M2M Gateway Transceiver Power Management via Radio Carrier Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks are not optimized for interoperation with M2M communications, leading to potential data losses and power wastage due to energy-efficient techniques like selective cell switching, which can temporarily disconnect M2M devices from the network.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use a gateway with a transceiver module to determine the presence of a radio carrier, switching it off for a first period and then on for a second period, with these periods adjusted based on parameters provided by the mobile communication network, to minimize power consumption and maintain M2M service availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If selective on-off cell switching is implemented to save network power, then network energy consumption is reduced, but M2M device connectivity and service availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cell switching where base stations transition between active and dormant states based on real-time traffic conditions. The network controller monitors M2M traffic patterns and selectively activates or deactivates cells to match actual demand, ensuring connectivity is maintained when needed while saving power during low-activity periods. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic monitoring and evaluation of cell performance metrics, traffic load, and M2M device connectivity status. The network controller periodically assesses whether cells should be activated or deactivated based on predefined thresholds and patterns, creating a rhythmic cycle of evaluation and adjustment that balances power savings with service reliability.
2Speed
If M2M devices remain in connected state to ensure immediate data transmission, then service responsiveness is improved, but device power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary buffering of M2M data at the network edge or in dormant cells before full activation is needed. Data from M2M devices can be temporarily stored in buffer memory or pre-processed during low-power states, so that when cells are activated, transmission can begin immediately without full connection overhead, reducing both power consumption and latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary buffering mechanisms and relay nodes that can hold M2M data temporarily. Instead of requiring continuous device-to-base station connectivity, data can be transferred to intermediary buffers during low-power periods and then forwarded when the cell is active, decoupling device power state from transmission readiness.
3Use of energy by moving object
If paging cycle is extended to reduce device wake-up frequency, then device power consumption is reduced, but network signaling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the paging function into multiple hierarchical levels: device-specific paging for individual M2M devices, group paging for clusters of devices, and cell-level paging for broad notifications. This segmentation allows the network to send targeted paging messages only to specific devices or groups that need attention, reducing overall signaling load and allowing longer intervals between comprehensive paging cycles while maintaining responsiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is disclosed a method for supporting a machine-to-machine communication over a mobile communication network, the communication involving machine-to-machine devices suitable for being connected to the mobile communication network through a gateway comprising a transceiver module configured to connect to the mobile communication network over a radio link. The method comprises: determining whether a radio carrier is present over the radio link; in the absence of the radio carrier, switching off the transceiver module for a first time period; and, after the first time period elapsed, switching on the transceiver module for a second time period. The method further comprises, after the second time period elapsed, repeating steps above, wherein the first time period and the second time period are determined on the basis of a number of parameters whose value depend on at least one set of values provided to the gateway by the mobile communication network.