L1/L2 Signaling for Multi-Cell Mobility Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently facilitating inter-cell mobility, particularly at the PHY/L1 and MAC/L2 layers, which affects the seamless handover of user equipment (UE) between cells based on signal quality.
Innovation Solution
The system configures user equipment (UE) with multiple candidate cells and enables L1/L2 signaling for measurement reporting, allowing the UE and scheduling entities to dynamically select the best cell for connection based on metrics like RSRP, SINR, and RSRQ without Layer 3 averaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional Layer 3 based mobility management is used, then network control is centralized and simplified, but measurement precision and response speed are reduced due to Layer 3 averaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mobility management function by introducing L1/L2 signaling mechanisms that operate independently from Layer 3 processing. This allows physical layer measurements (RSRP, SINR, RSRQ) to be performed and reported without requiring Layer 3 averaging, thereby improving measurement precision while distributing the complexity across multiple layers rather than concentrating it all at Layer 3.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to mobility management by introducing L1/L2 signaling as an additional control plane alongside the traditional Layer 3 signaling. This dimensional addition enables parallel processing of mobility decisions at multiple layers, allowing faster response to signal quality changes without sacrificing the centralized coordination benefits.
2Speed
If multiple candidate cells are configured for L1/L2 signaling, then inter-cell mobility and handover speed are improved, but signaling overhead and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple candidate cells with their respective L1/L2 signaling parameters before actual handover is needed. This allows the UE to have measurement and evaluation capabilities ready in advance, enabling rapid handover execution when signal conditions change without requiring extensive real-time signaling during the handover event itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports L1 measurements (RSRP, SINR, RSRQ) of candidate cells to the network, and the network provides feedback configurations for mobility decisions. This feedback loop enables dynamic adaptation to changing signal conditions while maintaining controlled signaling overhead through efficient measurement reporting and selective activation of candidate cells.
3Loss of time
If L1 measurements without Layer 3 averaging are performed, then real-time signal quality assessment is improved, but processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Layer 3 averaging process with direct L1/L2 measurement mechanisms. Instead of requiring complex Layer 3 processing to aggregate measurements, the system uses physical layer signaling and measurement functions that directly assess signal quality metrics (RSRP, SINR, RSRQ) without intermediate averaging layers, thereby reducing processing time while managing complexity through standardized measurement protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A scheduled entity receives a communication from a scheduling entity that facilitates a configuration on how to connect with a plurality of candidate cells. The scheduled entity then exchanges information about the plurality of candidate cells with the scheduling entity via Layer 1 (L1)/Layer 2 (L2) signaling, and connects with at least one of the plurality of candidate cells based on the L1/L2 signaling and the configuration. In another example, a scheduling entity transmits a communication to a scheduled entity to pre-configure the scheduled entity on how to connect with a plurality of candidate cells. The scheduling entity then receives information about the plurality of candidate cells from the scheduled entity via L1/L2 signaling, and dynamically selects via the L1/L2 signaling at least one of the plurality of candidate cells to serve the scheduled entity.