5G NR Small Measurement Gap Configuration for Faster Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing measurement gaps in 5G and LTE networks, particularly in unlicensed spectrum scenarios, which affect network performance and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of network-controlled small gap (NCSG) configurations, including pre-configured measurement gaps and concurrent measurement gaps, to optimize UE behavior and enhance network performance in various wireless environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional measurement gap configurations are used in 5G and LTE networks, then network coverage and signal strength are maintained, but network efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate due to excessive gap overhead and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement gap configuration is segmented into multiple types (Type 0, Type 1, Type 2, Type 3) with different gap lengths and repetition periods, allowing the network to select the most appropriate configuration based on specific operational requirements. This segmentation enables optimized gap structures that reduce overall measurement time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement gap configuration is made dynamic through network control, where the gNB can activate or deactivate specific gap types based on real-time network conditions, UE capabilities, and service requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to minimize measurement gap overhead while ensuring adequate measurement opportunities, thereby improving network efficiency and reducing latency.
2Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are increased to ensure adequate measurement opportunities, then measurement accuracy is improved, but network resource utilization and throughput deteriorate due to more frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
Different measurement gap types are designed with locally optimized characteristics suited for specific measurement scenarios. For example, Type 0 gaps with longer duration are suitable for complex measurements requiring multiple RF chains, while Type 2 gaps with shorter duration are adequate for simpler measurements. This local optimization ensures measurement accuracy is achieved with minimal resource interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters of measurement gaps including gap length (ms), repetition period (ms), and number of gaps simultaneously configured, to adapt to different measurement requirements. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves adequate measurement accuracy while minimizing the impact on network resource utilization and overall throughput.
3Speed
If multiple RF chains are configured for simultaneous measurements, then measurement capability and speed are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement gap configuration framework is designed to be universal, supporting both single-RF-chain and multi-RF-chain operations through a unified set of parameters and procedures. The system can accommodate different numbers of RF chains (1, 2, or more) without requiring fundamentally different measurement gap structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement speed capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-readable storage medium stores instructions for execution by one or more processors of a UE to configure the UE for handover using pre-configured gaps in a 5G NR network, and to cause the UE to perform operations including decoding first configuration signaling received from a first base station associated with a first cell. The first configuration signaling configures a legacy measurement gap. The UE decodes second configuration signaling received from the first base station. The second configuration signaling configures an NCSG measurement gap. The UE performs cell measurements of a second cell associated with a second base station during one of the legacy measurement gap or the NCSG measurement gap. The UE encodes the cell measurements for transmission to the first base station. The UE decodes a handover instruction from the first base station. The handover instruction is based on the cell measurements.