Measurement Gap Configuration in Distributed RAN Nodes

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, particularly in scenarios involving handover and dual connectivity, there is a lack of clear management of measurement gap capability information, leading to inefficient scheduling and sub-optimal performance due to unclear responsibilities among network devices, especially in distributed base station architectures and during handovers.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first network node receives measurement gap capability information from a user equipment (UE) and transmits this information to a second network node, enabling the second node to determine whether to generate a measurement gap configuration based on the capability, thus optimizing scheduling and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If measurement gap capability information is not shared among network nodes, then each node operates independently, but scheduling efficiency deteriorates and performance becomes sub-optimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement gap capability information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The network architecture is segmented into multiple nodes (source base station, target base station, and potentially central unit/distributed unit) where each node can independently process and utilize measurement gap capability information. The information is segmented and transmitted through appropriate interfaces (Xn, F1) to relevant nodes, enabling localized scheduling decisions while maintaining overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where measurement gap capability information is transmitted from the UE to the network and then propagated to relevant nodes. This feedback loop ensures that scheduling decisions are based on accurate UE capabilities, preventing sub-optimal scheduling and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If measurement gap configurations are generated without clear responsibility assignment, then network operations continue, but resource allocation becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidresponsibility management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms such as the Xn interface between base stations and the F1 interface between central and distributed units. These intermediaries facilitate the transmission of measurement gap capability information and coordination of configuration responsibilities, reducing complexity by providing standardized communication pathways rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Each network node is empowered to independently determine whether to generate measurement gap configurations based on the received capability information. The source base station, target base station, and distributed unit can each make autonomous decisions about configuration generation, eliminating the need for complex centralized control while improving resource allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If all network nodes generate measurement gap configurations independently, then configuration flexibility increases, but scheduling conflicts and inefficiencies increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidscheduling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where measurement gap capability information is transmitted from the UE to the network and then propagated to relevant nodes. This feedback loop ensures that scheduling decisions are based on accurate UE capabilities, preventing sub-optimal scheduling and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms such as the Xn interface between base stations and the F1 interface between central and distributed units. These intermediaries facilitate the transmission of measurement gap capability information and coordination of configuration responsibilities, reducing complexity by providing standardized communication pathways rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4118865B1Managing measurement gap configurations

Publication Date: 2024.05.01 GOOGLE LLC

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AI summary

Processing hardware in a first network node of a radio access network (RAN) can implement a method for managing measurement gap information. The first network node is a distributed unit (DU) of a distributed base station or a target base station in a handover procedure, and a second network node is a central unit (CU) of the distributed base station or a source base station in the handover procedure. The method includes receiving (1502), at the first network node from the second network node, an information element that specifies a measurement gap capability of the UE in communication with the RAN. The method also includes determining (1504), based on information element, whether to generate a measurement gap configuration for the UE. Further, the method includes providing (1506), to the second network node, an indication of whether the first network node generated the measurement gap configuration for the UE.