Unified Indexing Framework for 5G Reference Signal Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from 4G to 5G wireless communication systems introduces complexities in configuring diverse types of reference signals, particularly due to the removal of Common Reference Signals (CRS) and the introduction of new RS types like phase tracking reference signals (PT-RS) and time and frequency reference signals (TRS), which require a unified indexing framework to manage disparate RS types across different component carriers and directions.
Innovation Solution
A unified signaling framework that uses unique identifiers to configure quasi-co-location (QCL) between reference signals on different component carriers, directions, and time periodicities, employing a configuration engine to generate and manage these identifiers, and supports resource allocation and beam management across various RS types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diverse reference signal types are introduced to replace CRS, then service levels for data centric applications are improved, but configuration complexity increases due to managing multiple RS types across different component carriers and directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified indexing framework that serves multiple functions: identifying reference signals, determining their types (PT-RS, TRS, CSI-RS, SRS), and configuring quasi-co-location relationships across different component carriers and directions. This single framework replaces the need for separate configuration mechanisms for each reference signal type, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining the versatility to support diverse service levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reference signal configuration into discrete components through the unified index structure. Each reference signal is assigned a unique identifier that can be independently configured and managed. The quasi-co-location configuration is divided into manageable segments that can be independently controlled for different reference signal types, enabling simplified management of the diverse RS types while maintaining adaptability for various service requirements.
2Productivity
If unified indexing framework is implemented to manage diverse RS types, then configuration efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead increases due to unique identifiers and QCL configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple configuration parameters into a unified index structure. Instead of separately signaling configuration details for each reference signal type, the system combines type identification, carrier association, and quasi-co-location information into a single unified index. This merging approach improves configuration efficiency by reducing the number of separate signaling messages while the compact index structure minimizes the information loss compared to detailed per-signal configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference signaling where the unified index acts as a copy or reference to pre-defined reference signal configurations. Rather than transmitting complete configuration data for each reference signal, the system transmits indices that reference pre-configured signal parameters. This copying mechanism significantly reduces signaling overhead while maintaining configuration efficiency, as the actual signal parameters are retrieved from stored reference data rather than being repeatedly transmitted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CRS is removed and new RS types are introduced, then system flexibility for 5G services is improved, but management difficulty increases due to disparate RS types across component carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through a single unified indexing framework that manages all reference signal types (PT-RS, TRS, CSI-RS, SRS) across different component carriers and directions. This universal index structure provides system flexibility for 5G services by accommodating diverse reference signal requirements while simplifying management through a consistent, unified approach that treats all RS types uniformly, thereby reducing management difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified index structure serves as an intermediary between the diverse reference signal types and the configuration management system. It translates the complexity of managing multiple disparate RS types into a simplified index-based interface. The intermediary index structure abstracts away the differences between reference signal types and carriers, providing ease of operation by presenting a unified management perspective while maintaining the flexibility needed for 5G services.
Data Source
AI summary
Facilitating a signaling framework for configuring different types of reference signals for wireless communication systems is provided herein. A system can comprise: a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can comprise: receiving a reference signal from a user equipment device; based on the reference signal generating a unique identifier from the reference signal; allocating a resource associated with the reference signal based on a reference signal type and a component carrier index list; associating the unique identifier with the resource, the component carrier index list, and the reference signal type in a data structure; and storing the data structure to the memory and transmitting the data structure to the user equipment device.