Network Triggered Reference Signal Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in extending reference signal coverage to facilitate effective carrier aggregation between primary and secondary cells, particularly in scenarios where user equipment (UE) is located at the edge of the secondary cell's coverage area, leading to insufficient signal quality for initial beam selection and communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve a primary cell (PCell) transmitting a measurement configuration message to a UE to assess the secondary cell's (SCell) reference signal quality and, if below a threshold, triggering the SCell to extend its reference signal range using higher gain beams or repetition techniques, thereby enhancing the UE's ability to detect and select the best beam for carrier aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the SCell transmits reference signals using conventional beamforming, then the reference signal coverage is limited to a first range, but the coverage area is insufficient for UEs located at the edge of the SCell's coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reference signal transmission range based on UE location and signal quality conditions. When a UE is determined to be at the coverage edge with insufficient signal quality, the network triggers an extension of the reference signal range from a first range to a second range, transitioning from conventional beamforming to extended coverage beamforming modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beamforming parameters (such as beam width, gain, or transmission power) to extend the reference signal coverage area. By adjusting these parameters, the system expands the coverage from the first range to the second range, enabling edge UEs to receive sufficient signal quality for initial beam selection and carrier aggregation.
2Area of stationary object
If the SCell extends the reference signal range to cover edge UEs, then the coverage area is improved, but the signal quality may deteriorate due to increased transmission distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic range extension only when needed. The network determines UE location based on measurement reports and triggers range extension from first range to second range only for edge UEs with insufficient signal quality. This conditional dynamic adjustment ensures that coverage is extended precisely where required without unnecessarily compromising signal quality in normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses UE measurement reports of reference signal quality to automatically identify edge UEs that need extended coverage. The UE itself provides the information needed to trigger the range extension, enabling the system to self-adjust coverage based on actual signal conditions without requiring external intervention.
3Device complexity
If conventional beamforming is used for reference signals, then the system complexity is low, but the capability to support carrier aggregation at coverage edges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic beamforming system that adapts its complexity based on network conditions. In normal conditions, conventional beamforming is used with low complexity. When edge UEs require extended coverage, the system dynamically switches to extended range beamforming modes, providing the necessary adaptability to support carrier aggregation at coverage edges only when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes beamforming parameters (such as beam width, gain, or transmission power) to extend reference signal coverage. By adjusting these parameters, the system enables carrier aggregation support at coverage edges without requiring a complete system redesign, thus maintaining relatively low complexity while achieving enhanced adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide various apparatuses and methods for extending a reference signal to facilitate carrier aggregation (CA). In some examples, a network includes a primary cell and one or more secondary cells that use a millimeter wave (mmW) carrier. When a UE is beyond the range of a reference signal from the secondary cell, the primary cell may trigger the secondary cell to increase the range of its reference signal using a higher gain beam and/or reference signal repetition.