Uplink Measurement Aggregation in Minimization of Drive Tests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network measurement techniques for minimization of drive tests (MDT) in 3GPP LTE networks are inefficient as they only allow for downlink parameter measurement, lacking the capability to effectively measure and optimize uplink parameters, which are crucial for UL Coverage Optimization, QoS Verification, and IP Throughput Measurements, and require significant resources and costs due to the need for frequent drive tests.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves separating network measurement configuration commands into downlink and uplink components, with the base station performing uplink measurements and combining these with user equipment-reported results to generate an aggregated network measurement report, enabling UL Coverage Optimization, QoS Verification, and IP Throughput Measurements, and supporting coordinated multipoint transmissions/receptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only downlink parameter measurement is performed using UE, then measurement capability is limited, but uplink parameter measurement capability is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement configuration command is divided into two separate parts: first network measurements (downlink) that are forwarded to UE, and second network measurements (uplink) that are performed by the base station. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its measurement type, resolving the contradiction between limited measurement capability and the need for comprehensive uplink measurement precision.
2Reliability
If frequent drive tests are performed to optimize coverage, then network performance is improved, but costs and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs uplink measurements autonomously without requiring external drive test equipment or manual intervention. By embedding the measurement capability within the network infrastructure itself, the system eliminates the need for frequent resource-intensive drive tests while maintaining reliable coverage optimization through continuous automated measurement.
3Measurement precision
If base station performs uplink measurements, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only communicates with UE but also autonomously performs uplink network measurements and combines these with downlink measurements from UE. This multi-functionality approach adds measurement completeness without requiring separate dedicated measurement devices, thereby managing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If network measurement configuration is separated into downlink and uplink components, then measurement accuracy is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network measurement configuration command is segmented into distinct downlink measurements (forwarded to UE) and uplink measurements (performed by base station). This segmentation improves measurement accuracy by ensuring each component measures what it is best suited for, while the structured separation actually simplifies configuration management compared to a monolithic approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and radio access network device includes a processing unit configured to: separate a network measurement configuration command into at least first network measurements and second network measurements; forward the first network measurements of the network measurement configuration command over an air interface to a user equipment; receive, from the user equipment, the first network measurements on downlink communication channels to form first network measurement results; perform, in the radio access network device, the second network measurements on uplink communication channels to form second network measurement results; and combine, in the radio access network device, the first network measurement results from the user equipment with the second network measurement results from the radio access network device to form an aggregated network measurement report.