Dynamic PHR Timer Configuration for LTE Service Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE access nodes are unable to dynamically adjust power headroom (PHR) timers based on network conditions and communication types, leading to suboptimal service quality for wireless communication devices.

Innovation Solution

The method involves an LTE access node receiving wireless signaling from devices, identifying signal service quality, and dynamically modifying PHR timers for specific service types, allowing devices to adjust their PHR reporting intervals based on predefined criteria, such as Quality of Service Class Identifier (QCI) and Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), to improve communication quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If LTE access nodes use fixed PHR timer intervals for all devices, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but service quality and adaptability to different communication types deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePHR timer configuration simplicityVSAvoidservice quality for different communication types
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different PHR timer values for different service types (e.g., eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) and different devices based on their specific requirements. The access node identifies devices and assigns customized PHR timer configurations according to their service type, communication conditions, and power headroom states, rather than using a uniform timer for all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the PHR timer configuration to change dynamically based on network conditions, service type requirements, and device states. The access node can modify PHR timer values in real-time according to varying communication demands, allowing the system to adapt from static to dynamic operation modes as conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If LTE access nodes dynamically modify PHR timers based on service type and network conditions, then service quality and resource allocation optimization are improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidPHR timer management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where devices report their power headroom status and service type information to the access node. The access node uses this feedback to determine appropriate PHR timer configurations and sends control signals back to devices, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes resource allocation while managing complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling devices to autonomously determine their service type and communicate their power headroom status without requiring complex manual configuration. The access node automatically processes this information and assigns appropriate PHR timer values, reducing the burden on both network operators and device users while maintaining high resource allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If PHR notifications are transmitted frequently to improve service quality monitoring, then communication quality and reliability are improved, but signaling load and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication quality monitoringVSAvoiddevice energy consumption for PHR reporting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by configuring PHR notification transmissions to occur at dynamically adjusted intervals determined by the PHR timer values. For devices with stable power headroom and less critical service requirements, longer intervals reduce energy consumption. For devices with critical service types or unstable conditions, shorter intervals maintain reliability. This periodic mechanism balances energy usage against monitoring needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the PHR timer values based on service type, device state, and network conditions. When service quality is stable and energy conservation is prioritized, the timer value increases, reducing notification frequency. When service quality degrades or critical services are detected, the timer value decreases, increasing notification frequency to maintain reliability. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes the trade-off between energy consumption and monitoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9706502B1Dynamically modifying power headroom timers based on communication service type
Publication Date: 2017.07.11 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US9706502B1 patent drawing
  • US9706502B1 patent drawing
  • US9706502B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The technology disclosed herein enhances the operation of a Long Term Evolution (LTE) access node to dynamically modify power headroom (PHR) timers. In one implementation, a method of operating a LTE access node includes communicating first signals with wireless communication devices (WCDs) using a first PHR timer. The method also includes identifying if signal service quality with the WCDs meets performance criteria and, if the signal service quality meets the criteria, identifying a set of wireless devices based on service type for the set of wireless devices, identify a second PHR timer for the set of wireless devices, and transfer the second PHR timer to the set of wireless devices.