Small Cell Deactivation via Discovery Signal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing small cell on/off transitions due to interference from reference signals, which affects system capacity and coverage, especially in heterogeneous networks with dense small cell deployments.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a discovery signal (DS) and DRS-based measurements/synchronization mechanisms facilitate faster small cell on/off transitions, enabling handoff, Scell addition/removal, and dual connectivity, while maintaining transparent on/off state transitions for user equipment (UE).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cells are deployed densely to increase network capacity, then system capacity is improved, but interference from reference signals increases and affects coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference signal transmission function from the small cell and places it in a separate discovery signal mechanism. The small cell can transmit discovery signals independently of its service state, allowing reference signals to be managed separately from data transmission, thereby reducing interference while maintaining capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having UEs perform measurements on discovery signals before small cell activation. This allows the network to prepare measurement results and make informed decisions about small cell activation, reducing the need for continuous reference signal transmission and minimizing interference.
2Loss of energy
If small cells are turned on and off frequently to optimize resource usage, then energy efficiency is improved, but UE monitoring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through discontinuous transmission of discovery signals at predefined intervals. Small cells transmit discovery signals periodically rather than continuously, allowing UEs to monitor at regular intervals. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining manageable monitoring complexity through predictable periodic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report measurement results based on discovery signal reception. This feedback allows the network to optimize small cell activation decisions without requiring UEs to continuously monitor all small cells, reducing monitoring complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If discovery signals are transmitted continuously to maintain coverage, then coverage is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making discovery signal transmission conditional and adaptive. Small cells transmit discovery signals dynamically based on traffic demand, UE presence, and network conditions rather than continuously. This maintains coverage where needed while reducing signaling overhead in areas with low activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters such as discovery signal transmission power, periodicity, and duration based on network conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains adequate coverage while optimizing signaling overhead, transmitting only when and where necessary.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1E~2A
Figure 2B~2D
AI summary
System and method embodiments are provided for network adaptation and discovery. A method in a network controller includes transmitting a measurement reporting signaling to a user equipment (UE), the measurement reporting signaling indicating a radio resource management (RRM) measurement reporting configuration comprising a discovery reference signal (DRS) configuration of the UE; and controlling a network component to transmit only the DRS signal in response to the network component being deactivated