UE On-Demand Cell Information for Energy-Saving Sleep Modes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face inefficiencies in energy consumption due to constant transmission of synchronization signals and system information blocks, particularly in higher frequency ranges, leading to network overload and increased energy costs.

Innovation Solution

A UE is configured to receive on-demand information from a first network node, allowing it to request and receive synchronization signals and system information from a second network node, reducing unnecessary transmissions and enabling deeper sleep modes in the second network node.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network constantly transmits synchronization signals and system information blocks to ensure coverage and connectivity, then UE connectivity and coverage are improved, but network energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE connectivityVSAvoidnetwork energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network transmits synchronization signals and system information blocks periodically rather than continuously. The gNB configures SSB periodicity (e.g., 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms) and transmits these signals only at scheduled intervals, allowing the network to enter low-power states between transmissions while maintaining UE connectivity and coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts transmission behavior based on UE presence and demand. When no UEs are present or during inactive periods, the gNB reduces or stops transmitting synchronization signals and system information blocks. The network can reactivate transmissions when UEs request information or when mobility conditions require updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the network transmits system information blocks in every beam to provide comprehensive coverage, then coverage area is improved, but energy consumption and network overload increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly transmitting system information blocks in all 64 beams, the gNB selectively transmits SIB1 and other system information only in beams where UEs are present or where coverage is required. The network can configure different transmission behaviors for different beam directions based on local UE density and coverage needs, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential system information from periodic broadcasts and makes it available on-demand through dedicated RRC messages or random access procedures. UEs can request specific system information blocks when needed, and the gNB transmits only the requested information rather than continuously broadcasting all system information in every beam.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the network configures 64 SSBs with multiple transceiver chains to provide comprehensive coverage, then coverage and signal quality are improved, but hardware complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gNB configures up to 64 SSBs for comprehensive coverage but transmits them periodically rather than continuously. The ssb-PeriodicityServingCell parameter allows configuration of transmission intervals (20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms), enabling the network to maintain 64-beam coverage capability while reducing energy consumption by keeping transceiver chains inactive between transmission periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Use of energy by stationary object

If the network transmits system information on-demand rather than continuously, then energy consumption is reduced, but UE access complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidUE access

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gNB pre-configures UEs with information about on-demand system information availability through SIB1, including indications of which other cells can provide system information and the conditions for requesting it. This preliminary configuration simplifies the UE access process by providing clear guidance on how and where to request system information, reducing the complexity of on-demand access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260101298A1Systems and methods for a user equipment to receive or request on-demand information via other cells

Publication Date: 2026.04.09 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method for receiving on-demand information by a user equipment, UE, served by a first network node associated with a first cell includes obtaining an indication of whether to request the on-demand information for a second cell from a first network node associated with a first cell or a second network node associated with a second cell. Based on the indication, the UE transmits, to the first network node or the second network node, a request for the on-demand information for the second cell. The UE receives the on-demand information for the second cell.