Radio Link Failure Handling in Cell DTX Energy-Saving Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to enhance the radio link failure (RLF) procedure for cells supporting network energy saving in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and beyond systems, to manage energy consumption effectively while maintaining communication reliability.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that involves configuring a cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) and radio link monitoring reference signals (RLM RS) resources, and managing a T310 timer based on out-of-sync indications to optimize RLF handling for network energy saving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) is configured for network energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but radio link failure detection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy consumptionVSAvoidradio link failure detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) where the cell alternates between active transmission periods and idle periods. During idle periods, transmission is suspended to save energy, while during active periods, normal communication including RLF detection functions are restored. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by achieving energy savings during idle periods while maintaining detection reliability during active periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the T310 timer behavior based on cell activity state. When the cell transitions to an idle state, the timer is suspended; when transitioning to active state, the timer resumes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy consumption during idle periods while ensuring reliable RLF detection during active periods, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If T310 timer is continuously running for radio link monitoring, then communication reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidterminal power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the T310 timer dynamic by suspending it during cell idle periods and resuming it during active periods. This dynamic timer behavior ensures that communication reliability is maintained when the cell is active (timer running) while reducing power consumption during idle periods (timer suspended), thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The timer operation is synchronized with the cell's periodic active-idle pattern. During active periods, the timer runs to monitor radio link quality; during idle periods, the timer is suspended to save energy. This periodic operation pattern resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability during communication periods while reducing power consumption during energy-saving periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12520376B2Method and apparatus for handling radio link failure in a cell supporting network energy savings in a wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for handling RLF in a cell supporting network energy saving in a wireless communication system.