Antenna Branch Muting Patterns for NR Channel-Specific Energy Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for antenna muting in NR networks, which utilize massive MIMO, are not optimized for different channel requirements, leading to sub-optimal energy efficiency and network performance.

Innovation Solution

A radio network node dynamically applies different muting patterns for antenna branches based on the type of physical channel and communication parameters, optimizing energy performance by considering the specific requirements of each channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If antenna muting is applied to save energy in NR networks with massive MIMO, then energy consumption is reduced, but channel-specific performance and coverage may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidchannel performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different muting patterns to different antenna branches based on their specific channel characteristics. Each antenna branch is analyzed individually, and muting decisions are made locally for each branch rather than applying a uniform muting pattern across all branches. This allows energy-saving muting to be applied where channel conditions permit while maintaining performance where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic muting pattern selection that adapts to varying channel conditions, traffic loads, and UE positions. The network can switch between different muting patterns based on real-time conditions, allowing the system to optimize between energy saving and performance maintenance dynamically rather than using a static approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If uniform muting patterns are applied across all channels, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency and network performance become sub-optimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuting pattern managementVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna array into multiple antenna branches, each capable of having its own muting pattern applied. This segmentation allows the system to manage muting patterns in a structured way, where each branch can be independently controlled based on its specific requirements, rather than managing a single uniform pattern for the entire array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal framework that supports multiple muting patterns within a single system. The network can select from various predefined muting patterns (e.g., full muting, partial muting, no muting) and apply the appropriate pattern based on current conditions, making the system multi-functional in terms of energy-saving strategies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12470275B2Radio network node, and method performed therein

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to method performed by a radio network node for handling communication in a wireless communication network. The radio network node dynamically applies different muting patterns for muting an active component of one or more antenna branches of the radio network node and/or of one or more antenna panels of the radio network node, wherein the different muting patterns are associated with one or more types of physical channels used for communicating and/or a communication parameter related to one or more UEs. The radio network node performs a communication using the dynamically applied different muting patterns.