Client Node Battery Saving in HetNet eICIC via ABS Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implementations of enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (eICIC) in non-CA-based heterogeneous wireless communications environments lead to increased power consumption in client nodes, which reduces battery reserves.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) and scheduling options to reduce power consumption by notifying client nodes to cease monitoring certain subframes, thereby conserving battery resources, using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling and Medium Access Control (MAC) elements to manage subframe monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eICIC techniques are implemented in non-CA-based heterogeneous network, then inter-cell interference is reduced and system performance is improved, but power consumption of client node increases and battery reserves are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the subframes into two distinct types: normal subframes and Almost Blank Subframes (ABS). This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between periods requiring full monitoring and periods where monitoring can be reduced. By dividing the time domain into these functional segments, the client node can adjust its monitoring behavior accordingly, reducing power consumption during ABS while maintaining system performance through coordinated scheduling between macrocell and picocell.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic Almost Blank Subframes where the macrocell eNB transmits minimal or no data, creating regular intervals of reduced interference. This periodic action allows client nodes to enter low-power monitoring states during ABS periods while ensuring that full monitoring occurs during normal subframes when interference levels are higher. The periodic pattern enables predictable power management cycles that balance performance requirements with energy conservation.
2Productivity
If full frequency reuse is implemented in non-CA-based heterogeneous implementation, then spectral efficiency is maximized, but inter-cell interference increases and degrades system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic Almost Blank Subframes where the macrocell eNB periodically transmits minimal or no data during specific subframes. This periodic action creates time intervals with reduced interference, allowing picocell transmissions to proceed with minimal macrocell interference. By alternating between full transmission periods and ABS periods, the system achieves full frequency reuse for spectral efficiency while managing interference through time-domain coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ABS as an intermediary mechanism between macrocell and picocell transmissions. During ABS periods, the macrocell eNB acts as an intermediary by reducing its transmission activity, thereby mediating the interference relationship between macrocell and picocell. This intermediary approach enables full frequency reuse by creating controlled interference windows that protect picocell communications while maintaining overall spectral efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If client node monitors all subframes continuously, then channel quality is accurately tracked and scheduling decisions are optimized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments monitoring requirements by subframe type, requiring full monitoring during normal subframes and reduced monitoring during ABS. This segmentation allows the client node to maintain accurate channel quality tracking when necessary (during normal subframes with potential interference) while reducing power consumption during ABS periods where interference is already minimized. The segmented approach ensures measurement precision is maintained during critical periods without continuous high-power monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring patterns aligned with ABS patterns, where the client node performs full channel quality monitoring during normal subframes and reduces monitoring activity during ABS periods. This periodic monitoring approach maintains adequate channel quality tracking for scheduling decisions while significantly reducing power consumption during the periodic ABS intervals. The periodic action creates a rhythm of high-precision measurement followed by lower-power periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are provided for reducing client node power consumption when monitoring first and second channels corresponding to first and second access nodes in a heterogeneous wireless-enabled communications environment. Enhanced Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (eICIC) operations are performed to mitigate interference between a first access node and a second access node. The client node monitors first and second channels corresponding to the first and second access nodes to detect the presence of Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) pattern data transmitted on the first channel. When detected, the client node ceases monitoring the first channel to reduce power consumption and thereby conserve battery resources.