Variable Bandwidth Communication for LTE Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, high system bandwidths lead to increased device power consumption due to continuous transmission of cell-specific reference signals, even during low network loads, which is inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A variable bandwidth-based communication method where network nodes adjust bandwidth by sending indication information to user equipment, allowing communication to shift to lower bandwidths during low loads, reducing power consumption by dynamically changing system or scheduling bandwidths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the system bandwidth is set to a high value to support potential future network loads, then the network can handle peak traffic demands, but device power consumption increases due to continuous CRS transmission across the entire bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the system bandwidth configurable and adjustable based on actual network conditions. The network node can dynamically change the bandwidth parameter used for CRS transmission and data communication, transitioning between different bandwidth configurations (e.g., from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth) according to network load requirements, thereby optimizing both productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the bandwidth parameter of the CRS transmission. The network node changes the bandwidth from an initial configuration to a adjusted configuration based on actual traffic demand, allowing the system to maintain high productivity when needed while reducing power consumption during low-load periods by transmitting CRS over a narrower bandwidth.
2Measurement precision
If the CRS is transmitted on each RB in an entire downlink bandwidth to ensure comprehensive channel coverage, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when network load is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting CRS only on a subset of resource blocks rather than all RBs in the entire downlink bandwidth. When network load is low, the network node transmits CRS on a reduced set of RBs (partial coverage) which is sufficient for maintaining channel estimation accuracy while avoiding the energy waste of transmitting across the full bandwidth. This partial transmission strategy maintains measurement precision where needed while reducing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the network node continuously transmits CRS at high bandwidth to maintain communication readiness, then communication reliability is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates during low network loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by adjusting the CRS transmission bandwidth based on periodic assessment of network load conditions. The network node monitors network traffic patterns and periodically transitions between different bandwidth configurations for CRS transmission, maintaining high communication reliability when load is high while switching to lower bandwidth (and thus lower energy consumption) when load is low, creating a rhythm of adaptation that balances reliability and energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a variable bandwidth-based communication method and an apparatus. The method includes: sending, by a network node, indication information to UE, where the indication information is used to indicate a target bandwidth parameter used by a serving cell corresponding to the UE; and communicating, by the network node, with the UE based on the target bandwidth parameter, where the target bandwidth parameter includes at least one of a target bandwidth, a target center frequency, and an enablement time of the target bandwidth. In this way, the network node can communicate with the UE in a changed bandwidth, so as to avoid a case in which communication is still performed in a relatively high bandwidth when a network load is relatively low, and reduce device power consumption.