5G • 5G-Advanced (Rel-18)
Cell DTX / Cell DRX
Base Station Discontinuous Transmission and Reception
Network-side DTX and DRX protocols allowing the base station itself to enter synchronized sleep cycles when no traffic is queued.
Technical Explanation
Historically, base stations had to transmit reference signals continuously even when no users were active. Release 18 formalizes Cell DTX (Discontinuous Transmission) and Cell DRX (Discontinuous Reception): the gNodeB and active UEs negotiate synchronized quiet periods where the base station halts all transmissions, entering a low-power dormant state.
Key Functions
- Introduces synchronized discontinuous transmission and reception for base station towers
- Compresses periodic reference signal transmissions into dense, infrequent bursts
- Allows cellular base stations to sleep for up to 80% of time during light night hours
- Maintains instant synchronization and accessibility for incoming emergency calls
Specifications
3GPP TR 38.864, TS 38.331 (Rel-18)
Interfaces
Uu (RRC)Xn
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