Dynamic DRX Control for Wireless Device Power and Signal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communication networks, discontinuous reception (DRX) is used to save power in wireless devices, but there is a challenge in setting power state parameters to avoid negative effects from idle periods, particularly in ensuring receipt of retransmitted control signals during non-ideal radio conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a secondary receiving period is added only when the control signal fails to be correctly received from the radio base station, allowing the wireless device to receive retransmissions and maintain active status, thereby preventing loss of control signals and improving battery life by setting receiving modules to idle mode when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the wireless device enters idle mode during DRX to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but control signals may be lost during non-ideal radio conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device performs preliminary actions by determining whether a control signal is expected during the receiving period and proactively adjusting the DRX configuration before entering idle mode. This allows the device to extend the receiving period or adjust timing to ensure control signals are not missed, while still maintaining power savings through selective idle mode entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The DRX configuration is made dynamic by allowing the wireless device to adjust receiving period timing and duration based on whether control signals are expected. The device can extend receiving periods or modify idle period timing adaptively, rather than using fixed DRX parameters, thereby balancing power consumption with reliable control signal reception.
2Loss of energy
If long idle periods are used in DRX to save power, then energy efficiency improves, but the risk of missing retransmitted control signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device uses feedback mechanisms to determine whether control signals are expected during receiving periods. Based on this feedback information, the device dynamically adjusts DRX configuration, extending receiving periods or modifying idle period timing when control signals are anticipated, thereby preventing signal loss while maintaining energy efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The DRX parameters (receiving period timing, duration, idle period length) are changed dynamically based on the expected control signal conditions. The device adjusts these parameters adaptively - using longer idle periods when no control signals are expected to maximize energy savings, and extending receiving periods when control signals are anticipated to prevent information loss.
3Reliability
If the wireless device remains active to receive control signals, then signaling reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device employs dynamic DRX configuration that adapts receiving period timing and duration based on control signal expectations. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to remain active only when necessary for reliable control signal reception, while entering idle mode during periods when no control signals are expected, thereby optimizing the balance between signaling reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary determination of whether control signals are expected before entering idle mode. This preliminary action allows the device to proactively extend receiving periods or adjust timing to ensure control signals are captured, avoiding the need to remain continuously active while still guaranteeing reliable reception when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed in a wireless device of a cellular network also comprising a radio base station, the wireless device being in a discontinuous reception mode comprising receiving periods and idle periods. The method comprises the steps of: determining that a control signal is expected to be received from a radio base station during a primary receiving period; when a control signal fails to be correctly received from the radio base station during the primary receiving period, adding a secondary receiving period covering a first time interval when a new control signal is expected to be received; and when a control signal is correctly received from the radio base station during the primary receiving period refraining from adding a secondary receiving period. Corresponding wireless device, wireless devices computer program and computer program products are also presented.