SSB Periodicity Control for Energy-Efficient 5G Network Discovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Periodic transmission of Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSBs) in 5G networks consumes unnecessary energy, especially in low load/traffic scenarios, as they are broadcast regardless of UE presence.
Innovation Solution
Dynamically adjust the periodicity of SSB transmission based on demand by incorporating additional ssb-periodicityServingCell configurations and DCI scrambling with specific RNTIs to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SSBs are broadcast periodically at fixed intervals, then UEs can discover and connect to the network reliably, but network energy consumption increases unnecessarily in low load scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed periodic SSB transmission to dynamic adjustment of SSB transmission periodicity. The base station receives UE assistance information indicating SSB reception capability and demand, then adapts the SSB transmission periodicity accordingly - using longer periodicity (e.g., 20ms, 40ms, 80ms) when UE demand is low, and shorter periodicity when UE demand is high, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable network discovery and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission periodicity parameter of SSB based on UE assistance information. The base station configures different ssb-periodicityServingCell values (5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms) according to traffic load and UE presence, allowing the system to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining adequate network discovery capability across different operational scenarios
2Loss of energy
If SSB transmission periodicity is extended to reduce energy consumption, then network energy efficiency improves, but UE ability to discover and access the network deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through UE assistance information mechanism. UEs transmit capability information and SSB reception demand to the base station, which then uses this feedback to determine appropriate SSB transmission periodicity. This closed-loop feedback ensures that extended periodicity configurations are only applied when UEs indicate they can tolerate longer intervals, thus maintaining network access capability while improving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having UEs provide assistance information about their SSB reception capabilities and demands before the base station configures the SSB transmission periodicity. This advance information allows the base station to pre-configure appropriate periodicity values that balance energy efficiency with the specific UE's access requirements, preventing access degradation before it occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to support efficient SSB transmission is provided. The method includes receiving by the terminal from the base station one or more additional ssb-periodicityServingCell, receiving by the terminal from the base station a DCI scrambled with a second RNTI, receiving by the terminal from the base station the DCI scrambled with the first RNTI and receiving by the terminal from the base station the PDSCH based on that symbols where SS/PBCH block is transmitted are not available for the PDSCH, wherein the symbols where SS/PBCH block is transmitted are determined based on the specific additional ssb-periodicityServingCell.