Signal-Aware Data Transfer Scheduling in Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile computing devices consume excessive energy when uploading or downloading large data due to inefficient signal quality management, as fast dormancy protocols fail to extend battery life effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method where a mobile computing device monitors signal quality between itself and base stations in a cellular network, activating data transfer only when signal quality meets a computed threshold, and adapting this threshold based on recent signal quality observations to optimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fast dormancy protocol is used to quickly place wireless radio into idle state, then energy consumption is reduced during idle periods, but battery life is not extended when uploading or downloading large amounts of data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring signal quality continuously before data transfer is needed, and pre-computing the signal quality threshold based on historical observations. This allows the device to determine in advance whether conditions are favorable for data transfer, avoiding the need to wake up and check signal quality during idle periods, thus saving energy while maintaining battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the idle state duration based on signal quality conditions. When signal quality is above the threshold, the wireless radio remains active or transitions more slowly to idle state, allowing data transfer. When signal quality is below the threshold, the system aggressively enters idle state using fast dormancy. This dynamic behavior optimizes both energy consumption and battery life under varying signal conditions.
2Productivity
If data transfer is performed continuously to meet application deadlines, then productivity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring signal quality and comparing it against the computed threshold. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently schedules data transfers only when signal quality conditions are favorable. This feedback mechanism ensures that data transfer deadlines are met when possible while avoiding energy-wasting transfers during poor signal conditions, thus optimizing both productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of data transfer based on signal quality conditions. When signal quality is high, the system increases data transfer activity to meet deadlines. When signal quality is low, the system reduces or delays data transfer activities. This parameter adjustment based on environmental conditions optimizes the trade-off between productivity and energy consumption.
3Speed
If wireless radio remains active to ensure data transfer readiness, then data transfer speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the wireless radio state based on signal quality and data transfer needs. Instead of maintaining a fixed active state, the system transitions between active and idle states according to real-time signal conditions and application requirements. This dynamic state management ensures fast data transfer when needed while conserving energy during periods when transfer is not urgent or signal quality is poor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring of signal quality and periodic evaluation of data transfer needs rather than continuous active operation. The wireless radio is activated periodically to check signal conditions and transfer data when favorable, rather than remaining continuously active. This periodic action maintains data transfer readiness while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various technologies pertaining to scheduling data transfer between a mobile computing device and a base station in a cellular network. A signal quality value for a signal over which data is to be transferred is computed, and transfer of data is scheduled based upon the signal quality value. If the signal quality value is above a threshold, a wireless radio of the mobile computing device is caused to commence data transfer or continue data transfer. If the signal quality value is below the threshold, and the data need not be immediately transferred, then the wireless radio is caused to transition to an idle state or remain in an idle state.