Traffic-dependent power mode selection

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (10) for transmitting a plurality of data packets (P1.1- P1.5, P2.1-P2.4) in a wireless network. The method (10) comprises a step of determining (S1), for at least on data packet of the plurality of data packets (P1.1-P1.5, P2.1-P2.4) a first quality of experience value, if transmitted with a first power mode, a second quality of experience value, if transmitted with a second power mode. The method (10) further comprises a step of transmitting (S2) the data packet with the first power mode, if the first quality of experience value is higher than an acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is lower than an acceptable second threshold. The method (10) further comprises a step of transmitting (S3) the data packet with the second power mode, if the first quality of experience value is lower than the acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold. The invention further relates to aN apparatus configured to execute the method. (Fig. 1)

Description

[0001] Traffic-dependent power mode selection

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for application of reduced power mode to data in a wireless network as a function of the quality of experience of the transmitted data.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Current radio equipment in telecommunication devices can often be configured to operate in different power modes.

[0005] Typically, the radio operates in a default power mode, which corresponds to operation enabling full power operation. However, lower power modes are available as well, for instance in order to reduce power consumption and / or the temperature of the electronic components.

[0006] Those lower power modes are typically activated on a need basis. A few examples of lower power modes available in current technologies are:

[0007] Power backoff: for this mode the output power of the radio may be decreased for a certain time interval. This may be done for all transmissions or potentially only for certain radio channels such as PDSCH. This will consequently reduce the power consumption in the radio.

[0008] Muting: for this mode the output power of the radio is set to zero for certain time intervals. These intervals may occur in a repeating fashion, such as periodic or semiperiodic, which consequently will reduce the power consumption.

[0009] Turning off a carrier: in case a node in a wireless network, such as a gNB, uses multiple carriers, one or more can be turned off for a certain time interval.

[0010] Turning off a part of carrier: similar to above but only a part of a carrier can be turned off for a certain time interval, this can enable parts of the hardware to be set in low power operation mode.

[0011] Branch muting: when operating with advanced antenna systems, AAS, with multiple branches, such as MIMO, there generally is a certain amount of hardware associated to each branch. Turning off one or more branches for a certain time interval will allow turning off also the corresponding hardware, which will enable a reduced power consumption. It will be understood that while the examples above relate to lower power modes implemented by controlling the download traffic at the gNB. In an analogous manner, from the UE point of view, analogous modes exist by controlling the receiver chain.

[0012] In general, a lower power mode will reduce performance for some key performance indicators, KPI. In particular, Quality of Experience, QoE, is a measure of a user’s experiences with a service offered by the wireless network. Different kinds of services can have different characteristics for QoE.

[0013] For instance, one service may not be dependent on low latency, implying that high latency can be afforded without significant effect on QoE, whereas another service may require low latency.

[0014] For example, video users with large buffers are less latency sensitive than users with real time traffic in terms of QoE. Furthermore, QoE may relate to a certain service but could also be related to a traffic type, or service type, since services of similar kind tend to have similar QoE.

[0015] As stated above different power modes will have different impact on performance and consequently also on QoE. In order to formalize this, QoE can be indicated as a function QoE(u, t, p, s) where u = 1 , 2, ... , II represents the index of a user for which the QoE is considered, t = 1 , 2, ... T represents a traffic type, or service type of the data transmitted to / from user u and for which the QoE is considered or a traffic type of the data. It will be noted that service type differs from traffic type. As an example, different kind of games, i.e. different kind of services, using cloud gaming, which is a traffic type, may have different QoE characteristics. In the following, the generic reference to type can be applied to both the traffic type, or the service type. p = 1 , 2, ... , P represents the power mode of the radio serving the user u. It is assumed that p=1 represents default power mode, with no power saving,

[0016] The notation of the best possible QoE, QOEBEST, can then be formalized as

[0017] Q°EBEST(.U> E) = max QoE(u, t, p) pe{i,2. P}

[0018] Thus, in the following,

[0019] QoE(u, t, p) ~ QOEBEST(U, t) will be used to indicate that the power mode p has an insignificant impact on QoE, compared to the optimal mode, while QoE(u, t, p) « QOEBEST(U, t) will be used to indicate that the power mode p has a significant impact on QoE.

[0020] In current technology, the different power modes are configured without regards to the type that is being served. In some cases this can lead to excessive power being consumed, since power is not optimized for each individual type.

[0021] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of data packets P1.1-P2.4, which are to be transmitted with different energy mode, namely “muting”, schematically indicated by p=2, and “power backoff”, schematically indicated by p=3. A data packet is represented as a pair of (u,t) transmitted in a time / frequency coordinate.

[0022] As indicated above, in some cases this might lead to a reduced QoE.

[0023] For instance, with respect to the example of figure 1 , it is possible that application of the power mode “muting” might lead to a reduced QoE for type 1 .

[0024] This results in a reduced QoE for all transmissions with type 1 , namely for data packets P1 .1 , and P1.3. This is indicated by their respective QoE being indicated as lower as the ideal QoE, schematically indicated as QoE « QOEBEST. For instance, with reference to packet 1.1 , QoE(1 ,1 ,2) « QOEBEST(1 , 1 ), schematically indicates that the QoE achievable by traffic type 1 and user 1 , when transmitted .with power mode 2, is lower than the QoE which can be achieved with the optimal power mode, indicated as QOEBEST. A similar situation applies, in this example, to packets with type 3, hence to P1.5.

[0025] On the other hand, the application of the power mode “muting” might lead to a QoE comparable to the ideal QoE, QOEBEST, for type 2, hence the packets P1.2 and P1.4.

[0026] Similarly, in this example, the application of the power mode “power backoff” might lead to a reduced QoE for all transmissions with type 2, namely for packets P2.1 and P2.4. Still in the illustrated example, the application of the power mode “power backoff” might lead to a QoE comparable to the ideal QoE, QOEBEST, for type 1 , hence the packets P3.1 and P2.1.

[0027] However, since the power modes are applied indiscriminately to the various packets independently on the QoE achieved, but rather based on other criteria, the configuration illustrated in the example of figure 1 leads to a reduction in the global QoE.

[0028] There is therefore a need to avoid a reduction in QoE in systems which can employ a plurality of power modes. Brief summary of the invention

[0029] The invention is generally based on the concept of scheduling transmission of data in such a way to enable type-dependent and / or user-dependent selection of power modes for the various data packets.

[0030] This can generally be done by scheduling data packets depending on their user, or type, and applying the most beneficial power mode for each type. As will become evident from the following description, this can allow for lower overall energy consumption, at a limited cost in terms of QoE, since the configured power mode can be adapted to more specific needs rather than the overall worst-case scenario.

[0031] Thus, an embodiment can relate to a method for transmitting a plurality of data packets in a wireless network. The method can comprise a step of determining, for at least on data packet of the plurality of data packets a first quality of experience value, if transmitted with a first power mode, and a second quality of experience value, if transmitted with a second power mode. The method can further comprise a step of transmitting the data packet with the first power mode, if the first quality of experience value is higher than an acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is lower than an acceptable second threshold. The method can further comprise a step of transmitting the data packet with the second power mode, if the first quality of experience value is lower than the acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold.

[0032] In some preferred embodiments, the method can further comprise a step of transmitting the data packet with the first power mode and / or with the second power mode, if the first quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, the data packet can comprise at least an indication of a user receiving, or transmitting, the data packet, and the determining step can comprise the steps of retrieving the user, or characteristics of the user, and determining the first quality of experience value, and / or the second quality of experience, based on the user, or on the characteristics of the user.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, the step of determining the first quality of experience value, and / or the second quality of experience value, based on the user, can comprise a step of determining whether the user is in a good propagation environment. Alternatively, or in addition, it can comprise a step of determining that the first quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable first threshold if the user is in a good propagation environment. Alternatively, or in addition, it can comprise a step of determining that the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold if the user is not in a good propagation environment.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments, the user can be determined to be in a good propagation environment if the Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio, SINR, strength of the user is above a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, or in addition, the user can be determined to be in a good propagation environment if the Signal to Noise Ratio, SNR, strength of the user is above a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, or in addition, the user can be determined to be in a good propagation environment if the Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, strength of the user is above a predetermined threshold.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, the determining step can comprise the steps of retrieving the traffic type, or the service type, of the data packet, and determining the first quality of experience value and / or second quality of experience value based on the traffic type, or based on the service type.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments, a first predetermined traffic type, or first predetermined service type, can correspond to the first quality of experience value higher than the acceptable first threshold if transmitted with the first power mode. Alternatively, or in addition, a second predetermined traffic type, or second predetermined service type, can correspond to the second quality of experience value higher than the acceptable second threshold if transmitted with the second power mode.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments, the method can further comprise a scheduling step. The scheduling step can comprise a step of determining if a first data packet, scheduled to be transmitted with the first power mode is latency sensitive. The scheduling step can further comprise a step of determining if a second data packet, scheduled to be transmitted with the second power mode is latency sensitive. Moreover, if one of the first data packet and of the second data packet is determined to be latency sensitive, and the other one of the first data packet and of the second data packet is not determined to be latency sensitive, the scheduling step can comprise a step of scheduling the step of transmitting with the first power mode and transmitting with the second power mode on different time ranges, starting with the power mode comprising the latency sensitive data packet. Additionally, if both of the first data packet and of the second data packet are determined to be latency sensitive, the scheduling step can comprise a step of scheduling the step of transmitting with the first power mode and transmitting with the second power mode on overlapping time ranges.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, the second power mode can be a standard power mode, and / or the first power mode can be a low power mode, using a transmission power lower than the standard power mode. In some preferred embodiments, the second threshold can be higher than the first threshold, or the second threshold can be equal to the first threshold.

[0040] In some preferred embodiments, the acceptable first threshold and / or the acceptable second threshold can be set to a level which avoids overheating.

[0041] In some preferred embodiments, the acceptable first threshold can be equal to the acceptable second threshold.

[0042] In some preferred embodiments, the step of transmitting the data packet with the first power mode can be carried out in a first time range, and the step of transmitting data packet with the second power mode can be carried out in a second time range, different from the first time range.

[0043] In some preferred embodiments, the step of transmitting the data packet with the first power mode can be carried out in a first frequency band, and the step of transmitting the data packet with the second power mode can be carried out in a second frequency band, different from the first frequency band.

[0044] A further embodiment can relate to an apparatus for transmitting a plurality of data packets in a wireless network. The apparatus can be configured to determine, for at least on data packet of the plurality of data packets, a first quality of experience value, if transmitted with a first power mode, and a second quality of experience value, if transmitted with a second power mode. The apparatus can be further configured to transmit the data packet with the first power mode, if the first quality of experience value is higher than an acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is lower than an acceptable second threshold. Moreover, the apparatus can be further configured to transmit the data packet with the second power mode, if the first quality of experience value is lower than the acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold.

[0045] In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus can be configured to perform a method, or method steps, according to any method, or method steps, described above.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus can comprise at least one processor, and a memory containing program code executable by the at least one processor. Preferably, execution of the program code by the at least one processor can cause the apparatus to perform a method, or method steps, according to any method, or method steps, described above.

[0047] A further embodiment can relate to an apparatus for transmitting a plurality of data packets in a wireless network. The apparatus can comprise a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions configured to cause the processor to execute any of the steps described above.

[0048] Brief description of the figures

[0049] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary time-frequency diagram of transmissions in two exemplary power modes according to the prior art;

[0050] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a wireless network;

[0051] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a method 10 for transmitting a plurality of data packets in a wireless network;

[0052] Figures 4A and 4B schematically illustrates exemplary time-frequency diagram of transmissions according to method 10;

[0053] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a possible implementation of step S1 ;

[0054] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a possible implementation of step S12;

[0055] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a possible implementation of step S1 ;

[0056] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a possible implementation of step S1A;

[0057] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an exemplary time-frequency diagram of transmissions according to the implementation of the embodiment of figure 8;

[0058] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an exemplary time-frequency diagram of transmissions according to a further implementation of the embodiment of figure 8;

[0059] Figure 11 schematically illustrates an apparatus 11 for transmitting a plurality of data packets in a wireless network.

[0060] Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0061] Figure 2 shows a 5G New Radio, NR, architecture with service-based interfaces. Service Based Interfaces are represented in the format Nxyz, such as Nsmf, and point to point interfaces in the format Nx, such as N4.

[0062] The 5G core network 100 part comprises a Network Slice Selection Function, NSSF, 101 , a Network Exposure Function, NEF, 102, a Network Repository Function, NRF, 103, a Policy Control Function, PCF, 104, a Unified Data Management, UDM, 106, an Application Function, AF, 106, an Authentication Server Function, AUSF, 107, an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, 108, and a Session Management Function, SMF, 109. Having service-based interfaces in the 5G Core Control Plane, CP, implies that the Network Functions, NFs, in the 5G Core CP provide services that are consumed by other NFs in the 5G Core CP. A User Equipment, UE, 110, is connected to the Radio Access Network, RAN, 111 , wherein a User Plane Function, UPF, 112 is provided to connect the UE 110 to a Data Network, DN, 113.

[0063] The roles of these entities and the interfaces between them are defined, for instance, in the 3GPP TS 23.501 and the procedures are described, for instance, in 3GPP TS 23.502

[0064] Relevant 5G System Architecture network aspects and functions for this invention are the following:

[0065] Network Exposure Function, NEF, 102 generally is the entry point for Application Service Providers, ASPs, to the Mobile Network Operator Network a.k.a. Connectivity Service Provider, CSP NEF 102 generally exposes the Connectivity Service Provider Mobile Network capabilities to the ASPs and translates between information as known by the external Application Functions, AFs, and information as known by the Mobile Network Function / s;

[0066] Policy Control Function, PCF, 104, generally supports unified policy framework to govern the network behaviour. In particular, PCF 104 generally provides Policy and Charging Control, PCC, rules to the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, PCEF, that is, SMF 109 / UPF 112 that enforces policy and charging decisions according to provisioned PCC rules;

[0067] Unified Data Management / Repository, UDM, 105, and UDR, not illustrated. The UDM generally manages network user data in a single, centralized element and can be paired with the UDR, which generally stores user data such as customer profile information, customer authentication information, encryption keys, etc;

[0068] - Application Function, AF, 106, generally interacts with the 3GPP Core Network so as to provide information that will allow network operator to manage application's traffic in a certain way;

[0069] Session Management Function, SMF, 109 is generally responsible for Session establishment, modification and release, including selection and control of the UPF 112 entities. In the known art, SMF 109 interacts with the UPF 112 over N4 Reference point using Packet Flow Central Protocol, PFCP, procedures. Moreover, SMF 109 generally receives PCC rules from PCF 104 and configures the UPF 112 accordingly;

[0070] User Plane Function, UPF, 112, generally supports handling of user plane traffic based on the rules received from SMF 109, in particular packet inspection and different enforcement actions, such as QoS, Charging, etc. The present invention is preferably implemented at a base station, or gNB, implementing one or more of the functionalities of the 5G core network 100. More specifically, the scheduler and / or radio functionalities of the base station can advantageously implement the invention.

[0071] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a method 10 for the transmission of a plurality of data packets, for instance packets P1.1-P1.5 and P2.1-P2.4 previously discussed with reference to figure 1 , in a wireless network, such as the one illustrated in figure 2.

[0072] Method 10 comprises a step S1 of determining, for at least on data packet of the plurality of data packets, preferably a majority of the data packet of the plurality of data packets, even more preferably all of the data packet of the plurality of data packets, a first quality of experience value, if transmitted with a first power mode, and a second quality of experience value, if transmitted with a second power mode.

[0073] It will be clear that while the description provides details on an embodiment using two power modes, the invention is not limited thereto and the same concept can be extended to any number of power modes, equal to or higher than two. Thus, for instance, at step S1 N quality of experience values can be determined, for a given data packet, for corresponding N power modes.

[0074] As will become clearer from the following, the determination of the quality of experience value for a given data packet can be executed on the basis of a plurality of parameter, such as characteristics of the user, or type, of the data packet.

[0075] In some embodiments, those characteristics can be generally associated to a quality of experience value in a predetermined manner.

[0076] Thus, for instance, a combination of a given type with a given power mode can result in a predetermined quality of experience value. For instance, it can be stored in a predetermined manner that the combination of power mode p=2 with type 1 results in a lower quality of experience value, while the combination of power mode p=2 with type 2 results in a higher quality of experience value.

[0077] As an example, there might be a power mode p=1 which results in a longer latency and power mode p=2 which results in a shorter latency. If the type of the data packet indicates that it contains traffic related to online multiplayer gaming, it can be stored in a predetermined manner that the power mode p=1 , which results in a longer latency, is associated with a lower quality of experience while the power mode p=2, which results in a shorter latency, is associated with a higher quality of experience.

[0078] Alternatively, or in addition, a combination of a given user, or of a characteristic of the given user, with a given power mode can result in a predetermined quality of experience value. For instance, it can be stored in a predetermined manner that the combination of power mode p=2 with user 1 results in a lower quality of experience value, while the combination of power mode p=2 with user 2 results in a higher quality of experience value. The same can be applied to any characteristics of the given user. For instance, it can be stored in a predetermined manner that the combination of power mode p=2 with users not placed in a good propagation environment results in a lower quality of experience value, while the combination of power mode p=1 with users not placed in a good propagation environment results in a higher quality of experience value.

[0079] Still alternatively, or in addition, a combination of a given user, or of a characteristic of the given user, with a given type and with a given power mode can result in a predetermined quality of experience value. For instance, it can be stored in a predetermined manner that the combination of power mode p=2 with user 1 and type 2 results in a lower quality of experience value, while the combination of power mode p=2 with user 1 and type 1 results in a higher quality of experience value.

[0080] That is, in general, one or more input parameters can be associated with a corresponding predetermined quality of experience value. The one or more input parameters can comprise any of the type, the user, the characteristics of the user, the power mode, or any of their combination.

[0081] While in the examples above, the quality of experience value is stored in a predetermined manner with respect to a given set of parameters, the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, the method can comprise a step of transmitting data packets for a given parameter, such as user, and / or type, and / or power mode, or a combination thereof, and measuring the resulting quality of experience value. This value can then be stored in association with the corresponding parameter, or combination of parameters. This enables the subsequent association between the same parameter, or combination of parameters, and the respective quality of experience value.

[0082] In the description above, the terms higher and lower quality of experience are employed, to clarify the relative relationship between the two values. In practical embodiments, a specific numerical value might be stored in a predetermined manner, as described. Thus, for instance, it can be stored in a predetermined manner that the combination of power mode p=2 with type 1 results in a quality of experience value of 20, while the combination of power mode p=2 with type 2 results in a quality of experience value of 50.

[0083] Method 10 further comprises a step S2 of transmitting the data packet with the first power mode, if the first quality of experience value is higher than an acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is lower than an acceptable second threshold. The acceptable first threshold and the acceptable second threshold can be predetermined values. They can be different from each other, or can have the same value.

[0084] That is, step S2 is executed based on the outcome of two conditions, namely checking the first quality of experience value with respect to an acceptable first threshold and checking the second quality of experience value with respect to an acceptable second threshold. If both conditions are true, the step S2 is executed and the data packet is sent with the first power mode.

[0085] Thus, step S2 advantageously ensures that the data packet is transmitted with the first power mode if the quality of experience is sufficiently high in the first power mode and is not sufficiently high in the second power mode.

[0086] Similarly to step S2, the method further comprises a step S3 of transmitting the data packet with the second power mode, if the first quality of experience value is lower than the acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold. Thus, step S3 advantageously ensures that the data packet is transmitted with the second power mode if the quality of experience is sufficiently high in the second power mode and is not sufficiently high in the first power mode.

[0087] While the acceptable first threshold and the acceptable second threshold might be different from each other, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the acceptable threshold for two or more power modes can be identical. One advantage in having different threshold values for different power modes is that it enables more flexibility in the wireless network. For instance, for some lower power modes, a lower quality of experience threshold might be acceptable while in other higher power modes a higher quality of experience threshold might be preferred.

[0088] It can thus be seen how the data packets can be allocated to different power modes, depending on the quality of experience that each data packet is determined to experience when transmitted with a given power mode. In this manner, the invention maximizes the quality of experience while enabling the use of different power modes.

[0089] It will further be clear that, when implemented with more than two power modes, for instance with N power modes, the invention can execute respective N steps instead of the two steps S2 and S3 corresponding to the two described power modes. In each of those steps, it can be checked if the quality of experience value of a given power mode is higher than a corresponding threshold.

[0090] Figure 4A schematically illustrates an exemplary time-frequency diagram of transmissions according to method 10. In particular, in this example is assumed that the first power mode is p=2 the second power mode is p=3, the data packets are as described with reference to figure 1 , namely o data packets P1.1 , P1.3 and P1 .5 have a quality of experience value in power mode p=2 which is lower or, specifically, lower than the acceptable first threshold, but a quality of experience value in power mode p=3 which is higher or, specifically, higher than the acceptable second threshold, o data packets P2.1 and P2.4 have a quality of experience value in power mode p=3 which is lower or, specifically, lower than the acceptable second threshold, but a quality of experience value in power mode p=2 which is higher or, specifically, higher than the acceptable first threshold, o data packets P1 .2 and P1 .4 have a quality of experience value in power mode p=2 which is higher or, specifically, higher than the acceptable first threshold, and a quality of experience value in power mode p=3 which is lower or, specifically, lower than the acceptable second threshold, o data packets P2.2 and P2.3 have a quality of experience value in power mode p=3 which is higher or, specifically, higher than the acceptable second threshold, and a quality of experience value in power mode p=2 which is lower or, specifically, lower than the acceptable first threshold.

[0091] With these exemplary conditions, instead of the exemplary transmission of figure 1 , in which the data packets are transmitted based on criteria other than the quality of experience, the execution of method 10 can result in the situation illustrated in figure 4A, namely: data packets P1.1 , P1.3 and P1 .5 are transmitted with the second power mode p=3, data packets P2.1 and P2.4 are transmitted with the first power mode p=2, data packets P1 .2 and P1 .4 are transmitted with the first power mode p=2, data packets P2.2 and P2.3 are transmitted with the second power mode p=3.

[0092] It will be noted that the mapping of the data packets with specific time / frequency resources can still be feely selected within a given power mode while still obtaining the advantages of the invention.

[0093] The above description thus clarifies how the quality of experience can be taken into account in allocating different packets to different power modes. In the example above, each data packet has a quality of experience which is sufficient in a given power mode and insufficient in another power mode. The present invention is however not limited to this configuration.

[0094] In particular, there might be cases in which a given data packet would have a sufficient quality of experience with two or more power modes. Thus, in some embodiments, the method 10 can further comprise a step S4 of transmitting the data packet with the first power mode and / or with the second power mode, if the first quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold.

[0095] That is, if the packet can be transmitted with an acceptable quality of experience value in more than one power mode, it can be transmitted with any single one of those, or across different power modes as well. This advantageously enables more flexibility in the scheduling, as data packets which can be transmitted in more than one power modes can be scheduled after the data packets which can be transmitted in one power mode only, taking into account the remaining availability for transmission in the various power modes.

[0096] Figure 4B schematically illustrates an exemplary time-frequency diagram of transmissions according to method 10, based on the assumptions already described for figure 4A, with the difference that data packet P1.5 has a quality of experience value which is higher than the acceptable threshold both in power mode p=2 and in power mode p=3.

[0097] According to method 10, the data packet P1.5 can thus be transmitted with any of the power modes for which the quality of experience value which is higher than the respective acceptable threshold. That is, with the exemplary configuration as described, P1 .5 can be transmitted with power mode p=2, or with power mode p=3, or with both. The choice among those options can be taken on the basis of other scheduling requirements which apply to the transmission.

[0098] In the illustrated example, for instance, the transmission is executed over both power modes. One possible reason for this can be, for instance, to balance the load between both power modes, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art that various technical considerations might lead to choosing one of the available options.

[0099] In the configuration illustrated in figures 4A and 4B, the step S2, S4, of transmitting the data packet with the first power mode is carried out in a first time range, and the step S3, S4 of transmitting data packet with the second power mode is carried out in a second time range, different from the first time range.

[0100] The invention is however not limited thereto and, alternatively, or in addition, the step S2, S4 of transmitting the data packet with the first power mode can be carried out in a first frequency band, while the step S3, S4 of transmitting the data packet with the second power mode can be carried out in a second frequency band, different from the first frequency band.

[0101] In the examples illustrated in figures 4A and 4B, the determination of the quality of experience of a given data packet can be achieved on the basis of the user of the data packet, the characteristics of the user, or the type of the data packet. In the following, more specific embodiments will be described with respect to each of those possible implementations independently. It will however be clear that more than one criteria, among those discussed above and in the following, can be combined for the determination of the quality of experience.

[0102] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a possible implementation of step S1 , in which the determination of the quality of experience is achieved on the basis of the user, or the characteristics of the user.

[0103] In particular, in this embodiment the data packet comprises at least an indication of a user receiving, or transmitting, the data packet. The indication can be an address of the user, an identification of the user, or any other information which allows the user to be identified.

[0104] In this specific embodiment, the determining step S1 comprises a step S11 of retrieving the user, or characteristics of the user. The characteristics of the user can generally be any characteristic associated to the user, or to the user equipment associated to the user. For instance, a characteristic of the user can be the value of a Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio, SI NR, of the user equipment associated to the user. Another possible characteristic is a type of service associated to the user, for instance some users can buy services on the wireless network which ensure higher or lower priority of their traffic.

[0105] Still alternatively, or in addition, a characteristic of the user can be the value of the Signal to Noise Ratio, SNR, of the user equipment associated to the user. Yet alternatively, or in addition, a characteristic of the user can be the value of the Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, strength of the user equipment associated to the user.

[0106] In further potential implementations, the characteristic of the user can be an estimated path gain of the user equipment associated to the user or, more generally, a metric related to the path loss between the user equipment and a corresponding base station antenna.

[0107] In further potential implementations, the characteristic of the user can be a session time of the user equipment associated to the user, that is, how long the user equipment has been in connected mode, or capabilities of the user equipment associated to the user, such as any of which band is supported, how many bands can be used in carrier aggregation simultaneously, and supported power modes of the user equipment.

[0108] The determining step S1 further comprises a step S12 of determining the first quality of experience value, and / or the second quality of experience, based on the user, or on the characteristics of the user.

[0109] As previously described, the determination step S12 can be based on a predetermined association between any the user, or the characteristics of the user, the power mode and the corresponding quality of experience. It will be clear that the predetermined association can also take into account other criteria such as the type of the data packet. Such predetermined associations can be implemented in any known manner, for instance with a look-up table.

[0110] Also in this case, as previously described, the association can be predetermined in that it is pre-stored in a memory or, alternatively, the association can be obtained by transmission of some packets for a given combination of input parameters and the measuring of the corresponding quality of experience.

[0111] In some embodiments, as illustrated in figure 6, step S12 can comprise a step S121 of determining whether the user, or the user equipment associated with the user, is in a good propagation environment. This determination can be done by retrieving data from the wireless network which indicate the quality of the environment, or by testing the quality of the environment by sending and / or receiving data packets to the user.

[0112] Step S12 can further comprise a step S122 of determining that the first quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable first threshold, if the user is in a good propagation environment, and / or a step S123 of determining that the first quality of experience value is lower than the acceptable first threshold and that the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold, if the user is not a good propagation environment.

[0113] This is particularly applicable to implementations in which the first power mode is less effective in transmitting of receiving packets than the second power mode. For instance, when the first power mode is a low power mode, such as power backoff, and the second power mode is a standard power mode.

[0114] In some preferred embodiments, the user, or user equipment, is determined to be in a good propagation environment if the Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio, SINR, strength of the user, or user equipment, is above a predetermined threshold.

[0115] Preferably, in the embodiment of figures 5 and 6, the first power mode, schematically indicated by p=1 , is a default power mode. Alternatively, or in addition, in the same embodiment, the second power mode, schematically indicated by p=3, is a low power mode, even more preferably the “power backoff” power mode.

[0116] In yet preferred embodiments, the amount of transmission slots allocated for users with good propagation compared to the amount of slots allocated for the other users, could be decided based on at least number of users per group and / or their respective scheduling weights used for prioritization of said users. As previously discussed, the input parameter for the determination of the quality of experience can also comprise the type of the packet. A possible embodiment according to this approach is shown in figure 7.

[0117] As can be seen in figure 7, a possible implementation of the determining step S1 can comprise a step S13 of retrieving the traffic type, or the service type, of the data packet. In some embodiments, the data packet can comprise an indication of a traffic type, or service type, of the data contained in the data packet, in form of metadata. Alternatively, or in addition, at step S13 the content of the data packet can be analyzed to determine the traffic type, or the service type.

[0118] The determining step S1 can further comprise a step S14 of determining the first quality of experience value and / or second quality of experience value based on the traffic type, or based on the service type.

[0119] For instance, a first predetermined traffic type, or first predetermined service type, can correspond to the first quality of experience value being higher than the acceptable first threshold if transmitted with the first power mode. This can be particularly advantageous in cases in which, for instance, the first power mode is a low power mode and the type of the packet is not critically impacted by the low power mode. For those types of data packets, the predetermined association with a quality of experience above the acceptable first threshold, when transmitted with the first power mode can be considered to be acceptable , independently on the user or other considerations.

[0120] Alternatively, or in addition, a second predetermined traffic type, or second predetermined service type, corresponds to the second quality of experience value higher than the acceptable second threshold if transmitted with the second power mode. Preferably, the second predetermined traffic type also corresponds to the first quality of experience value being lower than the acceptable first threshold if transmitted with the first power mode. This can be advantageous in cases in which, for instance, the first power mode is a low power mode and the second power mode is the standard power mode, or a low power mode which has less impact on the transmission of the given type of packets. For those types of data packets, the predetermined association with a quality of experience above the acceptable second threshold, when transmitted with the second power mode, and preferably with a quality of experience below the acceptable first threshold, when transmitted with the first power mode, can be considered to be advantageous so as to avoid use of the first power mode, independently on the user or other considerations.

[0121] In the embodiments described so far, the data packets are generally associated to transmission with the first and / or second power mode depending on the quality of experience that this transmission achieves. No specific limitations are imposed on which type of power mode transmits first, and which later, and this decision can be based on other traffic scheduling criteria as will be clear to those skilled in the art.

[0122] However, the invention can also provide an advantageous application in the time and / or frequency arrangement of the power modes, as will be discussed in relation with the following embodiments.

[0123] In particular, figure 8 schematically illustrates a possible implementation of step S1 which takes into account a specific characteristic of the traffic type, namely if the traffic type is latency sensitive.

[0124] In the embodiment illustrated in figure 8, a scheduling step S1A can be implemented before steps S2, S3, and preferably after step S1 , so as to advantageously make use of information which has already been retrieved for step S1 , although this is not mandatory.

[0125] As can be seen in figure 8, step S1A comprises a step S1A1 of determining if a first data packet, scheduled to be transmitted with the first power mode is latency sensitive. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the first data packet can be determined to the scheduled to be transmitted with the first power mode if the first quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable first threshold. The first data packet can be any packet for which the first quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable first threshold.

[0126] Further, step S1A comprises a step S1A2 of determining if a second data packet, scheduled to be transmitted with the second power mode is latency sensitive. In an analogous manner, It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the second data packet can be determined to the scheduled to be transmitted with the second power mode if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold. The second data packet can be any packet for which the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold.

[0127] As can be seen, the determination of the first and second packet in steps S1A1 and S1A2 is advantageously operated after step S1A, in which the first and second quality of experience values are assigned to the data packets. In some embodiments, step S1 could thus be executed for a plurality of data packets before executing step S1A.

[0128] Step S1A further comprises a step S1A3 of scheduling the transmitting steps S2 and S3 on different time ranges, if one of the first data packet and of the second data packet is determined to be latency sensitive, and the other one of the first data packet and of the second data packet is not determined to be latency sensitive. Preferably, at step S1 A3, the scheduling of steps S2 and S3 is done so as to start with the power mode comprising the latency sensitive data packet. Thus, for instance, assuming that the first data packet, which is scheduled to be transmitted with the first power mode is latency sensitive, while the second data packet, which is scheduled to be transmitted with the second power mode is not latency sensitive, steps S1A3 can schedule the transmission with the first power mode, namely step S2, prior to the transmission with the second power mode, namely step S3, such as illustrated in figures 4A and 4B.

[0129] Moreover, step S1 A further comprises a step S1A4 of scheduling the transmitting steps S2 and S3 on overlapping time ranges, if both of the first data packet and of the second data packet are determined to be latency sensitive. This is illustrated, for instance, in figure 9.

[0130] In the example of figure 9, the execution of parallel transmission on overlapping time ranges is achieved by using different frequency values for the power modes. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that alternatives are possible, such as using different encoding or modulation schemes, or by using a time division multiplexing.

[0131] The introduction of the scheduling step therefore makes it advantageously possible to identify whether data packets to be transmitted are latency sensitive or not, and adjust the scheduling of the power modes accordingly. The determination of whether a data packet is latency sensitive can be done as previously described for the determination of the quality of experience of a given packet. In particular, a predetermined association between any input parameters of the data packet, such as the type, the user, the characteristics of the user, or any of their combination, can be associated to an information indicating whether the specific input parameter, or combination thereof, corresponds to a latency sensitive data packet. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the execution of the step S1 A after step S1 can thus make advantageous re-use of information already retrieved for the execution of the step S1 , such as the retrieval of the parameters of the data packet, such as the type, the user, the characteristics of the user, or any of their combination.

[0132] Preferably, in the embodiment of figure 8 and 9, the first power mode, schematically indicated by p=1 , is a default power mode. Alternatively, or in addition, in the same embodiment, the second power mode, schematically indicated by p=3, is a low power mode, even more preferably the “power backoff” power mode.

[0133] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an exemplary time-frequency diagram of transmissions according to a further implementation of the embodiment of figure 8.

[0134] In particular, as previously discussed, the invention is not limited to two power modes being implemented. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 10, three power modes are implemented, schematically indicated by p=1 , p=2 and p=3. As discussed with respect to the embodiment of figures 8 and 9, it is possible to schedule two power modes in overlapping time ranges. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the overlap does not need to extend for the whole duration of the transmitting steps S2 and S3. In particular, it is possible for one transmitting step to have a longer transmitting duration than another transmitting step. For instance, in the embodiment of figure 10, the transmission with power mode p=1 is longer than the transmission with power mode p=2 and the transmission with power mode p=3. In yet another words, it is possible to have two or more shorter transmissions with different power modes, in the figure p=2 and p=3, scheduled in an overlapping time range with one longer transmission with a yet different power mode, in the figure p=1.

[0135] This can be particularly advantageous if the longer power mode transmission and the first of the two shorter power mode transmission, in the figure p=1 and p=2, respectively, both contain latency sensitive data packets, while the second of the two shorter power mode transmission does not, in the figure p=3.

[0136] In some preferred embodiments, the second power mode can be a standard power mode and the first power mode is a low power mode, generally using a transmission power lower than the standard power mode, preferably when averaged during the duration of the transmission in the given power mode.

[0137] In the various embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures, some specific power modes have been indicated. It will be clear that, while those specifically indicated configurations might be particularly advantageous, the invention is not limited thereto. In particular, whenever a transmission is indicated with a specific power mode, such as p=2, and another transmission is indicated with another power mode, such as p=3, it is the main intention of this indication to clarify that the two power modes are different, not to limit the embodiment to the two specifically indicated power modes.

[0138] Moreover, in preferred embodiments, the second threshold is higher than the first threshold, or the second threshold is equal to the first threshold.

[0139] Having two identical threshold allows a transmission with a minimum quality of experience corresponding to the value of the two identical thresholds, since data packets only can be transmitted with a power mode reaching that value. However, there might be configurations in which having different thresholds allows for more flexibility in the use of the wireless network. Preferably, the threshold for power modes with lower transmission power, preferably computed on average as discussed above, can be set to a lower value than for power modes with higher transmission power, preferably computed on average as discussed above. In the embodiments discussed above, a data packet can be transmitted with a given power mode if it has a quality of experience which is higher than a predetermined threshold for the given power mode. Preferably, in the presence of two or more power modes, the quality of experience can be computed for a plurality, or all, of the two or more power modes and the data packet can be set with the power mode having the best quality of experience. This maximizes the global quality of experience. Alternatively, or in addition, the data packet can be sent with any of the power modes for which its quality of experience is above the predetermined threshold, as already described, which improves the flexibility in scheduling.

[0140] In preferred embodiments, a quality of experience value can be determined for a given data packet for all available power modes. Of those quality of experience values, the best one can be extracted. One or more thresholds, preferably all, can then be set to a level which is a function of the best quality of experience. Preferably, the one or more thresholds, preferably all, can then be set to a percentage lower than 100% of the best quality of experience, preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 75%.

[0141] Moreover, any of the thresholds for the various power modes can be set to a predetermined level as previously discussed. The predetermined level can be configured or pre-stored. In preferred embodiments, the acceptable first threshold and / or the acceptable second threshold, or more generally any threshold, can be set to a level which avoids overheating.

[0142] In particular, it is to be expected that transmission with power modes using a higher power level will generally achieve a higher quality of experience. Nevertheless, there might be cases in which a higher power level could be to overheating of the transmitter, in particular when this is implemented in a user equipment. In those cases it might therefore be advantageous to lower the threshold to a level which avoids overheating. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more power modes which cause overheating might be removed from the available power modes. This might then also result in a new computation of the best quality of experience, as discussed above.

[0143] Figure 11 schematically illustrates an apparatus 11 for transmitting a plurality of data packets, such as P1.1-P1.5, P2.1-P2.4 as previously described, in a wireless network. As can be seen, the apparatus 11 comprises a processor 11-1 and a memory 11-2. In some embodiments, the apparatus 11 might further comprise Input / Output means 11-2 configured to allow exchange of data between components external to the apparatus 11 and the processor 11-1 and / or the memory 11-3. The memory 11-3 comprises instructions, configured to cause the processor 11- 1 to execute any of the steps described above.

[0144] More generally, although several embodiments have been described in terms of method steps, all of those embodiments can be implemented by corresponding apparatuses. In particular, the memory 11-3 and processor 11-1 can implement any of the described method steps. Alternatively, on in addition, apparatus means configured to implement one or more steps can be implemented.

[0145] It has thus been described how a method, and a corresponding apparatus, can be implemented in order to allow scheduling of data in packets in various power modes, without a detrimental reduction of the quality of experience for the user. The invention thus advantageously enables the implementation of various power modes, and in particular or power modes with reduced power consumption with respect to a standard power mode, without the drawbacks associated with the prior art, in terms of reduced quality of experience.

[0146] Although several embodiments have been described, each with one or more features in combination, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that further embodiments, within the meaning of the claims, can be obtained by combining one or more features of any first embodiment, with one or more features of any second embodiment.

Claims

Claims1. A method (10) for transmitting a plurality of data packets (P1.1-P1.5, P2.1-P2.4) in a wireless network, the method (10) comprising the steps of determining (S1), for at least one data packet of the plurality of data packets (P1.1-P1.5, P2.1- P2.4) a first quality of experience value, if transmitted with a first power mode, a second quality of experience value, if transmitted with a second power mode, transmitting (S2) the data packet with the first power mode, if the first quality of experience value is higher than an acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is lower than an acceptable second threshold, and transmitting (S3) the data packet with the second power mode, if the first quality of experience value is lower than the acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold.

2. The method (10) according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of transmitting (S4) the data packet with the first power mode and / or with the second power mode, if the first quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold.

3. The method (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the data packet comprises at least an indication of a user receiving, or transmitting, the data packet, the determining step (S1) comprises the steps of retrieving (S11) the user, or characteristics of the user, determining (S12) the first quality of experience value, and / or the second quality of experience, based on the user, or on the characteristics of the user.

4. The method (10) according to claim 3, wherein the step of determining (S12) the first quality of experience value, and / or the second quality of experience value, based on the user comprises the steps of determining whether the user is in a good propagation environment, determining that the first quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable first threshold if the user is in a good propagation environment, and / or determining that the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold if the user is not in a good propagation environment.

5. The method (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the user is determined to be in a good propagation environment if the Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio, SI NR, strength of the user is above a predetermined threshold, and / or the Signal to Noise Ratio, SNR, strength of the user is above a predetermined threshold, and / or the Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, strength of the user is above a predetermined threshold.

6. The method (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the determining step (S1) comprises the steps of retrieving (S13) the traffic type, or the service type, of the data packet, determining (S14) the first quality of experience value and / or second quality of experience value based on the traffic type, or based on the service type.

7. The method (10) according to claim 6, wherein a first predetermined traffic type, or first predetermined service type, corresponds to the first quality of experience value higher than the acceptable first threshold if transmitted with the first power mode, and / ora second predetermined traffic type, or second predetermined service type, corresponds to the second quality of experience value higher than the acceptable second threshold if transmitted with the second power mode.

8. The method (10) according to any previous claim, further comprising a scheduling step (S1A), wherein the scheduling step (S1A) comprises the steps of determining (S1A1) if a first data packet, scheduled to be transmitted with the first power mode is latency sensitive, determining (S1A2) if a second data packet, scheduled to be transmitted with the second power mode is latency sensitive, if one of the first data packet and of the second data packet is determined to be latency sensitive, and the other one of the first data packet and of the second data packet is not determined to be latency sensitive, scheduling (S1A3) the step of transmitting (S2) with the first power mode and the step of transmitting (S3) with the second power mode on different time ranges, starting with the power mode comprising the latency sensitive data packet, if both of the first data packet and of the second data packet are determined to be latency sensitive, scheduling (S1A4) the step of transmitting (S2) with the first power mode and transmitting (S3) with the second power mode on overlapping time ranges.

9. The method (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the second power mode is a standard power mode, the first power mode is a low power mode, using a transmission power lower than the standard power mode.

10. The method (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the second threshold is higher than the first threshold, or the second threshold is equal to the first threshold.

11. The method (10) according to any previous claim, whereinthe acceptable first threshold and / or the acceptable second threshold is set to a level which avoids overheating.

12. The method (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the acceptable first threshold is equal to the acceptable second threshold.

13. The method (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the step of transmitting (S2, S4) the data packet with the first power mode is carried out in a first time range, the step of transmitting (S3, S4) data packet with the second power mode is carried out in a second time range, different from the first time range.

14. The method (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the step of transmitting (S2, S4) the data packet with the first power mode is carried out in a first frequency band, the step of transmitting (S3, S4) the data packet with the second power mode is carried out in a second frequency band, different from the first frequency band.

15. An apparatus for transmitting a plurality of data packets (P1.1-P1.5, P2.1-P2.4) in a wireless network, the apparatus being configured to: determine (S1), for at least on data packet of the plurality of data packets (P1.1-P1.5, P2.1- P2.4) a first quality of experience value, if transmitted with a first power mode, a second quality of experience value, if transmitted with a second power mode, transmit (S2) the data packet with the first power mode, if the first quality of experience value is higher than an acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is lower than an acceptable second threshold, and transmit (S3) the data packet with the second power mode, if the first quality of experience value is lower than the acceptable first threshold and if the second quality of experience value is higher than the acceptable second threshold.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 2 to 14.

17. The apparatus (11) according to claim 15 or 16, comprising: at least one processor (11-1), and a memory (11-3) containing program code executable by the at least one processor (11-1), whereby execution of the program code by the at least one processor (11-1) causes the apparatus (11) to perform a method (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. An apparatus (11) for transmitting a plurality of data packets (P1.1-P1.5, P2.1-P2.4) in a wireless network, the apparatus (11) comprising at least one processor (11-1), and a memory (11-3) containing program code executable by the at least one processor (11-1), whereby execution of the program code by the at least one processor (11-1) causes the apparatus (11) to perform a method (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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