Network Energy Saving Control for Wireless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid increase in users and data in wireless communication networks leads to performance degradation due to interference, resulting in increased energy consumption, necessitating efficient energy-saving methods in communication networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network energy saving (NES) technique that allows NES terminals to perform access procedures while restricting non-NES terminals, using control information to manage NES operations, including cell discontinuous transmission (DTX)/discontinuous reception (DRX) and dynamic resource allocation, to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple small base stations and radio access points are deployed to improve network coverage and capacity, then network performance and user service quality are improved, but energy consumption of the communication network increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements cell DTX/DRX operation where the cell periodically switches between active and inactive states. During inactive periods, the base station stops transmitting synchronization signals and other downlink signals, achieving periodic energy savings while maintaining network coverage through coordinated operation with other cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts cell operation states based on traffic conditions and terminal capabilities. The network can flexibly switch cells between active and inactive states, and adjust the behavior of NES terminals versus non-NES terminals, optimizing energy consumption according to real-time network conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cell DTX/DRX operation is implemented to reduce energy consumption, then energy saving is achieved, but access procedures for terminals may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different access restrictions to different terminal types based on their NES capability. NES terminals are subject to access restrictions during inactive periods to maximize energy savings, while non-NES terminals maintain normal access procedures, ensuring backward compatibility and service continuity for legacy devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the access procedure parameters dynamically based on cell operation state and terminal capability. When the cell is in inactive state, NES terminals are restricted from accessing, but this parameter restriction is lifted when the cell becomes active or when non-NES terminals attempt to access, maintaining service quality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If NES terminals are restricted from access procedures during inactive periods, then energy consumption is reduced, but network service availability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The cell DTX/DRX operation creates periodic active and inactive periods, during which NES terminals are restricted from access. This periodic restriction achieves energy savings while maintaining service availability during active periods, creating a balanced trade-off between energy consumption and service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control signaling as an intermediary mechanism to manage access restrictions. The base station transmits control information indicating whether NES terminals are allowed to perform access procedures, enabling flexible management of the balance between energy savings and service availability based on network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of a network node may comprise: transmitting first control information to one or more terminals including a network energy saving (NES) terminal, the first control information including information on whether the NES terminal supporting an NES operation is allowed to perform an access procedure to the network node; and in response to that the NES terminal is allowed to perform an access procedure to the network node, performing the access procedure with the NES terminal.