Dynamic Point Selection for CoMP Using SRS Channel Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Release 8/9 UEs do not support TM10, which limits their ability to perform dynamic point selection (DPS) due to lack of multiple CSI feedback, leading to challenges in cell-edge performance and load balancing in CoMP schemes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves estimating channel quality using SRS/Demodulation Reference Signal transmissions, determining the best serving TP based on these measurements, and forwarding data from the primary TP to the serving TP, while separately transmitting PDCCH and PDSCH, to overcome the limitations of RE overhead and channel fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If TM10 and multiple CSI feedback framework are used for DPS, then cell-edge performance and load balancing are improved, but Release 8/9 UEs cannot benefit due to lack of support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell-edge performanceVSAvoidUE compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the feedback parameter from multiple CSI reports (TM10 requirement) to a single CQI report, making the system compatible with Release 8/9 UEs while maintaining DPS functionality through alternative channel quality assessment methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses SRS transmissions from the UE to copy/estimate the downlink channel quality, replacing the need for direct downlink CSI feedback and enabling DPS for UEs that cannot provide multiple CSI reports

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If serving TP is switched dynamically among CoMP set, then throughput and load balancing are improved, but interference management and coordination complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each TP in the CoMP set reports estimated channel quality to a selecting entity, enabling dynamic serving TP selection based on real-time channel conditions while maintaining coordinated management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a selecting entity (which can be one of the TPs or a separate controller) that acts as an intermediary to receive channel quality reports from all TPs and make the serving TP selection decision, simplifying the coordination architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If PDCCH and PDSCH are transmitted by different TPs, then DPS flexibility is improved, but control channel reliability and UE synchronization become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDPS flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol channel reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission functions by separating PDCCH transmission (control channel) from PDSCH transmission (data channel), allowing them to be performed by different TPs while maintaining reliable control through the primary TP's PDCCH transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3698592B1A method and apparatus for realizing dynamic point selection
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3698592B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3698592B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3698592B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for realizing dynamic point selection improve the cell-edge throughput and geometric mean of release 8/9 UEs. The method comprises a step of receiving estimated channel quality reported by all the TPs in the CoMP set, a step of switching the serving TP for the UEs based on the estimated channel quality and/or cell load, a step of forwarding the scheduled data from the primary TP to the serving TP, a step of separately transmitting PDCCH to the UEs by the primary TP and transmitting PDSCH to the UEs by the serving TP. the implementation of the method and apparatus improves the cell-edge throughput and geometric mean of UE throughput by serving UEs instantaneously from the cell that provides better throughput accounting for fast time-scale channel fluctuations and/or load. It helps in reducing interference due to data getting drained faster when users are served from cells with better channel conditions.