RAN Idle Mode Power Saving With Neighbor Node Beam Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in managing network energy consumption efficiently, particularly in varying RAN resource loads imposed by mobile devices with different quality of service classes, such as URLLC, eMBB, and mMTC, leading to inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
A method where adjacent radio access network nodes coordinate through energy saving messages to activate and assist in transmitting minimum system information, using beam information and synchronization signals to facilitate connection operations during network energy saving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a radio access network node activates network energy saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to maintain communication services and ensure reliable connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces neighboring radio access network nodes as intermediaries to assist the energy-saving node in transmitting minimum system information. When a node activates network energy saving mode, neighboring nodes step in to relay critical connection information, ensuring that user equipment can still establish connections reliably without the primary node being fully operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having nodes transmit minimum system information before the energy-saving mode fully takes effect. Neighboring nodes prepare and transmit essential connection parameters in advance, so that when user equipment attempts to connect, the necessary information is already available, preventing connection failures.
2Loss of energy
If network energy saving mode is activated to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the transmission of system information and communication services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having radio access network nodes transmit only minimum system information during energy saving mode, rather than full service information. This partial transmission is sufficient for basic connection establishment while consuming minimal energy, balancing service availability with power conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
Neighboring nodes serve as intermediaries that compensate for the reduced service capacity of the energy-saving node. They transmit minimum system information on behalf of the energy-saving node, ensuring communication services remain partially available without requiring the energy-saving node to maintain full operational capacity.
3Device complexity
If radio access network nodes operate independently without coordination, then device complexity is reduced, but network-wide energy efficiency and service continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where radio access network nodes exchange network energy saving status information with their neighbors. Each node monitors whether its neighboring nodes are in energy saving mode and adjusts its own operations accordingly, creating a feedback loop that optimizes network-wide energy efficiency while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic coordination where nodes can switch between independent operation and cooperative mode based on network conditions. When a node detects that a neighbor is activating network energy saving mode, it dynamically adjusts its behavior to provide assistance, creating a flexible and adaptive network architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Radio access nodes may receive from a core network a configuration comprising a criterion to be used to determined to activate a network energy saving mode. The nodes share network energy saving information. A node activates a network energy saving mode upon the criterion being satisfied. A user equipment may establish a connection with a node that has not activated a network energy saving mode via a provisioning beam. Based on the connection being established via the provisioning beam, the node that has not activated a network energy saving mode may request that the node that activated the network energy saving mode transmit a synchronization signal block signal and that the user equipment monitor the synchronization signal block signal and determine whether to establish a connection with the node that is operating in an active network energy saving mode based on a signal strength of the synchronization signal block signal.