Network Node Burst Data Delivery for RAN Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile network operators face challenges in managing resource consumption and power usage in Radio Access Networks (RAN) and mobile terminals when data download rates are throttled due to reached download caps, leading to steady and continuous low-rate transmissions that maintain high resource utilization and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where data is buffered and delivered to mobile terminals in bursts instead of continuous streams, allowing the terminals to transition to less resource-consuming states during periods of inactivity, and synchronizing bursts across separate communication sessions to further reduce resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is delivered at a throttled low rate continuously after reaching download cap, then the download quota restriction is enforced, but resource consumption in RAN and UE power consumption remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering data in periodic bursts rather than continuous transmission. The network node delivers buffered data in periodic bursts to the mobile terminal, allowing the UE to transition to lower power consumption states during the intervals between bursts, thereby reducing overall power consumption while still delivering the required data volume to enforce download quota restrictions
Solution Approach 2:
The network node performs preliminary action by buffering data before delivery. Data is acquired and buffered in advance, then delivered in periodic bursts. This preliminary buffering allows the system to control the timing and pattern of data delivery, enabling the UE to enter low-power states between bursts while ensuring data is ready for transmission when needed
2Quantity of substance
If data is delivered at a throttled low rate continuously after reaching download cap, then the download quota restriction is enforced, but processing load and memory allocation in radio nodes remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The network node delivers data in periodic bursts rather than continuous transmission. This periodic delivery pattern reduces the time that radio nodes need to maintain active processing and memory allocation, allowing resources to be released between bursts while still delivering the complete data volume required for download quota enforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The network node maintains a buffer copy of the data to be delivered. By having data pre-buffered and ready, the system can efficiently manage resource allocation during burst transmissions without requiring continuous high-level processing resources, reducing overall RAN resource consumption while enforcing download quotas
3Productivity
If RRC connection is maintained in connected mode for continuous data delivery, then data can be delivered without reconnection overhead, but resource consumption and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic burst delivery within the RRC connected mode. Data is delivered in periodic bursts rather than continuous streams, allowing the RRC connection to be maintained for quick re-establishment if needed, while the intervals between bursts allow resources to be optimized. This approach maintains productivity by keeping the connection ready while reducing resource consumption through periodic rather than continuous active transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the RRC connection state based on data delivery requirements. The RRC connection is maintained in connected mode during burst delivery periods but can transition to idle mode during intervals between bursts when no data is being transmitted. This dynamic state adjustment maintains data delivery continuity when needed while reducing RAN resource consumption during inactive periods
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a network node (14, 18, 21) and a method of a network node of controlling data delivery to a mobile terminal (11, 12, 13) in case of data rate throttling after having reached a data download cap. The method comprises the steps of acquiring (S101) the data to be delivered to the mobile terminal, receiving (S102) an indication that a data download cap for the mobile terminal has been reached, and buffering (S103) the acquired data. The method further comprises the step of delivering (S104) the buffered data to the mobile terminal in bursts.