Uplink Pathloss Determination for Asymmetric Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications networks face challenges in efficiently determining uplink pathloss for communications devices, particularly in asymmetric coverage scenarios where conventional methods relying on downlink transmissions are not applicable.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a communications device, a first infrastructure equipment with an uplink-only interface, and a second infrastructure equipment with a downlink interface, where the communications device receives reference signals, measures received signal power, and calculates uplink pathloss based on location and propagation parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional downlink-based pathloss determination methods are used, then pathloss can be determined in symmetric coverage scenarios, but the method becomes inapplicable in asymmetric coverage scenarios with uplink-only access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second infrastructure equipment (IEQ2) as an intermediary that has both downlink and uplink capabilities. This intermediary acts as a mediator to relay pathloss determination information to the communications device, enabling pathloss determination for uplink-only access points without requiring the access points themselves to have downlink capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The second infrastructure equipment performs multiple functions: it receives reference signals from the communications device, measures received signal power, calculates pathloss, and transmits pathloss information back to the device. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized components
2Area of stationary object
If uplink-only access points are deployed to extend coverage, then uplink coverage is improved, but accurate pathloss determination becomes challenging without downlink transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the first infrastructure equipment transmits reference signals to the communications device, the device measures the received signal power, and this measurement is fed back (via the second IEQ) to determine the uplink pathloss. This closed-loop feedback enables accurate pathloss determination despite the asymmetric coverage scenario
3Measurement precision
If reference signal transmission power is increased to improve pathloss measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but uplink power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs partial action by transmitting reference signals only during specific measurement occasions rather than continuously. The reference signals are transmitted with sufficient power to enable accurate measurement, but only when needed for pathloss determination, thereby avoiding excessive continuous power consumption while still achieving the required measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for determining an uplink pathloss for a communications device. A system comprises: a first infrastructure equipment; a second infrastructure equipment; and a communications device configured to communicate with the first infrastructure equipment via a first air interface provided by the first infrastructure equipment, and to communicate with the second infrastructure equipment via a second air interface provided by the second infrastructure equipment. The first air interface is an uplink-only interface for the communications device, and wherein the second air interface is both an uplink and downlink interface for the communications device. The uplink pathloss for the communications device on the first air interface is determined based on a received signal power of a first reference signal at the first infrastructure equipment and a transmission power of the first reference signal.