Small Cell Detection via Capability Report Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication systems, particularly in LTE-A networks, the overlap of small cells and macro cells operating on different frequencies leads to significant battery power consumption due to the need for extensive measurement and handover processes, which hampers quick detection of small cells and efficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve a base station and terminal communicating through a capability report to determine the necessity of adding a serving cell, transmitting cell identity signals, and configuring small cells as secondary serving cells to minimize battery power consumption by optimizing uplink transmission and reducing unnecessary measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the terminal continues measurement for small cells using current measurement method, then small cell detection accuracy is improved, but battery power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal utilizes downlink signals already transmitted by base stations for their primary purpose (cell identification and data transmission) to simultaneously perform small cell detection. The capability report mechanism allows the terminal to self-identify its detection needs, and the network responds by providing necessary signals without requiring separate dedicated measurement resources, making the system self-sufficient in meeting detection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Downlink signals from base stations serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide cell identity information for network operation and contain small cell indication information for detection purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement signals, reducing overall signal overhead and terminal power consumption while maintaining detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If the terminal performs extensive measurement and handover processes, then small cell detection capability is improved, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal proactively sends a capability report indicating its small cell detection capability before actual data transmission begins. The network uses this information to pre-configure appropriate downlink signals containing small cell indication information, ensuring that detection can occur seamlessly during normal operation without interrupting or delaying data transmission workflows.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple base stations transmit cell identity signals, then small cell detection coverage is improved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cell identity information and small cell indication information into a single integrated downlink signal transmission. Multiple base stations transmit their cell identity signals that simultaneously serve as small cell detection indicators, merging what would otherwise be separate signaling functions into one unified process, thereby expanding coverage without proportionally increasing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
The method for transmitting and receiving data at a base station in a wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of receiving a performance report from a terminal, determining whether the addition of a serving cell is necessary, when the addition of the serving cell is necessary, transmitting a request for receiving a cell identifying signal to one or more other base stations on the basis of the received performance repoπand transmitting a request for transmitting the cell identifying signal to the terminal. According to the embodiment, in a network in which a small cell and a macro cell are overlapped and operated, the terminal can minimize battery consumption and quickly recognize the small cell.