UE Modem Doze Mode for Low-Traffic 5G Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased power consumption of user equipment (UE) in 5G wireless communication systems, particularly due to consistent modem activity, is a challenge, especially when there is little traffic from active applications, impacting battery life without compromising Quality of Experience (QoE).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a modem doze mode that includes QoE-aware traffic shaping, intelligent RRC state management, and leveraging Small Data Transmission (SDT) to reduce modem activity, delaying packet transmission, and requesting early RRC release when necessary, based on context information and application priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the modem remains continuously active to maintain RRC connected state for data transmission, then the data transmission reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RRC state management where the modem transitions between RRC connected and RRC inactive states based on real-time traffic conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the RRC state rather than maintaining a fixed state, allowing the modem to enter power-saving mode when traffic is low while ensuring quick connection resumption when data transmission is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic wake-up mechanisms where the modem periodically checks for incoming traffic or wakes up at scheduled intervals to transmit accumulated data. This periodic action allows the modem to remain mostly inactive (saving power) while still maintaining the capability to transmit data reliably when needed, balancing the contradiction between continuous availability and energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the modem enters RRC inactive state to save power, then the power consumption is reduced, but the data transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by buffering data in the UE when in RRC inactive state and preparing the modem for quick transition to RRC connected state. The system pre-allocates resources and maintains context information so that when data transmission becomes necessary, the modem can rapidly transition without significant latency penalty, thus reducing the time loss associated with power-saving states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the network provides indications of upcoming data transmission opportunities or traffic patterns. The UE uses this feedback information to optimize its state transitions, waking up just in time for data transmission rather than remaining continuously active. This feedback-driven approach reduces latency by enabling timely wake-ups while maintaining power savings during low-activity periods.
3Reliability
If the UE frequently transitions to RRC connected state for small data transmissions, then the data delivery reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases due to repeated connection establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small data transmissions into a single RRC connected state session by buffering data locally at the UE. Instead of establishing separate RRC connections for each small transmission, the system combines multiple data packets into one consolidated transmission opportunity, reducing the frequency of connection establishment while maintaining reliable data delivery. This merging approach significantly reduces power consumption associated with repeated state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by accumulating and buffering data in the UE before initiating an RRC connected state transition. The system prepares multiple data packets in advance and transmits them in a single batch once connected, rather than establishing connections for each individual small transmission. This preliminary buffering and batching approach reduces the number of connection establishment operations while ensuring reliable data delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes identifying context information of a user equipment. The method includes determining whether the context information satisfies a triggering condition. The triggering condition includes: presence of a foreground application, total packet length that the foreground application originated into a traffic buffer is less than a total packet length threshold, and a location of UE is within a cell of a gNB. The method includes in response to a determination the triggering condition is satisfied, starting a doze period including executing a doze-mode function to reduce power consumption of a modem of the UE during the doze period. The doze-mode function includes at least one of: reducing a wake-up frequency of the modem, including delaying transmission of uplink packets based on different priority classifications; selecting to transmit packets using SDT instead transitioning to RRC connected state; or transmitting an early request for RRC release to the gNB.