Multi-Connectivity QoE Measurement Coordination Across LTE and NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing framework for Quality of Experience (QoE) measurements in wireless networks, particularly in LTE and 5G/NR networks, does not adequately address the complexities and granular control required for UEs operating in multi-connectivity scenarios involving both LTE and NR, lacking the necessary flexibility and efficiency in configuring and reporting QoE measurements.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring QoE measurements by a first radio access network node (RNN) to send a QoE measurement configuration to a UE in multi-connectivity scenarios, allowing the UE to report measurements to one or both RNNs based on specific conditions, and optimizing the reporting to improve application-level QoE by selecting the most efficient network for data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If QoE measurements are configured in multi-connectivity scenarios with both LTE and NR, then measurement granularity and control flexibility are improved, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments QoE measurement configuration by separating it into LTE-specific and NR-specific configurations. The network can independently configure measurement parameters, reporting criteria, and thresholds for each radio access technology, allowing granular control without requiring complete reconfiguration for multi-connectivity scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of configuration by adding QoE measurement parameters specific to each RAT (LTE and NR) rather than using a single unified configuration. This dimensional expansion allows the system to handle multi-connectivity measurements independently for each technology while maintaining overall coordination.
2Reliability
If QoE measurement reports are sent to both LTE and NR network nodes, then measurement coverage and reliability are improved, but network signaling overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reporting behavior where the UE adapts its measurement reporting based on current multi-connectivity conditions. The UE can selectively report to LTE, NR, or both nodes depending on which radio link is active, which improves reliability without consistently incurring the overhead of dual reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different reporting behaviors for different RATs based on their specific conditions. The UE can report QoE measurements to the LTE node when LTE is the active connection, to the NR node when NR is active, optimizing the reporting path locally for each technology rather than using a fixed dual-reporting approach.
3Measurement precision
If QoE measurements are performed while UE is in multi-connectivity with both LTE and NR, then measurement accuracy and network optimization are improved, but power consumption and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic QoE measurement sampling rather than continuous monitoring. The UE performs measurements at configured intervals and only when triggered by specific events, reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy for both LTE and NR connections in multi-connectivity scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods, for a first radio access network node (RNN) in a wireless network, for configuring quality of experience (QoE) measurements by user equipment (UEs). Such methods include sending, to a UE connected to the first RNN, a QoE measurement configuration for one or more services provided by an application layer of the UE; and sending, to the UE, a configuration for access-layer multi-connectivity of the UE with a second RNN in the wireless network. Such methods also include receiving one or more QoE measurement reports, in accordance with the QoE measurement configuration, from at least one of the UE and the second RNN. The QoE measurement reports include measurements made by the UE while in multi-connectivity with the first and second RNNs. Embodiments also include complementary methods for a second RNN and a UE, as well as RNNs and UEs configured to perform such methods.