Base Station DRX/DTX Control for Lower Power Consumption

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Solution Overview

Problem

The method of reducing power consumption of base stations has not been standardized in conventional technologies, which is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Innovation Solution

A base station is equipped with a control unit for enabling and disabling transmitting and receiving units, along with a transmission and reception unit that operates only when enabled, utilizing discontinuous transmission and reception functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If base stations operate continuously to maintain communication readiness, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base station implements discontinuous reception (DRX) and discontinuous transmission (DTX) functions that enable periodic switching between active and sleep states. The receiver is enabled during active periods to maintain communication readiness, then disabled during sleep periods to reduce power consumption. This periodic operation pattern allows the system to balance reliability requirements with energy conservation goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If base stations reduce power consumption through discontinuous operation, then energy efficiency is improved, but communication responsiveness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The base station employs dynamic control of transmission and reception units based on traffic conditions and priority levels. The control unit adjusts the timing and duration of active periods, enabling the system to respond dynamically to varying communication demands. High-priority communications can trigger immediate wake-up of the receiver, ensuring responsive service while maintaining energy-saving operation during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4668882A1Base station and communication method
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4668882A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4668882A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4668882A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A base station includes: a control unit configured to perform a discontinuous transmission function for enabling and disabling a transmitting unit and a discontinuous reception function for enabling or disabling a receiving unit; a transmission unit configured to transmit a channel or a signal to a terminal when the receiving unit is enabled; and a reception unit configured to receive a channel or a signal from a terminal when the receiving unit is enabled.