PCF Energy Policy Control for 5G Traffic Power Budgets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems lack effective methods to control energy consumption for traffic transmission and reception, which is crucial as connected devices increase and demand for enhanced performance grows.

Innovation Solution

A policy control function (PCF) entity determines and applies energy policies for packet data unit sessions, monitoring and controlling energy usage across network entities like UE, RAN, and UPF, using energy budgets and profiles to manage energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If energy consumption is not controlled, then traffic transmission and reception can proceed without restrictions, but energy usage will exceed maximum acceptable values and waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtraffic transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The PCF receives energy consumption information from network entities (UE, RAN, UPF) and uses this feedback to determine and adjust energy policies. The system continuously monitors energy usage and modifies policies based on actual consumption data, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that prevents energy waste while maintaining traffic transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting energy policies for different network entities. The PCF modifies energy consumption parameters dynamically based on traffic conditions, service requirements, and current network state, allowing flexible control of energy usage without compromising essential communication functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If energy policies are implemented to control consumption, then energy usage is optimized, but system complexity increases due to additional policy management functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpolicy management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PCF is designed as a multi-functional network entity that handles both traditional policy control functions and the new energy policy management functions. By making the PCF universal and capable of handling multiple policy types, the system avoids adding separate dedicated complexity for energy management, instead integrating energy policies into the existing policy framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCF acts as an intermediary between energy consumption monitoring and policy enforcement. It receives energy information from various network entities, processes this data, and formulates appropriate policies, serving as a mediating layer that simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing energy policy management functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If energy monitoring and control is implemented, then energy consumption is managed effectively, but measurement and detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidenergy measurement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Network entities (UE, RAN, UPF) perform self-monitoring of their own energy consumption and automatically report this information to the PCF. This self-service approach simplifies the measurement architecture by eliminating the need for complex external monitoring systems, as each entity tracks its own energy usage using existing resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4712589A1Method and device for managing energy policy in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4712589A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4712589A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4712589A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates. A method for processing a control signal in a wireless communication system, of the present disclosure, comprises the steps of: receiving a first control signal transmitted from a base station; processing the received first control signal; and transmitting, to the base station, a second control signal generated on the basis of the processing.