Cell DTX/DRX Configuration in E2SM-CCC for Dynamic O-RAN Energy Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless communication networks lack dynamic and cell-specific tuning of discontinuous transmission (DTX) and discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters to adapt to real-time network dynamics, user mobility, and quality-of-service requirements, limiting energy efficiency and interoperability across different vendors.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an enhanced E2 Service Model (E2SM-CCC) within the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture that allows for dynamic adjustment of DTX/DRX parameters using AI/ML, enabling fine-grained, vendor-neutral energy management across multi-vendor networks through the E2 interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If static or semi-static DTX/DRX configuration is used, then device-level energy saving is achieved, but cell-level adaptability to real-time network dynamics is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-level energy savingVSAvoidcell-level adaptability to real-time network dynamics

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic DTX/DRX configuration by enabling the network to adjust DTX/DRX parameters in real-time based on current network conditions, traffic patterns, and user mobility. This transforms the static configuration into a dynamic system that adapts continuously, resolving the contradiction between achieving energy saving and maintaining adaptability to real-time changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the configuration parameters of DTX/DRX from fixed static values to dynamically adjustable parameters. By introducing mechanisms to modify these parameters based on real-time network state, the system achieves both energy efficiency and adaptability, as the parameters can be optimized for current conditions while maintaining power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized DTX/DRX support is implemented, then cross-vendor interoperability is improved, but vendor-specific optimization capabilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-vendor interoperabilityVSAvoidvendor-specific optimization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal configuration framework through the E2SM-CCC service model that can be applied across multiple vendors while maintaining the ability to support vendor-specific optimizations. The standardized interface allows different vendors to implement DTX/DRX functionality consistently, achieving interoperability while preserving flexibility for vendor-specific enhancements through the same standardized mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If dynamic DTX/DRX tuning is implemented, then energy efficiency and network adaptability are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the E2SM-CCC service model as an intermediary layer between the network controller and the radio access network elements. This intermediary handles the complexity of dynamic DTX/DRX configuration, managing parameter adjustments and coordination, thereby reducing the complexity burden on individual components while enabling network-wide energy optimization through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of energy

If cell-specific DTX/DRX optimization is enabled, then network energy saving is improved, but latency for time-sensitive applications may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy savingVSAvoidlatency for time-sensitive applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts DTX/DRX parameters such as cycle length, on-duration, and offset based on real-time network conditions and service requirements. For time-sensitive applications, the system can modify these parameters to reduce sleep durations or increase wake frequency, thereby maintaining low latency while still achieving energy savings during periods of lower activity or for non-time-critical traffic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250287460A1Supporting cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) / discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration in e2 service model for cell configuration and control (e2SM-CCC)

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A machine-readable storage medium, an apparatus and a method, each corresponding to either an apparatus to implement an E2 node in a radio-access network (RAN) of an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) or to an apparatus to implement a Near-Real-Time RAN-Intelligent-Controller (Near-RT RIC) to communicate with an E2 node in a RAN of an O-RAN. The apparatus to implement the E2 node in a RAN is to: determine a Near-Real-Time RAN-Intelligent-Controller (Near-RT RIC) communication from an E2 interface, the Near RT RIC communication including a cell-level energy-saving configuration information element (0-CellDTXDRX-Config IE); configure a discontinuous transmission or reception (DTX/DRX) operation of the RAN in a cell of the RAN based on the O-CellDTXDRX-Config IE; and cause the RAN's DTX/DRX operation based on the O-CellDTXDRX-Config IE.