LTE Reference Signal Reuse for NR Channel Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently reusing resources between Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) networks, particularly in nested network systems, where NR networks overlaid on LTE networks require new reference signals, leading to interference and inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves reusing LTE reference signals, such as cell-specific reference signals (CRS) and channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS), in NR networks, allowing NR base stations to obtain LTE reference signal configurations and schedule data transmissions without generating new NR-specific reference signals, thereby enabling quasi-co-location (QCL) across different radio access technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new NR-specific reference signals are generated for NR networks, then NR network functionality is enabled, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and interference with LTE operations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables LTE reference signals to serve dual purposes: maintaining LTE network operations while simultaneously supporting NR network functionalities. The NR network reuses existing LTE reference signal resources (CRS and CSI-RS) for channel estimation and measurements, eliminating the need for separate NR-specific reference signals in the initial deployment phase. This multi-functional approach allows a single reference signal structure to benefit both LTE and NR systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reference signal resources of LTE and NR networks by allowing NR UEs to utilize LTE reference signals for channel estimation. The NR network combines the existing LTE CRS and CSI-RS resources with its data transmissions, creating a unified resource utilization scheme that reduces overall system complexity and improves resource efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new NR-specific reference signals are generated, then NR network operations are supported, but interference with legacy LTE operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism between LTE and NR networks that acts as an intermediary to manage reference signal resources. The NR network coordinates its data transmissions with LTE reference signal transmissions, using the LTE reference signals as a mediator for channel estimation while avoiding direct interference. This coordination allows both networks to operate harmoniously in the nested architecture.
3Loss of energy
If LTE reference signal resources are reused for NR networks, then resource utilization improves, but measurement and configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of reference signal resources before NR data transmissions begin. The network pre-configures the NR UE with information about LTE reference signal resources (time-frequency locations, sequences) that will be reused. This advance configuration simplifies the actual operation phase, as the UE already knows which reference signals to use for channel estimation without needing to detect them dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a copying approach where NR networks replicate the LTE reference signal structure and resources rather than creating entirely new NR-specific reference signals. The NR UE copies the LTE reference signal configuration parameters and uses them for NR channel estimation. This copying mechanism reduces configuration complexity by reusing proven LTE reference signal designs rather than developing new NR reference signal frameworks.
Data Source
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AI summary
Wireless communications systems and methods related to reusing long-term evolution (LTE) resources in a nested network system are provided. A first wireless communication device receives, from a second wireless communication device, a reference signal configuration of a first network of a long-term evolution (LTE) radio access technology (RAT). The first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device are associated with a second network of another RAT. The first wireless communication device receives, from the second wireless communication device, a communication signal in the second network based on the reference signal configuration of the first network. The reference signal configuration indicates at least one of a frequency tone of a reference signal of the first network, a time period of the reference signal of the first network, or a number of antenna ports associated with the reference signal of the first network.