Wireless Device Access Probe Transmission Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular wireless networks, access probe transmissions from wireless communication devices (WCDs) to the network may fail due to high uplink air interface noise or congestion, even when transmitted in the strongest detected coverage area, as operational issues at the base station or associated equipment can prevent successful receipt or acknowledgement.
Innovation Solution
The WCD transmits access probe sequences that include at least one transmission to a coverage area determined to be not the strongest, in addition to the strongest area, to increase the chances of successful transmission, by monitoring pilot signals and defining the sequence to include transmissions to both areas based on their relative strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the WCD transmits access probes only in the strongest detected coverage area, then the transmission power is minimized and signal quality is optimized, but the transmission may fail due to uplink air interface noise, congestion, or base station operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access probe transmission process by dividing it into multiple independent transmission attempts, each targeting a different coverage area. The WCD performs idle handoff to a second coverage area and transmits access probes in both the first (strongest) and second coverage areas separately, allowing diversification of transmission paths to overcome failures in any single area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the access probe transmission by utilizing multiple coverage areas instead of relying solely on the strongest one. By transitioning to a second coverage area through idle handoff and transmitting access probes in this alternative location, the system creates a new dimensional approach to resolve transmission failures.
2Reliability
If the WCD performs idle handoff to a second coverage area and transmits access probes there, then transmission diversity is increased and success probability is improved, but the time and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs idle handoff to a second coverage area in advance, before access probe transmission failures occur. By pre-positioning the WCD in an alternative coverage area and having access probe transmission capability ready in both areas, the system prepares contingency measures beforehand, reducing the need for time-consuming retransmission sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The WCD autonomously monitors uplink air interface conditions and automatically performs idle handoff to a second coverage area when transmission failures are detected. The device self-manages the transmission sequence by attempting access probes in both coverage areas without requiring external network intervention or complex coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and corresponding apparatus for management of access probe transmission from a wireless communication device (WCD) to a radio access network (RAN). The WCD determines that a particular coverage area is not the strongest coverage area detected by the WCD, and the WCD responsively transmits an access probe to the RAN in that particular coverage area. For instance, the WCD may define a sequence of access probe transmissions including at least one transmission to just a coverage area that the WCD deems to not be the strongest and further including at least one transmission to just a coverage area that the WCD deems to be the strongest.