Wireless Device Downlink Signal Feedback for Network Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in managing signal quality and strength for Machine Type of Communication (MTC) devices, particularly in supporting Internet of Things (IoT) services, due to differing traffic requirements and limited ability to adapt Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS) and power levels, leading to increased interference and suboptimal spectral efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where wireless devices in a wireless communication network provide an early indication of their current downlink signal quality and strength to the network through a message associated with a system access request, using a range that exceeds a certain threshold, allowing the network to optimize MCS and power levels, even during Temporary Block Flows (TBFs), thereby counteracting interference and improving spectral efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the network uses fixed MCS and power levels for MTC devices, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device performs downlink signal quality measurement and sends indication information to the network node before actual data transmission. This preliminary action allows the network to pre-configure appropriate MCS and power levels, avoiding the need for complex real-time adaptation while maintaining optimal spectral efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wireless device measures downlink signal quality (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR) and feeds back this information to the network node. The network uses this feedback to select and configure appropriate MCS and power levels, creating a closed-loop system that improves spectral efficiency without increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If the network adapts MCS and power levels dynamically, then spectral efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device autonomously measures downlink signal quality parameters and determines whether to send indication information based on predefined thresholds. This self-service approach allows the device to participate in the adaptation process without requiring complex network coordination, improving spectral efficiency while keeping device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being reported from absolute signal quality values to binary indication information (whether quality exceeds a threshold). This parameter transformation simplifies the device's reporting burden while providing the network with sufficient information to adjust MCS and power levels effectively.
3Quantity of substance
If the network supports a massive number of MTC devices, then coverage is improved, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different MCS and power levels for different wireless devices based on their individual downlink signal quality conditions. Instead of using a uniform configuration for all MTC devices, the network tailors parameters to local channel conditions, which reduces interference while supporting massive device connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, wireless device (120; 400) and wireless communication network (100), such as a network node (110; 600) thereof, for managing downlink signal information. The downlink signal information being information about signal quality and/or signal strength received by the wireless device (120) in a downlink. The wireless device (120) sends (203; 302), to the wireless communication network (100), a message indicating said obtained downlink signal information and which message is associated with the wireless device (120) requesting access to the wireless communication network (100). The downlink information being indicated in the message by a range that indicates how much the obtained downlink signal information exceeds a certain threshold. The range is determined based on a certain factor that the wireless communication network (100) has informed the wireless device (120) about.