Dynamic Carrier Mode Switching for Legacy LTE Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy LTE user equipment cannot access cells with new energy-saving features like eNB DTX or sleep mode, as these features require different signal transmissions not supported in earlier LTE releases, leading to incompatibility and inability to function properly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic carrier mode switching in radio network nodes to operate at least one carrier in both legacy and non-legacy modes, allowing legacy user equipment to function while enabling advanced power-saving features like DTX by switching between modes dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If base station implements energy-saving features like DTX or sleep mode, then power consumption is reduced, but legacy LTE user equipment cannot access the cell
Solution Approach 1:
The base station dynamically switches the carrier between legacy mode and non-legacy mode based on the presence of legacy user equipment. When legacy UE is detected, the carrier operates in legacy mode ensuring compatibility. When no legacy UE is present, the carrier switches to non-legacy mode enabling energy-saving features like DTX. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power savings and legacy equipment compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the carrier by switching between two distinct modes: legacy mode (compatible with LTE Rel-8 and supporting all signal transmissions) and non-legacy mode (incompatible with legacy UE but supporting energy-saving features). This parameter switching allows the system to optimize for either compatibility or power consumption depending on current network conditions.
2Loss of energy
If base station operates in non-legacy mode with DTX, then energy efficiency is improved, but legacy user equipment cannot function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational mode of the carrier based on real-time detection of legacy user equipment. The base station monitors for legacy UE and switches the carrier to legacy mode when detected, ensuring reliable functionality. When legacy UE is absent, the carrier operates in non-legacy mode with DTX for improved energy efficiency. This dynamic behavior ensures reliability is maintained when needed while enabling energy savings when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary between legacy user equipment and the base station's energy-saving features. By switching the carrier's operational mode, the system mediates between the conflicting requirements of legacy UE compatibility and non-legacy energy-saving operations, allowing the base station to provide energy-saving features to non-legacy UE while maintaining support for legacy UE through mode switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If base station continuously supports legacy mode, then compatibility is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station periodically checks for the presence of legacy user equipment and switches the carrier mode accordingly. Instead of continuously operating in legacy mode, the system uses periodic monitoring and switching between legacy and non-legacy modes. This periodic action allows the base station to maintain legacy support when needed while reducing power consumption during periods when no legacy UE is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier operational mode is made dynamic rather than static. The base station continuously adapts the carrier mode based on current network conditions and the presence of legacy user equipment. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize power consumption by switching to non-legacy mode when legacy UE is absent, while maintaining compatibility when legacy UE is detected.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a radio network node for dynamic carrier mode switching is provided. The radio network node is comprised in a radio communications system. The radio network node is configured to operate in a legacy mode and is further configured to operate in a non legacy mode. At least one carrier is operated so that it switches (602) from non legacy mode to legacy mode. When operating the carrier in the legacy mode, the radio network node signals (603) with a user equipment. The user equipment operates in legacy mode, but can not operate in non legacy mode. The radio network node then operates the at least one carrier so that it switches (604) from legacy mode back to non legacy mode.