UE Listening Mode Adaptation for Secondary Access Node Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In dual connectivity scenarios, user equipment (UE) often wastes resources by continuously listening for transmissions from secondary access nodes (SeNB) even when no bearers are mapped, leading to unnecessary power consumption and resource usage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing two operational modes for UE: a first mode where UE continuously listens and reserves uplink resources when bearers are mapped to SeNB, and a second mode that limits listening time and uplink resource usage when no bearers are mapped, allowing only resource usage for timing information updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user equipment continuously listens for transmissions from secondary access node, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the listening behavior adaptive rather than static. The UE dynamically switches between continuous listening mode (when bearers are mapped to SeNB) and limited listening mode (when no bearers are mapped), allowing the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining communication reliability based on actual data transmission needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the listening time parameter based on bearer mapping status. When no bearers are mapped to the secondary access node, the UE limits its listening time to only necessary intervals, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient communication reliability through selective monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If uplink resources are reserved for user equipment, then communication responsiveness is improved, but resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication responsivenessVSAvoidresource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating resource allocation based on the specific function needed. When no bearers are mapped to the secondary access node, the UE limits uplink resource usage only to timing information updates, while maintaining full resource availability when bearers are mapped. This localized optimization reduces overall resource usage while preserving communication responsiveness for critical functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3167663B1Limitation to a procedure for update timing advance between a secondary access node and a user equipment
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3167663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3167663B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3167663B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

A method of carrying out dual connectivity with a secondary access node and an apparatus is provided. A mode of operation of a user equipment is determined in dependence on the presence of bearers mapped to the secondary access node. Operating in a first mode occurs when it is determined that one or more bearers are mapped to a secondary access node. Operation in a second mode occurs when it is determined that no bearers are mapped to the secondary access node. The second mode comprises limiting a listening time to a downlink channel from the secondary access node with respect to the first mode.