RAN-Supported MDT Tracing for RRC-Inactive UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved wireless communication technologies, particularly in 5G networks, to enhance communication efficiency and coverage, especially in environments without support for GNSS or neighboring cell RF fingerprint, and to handle minimization of drive tests (MDT) for user equipment (UEs) in RRC inactive states.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and apparatus for UE measurement configurations that include logging downlink pilot strength measurements, beam quality information, and location information, along with techniques for immediate and logged MDT handling, even in RRC inactive states, utilizing synchronization signals and channel state information for radio resource measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If MDT measurements are performed in RRC inactive state, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of GNSS and RF fingerprint support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual reference framework by having UEs report downlink pilot strength measurements and beam quality information to the network. The network then uses this collected measurement data to infer UE locations and generate virtual location information, effectively copying the function of physical GNSS/RF fingerprint systems through software-based measurement processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces downlink pilot signals and beam quality measurements as intermediary elements between the UE and the network. These intermediaries carry location-related information that enables the network to determine UE positions without direct GNSS support, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap in location determination capability.
2Productivity
If beam-level measurements are collected, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional measurement configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement configuration to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same downlink pilot strength measurements and beam quality measurements are used both for traditional radio resource management and for location determination in inactive state UEs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement configurations and lowers overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines beam-level mobility management functions with location determination functions into a unified measurement framework. By merging these functions, the system uses a single set of measurements for both purposes, reducing the complexity that would arise from maintaining separate measurement configurations for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If location information is determined without GNSS, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information occurs in location data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for location determination from direct GNSS coordinates to indirect measurements such as downlink pilot strength and beam quality information. By transforming the location determination problem into a measurement-based inference problem, the system adapts to environments without GNSS while recovering location information through alternative physical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement collection by having UEs report downlink pilot strength and beam quality measurements before location determination is needed. This preliminary action ensures that the necessary measurement data is already available when location information is required, preventing information loss through proactive data gathering.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for performing minimization of drive test (MDT) operations. For example, certain aspects provide a method for wireless communication. The method generally includes receiving, at a radio access network (RAN), a measurement configuration to start a trace of a user-equipment (UE), determining a transition of the UE to an inactive state, and sending one or more messages to coordinate the trace of the UE or indicate that the trace has failed in response to the determination.