RSRQ Metric Selection for Small Cell Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately measuring load conditions in networks due to differences between old and new RSRQ metrics, impacting network performance and mobility, particularly in heterogeneous networks with macrocells and small cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow user equipment to selectively use either the old or new RSRQ metric based on measurement configuration information received from the base station, with the new RSRQ metric calculated on all OFDM symbols and the old on cell-specific reference signals, enabling more accurate load measurement and offloading in small cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the new RSRQ metric is used for all cells, then measurement precision for load indication is improved, but device complexity increases due to implementation complexity at user equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement approach into two segments: legacy RSRQ measurement for macrocells and new RSRQ measurement for small cells. This segmentation allows each cell type to use the most appropriate measurement method, achieving accurate load indication for small cells while maintaining compatibility and lower complexity for macrocells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different measurement qualities to different locations (cell types). Small cells use the new RSRQ metric with higher measurement precision for accurate load indication, while macrocells use the legacy RSRQ metric. This local differentiation optimizes overall system performance without uniformly increasing complexity across all cells.
2Productivity
If the new RSRQ metric is used, then productivity for small cell offloading is improved, but loss of information occurs due to inconsistency between old and new RSRQ metrics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic selection of RSRQ metric types based on cell type and network configuration. The system can adaptively choose between legacy and new RSRQ metrics, allowing flexible optimization for small cell offloading while maintaining measurement consistency through network-controlled selection and threshold configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measurement configuration information as an intermediary between the network and user equipment. This intermediary carries indications of which RSRQ metric type to use and corresponding thresholds, ensuring consistent interpretation and measurement across the network without information loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If differentiated measurement approaches are used for macrocells and small cells, then adaptability of the measurement system is improved, but device complexity increases due to support for multiple RSRQ metric types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the appropriate RSRQ metric type and thresholds before measurement takes place. The network provides measurement configuration information in advance, indicating which metric type to use for each cell, thereby simplifying the actual measurement process at user equipment and reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for controlling measurements and, in particular, a type of loadsensitive measurement, such as received signal, received quality (RSRQ), performed by a user equipment. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.