Dormant Base Station Activation via Periodic Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE technology, face challenges in efficiently managing dormant base stations to conserve power and reduce interference, especially when transitioning between active and dormant states, which affects handoff processes and network resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A method where a second base station sends an indication of resources to a user equipment (UE) to detect a dormant first base station, configures subframes for data transmissions, and confirms the transition of the first base station from an active to a dormant state by adjusting synchronization signal and information block periodicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If base stations remain in active state to provide continuous service, then service availability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base station dynamically transitions between active and dormant states based on traffic conditions and handoff requirements. The system adjusts the operational state of base stations in real-time, activating them when needed for handoffs and deactivating them during low-traffic periods to balance service availability with power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base station periodically transmits synchronization signals and information blocks even in dormant state to maintain detectability. This periodic transmission allows the base station to remain potentially available for handoffs while consuming less power than continuous active operation, resolving the contradiction between service availability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If base stations transmit synchronization signals frequently, then detection accuracy is improved, but interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Synchronization signals and information blocks are transmitted periodically rather than continuously. This periodic transmission maintains sufficient detection accuracy for UEs to identify and handoff to dormant base stations while significantly reducing the overall interference generated compared to continuous transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the transmission parameters (periodicity) of synchronization signals based on the base station state. In dormant state, signals are transmitted with lower periodicity than in active state, optimizing the balance between detection accuracy and interference reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If base stations transition to dormant state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but handoff efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidhandoff efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary actions by periodically transmitting synchronization signals and information blocks while in dormant state. This preliminary transmission of detection information ensures that UEs can quickly identify and handoff to the base station when needed, maintaining handoff efficiency while the base station remains in power-saving dormant state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The periodic synchronization signals and information blocks act as intermediaries that bridge the dormant base station and UEs. These signals carry necessary detection information, enabling efficient handoffs without requiring the base station to be in full active state, thus maintaining handoff efficiency while saving power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If base stations reduce signal transmission to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but network resource allocation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station uses periodic transmission of synchronization signals and information blocks to maintain minimal network presence. This periodic communication allows the base station to conserve power while still providing sufficient information for UEs to detect and utilize the base station when needed, maintaining resource allocation efficiency without continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3277030B1Activation procedure for dormant cells
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3277030B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3277030B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3277030B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may be a UE. The UE receives synchronization signals and an information block from a first base station. The information block includes information indicating whether the first base station is in a dormant state or an active state. The UE detects the first base station based on the received synchronization signals and on the information indicating whether the first base station is in the dormant state or the active state. The UE may receive, from a second base station, an indication of resources for detecting the first base station. The synchronization signals and the information block may be received in the indicated resources. The UE may move to the first base station from a second base station in a handoff from the second base station to the first base station.