Network Node Mobility Criterion Based on UL-DL Propagation Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications networks face performance degradation due to large deviations in uplink and downlink link performance caused by path loss imbalances, leading to unnecessary mobility measures and potential handovers to lower-performing networks.
Innovation Solution
A network node determines a mobility criterion based on the imbalance between uplink and downlink propagation conditions, using information such as power control commands and UL Block Error Rate to adjust thresholds and prevent unnecessary handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobility criteria are set conservatively to ensure good connectivity for all wireless communications devices, then reliability of connectivity is improved, but unnecessary mobility measures are triggered leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for mobility criteria from downlink-only measurements to a combination of downlink and uplink measurements. By introducing uplink measurements (UL BLER, power control commands) as new parameters, the system can more accurately assess actual link conditions and set appropriate mobility thresholds, reducing unnecessary handovers while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where uplink performance measurements (UL BLER, power control adjustments) are continuously monitored and fed back to adjust mobility criteria. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to adapt mobility thresholds based on actual uplink conditions, preventing both unnecessary handovers and connectivity failures.
2Device complexity
If downlink-only measurements are used for mobility criteria, then device complexity is reduced, but accuracy of mobility decision-making deteriorates due to path loss imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges downlink and uplink measurements into a unified mobility assessment framework. By combining DL RSRP with UL BLER and power control command information, the system achieves more accurate mobility decisions that account for both directions of communication, resolving the issue of path loss imbalances that affect uplink but not downlink.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mobility criterion that works for both symmetric and asymmetric link conditions. The multi-functional measurement approach can handle cases where downlink and uplink path losses differ, making the mobility decision-making accurate across various deployment scenarios without requiring separate criteria for different conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed by a network node for determining a mobility criterion related to a wireless communications device in a wireless communications network. The network node obtains (302) an information related to an UL propagation condition associated to the wireless communications device. The network node determines (303) a measure of imbalance between the UL propagation condition and a DL propagation condition associated to the wireless communications device. The measure of imbalance is based on the information related to the UL propagation condition. The network node determines (304) the mobility criterion based on the measure of imbalance between the UL propagation condition and the DL propagation condition.