Energy-efficient initial access protocol for 5g NR networks and related methods

Abstract

The invention relates to energy-efficient initial access protocols in 5G NR networks, focusing on reducing energy consumption while maintaining network performance, coverage, and reliability.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] ENERGY-EFFICIENT INITIAL ACCESS PROTOCOL FOR 5G NR NETWORKS AND RELATED METHODS

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to energy-efficient initial access protocols in 5G NR (New Radio) networks, focusing on reducing energy consumption while maintaining network performance, coverage, and reliability.

[0005] Prior Art

[0006] The energy consumption is challenge in 5G NR initial access was addressed through various methods, each of these methods comes with limitations. Some focused on optimizing the random-access channel (RACH) procedure, while others explored beamforming techniques. However, these methods often resulted in increased RACH overhead, reduced coverage, or compromised network performance.

[0007] Many solutions were narrow in focus, addressing specific areas like RACH optimization or SSB simplification, but lacking a comprehensive approach across different network domains. Furthermore, energy-saving techniques often came with compromises. There were frequent trade-offs with network performance, leading to reduced throughput, increased latency, or decreased coverage. Scalability was another concern. Some solutions struggled to adapt to dense network deployments or handle large numbers of wireless communication entities. Adaptability was also lacking in many existing solutions. They were unable to adjust to dynamic network conditions or accommodate the diverse capabilities of different UEs. Finally, some solutions introduced complexity in their implementation. Techniques like complex beam management or predistortion techniques brought challenges in deployment and increased overhead.

[0008] Time Domain Solutions: Simplified SSB Transmission involved transmitting only essential components of the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) to reduce overhead and energy consumption. Adapting the Transmission / Reception of Common Channel s / Signals focused on modifying the transmission patterns of signals like SSBs, SIBs, and paging signals through simplifications, skipping transmission occasions, adapting periodicity, and adjusting paging and SSB patterns. Optimizing the Random-Access Channel (RACH) procedure minimized collisions and retransmissions, reducing energy consumption and latency. Additionally, Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) and Discontinuous Reception (DRX) were utilized to reduce energy consumption by turning off or limiting transmission and reception during specific periods.

[0009] Frequency Domain Solutions: Multi-carrier enhancements in scenarios with Carrier Aggregation (CA) allowed energy savings by turning off or selectively activating carriers based on traffic load. Bandwidth Part (BWP) Adaptation aimed to adjust the frequency resources utilized by UEs, leading to energy savings.

[0010] Spatial Domain Solutions: Adaptation of spatial elements dynamically adjusted the number of active antennas or antenna elements at the base station based on feedback from UEs to optimize energy consumption. Similarly, Transmission / Reception Point (TRP) Adaptation in multi-TRP scenarios dynamically activated or deactivated TRPs to contribute to energy savings.

[0011] Power Domain Solutions: Transmission Power Adaptation dynamically adjusted the transmission power of signals and channels based on channel conditions and traffic load to optimize energy usage. Over-the-Air Digital Predistortion (DPD) allowed base stations to perform DPD with assistance from UEs, potentially reducing power consumption by compensating for non-linear impairments in the transmitter. Finally, Tone Reservation reserved specific tones or sub-carriers to reduce the Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR), enabling lower power consumption

[0012] As a result, all of the problem mentioned above has made it necessary to provide a novelty in the related field.

[0013] Brief Description and Objects of the Invention

[0014] The invention offers significant benefits, including substantial energy reduction at the base station, particularly during the initial access process, without compromising network performance, coverage, or reliability. It improves scalability by enabling the system to efficiently handle a large number of wireless communication entities, making it ideal for dense network deployments. Additionally, it reduces overhead by contributing to more efficient network operations. The adaptive signaling mechanism enhances adaptability, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to diverse UE capabilities and network conditions, thereby optimizing both performance and energy efficiency. To achieve above mentioned advantages, an access method is provided for communication between a base station and a wireless communication entity in 5G new radio networks utilizing a two-port set architecture, which includes communication ports and broadcasting ports. The method involves transmitting synchronization signal blocks from the base station to the wireless communication entity via the broadcasting ports until the wireless communication entity confirms sufficient signal strength of the synchronization signal blocks. The wireless communication entity then determines whether the access request is flagless or flag-based, based on its capabilities and network conditions. For a flagless access request, a system information block is transmitted to the wireless communication entity by the communication ports, and the best communication port is selected based on signal strength. For a flag-based access request, a flag with an orthogonal sequence is transmitted to the base station by the wireless communication entity, and the best communication port is selected based on the received flag signal strength. The method further includes performing a random-access channel procedure with identification of the selected communication port by the wireless communication entity, followed by data transmission through the selected communication port.

[0015] In accordance with other embodiments, a processor device is provided, comprising means for carrying out the steps of the method described in Claim 1. This processor device is designed to facilitate the execution of the access method, ensuring efficient communication between the base station and the wireless communication entity in 5G networks.

[0016] In yet other embodiments, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed by the processor device of Claim 2, cause the computer to carry out the method of Claim 1. This computer program is integral to implementing the access method, enabling the processor device to perform the necessary operations for communication in 5G networks.

[0017] Additionally, in further embodiments, a computer-readable data carrier is provided, having stored thereon the computer program of Claim 3. This data carrier serves as a medium for storing the computer program, allowing it to be accessed and executed by the processor device to perform the access method in 5G networks.

[0018] Description of the Figures of the Invention

[0019] The figures and related descriptions necessary for the subject matter of the invention to be understood better are given below. Figure 1. Flowchart of the present method.

[0020] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0021] The invention is related to energy-efficient initial access protocols in 5G NR networks, focusing on reducing energy consumption while maintaining network performance, coverage, and reliability.

[0022] The invention proposes a two-port set architecture at the base station, comprising Communication Ports (CPs) and Broadcasting Ports (BPs). CPs employ narrow beams for high- capacity data transmission, typically operating at higher frequencies (e.g., mmWave). BPs utilize wider beams for comprehensive cell coverage, potentially operating at lower frequencies (e.g., sub-6 GHz) and dedicated to broadcasting control signals like Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSB).

[0023] Referring to Fig. 1; Synchronization signal blocks is transmitted from a base station to a wireless communication entity via broadcasting ports, according to an embodiment. The process may begin with the base station utilizing Broadcasting Ports (BPs) to transmit Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSBs) to the wireless communication entity. The BPs may employ wider beams to ensure comprehensive cell coverage, potentially operating at lower frequencies to broadcast control signals effectively. The wireless communication entity, which may be the wireless communication entity, may evaluate the signal strength of the received SSBs. The transmission of SSBs may continue until the wireless communication entity confirms the sufficiency of the signal strength. This step may be for establishing initial communication between the base station and the wireless communication entity, ensuring that the wireless communication entity can reliably receive the synchronization signals necessary for further communication processes. The adaptive signaling mechanism may allow the wireless communication entity to dynamically choose between flag-based or flag-less access based on its capabilities and the prevailing network conditions, optimizing both energy efficiency and network performance.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, capability of wireless communication entity is determined by power level and network condition is determined by density of the network. For example, in case that saving power is favorable at the user side, sending the flag is not asked. Low power devices, like loT devices, are better to not send flags for instances. Also based on the network load and other conditions that the user might not be aware of now, it might be better to instruct users to not send flag first. As an example, in dense network, we should not ask them to sending flags should not be asked. This reduce collision and leave those flags to the RACH process.

[0025] After that, the wireless communication entity may determine whether the access request is flagless or flag-based. This determination may be influenced by the capabilities of the wireless communication entity and the prevailing network conditions. The adaptive signaling mechanism may enable the wireless communication entity to dynamically choose between these two access types. This choice may be based on the wireless communication entity’s capabilities and the current network conditions, which may optimize both energy efficiency and network performance. The decision-making process may involve evaluating the network conditions and the wireless communication entity’s capabilities to select the most suitable access method. This step may ensure that the wireless communication entity can effectively communicate with the base station while optimizing energy usage and maintaining network performance. The adaptive signaling mechanism may play a role in this process by allowing the wireless communication entity to adapt its access method dynamically, thereby addressing a challenge in modem communication systems. This approach may contribute to reducing energy consumption without compromising network performance, coverage, or reliability.

[0026] If a flagless access request is chosen, the communication ports may transmit a system information block to the wireless communication entity. The wireless communication entity may then select the optimal communication port based on the signal strength of the system information block.

[0027] Alternatively, if a flag-based access request is selected, the wireless communication entity may transmit a flag with an orthogonal sequence to the base station. The base station may then select the best communication port based on the received flag signal strength. This process may be facilitated by the communication ports, which are part of a two-port set architecture designed to optimize energy usage and improve coverage. The communication ports may employ narrow beams for high-capacity data transmission, while the broadcasting ports may utilize wider beams for comprehensive cell coverage. The adaptive signaling mechanism may enable the wireless communication entity to dynamically choose between flag-based or flagless access, optimizing both energy efficiency and network performance. This approach may address challenges in modern communication systems by reducing energy consumption without compromising network performance, coverage, or reliability. The integration of these elements may contribute to a more efficient and scalable network operation, enhancing the overall performance of 5G NR networks.

[0028] In both cases (flag-based or flagless) the selected communication port may then perform the Random-Access Channel (RACH) procedure with identification, transmitting data to the wireless communication entity. This step may be integral to the overall communication protocol, where the communication ports, potentially identified as Communication Ports (CPs), may employ narrow beams to facilitate high-capacity data transmission. The transmission of data may be contingent upon the prior selection of the optimal communication port, which may have been determined based on signal strength or other relevant criteria. The communication ports may be designed to operate at higher frequencies, such as millimeter-wave bands, to enhance data transmission efficiency and improve network performance. This step may be a continuation of the access procedure, where the wireless communication entity, possibly the wireless communication entity, may have previously engaged in a random-access channel procedure to establish a connection with the base station.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An access method between a base station and a wireless communication entity for 5G new radio networks utilizing a two-port set architecture which are communication ports and broadcasting ports characterized by comprising steps of■ Transmitting synchronization signal blocks from the base station to the wireless communication entity by the broadcasting ports until sufficiency of signal strength of the synchronization signal blocks is confirmed by the wireless communication entity;■ Determining that access request is flagless or flag-based by the wireless communication entity regarding capabilities of wireless communication entity and network conditions;■ Selecting flagless access request and transmitting a system information block to the wireless communication entity by the communication ports and selecting the best communication port regarding their signal strength orSelecting flag-based access request and transmitting a flag with orthogonal sequence to the base station by the wireless communication entity and selecting the best communication port regarding their received flag signal strength;■ Performing random access channel procedure with identification of the selected communication port by the wireless communication entity and■ Transmitting data by the selected communication port.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein capability of wireless communication entity is determined by power level and network condition is determined by density of the network.

3. A processor device comprising means for carrying out the steps of the method of Claim 1 or 2.

4. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the processor device of claim 3, cause the computer to carry out the method of claim 1 or 2.

5. A computer-readable data carrier having stored thereon the computer program of claim4.

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