User Equipment Neighbor Cell Search Time Instance Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G/NR wireless communication systems, the existing neighbor cell search mechanisms are inefficient, particularly in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) due to unreliable signal measurements and increased processing load, leading to unnecessary neighbor cell measurements and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method for efficient neighbor cell search in wireless communication networks, where user equipment (UE) determines whether to perform measurements based on a comparison between the current absolute time and a time instance included in system information, skipping measurements if the current time is before the specified time instance, and utilizing a combination of signal and non-signal measurements for RA type selection, reducing unnecessary processing and resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If neighbor cell measurements are performed continuously, then measurement completeness is improved, but processing load and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring measurement time instances and skipping unnecessary measurements. The UE receives configuration information including time instance information from the network side, and uses this to determine in advance when measurements should be performed, avoiding continuous processing and reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement reliability at critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic measurement at specific time instances rather than continuous measurement. The network configures periodic measurement time instances, and the UE performs measurements only at these predetermined moments, reducing processing load and energy consumption while maintaining adequate measurement coverage for handover decisions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If neighbor cell measurements are skipped to reduce processing load, then energy consumption decreases, but measurement accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the network side provides configuration information including time instance information based on network conditions, and the UE reports measurement results at configured time instances. This feedback loop ensures that measurements are performed at optimal moments when network conditions require them, maintaining accuracy while reducing overall energy consumption through selective measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameter of measurements from continuous to discrete time instances. By configuring specific time instances for measurements based on network conditions and handover requirements, the system optimizes when measurements occur, ensuring adequate measurement accuracy at critical moments while reducing energy consumption during periods when measurements are skipped.
3Use of energy by moving object
If time instance information is implemented for measurement scheduling, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The time instance information mechanism serves multiple functions: it schedules measurements, determines processing requirements, and optimizes energy consumption. By using a unified time instance configuration approach, the system avoids adding separate complex control mechanisms for each function, thereby improving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously uses the received time instance information to determine when to perform measurements without requiring continuous network control. The UE compares current time with configured time instances and independently decides whether to perform measurements, reducing the need for complex network-side scheduling and control mechanisms while maintaining energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses of UE for an efficient neighbor cell search in a wireless communication network. A method of a UE comprises: receiving system information including time instance information for performing measurements on neighboring cells; identifying a time instance included in the time instance information; determining, based on a comparison between a current absolute time and the time instance, whether to perform the measurements on the neighboring cells; and skipping performing the measurements on the neighboring cells based on a determination that the current absolute time is before the time instance.