Radio Access Technology Availability Indication for Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications networks, energy-saving measures lead to switched-off superior radio access technologies (RATs) like LTE or UMTS, resulting in subscribers being unaware of the availability of higher QoS technologies, causing dissatisfaction and reduced network perception, as they are only informed of the legacy technology they are camping on.
Innovation Solution
A method to indicate the availability of switched-off superior radio access technologies to subscriber stations via broadcast channels, allowing network operators to demonstrate better coverage and enabling subscribers to access superior technologies when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If superior radio access technologies (LTE/UMTS) are switched off for energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but subscribers are unaware of the availability of higher QoS technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The network sends an indication message to the subscriber station before the superior RAT is actually activated, informing the UE that LTE/UMTS will be available soon. This preliminary notification allows the UE to prepare for potential service migration while the inferior RAT remains active, resolving the information asymmetry problem without requiring immediate activation of energy-consuming superior RAT infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary indication message transmitted via the currently active inferior RAT (GSM/EDGE) that mediates between the switched-off superior RAT and the subscriber station. This intermediary communication channel conveys availability information without requiring the superior RAT to be actively transmitting, thus maintaining energy savings while informing subscribers of available services.
2Loss of energy
If superior radio access technologies are switched off, then energy consumption is reduced, but network coverage perception is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
By sending availability indications in advance, the network creates a perceived coverage area that extends beyond the physically active infrastructure. Subscribers are notified that superior RAT coverage is available even when currently dormant, maintaining the perception of comprehensive network coverage without the energy cost of continuous transmission.
3Loss of energy
If inferior radio access technology (GSM/EDGE) is used for basic coverage, then energy consumption is reduced, but quality of service is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions from static RAT allocation to dynamic RAT selection. The indication message mechanism enables the network to adaptively guide UEs to switch from inferior to superior RAT based on service requirements, traffic conditions, and energy considerations, thereby achieving both energy efficiency and QoS reliability through flexible, real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the informational parameters available to the UE by introducing availability indication messages. This parameter change (from no information to availability information) enables the UE to make informed decisions about service quality expectations and potential RAT switching, effectively bridging the QoS gap between inferior and superior technologies.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of optimizing data exchange in a communications network is provided. The method includes providing access to the network via a first radio access technology and a second radio access technology, and sending via the first radio access technology an indication to a subscriber station of an availability of the second radio access technology when the second radio access technology is switched off.