Multi-RAT Network Channel Segmentation for Energy Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current energy-saving methods in multi-RAT communication networks, which deactivate certain networks to reduce overlapping coverage, fail to support high-rate data services, leading to user experience degradation due to the inability of GSM/UMTS networks to handle such services after LTE network deactivation.

Innovation Solution

Selecting a network as the basic network in overlapping coverage areas and deactivating all or part of the common broadcast control channels of non-basic networks while retaining their service channels, allowing the non-basic network to handle high-rate data services when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If the LTE network is deactivated to reduce energy consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but high-rate data services cannot be supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidhigh-rate data service support
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network channels into two categories: common broadcast control channels (which are deactivated for energy saving) and service channels (which are retained to maintain service capabilities). This segmentation allows the LTE network to reduce power consumption while preserving the ability to support high-rate data services when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic channel management where the LTE network can selectively deactivate common broadcast control channels during low-traffic periods while keeping service channels active. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying traffic conditions, reducing energy consumption during off-peak hours while maintaining service capability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If all channels of LTE cells are deactivated for energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but service setup fails for high-rate data services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidservice setup reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides LTE cell channels into common broadcast control channels and service channels, deactivating only the former while retaining the latter. This segmentation ensures that energy consumption is reduced through deactivation of non-essential channels, while service channels remain active to guarantee reliable service setup for high-rate data services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of completely deactivating all LTE channels, the patent applies partial action by selectively deactivating only the common broadcast control channels while keeping service channels operational. This partial deactivation achieves energy savings without compromising the reliability of service setup, as the essential service channels remain available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2680642B1Communication method, network equipment and communication system for multimodal network
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2680642B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2680642B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2680642B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a communication method, a network device and a system for a multi-RAT network. The communication method includes: retaining, in the overlapping coverage area of a multi-RAT network, a service channel and a common broadcast control channel of a basic network, and notifying a non-basic network to deactivate all or part of the common broadcast control channels; receiving a service request initiated by a terminal via the basic network; notifying, when the basic network is incapable of bearing the service request, the non-basic network to allocate a service channel of the non-basic network for the terminal. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention are applicable to network systems of multi-RAT networks having overlapping coverage.