Wireless Network Operation Modes for Zone-Based Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy consumption, particularly at network entities with multiple antennas, where switching between different antenna configurations for varying UE densities and traffic demands leads to inefficiencies and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network energy saving (NES) modes based on geographical zones and UE locations, using transmission configuration indicators (TCI) and synchronization signal blocks (SSB) to dynamically adjust operation modes, including modulation and coding schemes, and antenna port usage, with UEs determining their zones using positioning sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network entities use multiple antenna configurations to serve varying UE densities and traffic demands, then communication quality and coverage are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode switching at network entities based on real-time zone conditions. Each zone can independently switch between full functionality mode and energy saving mode, allowing the system to adapt antenna configurations and processing capabilities dynamically to match actual traffic demands while maintaining communication quality where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The service area is divided into multiple zones with independent operation mode control. Each zone can be configured separately with different operation modes (full functionality or energy saving), allowing selective activation of antenna elements and processing resources in specific geographic areas rather than uniformly across the entire network entity
2Loss of energy
If network entities switch between different operation modes for varying traffic demands, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones are assigned different operation modes based on their specific traffic characteristics and geographic properties. The network entity provides zone-specific configuration information to UEs, allowing each zone to have optimized energy efficiency characteristics without requiring complex centralized control of the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
UEs autonomously determine their current zone using positioning sensors and automatically select the appropriate operation mode based on zone configuration information received from the network. This self-service mechanism reduces the signaling overhead and control complexity that would otherwise be required for centralized mode management
3Use of energy by moving object
If UEs continuously monitor and switch operation modes based on location, then energy consumption is optimized, but positioning accuracy and speed requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses positioning sensors to determine UE location within zones, but does not require continuous high-precision tracking. Instead, zone-based coarse positioning is sufficient to trigger operation mode transitions, reducing the measurement precision requirements compared to continuous cell reselection or handover mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide for multiple operation modes for communication between a network entity and a user equipment (UE). Different operation modes may have different power consumption at the network entity, and different zones within a coverage area of the network entity may have different operation modes, such as based on a quantity of served UEs within each zone. The network entity may provide UEs with a set of operation modes and information for selection of an operation mode for communications with the network entity based on a geographical area or direction relative to the network entity. The network entity and a UE may communicate using a first operation mode based on a location of the UE within a first zone, and may communicate using a second operation mode based on the UE changing location to be within a second zone.