Dormant Cell RRM Measurement Reporting Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RRM measurement reporting mechanisms in LTE-Advanced systems do not consider the ON/OFF state of small cells, leading to inefficient energy consumption and interference, as they use the same reporting criteria for all cells regardless of their activation status, and differ in measurement accuracy due to varying discovery signals.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves signaling information to UE that impacts RRM measurement reporting criteria based on the cell's state (ON/OFF) and type, allowing for separate offsets and time-to-trigger configurations for ON and OFF cells, and prioritizing reporting based on cell activity status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the network turns small cells OFF to reduce energy consumption and interference, then energy efficiency improves, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to lack of continuous signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic discovery signal transmission during dormant periods. Instead of continuous transmission, the eNodeB transmits discovery signals at periodic intervals, allowing UEs to perform RRM measurements while the cell remains in a low-power dormant state. This periodic approach balances energy savings with measurement accuracy needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs RRM measurements and evaluations during dormant periods before the cell is activated. By conducting measurements in advance while the cell is dormant, the network can prepare handover decisions and resource allocations beforehand, reducing the need for continuous monitoring and enabling faster cell activation when needed.
2Device complexity
If the network uses unified RRM measurement reporting criteria for all cells, then system complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary measurements on dormant cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different measurement and reporting criteria based on cell state. For dormant cells, the network configures specific discovery signal-based measurement parameters and reporting triggers that differ from active cells. This localized differentiation allows optimized energy consumption for dormant cells while maintaining appropriate measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement reporting mechanism into distinct paths for active and dormant cells. Separate measurement configurations, event triggers, and reporting requirements are defined for each cell state, allowing independent optimization of each path rather than using a unified approach.
3Measurement precision
If the network transmits discovery signals periodically during dormant periods, then measurement capability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic discovery signal transmission during dormant periods. Instead of continuous transmission, the eNodeB transmits discovery signals at periodic intervals, allowing UEs to perform RRM measurements while the cell remains in a low-power dormant state. This periodic approach balances energy savings with measurement accuracy needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transmits discovery signals at reduced power and with lower frequency during dormant periods compared to active periods. This partial action provides sufficient measurement capability for handover decisions while consuming significantly less energy than full-power continuous transmission would require.
4Speed
If the network activates cells quickly to respond to high load, then responsiveness improves, but interference increases due to sudden cell activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs RRM measurements and evaluations during dormant periods before the cell is activated. By conducting measurements in advance while the cell is dormant, the network can prepare handover decisions and resource allocations beforehand, reducing the need for continuous monitoring and enabling faster cell activation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the eNodeB receives RRM measurement reports from UEs about dormant cells and uses this information to make informed decisions about cell activation timing and conditions. This feedback allows the network to activate cells at optimal moments, avoiding periods of high interference or unnecessary activation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides apparatuses, methods, computer programs, computer program products and computer-readable media regarding dormant cell RRM (Radio Resource Management) measurement reporting. Certain aspects of the present invention include configuring, at a base station, a measurement configuration message for causing user equipment served by the base station to perform and report measurements on cells, the measurement configuration message comprising information indicating criteria impacting a measurement reporting procedure with respect to the cells, the said criteria being related to at least one of the state of a cell, a type of a cell, and a type of a signal used for the measurements of the cells, and transmitting said configured measurement configuration message to the user equipment.