Base Station Standby Scheduling Between User Data Sub-Portions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing base stations face high energy consumption even during low load periods due to the need for continuous transmission of synchronization signals, making energy-efficient standby modes infeasible, especially when managing multiple users.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that divides user data time portions into active and inactive sub-portions, allowing the base station to enter standby mode during inactive periods while maintaining synchronization signal broadcasts at fixed intervals, optimizing energy consumption under non-zero load conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the base station transmits synchronization signals continuously to maintain network functionality, then network reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of synchronization signals instead of continuous transmission. The base station transmits synchronization signals at regular intervals (e.g., every frame or several frames) and remains in standby mode between transmissions, achieving both network reliability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The base station dynamically switches between active transmission mode and standby mode based on timing requirements. The system adapts its operational state by activating transmission only when synchronization signals need to be sent and entering standby mode during inactive sub-portions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the base station enters standby mode to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but service continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary actions by transmitting synchronization signals before entering standby mode. This ensures that terminals are synchronized and aware of the base station's periodic activity pattern before the base station transitions to low-power state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The base station operates in periodic cycles consisting of active transmission periods followed by standby periods. This regular pattern allows terminals to predict and synchronize with base station activity, maintaining service continuity while enabling energy savings during inactive sub-portions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the base station remains active to serve multiple users, then service coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission timeline into active sub-portions and inactive sub-portions. During active sub-portions, the base station serves multiple users with full functionality, while during inactive sub-portions, it enters standby mode, achieving a balance between service coverage and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base station implements periodic service cycles where it alternates between full-service active mode and energy-saving standby mode. Terminals are configured to access the base station during active sub-portions, ensuring service coverage is maintained when needed while enabling energy savings during periodic inactive periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3759974B1Method of placing a base station on standby, computer program product, device, base station and signal corresponding thereto
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ORANGE SA
  • EP3759974B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3759974B1 patent drawingFigure 2~8
  • EP3759974B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

ABSTRACT The invention relates to a method of control of a base station of a radiocommunication network multiplexing data in time intervals each exhibiting at least one temporal synchronization portion and at least one temporal portion of user data organized into resource blocks distributed in time and in frequency. The method comprises, for at least some of said time intervals: - a step of cutting said temporal portion of user data into at least two sub-portions, an active temporal sub-portion, able to group together resource blocks to be emitted, and at least one temporal sub-portion not containing any resource blocks that are used, termed inactive temporal sub-portion, and - a step of placing said base station on standby, for at least one part of the duration of the or of said inactive temporal sub-portions. Figure 3a