Base Station Networking Mode Determination via SIB1 Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR deployments, LTE or eLTE base stations face challenges in determining the networking mode of NR cells, specifically distinguishing between standalone (SA), non-standalone (NSA), and SA+NSA modes due to incomplete System Information Block 1 (SIB1) information in measurement reports from terminal devices.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the base station receives measurement reports from terminal devices, identifies SIB1-related information, and uses additional indication bits to determine the networking mode supported by the NR cell, allowing for the establishment of correct neighboring cell relationships by differentiating between SA, NSA, and SA+NSA modes based on the presence or absence of specific information like CGI, TAC, and PLMN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the measurement report includes SIB1 information of the NR cell, then the terminal device can provide complete system information, but the LTE or eLTE base station cannot determine whether the NR cell supports NSA, SA, or SA+NSA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SIB1 information into two parts: the original SIB1 content and a separate first indication information field. This indication field is specifically designed to carry networking mode identification (SA, NSA, or SA+NSA), allowing the base station to accurately determine the cell type while the terminal device still receives complete SIB1 information for other purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces first indication information as an intermediary element between the SIB1 information and the networking mode determination process. This indication field acts as a mediator that carries the specific networking mode identifier, enabling the base station to resolve the ambiguity that would otherwise exist when only complete SIB1 information is available.
2Measurement precision
If the SIB1 is not broadcasted in the NSA cell, then the networking mode can be clearly identified, but the terminal device cannot obtain complete system information for standalone operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the system information transmission into two components: the indication field that identifies the networking mode (enabling clear identification) and the complete SIB1 information that is still provided to the terminal device (ensuring information completeness for potential SA operation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by including the first indication information in the SIB1 broadcast before the terminal device needs to determine the networking mode. This allows the terminal device to proactively identify the cell type and prepare appropriate measurement and reporting actions, while also ensuring it receives all necessary system information regardless of the networking mode.
3Loss of information
If the LTE or eLTE base station reads the SIB1 from the measurement report, then complete system information is obtained, but the base station cannot determine the neighbor relationship to be established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information structure so that the first indication field is separated from but included with the SIB1 information. This allows the base station to easily extract the networking mode identifier from the indication field to determine neighbor relationships, while simultaneously having access to the complete SIB1 information for configuration purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The first indication information serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between having complete SIB1 information and being able to determine neighbor relationships. It provides the specific networking mode identifier needed for relationship determination without losing the comprehensive system information contained in SIB1.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining a networking mode supported by a cell and a device are provided. The method includes: receiving a measurement report of a target cell, where the measurement report includes: SIB1-related information and/or first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate a networking mode supported by the target cell; and determining, according to the SIB1-related information and/or the first indication information, the networking mode supported by the target cell.