Service-Aware EMR Frequency Layer Selection for Low-Power 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Early Measurement Report (EMR) feature in 5G wireless communication systems is too power-hungry, especially for Frequency Range 2 (FR2) layers, making it inefficient and hindering widespread adoption due to high power consumption during idle mode measurements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a terminal with a processor that determines and prioritizes specific frequency layers for EMR measurements based on configuration or layer information, allowing for more efficient power usage by performing measurements only on selected layers and reporting results to the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE measures all configured frequency layers while in Idle mode to enable EMR, then the measurement completeness and network configuration flexibility are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency layers into two distinct groups: a first group of frequency layers measured while the UE is in Idle mode, and a second group of frequency layers measured after the UE transitions to Connected mode. This segmentation allows the UE to limit idle mode measurements to only the first group, significantly reducing power consumption while ensuring that both groups are eventually measured for complete network awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE perform measurements on the first group of frequency layers while in Idle mode before transitioning to Connected mode. These preliminary measurement results are stored and subsequently reported to the network upon connection establishment. This preliminary measurement approach enables the network to make initial carrier aggregation or dual connectivity decisions based on available data, while deferring the more power-intensive measurements of the second group to after connection is established.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE performs EMR measurements on multiple frequency layers, then the network can configure more flexible carrier aggregation and dual connectivity options, but the setup delay and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides frequency layers into a first group for idle mode measurement and a second group for connected mode measurement. This segmentation simplifies the UE's measurement processing complexity during idle mode by limiting the scope to only the first group, while still enabling the network to configure carrier aggregation and dual connectivity using results from both groups after connection is established.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary measurement and reporting of the first group of frequency layers before connection establishment. This allows the network to receive measurement results earlier in the connection process, enabling faster carrier aggregation and dual connectivity configuration decisions without requiring the UE to complete all measurements (including the more numerous second group layers) before the network can make configuration decisions.
3Reliability
If the UE continues measuring configured frequency layers in Idle mode to maintain stored measurement results, then the EMR feature readiness is improved, but the power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments measurement responsibilities by frequency layer groups and UE operational states. The first group of frequency layers is measured during idle mode to maintain EMR readiness with minimal power consumption, while the second group is measured after connection establishment. This segmentation enables the UE to be selectively ready for EMR on critical frequency layers without the prohibitive power cost of continuously measuring all configured layers in idle mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having the UE measure only a subset (the first group) of the total configured frequency layers while in idle mode, rather than measuring all layers. This partial measurement approach provides sufficient measurement data for the network to make initial carrier aggregation and dual connectivity decisions, achieving adequate EMR readiness without the excessive power consumption of complete idle mode measurements of all layers.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein include: (1) a network (e.g., a 5G New Radio (NR) network) that is configured to use Early Measurement Report (EMR) results reported from a User Equipment (UE) device to configure or change a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) for the UE; (2) a network configured to use service-specific frequency layer configuration information to configure the EMR feature for a UE; (3) a UE configured to use crowdsourced frequency layer information to autonomously determine the UE's EMR feature; (4) a UE configured to autonomously report Idle mode measurements without waiting for network-initiated messaging; (5) a UE configured to receive a set of Primary Secondary Cells (PSCells) from a network including an active PSCell and one or more deactivated PSCells; and (6) a network configured to use service-specific frequency layer configuration information and a list of potential PSCells to configure the EMR feature for a UE and activate a PSCell.