected WDs 22a, 22b are configured to communicate data and / or signaling via the OTT connection, using the access network 12, the core network 14, any intermediate network 30 and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection may be transparent in the sense that at least some of the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection passes are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, a network node 16 may not or need not be informed about the past routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originating from a host computer 24 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to a connected WD 22a. Similarly, the network node 16 need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating from the WD 22a towards the host computer 24.

[0074] A network node 16 is configured to include an IpN unit 32, which is configured to perform one or more network node 16 functions described herein, including functions related to Interference-plus-Noise power (IpN) measurement configuration.

[0075] Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the WD 22, network node 16 and host computer 24 discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 5. In a communication system 10, a host computer 24 comprises hardware (HW) 38 including a communication interface 40 configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 10. The host computer 24 further comprises processing circuitry 42, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. The processing circuitry 42 may include a processor 44 and memory 46. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 42 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 44 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 46, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0076] Processing circuitry 42 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by host computer 24. Processor 44 corresponds to one or more processors 44 for performing host computer 24 functions described herein. The host computer 24 includes memory 46 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 48 and / or the host application 50 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 44 and / or processing circuitry 42, causes the processor 44 and / or processing circuitry 42 to perform the processes described herein with respect to host computer 24. The instructions may be software associated with the host computer 24.

[0077] The software 48 may be executable by the processing circuitry 42. The software 48 includes a host application 50. The host application 50 may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as a WD 22 connecting via an OTT connection 52 terminating at the WD 22 and the host computer 24. In providing the service to the remote user, the host application 50 may provide user data which is transmitted using the OTT connection 52. The “user data” may be data and information described herein as implementing the described functionality. In one embodiment, the host computer 24 may be configured for providing control and functionality to a service provider and may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuitry 42 of the host computer 24 may enable the host computer 24 to observe, monitor, control, transmit to and / or receive from the network node 16 and / or the wireless device 22. The processing circuitry 42 of the host computer 24 may include a control unit 54 configured to enable the service provider to observe / monitor / control / transmit to / receive from the network node 16 and or the wireless device 22.

[0078] The communication system 10 further includes a network node 16 provided in a communication system 10 and including hardware 58 enabling it to communicate with the host computer 24 and with the WD 22. The hardware 58 may include a communication interface 60 for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 10, as well as a radio interface 62 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 64 with a WD 22 located in a coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 62 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The communication interface 60 may be configured to facilitate a connection 66 to the host computer 24. The connection 66 may be direct or it may pass through a core network 14 of the communication system 10 and / or through one or more intermediate networks 30 outside the communication system 10.

[0079] In the embodiment shown, the hardware 58 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may include a processor 70 and a memory 72. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 68 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 70 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 72, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read- Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read- Only Memory).

[0080] Thus, the network node 16 further has software 74 stored internally in, for example, memory 72, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 74 may be executable by the processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node 16. Processor 70 corresponds to one or more processors 70 for performing network node 16 functions described herein. The memory 72 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 74 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 70 and / or processing circuitry 68, causes the processor 70 and / or processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 68 of the network node 16 may include IpN unit 32 configured to perform one or more network node 16 functions described herein, including functions related to Interferenceplus-Noise power (IpN) measurement configuration.

[0081] The communication system 10 further includes the WD 22 already referred to. The WD 22 may have hardware 80 that may include a radio interface 82 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 64 with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18 in which the WD 22 is currently located. The radio interface 82 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0082] The hardware 80 of the WD 22 further includes processing circuitry 84. The processing circuitry 84 may include a processor 86 and memory 88. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 84 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 86 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 88, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0083] Thus, the WD 22 may further comprise software 90, which is stored in, for example, memory 88 at the WD 22, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the WD 22. The software 90 may be executable by the processing circuitry 84. The software 90 may include a client application 92. The client application 92 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the WD 22, with the support of the host computer 24. In the host computer 24, an executing host application 50 may communicate with the executing client application 92 via the OTT connection 52 terminating at the WD 22 and the host computer 24. In providing the service to the user, the client application 92 may receive request data from the host application 50 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 52 may transfer both the request data and the user data. The client application 92 may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

[0084] The processing circuitry 84 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by WD 22. The processor 86 corresponds to one or more processors 86 for performing WD 22 functions described herein. The WD 22 includes memory 88 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 90 and / or the client application 92 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 86 and / or processing circuitry 84, causes the processor 86 and / or processing circuitry 84 to perform the processes described herein with respect to WD 22.

[0085] In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16, WD 22, and host computer 24 may be as shown in FIG. 5 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 4.

[0086] In FIG. 5, the OTT connection 52 has been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between the host computer 24 and the wireless device 22 via the network node 16, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it may be configured to hide from the WD 22 or from the service provider operating the host computer 24, or both. While the OTT connection 52 is active, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancing consideration or reconfiguration of the network).

[0087] The wireless connection 64 between the WD 22 and the network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to the WD 22 using the OTT connection 52, in which the wireless connection 64 may form the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve the data rate, latency, and / or power consumption and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime, etc.

[0088] In some embodiments, a measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 between the host computer 24 and WD 22, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and / or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 may be implemented in the software 48 of the host computer 24 or in the software 90 of the WD 22, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with communication devices through which the OTT connection 52 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software 48, 90 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of the OTT connection 52 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect the network node 16, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the network node 16. Some such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary WD signaling facilitating the host computer’s 24 measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. In some embodiments, the measurements may be implemented in that the software 48, 90 causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages, using the OTT connection 52 while it monitors propagation times, errors, etc.

[0089] Thus, in some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 configured to provide user data and a communication interface 40 that is configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to the WD 22. In some embodiments, the cellular network also includes the network node 16 with a radio interface 62. In some embodiments, the network node 16 is configured to, and / or the network node’s 16 processing circuitry 68 is configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / maintaining / supporting / ending a transmission to the WD 22, and / or preparing / terminating / maintaining / supporting / ending in receipt of a transmission from the WD 22.

[0090] In some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 and a communication interface 40 that is configured to a communication interface 40 configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a WD 22 to a network node 16. In some embodiments, the WD 22 is configured to, and / or comprises a radio interface 82 and / or processing circuitry 84 configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / maintaining / supporting / ending a transmission to the network node 16, and / or preparing / terminating / maintaining / supporting / ending in receipt of a transmission from the network node 16. Although FIGS. 4 and 5 show various “units,” such as IpN unit 32, as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 68 (including the IpN unit 32), processor 70, radio interface 62 and / or communication interface 60 illustrated in FIG. 5. Network node 16 is configured to determine a dynamic Interference plus Noise, IpN, measurement configuration based on at least one criterion (Block SI 34). Network node 16 is configured to perform IpN measurements based on the dynamic IpN measurement configuration (Block S136).

[0092] In at least one embodiment, the at least one criterion includes an amount of load in a cell associated with the network node 16.

[0093] In at least one embodiment, the at least one criterion includes one or more energy saving settings.

[0094] In at least one embodiment, the dynamic IpN configuration is determined based on a selection from a set of predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values.

[0095] In at least one embodiment, the predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values in the set correspond to different load ranges and the energy saving settings.

[0096] In at least one embodiment, as a load increases, at least one of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution value increases.

[0097] In at least one embodiment, the time domain resolution value is one of a symbol level resolution or slot level resolution.

[0098] In at least one embodiment, the frequency domain resolution value is one of a resource block (RB) level resolution or group of RBs level resolution.

[0099] In at least one embodiment, the load is determined based on an average physical resource block, PRB, utilization.

[0100] In at least one embodiment, the IpN measurements are performed based on a load. In at least one embodiment, the set of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values is selected adaptively based on at least one factor.

[0101] In at least one embodiment, the time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values are based on a valid UL slot.

[0102] In at least one embodiment, the processing circuitry 68 is configured to implement an energy saving algorithm together with the dynamic IpN measurement configuration.

[0103] Having described the general process flow of arrangements of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for IpN measurement configuration. One or more network node 16 functions described below may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as, for example, one or more of processing circuitry 68, processor 70, IpN unit 32, etc.

[0104] Some embodiments provide for reducing the resource usage for IpN measurements by changing the resolution of resources in which IpN measurements are to be performed based on the UL load. An example flow-chart of an implementation for IpN measurements and the use of MSRx feature is shown in FIG. 7. Network node 16 is configured to determine the load in the UL link (Block S138). Network node 16 is configured to adapt the frequency (k) and time (m) resolution for IpN measurements based on determined load (Block S140). Network node 16 is configured to schedule the IpN measurements according to the adaptive configuration (Block S142). Network node 16 is configured to employ MSRx based on adaptive IpN measurement configuration (Block S144).

[0105] Defining a set of parameters for time and frequency domain resolution values For the cases of unallocated uplink slot and allocated uplink slot, a separate set of parameters may be defined, e.g., by the network node 16. In at least one embodiment, the set of parameters could also depend on energy saving setting. As an example, assuming two energy saving settings, namely ESSI and ESS2, the time and frequency resolution values for an IpN measurement configuration associated with a certain UL load threshold setting in ESSI could be larger than those associated with the same UL load threshold setting in ESS2.

[0106] For each case, the time domain and frequency domain parameters may be defined according to the predefined uplink load granularity. For example, if the uplink load is ulLoadfi 6 [1, IV] , where N is the maximum number of load quantization levels, and ulLoadi E [0,1], then the corresponding time and frequency domain resolution may be defined for each ulLoadi. In other words, there are N quantization levels having ranges between 0 and 1. The resolution values in time and frequency dimension may be noted for ulLoadiasTreSii and Fres trespectively. The range of Tresi and Fres, i may depend on the number of symbols in each UL slot and the UL cell bandwidth. The time domain resolution could be specified in either symbol level or slot level resolution. The frequency domain resolution could be specified in terms resource block (RB) or a group of RBs. Further, as the value of ulLoadie[0,1], increases, the associated time resolution value Tres tand / or frequency resolution value Fresincrease.

[0107] Uplink cell load estimation

[0108] In at least one embodiment, the cell load in the uplink is determined, e.g., by the network node 16. This can be obtained, e.g., by evaluating the average physical resource block (PRB) utilization in the UL slots. This can be obtained, e.g., by taking the ratio of the number of allocated PRBs in UL over the time window duration and the total available number of PRBs in UL over the time window. The duration of time window can for example be in terms of UL slots or absolute time duration such 100 msec or Isec or 1 min etc. As there is a correlation between the cell load in the UL and the cell load in the DL, it is possible to determine the uplink cell load based on the downlink cell load, in one or more embodiments, by evaluating the average PRB utilization in the DL slots.

[0109] Schedule IpN measurements according to configuration

[0110] In at least one embodiment, based on the determined uplink load, the resolution of the resources used for IpN measurements in frequency and time dimension are selected adaptively, e.g., by the network node 16. In at least one embodiment, the resolution of resources in frequency and time for IpN measurements could also depend on whether a UL slot has a scheduled allocation. That is, if the UL has a scheduled wireless device 22, the corresponding set of parameters may be selected as defined above. In one or more embodiments, a valid UL slot may be an UL slot with or without any data to be received in the uplink.

[0111] The estimated load can be quantized, e.g., by the network node 16 to obtain ulLoadi, and based on ulLoadi, choose the corresponding time and frequency domain resolution values for the IpN measurements. An example code snippet for an implementation for determining the resolution of resources for IpN measurements in time and frequency dimension, e.g., by the network node 16, is shown below. In this example, it is assumed that there are 2 PUSCH DMRS symbols available per UL slot.

[0112] IfULload > 0.8

[0113] Frequency Resolution = 1; (every RB)

[0114] Time Resolution = 2; (2 symbols per slot) elseif 0.5 < ULload <=0.8

[0115] Frequency Resolution = 1 / 3; (once every three RBs)

[0116] Time Resolution =2; (2 symbols per slot) elseif 0.3 < ULload <=0.5

[0117] Frequency Resolution = 1 / 3; (once every three RBs)

[0118] Time Resolution =1; (1 symbol per slot) elseif 0.1 < Load <=0.3

[0119] Frequency Resolution = 1 / 3; (once every three RBs)

[0120] Time Resolution =1 / 3; (1 symbol per 3 slots) else

[0121] Frequency Resolution = 1 / 4; (once every four RBs)

[0122] Time Resolution =1 / 4; (1 symbol per 4 slots) end

[0123] In at least one embodiment, based on the determined frequency and time resolution of the resources for IpN measurements, the scheduler (e.g., via the network node 16) schedules the measurements. At the same time, the scheduler facilitates the use of MSRx feature based on the new IpN measurement configuration.

[0124] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate examples showing the resolution of IpN resources in frequency and time dimension as a function of the measured UL load, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0125] FIG. 8 corresponds to a scenario in which UL load could be >0.8. FIG. 9 corresponds to a scenario in which 0.5<ULload<=0.8. FIG. 10 corresponds to a scenario in which 0.3<ULload<=0.5. FIG. 11 corresponds to a scenario in which 0.1<ULload<=0.3.

[0126] Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a multistandards radio base station (MSRBS), a cloud, and / or an open radio access network (O-RAN). In the case of an O-RAN implementation, coordination may be implemented between distributed units (DU) and radio units (RU), as in many cases DU may be responsible for scheduling IpN measurements, and RU may be where MSRx is implemented.

[0127] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, computer program product and / or computer storage media storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action and / or functionality described herein may be performed by, and / or associated to, a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD- ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0128] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0129] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0130] It is to be understood that the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

[0131] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Python, Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0132] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0133] Abbreviations that may be used in the preceding description include: Abbreviation Definition

[0134] 3 GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0135] DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal

[0136] IpN Interference plus Noise MSRx Micro Sleep Rx

[0137] PRB Physical Resource Block

[0138] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0139] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0140] RB Resource block

[0141] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A network node (16) in communication with a plurality of wireless devices (22), the network node (16) comprising: processing circuitry (68) configured to: determine a dynamic Interference plus Noise, IpN, measurement configuration based on at least one criterion; and perform IpN measurements based on the dynamic IpN measurement configuration.

2. The network node (16) of Claim 1, wherein the at least one criterion includes an amount of load in a cell associated with the network node (16).

3. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 1-2, wherein the at least one criterion includes one or more energy saving settings.

4. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the dynamic IpN configuration is determined based on a selection from a set of predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values.

5. The network node (16) of Claim 4, wherein the predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values in the set correspond to different load ranges and the energy saving settings.

6. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 4-5, wherein as a load increases, at least one of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution value increases.

7. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 4-6, wherein the time domain resolution value is one of a symbol level resolution or slot level resolution.

8. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 4-7, wherein the frequency domain resolution value is one of a resource block (RB) level resolution or group of RBs level resolution.

9. The network node (16) of Claim 6, wherein the load is determined based on an average physical resource block, PRB, utilization.

10. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the IpN measurements are performed based on a load.

11. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 4-10, wherein the set of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values is selected adaptively based on at least one factor.

12. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 4-11, wherein the time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values are based on a valid UL slot.

13. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 1-12, wherein the processing circuitry (68) is configured to implement an energy saving algorithm together with the dynamic IpN measurement configuration.

14. A method performed in a network node, the method comprising: determining (SI 34) a dynamic Interference plus Noise, IpN, measurement configuration based on at least one criterion; and performing (SI 36) IpN measurements based on the dynamic IpN measurement configuration.

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein the at least one criterion includes an amount of load in a cell associated with the network node (16).

16. The method of any one of Claims 14-15, wherein the at least one criterion includes one or more energy saving settings.

17. The method of any of Claims 14-16, wherein the dynamic IpN configuration is determined based on a selection from a set of predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the predetermined pairs of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values in the set correspond to different load ranges and the energy saving settings.

19. The method of any one of Claims 17-18, wherein as a load increases, at least one of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution value increases.

20. The method of any one of Claims 17-19, wherein the time domain resolution value is one of a symbol level resolution or slot level resolution.

21. The method of any one of Claims 17-20, wherein the frequency domain resolution value is one of a resource block (RB) level resolution or group of RBs level resolution.

22. The method of Claim 19, wherein the load is determined based on an average physical resource block, PRB, utilization.

23. The method of any one of Claims 14-22, wherein the IpN measurements are performed based on a load.

24. The method of any one of Claims 17-23, wherein the set of time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values is selected adaptively based on at least one factor.

25. The method of any one of Claims 17-24, wherein the time domain resolution and frequency domain resolution values are based on a valid UL slot.

26. The method of any one of Claims 14-25, further comprising implementing an energy saving algorithm together with the dynamic IpN measurement configuration.

Images