Connected-State Reference Signals for Non-Connected UE Cell Reselection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, especially in non-connected states like RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE, UE devices face excessive energy consumption due to reliance on SSB for cell reselection measurements, which are unreliable and consume additional DL resources.
Innovation Solution
Enabling UE devices to utilize connected-state reference signals (RS) like CSI-RS and TRS for cell reselection measurements, even in non-connected states, by configuring them to perform measurements on these signals during specific occasions, reducing the need for continuous SSB monitoring and thus lowering energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UE devices rely on SSB for cell reselection measurements in non-connected states, then cell reselection can be performed, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables connected-state reference signals (CSI-RS, TRS) to serve dual purposes: their original function for connected-state UEs and an additional function for non-connected state cell reselection measurements. This multi-functionality allows non-connected UEs to utilize these signals for measurements without requiring dedicated non-connected reference signals, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining cell reselection capability.
2Reliability
If UE devices continuously monitor SSB for cell reselection, then measurement reliability is maintained, but sleep time is reduced and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the periodic transmission nature of connected-state reference signals (CSI-RS, TRS) to enable non-connected UEs to perform measurements only at these periodic intervals rather than continuously monitoring SSB. This periodic measurement approach allows UEs to maintain measurement reliability while extending sleep time between measurement occasions, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement reliability and sleep duration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If UE devices use connected-state RS for measurements in non-connected states, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional configuration parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring non-connected UEs with the necessary parameters (resource allocations, periodicity, signal types) for connected-state reference signal measurements before transitioning to non-connected state. This pre-configuration approach, typically done via RRC release messaging, eliminates the need for complex real-time configuration decisions during non-connected operation, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling energy-efficient measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods for cell reselection by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless network. Such methods include determining one or more first resources associated with transmission of connected-state reference signals (RS) by the wireless network in the UE's serving cell and/or in one or more neighbor cells while the UE is in a non-connected state. Such methods include using the one or more first resources, performing cell reselection measurements on the connected-state RS transmitted in the serving cell and/or in any of the neighbor cells. Other embodiments include complementary methods for a network node, as well as UEs and network nodes configured to perform