5G UE Cell Selection Using Good Beam Count Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems, cell selection and re-selection processes are challenged by varying numbers of 'good beams' among cells, leading to frequent cell re-selection and handover events, as well as unfair comparisons due to averaging over different numbers of good beams, resulting in unstable service coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method for user equipment (UE) to measure and rank cells based on the number of good beams and cell quality, using thresholds to determine cell selection and re-selection criteria, ensuring fair ranking and reducing unnecessary re-selection and handover events by considering the number of good beams in addition to cell quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If cell selection and re-selection are based on averaging beam quality over all beams, then cell ranking is simplified, but cells with different numbers of good beams are unfairly compared leading to unstable service coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam quality evaluation by separating cells into groups based on their number of good beams. Instead of uniformly averaging all beams across all cells, the method divides cells into different segments (groups) according to whether they have 1, 2, or more than 2 good beams, and applies appropriate averaging within each segment. This segmentation allows fair comparison while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different cells differently based on their specific characteristics (number of good beams). Each cell is evaluated based on its local properties - cells with 1 good beam are compared among themselves, cells with 2 good beams are compared among themselves, and cells with more than 2 good beams are compared among themselves. This localized evaluation approach ensures fair comparison while stabilizing service coverage.
2Ease of operation
If the UE evaluates all cells based on uniform criteria, then the cell selection process is simple, but frequent cell re-selection occurs due to varying numbers of good beams among cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic evaluation criteria that adapt to the specific characteristics of each cell. Rather than using a static uniform criteria for all cells, the method dynamically adjusts the evaluation approach based on the number of good beams detected in each cell. This dynamic approach reduces unnecessary re-selection by accounting for the varying capabilities of different cells, while maintaining operational simplicity through automated classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the evaluation parameters based on the number of good beams. The method modifies the cell ranking criteria dynamically - cells are classified into different parameter sets based on whether they have 1, 2, or more than 2 good beams. This parameter change approach reduces frequent re-selection by using appropriate comparison metrics for each cell type, while keeping the overall process simple through automated parameter selection.
3Power
If beamforming is used to compensate for link budget loss in high frequency spectrum, then data rate transmission coverage is improved, but cell selection becomes more complex due to varying beam qualities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the UE automatically classify and evaluate cells based on the beam quality measurements it performs during normal operation. The method uses the UE's own measurements of reference signals to automatically determine the number of good beams and apply appropriate evaluation criteria without requiring network intervention or complex manual configuration. This self-service approach manages the complexity while maintaining improved coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors beam quality and uses this information to adjust cell selection decisions. The method feeds back the measured beam qualities to the cell evaluation process, allowing the UE to learn from actual signal conditions and make more informed selection decisions. This feedback loop manages the complexity introduced by beamforming by using real-time measurements to guide selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) operates to select and/or re-select among radio cells provided by access nodes of a wireless communication system. The UE measures quality of beams detected from each of the cells. For each of the cells, the UE derives cell quality based on the quality of the beams from the cell. For each of the cells, the UE determines the number of good beams among the beams from the cell based on a cell quality threshold received via system information. The UE ranks the cells in a ranking list relative to each other based on the number of good beams associated with respective ones of the cells and the cell quality. The UE controls, based on the ranking of the cells in the ranking list the number of good beams and the cell quality, selection and/or re-selection of a cell among the cells that is to be used for UE radio communications.