UE Measurement Gap Configuration for Multi-AP Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless telecommunications networks, User Equipment (UE) often fails to detect synchronization signals from non-serving access points due to misalignment of measurement gaps, leading to communication failures in scenarios like dual connectivity and handovers, especially when access points are not time-synchronized.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring multiple measurement gaps with varying gap offsets within each time frame to align with different access points' transmission periods, allowing UE to detect synchronization signals from multiple access points without requiring time synchronization between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single measurement gap configuration is used, then the UE can communicate with the serving access point efficiently, but the UE fails to detect synchronization signals from non-serving access points due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single measurement gap configuration into multiple measurement gap configurations, each with different gap offsets. This segmentation allows the UE to detect synchronization signals from multiple non-serving access points that have different time frame alignments, resolving the contradiction between reliable detection and adaptability to multiple access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic measurement gap configurations where the gap offset can be adjusted based on the specific time frame alignment requirements of different non-serving access points. This dynamic approach enables the measurement gap to adapt to varying access point configurations while maintaining efficient communication with the serving access point.
2Reliability
If time synchronization between access points is enforced, then measurement gaps can be aligned with non-serving access points, but hardware costs increase due to GPS modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual time synchronization by configuring measurement gaps based on reported time frame information from non-serving access points. Instead of requiring physical GPS modules for hardware-based time synchronization, the system uses software-based configuration that copies the time frame alignment characteristics, eliminating the need for expensive synchronization hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based time synchronization system with a software-based measurement gap configuration system. By using higher-layer signaling to convey time frame information and configuring measurement gaps accordingly, the system substitutes hardware-dependent synchronization with software-based timing coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE suspends communications with serving access points during measurement gaps, then the UE can communicate with other access points, but communication efficiency with the serving access point decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple measurement gap configurations with different gap offsets, allowing the UE to perform measurements during specific portions of time frames when suspension is necessary, while maintaining communication during other portions. This partial suspension approach minimizes the impact on serving access point communication efficiency while still enabling detection of non-serving access points.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a method of operating a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network including a first access point, a second access point and a third access point, wherein the UE is connected to the first access point and the second and third access points communicate based on periodic time frames