Dynamic PRS Muting Pattern Configuration for Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PRS muting patterns in LTE networks are inflexible and do not account for varying radio characteristics, leading to suboptimal interference reduction and positioning accuracy, especially in heterogeneous networks with different cell types and power levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and network node that dynamically configure a pattern for reduced transmission activity based on radio characteristics, using parameters like muting rate and density to adapt transmission patterns, ensuring reduced interference and improved signal reception quality for user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed PRS muting patterns are used in LTE networks, then implementation is simple, but positioning performance is suboptimal and interference is increased in heterogeneous networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic muting patterns that adapt to varying radio conditions in heterogeneous networks. The network node determines muting patterns based on current radio characteristics, allowing the system to transition from static to dynamic operation. This enables optimal positioning performance by adjusting muting behavior according to actual network conditions rather than using fixed patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of muting patterns (such as muting rate, density, and time instances) based on radio characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to network conditions, the system achieves better positioning performance while managing the complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
2Reliability
If transmission activity is reduced to improve UE signal reception, then signal reception quality is enhanced, but transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic muting patterns where transmission activity is reduced at specific time instances rather than continuously. This allows the system to maintain transmission efficiency during non-muting periods while improving signal reception quality during designated measurement periods. The periodic nature balances the trade-off between transmission efficiency and reception quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial transmission reduction through configurable muting rates and densities. Instead of completely stopping transmission, the system partially reduces transmission activity at selected time instances, which is sufficient to improve UE signal reception quality during positioning measurements while minimizing the impact on overall transmission efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If muting patterns are configured based on radio characteristics, then interference is reduced and positioning accuracy is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated determination of muting patterns based on radio characteristics. The network node automatically configures appropriate muting patterns without requiring manual intervention, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy. The system serves itself by adapting to radio conditions autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the network node determines muting patterns based on measured radio characteristics and positioning performance. This closed-loop approach allows the system to automatically adjust configuration parameters to achieve optimal positioning accuracy while managing complexity through adaptive configuration rather than fixed complex settings.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method in a network node of a wireless communication system, for configuring a pattern for a reduced transmission activity. The pattern may e.g. be a positioning reference signal muting pattern used for improving PRS reception quality of a UE. The method comprises obtaining (610) information relating to radio characteristics for a cell, and determining (620) the pattern for the reduced transmission activity in the cell based on the obtained information. The method also comprises applying (630) the determined pattern for the reduced transmission activity.