Discovery Signal Window Pattern for Small Cell Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous wireless telecommunications networks, the small-cell on/off feature introduces challenges for terminal devices to perform efficient measurements due to irregular and unpredictable availability of reference signals, leading to increased complexity and battery drain, especially in densely deployed small cells where low interference is crucial for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a composite pattern of discovery signals, which defines specific discovery signal windows during which cells transmit discovery signals, allowing terminal devices to perform measurements efficiently by signaling this pattern to network nodes and adapting measurement procedures accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cells are deployed densely to improve network capacity and coverage, then network performance is improved, but interference between cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a discontinuous transmission scheme where reference signals are transmitted periodically rather than continuously. Small cells alternate between active transmission periods and idle periods, creating a periodic pattern that reduces average interference while maintaining network capacity through efficient resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic on/off switching of small cells based on traffic conditions and interference requirements. The transmission state of small cells is adjusted dynamically, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions and optimize the balance between capacity and interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If small cells are turned on and off to reduce interference, then interference is reduced, but measurement reliability for terminal devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent signals the discontinuous transmission pattern and reference signal availability in advance to terminal devices. Network nodes provide measurement configurations that indicate when reference signals will be transmitted, allowing terminal devices to prepare and perform measurements reliably during active periods without being surprised by signal absence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements measurement reporting mechanisms where terminal devices feedback measurement results to network nodes. This feedback loop allows the network to verify measurement reliability and adjust transmission patterns or provide additional assistance information to maintain reliable measurements despite discontinuous transmission.
3Measurement precision
If terminal devices continuously monitor reference signals to ensure measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables terminal devices to perform measurements periodically rather than continuously, synchronized with the discontinuous transmission pattern of small cells. Terminal devices can enter low-power states during idle periods and only activate their receivers during expected reference signal transmission windows, maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption.
4Productivity
If reference signals are transmitted frequently to improve measurement speed, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption by network nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reference signal transmission at optimized intervals that balance measurement speed requirements with energy conservation. Reference signals are transmitted at the minimum frequency necessary to maintain acceptable measurement performance, allowing network nodes to reduce energy consumption while still enabling timely mobility decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided to ensure that a terminal device is able to perform measurements efficiently when an on/off scheme is used by network nodes, particularly in a heterogeneous network environment. An example method, implemented in a network node, comprises obtaining a discovery signal window pattern, the discovery signal window pattern defining one or more discovery signal windows during which each of a plurality of cells is to transmit a corresponding discovery signal, and sending an indication of the discovery signal window pattern to a terminal device.