User Equipment Scanning Rate Control for Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous networks, user equipment (UE) experiences high power consumption when scanning for inter-frequency neighbor cells, especially at high speeds, due to existing mobility state estimation methods not being optimized for pico cells and varying user velocities, leading to inefficient battery usage and potential interference issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing two scanning rate modes based on user equipment speed, where scanning frequency increases with speed until a threshold, then reduces to minimize power consumption and avoid unnecessary handovers, with modes selected based on signal quality and network type to conserve battery life and optimize mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE scans all inter-frequency small cells according to conventional procedures, then the UE can detect neighbor cells for handover, but the power consumption increases significantly and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scanning rate adjustable based on UE mobility state. The network configures different scanning rates (first scanning rate for high mobility, second scanning rate for low mobility) and the UE dynamically switches between them based on its current mobility state, optimizing the balance between detection reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scanning rate parameter according to mobility state. The network configures multiple scanning rate parameters, and the UE selects the appropriate parameter based on its mobility state estimation, thereby adapting the scanning behavior to current conditions and reducing unnecessary power consumption.
2Speed
If the UE increases scanning rate proportional to velocity, then the UE can track fast-moving neighbor cells, but the power consumption increases further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the scanning rate dynamic by configuring different rates based on mobility state. Instead of continuously increasing scanning rate with velocity, the system establishes discrete scanning rate levels corresponding to different mobility states, creating a dynamic but controlled scanning behavior that prevents excessive power consumption at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring maximum scanning rate limits through network configuration. This prevents the UE from indefinitely increasing scanning rate with velocity, as the network has already set upper bounds on scanning frequency based on what is actually necessary for handover reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE uses conventional mobility state estimation parameters, then the UE can estimate mobility state, but the parameters are not optimized for HetNets with pico cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing handover failure detection specific to HetNet conditions. The UE monitors handover failures separately and uses this local information to adjust scanning rate selection, making the mobility state estimation more accurate for HetNet environments with pico cells rather than relying solely on conventional parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors handover failure events and uses this feedback to adjust its scanning rate selection. The UE reports handover failure information to the network, which then provides updated mobility state estimation parameters, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves adaptability to HetNet conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique for controlling the scanning frequency of the apparatus, comprising reducing the scanning frequency when the apparatus is moving at high speed.