QoE Measurement Collection in Dual Connectivity RAN Overload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing Quality of Experience (QoE) measurement collection and reporting, particularly in dual connectivity architectures, where user equipment is connected to two RAN nodes, and issues arise in handling RAN overload, maintaining service continuity during mobility, and aligning Minimized Drive Test (MDT) with QoE.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves configuring and reporting QoE measurements through a separate QoE Measurement Collection (QMC) function, managing RAN overload by pausing or resuming reporting, and aligning MDT with QoE by timestamping and Trace ID correlation, all within a dual connectivity framework.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If QoE measurement collection and reporting is implemented in dual connectivity architecture, then user experience quality is improved, but system complexity and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQuality of ExperienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments QoE measurement collection into separate signaling-based and management-based procedures, with distinct configuration, activation, and deactivation workflows. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each collection mode and reduces overall system complexity by handling different QoE scenarios through specialized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces QoE measurement collection function as an intermediary layer between the radio access network and the core network. This intermediary handles the complexity of dual connectivity QoE management by providing standardized interfaces and procedures, isolating the complexity from both the radio access and core network components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If QoE measurement reporting is continuous, then measurement accuracy is improved, but network overload increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidnetwork capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic QoE measurement reporting where the network can configure reporting intervals and trigger conditions. Measurements are collected continuously but reported periodically or event-driven, maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing reporting overhead to manageable levels that prevent network overload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by selectively collecting and reporting QoE measurements based on configured criteria, thresholds, and triggers. Not all measurements are reported equally - only those meeting specific conditions are transmitted, reducing overall reporting volume while maintaining necessary measurement precision for quality assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If QoE measurement collection is activated for all UEs, then coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the network to configure QoE measurement collection with local quality variations - different UEs can have different measurement configurations, reporting intervals, and activation conditions based on their specific service requirements, channel conditions, and QoE priorities. This selective approach ensures coverage for all UEs while optimizing energy consumption for each individual device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic QoE measurement collection where configuration parameters such as reporting intervals, measurement filters, and activation conditions can be adjusted in real-time based on UE state, network conditions, and service requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain comprehensive coverage while minimizing energy consumption by adjusting measurement activity to actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4445638B1Quality of experience management method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 ZTE CORP
  • EP4445638B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4445638B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4445638B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This document is directed to methods, systems, and devices related to wireless communication, and more specifically, to determine QoE measurement collection be configured and reported, to handle cases in RAN overload situation, to align MDT with QoE, and to maintain service continuity in mobility. A method of wireless communication, comprising transmitting, from Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM), to a first network node, a Quality of Experience (QoE) Measurement Collection (QMC) configuration; wherein the first QMC configuration contains a plurality of QoE configuration; wherein the plurality QoE configuration further comprising alignment information; wherein the alignment information contains a trace ID list where each trace ID correspond to a Minimized Drive Test (MDT) at the first network node.