Positioning-Aware Carrier Switching in Multi-Carrier Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-carrier wireless communication networks, primary carrier switching often disrupts or delays positioning measurements, as the impact on positioning is not considered, leading to less accurate and longer processing times for UE positioning, especially when switching from a carrier transmitting Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) to one that does not.

Innovation Solution

Implementing positioning-aware constraints on primary carrier switching, such as selecting a new carrier that transmits PRS, delaying switching during ongoing measurements, and reconfiguring measurement gaps to ensure consistent and robust positioning performance, thereby preserving and enhancing positioning measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If primary carrier switching is performed for load balancing and network management, then network resource utilization is improved, but positioning measurement continuity and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidpositioning measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network node checks whether positioning measurements are currently performed on the UE before executing carrier switching. If measurements are ongoing, the node determines an appropriate timing for the switch that does not interrupt the measurements, or delays the switch until measurements are complete. This preliminary check and timing adjustment ensures positioning accuracy is maintained while still enabling carrier switching for network management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If carrier switching is performed without considering positioning impact, then network management flexibility is improved, but positioning measurement time and quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning measurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network node receives information about whether the UE performs positioning measurements and the current measurement status. Based on this feedback, the node adjusts the carrier switching timing and configuration to minimize impact on positioning. The node may delay switching until measurements are complete or schedule switching during periods when positioning is not critical, thus maintaining measurement quality while preserving network management flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If primary carrier is switched from a carrier transmitting PRS to one not transmitting PRS, then carrier load distribution is improved, but positioning measurement consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier load distributionVSAvoidpositioning measurement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Before executing carrier switching, the network node checks whether the UE is performing positioning measurements and whether the current primary carrier transmits Positioning Reference Signals (PRS). If measurements are ongoing and the current carrier transmits PRS, the node determines appropriate switching timing that preserves measurement consistency, or delays switching until measurements are complete. This ensures measurement consistency is maintained while still enabling load distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Speed

If carrier switching is performed during ongoing positioning measurements, then network responsiveness is improved, but positioning quality and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork responsivenessVSAvoidpositioning quality

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network node checks the measurement status before carrier switching. If positioning measurements are currently performed by the UE, the node determines an appropriate timing for the switch that does not interrupt measurements, or delays the switch until measurements are complete. This preliminary assessment ensures positioning quality is maintained while still enabling timely network responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10034205B2Positioning measurements and carrier switching in multi-carrier wireless communication networks

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

In a multi-carrier wireless communication network, positioning-aware switching of a primary carrier from a first carrier to a second carrier for a UE is constrained to enable one or more positioning measurements to be performed. Either the selection of the second carrier, the timing of switching from the first to the second carrier, or both, are constrained to enable and enhance the positioning performance. The constraints may be operative at a serving node of the network, at a UE, or both. Further constraints may be applied to the network to enhance positioning performance. Carrier switching may be across Radio Access Technology (RAT), and the positioning constraints may include configuring or re-configuring a device to perform positioning measurements in measurement gaps (e.g., on a secondary carrier in LTE systems when Positioning Reference Signals are not transmitted on the primary carrier).