EGPRS Packet Downlink Ack Nack Message Link Quality Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GSM networks face limitations in reporting link quality measurements for secondary carriers during downlink dual carrier operation due to size constraints in existing packet downlink ack/nack messages, restricting the number and types of measurements that can be reported.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of techniques such as recoding the length field of the EGPRS PACKET DOWNLINK ACK/NACK message to support larger lengths, prioritizing link quality measurements, modifying the contents of the EGPRS PACKET DOWNLINK ACK/NACK TYPE 2 message, and allowing the use of the EGPRS PACKET DOWNLINK ACK/NACK TYPE 2 message for EGPRS mode, enabling more comprehensive reporting of link quality measurements for both primary and secondary carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the existing packet downlink ack/nack message format is used for reporting link quality measurements, then the message structure remains simple and compatible with existing networks, but the number and types of measurements that can be reported are restricted due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link quality measurement reporting by introducing separate information elements for primary carrier measurements and secondary carrier measurements. The secondary carrier measurements are reported in an extension information element that is conditionally included based on dual carrier operation status, allowing the message to be divided into mandatory core elements and optional extended elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic message structure where the inclusion of secondary carrier measurement extensions is conditional upon dual carrier operation being active. The network can dynamically request specific measurement types, and the mobile station dynamically adjusts the measurement set to fit within message size constraints while prioritizing critical measurements.
2Loss of information
If more link quality measurements are reported for secondary carriers, then the measurement reporting capacity increases, but the message size exceeds existing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of message length by introducing an extended information element structure that can be conditionally appended to the standard ack/nack message. This allows the message length to adapt based on operational mode (single carrier vs. dual carrier) and network requests, rather than being fixed at a small size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement reporting framework where the same information element structure can carry different types and numbers of measurements depending on the operational context. The extension information element can accommodate primary carrier measurements, secondary carrier measurements, or both, making the message structure multi-functional.
3Reliability
If the measurement reporting capacity is increased to support dual carrier operation, then more comprehensive link quality monitoring is achieved, but additional signaling or bandwidth would be required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the secondary carrier measurement reporting with the existing primary carrier ack/nack message structure by using an extension information element that is transmitted in the same uplink message. This combines multiple measurement functions into a single signaling event, avoiding the need for separate dedicated signaling channels or additional bandwidth allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to report link quality measurements for downlink dual carrier operation are disclosed. Example methods and apparatus disclosed herein implement one or more example techniques for reporting link quality measurements involving, for example, modifying measurement reporting messages to increase the number and/or types of link quality measurements that can be reported, permitting mobile stations, when appropriate, to use different reporting messages capable of supporting more link quality measurements, and/or prioritizing certain link quality measurements to be reported when the reporting messages do not contain sufficient space to report all requested and/or specified link quality measurements.