Two-Level Mobility Reference Signal Configuration for 5G Handover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility reference signal (MRS) configuration in wireless communication systems is not optimal, as user equipment (UE) may not need to measure or report all configured MRSs all the time and lacks sufficient time budget for RRC-level reconfiguration, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage and signaling overhead.
Innovation Solution
A two-level MRS configuration procedure is introduced, where network nodes send MRS configuration information specifying parameters for multiple configurations and then send an activation command with an index to select one configuration for use by the UE, allowing for efficient activation and deactivation of MRSs using RRC and MAC protocols respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRS configuration is performed at RRC level for every MRS modification, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but signaling overhead increases and UE time budget is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides MRS configuration into two levels: RRC-level configuration for initial setup and MAC-level activation for dynamic changes. This segmentation allows comprehensive configuration information to be provided at RRC level while enabling faster MAC-level updates without full reconfiguration, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing reconfiguration time and signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary MRS configuration at RRC level, where all possible MRS configuration information is provided in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when dynamic changes are needed, the UE already has the necessary configuration framework in place, allowing rapid activation/deactivation at MAC level without requiring time-consuming full reconfiguration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If all configured MRSs are measured and reported continuously, then mobility accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic activation and deactivation of MRS configurations at MAC level based on current mobility conditions. Instead of continuously measuring all configured MRSs, the system dynamically activates only those MRS configurations that are currently relevant for handover decisions. This dynamic approach maintains mobility measurement accuracy while significantly reducing UE energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where MRS configurations are deactivated (discarded from active measurement set) when not needed, and can be reactivated (recovered) when required. This allows the system to maintain a library of MRS configurations at RRC level while only actively measuring and reporting those that are currently activated at MAC level, thus reducing energy consumption while preserving the capability for accurate mobility measurements when needed.
3Speed
If MRS configuration is updated frequently to support beam switching, then mobility speed is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dynamic activation/deactivation function from the RRC configuration procedure and places it at the MAC level. This extraction allows frequent MRS configuration updates for beam switching to be performed through compact MAC control elements rather than full RRC reconfiguration messages. The result is faster beam switching capability with significantly reduced signaling overhead, as only activation indices need to be transmitted rather than complete MRS configuration sets.
4Adaptability or versatility
If RRC-level reconfiguration is performed for every MRS change, then configuration completeness is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension (MAC level) to the existing RRC configuration structure. Instead of relying solely on RRC-level configuration, the system introduces MAC-level activation and deactivation as an additional layer of control. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain complete MRS configuration information at RRC level while using the MAC layer for efficient dynamic management, thereby ensuring configuration completeness without increasing UE reconfiguration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, one or more network nodes of a wireless communication system sends, to a wireless device operating in the wireless communication system, mobility reference signal (MRS) configuration information, the MRS configuration information specifying one or more parameters for each of a plurality of MRS configurations. The network node subsequently sends, to the wireless device, an activation command indicating that at least a first one of the MRS configurations is to be used by the wireless device, the activation command including an index identifying the first one of the MRS configurations from among the plurality of MRS configurations. The wireless device receives the MRS configuration information and the activation command. The wireless device searches for at least one MRS specified by the first one of the MRS, responsive to the activation command and performs at least one measurement on the at least one MRS.