Clustered Measurement Gaps for Heterogeneous Network Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous wireless communication networks, offloading measurements in LTE systems face challenges due to increased power consumption and reduced scheduling opportunities when performing inter-frequency measurements, especially when the serving cell is strong, leading to inefficiencies in mobility functions and system throughput.
Innovation Solution
A new measurement gap pattern with bursts of gaps is introduced, where each burst comprises multiple measurement gaps separated by a repetition period, aligned with DRX cycles to optimize measurement efficiency and reduce power consumption, allowing for accurate RSRP/RSRQ measurements without frequent interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are performed frequently for inter-frequency measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and scheduling opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement gap patterns where measurement gaps are clustered in bursts separated by longer intervals. This periodic structure allows the UE to perform measurements at optimized intervals rather than continuously, reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy through strategic sampling points aligned with DRX cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement gaps are segmented into bursts containing multiple consecutive gaps followed by longer idle periods. This segmentation allows the system to concentrate measurement activities in specific time windows rather than distributing them uniformly, enabling better power management and scheduling while preserving measurement precision during active measurement windows.
2Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are performed frequently for inter-frequency measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but scheduling opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By establishing periodic measurement gap patterns with bursts separated by longer intervals, the system maintains measurement capability at key moments while leaving substantial time windows available for normal data scheduling. This periodic approach ensures measurements are performed when needed without continuously interrupting scheduling opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The time domain is segmented into measurement burst periods and normal scheduling periods. During measurement bursts, measurements are performed; during the longer intervals between bursts, normal scheduling opportunities are available. This segmentation resolves the conflict by time-multiplexing measurement and scheduling functions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If measurement gaps are clustered in bursts aligned with DRX cycles, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement frequency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement gaps are periodically clustered in bursts that align with DRX cycle boundaries. This synchronization ensures measurements are performed during UE wake-up periods when power is already being consumed for other purposes, rather than during deep sleep periods. The periodic bursting pattern maintains adequate measurement frequency while respecting power saving objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement activity is merged with the DRX cycle structure, combining measurement gaps with the UE's existing power management rhythm. By aligning measurement bursts with DRX wake-up periods, the system merges two functions (measurement and power management) into a coordinated operation, reducing overall power consumption without significantly impacting measurement frequency.
4Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are performed for offloading measurements, then mobility function accuracy is improved, but system throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Time is segmented into measurement burst intervals and normal throughput intervals. During measurement bursts, offloading measurements are performed to maintain mobility function accuracy; during the longer intervals between bursts, normal data transmission proceeds without interruption. This segmentation allows the system to prioritize measurement accuracy when needed while preserving system throughput during measurement-free periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for configuring and using measurement gap patterns for offloading purposes are disclosed. An example method, performed in a network node of a wireless communication network, includes selecting (410) a measurement gap pattern to be used by the mobile terminal, the measurement gap pattern having a series of measurement gap bursts such that the measurement gap bursts are separated by a repetition period and each measurement gap burst comprises two or more measurement gaps, and signaling (420) the measurement gap pattern to the mobile terminal. In some embodiments, the repetition period is chosen so that the measurement gap pattern repetition period and the long-DRX cycle length in some embodiments are related to each other by an integer power of N.