GEO Cell Switch-Off Scheduling for UE Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems, particularly with non-terrestrial networks (NTN) like GEO satellites, there is a challenge of inefficient energy consumption and power usage due to continuous signal transmission, especially in remote areas where UEs cannot reselect cells during satellite revisit times, leading to increased power consumption and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism to periodically switch off NTN cells, such as GEO cells, while informing UEs about these periods, allowing them to refrain from cell searches and IDLE mode tasks, and deferring paging to conserve power and spectrum resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NTN cells continuously broadcast synchronization signals to maintain coverage, then service reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing discontinuous broadcasting of synchronization signals. The network entity broadcasts SS periodically rather than continuously, turning off the cell during specific periods when no UEs are present. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining service reliability during active periods while significantly reducing energy consumption during inactive periods through periodic rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cell state changeable between active and inactive. The network entity dynamically adjusts the broadcasting state based on UE presence and service requirements. This dynamic state change allows the system to optimize between reliability (when needed) and energy consumption (when not needed), resolving the technical contradiction through adaptive operation.
2Reliability
If UEs continuously perform IDLE mode tasks to monitor cell signals, then connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by notifying UEs in advance about cell off periods through system information. This allows UEs to prepare for and anticipate the discontinuous broadcasting, enabling them to adjust their IDLE mode tasks accordingly. UEs can refrain from performing certain monitoring tasks during predicted off periods while maintaining connection reliability during active periods, thus reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a mechanism where the network entity provides information about its broadcasting schedule to UEs. This feedback loop allows UEs to adjust their behavior based on actual network conditions, optimizing the balance between monitoring reliability and power consumption by responding to network status information.
3Reliability
If UEs perform cell searches during NTN cell off periods, then service continuity is improved, but time and energy are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing advance notice to UEs about cell off periods through system information broadcasting. This allows UEs to prepare for the upcoming off period and adjust their cell search operations accordingly. By knowing in advance when the cell will be off, UEs can refrain from performing unnecessary cell searches during off periods while maintaining service continuity through proper handover preparation and timing.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for periodically switching off geosynchronous cells. A method that may be performed by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving an indication that a non-terrestrial network (NTN) cell will stop broadcasting synchronization signals (SS) during a period of time; and performing one or more actions during the period of time based on the indication.