DSS Cell Redirection for Energy-Efficient 4G-5G Spectrum Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 4G-5G Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), the continuous transmission of downlink signals by 5G DSS Cells reduces available radio resource capacity for 4G connections, especially when few or no 5G-capable UEs are present, leading to decreased performance and increased power consumption for 4G UEs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a UE to identify a DSS cell, transmit a random access preamble to request redirection to a 5G cell, and transition to the 5G RRC connected mode, optimizing spectrum and energy usage by minimizing overheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the 5G DSS Cell continuously transmits downlink signals to ensure coverage and readiness for 5G-capable UEs, then the coverage and availability of the 5G network are improved, but the available radio resource capacity for 4G/LTE connections is reduced and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 5G DSS cell dynamically switches between active and dormant states based on the presence of 5G-capable UEs. When no 5G-capable UEs are detected, the cell enters a dormant state where continuous downlink signal transmission is suspended, thereby freeing up radio resources for 4G/LTE connections while maintaining the ability to quickly reactivate when 5G UEs appear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameter of the 5G DSS cell from continuous transmission to discontinuous transmission based on UE capability detection. When 5G-capable UEs are absent, transmission parameters are adjusted to minimize or stop downlink signal transmission, thus improving radio resource capacity for 4G/LTE without permanently degrading 5G availability.
2Reliability
If the 5G DSS Cell continuously transmits downlink signals, then the network coverage is maintained, but the power consumption due to DL transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous downlink signal transmission, the 5G DSS cell implements periodic transmission only when needed. The cell monitors for 5G-capable UEs and activates periodic downlink transmission only when such UEs are detected, otherwise remaining in a low-power state while maintaining basic network coverage through the 4G/LTE infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the continuous downlink transmission function from the 5G DSS cell when 5G-capable UEs are absent. By removing this unnecessary transmission activity, the system reduces power consumption while maintaining network coverage through the existing 4G/LTE cell, which continues to serve all UEs regardless of their capability.
3Reliability
If the 5G DSS Cell provides constant overhead transmission, then the 5G network readiness is ensured, but the perceived performance of the 4G/LTE UEs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead transmission of the 5G DSS cell is made dynamic rather than constant. The cell adjusts its overhead transmission based on the detection of 5G-capable UEs, reducing or eliminating overhead signals when no 5G UEs are present, thereby improving the perceived performance of 4G/LTE UEs while maintaining 5G network readiness through rapid reactivation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: means for providing a first cell being a dynamic spectrum sharing cell supporting at least a first radio access technology, wherein at least one random access preamble indicating a request to be redirected to a second cell supporting at least a second radio access technology is stored in the apparatus: means for transmitting signaling information to at least one user equipment via the first radio access technology, wherein said signaling information comprises information for establishing a connection to the second cell: means for receiving a random access preamble from at least one user equipment via the first radio access technology, said random access preamble indicating a request for the user equipment to be redirected to the second cell supporting at least the second radio access technology: means for transmitting an indication to the second cell to transition to an active state; and means for transmitting a random access preamble response to the user equipment via the first radio access technology, wherein the random access preamble response comprises signaling for re-directing the user equipment to camp on a second cell supporting at least the second radio access technology.