Network Energy Ratings for Dynamic Wireless Network Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for network and profile selection in wireless communications devices fail to consider energy efficiency and green energy factors, leading to suboptimal network choices based on static priority lists.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates and communicates network energy ratings, considering environmentally friendly energy sources and efficiency, to assist devices in selecting networks, with a control device providing dynamic network selection criteria based on power consumption and energy source type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If static fixed network priority list is used for network selection, then device can attach to different networks, but energy efficiency and green energy considerations are not taken into account

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork selection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static network priority list into a dynamic network energy rating system that continuously updates based on real-time energy consumption data and green energy source information. The network energy rating is dynamically calculated using multiple parameters including energy consumption, green energy proportion, and network load, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than relying on fixed priorities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network energy ratings are calculated based on monitored energy consumption data and green energy source information. The system continuously collects data on actual energy usage, compares it against targets, and adjusts network selection decisions accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from past performance and optimize future network choices for energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If device selects network based on static priority list, then network attachment is simple, but energy consumption is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the network selection system to serve itself by automatically calculating network energy ratings based on monitored data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts network priorities based on real-time energy consumption patterns and green energy availability, making the energy optimization process autonomous and eliminating the need for complex user configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If network selection considers energy factors, then energy efficiency improves, but network selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy wasteVSAvoidselection criteria

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a comprehensive parameter set for evaluating network energy efficiency, including actual energy consumption, target energy consumption, green energy source proportion, and network load factors. By changing the evaluation parameters from simple static priorities to multiple dynamic energy-related parameters, the system achieves more nuanced energy optimization while managing complexity through structured parameter organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If dynamic network selection is implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but ping-pong situations between networks may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork selection efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork attachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements hysteresis mechanisms and threshold-based decision rules that create a buffer zone to prevent rapid oscillation between networks. By setting appropriate thresholds for network energy rating changes and implementing cooldown periods before allowing network switching, the system cushions against the ping-pong effect while still maintaining dynamic optimization capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20260052459A1Methods and Apparatus for Generating, Communicating and/or Using Network Energy Related Information

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 CHARTER COMM OPERATING LLC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for generating and communicating network energy ratings to use in selecting communications networks are described. The network energy rating of a network is based on one or more factors including how environmentally friendly the energy sources used by the network are and/or how efficient the communications network uses energy. UEs generate energy ratings for communications networks with the energy rating of a communications network depending on how efficiently, from an energy perspective, the UE can communicate with the network to which the energy rating corresponds. Network energy scores corresponding to different networks are communicated to devices in the network, including UEs. The network energy score can be taken into consideration when making a communications network selection for a UE. UE generated energy network ratings can be and sometimes are considered and used in addition to network energy scores when making a communications network selection for a UE.