Cell Discovery Signal Quality Measurement for Dormant Node Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of small cells in cellular networks to alleviate congestion leads to unwanted interference and energy wastage, as dormant access nodes continue to transmit downlink common channels, necessitating efficient discovery and reactivation methods to conserve power and reduce interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of discovery signals and measurement techniques, such as DS-RSRP and DS-RSRQ, allows access nodes to periodically wake up and transmit discovery signals, enabling efficient management of small cell on/off operations, reducing interference and conserving power by defining discovery zones and wake-up processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access nodes continue to transmit downlink common channels while dormant, then network coverage is maintained, but interference increases and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The access node transitions between dormant and active states periodically, transmitting discovery signals only during designated discovery zones rather than continuously. This periodic activation maintains network coverage while significantly reducing energy consumption during dormant periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of coverage maintenance by transmitting only discovery signals during dormant periods, rather than full downlink common channels. This selective transmission maintains basic network visibility while eliminating unnecessary energy consumption.
2Reliability
If access nodes continue to transmit downlink common channels while dormant, then network coverage is maintained, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful continuous transmission of downlink common channels during dormant periods, retaining only the essential discovery signal transmission. This extraction eliminates interference while preserving the minimum necessary function for network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
By limiting transmissions to periodic discovery zones rather than continuous operation, the access node reduces interference generation while maintaining periodic network presence for coverage purposes.
3Loss of energy
If access nodes enter dormant state, then energy is conserved and interference is reduced, but discovery and reactivation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery signal acts as an intermediary between the dormant access node and the network controller, enabling detection and reactivation without requiring full channel transmission. This intermediary signal maintains energy savings while solving the discovery difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic transmission of discovery signals during designated discovery zones creates predictable opportunities for detection, making the dormant node discoverable without continuous operation.
4Loss of energy
If access nodes enter dormant state, then energy is conserved, but reactivation process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery signal serves as a simple intermediary that triggers reactivation, avoiding complex reactivation protocols. The signal's presence alone indicates the node is discoverable and ready for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The access node autonomously transitions between dormant and active states based on receiving discovery signals, reducing the complexity of external reactivation control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards devices and methods for discovering and waking up dormant access nodes in cellular networks. In one embodiment, the user equipment may be configured with information to assist in determining a discovery zone of discovery signals transmitted by cells in a network. In some embodiments, the information may include a duration of a discovery zone.