Split NG-RAN Power Saving via CU-DU UE Assistance Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of network power consumption in 5G New Radio (NR) wireless networks is exacerbated by the need for full configuration even when maximum support is rarely required, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage, despite the lean design of NR systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing node coordination for user equipment (UE) assistance information (UAI) in the split NG-RAN architecture, where UE assistance information is distributed and handled differently across network entities, with gNB-CU and gNB-DU, to optimize power saving configurations based on UE-specific and network-wide considerations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If full configuration is used to support maximum UE capability, then network reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration adaptation where the network transitions between full configuration and reduced configuration based on actual UE traffic patterns and capability requirements. The gNB-CU dynamically adjusts RRC configuration parameters including bandwidth parts, MIMO layers, and carrier aggregation settings according to real-time conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while reducing energy consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key configuration parameters from static full-configuration to adaptive parameter sets. The network modifies parameters such as bandwidth part size, number of serving cells, MIMO antenna ports, and SSB configurations based on UE assistance information and actual traffic demands. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain necessary network reliability while significantly reducing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary full-configuration maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If UE assistance information is collected from multiple nodes (AMF, UE), then configuration accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the gNB-CU as an intermediary node that centralizes the collection, processing, and coordination of UE assistance information from multiple sources including the UE directly and the AMF through NGAP interfaces. This intermediary architecture consolidates the complexity of multi-node information gathering into a single coordination point, improving configuration accuracy through comprehensive data collection while managing system complexity through centralized control logic in the gNB-CU.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260046768A1Network Power Saving in Split NG-RAN

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

According to some embodiments, a method is performed by a wireless device operating with a split next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) architecture. The method comprises transmitting first power saving assistance information to a network node distributed unit (DU) and receiving a configuration from a network node central unit (CU) associated to the network node DU. The configuration is based at least in part on a portion of the first power saving assistance information that the DU forwarded to the CU.