Fast small cell discovery

• US 9,743,305 B2
• Filed: 09/06/2013
• Issued: 08/22/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel IP Corporation (Intel Corporation)
• Inventors: Han, Seunghee, Heo, Youn Hyoung, Fwu, Jong-Kae, Davydov, Alexei
• Primary Examiner(s): Hamza, Faruk
• Assistant Examiner(s): Decker, Cassandra
• Application Number:
  US14/127,479
• Publication Number:
  US 20140198676A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,446 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0417 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0456 Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices antenna weighting
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/00 Time-division multiplex systems H04J14/00 takes precedence; relay systems H04B7/14; selecting techniques H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/18 Automatic repetition systems, e.g. Van Duuren systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1812 Hybrid protocols; Hybrid automatic repeat request [HARQ]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1887 Scheduling and prioritising arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/24 Key scheduling, i.e. generating round keys or sub-keys for block encryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/80 Wireless
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/08 Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0012 Hopping in multicarrier systems for frequency hopping in spread spectrum systems H04B1/713
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0016 Time-frequency-code
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0035 Resource allocation in a cooperative multipoint environment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0048 Allocation of pilot signals, i.e. of signals known to the receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0051 of dedicated pilots, i.e. pilots destined for a single user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0053 Allocation of signaling, i.e. of overhead other than pilot signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0055 Physical resource allocation for ACK/NACK for physical mapping arrangements in ARQ protocols H04L1/1861
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0057 Physical resource allocation for CQI
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0062 Avoidance of ingress interference, e.g. ham radio channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0076 Allocation utility-based
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0092 Indication of how the channel is divided
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0094 : Indication of how sub-channels of the path are allocated
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0096 : Indication of changes in allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 : Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1469 : using time-sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/22 : using time-division multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 : wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/30 : for supporting lawful interception, monitoring or retaining of communications or communication related information circuit switched telephony call monitoring H04M3/2281
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1104 : Session initiation protocol [SIP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 : for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/65 : Network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/762 : at the source reformatting of additional data in video distribution servers H04N21/2355
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 : based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/14 : using a plurality of keys or algorithms
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 : Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/0431 : Key distribution or pre-distribution; Key agreement
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/50 : Secure pairing of devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/32 : Hierarchical cell structures
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 : Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 : Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/0231 : based on communication conditions dynamic wireless traffic scheduling definition based on channel quality criteria H04W72/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0066 : of control information between different types of networks in order to establish a new radio link in the target network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0069 : in case of dual connectivity, e.g. decoupled uplink/downlink
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/00692 : using simultaneous multiple data streams, e.g. cooperative multipoint [CoMP], carrier aggregation [CA] or multiple input multiple output [MIMO] allocation of physical resources in CoMP or in CA H04L5/0035
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/22 : for handling the traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 : Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/08 : Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery signalling during connection H04W76/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/10 : using broadcasted information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 : Discovering, processing access restriction or access information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/20 : Selecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0251 : using monitoring of local events, e.g. events related to user activity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/001 : Synchronization between nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/02 : Arrangements for increasing efficiency of notification or paging channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/00 : Local resource management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/02 : Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0446 : Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/046 : the resource being in the space domain, e.g. beams
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/1263 : Mapping of traffic onto schedule, e.g. scheduled allocation or multiplexing of flows
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/20 : Control channels or signalling for resource management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/21 : in the uplink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 : in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/00 : Wireless channel access
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/11 : Allocation or use of connection identifiers
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/27 : Transitions between radio resource control [RRC] states
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/28 : Discontinuous transmission [DTX]; Discontinuous reception [DRX]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/045 : using private Base Stations, e.g. femto Base Stations, home Node B
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/30 : Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Embodiments of circuitry to be included in a user equipment (“UE”) and an evolved Node B (“eNB”) are described. To accelerate the detection of one or more cells in a wireless network, a UE may perform Radio Resource Management (“RRM”) measurements based on one or more synchronization signals instead of based on a common reference signal (“CRS”). Alternatively, the UE may perform RRM measurements for a cell based on a CRS transmitted for the cell without synchronizing to the cell using one or more synchronization signals. The UE may report the RRM measurements to an cNB that is to serve the UE.

Claims

1. An apparatus to be implemented in a user equipment (“

UE”

), the apparatus comprising;

processing circuitry to;

identify, based on a message received from an evolved node B (“

eNB”

), an indication of a first Radio Resource Management (“

RRM”

) metric and a second RRM metric, wherein the first RRM metric is for measurement of a first carrier frequency of a first cell and the second RRM metric is for measurement of a second carrier frequency of a second cell, wherein the first RRM metric is different than the second RRM metric,

detect a first synchronization signal for identifying the first cell and a second synchronization signal for identifying the second cell, and

identify a first physical layer cell identity (“

PCI”

) of the first cell using the first synchronization signal and a second PCI of the second cell using the second synchronization signal;

measurement circuitry, communicatively coupled with the processing circuitry, the measurement circuitry to;

measure, using the first RRM metric, a first RRM metric value of a resource element carrying the first synchronization signal, wherein the first RRM metric value of the resource element carrying the first synchronization signal is for channel estimation or cell selection, and

measure, using the second RRM metric, a second RRM metric value of a resource element carrying the second synchronization signal, wherein the second RRM metric value of the resource element carrying the second synchronization signal is for channel estimation or cell selection; and

reporting circuitry, communicatively coupled with the measurement circuitry, the reporting circuitry to report the first PCI and the measured first RRM metric value for the first cell or the second PCI and the measured second RRM metric value for the second cell to the eNB.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first synchronization signal is a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal provided by the first cell and the second synchronization signal is a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal provided by the second cell.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reporting circuitry is further to transmit the report at a predetermined interval.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first RRM metric and the second RRM metric are ones among a plurality of RRM metrics, and the plurality of RRM metrics include a received linear average power, an interference over thermal noise power, a reference signal received power (“

RSRP”

), and a reference signal received quality (“

RSRQ”

), and wherein the second RRM metric value is a signal to interference over thermal noise power of the second synchronization signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the eNB operates a primary cell that serves the UE;

the first cell is a secondary cell, another primary cell operated by another eNB, or a secondary cell operated by a small cell base station;

the second cell is another secondary cell operated by another small cell base station; and

the first carrier frequency is different than the second carrier frequency.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further to receive, from the eNB, a list of neighboring cells that includes the first cell and the second cell.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the processing circuitry is further to;

identify, based on the message, a first threshold to which the first RRM metric value is to be compared and a second threshold to which the second RRM metric value is to be compared, and

determine whether the measured first RRM metric value exceeds the first threshold and whether the measured second RRM metric value exceeds the second threshold; and

the reporting circuitry is to report the first PCI and the measured first RRM metric value for the first cell to the eNB when the first RRM metric value is determined to exceed the first threshold or report the second PCI and the measured second RRM metric value for the second cell when the second RRM metric value is determined to exceed the second threshold.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the processing circuitry is further to receive, from the eNB, a request for the first RRM metric value or the second RRM metric value;

and

wherein the reporting circuitry is to report the first RRM metric value or the second RRM metric value according to the request.

9. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions, wherein execution of the instructions by one or more processors of a user equipment (“

UE”

) causes the UE to;

identify, based on a message received from an evolved node B (“

eNB”

), a first Radio Resource Management (“

RRM”

) metric and a second RRM metric, wherein the first RRM metric is for measurement of a first carrier frequency of a first cell and the second RRM metric is for measurement of a second carrier frequency of a second cell, wherein the first RRM metric is different than the second RRM metric;

detect a first primary synchronization signal (“

PSS”

) or a first secondary synchronization signal (“

SSS”

) of the first cell for identifying the first cell;

detect a second PSS or a second SSS of the second cell for identifying the second cell;

identify a first physical layer cell identity (“

PCI”

) of the first cell using the first PSS or the first SSS;

identify a second PCI of the second cell using the second PSS or the second SSS;

control measurement, using the first RRM metric, of a resource element carrying the first PSS or the first SSS to obtain a first RRM metric value, wherein the first RRM metric value of the resource element carrying the first PSS or the first SSS is for channel estimation or cell selection;

control measurement, using the second RRM metric, of a resource element carrying the second PSS or the second SSS to obtain a second RRM metric value, wherein the second RRM metric value of the resource element carrying the second PSS or the second SSS is for channel estimation or cell selection; and

transmit, to the eNB, a report including the first PCI and the measured first RRM metric value or the second PCI and the measured second RRM metric value.

10. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 9, wherein the first RRM metric and the second RRM metric are among a plurality of RRM metrics, and the plurality of RRM metrics include a received linear average power, an interference over thermal noise power, a reference signal received power (“

RSRP”

), and a reference signal received quality (“

RSRQ”

).

11. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 9, wherein:

the eNB operates a primary cell that serves the UE,

the first cell is a secondary cell or another primary cell operated by another eNB or a secondary cell operated by a small cell base station,

the second cell is another secondary cell operated by another small cell base station, and

the first carrier frequency is different than the second carrier frequency.

12. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 9, wherein execution of the instructions causes the UE to:

identify, based on the message, a list of neighboring cells that includes the first cell and the second cell.

13. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 9, wherein execution of the instructions causes the UE to:

identify, based on the message, a first threshold to which the first RRM metric value is to be compared or a second threshold to which the second RRM metric value is to be compared; and

determine whether the measured first RRM metric value exceeds the first threshold or whether the measured second RRM metric value exceeds the second threshold; and

,

wherein, to transmit the report to the eNB, execution of the instructions causes the UE to transmit the report when the first RRM metric value exceeds the first threshold or when the second RRM metric value exceeds the second threshold.

14. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 9, wherein to transmit the report to the eNB, execution of the instructions causes the UE to:

transmit the report at a predetermined interval.

15. An apparatus to be implemented in an evolved Node B (“

eNB”

), the apparatus comprising;

processing circuitry to;

select a first Radio Resource Management (“

RRM”

) metric for measurement of a primary synchronization signal (“

PSS”

) and a second RRM metric for measurement of a secondary synchronization signal (“

SSS”

), wherein the first RRM metric and the second RRM metric are selected from among a plurality of RRM metrics based on a frequency carrier to be measured or based on a cell from which a signal is to be measured, and

identify, based on a report from a user equipment (“

UE”

), a first RRM metric value and a second RRM metric value, wherein the first RRM metric value is based on a measurement of a resource element carrying the PSS using the first RRM metric and the second RRM metric value is based on a measurement of a resource element carrying the SSS using the second RRM metric; and

transceiver circuitry to transmit, to the UE, a message to indicate the first RRM metric and the second RRM metric, and receive, from the UE, the report in response to the message.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the plurality of RRM metrics include a received linear average power, an interference over thermal noise power, a reference signal received power, and a reference signal received quality.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the eNB is a primary cell serving the UE, and wherein the processing circuitry is to:

identify, based on the report, a physical layer cell identity; and

select, based on the first RRM metric value or the second RRM metric value, a cell associated with the physical layer cell identity to serve the UE as a secondary cell.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein:

the message is to further indicate a first threshold to which the first RRM metric value is to be compared or a second threshold to which the second RRM metric value is to be compared, and

the transceiver circuitry is to receive the report when the measured first RRM metric value exceeds the first threshold or when the measured second RRM metric value exceeds the second threshold.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the message is to further indicate that the UE is to send the report at a predetermined interval.