Frequency Selection for User Equipment Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication networks, base stations face challenges in optimizing frequency band selection for user equipment measurements due to limited measurement capabilities, especially when there are more available frequency bands than the user equipment can measure simultaneously, affecting connection performance and network efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for identifying and selecting a subset of frequencies for user equipment measurements, allowing operators to configure frequency groups with priority settings and selection algorithms, such as weighted probability randomization, to optimize frequency selection based on radio coverage and network requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the base station selects more frequency bands for measurement, then the network performance optimization improves, but the user equipment measurement capability becomes overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performance optimizationVSAvoiduser equipment measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency bands into different priority groups (first priority frequency bands and second priority frequency bands). The base station configures the user equipment to measure only the first priority frequency bands initially, and only measures second priority frequency bands when resources permit. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by dividing the measurement task into manageable portions based on priority, allowing the system to optimize network performance through selective measurement without overwhelming the user equipment's limited measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the base station restricts the number of measurements to match user equipment capability, then the user equipment can handle measurements, but the frequency band selection optimization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser equipment measurement handlingVSAvoidfrequency band selection optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic measurement strategy where the base station adjusts the number and priority of frequency bands to be measured based on available resources. When measurement resources are available, the base station configures the user equipment to measure both first priority and second priority frequency bands. When resources are constrained, it prioritizes first priority frequency bands. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling comprehensive frequency band optimization when possible while ensuring the user equipment can always handle the minimum required measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the base station prioritizes critical frequency bands for measurement, then the connection quality improves, but the number of measurable frequency bands is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection qualityVSAvoidnumber of measurable frequency bands
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments frequency bands into priority groups, with first priority frequency bands being measured under all conditions to ensure connection quality. Second priority frequency bands are measured when additional measurement resources are available, expanding the versatility of frequency band selection. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by guaranteeing measurement of critical frequency bands for connection quality while providing adaptability to measure additional bands when resources permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial measurement action by configuring the user equipment to measure only the necessary number of frequency bands based on available resources. When resources are limited, the base station prioritizes measurement of first priority frequency bands. When resources are abundant, it expands measurement to include second priority frequency bands. This partial action approach resolves the contradiction by ensuring critical measurements are always performed while adaptively expanding to more comprehensive measurements when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3229546B1Enhanced frequency selection
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3229546B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3229546B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3229546B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various communication systems may benefit from appropriate selection of frequencies for measurement purposes. For example, certain wireless communication systems that can use numerous frequencies but measure a smaller number of frequencies, may benefit from enhanced frequency selection. A method can include identifying a set of possible frequencies for measurement by a user equipment. The method can also include selecting a subset of frequencies from the possible frequencies based on parameters configured by an operator. The method can additionally include causing communication of the selection to the user equipment in a list.