{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854514","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854514","title":"User equipment, small cell and operation method thereof","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-09-23T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":14,"abstract":"A user equipment, a small cell and an operation method thereof are provided. The small cell includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to generate a maintaining downlink signal when the small cell is in an off-state. The maintaining downlink signal utilizes fewer radio resources compared to a normal downlink signal which is generated when the small cell is in an on-state. The transceiver is electrically connected to the processor and configured to continuously transmit the maintaining downlink signal when the small cell is in the off-state and receive an uplink signal from the user equipment. The processor further switches the small cell from the off-state to the on-state according to the uplink signal."},"analysis":{"summary":"The User Equipment, Small Cell and Operation Method Thereof patent introduces an innovative approach to managing power consumption in small cell networks. The core innovation lies in enabling small cells to dynamically switch between an active 'on-state' and an energy-saving 'off-state' while maintaining a minimal downlink signal. This addresses the problem of high energy consumption in densely deployed small cell networks, where idle cells still consume significant power. The key technical approach involves a 'maintaining downlink signal' that uses fewer radio resources compared to a normal downlink signal, allowing user equipment to remain aware of the small cell's presence without incurring significant energy costs. Additionally, the small cell monitors uplink signals from user equipment, enabling it to quickly transition back to the on-state when a device requires active communication. \n\nThe business value of this technology stems from reduced operational costs for network operators due to lower energy consumption. It also improves network capacity and reduces interference, leading to a better user experience. The potential applications extend to various scenarios, including indoor wireless networks, urban deployments, and rural broadband access. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for wireless data continues to grow and small cell deployments become more widespread. This innovation positions network operators to build more sustainable and efficient wireless networks, reducing their environmental impact and improving their bottom line. The patent's focus on balancing energy efficiency with network responsiveness makes it a valuable asset in the evolving landscape of wireless communication. \n\nBy minimizing the energy footprint of small cells, operators can reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Moreover, the dynamic switching mechanism helps to mitigate interference and improve overall network capacity. The patent's focus on maintaining a minimal downlink signal during off-states is particularly relevant in scenarios where small cells are deployed in dense urban environments, where interference can be a major issue. The ability to quickly respond to user equipment requests ensures that the network remains responsive and reliable, even when small cells are operating in a low-power mode. As the demand for wireless data continues to grow, innovations like this will be essential for building sustainable and efficient wireless networks.","layman_explanation":"The User Equipment, Small Cell and Operation Method Thereof patent addresses a growing problem in modern wireless networks: the energy inefficiency of small cell towers. As mobile devices become more prevalent and data demands increase, network operators are deploying small cell towers to improve coverage and capacity, especially in dense urban environments. However, these small cells consume a significant amount of energy, even when they are not actively serving users. This energy consumption not only increases operational costs for network operators but also contributes to environmental concerns.\n\nThis patent offers a solution by enabling small cell towers to dynamically switch between an 'on' state and an 'off' state, conserving energy during periods of low activity. The key innovation is the introduction of a 'maintaining downlink signal' that consumes minimal resources while still allowing user devices to quickly reconnect to the network when needed. Think of it like a light switch with a dimmer function. Instead of turning the light completely off, which would require a longer time to turn back on, the light is dimmed to a very low level, consuming very little energy but still allowing it to be quickly turned back on when needed. This approach balances energy efficiency with network responsiveness, ensuring a seamless user experience.\n\nThe significance of this innovation lies in its potential to reduce operational costs for network operators and improve the sustainability of wireless networks. By minimizing energy consumption, operators can lower their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. This also creates a competitive advantage, as operators can offer more affordable and environmentally friendly services. The market impact is substantial, as the demand for wireless data continues to grow and small cell deployments become more widespread. The investment implications are also significant, as this technology represents a valuable asset for network operators and investors seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient and sustainable wireless solutions. \n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be further developed to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to predict user demand and optimize small cell operation in real-time. This would further enhance energy efficiency and improve network performance. The market adoption timeline is likely to be driven by the increasing pressure on network operators to reduce costs and improve sustainability, as well as the growing demand for wireless data. The next step is to see widespread adoption of this technology and further research to optimize the efficiency of the small cell network.","technical_analysis":"The User Equipment, Small Cell and Operation Method Thereof patent presents a sophisticated approach to managing power consumption in small cell networks. At its core, the technology enables small cells to dynamically switch between an active 'on-state' and an energy-saving 'off-state' while maintaining a minimal downlink signal. This is achieved through a combination of hardware and software components working in concert. The technical architecture comprises a processor, a transceiver, and associated control algorithms. The processor is responsible for managing the state transitions of the small cell, generating the 'maintaining downlink signal' during the off-state, and monitoring uplink signals from user equipment. The transceiver is responsible for transmitting and receiving signals, including the 'maintaining downlink signal' and the uplink signals from user equipment.\n\nThe implementation details involve sophisticated signal processing techniques and power management algorithms. The 'maintaining downlink signal' must be carefully designed to be easily detectable by user equipment while minimizing interference with other signals. The switching mechanism must be robust and reliable, ensuring that the small cell can quickly transition between states without disrupting communication. The patent also specifies the use of uplink signals from user equipment to trigger the transition from the off-state to the on-state. This requires sophisticated signal processing algorithms to accurately detect and interpret these signals. The algorithm specifics involve a threshold-based approach, where the small cell monitors the strength and frequency of uplink signals. When the signal strength or frequency exceeds a predefined threshold, the small cell transitions back to the on-state. This approach ensures that the small cell responds quickly to user equipment requests while minimizing false positives. \n\nThe integration patterns involve seamless coordination with existing network protocols and infrastructure. The small cell must be able to communicate with other network elements, such as the core network and other small cells, to ensure seamless handover and mobility management. The performance characteristics of the system are crucial for its practical viability. The switching time between states must be minimized to avoid disrupting communication. The energy savings must be significant enough to justify the complexity of the system. The code-level implications involve careful optimization of the control algorithms and signal processing routines. The code must be efficient and reliable, ensuring that the small cell operates correctly under a wide range of conditions. The technology offers a promising solution for building sustainable and efficient wireless networks.","business_analysis":"The User Equipment, Small Cell and Operation Method Thereof patent has significant implications for the wireless communication industry. The core innovation of enabling small cells to dynamically switch between active and energy-saving states directly addresses the growing need for efficient and sustainable network deployments. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for wireless data and the widespread deployment of small cells in urban and rural areas. The competitive advantages of this technology stem from its ability to reduce operational costs for network operators while improving network capacity and user experience. \n\nThe revenue potential is significant, as network operators can realize substantial savings in energy consumption. The business models enabled by this technology include subscription-based services, where users pay for access to the network, and advertising-based models, where revenue is generated from advertisements displayed to users. The strategic positioning of this technology is crucial for its success. Network operators must carefully consider the deployment strategy, taking into account factors such as population density, traffic patterns, and existing infrastructure. The ROI projections for this technology are highly favorable, as the energy savings and improved network performance can lead to significant cost reductions and revenue increases. \n\nFrom an investment perspective, this patent represents a valuable asset with the potential to generate significant returns. The technology addresses a critical need in the wireless communication industry, and its competitive advantages make it well-positioned for success. The business implications of this technology are far-reaching. It enables network operators to build more sustainable and efficient networks, reducing their environmental impact and improving their bottom line. The patent's focus on balancing energy efficiency with network responsiveness makes it a valuable asset in the evolving landscape of wireless communication. The patent offers a promising solution for building sustainable and efficient wireless networks, reducing operational costs, and improving the user experience.","faqs":null,"topics":["small cell technology","energy efficiency","wireless communication","network optimization","5G","equipment","small","operation"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"User Equipment, Small Cell and Operation Method Thereof - Patent US-9854514","description":"Explore the User Equipment, Small Cell and Operation Method Thereof patent for energy-efficient small cell networks. Dynamic switching and optimized downlink signals.","keywords":["small cell technology","energy efficiency","wireless communication","network optimization","5G","patent","patent US-9854514"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854514","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854514","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"User equipment, small cell and operation method thereof\" (US-9854514). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854514","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854514","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854514","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T10:10:39.455Z"}