Idle Mode Indication Signal Encoding for Wireless Cell Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dense wireless communication networks, the traditional cell discovery procedures become inefficient due to inter-cell interference and the dynamic on/off switching of radio access nodes, leading to prolonged detection times and increased energy consumption for mobile stations.
Innovation Solution
A method where network nodes transmit a communication signal indicating the time left in idle mode, allowing for efficient detection and synchronization, even during short active periods, by encoding this information into the signal and using distinct sequences for each idle mode time unit to differentiate transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If radio access nodes are switched off or put in low-power state to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but cell discovery procedures become inefficient and detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node transmits the idle mode indication signal before actually entering idle mode, allowing mobile stations to prepare for connection in advance. This preliminary action enables the mobile station to perform cell search and synchronization procedures before the network node activates, reducing the detection time penalty associated with long sleeping cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The idle mode indication signal acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the network node's idle state and the mobile station's need for timely cell discovery. This intermediary signal provides advance information without requiring the network node to remain fully active, thus resolving the contradiction between energy saving and detection speed.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cell search procedures are used with constantly active base stations, then detection procedures are simple, but energy efficiency deteriorates in dense networks with dynamic on/off switching
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of signal transmission timing from continuous to discontinuous. Instead of constantly transmitting cell search signals, the network node transmits idle mode indication signals only during idle periods, fundamentally altering the operational parameters to match the energy-efficient on/off switching pattern while maintaining detection capability.
3Loss of energy
If network nodes operate in idle mode with limited transmission capabilities, then energy consumption is reduced, but transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the critical idle mode indication information from the full communication signal and transmits it separately during idle periods. This extraction allows the network node to maintain minimal transmission capability for reliability purposes while operating in low-power idle mode, transmitting only the essential indication signal rather than full communication services.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a method in a first network node for transmitting communication signals in a wireless communication system, the first network node being arranged to operate in an active mode in which the first network node has full transmission and/or reception capabilities or in an idle mode in which the first network node has limited transmission and/or reception capabilities in relation to the active mode; the method being characterized by the steps of: encoding an indication of time left in idle mode for the first network node into a communication signal; and transmitting said communication signal in the wireless communication system while operating in the idle mode. Furthermore, embodiments also relate to a corresponding method in a second network node, a first network node device, a second network node device, a computer program, and a computer program product thereof.