Cell DRX Scheduling Request Handling for 5G Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high energy consumption of 5G networks due to continuous operation of base stations and the introduction of technologies like Massive MIMO and larger radio frequency bandwidths, leading to increased operational costs, is exacerbated by the denser deployment of 5G stations, necessitating energy-saving measures such as cell discontinuous transmission/reception (DTX/DRX) which disrupts communication processes for connected mode user equipment (UEs).
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that prevent scheduling requests (SRs) and related behaviors during inactive states of cell DTX/DRX, including canceling pending SRs, considering low-priority SR transmissions, and avoiding random access procedures to reduce network energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cell discontinuous transmission/reception (DTX/DRX) is implemented to save energy, then network energy consumption is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to interrupted scheduling requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between active and inactive states for the cell, with configurable duration parameters. The network device dynamically adjusts transmission/reception operations based on traffic conditions and energy saving requirements, allowing flexible adaptation between energy efficiency and communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary configurations for scheduling requests during inactive states, including pre-defining whether SRs are triggered or cancelled, and pre-configuring uplink resource allocations. This preliminary action ensures that communication reliability is maintained by having predetermined mechanisms ready before energy-saving mode activates
2Reliability
If base stations operate continuously to maintain communication availability, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission and reception cycles with defined active and dormant periods. During active periods, full communication functionality is available; during dormant periods, transmissions are suspended. This periodic operation allows base stations to balance availability with energy consumption by cycling between operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters including transmission power, bandwidth allocation, and resource block assignments during different states. By adjusting these parameters dynamically between active and inactive modes, the system optimizes the trade-off between maintaining communication availability and reducing energy consumption
3Productivity
If scheduling requests are triggered during inactive states to maintain uplink communication, then communication responsiveness is improved, but energy saving objectives are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively triggering scheduling requests only when necessary, rather than continuously. It implements a filtered approach where only high-priority or specific types of SRs are allowed during inactive states, while lower-priority requests are deferred or cancelled, achieving energy savings while maintaining essential communication responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the network device autonomously determines whether to trigger or cancel scheduling requests based on pre-configured rules and current conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous external control signaling, reducing overhead energy consumption while maintaining appropriate communication responsiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus, configured in a terminal equipment, includes: processor circuitry configured to, when a network is in a network energy saving mode, pend a SR (scheduling request) counter for a SR, wherein the network energy saving mode refers to at least one of the following that: cell discontinuous reception (cell DRX) is configured and activated; and a cell is in an inactive state of cell discontinuous reception (cell DRX).