Proxying Powered-Off Radio Interfaces for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, multi-radio interface devices face high energy consumption due to always-on radio interfaces, and there is a need to reduce energy usage while maintaining the ability to receive calls without constantly powering on all interfaces, especially when some interfaces must remain alert for paging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a proxy entity manages a powered-off radio interface by using an active interface to wake up the powered-off interface upon call arrival and track mobility, employing the Media Independent Handover (MIH) protocol between the mobile node, network, and proxy entity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radio interface is kept active to receive paging signals and maintain network connectivity, then the device can receive incoming calls timely, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio interface functionality by separating the paging reception function from the data transmission function. The first radio interface is dedicated to paging and control signaling, while the second interface handles data traffic. This allows the data interface to be powered off during idle periods while the paging interface remains active at lower power, resolving the contradiction between reliable call reception and energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of the paging channel instead of continuous operation. The radio interface in idle mode wakes up periodically to check for paging messages, then returns to a lower-power state. This periodic action maintains the ability to receive calls while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous active operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio interfaces are kept active for different wireless technologies, then communication versatility is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-radio system into active and idle interfaces, with clear functional segmentation. The active interface maintains network connectivity and handles control signaling, while idle interfaces are powered off or placed in sleep mode. This segmentation allows the device to maintain versatility through the active interface while conserving energy by powering down unused interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The active radio interface serves multiple functions: it handles paging messages, maintains network registration, and can initiate data transfer when needed. This multi-functionality allows a single interface to maintain versatility while other interfaces remain powered off, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a radio interface is powered off to conserve energy, then battery life extends, but the device cannot receive incoming calls on that interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy entity that acts as an intermediary between the network and the powered-off radio interface. The proxy monitors the paging channel on behalf of the idle interface, receives paging messages, and wakes up the interface when needed. This intermediary mechanism allows the interface to remain powered off (conserving energy) while still maintaining call reception capability through the proxy's monitoring activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy entity performs preliminary actions by monitoring the paging channel and detecting incoming calls before the actual data interface needs to be activated. This preliminary monitoring allows the main interface to remain in a low-power state while ensuring that wake-up events are triggered timely, maintaining reliability without continuous power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a mobile node (MN) comprising a first radio interface and at least one second radio interface, wherein a point of service (PoS) is configured to communicate with the MN via the first radio interface to proxy the second interface, and wherein the first interface is an active interface and the second interface is a powered off interface. Also included is an apparatus comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising setting an interface between a MN and a network in a powered off mode, tracking the mobility of the MN on behalf of the network when the interface is powered off, and waking up the interface when a call arrives in the network for the interface.