Conditional Handover Configuration for 5G Network Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high energy consumption of 5G systems, particularly in radio access networks, necessitates effective network energy saving solutions without compromising user performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an energy saving mode during conditional handover between network devices, including base stations, by using request and response messages to configure energy saving modes and conditional handover execution conditions, thereby reducing network energy consumption and improving energy utilization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 5G networks use more antennas, larger bandwidths, and more frequency bands to handle advanced services, then network capacity and service quality are improved, but energy consumption of network devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring conditional handover parameters and energy saving mode information before handover execution. The source base station sends reconfiguration messages to the terminal device in advance, including conditional execution conditions and target cell configurations, so that handover can be executed quickly when conditions are met, reducing the time network devices need to operate at high power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through discontinuous transmission (DTX) and discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanisms. Base stations can periodically switch between active and sleep states, transmitting signals only during scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This allows network devices to reduce energy consumption during periods of low activity while maintaining network coverage and readiness.
2Loss of energy
If base stations enter energy saving mode to reduce energy consumption, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but handover performance and user connectivity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing preliminary configuration of multiple candidate target cells with their energy saving mode capabilities before the source base station enters energy saving mode. The terminal device receives reconfiguration messages containing conditional handover parameters for multiple potential target cells, ensuring that handover can be executed seamlessly if the source cell enters sleep mode, thus maintaining reliability while enabling energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting handover execution conditions based on energy saving mode states. The source base station can modify conditional execution conditions, measurement thresholds, and handover triggers according to whether it or target cells are in active or energy saving modes. This allows the system to optimize between energy consumption and handover performance by adapting parameters to current operational states.
3Ease of operation
If traditional handover procedures are used, then handover execution is straightforward, but signaling overhead increases and handover failures may occur under high load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent significantly reduces signaling overhead by performing preliminary configuration of handover parameters, target cell measurements, and execution conditions before handover is needed. The source base station sends comprehensive reconfiguration messages in advance, including multiple candidate target cell configurations and conditional execution criteria. When handover is triggered, the terminal device can execute autonomously using pre-configured parameters, eliminating the need for multiple round-trip signaling exchanges during actual handover execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling autonomous conditional handover execution at the terminal device. Once the terminal receives the pre-configured handover parameters and conditions from the source base station, it independently evaluates whether conditions are met and executes handover to the appropriate target cell without requiring real-time network intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces signaling overhead and prevents handover failures under high network load conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product are provided. The method is used by a first network device to send, to a second network device, a request message for conditional handover, and receive, from the second network device, a response message for conditional handover. The response message includes indication information, and the indication information indicates at least one energy saving mode of a candidate cell of the second network device and at least one piece of configuration information associated with the at least one energy saving mode for conditional handover. In this way, network energy saving triggered conditional handover is implemented, and energy utilization efficiency is improved.