RRM Measurement Accuracy in Heterogeneous Networks via Resource Partitioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication networks face performance degradation due to severe interference between cells in heterogeneous networks, which hinders effective radio resource management (RRM) measurements.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of resource partitioning techniques between cells, including intra-frequency and inter-frequency or intra-RAT and inter-RAT alternatives, allows for determining specific subframes for RRM measurements with minimal interference, using cooperative resource partitioning to designate subframes for measurements that are less affected by neighboring cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RRM measurements are performed in heterogeneous networks without resource partitioning, then measurement coverage is comprehensive, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to severe interference from neighboring cells

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRRM measurement accuracyVSAvoidinterference from neighboring cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time-frequency resources by introducing resource partitioning information (RPI) that divides subframes into different types (e.g., MBSFN subframes, non-MBSFN subframes). This segmentation allows RRM measurements to be performed in specific subframes where interference from neighboring cells is reduced or eliminated, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring comprehensive measurement coverage across all subframes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces resource partitioning information (RPI) as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between serving cell and neighboring cells. The RPI indicates which subframes are suitable for RRM measurements by identifying subframes where neighboring cells will not transmit or will transmit with reduced power, thus acting as a mediator to reduce interference and enable accurate measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If resource partitioning is implemented to reduce interference, then RRM measurement accuracy improves, but network coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRRM measurement accuracyVSAvoidnetwork coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of subframe configuration by introducing RPI that specifies which subframes are designated for RRM measurements. This parameter change allows the network to control interference patterns through configuration rather than complex real-time coordination, simplifying the implementation while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If RRM measurements are performed during measurement gaps, then interference from serving cell is reduced, but measurement time increases for inter-frequency or inter-RAT measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference from serving cellVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring resource partitioning information in advance, so that the UE knows which subframes are suitable for RRM measurements before actually performing them. This allows the UE to plan its measurement activities efficiently, reducing the need for extended measurement gaps while ensuring measurements are performed in low-interference subframes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2559283B1Methods and apparatuses for radio resource management measurements of a user equipment in a heterogeneous network
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2559283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2559283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2559283B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for performing radio resource management (RRM) measurements in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) are provided in an effort to prevent failure of RRM measurement procedures in a dominant interference scenario. Several alternatives are provided for determining particular resources (e.g., subframes) to use for performing the RRM measurements, wherein the particular resources are based on cooperative resource partitioning between cells of the HetNet, wherein the cells may be of different types (e.g., macro, pico, or femto cells). These alternatives include, for example: (1) intra-frequency or intra-RAT (radio access technology) alternatives, which may involve transmitting resource partitioning information (RPI) in or deriving non-serving cell RPI based on the serving cell's RPI, as well as (2) inter-frequency or inter-RAT alternatives, where the RRM measurements may be performed during a measurement gap.