Edge Device Relay Synchronization for MTC Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems for Machine-Type-Communication (MTC) and Internet of Everything (IoE) face challenges in maximizing battery life, particularly in devices with infrequent or sporadic data transmission, where energy-efficient synchronization methods are needed to reduce power consumption and extend device lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where an edge communication device synchronizes with a network via a relay communication device using an initial synchronization signal, enters a power-saving state, and awakens to search for a periodic secondary relay synchronization signal (SRSS) with a longer search window, allowing efficient data transmission and reducing energy overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device performs frequent synchronization with the network to maintain connectivity, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization where the MTC device performs initial synchronization with the network at defined intervals rather than continuously. The device wakes up from sleep mode at specific synchronization occasions to receive synchronization signals, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic action maintains communication reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the MTC device to autonomously determine when to wake up for synchronization based on pre-configured parameters and network conditions. The device self-manages its synchronization schedule, selecting appropriate synchronization signals (initial or secondary) based on whether it is in coverage or out of coverage, without requiring continuous network control. This self-service approach optimizes the balance between connectivity maintenance and energy conservation.
2Reliability
If the device uses a longer search window for synchronization signal detection, then the reliability of synchronization is improved, but the time required for synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization process into two distinct phases: initial synchronization using initial synchronization signals with longer search windows for reliable detection, and subsequent synchronization using secondary synchronization signals with shorter search windows for quick updates. This segmentation allows the device to perform thorough synchronization initially, then use faster methods for periodic updates, reducing overall synchronization time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization using initial synchronization signals before the device enters sleep mode. During the next wake-up period, the device uses previously obtained synchronization information and performs quicker secondary synchronization. This preliminary action reduces the need for lengthy search windows during each wake-up cycle, as the device already has baseline synchronization data to work from.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communication by an edge communication device with a network via a relay communication device includes synchronizing to a network using an initial synchronization signal, associating with a relay communication device, entering a power saving state, awakening from the power saving state, searching for a periodic secondary relay synchronization signal (SRSS) transmitted by the relay communication device using an SRSS search window having a duration longer than a duration of a network search window for searching for the initial synchronization signal, synchronizing to the relay communication device based on the SRSS signal, and transmitting data to the relay communication device based on the synchronizing to enable the relay communication device to relay the data to the network.