Multi-SIM DRX Coordination for 5G Power Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G network technologies face challenges in efficiently coordinating multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) for seamless communication, particularly in managing discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles and time-division multiplexing (TDM) patterns across different SIMs and networks, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that allows for the exchange of DRX and TDM patterns between core networks and base stations, enabling simultaneous synchronization of system frame numbers and slot boundaries, and the use of standards-based interfaces for communication, allowing multiple SIMs to operate efficiently and reduce overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple SIMs operate independently without coordination, then each SIM can maintain its own communication patterns, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple SIM operations under a unified coordination framework where the base station schedules resources for multiple SIMs simultaneously. The network device coordinates DRX cycles and TDM patterns across multiple SIMs, merging their operations into a synchronized framework that improves resource allocation efficiency while reducing overall power consumption through coordinated scheduling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base station and network device are designed to handle multiple SIMs with a single coordination mechanism. The same DRX and TDM coordination framework serves multiple SIMs simultaneously, allowing the system to efficiently manage diverse communication patterns across different SIMs using a universal scheduling approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple SIMs are coordinated through DRX and TDM patterns, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidcoordination system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device acts as an intermediary between the base station and multiple SIMs, handling the coordination of DRX cycles and TDM patterns. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the coordination logic in the network device, which manages the scheduling and synchronization of multiple SIMs without requiring complex interactions between each SIM and the base station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts DRX cycle parameters and TDM pattern configurations based on traffic conditions and SIM priorities. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system optimizes resource allocation efficiency while managing complexity through standardized parameter adjustments rather than complex coordination protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If DRX cycles are synchronized across multiple SIMs, then power consumption reduces, but communication latency may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The DRX cycle synchronization is implemented dynamically, allowing the system to adjust synchronization levels based on traffic conditions. During periods of low traffic, SIMs can operate in synchronized DRX mode to reduce power consumption. During high-traffic periods, the system can dynamically adjust DRX parameters or temporarily desynchronize operations to minimize latency, providing a flexible balance between power efficiency and communication speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11576034B2Facilitation of multiple subscriber identity module coordination for 5G or other next generation network

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

One subscriber identity module (SIM) can transmit data in active mode while another SIM is in an idle mode. However, paging for the SIM in idle mode can occur based on a discontinuous reception configuration (DRX) cycle of the active SIM. For example, when the DRX of the active SIM indicates that the active SIM is in an idle state, then the SIM that is currently in an idle state can send messages and vice versa. The DRX cycle information can be exchanged between a first core network and a second core network. Each core network can belong to the same or different mobile network operator and can have separate radio access networks (RAN) or share the RAN. The DRX cycle information and/or a time-division multiplexing (TDM) pattern can be exchanged over the air via a system information broadcast message.