Component Carrier Operation Sequences for 5G Network Energy Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network entities in wireless communications systems, particularly in 5G systems, consume significant power, necessitating a reduction in power consumption while managing traffic loads effectively.

Innovation Solution

Implementing cell-specific (component carrier-specific) network operation sequences, allowing different network operation modes on a per-cell basis, enabling some carriers to operate in lower-power consumption modes while accommodating network traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If network entities operate all component carriers in high-performance modes, then network traffic capacity is improved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork traffic capacityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the network operation into separate sequences for different component carriers (CC1, CC2, CC3), allowing each carrier to have its own operational characteristics. This segmentation enables selective activation of carriers based on traffic requirements, so that not all carriers need to operate at full capacity simultaneously, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining necessary traffic capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic network operation sequences that can transition between different operational states (e.g., active, dormant, inactive) for different component carriers. This dynamic adjustment allows the network to adapt its power consumption levels in real-time based on actual traffic demands, enabling high-performance operation when needed and energy-saving modes when traffic is low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If network entities reduce power consumption by lowering operation modes, then energy efficiency is improved, but network performance and traffic handling capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different operational qualities to different component carriers based on local requirements. For example, CC1 may operate in a power-saving sequence while CC2 operates in a high-performance sequence, depending on their specific traffic patterns and service requirements. This localized quality assignment ensures that network performance is maintained where needed while achieving energy efficiency where possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic transitions between different operation modes for component carriers, where carriers can switch between active and dormant states in a periodic manner. This periodic action allows the network to maintain performance capability by periodically activating carriers while spending more time in energy-saving states, thus achieving overall energy efficiency without completely sacrificing network performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If different network operation sequences are applied to different component carriers, then power consumption is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal framework for managing multiple network operation sequences that can be applied across different component carriers. The same control mechanisms, signaling protocols, and state transition rules are used for all carriers, regardless of their specific operation sequences. This universal approach allows the system to handle multiple sequences with a single set of management logic, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while still enabling optimized power consumption for each carrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12495378B2Techniques for network energy saving sequences and cell interaction

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may receive first control signaling indicating a first network operation sequence associated with a first component carrier, the first network operation sequence including a first set of time intervals corresponding to a first set of network operation modes for the first component carrier. The UE may additionally receive second control signaling indicating a second network operation sequence associated with a second component carrier, the second network operation sequence including a second set of time intervals corresponding to a second set of network operation modes for the second component carrier. The UE may then communicate via the first component carrier in accordance with the first network operation sequence, and communicate via the second component carrier in accordance with the second network operation sequence.