Reference Signal Structure Signaling for Neighboring Cell Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LTE systems face challenges in accurately performing neighboring cell measurements due to varying sub-frame allocations and reference signal structures across different cells, particularly at borders between regions with different TDD and MBSFN configurations, leading to interference and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method where a radio base station broadcasts specific information about the reference signal structure to be used for neighboring cell measurements, allowing terminals to detect signals only in designated symbols or sub-frames, aligning with predefined sets of physical structures, thereby enabling accurate measurements across cells with diverse configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If terminals perform neighboring cell measurements in all sub-frames, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference from uplink transmissions and varying reference signal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by identifying and selecting only specific downlink sub-frames for measurements, excluding uplink sub-frames. This segmentation separates measurements from harmful uplink transmissions, allowing accurate measurements only in sub-frames where downlink signals are present without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network configure and signal the terminal with information about which sub-frames contain valid reference signals for measurements before the terminal performs measurements. This advance configuration allows the terminal to prepare measurement procedures in advance, knowing exactly which sub-frames to measure and which to skip.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LTE systems support flexible bandwidth and TDD/FDD operations, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to varying reference signal structures across cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement framework that works across different LTE configurations (FDD, TDD, various bandwidths). By defining a common procedure where terminals receive network-configured information about valid measurement sub-frames and follow unified measurement rules, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring terminal-specific complexity for each configuration type.
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs preliminary configuration by signaling terminal-specific or cell-specific information about reference signal structures and valid measurement sub-frames before measurements begin. This advance configuration simplifies terminal complexity because devices only need to follow pre-configured rules rather than dynamically adapting to different network configurations during measurements.
3Reliability
If terminals measure reference signals in sub-frames with different allocations, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to punctured reference symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process to exclude sub-frames where reference signals may be punctured or unavailable. By identifying sub-frames with complete, unpunctured reference signal allocations as valid for measurement and excluding others, the system ensures measurement reliability without attempting to measure in sub-frames with missing reference symbols.
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs preliminary identification and signaling of which sub-frames contain valid, complete reference signals for measurements. This advance information allows terminals to pre-select only reliable measurement opportunities, avoiding sub-frames where reference symbols may be punctured or altered, thus ensuring consistent and reliable measurements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a radio base station comprising: a transceiver;