Cross-RAT Beam Information Sharing for LTE-NR Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face challenges in achieving high traffic capacity and low latency due to limitations in resource configuration and management capabilities, particularly between LTE and NR networks, where NR networks can perform beam management but LTE networks struggle to obtain effective beam information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for information sharing between network nodes operating on different radio access technologies (RATs) to enhance communication performance and resource efficiency by exchanging measurement information, allowing nodes to determine and select optimal transmission beams for terminal devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NR network performs beam management with multiple antenna technology, then communication performance and resource efficiency are improved, but LTE network cannot obtain effective beam information due to limited capability
Solution Approach 1:
The gNB acts as an intermediary that bridges LTE and NR networks. It receives beam measurement reports from the UE for NR cells, processes this information, and forwards it to the eNB to enable beam management in LTE cells. This mediator approach allows LTE to benefit from NR's advanced beam management capabilities without requiring LTE to independently implement complex beam measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam management function is segmented between different network nodes. The gNB handles beam measurement and selection for NR cells, while the eNB uses the shared beam information for LTE cell beam management. This segmentation allows each node to perform its specialized function while achieving overall system optimization across both RATs.
2Productivity
If network nodes independently manage resources for different RATs, then each network can optimize its own performance, but overall resource efficiency and communication performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges resource management functions between LTE and NR networks through information sharing. Beam measurement reports and selection results from NR cells are shared with eNB, allowing both networks to coordinate their resource allocation. This merging approach enables joint optimization of resources across different RATs while maintaining the performance benefits of each individual network.
3Reliability
If beam management is implemented only in NR network, then NR communication performance is optimized, but LTE network cannot utilize advanced beamforming techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The eNB copies beam selection and measurement information from the gNB's NR network operations. By receiving and utilizing the beam measurement reports and selection results shared from NR, the eNB can implement similar beam management techniques in LTE cells, effectively copying the successful NR approach to benefit LTE performance as well.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for information sharing. The method which may be performed by a first network node comprises receiving a first measurement report from a terminal device. The terminal device may be capable of communicating with the first network node over a first connection. The method further comprises transmitting first measurement information based at least in part on the first measurement report to a second network node. The terminal device may be capable of communicating with the second network node over a second connection.