Enhanced Neighbor Cell Information for Interference Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP specifications for LTE networks lack efficient interference coordination techniques for control channels and physical signals, particularly in heterogeneous deployments, leading to suboptimal performance and increased interference, especially in scenarios where cell assignments diverge from RSRP-based approaches.
Innovation Solution
The technology introduces enhanced neighbor cell information (eNCI) that includes subframe-specific information to allow UEs to perform measurements with reduced interference from higher power nodes, enabling dynamic subframe allocation for downlink and uplink measurements, thereby facilitating better resource utilization and interference management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If UEs perform measurements in heterogeneous networks with higher power nodes present, then measurement coverage is improved, but radio interference increases and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by identifying and separating subframes with different interference characteristics. Specifically, it divides measurement opportunities into subframes where higher power nodes are muted versus subframes where they are active, allowing UEs to perform measurements during low-interference periods while maintaining broad coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring measurement subframe patterns and notifying UEs in advance about which subframes will have reduced interference. This allows UEs to prepare measurement routines ahead of time and schedule measurements during predetermined low-interference subframes, improving both coverage and accuracy
2Reliability
If subframe allocation is optimized for measurement purposes, then measurement reliability is improved, but network resource utilization may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement opportunities through configured measurement subframe patterns. Instead of continuous measurement, UEs perform measurements periodically at predetermined intervals during specific subframes. This periodic approach ensures reliable measurements while allowing network resources to be fully utilized during non-measurement subframes
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement subframe allocation is made dynamic and configurable rather than fixed. The network can adaptively adjust measurement patterns based on traffic conditions, allowing optimization of both measurement reliability and resource utilization. Configurable parameters include measurement subframe offsets, periods, and durations that can be tuned to balance measurement needs against resource efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) performs measurements on a serving cell and at least one neighbor cell in a heterogeneous wireless communications network that includes one or more higher power radio network nodes operating near one or more lower power radio network nodes. The UE acquires enhanced neighbor cell information (eNCI) including at least subframe information and determines an allowed set of one or more subframes during which the UE may make downlink and/or uplink measurements for at least one cell in the heterogeneous network. A network node in the heterogeneous network generates the eNCI, from which the UE may determine the allowed set of radio transmission subframes, and provides the eNCI for the UE to coordinate the UE measurements on the at least one cell during one or more of the allowed subframes.