Layer 2 Measurement Reporting in 5G NR via gNodeB Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of 5G mobile communication networks, there is a lack of a standardized method for reporting layer 2 measurement data, particularly in scenarios involving New Radio (NR) systems, where terminal devices cannot report layer 2 measurement values effectively.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a data transmission method and apparatus that enable communication nodes, including central units (CU) and distributed units (DU), to acquire and transmit layer 2 measurement values to a trace collection entity (TCE), with specific configurations for CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and CU/DU splits, ensuring efficient reporting of layer 2 measurement data across different entities and network architectures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If terminal devices perform MDT in RRC idle state to collect layer 2 measurement values, then network coverage problems can be identified, but the terminal device cannot report layer 2 measurement values effectively in 5G NR systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer 2 measurement value reportingVSAvoidmeasurement value reporting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gNodeB (base station) as an intermediary device that collects layer 2 measurement values from the terminal device and reports them to the TCE. The gNodeB acts as a mediator between the terminal device and the trace collection entity, enabling layer 2 measurement value reporting in 5G NR systems where direct reporting from terminal devices is not supported.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the reporting function by separating the measurement collection (performed by terminal device) from the measurement reporting (performed by gNodeB). This segmentation allows the terminal device to perform measurements in RRC idle state while the gNodeB handles the reporting to the TCE, resolving the limitation in direct terminal device reporting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If traditional drive test methods are used to collect network data, then network performance can be measured, but a lot of manpower, material resources and financial investment are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performance measurementVSAvoiddrive test resource requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the network to automatically collect and report layer 2 measurement values through the MDT mechanism. The terminal device performs measurements autonomously in RRC idle state, and the gNodeB automatically reports the data to the TCE, eliminating the need for manual drive test operations and reducing resource requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical drive test system (requiring physical vehicles, personnel, and infrastructure) with an automated communication-based measurement system. The terminal device and gNodeB use signaling messages to collect and transmit measurement data, substituting the complex mechanical drive test process with a streamlined digital measurement and reporting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If MDT configuration information is provided to enable layer 2 measurement, then measurement data can be collected, but the terminal device lacks the capability to report layer 2 measurement values in 5G NR

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement collection capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement value reporting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gNodeB serves as an intermediary that receives MDT configuration information from the network and enables the terminal device to perform measurements. The gNodeB then collects the measurement values and reports them to the TCE, bridging the capability gap between the terminal device's measurement ability and the reporting requirement in 5G NR systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11985528B2Data transmission method and device

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A data transmission method includes: a communication node acquiring a layer 2 measurement value, and sending the layer 2 measurement value to a TCE. Another data transmission method includes: a DU acquiring a DU-side layer 2 measurement value, and sending the DU-side layer 2 measurement value to a CU or a TCE. Another data transmission method includes: a CU acquiring a DU-side layer 2 measurement value transmitted by a DU, and sending the DU-side layer 2 measurement value and a CU-side layer 2 measurement value to a TCE. Another data transmission method includes: a CU-UP acquiring a CU-UP-side layer 2 measurement value, and sending the CU-UP-side layer 2 measurement value to a CU-CP or a TCE. Another data transmission method includes: a CU-CP acquiring a CU-UP-side layer 2 measurement value transmitted by a CU-UP, and transmitting the CU-UP-side layer 2 measurement value to a TCE.