On-Demand SSB Activation for Connected-UE Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular networks face significant power consumption issues on the network side, particularly in RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE modes, as UEs require continuous access to synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) despite not always needing them, leading to unnecessary energy usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) enhancements for connected UEs, allowing UEs to request SSBs only when needed through higher layer RRC signaling, multi-bit UL WUS on PUCCH/PUSCH, and dynamic activation/deactivation via MAC-CE, DCI, or RRC messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SSB transmissions are continuously provided for RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE UEs, then network coverage and synchronization are maintained, but network power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous SSB transmissions where SSBs are sent periodically rather than continuously. The gNB configures SSB transmission occasions with specific periodicity, allowing the network to maintain synchronization signals for idle and inactive UEs while significantly reducing power consumption by turning off transmissions during non-occasion periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic SSB transmission where the gNB can adaptively activate or deactivate SSB transmissions based on actual network conditions and UE requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize between maintaining reliable coverage and reducing power consumption by adjusting SSB transmission behavior in real-time.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If on-demand SSB transmissions are implemented, then network power consumption is reduced, but UE access latency may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-configuration of SSB transmission occasions and parameters before actual UE access is needed. The gNB pre-configures SSB periodicity, frequency locations, and other parameters so that when a UE needs to access the network, synchronization signals are already available at predictable intervals, minimizing access latency while maintaining power savings.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If SSB transmissions are optimized for connected UEs, then power consumption is reduced for RRC_CONNECTED mode, but RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE UEs still require network access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal SSB transmission framework that serves multiple UE modes (RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_IDLE, and RRC_INACTIVE) simultaneously. The same SSB configuration and transmission mechanism is used across all modes, allowing the network to optimize power consumption for connected UEs while maintaining compatibility and support for idle and inactive UEs through the same infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method are disclosed for receiving, by a user equipment, UE, from a primary cell, configuration for on-demand Synchronization Signal Block, SSB, information of one or more secondary cells, receiving, by the UE from the primary cell, an activation indication from the primary cell, wherein the activation indication comprises the on-demand SSB information related to activation of the on-demand SSB of one or more secondary cells, and receiving, after receiving the activation indication, on-demand SSB transmissions by the UE from the one or more secondary cells. The activation indication and/or configuration for the on-demand SSB information includes an SSB index and/or an SSB position within an SSB burst, time-domain behavior information, and/or absolute frequency positions of the on-demand SSB.