UE Network Energy Saving via Aligned DTX DRX Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G New Radio (NR), face challenges in optimizing network energy saving (NES) through alignment of cell Discontinuous Transmission (DTX), cell Discontinuous Reception (DRX), and DRX operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for a User Equipment (UE) to receive a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message containing an NES configuration, which determines whether to apply cell DTX, cell DRX, or both operations based on the configuration, ensuring alignment between these operations to enhance energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If cell DTX and cell DRX operations are applied independently without alignment, then network energy saving is improved, but UE power consumption increases and behavior becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy savingVSAvoidUE power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cell DTX and cell DRX operations into a unified aligned operation mode. When alignment is configured, the UE applies both DTX (for transmission) and DRX (for reception) with synchronized timing, merging previously independent operations into a coordinated system that reduces overall energy consumption by avoiding redundant wake-ups and transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic alignment between cell DTX and cell DRX operations using configured parameters (alignmentOffset, alignmentPeriod). This periodic synchronization ensures that transmission and reception discontinuities occur at matched intervals, creating predictable energy saving patterns that reduce UE power consumption while maintaining network energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of energy

If cell DTX and cell DRX operations are applied independently without alignment, then network energy saving is improved, but UE operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy savingVSAvoidUE behavior simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges cell DTX and cell DRX operations into a unified aligned operation mode. When alignment is configured, the UE applies both DTX (for transmission) and DRX (for reception) with synchronized timing, merging previously independent operations into a coordinated system that reduces overall energy consumption by avoiding redundant wake-ups and transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces alignment parameters (alignmentOffset, alignmentPeriod, onDuration) that modify the operational parameters of cell DTX and cell DRX. By changing these parameters to establish synchronization between transmission and reception cycles, the system simplifies UE behavior through predictable, parameter-driven timing while maintaining network energy saving benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If alignment between cell DTX, cell DRX, and DRX is implemented, then UE power consumption is reduced, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE power consumptionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a unified alignment mechanism that serves multiple functions: it aligns cell DTX with cell DRX, synchronizes transmission and reception cycles, and coordinates UE power management. This multi-functional approach reduces UE power consumption while managing configuration complexity through a single integrated alignment framework rather than separate coordination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250048256A1Method and apparatus for network energy saving

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 SHARP KK

AI summary

A method performed by a User Equipment (UE) for Network Energy Saving (NES) is provided. The method receives, from a Base Station (BS), a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message including an NES configuration. The method then determines whether to apply a cell Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) operation, a cell Discontinuous Reception (DRX) operation, or both the cell DTX operation and the cell DRX operation based on the NES configuration.