Dynamic Reference Signal Configuration for LTE Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reference signal sending methods in LTE systems are inefficient as they involve fixed configurations and overheads, particularly during cell handover processes, leading to increased resource utilization and congestion.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically configuring and sending cell-specific, user equipment-specific, or user equipment group-specific reference signals, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced overheads by using configuration information to indicate air interface sending information, which can be broadcast or sent via RRC signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a common reference signal (CRS) on a fixed time-frequency resource is sent to all user equipments, then measurement can be performed for cell handover, but reference signal overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference signal configuration into different types: cell-specific reference signals for all UEs, UE-specific reference signals for individual UEs, and UE group-specific reference signals for groups of UEs. This segmentation allows the network to send reference signals only to those who need them, reducing overall overhead while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration where the network can flexibly adjust which type of reference signal is sent based on UE mobility state, location, and service requirements. Mobile UEs receive cell-specific or UE-specific reference signals for handover measurements, while stationary UEs may not require reference signals at all, dynamically reducing overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration information is sent to all user equipments, then flexible reference signal configuration is achieved, but signaling load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by sending different configuration information to different UEs based on their specific needs. Only UEs that require reference signals (mobile UEs, UEs at cell edges) receive configuration information, while other UEs do not receive unnecessary signaling, thus reducing overall signaling load while maintaining configuration flexibility where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by sending configuration information selectively to only those UEs that need it, rather than broadcasting to all UEs. This partial signaling approach reduces signaling load while providing sufficient configuration flexibility for the subset of UEs that require reference signal-based measurements.
3Reliability
If a base station sends reference signals to all user equipments in coverage, then measurement for handover can be performed, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring reference signals only for UEs that are likely to need handover measurements (mobile UEs, UEs near cell boundaries). This preliminary selective configuration ensures handover reliability for mobile UEs while avoiding waste of resources on stationary UEs that will not perform handover, thus improving resource utilization efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A reference signal sending method and apparatus is disclosed. The method includes the following operations: sending, by a network device, configuration information of a reference signal, where the configuration information of the reference signal is used to indicate air interface sending information of the reference signal; and sending, by the network device, the reference signal based on the configuration information of the reference signal, where the reference signal is a cell specific reference signal, user equipment specific reference signal, or user equipment group specific reference signal. Correspondingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure further disclose a reference signal sending method and apparatus. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device can flexibly configure the reference signal, and reference signal overheads of the network device can be reduced.