Cell Reselection Using Alternative Nodes During RAN Energy Saving

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in managing varying RAN resource demands from mobile devices with different QoS requirements, particularly in network energy saving modes, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for network energy saving mode management involving inter-radio access network node communication and user equipment decision-making to identify and connect to alternative nodes supporting required services, using system information blocks and alternative node indications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If a network access network node activates energy saving mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but service availability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidservice availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary actions by proactively notifying user equipment about upcoming energy saving mode activations and providing alternative node information before the energy saving mode begins. This allows user equipment to pre-adjust by switching to alternative nodes, ensuring service continuity while enabling the original node to enter low-power state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary information exchange mechanism where network nodes share energy saving mode status and alternative node information through inter-node communication interfaces. This intermediary layer coordinates the transition, allowing seamless service handover while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If user equipment continuously monitors all radio access network nodes for service availability, then service availability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

User equipment receives self-service by being provided with pre-configured alternative node information and energy saving mode schedules from the network. This eliminates the need for continuous active monitoring, as equipment can autonomously switch to alternative nodes based on pre-received information, reducing its own power consumption while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network performs preliminary action by proactively providing user equipment with information about alternative nodes and energy saving schedules before transitions occur. This allows user equipment to make informed decisions without continuous monitoring, reducing power consumption while ensuring service continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If radio access network nodes operate independently without inter-node communication, then device complexity is reduced, but service continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode communication complexityVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication layer between network nodes, allowing them to share energy saving mode status and alternative node information. This moderate level of inter-node communication enables coordinated service continuity without requiring complex full-mesh communication infrastructure, achieving a balance between complexity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If user equipment switches to alternative radio access network nodes during energy saving mode, then service availability is maintained, but connection establishment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidconnection establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by providing user equipment with pre-configured alternative node information, including node identifiers and service capability information, before energy saving mode transitions begin. This allows user equipment to quickly identify and connect to alternative nodes without extensive search or evaluation delays, minimizing connection establishment time while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12556988B2Dynamic cell reselection

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Radio access network nodes exchange network energy saving mode information via interfaces between the nodes or via core network backhaul communication links that indicate services or qualities that will be active during active network energy saving mode periods corresponding to the nodes. An idle-mode user equipment may initiate a connection with one of the nodes having a determined highest signal strength by monitoring and decoding information block information that indicates services or qualities for which support will be deactivated during a network energy saving mode. The information block information may indicate another one of the nodes that may offer one of the deactivated services during the network energy saving mode corresponding to the node which transmitted the information block information. The user equipment may connect to the other node to obtain the service even if a determined signal strength of the other node is not the highest of the nodes.