Radio Link Measurement Configuration for 5G Beamforming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio link measurement reporting methods in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks with high-frequency beamforming, face challenges in maintaining reliable link quality due to rapid changes and interference, with RRC-based reporting causing high latency and USS-based reporting being limited to single link reports, leading to inefficiencies and complexities during mobility procedures.

Innovation Solution

A method to configure wireless devices to use a combination of RRC-based and USS-based reporting mechanisms dynamically, based on specific radio link reporting configurations that can switch between different reporting types and mechanisms depending on link quality and network conditions, allowing for periodic, on-demand, or event-triggered reporting to optimize mobility procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If RRC-based reporting is used for mobility measurements, then reliable and rich measurement information can be conveyed from UE to network, but signaling overhead and latency are considerably increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement information completenessVSAvoidreporting latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reporting mechanism into two parts: USS-based reporting for rapid link quality indication (reducing latency) and RRC-based reporting for detailed measurement information (ensuring completeness). This segmentation allows the system to use the appropriate reporting method based on the specific scenario, thereby resolving the contradiction between information completeness and reporting latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching between USS-based and RRC-based reporting mechanisms based on link quality conditions. When link quality is good, USS-based reporting is used for low latency; when link quality deteriorates, RRC-based reporting is triggered for reliable information conveyance. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the optimal reporting method based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If USS-based reporting is used for rapid access to target beam, then latency is reduced and robustness is improved, but only single link report can be conveyed at a time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam switching latencyVSAvoidmeasurement report quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reporting function into USS-based rapid reporting for low-latency beam switching and RRC-based comprehensive reporting for detailed measurement information. This allows the system to convey multiple link reports through RRC when needed, while maintaining the low-latency advantage of USS-based reporting for critical beam switching operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges USS-based reporting and RRC-based reporting into a unified mobility measurement framework. The USS mechanism provides rapid single-link reporting for low latency, while the RRC mechanism complements it by enabling multi-link reporting when comprehensive measurement information is required, thus combining the advantages of both approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If continuous transmission of reference signals in all individual transmission beams is implemented, then link quality measurement is maintained, but resources available for data are consumed and interference in neighboring cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink quality measurementVSAvoidresource consumption for data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic reference signal transmission instead of continuous transmission. Reference signals are transmitted periodically in each beam, which is sufficient for maintaining link quality measurement capability while significantly reducing resource consumption compared to continuous transmission. This periodic action resolves the contradiction between measurement reliability and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic reference signal transmission where the transmission is activated only when needed for measurement purposes, rather than continuous transmission. The network can dynamically control reference signal transmission based on UE position, beam switching requirements, and measurement needs, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while minimizing resource consumption and interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3520254B1Methods and arrangements for radio link measurement configuration
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3520254B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3520254B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3520254B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods and arrangements for configuring radio link measurement reporting in a wireless communication system supporting a plurality of radio link reporting mechanisms. Performed in an access node, the method comprises obtaining (S21) a plurality of radio link reporting configurations, each radio link reporting configuration specifying one or more of the supported radio link reporting mechanisms and wherein at least one of the plurality of radio link reporting configurations specifies a combination of a first and a second radio link reporting mechanism being mutually different. The method further comprises selecting (S22) one radio link reporting configuration from the plurality of obtained configurations; and transmitting (S23) information about the selected radio link reporting configuration to a wireless device.