Dormant eNB Random Access Configuration for Network Reselection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly LTE, face challenges in efficiently managing dormant cells and optimizing random access procedures to improve spectral efficiency and user equipment (UE) access configurations, leading to limitations in data transmission and interference reduction.

Innovation Solution

The method involves an evolved Node B (eNB) transmitting a system information block (SIB) to a UE, which includes a random access configuration, allowing the UE to perform a random access procedure based on the received information. The eNB also sends system information during the random access procedure, indicating a second random access configuration for completing the process, and receives a Layer 2/3 message from the UE. This approach optimizes subframe configurations for data transmission and reduces interference by transitioning the dormant eNB to an active state with adjusted periodicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the eNB remains in dormant state to reduce power consumption and interference, then energy efficiency and interference reduction are improved, but the UE cannot perform data transmission or access the network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of dormant eNBVSAvoiddata transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The eNB dynamically transitions between dormant and active states based on UE access needs. The system allows the eNB to be dormant during periods when no UE requires service, reducing power consumption and interference. When a UE needs to access the network, the eNB transitions to an active state to enable data transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration of random access parameters and system information blocks while the eNB is in dormant state. The UE can acquire necessary access information from pre-configured parameters, enabling the eNB to remain dormant longer while still supporting UE access when needed, thus maintaining productivity without continuous activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the eNB transmits complete system information blocks to enable full random access procedure, then access reliability is improved, but transmission overhead and procedure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access procedure completionVSAvoidsystem information transmission overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the random access procedure into multiple stages with different information requirements. The initial phase uses compact random access parameters for basic access, while complete system information blocks are transmitted only when needed for procedure completion. This segmentation reduces overall transmission overhead while maintaining access reliability through staged information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces random access parameters as an intermediary that provides essential access information in a compact form. These parameters act as a mediator between the dormant eNB state and full system information transmission, enabling the UE to perform initial random access procedures with reduced overhead while maintaining the ability to complete the full procedure when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the eNB transitions to active state frequently to serve UEs, then network access responsiveness is improved, but power consumption and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption of eNB
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration of random access parameters and maintains them in a ready state while the eNB remains dormant. When a UE needs to access the network, the pre-configured parameters enable immediate access without requiring full system information transmission, thus improving responsiveness while minimizing the duration and frequency of eNB active states, reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The eNB implements dynamic state management, transitioning to active state only when necessary for UE access and returning to dormant state as quickly as possible. The system optimizes the timing and duration of active states based on actual access requirements, improving responsiveness to genuine access needs while minimizing energy consumption from frequent or prolonged active states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3346769B1Methods and apparatus for accessing dormant cells
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3346769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3346769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3346769B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, a computer program product, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a UE. The UE receives an information block from a first base station while camped on a second base station. In an aspect, the information block includes an indication of a random access configuration for performing at least a part of a random access procedure. The UE determines to reselect to the first base station from the second base station. The UE performs at least a part of a random access procedure with the first base station based on the indicated random access configuration to reselect from a second base station to the first base station.