Carrier Type Indication in Wireless Network RRC Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous wireless networks, User Equipment (UE) faces challenges in determining the carrier type and associated parameters of base stations, particularly during handovers between eNBs operating with different carrier types and frequencies, which affects bandwidth utilization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves transmitting carrier type information as part of Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages and System Information Blocks (SIBs), including synchronization and Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement information, to enable UE to identify the carrier type and parameters of serving and neighbor cells, facilitating seamless handovers and improved network management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If carrier type information is transmitted through existing RRC messages and SIBs, then UE can determine carrier type and parameters of eNBs, but the network complexity and information management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing RRC messages and System Information Blocks (SIBs) that already serve other purposes in the network, adding carrier type information indication to these existing structures. This allows the same communication infrastructure to serve multiple functions - both traditional network control and the new carrier type identification - without creating separate dedicated signaling channels or message types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new information elements and parameters within the existing RRC message and SIB frameworks. By modifying the information structure to include carrier type indicators and related parameters, the system enables UE to determine eNB carrier types while maintaining compatibility with existing message formats and processing logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UE performs measurements and handovers between eNBs of different carrier types, then network coverage and service continuity are improved, but measurement accuracy and handover reliability decrease due to lack of carrier type awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables UE to determine the carrier types of neighbor eNBs before handover decisions are made. By providing carrier type information in advance through RRC messages and SIBs, the UE can perform measurements and evaluate handover candidates with full awareness of the target carrier characteristics, allowing for more accurate measurement and better-informed handover decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the UE about the carrier types of serving and neighbor eNBs through RRC messages and System Information Blocks. This feedback mechanism enables the UE to adjust its measurement and handover behavior based on the specific carrier type characteristics, improving the reliability of handovers between different carrier types.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, this disclosure provides apparatus and methods for improved indication of cell information in a wireless network. The cell information may include an evolved Node B (eNB) carrier type. The UE device may include a receiver circuit configured to receive a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from an evolved Node B (eNB) of a serving cell, the RRC message comprising carrier information associated with the serving cell eNB; a processing circuit configured to extract, from the serving cell eNB carrier information: a carrier type, synchronization information and Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement information; a synchronization circuit configured to synchronize the UE to the serving cell eNB based on the synchronization information associated with the serving cell eNB carrier information; and a signal measurement circuit configured to perform RRM signal measurements on the serving cell eNB based on the RRM measurement information associated with the serving cell eNB carrier information.