Idle Mode Measurement Validity Timer for Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current idle mode measurements in cellular communications networks are unreliable due to the lack of a valid timer for measurement duration and validity, leading to the reporting of outdated measurements that can result in suboptimal Carrier Aggregation (CA) or Dual Connectivity (DC) configurations, potentially causing failures in network reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an additional timer parameter, referred to as validity_time, in idle measurement configurations to specify how long idle mode measurements are valid, ensuring that only relevant measurements are considered for network reconfiguration by starting this timer upon transitioning from a connected state to a dormant state, and deleting reports when the timer expires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If idle mode measurements are performed without a validity timer, then measurement duration can be extended, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to outdated measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a validity time parameter (T331) in the idle mode measurement configuration before the UE enters idle mode. This timer is started when the UE transitions to idle mode and determines the validity period of measurements. The network node receives this configuration and uses it to assess whether stored measurements are still valid, preventing the use of outdated measurements while allowing extended measurement duration.
2Quantity of substance
If idle mode measurements are stored indefinitely, then measurement availability increases, but measurement accuracy decreases due to radio condition changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a time-based validity parameter (T331) that dynamically determines measurement accuracy. The network node assesses measurement validity by checking whether the current time exceeds the configured validity time since the measurements were taken. This parameter change allows the system to maintain measurement availability while ensuring accuracy by rejecting measurements that have exceeded their valid time window, adapting to radio condition changes over time.
3Reliability
If a validity time parameter is added to idle measurement configuration, then measurement reliability improves, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the validity time parameter (T331) a configurable parameter that can be set by the network node and applied across multiple UE contexts and measurement configurations. The same parameter serves multiple functions: it defines the measurement validity period, enables the network to assess measurement freshness, and triggers automatic discarding of expired measurements. This multi-functional approach improves reliability while minimizing the increase in configuration complexity, as a single parameter provides multiple benefits throughout the measurement lifecycle.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for determining the validity of idle mode measurements. In some embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device for determining a validity of one or more idle mode measurements performed for a cellular communications network comprises receiving, from a network node, an idle mode measurement configuration comprising a measurement duration time value and a validity time value for idle mode measurements. The method further comprises, while in a dormant state, performing one or more idle mode measurements according to the idle mode measurement configuration. The method further comprises determining that one or more idle mode measurement reports are invalid based on the validity time value and deleting the one or more idle mode measurement reports after determining that the one or more idle mode measurement reports are invalid based on the validity time value.