Communication Node PBCH Signaling for Energy-Saving Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in network energy saving, particularly for User Equipment (UE) that does not support Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) or Reduced Capability (RedCap) UE, as they are affected by unnecessary system information acquisition and access attempts when network energy-saving cells are barred.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wireless communication that utilizes a bit group in the PBCH to determine the availability and access of System Information Block (SIB) in cells, allowing RedCap UE and non-NTN capable UE to optimize system information acquisition and access by indicating the presence and time-frequency resources of SIB, thereby reducing unnecessary attempts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If the network energy-saving cell bars access to reduce power consumption, then network power consumption is reduced, but UE that does not support network energy saving or does not want to access the energy-saving cell is negatively affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork power consumptionVSAvoidaccess reliability for non-energy-saving UE

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bit group in MIB into multiple domains including cellBarred domain, intraFreqReselection domain, and a first bit group for energy-saving indication. This segmentation allows different bits to serve different functions: cellBarred for traditional access control, and the first bit group specifically for indicating energy-saving cell status to capable UEs while leaving other UEs unaffected by the energy-saving indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making the cellBarred domain and the first bit group have different functions and target different UE types. The cellBarred domain provides universal access control, while the first bit group provides targeted energy-saving indication only for UEs that support it, ensuring that non-capable UEs are not impacted by energy-saving operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the network reduces transmission of PSS, SSS, PBCH, or SIB1 to save energy, then network power consumption is reduced, but system information acquisition for UE is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork power consumptionVSAvoidsystem information acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by including the first bit group in the MIB message that is transmitted early in the system information acquisition process. This allows UEs to determine energy-saving cell status before attempting to acquire SIB1, enabling capable UEs to adjust their acquisition behavior in advance and avoid unnecessary information retrieval attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first bit group in the MIB acts as an intermediary that carries energy-saving indication information without requiring additional dedicated signaling. By embedding this indication in the existing MIB structure, the patent enables energy-saving functionality while maintaining the normal system information acquisition流程 for UEs that need it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If the network bars access for energy-saving cells, then energy consumption is reduced, but unnecessary access attempts from non-supporting UE increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork power consumptionVSAvoidaccess efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by providing UEs with energy-saving cell status information through the first bit group in the MIB. Capable UEs receive this feedback and can adjust their access behavior accordingly, avoiding unnecessary access attempts to energy-saving cells. This feedback mechanism enables UEs to make informed decisions about whether to attempt access, improving overall access efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

By providing energy-saving indication in the MIB before the access attempt, the patent enables UEs to take preliminary action and avoid unnecessary access attempts. This preliminary information allows capable UEs to determine whether to proceed with access based on the energy-saving status, reducing wasted access attempts and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4633076A1Method and apparatus used in communication node for wireless communication

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 APOGEE 5G GLOBAL LLC

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AI summary

A method and apparatus used in a communication node for wireless communication. The communication node receiving first broadcast information on a PBCH of a first cell, wherein the first broadcast information comprises a first bit group, and at least one bit comprised in the first bit group does not belong to a cellBarred domain and does not belong to an intraFreqReselection domain; and obtaining an SIB of the first cell, wherein the SIB of the first cell comprises at least SIB1. The obtaining an SIB of the first cell relies on the first bit group. The first broadcast information comprises at least the cellBarred domain in the cellBarred domain and the intraFreqReselection domain. A first node is not a RedCap user equipment. The first node cannot support a NTN or access of the first node is not for the NTN. By means of the method, the cell access performance can be optimized.