Wireless Network State Adaptation via DCI for Fast Low-Overhead Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack the capability for fast and efficient adaptation of network operation states in time, frequency, spatial, and power domains, leading to inefficient energy consumption and limited flexibility in responding to varying traffic loads.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for network parameter adaptation using DCI formats to indicate and transition between different network operation states, allowing for rapid adjustments with reduced signaling overhead, including indications for next monitoring occasions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional signaling methods are used to adapt network operation states, then reliability of state indication is improved, but speed of state transition deteriorates due to extensive signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential state indication information from complex traditional signaling and implements it through a streamlined DCI format (DCI format 2_8) that carries only the necessary operation state index, timer value, and next monitoring occasion information, eliminating redundant signaling overhead while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signaling parameter structure by introducing a compact DCI format with specific fields (operation state index, timer value, next monitoring occasion) that enables faster state transitions. The operation state index field efficiently encodes multiple state parameters, and the timer value field enables automated state duration control, significantly reducing the speed of state adaptation compared to traditional methods
2Reliability
If network operates in maximum resource utilization state, then service quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network operation state adaptation where the network can transition between different operation states (maximum resource utilization, minimum resource utilization, and intermediate states) based on actual service requirements. The operation state index in DCI format 2_8 enables the network to dynamically adjust resource allocation, allowing service quality to be maintained at maximum levels only when necessary, while transitioning to lower energy consumption states during periods of reduced demand
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic monitoring and state adjustment mechanisms where the network periodically evaluates service requirements and transitions between operation states. The timer value field in DCI format 2_8 enables automated periodic state transitions, allowing the network to cycle between high-performance and energy-saving states, optimizing the balance between service quality and energy consumption over time
3Use of energy by moving object
If network transitions to minimum resource utilization state for energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the DCI format 2_8 signaling that enables the network to monitor service quality metrics and automatically adjust operation states. The operation state index and timer value fields provide feedback loops that ensure service quality requirements are met before transitioning to energy-saving states, and that trigger immediate transitions back to maximum resource utilization states if service quality thresholds are not satisfied
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple operation states with different resource utilization levels and pre-calculating the conditions for state transitions. The DCI format 2_8 carries pre-determined operation state indexes that represent optimized configurations for different service scenarios, allowing the network to quickly switch to appropriate states without compromising service quality, even when transitioning to minimum resource utilization states for energy saving
4Loss of time
If DCI format 2_8 is used for physical layer signaling, then signaling overhead is reduced, but complexity of implementation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the state indication information into distinct, manageable fields within DCI format 2_8: operation state index field, timer value field, and next monitoring occasion field. This segmentation allows each field to be processed independently by UE and gNB, reducing implementation complexity despite the multifunctional nature of the DCI format. The structured segmentation enables modular implementation where each field can be handled by dedicated processing logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements DCI format 2-8 as a universal signaling mechanism that handles multiple functions: indicating operation state transitions, providing timer values for state duration, specifying next monitoring occasions, and enabling both uplink and downlink state adaptations. This multi-functionality reduces overall signaling overhead by consolidating multiple control functions into a single DCI format, though it does increase implementation complexity requiring versatile processing logic at both UE and gNB
Data Source
AI summary
Network parameter adaptation in a wireless communication system. A method for a user equipment (UE) includes receiving first information related to operation states on a cell and second information related to a search space set to receive physical downlink control channels (PDCCHs). A first operation state from the operation states includes first parameters associated with transmissions of channels or signals on the cell in one or more of a power, spatial, time, or frequency domain. A PDCCH from the PDCCHs provides a downlink control information (DCI) format that indicates one or more of the operation states. The method further includes receiving the PDCCH; determining the parameters in the one or more of the power, spatial, time, or frequency domain based on the one or more operation states indicated by the DCI format; and receiving the channels or signals on the cell based on the parameters.