Interference-Free Neighbor Cell Measurements via Muting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio telecommunication networks face challenges in accurately predicting network coverage changes, especially in single frequency networks, due to interference from stronger serving cell signals, making it difficult to measure neighbor cell signals and assess the impact of configuration modifications without disrupting ongoing traffic.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that coordinate transmissions between selected cells and neighbor cells to minimize interference, allowing user equipment to measure interference-free reference signals from neighbor cells, enabling accurate prediction of network coverage changes without turning off serving cells, and facilitating automatic optimization and self-organizing network features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If UE performs neighbor cell measurements during high interference situations, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because serving cell signals overpower weaker neighbor cell signals
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary actions by muting selected cells before UE measurements are taken. This preemptive muting creates interference-free measurement opportunities, allowing UE to accurately measure neighbor cell signals without the overpowering effect of strong serving cell transmissions. The muting configuration is established in advance to ensure measurement accuracy is not compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic measurement opportunities through configured muting patterns. Selected cells are periodically muted at specific time instances, creating regular intervals where UE can perform measurements without interference. This periodic approach balances the need for accurate measurements with the requirement to maintain normal network operation during non-measurement periods.
2Measurement precision
If drive tests are used to verify network configuration modifications, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs self-verification of configuration modifications using automated measurement collection from UE. Instead of requiring external drive tests, the system leverages its own network infrastructure and user equipment to collect measurement data. The network configures muting patterns, collects measurement reports from UE, and automatically evaluates whether coverage requirements are met, enabling rapid self-assessment without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual measurement environment by configuring muting patterns that simulate hypothetical network configurations. Rather than physically modifying network settings and performing real-world drive tests, the system uses measurement collection during controlled muting events to predict and evaluate the impact of potential configuration changes, providing a digital twin approach to network optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network configuration modifications are performed frequently to adapt to varying traffic demand, then network adaptability is improved, but operational complexity and verification burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated, frequent network reconfiguration through self-service measurement and evaluation. The network autonomously performs measurement collection, analyzes coverage impact, and determines whether configuration modifications are appropriate without requiring manual drive tests or complex verification procedures. This automation removes the operational burden that previously limited reconfiguration frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention facilitates frequent parameter changes by implementing a streamlined evaluation process. Network configuration parameters such as cell muting patterns, reference signal configurations, and measurement opportunities are dynamically adjusted based on automated measurement results. This parameter-driven approach allows rapid adaptation to changing traffic conditions while maintaining coverage requirements through systematic evaluation of measurement data.
Data Source
AI summary
A device selects one or more cells in the network, and coordinates transmissions from the selected one or more cells, and transmissions from neighbor cells of the selected one or more cells, so that transmissions of the selected one or more cells do not interfere with reference signals transmitted by the neighbor cells at designated times. The device also receives, from a user equipment served by the selected one or more cells, measurement reports associated with the reference signals transmitted by the neighbor cells, and determines signal strengths of the neighbor cells based on the measurement reports. The device further determines, based on the signal strengths, whether network coverage is sufficient when coverage of the selected one or more cells is reduced or when the selected one or more cells are out of service.