Small Cell Discovery via PRS Resource Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mechanisms for discovering small cells in macro cells, such as those using the Physical Discovery Channel (PDCH), face challenges with long periodicity leading to increased cell access/detection delay, which cannot be feasibly reduced without affecting other advantages like low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses frequency domain multiplexing for splitting resources of the positioning reference signal and utilizing reserved communication resources for the discovery signal, allowing for efficient signaling configuration in the Physical Discovery Channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the periodicity of the Physical Discovery Channel (PDCH) is reduced to decrease cell detection delay, then the cell access/detection delay is reduced, but the power consumption increases and battery efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the discovery signal resources by introducing multiple discovery signal resource sets with different periodicities. User equipment can be configured with multiple resource sets (e.g., first resource set with longer periodicity for power saving, second resource set with shorter periodicity for faster detection). This segmentation allows the system to balance between detection speed and power consumption by selecting appropriate resource sets based on service requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If the periodicity of the Physical Discovery Channel (PDCH) is reduced to increase discovery capacity, then the number of discoverable small cells increases, but the power consumption increases and battery efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides discovery signal resources into multiple resource sets with different periodicity characteristics. The first resource set uses longer periodicity to reduce power consumption, while the second resource set uses shorter periodicity to enhance discovery capacity. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high discovery capacity without requiring all resources to operate at high periodicity, thus maintaining power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource set configuration where the network can flexibly activate or deactivate different resource sets based on traffic conditions and service requirements. When high discovery capacity is needed, shorter periodicity resource sets are activated; when power saving is prioritized, longer periodicity resource sets are used. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between capacity and power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discovery signal resource sets with different periodicities are configured, then flexibility and discovery capacity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal resource set management mechanism where multiple discovery signal resource sets follow a standardized configuration and activation procedure. The network side controls the activation/deactivation of different resource sets through unified signaling, and user equipment follows standardized processing rules for multiple resource sets. This universal approach enables flexible multi-periodicity configuration while keeping device management complexity acceptable through standardized procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is proposed a mechanism for controlling and conducting a discovery procedure of small cells or secondary ceils located in a macro cell or primary cell. The discovery procedure is based on a discovery signal communicated via PDCH and based on a positioning reference signal (PRS). For configuring the signaling of the discovery signal, frequency domain multiplexing for splitting resources of the PRS in the frequency domain for increasing capacity, and/or usage of reserved communication resources for the signaling of the discovery signal are employed. Assistance information is provided to the UE for supporting the discovery of small cells.