Heterogeneous Network Base Station MDT Subframe Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) in LTE-Advanced networks do not accurately represent the communication state in heterogeneous networks with cells of different sizes, particularly failing to account for interference avoidance when mobile devices are in an idle state.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating Almost Blank Subframe (ABS) and nonABS information into broadcast System Information Blocks to set and transmit subframe patterns for MDT measurements, allowing mobile devices to perform accurate measurements and report data even in standby states, thereby addressing the inaccuracies in existing MDT methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing MDT methods are used in heterogeneous networks, then network coverage optimization can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference from cells of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by introducing specific subframe patterns (ABS and non-ABS subframes) that divide the measurement timeline into interference-avoidance periods and normal measurement periods. This segmentation allows mobile devices to perform measurements during subframes when interference from heterogeneous cells is minimized or eliminated, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring changes to the overall MDT framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring subframe patterns (ABS and non-ABS) in the network before MDT measurements are performed. These patterns are established in advance to create predictable interference-free measurement opportunities, allowing mobile devices to know when to perform accurate measurements without reacting to interference in real-time.
2Reliability
If mobile devices in idle state perform MDT measurements, then network coverage can be optimized with minimal device power consumption, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to lack of connection state information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the serving cell as an intermediary that provides measurement configuration information to mobile devices in idle state. The serving cell transmits subframe pattern information and measurement parameters through system information blocks, enabling idle devices to perform reliable measurements without establishing a full RRC connection, thus maintaining low power consumption while ensuring measurement reliability through network-provided guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables idle mobile devices to perform self-service measurements by autonomously monitoring designated subframes according to pre-configured patterns. Devices can independently perform RSRP and RSRQ measurements during specified subframes and store results locally, eliminating the need for continuous network interaction and reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If subframe patterns are configured for interference avoidance, then measurement accuracy improves, but network complexity increases due to additional configuration parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the subframe pattern configuration to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same ABS and non-ABS subframe patterns used for interference coordination in heterogeneous networks are also utilized for MDT measurement scheduling. This multi-functionality allows the network to achieve both interference avoidance and accurate measurements without requiring separate dedicated configuration mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages complexity by changing parameters in a controlled manner - specifically by reusing existing subframe pattern parameters (ABS patterns) that are already part of the LTE heterogeneous network configuration. Rather than introducing entirely new configuration parameters, the invention leverages existing parameter structures and assigns them dual purposes, thereby achieving measurement accuracy improvement with minimal additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device that is used in a heterogeneous network and is in a standby state has low reliability in measurement data obtained by MDT (Minimization Drive Tests) measurement. A base station includes at least one of ABS (Almost Blank Subframe) information and nonABS information in broadcast information (System Information Block), sets a subframe pattern used for the MDT (Minimization Drive Tests) measurement in at least one of the ABS information and the nonABS information, includes the subframe pattern used for the measurement in the broadcast information, and transmits the broadcast information. The mobile communication device receives the broadcast information including at least one of the ABS information and the nonABS information, detects, in a standby state, a subframe pattern used for the MDT measurement from the broadcast information, detects a subframe pattern used for the measurement, performs measurement, stores a result of the measurement as measurement data, and transmits the measurement data.