Cell Discovery via Master Cell Resource Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, especially with the integration of small cells, there is a challenge in efficiently managing network topology changes, such as small cells being turned on/off or moved, which affects network resource utilization and quality of service, due to the lack of effective methods for cell discovery and resource configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for cell discovery, where a discovering cell receives resource configuration information from a master cell to detect and transmit/receive discovery signals from target cells, allowing for quick acquisition of network topology changes by determining neighbor cell information through specific time and frequency resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cells are integrated into LTE networks to improve network coverage and capacity, then network efficiency and service quality are improved, but the complexity of managing network topology changes increases due to lack of effective cell discovery methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell discovery process into distinct phases: configuration phase (receiving discovery resource configuration from master cell), detection phase (receiving discovery signals from target cells during designated time resources), and measurement phase (measuring received signals to determine neighbor cell information). This segmentation makes the complex topology management task manageable and systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring discovery resources (time resources, frequency resources, signal parameters) before the actual cell discovery process. The master cell provides discovery resource configuration information in advance, allowing discovering cells to efficiently detect target cells without ad-hoc resource allocation, thus reducing management complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cell discovery methods are implemented to quickly detect network topology changes, then adaptability to environment changes is improved, but the use of network resources increases due to discovery signal transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling discovery signal transmissions at specific periodic intervals defined in the discovery resource configuration. Target cells transmit discovery signals only during predetermined time resources, and discovering cells perform measurements only during these periodic opportunities, reducing continuous resource consumption while maintaining timely topology change detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having cells perform discovery measurements only during specific time resources allocated for discovery signals, rather than continuously monitoring all transmissions. The discovering cell focuses measurements on designated discovery resource occasions, reducing overall measurement burden and network resource usage while still achieving timely topology change detection.
3Measurement precision
If discovery signals are transmitted frequently to enable quick cell discovery, then measurement precision of neighbor cells is improved, but the loss of network resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the discovery signal transmission with existing cell structure by having target cells transmit their own cell identification signals (such as synchronization signals or reference signals) as discovery signals. This merging approach allows discovering cells to measure neighbor cell information using already-transmitted signals, improving measurement precision without requiring separate dedicated discovery signal transmissions that would consume additional resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for a cell to discover another cell. A method for cell discovery by a discovering cell may comprises the step of: the discovering cell receiving first discovering resource configuration information from a master cell; and the discovering cell receiving a discovering signal from at least one discovering target cell on the basis of the first discovering resource configuration information, wherein the first discovering resource configuration information may comprise information indicating a first time resource for the discovering cell to receive a discovery signal by means of a first frequency band, and information indicating a second time resource for the discovering cell to transmit downlink data to a terminal by means of the first frequency band.