NR Measurement Gap Sharing for RLM and Inter-Frequency Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In New Radio (NR) networks, the challenge lies in efficiently sharing measurement gaps for radio link monitoring (RLM) measurements, intra-frequency measurements, and inter-frequency measurements, as NR relies on synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) which may not be present in the bandwidth part (BWP) used by user equipment (UE), complicating link quality assessment and recovery.
Innovation Solution
A measurement gap sharing scheme is generated and managed to share gaps between RLM, intra-frequency, and inter-frequency measurements based on configurations of radio link monitoring reference signals and synchronization signal blocks, allowing dynamic adjustment based on serving cell link quality, ensuring efficient use of measurement gaps for timely link recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If measurement gaps are allocated for RLM measurements in NR, then link quality monitoring capability is improved, but measurement gap availability for other measurements (intra-frequency and inter-frequency) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RLM measurements with intra-frequency and inter-frequency measurements by sharing measurement gaps among these functions. The gNB configures measurement gaps that can be utilized by multiple measurement types simultaneously, allowing the UE to perform RLM, intra-frequency RRM, and inter-frequency RRM measurements within the same gap periods, thereby improving gap utilization efficiency while maintaining reliable link quality monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement gap configuration is designed to serve multiple purposes: RLM measurements on SSB/CSI-RS, intra-frequency RRM measurements, and inter-frequency RRM measurements. This multi-functional gap sharing approach allows a single gap resource to fulfill multiple measurement needs, resolving the contradiction between dedicated RLM monitoring and overall measurement productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UE is configured to work in a BWP that does not contain SSB for RLM, then bandwidth utilization flexibility is improved, but RLM measurement capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into different BWPs, where the active BWP for data transmission may not contain the SSB. The UE is configured with separate measurement gaps that enable it to switch frequency tuning specifically for RLM purposes to access SSB/CSI-RS resources located outside the active BWP, while maintaining the flexibility of BWP-based bandwidth utilization for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Measurement gaps act as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the active BWP (which may not contain SSB) and the SSB/CSI-RS resources (located elsewhere in frequency). During configured measurement gaps, the UE can temporarily retune to the appropriate frequency to perform RLM measurements on SSB/CSI-RS, then return to normal BWP operation, thus enabling RLM capability while maintaining BWP flexibility.
3Loss of time
If measurement gaps are used for RLM, then link recovery timing is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement gap configuration where the UE performs RLM measurements only during specifically configured gap periods rather than continuously. This periodic measurement approach allows timely link quality assessment and recovery detection while minimizing power consumption by keeping the receiver inactive during non-gap periods. The gNB configures the periodicity and duration of measurement gaps to balance link recovery timing requirements with power saving objectives.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method are provided, by which a measurement gap sharing scheme is generated by sharing measurement gaps between radio link monitoring measurement, intra-frequency measurement and inter-frequency measurement based on configurations of radio link monitoring reference signals for radio link monitoring and synchronization signal blocks and/or other reference signals used for intra-frequency measurements; measurements including the radio link monitoring measurement, the intra-frequency measurement and inter-frequency measurement are performed according to the measurement gap sharing scheme, and the measurement gap sharing scheme between radio link monitoring measurement, intra-frequency measurement and inter-frequency measurement is changed based on the radio link quality of a serving cell.