Fast Channel Probing via Probing Packets and CSI Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inaccurate link quality estimations and parameter recommendations in wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE, lead to suboptimal link adaptation, resulting in reduced throughput due to overestimation or underestimation of SINR, especially when measuring interference from RS transmissions which differs from data signal interference.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of probing packets with predefined transmission parameters, where feedback messages from the receiving entity allow the sending entity to adjust channel quality estimates and transmission ranks, incorporating Power Measurement Offset values to refine Channel State Information reports, enabling faster and more accurate channel quality assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If channel quality is estimated based on RS (reference signal) transmissions, then channel quality estimation can be performed, but the estimation becomes inaccurate because interference from RS transmissions differs from interference from data signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel quality estimation accuracyVSAvoidlink adaptation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary channel quality estimation based on RS transmissions to obtain an initial CQI value, then refines this estimation by comparing actual data transmission outcomes (ACK/NACK feedback) with expected outcomes. This preliminary action allows the system to establish a baseline that can be subsequently corrected, resolving the contradiction between being able to perform estimation and achieving accurate estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the estimated CQI is used to determine transmission parameters, and the actual transmission outcomes (ACK/NACK) are fed back to adjust future CQI estimates. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to learn from the discrepancy between RS-based estimates and actual data transmission performance, progressively improving estimation accuracy while maintaining reliable link adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If traditional link adaptation methods are used, then system complexity remains manageable, but channel quality estimation is slow and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel quality estimation speedVSAvoidlink adaptation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary channel quality estimation based on RS transmissions to obtain an initial CQI value, then refines this estimation by comparing actual data transmission outcomes (ACK/NACK feedback) with expected outcomes. This preliminary action allows the system to establish a baseline that can be subsequently corrected, resolving the contradiction between being able to perform estimation and achieving accurate estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the estimated CQI is used to determine transmission parameters, and the actual transmission outcomes (ACK/NACK) are fed back to adjust future CQI estimates. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to learn from the discrepancy between RS-based estimates and actual data transmission performance, progressively improving estimation accuracy while maintaining reliable link adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2545687B1Fast channel probing
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2545687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2545687B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2545687B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and arrangement for estimating the current channel quality for a data transfer in a mobile network. In a sending system entity, a channel quality estimate (CQE) associated with a data transfer to a receiving system entity in a mobile communication network is adjusted. One or more probing packets are communicated 400 between the sending system entity and the receiving system entity, each probing packet being formatted according to a predefined combination of transmission parameters. Furthermore, is a Channel State Information (CSI) report received 404 from the receiving system entity, and the CQE is adjusted 406 based on the CSI report and which probing packets have been successfully communicated. By sending a sequence of probing packets, each formatted according to a predefined combination of transmission parameters, and not waiting for each packet to be acknowledged, a fast and accurate estimation of the current channel quality is achieved.