Common UE Indicator Channel for Cell DTX Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, user equipment (UEs) face delays in data transmission when a cell is in discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode, and base stations (BSs) consume unnecessary energy due to an outdated view of demand, leading to inefficient energy usage and potential delays in UE transmissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a common uplink channel for UEs to indicate data transmission needs during cell DTX, allowing the BS to adjust its DTX operation based on accumulated UE feedback, using contention-based random-access preambles to determine whether to enter or exit DTX mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the base station implements cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but user equipment transmission delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where user equipment transmits indicators on a common uplink channel to signal their data transmission needs. The base station receives these indicators and uses them to dynamically adjust DTX operation, exiting DTX mode when indicators are detected and re-entering when the indicator channel becomes idle. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by enabling the base station to respond to real-time UE demand while maintaining energy savings during low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the DTX operation dynamic rather than static. The base station transitions between DTX and active states based on real-time conditions. When the indicator channel shows UE activity, the base station dynamically exits DTX mode to enable immediate data transmission. When the indicator channel is idle, the base station dynamically re-enters DTX mode to conserve energy. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both energy consumption and transmission latency based on actual network conditions.
2Loss of energy
If the base station uses longer DTX periods to maximize energy savings, then energy consumption is reduced, but data transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having user equipment proactively transmit indicators before actual data transmission is needed. The indicators are sent on the common uplink channel during DTX periods, allowing the base station to anticipate UE data needs and exit DTX mode in advance. This preliminary signaling ensures that when data transmission is required, the base station is already in an active state, maintaining transmission reliability while still enabling long DTX periods for energy savings during low-activity intervals.
3Loss of energy
If the base station operates in DTX mode without UE feedback, then energy consumption is reduced, but the base station loses awareness of UE data needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the common uplink channel with UE indicators - that bridges the information gap during DTX periods. User equipment use this intermediary channel to communicate their data transmission needs to the base station. The indicators act as messages that carry information about UE data requirements without requiring continuous base station operation. This intermediary mechanism allows the base station to maintain awareness of UE needs while still benefiting from energy-saving DTX operation during periods when no indicators are transmitted.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE receives configuration for a common uplink channel to be used by the user equipment to communicate with a BS concerning cell DTX operation by the BS. The UE determines that a cell DTX operation has already started or the BS has signaled that cell DTX operation will start. The UE transmits, over the common uplink channel, an indication of data transmission need concerning cell DTX operation. The BS sends the configuration and starts the cell DTX operation or signals that the same will start. The BS receives the indication of data transmission need concerning the cell DTX operation. The BS determines whether to stay in or abandon the cell DTX operation based at least partly on the received indication of data transmission need.