IoT Device Power Saving in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices in non-terrestrial networks face challenges with energy consumption and overhead in reconnecting due to the movement of satellites, leading to inefficient power management and increased energy usage during cell reselections.
Innovation Solution
A system where IoT devices inquire about or receive information on transmission opportunities from the network, allowing them to adjust their power saving mode and reconnect at optimal times, reducing the need for frequent cell reselections by providing assisting parameters like physical cell identity, time of availability, and random access control channel opportunities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IoT devices frequently monitor for transmission opportunities in LEO satellite networks, then connection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary calculations of transmission opportunities based on satellite ephemeris data and device location before the device needs to transmit. This allows the device to enter power saving mode with confidence that it will wake up at the correct time for transmission, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary that calculates and provides transmission opportunity information to the IoT device. Instead of the device independently monitoring satellite positions and calculating transmission windows (which consumes energy), the network node performs these calculations and delivers the results to the device, reducing the device's energy burden while ensuring accurate transmission timing.
2Loss of energy
If IoT devices extend power saving duration to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but reconnection overhead increases due to satellite movement
Solution Approach 1:
The network node provides assisting parameters in advance that include predicted satellite positions and transmission opportunities for the entire power saving duration. This allows the device to extend its sleep period without needing to perform intermediate cell reselection measurements, as all necessary reconnection information is provided beforehand, reducing both energy consumption and reconnection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of providing satellite ephemeris data and cell identity information in advance rather than requiring real-time acquisition. This parameter change allows devices to maintain extended power saving modes while the network provides updated satellite position information, reducing the need for frequent device activation and complex reconnection procedures.
3Reliability
If IoT devices activate early to ensure transmission opportunity availability, then transmission reliability is improved, but battery power is wasted due to premature activation
Solution Approach 1:
The network node receives information about the device's scheduled transmission times and provides feedback in the form of calculated transmission opportunities based on satellite ephemeris data. This feedback mechanism allows the device to precisely time its activation to match actual transmission windows, eliminating premature activations while ensuring transmission reliability through accurate timing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from fixed or conservative activation schedules to dynamic activation timing based on calculated transmission opportunities. By using satellite position data and device location to determine precise transmission windows, the device can activate exactly when needed rather than earlier, maintaining reliability while reducing energy waste from premature activation.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments provide signaling between a network node and a client node in non-terrestrial network which enables optimizing energy consumption of the client node. The client node may adapt its power saving mode duration to end at a suitable time for transmission based on information about transmission opportunities computed by the network node. The network nodes may be moving network nodes that operate at altitude, such as satellites. Apparatuses, methods, and computer programs are disclosed.