NR-LTE Measurement Gap Configuration Across Frequency Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of New Radio (NR) Synchronization Signals in wireless communication systems introduces challenges in measurement gap design, as the periodicity and number of synchronization signal blocks vary across different frequency layers, making it incompatible with legacy LTE systems and increasing interruption to normal traffic.
Innovation Solution
A measurement gap mechanism is developed that accommodates both LTE and NR reference signals by using configurable bitmap patterns, prioritization rules, and adjustable measurement gap lengths based on frequency ranges and collision scenarios, ensuring minimal traffic disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NR synchronization signal measurement is performed with fixed gap patterns, then measurement simplicity is improved, but compatibility with varying SS block periodicities across frequency layers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement gap patterns where the gap configuration is adapted based on the SS block periodicity of each frequency layer. The network can configure different gap patterns (e.g., first pattern for 5ms periodicity, second pattern for 20ms periodicity) and indicate which pattern to use through signaling, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to different frequency layer characteristics while maintaining compatibility with both LTE and NR systems.
2Reliability
If measurement gap length is extended to cover all SS blocks, then measurement completeness is improved, but interruption to normal traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by configuring measurement gap lengths that are sufficient to cover the necessary SS blocks for measurement purposes, rather than extending gaps to cover all possible SS blocks. The network configures appropriate gap lengths (e.g., 6ms for frequency range 1, longer gaps for frequency range 2) based on the specific requirements, avoiding excessive traffic interruption while ensuring measurement completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement gap length parameter based on frequency range and SS block configuration. Different gap lengths are configured for different frequency ranges (e.g., 6ms for FR1, 9ms or 10ms for FR2), and the network can adjust the gap length parameter to match the specific measurement requirements, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement completeness and traffic interruption.
3Measurement precision
If separate gap patterns are configured for each frequency layer, then measurement precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement gap mechanism that can handle multiple frequency layers with different SS block periodicities through a unified framework. The network configures multiple gap patterns (first pattern, second pattern, etc.) and uses signaling to indicate which pattern to apply for each frequency layer, allowing a single mechanism to serve multiple functions across different frequency layers without requiring separate independent configurations for each layer.
Data Source
AI summary
An invention to perform a method of cell measurement in a wireless network, wherein the wireless network comprises a plurality of frequency layers, the invention configured to: determine a Measurement Gap Length, MGL, for each one of the plurality of frequency layers operational in the wireless network; determine a gap bitmap to indicate a measurement gap availability in a time sequence for each one of the plurality of frequency layers of the wireless network; and transmit gap assistance information for each one of the plurality of frequency layers of the wireless network to a User Equipment, wherein the gap assistance information comprises at least the determined Measurement Gap Length and the determined gap bitmap.