Secondary Node Power Management via Periodic Signal Transmission

Solution Overview

Problem

In modern wireless communication networks, especially those using E-UTRAN New Radio Dual Connectivity (ENDC), secondary nodes conventionally transmit unnecessary signals, leading to power wastage and interference, as they do so regardless of network conditions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that determines transmission blocking conditions, such as the absence of ENDC-configured user devices, to instruct secondary nodes to temporarily cease transmitting signals, thereby conserving power and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the secondary node continuously transmits signals such as SSB and reference signals, then the signal coverage and synchronization are maintained, but the power consumption increases and unnecessary interference is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal coverage and synchronizationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of synchronization signals and reference signals by the secondary node instead of continuous transmission. The transmission is activated during specific intervals (e.g., during handover periods or when needed for synchronization) and deactivated during other intervals, thereby maintaining necessary signal coverage and synchronization while significantly reducing power consumption and interference during periods when such signals are not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the secondary node continuously transmits signals such as SSB and reference signals, then the signal coverage and synchronization are maintained, but unnecessary interference is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal coverage and synchronizationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of synchronization signals and reference signals by the secondary node instead of continuous transmission. The transmission is activated during specific intervals (e.g., during handover periods or when needed for synchronization) and deactivated during other intervals, thereby maintaining necessary signal coverage and synchronization while significantly reducing power consumption and interference during periods when such signals are not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the secondary node transmits signals regardless of network conditions, then the transmission reliability is maintained, but the system adaptability to network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to network conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the master node monitors network conditions and user equipment status, then provides control instructions to the secondary node accordingly. The secondary node adjusts its transmission behavior based on feedback about actual network conditions, such as whether user equipment is in coverage area, handover status, or synchronization requirements, thereby achieving both reliable transmission and adaptability to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the secondary node's transmission behavior dynamic by allowing it to switch between active and inactive states based on real-time network conditions. Rather than fixed continuous transmission, the secondary node dynamically adjusts its operation in response to changing conditions such as user equipment location, handover events, and synchronization needs, achieving both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11770766B2Power management of secondary node based on network conditions

Publication Date: 2023.09.26 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for managing the power of a secondary node in an E-Utran/New Radio Dual Connectivity (ENDC) configured wireless communication network. In response to determining that one or more transmission blocking conditions have been met, a master node communicates an instruction to the secondary node via a data connection cable or an X2 logical interface to not transmit downlink signals, reducing overall power network power consumption and inter-nodal inference when ENDC resources are not required.