MDT Reporting via SRBs in 3GPP Connected Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drive test methods in 3GPP systems are time-consuming and costly, as they require manual radio network optimization, and there is a need for a method to determine the message type for Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) measurement information reports in a connected mode of User Equipment (UE) to enhance radio environment analysis and reduce manual configuration efforts.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining the message type for MDT measurement information reports in a connected mode of UE, which involves categorizing MDT measurement information report operations based on the Radio Resource Control (RRC) state of the UE, allowing for immediate reporting in connected mode and deferred reporting in idle mode, and using Signaling Radio Bearers (SRBs) to transmit MDT measurement information efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual drive test is performed to collect radio environment information, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio environment information accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing UEs to autonomously perform radio environment measurements and automatically report the collected data to the network. This eliminates the need for manual drive tests while maintaining measurement accuracy, as the UEs themselves conduct the measurements and transmit the results without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a virtual copy of the manual drive test process by having UEs replicate the measurement functions previously performed by test equipment. The UEs collect and report radio environment information in the same manner as traditional drive tests, but through automated reporting mechanisms that eliminate the need for physical test campaigns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If manual drive test is performed to optimize radio network configuration, then network optimization quality is improved, but total cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration optimization qualityVSAvoidtotal cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The network performs self-optimization by automatically collecting radio environment information from UEs and using this data to adjust network configuration parameters. This automated self-service approach maintains high optimization quality while eliminating the need for expensive manual drive test campaigns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where UEs report radio environment measurements to the network, and the network uses this feedback to automatically adjust configuration parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables ongoing network optimization without requiring repeated manual drive tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If UE reports MDT measurement information immediately in connected mode, then reporting timeliness is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereporting timelinessVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by having UEs report only the necessary MDT measurement information in connected mode, rather than transmitting all possible measurement data. This selective reporting approach maintains timeliness for critical measurements while reducing overall signaling overhead by omitting redundant or less important data elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2625893B1Apparatus and method for controlling MDT measurement report in 3GPP system
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2625893B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2625893B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2625893B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for determining a message type for Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) measurement information report in connected mode of a User Equipment (UE) are provided. The method includes receiving a terminal information request from a base station, determining whether the terminal information request includes an MDT information request, and transmitting the terminal information through a first Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB) when the terminal information request includes no MDT information request and through a second SRB when the terminal information request includes the MDT information request.