MDT Configuration Interaction in LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) configurations in LTE/UMTS communication systems lack effective interaction mechanisms between the core network and base stations for managing measurement configuration information, limiting the ability to automatically collect and analyze network performance data, especially in areas with poor signal quality and coverage issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a mobility management entity sends activation messages with measurement configuration information to a base station, which determines the appropriate User Equipment (UE) for MDT measurements, including immediate and log report types, and signal quality assessments, ensuring the base station's capacity to process these measurements before sending configuration details to the UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual drive test is used to monitor and optimize network coverage, then measurement accuracy and location information can be obtained, but operation costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs self-measurement of wireless signals and automatically generates measurement reports without requiring manual drive test operations. The UE measures downlink signal quality, identifies serving cells, and reports measurement data autonomously to the network side, eliminating the need for manual testing while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical drive test operations with automated electronic measurement and reporting mechanisms. Instead of manual driving and recording, the system uses UE-based automatic measurement, wireless communication for data transmission, and network-side processing to achieve the same measurement objectives with reduced human intervention.
2Loss of information
If existing RRM measurement mechanism is used, then network coverage can be monitored, but location information cannot be obtained and manual drive test is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The UE receives feedback information including its own location data and measurement results from the network side. The measurement report contains both the measured signal quality and the UE's location information, creating a feedback loop that provides comprehensive data for network optimization without requiring additional manual testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement report mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects wireless signal quality measurements, captures location information, identifies serving cells, and provides data for both coverage optimization and manual drive test reduction. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate measurement systems.
3Extent of automation
If MDT measurement configuration is implemented, then automatic measurement collection can be achieved, but base station processing capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement and reporting function is segmented and distributed to the UE level. Instead of requiring the base station to perform all measurements and processing, the UE independently measures signal quality, identifies cells, and generates reports. This segmentation reduces the processing burden on the base station while maintaining high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs only the essential partial actions of receiving measurement reports and processing location data, while the bulk of measurement operations are performed by the UE. This partial action approach enables automation without requiring excessive base station processing capacity.
4Reliability
If measurement report is sent only when UE is connected to specific cell with sufficient UL coverage, then reliable communication is ensured, but measurement coverage is limited and RLF cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement reporting mechanism dynamically adapts to different connection states. The UE can send measurement reports both in connected mode (when UL coverage is sufficient) and in idle mode (when RLF occurs or UL coverage is insufficient). This dynamic approach ensures reliable communication when possible while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of reporting conditions from strict connected-mode requirement to flexible condition-based reporting. The UE determines whether to send a report based on multiple parameters including connection state, UL coverage quality, and measurement validity, allowing adaptation to various network conditions without sacrificing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for implementing a drive test are provided in the present document. The method includes: a mobility management entity sending activation message including measurement configuration information of Minimization of drive test (MDT) to a base station; after receiving the activation message, if determining that it is appropriate for a corresponding UE to perform a corresponding MDT measurement, the base station sending the measurement configuration information to the UE. With the present document, a MDT configuration information interaction between a core network and the base station can be effectively implemented in a communication system, which enables the base station to better select an appropriate UE according to local information and enables the base station to utilize measurement information reported by the UE to achieve an object of MDT, thereby reducing maintenance and operation costs of the current communication network and enhancing the network performance.