Dynamic Radio Frame Slot Management Using PRB Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in NR and LTE technologies, face challenges in managing power consumption efficiently due to unnecessary transmission of scheduling grants in all slots of a radio frame, even when network traffic is light, leading to increased power consumption by base stations and user equipment.
Innovation Solution
Dynamically managing slots of a radio frame by activating and deactivating them based on network traffic conditions, using PRB utilization thresholds to determine when to transmit scheduling grants, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining operational and performance metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scheduling grants are transmitted in all slots of a radio frame, then network coverage and connection reliability are maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making slot activation/deactivation configurable and adaptive rather than fixed. The network can dynamically adjust which slots transmit scheduling grants based on real-time traffic conditions, transforming a static transmission pattern into a flexible, condition-based dynamic system that balances reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of slot utilization from 100% (all slots active) to a variable percentage based on PRB utilization thresholds. By monitoring physical resource block utilization and adjusting the number of active slots accordingly, the system optimizes power consumption while maintaining adequate network reliability through parameter-based control.
2Productivity
If all slots are activated for transmission, then network performance and throughput are maximized, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of slots based on actual traffic demand rather than activating all slots. When PRB utilization is below the threshold, the system transmits scheduling grants in only a subset of slots, reducing energy waste from unnecessary transmissions while maintaining sufficient network throughput for active users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring PRB utilization across slots and using this information to determine which slots should transmit scheduling grants. This closed-loop feedback allows the network to adjust transmission behavior based on real-time conditions, optimizing the balance between throughput and power consumption.
3Loss of energy
If slot activation is dynamically adjusted based on traffic conditions, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically monitor its own PRB utilization and make decisions about slot activation without external intervention. The network autonomously evaluates traffic conditions and determines optimal transmission patterns, reducing the need for complex manual configuration while managing power consumption effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for dynamic slot management for radio frames. A method that may be performed by abase station (BS) includes determining a physical resource block (PRB) utilization of each active slot of a plurality of active slots over a first monitoring period of time. The method also includes calculating, based on the PRB utilization of each of the plurality of active slots, a PRB average utilization value over the first monitoring period of time. The method further includes determining whether the PRB average utilization value satisfies a first PRB threshold value. The method also includes in response to determining that the PRB average utilization value fails to satisfy the first PRB threshold value, deactivating a set of active slots of the plurality of active slots resulting in a modified plurality of active slots over the first monitoring period of time.