UE Measurement Bandwidth Adaptation for Neighboring Carrier Subcarrier Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular network technologies face challenges in accurately measuring and communicating subcarrier spacing numerology between user equipment (UE) and radio access network (RAN) nodes, leading to misalignment in measurement bandwidth and potential over- or under-estimation of measurement results across carriers with different subcarrier spacings.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves selecting a minimum measurement bandwidth based on a baseline reference value of subcarrier spacing, allowing RAN nodes to transmit information about neighboring cell subcarrier spacing using system information blocks (SIB) or radio resource control (RRC) signaling, ensuring that the UE is informed of the correct numerology for accurate measurements, even when in idle or connected states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the UE performs measurements on neighboring carriers without knowing their subcarrier spacing, then the measurement procedure is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to misalignment in measurement bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The base station transmits subcarrier spacing information for neighboring carriers in advance through SIB or RRC signaling, before the UE performs measurements. This preliminary provision of numerology information enables the UE to configure its measurement bandwidth correctly, resolving the contradiction by preparing the necessary measurement parameters beforehand without complicating the actual measurement execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces subcarrier spacing information as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the base station's measurement configuration and the UE's measurement execution. This intermediate information layer allows the UE to align its measurement bandwidth with the actual carrier characteristics, achieving both operational simplicity and measurement precision
2Device complexity
If the UE uses a fixed measurement bandwidth for all carriers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to bandwidth mismatch with different subcarrier spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement bandwidth is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to different subcarrier spacings of neighboring carriers. The UE configures its measurement bandwidth based on the received numerology information, enabling the measurement system to flexibly adjust to varying carrier characteristics while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement bandwidth parameter based on the subcarrier spacing parameter of the target carrier. By dynamically adjusting the measurement bandwidth to match the carrier's numerology, the system achieves accurate measurements across different carriers without requiring complex manual configuration, as the bandwidth parameter automatically scales with the subcarrier spacing
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE performs measurements on carriers with unknown numerology, then the adaptability to different network configurations is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect sampling rates
Solution Approach 1:
The base station provides subcarrier spacing information in advance through SIB or RRC signaling, enabling the UE to adapt to different network configurations with correct measurement parameters from the outset. This preliminary information provision allows the UE to maintain both high adaptability to various carrier configurations and high measurement precision simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the base station knows the numerology of neighboring carriers and provides this information to the UE, which then uses it to configure measurements appropriately. This feedback loop ensures that the UE's measurement configuration accurately reflects the actual network configuration, maintaining both adaptability and precision
Data Source
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AI summary
An UE, in order to perform RRM measurements on a set of neighboring carriers using the minimum measurement bandwidth required, performs such measurements based on information of the subcarrier spacing of said neighboring carriers; the information is received on an IE sent by a RAN node; the UE reports the measurements to such RAN node.