Small Cell Reference Signal Detection With Network Assist Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous networks with small cells, existing small cell detection mechanisms struggle to efficiently detect and connect with small cells due to varying network assist information, making it difficult for user terminals to synchronize and measure radio resources without reliable network support.
Innovation Solution
A user terminal and base station system that allows small cell detection operations based on available network assist information, using DRS-based measurements with timing configurations and assist information to facilitate synchronization and measurement, even in scenarios where detailed network assistance is lacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If small cell detection is performed without network assist information, then user terminal autonomy is improved, but detection precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network provide assist information (such as DRS configuration, timing advance, frequency offset) before the user terminal performs small cell detection. This pre-provisioning of measurement parameters enables the terminal to conduct autonomous detection while maintaining high precision through network-guided configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses network assist information as an intermediary between the network and user terminal during small cell detection. The assist information (measurement configuration, DRS parameters, timing/frequency synchronization data) acts as a mediator that enables autonomous terminal operation while ensuring detection reliability through network-provided reference data.
2Reliability
If network assist information is provided for small cell detection, then detection reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the small cell detection process into distinct phases: network-side configuration provision (assist information including DRS parameters, timing, frequency) and terminal-side autonomous measurement execution. This segmentation allows reliability improvement through network guidance while keeping terminal complexity manageable by providing structured, modular assist information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages system complexity by carefully controlling which parameters are provided as network assist information (such as DRS resource configuration, timing advance, frequency offset) versus which are determined autonomously by the terminal. This selective parameter provision improves detection reliability for critical parameters while avoiding unnecessary complexity in the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If DRS-based measurement is used for small cell discovery, then synchronization capability is improved, but adaptability to varying network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DRS measurement configuration adaptable to varying network conditions. The network can dynamically adjust assist information parameters (such as DRS timing, frequency resources, measurement windows) based on current network state, allowing the system to maintain precise synchronization while adapting to different deployment scenarios and interference conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances adaptability by allowing parameter changes in the DRS measurement configuration based on network conditions. The network can modify assist information parameters (measurement bandwidth, resource allocation, timing configuration) to suit different scenarios such as varying traffic loads, interference levels, and propagation conditions, thereby maintaining synchronization precision across diverse environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is designed so that small cell detection operations are carried out adequately based on whether or not assist information from the network is present. A user terminal communicates with a base station forming a small cell and a base station forming a macro cell having a coverage area in which the small cell is included, and this user terminal has a receiving section that receives a small cell detection command, which is transmitted from the macro cell and which includes timing information and assist information, a detection section that detects a PSS/SSS, included in a small cell detection reference signal transmitted from the small cell, in accordance with the timing information, and a measurement section that measures a measurement reference signal, which is included in the small cell detection reference signal, in accordance with the detected PSS/SSS and the assist information.