Wireless Device Cell Switching Based on Capability

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication networks face increasing energy consumption as the number of connected devices grows, with switching off network nodes affecting multiple users, necessitating improved methods for reducing network energy consumption without impacting users.

Innovation Solution

Cells are switched on/off based on the capability of wireless devices, with network nodes deciding whether to switch cells on or off based on received cell and capability information to minimize user impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If network nodes are switched off to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but user connectivity and network functionality are affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy consumptionVSAvoiduser connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the cell switching decision specific to each wireless device's capability. Instead of a blanket switch-off approach, the network node selectively switches off cells based on whether individual devices support alternative cell configurations, ensuring energy savings only where device compatibility allows without compromising connectivity for unsupported devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having wireless devices transmit capability information to the network node before the cell switching decision is made. This advance knowledge of device capabilities allows the network to proactively configure cell switching strategies that prevent connectivity issues before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If cells are switched off without considering device capability, then energy savings are maximized, but devices may be negatively affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy wasteVSAvoidnegative impact on wireless devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback by using capability information transmitted from wireless devices to the network node. This feedback loop allows the network to adjust cell switching decisions based on actual device capabilities, ensuring that energy-saving actions do not create harmful effects on devices that cannot support alternative configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making the cell switching decision specific to each wireless device's capability. Instead of a blanket switch-off approach, the network node selectively switches off cells based on whether individual devices support alternative cell configurations, ensuring energy savings only where device compatibility allows without compromising connectivity for unsupported devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20240196325A1Method for Switching Off Network Cells based on the Capability of Wireless Devices in the Network

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is disclosed a method at a wireless device (102) in a wireless communication network (100, 200). The wireless device is located in a first geographical area associated with a first cell (103a, 203a). The first cell is operated by a first network node (101a, 201, 301a) according to a first cell configuration. The wireless device supports at least the first cell configuration. The method comprising receiving (401), from the first network node, cell information indicating whether a second cell (103b, 203b) is switched off. The second cell is associated with a second cell configuration. The method further comprising transmitting (403), to the first network node, capability information indicating whether the wireless device supports the second cell configuration. The disclosure also pertains to related devices and methods.