Small Cell Mobility Enhancement via Inter-Frequency Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication networks, particularly in LTE and LTE-Advanced, there is a challenge in efficiently managing mobility between large and small cells, as existing solutions lack differentiation in measurement configurations for various cell types, leading to inefficient handover processes and battery drain in user equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of distinct inter-frequency measurement procedures for large and small cells, where the UE performs measurements based on predetermined cycles and threshold levels specific to each type, allowing for early detection of small cells without excessive battery consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the UE performs continuous inter-frequency measurements to detect small cells, then the detection capability is improved, but the battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic inter-frequency measurements at predetermined cycles instead of continuous measurements. The UE is configured to perform measurements on carriers of small cells at specific intervals determined by measurement cycles, which reduces energy consumption while maintaining adequate detection capability. The network can adjust the measurement cycle length to balance between detection performance and power savings.
2Device complexity
If the UE applies the same measurement procedure for both large and small cells, then the system complexity is reduced, but the handover efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement procedure into distinct configurations for large cells and small cells. Different measurement parameters, thresholds, and evaluation criteria are applied separately for each cell type. This allows optimized measurement strategies for each cell category, improving handover efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring measurement configurations to specific cell types. Different measurement thresholds, evaluation metrics, and triggering conditions are used for small cells versus large cells based on their distinct characteristics. This localized optimization enables more accurate and efficient handover decisions for each cell category.
3Reliability
If the UE uses high measurement thresholds for small cell detection, then the false positive rate is reduced, but the detection sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes measurement parameters specifically for small cell detection, including adjusting measurement thresholds, evaluation criteria, and triggering conditions to account for the different characteristics of small cells. These parameter adjustments enable the system to maintain high reliability while improving detection sensitivity for small cells, which have different signal characteristics compared to large cells.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method, an apparatus and a computer program product, wherein the method comprises applying at least one procedure for inter-frequency measurements of at least one carrier, wherein a first procedure is applied when a carrier having at least one cell deployed for providing non-continuous coverage radio access is to be measured and a second procedure is applied when a carrier having at least one cell deployed for providing continuous coverage radio access is to be measured, and performing the inter-frequency measurements according to the applied procedure, when the procedure for the inter-frequency measurements is on.