RACH Message Prioritization for Inter-Frequency Measurement Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face limitations in the size of uplink RACH messages, particularly in 3GPP systems, where the maximum size restricts the inclusion of both inter-frequency and intra-frequency neighbor cell measurements, leading to the omission of inter-frequency results, which affects network decisions like load balancing and handover reliability.
Innovation Solution
The system broadcasts an indication to prioritize inter-frequency or intra-frequency neighbor cell measurements for inclusion in uplink messages, allowing the UE to omit results that exceed the maximum message size, ensuring that inter-frequency measurements are included over intra-frequency when necessary, thereby enabling more flexible and efficient data reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE includes both inter-frequency and intra-frequency neighbor cell measurements in the RACH message, then the network can make better handover and load balancing decisions, but the message size exceeds the maximum allowed limit of 166 bits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the RACH message structure flexible and adaptive. Different message formats (non-extended and extended) are defined with different capacities for including measurement results. The UE selects the appropriate message format based on whether it can include both inter-frequency and intra-frequency measurements within the 166-bit limit, allowing optimal local adaptation to each UE's measurement data volume and network capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics through the extended measurement results IE which can be conditionally included based on message size availability. The network can dynamically request extended measurements by setting the extendedMeasurementResultsIndicator, and the UE dynamically adjusts its message composition accordingly. This creates a dynamic system where measurement reporting capacity can adapt to network needs and message size constraints in real-time.
2Ease of operation
If the UE omits inter-frequency measurement results to stay within message size limits, then the message can be transmitted successfully, but the network loses critical information for inter-frequency handover and load balancing decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-configure the UE with measurement configuration parameters including the extendedMeasurementResultsIndicator before the UE needs to report measurements. This allows the UE to prepare the appropriate message format in advance and ensures the network is ready to receive and process extended measurement results when transmitted, preventing information loss while maintaining transmission success.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension by adding the extended measurement results IE as an optional additional component to the basic measurement results. This creates a multi-dimensional measurement reporting structure where the UE can provide both basic and extended measurements depending on space availability, effectively adding a layer of measurement detail that can be activated when needed without preventing basic transmission.
3Loss of information
If the RACH message size limit is increased to accommodate all measurement results, then complete measurement information can be reported, but the message structure becomes more complex and compatibility with existing systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing measurement results into two distinct segments: basic measurement results IE and extended measurement results IE. Each segment serves a specific purpose and has its own structure. The basic segment contains essential measurements for all UEs, while the extended segment contains additional detailed measurements for UEs that support and need them. This segmentation allows the message structure to remain compatible with existing systems while providing an pathway for enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing the RACH message structure to serve multiple functions through optional elements. The extended measurement results IE and extendedMeasurementResultsIndicator can be included when needed for advanced measurement reporting, but can be omitted for basic operation. This makes the message structure universally compatible across different UE capabilities and network configurations while maintaining the ability to provide enhanced functionality when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A network/base station broadcasts an indication to direct a user equipment how to prioritize information for inclusion in an uplink message to be sent on a random access channel RACH. By example one value of the indication directs a user equipment UE to prioritize inter-frequency over intra-frequency neighbor cell measurements for inclusion in the uplink message; and another value (or absence) of the indication directs a UE to prioritize intra-frequency over inter-frequency neighbor cell measurements for inclusion in the uplink message. A UE receiving the broadcast indication constructs the uplink message which includes information that is prioritized in accordance with the indication so as not to exceed a maximum message size. There are also embodiments with second and/or further/third indications in the broadcast system information for more efficiently utilizing the available space in the RACH message, which by example is an RRC Connection Request message in which UE capability information may be prioritized higher or lower than the measurement information.