Terminal Power Saving via BWP and DRX Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, terminals in a dual-connectivity state consume unnecessary power due to the activation of secondary cells even when no data is being transmitted or received, leading to increased battery consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a combination of default bandwidth part (BWP) and discontinuous reception (DRX) operations to reduce power consumption by activating a default BWP and entering a sleep state when no data is received, and using separate DRX configurations for master and secondary nodes to minimize RF module power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual-connectivity is implemented with secondary cell activation, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic BWP switching where the terminal can switch between first BWP (for data transmission) and second BWP (for power saving). The network configures multiple BWPs with different bandwidths, and the terminal dynamically switches to a narrower second BWP when data transmission is not active, reducing RF module power consumption while maintaining dual-connectivity capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies DRX (Discontinuous Reception) mechanism where the terminal periodically wakes up to check for data and enters sleep mode during idle periods. Combined with BWP switching, the terminal periodically switches to the active first BWP when data is detected and returns to the power-saving second BWP during idle periods, creating a periodic active-sleep pattern that reduces overall power consumption.
2Reliability
If secondary cell is activated in dual-connectivity state, then communication performance is improved, but unnecessary energy expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different BWPs: the first BWP is configured with wider bandwidth for high-performance data transmission when needed, while the second BWP is configured with narrower bandwidth specifically for power saving during idle periods. This local differentiation of bandwidth quality allows the system to maintain high communication performance when required while minimizing energy expenditure during idle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of the RF module by switching between BWPs with different bandwidth configurations. When switching from the first BWP to the second BWP, the bandwidth parameter is reduced, which directly reduces the power consumption of the RF module while maintaining the ability to restore full bandwidth capability when data transmission is needed.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If terminal maintains connection with both master and secondary nodes, then service continuity is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection to secondary nodes by configuring separate BWPs for different secondary nodes (e.g., first BWP for NR secondary node, second BWP for LTE secondary node). This segmentation allows the terminal to selectively activate only the necessary BWP for the currently active secondary node, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly re-establish connections with multiple nodes for service continuity.
Data Source
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Figure 2A
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5G or pre-5G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rate beyond a 4G communication systems such as LTE. A method by a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: deciding the release of the connection to a secondary node; generating a connection release request message for requesting the connection release; and transmitting the connection release request message.