LTE-U Base Station Reference Signal Configuration for Spectrum Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems using LTE-U nodes, the continuous transmission of CRS (Cell-Specific Reference Signal) by LTE-U nodes, even when no data is sent, leads to inefficient spectrum resource utilization and increased network energy consumption, as it interferes with other systems using the same carrier and does not allow for channel vacating.
Innovation Solution
Configuring the reference signal for channel measurement only on the first subframe of each data frame and using zero-power measurement resources on target subframes for interference measurement, allowing other systems to use the channel when no data is being sent, thereby improving spectrum resource utilization and saving network energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LTE-U nodes continuously transmit CRS even when no data is sent, then channel measurement and interference measurement can be performed, but spectrum resource utilization deteriorates and network energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring CRS transmission only on specific subframes (first subframe of each data frame) rather than continuously. This periodic transmission pattern allows the system to maintain measurement capabilities while reducing energy consumption and improving spectrum utilization by vacating channels when no data is being transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the CRS transmission function from continuous operation and confines it to specific subframes. By separating CRS transmission from data transmission and limiting it to the first subframe, the system achieves measurement functionality while allowing other systems to use the channel during non-transmission periods.
2Measurement precision
If LTE-U nodes continuously transmit CRS, then channel measurement is possible, but spectrum resource utilization deteriorates due to interference with other systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic CRS transmission on the first subframe of each data frame, creating regular intervals where the channel is vacated for other systems. This periodic pattern maintains interference measurement precision while improving overall spectrum resource utilization by allowing WiFi and other unlicensed systems to operate during non-CRS subframes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data frame into specific subframes, with CRS transmission confined to the first subframe and measurement resources allocated on target subframes. This segmentation allows different systems to share the spectrum resource efficiently, with LTE-U using specific subframes for measurements while other systems use the remaining subframes.
3Measurement precision
If reference signal is configured on all subframes, then channel measurement can be performed on each subframe, but network energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring reference signals only on the first subframe of each data frame rather than on all subframes. This periodic configuration reduces network energy consumption while maintaining the ability to perform channel measurements at the subframe level through interference measurement resources on target subframes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interference measurement resources as an intermediary mechanism that enables subframe-level measurement precision without requiring reference signals on every subframe. The measurement resources on target subframes serve as mediators that provide the necessary measurement capability while reducing energy consumption.
4Reliability
If CRS is continuously transmitted, then channel occupation is maintained, but channel vacating for other systems is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic channel occupation through CRS transmission on the first subframe of each data frame, with intentional channel vacating on target subframes. This periodic pattern maintains reliable channel occupation for LTE-U measurements while improving spectrum resource utilization by allowing other systems to access the channel during vacated subframes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments channel occupation into specific subframes, with LTE-U occupying the channel on the first subframe for CRS transmission and other systems occupying the channel on target subframes. This segmentation enables multiple systems to share the spectrum resource efficiently while maintaining reliable channel occupation for each system during its allocated subframes.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
The present invention provides a wireless communication method, a related device, and a system that can save network energy and improve spectrum resource utilization. The wireless communication method includes: configuring, by abase station, a reference signal on a first subframe of each data frame; and configuring, by the base station, measurement resources on target subframes of each data frame, where the target subframes are all subframes of each data frame or all subframes except the first subframe of each data frame. In embodiments of the present invention, the base station configures the reference signal used for channel measurement on the first subframe of each data frame. When the base station does not send data to a terminal, a channel may be vacated for use by another system, thereby improving spectrum resource utilization to save network energy. In addition, the base station configures the measurement resources used for interference measurement on the target subframes of each data frame, so as to ensure that the terminal can independently measure interference to each subframe, thereby improving interference measurement precision.