Apparatus and method for power efficient cellular operation based on dual-purpose hardware and network controller

Abstract

To provide a cellular communication network capable of reducing power consumption and maintaining serviceability.SOLUTION: The communication network includes a master network controller coupled to the local network controller in each of the plurality of cells, wherein the master network controller selects at least one cell to enter a first reduced power consumption state and signals the local network controller of the at least one cell to enable repeater hardware, thereby causing the at least one cell to operate as a repeater.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 463,749, filed May 3, 2023, entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWER-EFFICIENT CELLULAR OPERATION BASED ON DUAL PURPOSE HARDWARE AND NETWORK CONTROLLERS," which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002]

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications, and more particularly, embodiments disclosed herein relate to cellular communications in which at least one of the cells has both hardware for performing cellular communications operations and repeater hardware for enabling it to operate as a repeater during reduced power consumption states. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Today, mobile network operators take into account their power consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, because the energy used to power their mobile networks contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. In addition to the environmental impact, excessive power consumption can also lead to increased operational costs for network operators. Therefore, by taking into account and reducing their power consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, mobile network operators can help reduce the negative impact of their operations on the environment while also increasing their revenues.

[0004] One option people are considering to reduce power usage is to turn off base stations during low traffic times. However, when mobile network operators put cells to sleep, coverage holes can be created, resulting in many unhappy customers.

[0005]

[0005] One solution to address coverage holes is to have neighboring cells tilt their antennas upwards to expand coverage, with the aim of closing the coverage hole. This approach has several problems. First, even after tilting, the coverage hole may still exist. Second, tilting the antennas of neighboring cells may increase interference to other neighboring cells (those that are not put into sleep mode). Furthermore, handovers between cells may also be affected, and the number of handover failures due to tilt changes may increase. All of these problems may be further exacerbated if mobile network operators want to put several cells into sleep mode simultaneously to save significant power. Summary of the Invention

[0006]

[0006] Apparatuses and methods for cellular operation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a communication network includes a plurality of cells, each cell of the plurality of cells having a base station and a local network controller, and at least one of the cells has both hardware for performing cellular communication operations and repeater hardware for enabling the at least one cell to operate as a repeater during a first reduced power consumption state. The communication network also includes a master network controller coupled to the local network controllers in each of the plurality of cells, the master network controller configured to select at least one cell to enter the first reduced power consumption state and signal the local network controller of the at least one cell to enable the repeater hardware, thereby causing the at least one cell to operate as a repeater.

[0007]

[0007] In some other embodiments, the cell includes a local network controller, hardware for performing cellular communication operations, and repeater hardware that enables at least one cell to operate as a repeater during a first reduced power consumption state.

[0008]

[0008] In some other embodiments, the method includes the steps of: transmitting, by each cell of a plurality of cells in a communication network, using hardware for performing cellular communication operations; selecting, by a master network controller coupled to local network controllers in each of the plurality of cells, at least one cell to enter a reduced power consumption state; causing, by the master network controller, the local network controller of the at least one cell to operate as a repeater by enabling repeater hardware; and operating, by the at least one cell, as a repeater using the repeater hardware during the reduced power consumption state.

[0009] The described embodiments and their advantages can best be understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which in no way limit the changes in form and detail that may be made to the described embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates several embodiments of a communication network. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a dual hardware station connecting to a donor cell. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration in which a dual hardware station can enter a reduced power consumption state. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 illustrates the expanded coverage area of ​​a neighboring base station when a dual hardware station enters or is in sleep mode. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates several embodiments of dual hardware stations at a site. [Figure 6]1 illustrates some embodiments in which a master network controller performs actions to place cells into a reduced power state while maintaining or addressing coverage issues for such cells. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates some embodiments of dual hardware at a site. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates normal operation when a local network controller at site A toggles a switch to allow a full-stack cell processor to couple to an antenna for cellular communications. [Figure 7C] FIG. 1 illustrates dual hardware stations at Site A during low-power operation. [Figure 7D] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of operating dual hardware cells including a wired connection to a donor cell antenna. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of local network controller-based gradual switching in repeater functionality. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of some embodiments of controller-based gradual switching at a site. [Figure 10] 1A-1C illustrate some embodiments of a group of cells during normal operation. [Figure 11] 1A-1C illustrate some embodiments of a group of cells during normal operation. [Figure 12] 1A-1C illustrate examples of several embodiments of master / local network controller based gradual switchover at a site. [Figure 13] 1A-1C illustrate several embodiments of gradual switching between normal and low power (repeater) operation. [Figure 14A-1] FIG. 1 is a data flow diagram of some embodiments of a process for operating a communications network into a low power mode. [Figure 14A-2] FIG. 1 is a data flow diagram of some embodiments of a process for operating a communications network into a low power mode. [Figure 14B-1]FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of some embodiments of a process for transitioning from normal mode to sleep mode. [Figure 14B-2] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of some embodiments of a process for transitioning from normal mode to sleep mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-band example of some embodiments of controller-based gradual switching from normal operation to sleep operation. [Figure 16] 10A-10C illustrate other multi-band examples of some other embodiments of controller-based gradual switching from normal operation to sleep operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0030] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide a more thorough explanation of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0012]

[0031] The embodiments described herein enable mobile network operators to place one or more cells into a reduced power state at certain times in order to have a more power-efficient network. In some embodiments, these times are during periods of low traffic. To mitigate the impact on user experience, the embodiments described herein help mobile network operators have next-generation, power-efficient networks.

[0013]

[0032] In some embodiments, to facilitate low power operation, the network includes two network controllers to provide a seamless transition for terminals (e.g., mobile phones, user devices, etc.) while a base station is in a power save mode. The first of the two controllers is referred to herein as the main controller. The main controller monitors traffic conditions across the network and controls power management for each base station. In some embodiments, the main controller also controls channel allocation. The second controller, referred to herein as the local network controller, manages the power save mode in dual hardware base stations, including functionality for performing base station operations and functionality for performing repeater operations.

[0014]

[0033] Embodiments herein use handoff management, whether implemented through channel assignment and power management or otherwise, to initiate handoffs from an associated base station to another base station. Note that this is in contrast to conventional dual-mode base stations with two different network systems, such as Wi-Fi and cellular, where a terminal may have dual connectivity to maintain a connection.

[0015]

[0034] During the power saving mode, the main controller reduces the transmit power and / or shuts down the Tx / Rx (transmit power and receive power) at the base station. When an associated base station enters the power saving mode, the main controller and the local network controller manage which operating channels (e.g., frequencies) to shut down and when to reduce the power of the operating channels to prevent terminals from losing connection to the associated base station and causing a serious service interruption. In other words, while the associated base station transitions to the sleep mode, the associated terminals are automatically initiated to hand off to other base stations using channel (e.g., frequency) management. In some embodiments, sleep mode means that the associated base station shuts down or reduces its power.

[0016]

[0035] Thus, the two network controllers are coordinated to maintain current associated connections and maximize power efficiency. In this manner, the embodiments disclosed herein provide efficient power management within a managed area while providing a seamless transition of communication functionality before an associated base station transitions to a sleep mode.

[0017] Dual Hardware Base Station

[0036] In some embodiments, the network includes additional hardware at the sites. The sites can be base stations. In some embodiments, the hardware can operate not only as a normal cell but also as a repeater. For example, in normal operation, the hardware functions as a standard cell, while in low-traffic scenarios, it functions as a standard repeater. In some embodiments, the repeater can be designed to have the same coverage as a standard cell but with a significantly lower energy footprint. For example, the repeater can be configured with a SureCall repeater @ 28 GHz, providing the same coverage as a full-scale cell using only 30 W. In some embodiments, the hardware is also equipped with a dedicated controller to enable a gradual and seamless transition between normal and low-traffic operation.

[0018]

[0037] The use of additional hardware has several advantages over baseline sleep operation. Embodiments include one or more of the following advantages: First, the use of additional hardware prevents the creation of coverage holes when switching to low power operation, thus maintaining customer satisfaction. Second, no tilt changes to neighboring cells are required, so no additional interference is created. Third, it is much easier to install in a large number of cells, leading to significant additional power savings. Fourth, because the interference level remains fixed, it is easier to study the impact of low power operation. For example, it is easier to predict when low power operation will be needed, when a cell should exit low power operation, and the impact on handovers and cell planning.

[0019]

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates some embodiments of a communication network. Referring to FIG. 1, the communication network includes a master network controller 101 and multiple cells 102. In some embodiments, the master network controller 101 is located within a RAN Intelligence Controller (RIC). Each of the cells 102 includes a local network controller and a base station. For example, cell 102a includes local network controller 110a and base station 111. The master network controller 101 is communicatively coupled to each of the local network controllers in the cells 102. One or more of the cells 102 include dual hardware stations. For example, cell 102B includes dual hardware station 120 along with local network controller 110b. In some embodiments, the dual hardware stations include a base station and a repeater. In some embodiments, a majority or all of the cells include dual hardware stations.

[0020]

[0039] In some embodiments, a dual hardware station within a cell can be communicatively connected directly to another base station, referred to herein as a donor cell, via a wired connection. The wired connection can be a fiber connection (e.g., radio-over-fiber (RoF)). FIG. 2 illustrates a dual hardware station connecting to a donor cell. Referring to FIG. 2, a dual hardware station 120 is in cell A along with a local network controller 210A. Donor cells B and C are located near cell A and its dual hardware station 120. Donor cell B includes a base station 211B and a local network controller 210B, while donor cell C includes a base station 211C and a local network controller 210C. The base station 211B of donor cell B is communicatively coupled to the dual hardware station 120 via the RoF (or some other wired connection). If the dual hardware station 120 acts as a repeater, signals from donor cell B can be carried directly over the RoF. In this case, cell A amplifies and transmits the signal.

[0021]

[0040] In some embodiments, the signal from donor cell C can be received at cell A using the wireless link as a normal wireless repeater. In such a case, the dual hardware station 120 in cell A amplifies the signal and transmits it onward.

[0022]

[0041] In some embodiments, the power of the dual hardware station 120 may be reduced so that the dual hardware station 120 enters a reduced power consumption state. In some embodiments, the power reduction is gradual. In some embodiments, the power of the dual hardware station 120 is gradually reduced before eventually shutting down. FIG. 3 illustrates such a configuration. When the dual hardware station is shut down, one or more neighboring cells change the tilt angle of their antennas to provide coverage to the area of ​​cell A. FIG. 4 illustrates the expanded coverage area of ​​neighboring base stations 301 and 302 when the dual hardware station enters or is in sleep mode. When the dual hardware station 120 enters the reduced power consumption state, the coverage areas of neighboring base stations 301 and 302 are expanded by changing the tilt angle of their antennas such that their coverage area is expanded to cover at least a portion of the coverage area of ​​cell A. For example, neighboring base station 301 has its tilt angle changed to expand coverage 302B to cover a portion of cell A's coverage area, while neighboring base station 302 has its antenna tilt angle changed to expand coverage area 302A to cover at least a portion of cell A's coverage area. In some embodiments, one or more of these antennas have their tilt increased by a small amount, e.g., on the order of 0.5 to 2 degrees (because repeater hardware can be used simultaneously to cover other portions of the cell's coverage area). In some embodiments, some antennas may need to be tilted upward by as much as 5 degrees or more. In some embodiments, these larger tilts may be done in stages and may be accompanied by a gradual reduction in TX power (and therefore coverage area) in cell A. Note that mechanisms for tilting antennas are well known in the art. Thus, when the dual hardware station 120 finally enters sleep mode and the base station and repeater functions are in a reduced power consumption state, the neighboring stations 301 and 302 provide coverage for cell A through their modified tilt angles.

[0023]

[0042] In some embodiments, the repeater has the same transmit (TX) / receive (RX) power as the base station. However, in some embodiments, the repeater does not have the same TX / RX power as the base station. In some embodiments, the repeater transmits at mmWave frequencies.

[0024]

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates some embodiments of a dual hardware station for a site. Referring to FIG. 5, the dual hardware station 120 includes a switch 542 coupled to the local network controller 210A of the dual hardware station 120. This hardware includes a full-stack cell processor 510 for performing cellular communication operations for the site. In some embodiments, the full-stack cell processor 510 is configured with an entire protocol stack (e.g., as defined by 3GPP) for performing cellular communication. The full-stack cell processor 510 is coupled to the switch 542 and the local network controller 210A. In some embodiments, the switch 542 is part of the local network controller 210A. The dual hardware station 120 also includes an analog processor 511 for a repeater. The analog processor 511 is coupled to the switch 542, the local network controller 210A, and the TX / RX donor antenna 502.

[0025]

[0044] The switch 542 allows the local network controller 210A to switch between driving the TX / RX antenna (or RU) 502 with a signal from the full-stack cell processor 510 or using a signal from the analog processor 511. When the dual hardware station 120 uses cellular communication, the local network controller 210A controls the switch 542 to enable the full-stack cell processor 510 to perform cellular communication using the TX / RX antenna 501. Otherwise, when the dual hardware station 120 operates as a repeater, the local network controller 210A controls the switch 542 to enable communication by the repeater under the control of the analog processor 511 via the TX / RX donor antenna 502. Thus, the local network controller 210A uses the switch 542 to control when the cell communicates using the TX / RX antenna 501 or the TX / RX donor antenna 502.

[0026]

[0045] In some embodiments, the base station and repeater function are logically co-located with each other, along with the antennas. However, in some embodiments, the repeater function is co-located with the base station. In some other embodiments, the repeater function is not co-located with the base station. Antennas 501 and 502 can be located remotely from the base station and repeater function (e.g., processor). In some embodiments, one or both of antennas 501 and 502 are remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0027]

[0046] 5 shows one repeater, it should be noted that a dual hardware station can include multiple repeaters, and each repeater can have its own associated donor and / or TX / RX antenna.

[0028]

[0047] When a master network controller (e.g., master network controller 101) desires to place one or more cells into a reduced power state, the master network controller communicates with the cells' local network controllers to determine whether one or more of the cells can be placed into a reduced power state, and selects those cells to be powered down while selecting other cells to operate with altered tilt to provide coverage to the one or more cells being placed into a reduced power state.

[0029]

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates some embodiments in which a master network controller performs operations to place a cell into a reduced power consumption state while maintaining or addressing coverage issues for such a cell. Referring to FIG. 6 , the master network controller 101 sends a status request 601 to local network controllers in the cell, such as local network controllers 611 and 612. In response to the status request, the local network controllers, such as local network controllers 611 and 612, send feedback response messages to the master network controller 101. In some embodiments, these feedback response messages include information related to one or more of network traffic, cell capacity, potential coverage holes that may exist if the cell is powered down, and the like. Using this feedback information, the master network controller 101 performs the calculations of the power optimizer 620, which uses this information to select cells to power down. In some embodiments, the power optimization is performed by executing an algorithm in the master network controller. In some embodiments, the algorithm takes into account network traffic requirements shared by the local network controllers and translates them into network capacity requirements across the coverage area. The algorithm then attempts to find the smallest power footprint that can meet or exceed these requirements. In some embodiments, the algorithm greedily switches cells one at a time to a lower power state (in each case, if the capacity requirements are met by the new configuration) until no further power savings are possible without compromising QoE. In some embodiments, the reverse mechanism is applied to take into account increased network traffic (and still allow QoE to be met) by putting one or more cells into a higher power consumption state.

[0030]

[0049] In some embodiments, this selection includes selecting which cells to instruct to perform antenna tilt changes, which cells to sleep, or which cells to act as repeaters. This information is communicated to the local network controllers. For example, the master network controller 101 sends control signals to the local network controller 611 to cause the base station to change its antenna tilt, thereby expanding coverage beyond the cell's current coverage, while signaling the local network controller 612 to put its hardware to sleep or act as a repeater for communications.

[0031]

[0050] Returning to FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, a cell with dual hardware stations can use the hardware for regular cellular communications or as a repeater. Toggling toggle switch 542 one way enables the full-stack cell processor 510 of the dual hardware station to perform cellular communications, while toggling switch 542 the other way enables the repeater with analog processor 511 to be used as a repeater. FIG. 7A illustrates some embodiments of dual hardware at a site. Referring to FIG. 7A , Site A includes hardware that can operate not only as a regular cell but also as a repeater. Two toggle switches 740 and 741 toggle whether the full-stack cell processor 710 or the analog processor 711 is coupled to antenna 701. In some embodiments, toggle switches 740 and 741 are controlled by local network controller 720. 7A, the local network controller 720 sets toggle switches 740 and 741 to connect the full-stack cell processor 710 to antenna 701 while disconnecting the analog processor 711 from antenna 701. When operating as a normal cell, the local network controller 720 toggles switches 740 and 741 so that the full-stack cell processor 710 uses antenna 701 for both transmit and receive operations. When operating as a repeater, the local network controller 720 toggles switches 740 and 741 so that the analog processor 711 uses antenna 701 for transmit operations and donor antenna 702 for receive operations on the downlink. That is, for downlink transmissions, donor antenna 702 receives a signal from another entity and antenna 701 retransmits the signal over its coverage area. In the uplink direction, antenna 701 receives signals transmitted by UEs over its coverage area, and donor antenna 702 retransmits those signals to other sites for further processing (via a full-stack processor).

[0032]

[0051] FIG. 7B illustrates normal operation when the local network controller 720 at Site A toggles toggle switches 740 and 741 to enable full-stack cell processor 710 to couple to antenna 701. FIG. 7C illustrates the dual hardware station at Site A during low-power operation. Referring to FIG. 7C, the local network controller 720 controls toggle switches 740 and 741 to enable analog processor 711, thereby connecting the analog processor to antenna 701. During low-power operation, analog processor 711 communicates with a donor cell via donor antenna 702 and provides repeater coverage using antenna 702. For example, donor signal 750 is transmitted between donor antenna 702 and donor cell antenna 761, and donor cell antenna 761 operates to provide donor cell coverage area 760. Donor signal 750 can be transmitted from donor cell antenna 761 to donor antenna 702 at Site A, and analog processor 711 can then cause the information to be transmitted via antenna 702 to act as a repeater through repeater coverage area 770. In some embodiments, there is a line of sight (LOS) path between donor antenna 702 and donor cell antenna 761. This may occur when the frequency used for transmission is millimeter wave. In some embodiments, the repeater signal is within the cyclic prefix of OFDM.

[0033]

[0052] Using hardware control at the site as shown in FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, a communication system can put as many cells as desired into a sleep state as long as capacity requirements and delay constraints (for wireless / wired repeater operation) are met.

[0034]

[0053] In some other embodiments, the dual hardware station includes an additional switch that couples the analog processor for the repeater to the donor cell antenna. In this case, the connection between the analog processor and the donor cell antenna is a wired connection. FIG. 7D illustrates an example of operating a dual hardware cell that includes a wired connection to the donor cell antenna. Referring to FIG. 7D, similar to the hardware of FIG. 7C, controller 720 toggles switches 740 and 741 to enable the repeater function. However, controller 720 also toggles an additional toggle switch 742 that couples analog processor 711 to donor cell 781 via fiber connection 780 (or other type of wired connection) to enable communication between donor cell 781 and analog processor 711. In some embodiments, the fiber connection is a radio-over-fiber (RoF) connection. Donor cell 781 shares its signal with analog processor 711 via fiber connection 780.

[0035]

[0054] In some embodiments, the donor cell is implemented using or as part of an open random access network (O-RAN) distributed unit (DU) or donor DU, and transmit antenna 701 (and other such transmit antennas, e.g., transmit antenna 501 of FIG. 5 and transmit antenna 1001 of FIG. 10) is implemented using or as part of an open random access network (O-RAN) radio unit (RU) or receiver RU. In some other embodiments, the donor cell is implemented using or as part of a donor processor, and transmit antenna 701 (and other such transmit antennas, e.g., transmit antenna 501 of FIG. 5 and transmit antenna 1001 of FIG. 10) is implemented using or as part of a receiver radio transmit unit.

[0036]

[0055] In some embodiments, the repeater signal transmission is synchronized with the donor cell transmission. This helps to deal with multipath. More specifically, if the same signal is transmitted from multiple locations and the timing is synchronized, reception of the transmitted signal can be within the OFDM cyclic prefix (e.g., timing synchronization of the transmitted signals from two locations minimizes multipath spread and ensures it is less than the OFDM cyclic prefix period).

[0037]

[0056] In some embodiments, the full-stack processor is powered down before powering up the repeater. In some cases, this may cause a service interruption. In some other embodiments, measures are taken to prevent service interruption during power down. For example, in some embodiments, the site's local network controller gradually switches between normal operation and low-power operation. When performing a gradual switchover, in some embodiments, both the analog repeater and the full-stack processor are turned on simultaneously. In some embodiments, during the gradual switchover, the state of active users in the cell is transferred to the donor cell. In some embodiments, the donor antenna's wireless link can be replaced with a wired connection (e.g., an RoF connection) to the donor antenna.

[0038]

[0057] In some embodiments, the controller controls the frequencies used by the donor base station. For example, in some deployments, many of these TX / RX antennas (e.g., RUs) simultaneously transmit signals in two different frequency bands (allocated to the service provider), which are separated but have carrier frequencies close to each other. In such cases, a UE can be served in either one of these bands (or even in both simultaneously). By having the TX / RX (e.g., RUs) provide coverage across two different bands, it becomes possible to use existing means to perform handovers during switching from one mode (e.g., a full-cell stack used by a cell) to another mode (e.g., when a cell operates as a repeater). In some embodiments, during a "transition" period, there is what is known as an inter-frequency handover, in which a UE is handed over from one cell in one frequency band to another cell (or possibly the same cell) in another frequency band. In some other embodiments, an intra-frequency handover can enable a "soft" switch (i.e., the UE is not dropped in the process). In this case, the controller divides the radio resources in a single band between the repeater and full-stack signals. This can be achieved in several ways. One method is to split the tones in an OFDM plane into two different chunks, transmitting the signal generated by the full-stack processor in one chunk and the signal generated by the repeater in the other chunk. In some embodiments, some of the OFDM tones in the middle (between the two chunks) are left unused as a "guard band" to allow for tolerable interference between the two signals.

[0039]

[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of local network controller-based gradual switchover in repeater functionality. During the transition, the analog processor for the repeater and the full-stack processor are each assigned a portion of the available spectrum for transmission. For example, in FIG. 8, graph 800 illustrates that all of the available spectrum 801 is assigned to the full-stack cell processor for normal operation (e.g., cellular operation), that spectrum 802 is split between the full-stack cell processor for normal cellular operation and the analog processor for repeater operation during gradual switchover, and that the entire available spectrum 803 is assigned to the analog processor for the repeater during low-power operation. Note that the split of spectrum 802 need not be 50 / 50 between the full-stack cell processor and the analog repeater during gradual switchover.

[0040]

[0059] In some embodiments, when a "powered down" cell transmits on multiple bands, several options for dividing the spectrum for gradual switching are shown. For example, in one example shown in Figure 8, graph 810 shows all bands of available spectrum 811 being assigned to full-stack cell processors for normal operation (e.g., cellular operation), bands of spectrum 812 being split between full-stack cell processors and analog processors during gradual switching (e.g., one band is assigned to full-stack cell processors and one band is assigned to analog processors during gradual switching, one or more bands are assigned to full-stack cell processors and one or more bands are assigned to analog processors during gradual switching, etc.), and all bands representing the entire available spectrum 813 being assigned to analog processors for repeaters during low-power operation.

[0041]

[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of some embodiments of controller-based gradual switching at a site. Referring to FIG. 9, a graph illustrates the allocation of spectrum consisting of bands 1 and 2 over several logical time steps A through G. At time A, the site hardware is performing its normal cellular operation, with both bands 1 and 2 assigned to the full-stack cell processor. Also during this time, all associated UEs at site A are moved to one of the bands, e.g., band 2 in this example. In some embodiments, a local network controller enables the UE state to be transferred. Note that in some embodiments, this operation is similar to a normal handover (HO), except that the cell's physical identifier (ID) does not need to be changed.

[0042]

[0061] At time B, after transferring the UE state in Band 1 to Band 2, the TX in Band 1 is turned off. At time C, the repeater is powered up in Band 1 while Band 2 is assigned to the full stack cell processor. Also during this time, all associated UEs are moved to Band 1 and handed over to the donor cell, meaning all cell UEs are associated with the donor cell. Again, in some embodiments, the controller allows the UE state to be transferred (similar to a normal HO). In some embodiments, rather than the UE requesting the handover, the handover is forced at the UE and the UE is provided with information specifying the cell the UE should join. In some other embodiments, the UE is signaled by the base station to perform the handover and then request the handover.

[0043]

[0062] At time D, the repeater is turned on in band 1, while band 2 is still assigned to the full-stack cell processor. At time E, the TX in band 2 is turned off, while band 1 remains assigned to the repeater. At time F, the repeater is powered on in band 2, while band 1 remains assigned to the repeater. At time G, both bands 1 and 2 are assigned to the repeater. In some other embodiments, band 2 remains turned off after time E and is not assigned to a repeater, and thus the gradual switchover procedure ends after time E.

[0044]

[0063] Note that in some embodiments, the gradual switching mechanism can be performed in a single band where the spectrum is divided between the full-stack cell processor and the repeater. A local network controller can initiate this spectrum division.

[0045]

[0064] In some embodiments, the master network controller is used in standard sleep operation, where the master network controller allows cells to be gradually switched into sleep mode while mitigating and / or preventing service interruptions. In some embodiments, during normal operation, the cell of interest is on and serves its coverage area, and during sleep operation, neighboring cells act as donor cells and provide coverage. In some embodiments, during normal operation, these donor cells tilt their transmit (TX) antennas for normal operation to cover their coverage area.

[0046]

[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates some embodiments of a group of cells during normal operation. Referring to FIG. 10, a master network controller 1000 is communicatively coupled to a local network controller 1020 of cell A. Cell A also includes a full-stack cell processor 1010, on-off (e.g., toggle) switches 1041 and 1042 coupled to and controlled by the local network controller 1020, and a TX antenna 1001. The master network controller 1000 is also coupled to and controls toggle switches 1043 and 1044, which are coupled to neighboring cell TX antennas 1030 and 1031, respectively. During normal operation, the master network controller 1000 controls toggle switches 1043 and 1044 so that they are off. In such a case, neighboring cell TX antennas 1030 and 1031 are not tilted and provide coverage only for their neighboring cell coverage areas 1050 and 1051, respectively.

[0047]

[0066] FIG. 11 illustrates some embodiments of a group of cells in normal operation. Referring to FIG. 11, the master network controller 1000 enables a gradual switchover from normal operation to sleep operation. For sleep operation, a cell of interest, e.g., cell A, is put to sleep by the local network controller 1020 turning on-off switches 1041 and 1042 to the off position in response to a control signal from the master network controller 1000. The master network controller 1000 also controls switches 1042 and 1043 to enable neighboring cells to operate as coverage donors. In this case, the neighboring cells provide coverage to the cell of interest, cell A, by tilting their TX antennas upward to expand their coverage areas 1050 and 1051.

[0048]

[0067] FIG. 12 illustrates some example embodiments of master / local network controller-based gradual switchover at a site. Referring to FIG. 12, a graph illustrates the allocation of spectrum consisting of Bands 1 and 2 over several logical time steps A-G. At time A, the site's hardware is performing its normal operation, and both Bands 1 and 2 are assigned to Cell A's full-stack cell processor. Also during this time, all of Cell A's associated UEs are moved to one of the bands, e.g., Band 2. In some embodiments, the controllers (local network controller and master network controller) enable UE state transfers (as in a normal HO). For example, in some embodiments, the local network controller 1020 manages the ON / OFF of band operation and tilt angle changes at the cell sites, while the master network controller 1000 manages the network-wide optimization of which cell sites should change their tilt angles and ON / OFF of band operation.

[0049]

[0068] At time B, the UE state of all UEs is moved to Band 2, and then the TX of Band 1 is turned off. At time C, the neighboring cell TX starts ramping Band 1 to expand its coverage to cover the area of ​​cell A, while Band 2 is assigned to the full stack cell processor. Also during this time, all associated UEs of cell A are moved to Band 1 operated by the neighboring cell (e.g., the cell with antennas 1030 and 1031) and handed over to the neighboring cell. Again, in some embodiments, the master network controller allows the UE state to be transferred to the neighboring cell (similar to a normal HO). In some embodiments, the UE's Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) for the two neighboring cells in Band 1 is used to select the UE's handover destination.

[0050]

[0069] At time D, the neighboring cell has finished ramping Band 1, while Band 2 remains allocated to the full-stack cell processor of cell A. In some embodiments, the controller may also request the powered-down or "sleeping" cell to reduce its control signal power (during times C and D). In some embodiments, a weaker RSRP received from the sleeping cell (cell A) may allow the UE served by the sleeping cell to request a handover to a neighboring cell (the cell with the strongest RSRP).

[0051]

[0070] At time E, the TX for Band 2 is turned off, while Band 1 remains assigned to the repeater. In some embodiments, the repeater for Band 2 may not be turned on, and the gradual switchover procedure ends after time E. At time F, the repeater is powered up in Band 2 while Band 1 remains assigned to the repeater. Note that in some embodiments, the operations performed during times E and F are merged into one step. At time G, both Band 1 and Band 2 are assigned to the repeater.

[0052]

[0071] In some embodiments, a single cell may have many potential donors in repeater function operation. Some (or all) of the donors may be wired (wireless over fiber) donors. Some (or all) of the donors may be wireless donors. In some embodiments, each donor may donate one or more frequency bands. In some embodiments, if each donates these one or more frequency bands, those bands are dedicated to dual hardware stations that are shut down. In some embodiments, one or more bands are assigned to dual hardware stations.

[0053]

[0072] In some embodiments, advanced hardware allows a single cell to be a donor to multiple cells simultaneously, in some embodiments, for some cells the single cell is a wired donor, while for other cells the single cell is a wireless donor.

[0054]

[0073] In some embodiments, one controller is used per cell to control cell / repeater operation in that cell. In some embodiments, the controller switches to partial low-power operation. In some embodiments, low-power operation is enabled in one or more bands, but not necessarily in all bands on which the cell transmits. For the remaining bands (i.e., bands not transitioned to low-power operation), in some embodiments, the cell continues to transmit in normal operation in one or more of these bands. This is less attractive because it uses high power. In some other embodiments, for the remaining bands (i.e., bands not transitioned to low-power operation), the cell is put to sleep in one or more of these bands. This is useful when sufficient coverage and capacity are provided by one or more of the remaining active bands (e.g., bands in low-power or normal operation).

[0055]

[0074] Figure 13 illustrates some embodiments of gradual switching between normal operation and low power (repeater) operation. In this example, assume that a network operator elects to transition cell A to low power operation and provide coverage to cell A via donor cell B. In response, the network operator sends a request to the controller of cell A.

[0056]

[0075] 14A-1 and 14A-2 illustrate some embodiments of a logic flow for transitioning from normal operation in cell A. 14B-1 and 14B-2 illustrate some embodiments of a logic flow for transitioning from power operation in cell A using donor cell B's signal. Note that the operations performed by the controller in FIGS. 14A-1, 14A-2, 14B-1, and 14B-2 can be operations performed by a local network controller, a master network controller, or a combination of a local network controller and a master network controller. Also note that in FIGS. 14A-1, 14A-2, 14B-1, and 14B-2, the donor cell can provide its signal wirelessly or via wireless over fiber.

[0057]

[0076] 14A-1 and 14A-2 are data flow diagrams of some embodiment processes for transitioning a communication network to a low power mode. Referring to FIGS. 14A-1 and 14A-2, the processor begins with processing logic in a controller of cell A receiving a network (NW) operator request (processing block 1401). In response to the network operator request, processing logic in a local network controller requests the status of associated user equipment (UE) in cell A (processing block 1402). In response to these requests, processing logic in the controller receives the status of associated UEs in cell A (processing block 1403) and determines to divide the spectrum between normal operation (N spectrum) and low power operation (LP spectrum) (processing block 1404). Processing logic in the controller notifies cell A of the new spectrum division (processing block 1405). Cell A then moves its active UEs to the portion of the spectrum allocated for normal operation (processing block 1406). Processing logic within the controller also powers up the repeater in the portion of the spectrum allocated for low power operation (processing block 1407) and notifies cell B that it is a donor for cell A (processing block 1408). The controller also notifies neighboring cell B of the current normal / low power spectrum split (processing block 1409).

[0058]

[0077] Processing logic within the controller initiates admission control to transfer active UEs in cell A to neighboring cell B (in the LP spectrum) (processing block 1410) and notifies cell A of resource block (RB) allocations in the LP spectrum (processing block 1411). The processing block in neighboring cell B provides its signal to cell A (processing block 1412). Cell A extracts a low-power spectral component from the donor neighboring cell B's signal and transmits that component (processing block 1413). At this point, processing logic within the controller initiates powering down of normal operation hardware in cell A (processing block 1414) and notifies both cell A and neighboring cell B to enable low-power operation across the entire spectrum (processing block 1415).

[0059]

[0078] 14B-1 and 14B-2 are flow diagrams of some embodiment of a process for transitioning from normal mode to sleep mode. Referring to FIGS. 14B-1 and 14B-2, the process begins by processing logic within a controller receiving a network operator request (processing block 1421). In response to the network operator request, processing logic within the controller requests the status of associated UEs in a first cell (cell A) (processing block 1422) and receives the status of associated UEs in the first cell (cell A) (processing block 1423). In response to the status of associated UEs in the cell, processing logic within the controller decides to determine spectrum division between normal operation (N spectrum) and low power operation (LP spectrum) (processing block 1424) and notifies the first cell (cell A) of the new spectrum division (processing block 1425). In response to the received information regarding the new spectrum division, the first cell (cell A) moves its active UEs to the portion of the spectrum allocated for normal operation (processing block 1426) and requests neighboring cells to change their tilt angles to expand coverage (processing block 1427). Processing logic within the controller then reduces the low power or full spectrum power in the low-power spectrum (processing block 1428). Processing logic also initiates admission control to move active UEs in the first cell (cell A) to a neighboring cell (e.g., cell B or cell C) (processing block 1429). Cell A then shuts down its TX / RX power and enters sleep mode (processing block 1430). When this occurs, cell A's coverage is covered by the neighboring cell, which has changed its tilt angle to cover the coverage area of ​​the first cell (cell A) (processing block 1431).

[0060]

[0079] FIG. 15 illustrates a multi-band example of some embodiments of controller-based gradual switching from normal operation to sleep operation. Referring to FIG. 15, during normal operation at time A, UEs are on bands 1 and 2, while neighboring cells are using bands 1 and 2. If cell A moves to a reduced power consumption state, at time B, all UEs in cell A are moved to one of the bands, for example, band 2, and then the local network controller of cell A turns off the TX of band 1. At time C, one or more of the tilt angles of the neighboring cells are changed to cover the coverage area of ​​cell A. In some embodiments, the signal strength from the neighboring cells in cell A is higher than before the tilt angle change. At time D, the TX of band 2 in cell A is powered down, causing all UEs in cell A to move to one of the neighboring cells. When this occurs, the local network controller of cell A turns off the TX of band 2.

[0061]

[0080] Figure 16 shows another multi-band example of some other embodiments of controller-based gradual switching from normal operation to sleep operation. Referring to Figure 16, the coverage areas of cell A and neighboring cells at different times are shown. Initially, cell A's coverage area is between the neighboring cells and slightly overlaps with them. After cell A's band 1 TX is turned off and cell A's band 2 TX is low-powered and the neighboring cells are tilt-shifted, cell A's coverage area shrinks, while the coverage areas of the two neighboring cells expand to cover cell A's original coverage area. Then, cell A's band 2 TX is turned off, cell A's coverage area disappears, and the two neighboring cells use their expanded coverage areas to cover cell A's coverage area.

[0062]

[0081] Several exemplary embodiments are described herein.

[0063]

[0082] Example 1 is a communication network including a plurality of cells, each cell of the plurality of cells having a base station and a local network controller, at least one of the cells having both hardware for performing cellular communication operations and repeater hardware for enabling the at least one cell to operate as a repeater during a first reduced power consumption state. The communication network also includes a master network controller coupled to the local network controllers in each of the plurality of cells, the master network controller configured to select at least one cell to enter the first reduced power consumption state and to signal the local network controller of the at least one cell to enable the repeater hardware, thereby causing the at least one cell to operate as a repeater.

[0064]

[0083] Example 2 is the communication network of Example 1, optionally including a local network controller of the at least one cell handing off the UE to one or more cells neighboring the at least one cell in response to signaling from the master network controller that the at least one cell enters the first reduced power consumption state.

[0065]

[0084] Example 3 is the communication network of Example 1, which may optionally include the master network controller signaling one or more cells of the plurality of cells to act as donor cells for the at least one cell while the at least one cell transitions to a reduced power consumption state and / or is in the reduced power consumption state.

[0066]

[0085] Example 4 is the communication network of Example 3, optionally including the base station of the donor cell changing a tilt angle of the antenna of the donor cell to increase a coverage area of ​​the donor cell so that the signal reaches the donor antenna.

[0067]

[0086] Example 5 is the communication network of example 3, optionally including at least one of the plurality of donor cells being communicatively coupled to the donor cell via a wired connection.

[0068]

[0087] Example 6 is the communication network of Example 3, optionally including at least one of the plurality of donors donating one or more frequency bands for use in communicating with at least one cell.

[0069]

[0088] Example 7 is the communication network of Example 3, optionally including one donor cell of the plurality of donor cells being a donor cell for a first plurality of cells having both hardware for performing cellular communication operations and repeater hardware.

[0070]

[0089] Example 8 is the communication network of example 1, optionally including only a local network controller of at least one cell controlling cell / repeater operation in the cell.

[0071]

[0090] Example 9 is the communication network of example 8, optionally including the local network controller being operable to partially switch over when transitioning to a reduced power consumption state.

[0072]

[0091] Example 10 is the communication network of Example 9, which may optionally include transmitting when one or more but not all of the bands of the cell transition to a reduced power state, and the remaining bands not transitioned to low power operation continuing to be used for transmission or being put to sleep.

[0073]

[0092] Example 11 is the communication network of Example 1, which may optionally include the master network controller providing a trigger to a local network controller of at least one cell to initiate a switch from normal power to a reduced power state power and / or vice versa.

[0074]

[0093] Example 12 is the communication network of Example 11, wherein while in the reduced power consumption state, at least one cell may optionally include being communicatively coupled to one or more donor cells and receiving wireless-over-fiber signals from the at least one donor cell.

[0075]

[0094] Example 13 is the communication network of Example 11, wherein the reduced power consumption state may optionally include switching at least one cell to a sleep state and changing a tilt of each of the at least one cell's donor cells to extend coverage of the donor cells.

[0076]

[0095] Example 14 is the communication network of Example 1, optionally including the master network controller providing a trigger to a local network controller of at least one cell to initiate a sleep mode or select a repeater function.

[0077]

[0096] Example 15 is the communications network of Example 14, which may optionally include the master network controller being operable to detect a potential coverage hole when a base station of at least one cell enters a sleep mode, and in response to entering the sleep mode, signaling the base station to operate as a repeater or signaling one or more neighboring cells to perform tilt changes on antennas of the one or more neighboring cells to extend coverage over a coverage area of ​​the at least one cell.

[0078]

[0097] Example 16 is a cell that includes a local network controller, hardware for performing cellular communication operations, and repeater hardware that enables at least one cell to operate as a repeater during a first reduced power consumption state.

[0079]

[0098] Example 17 is the cell of Example 16, which may optionally include the local network controller handing off the UE to one or more neighboring cells in response to received control signaling indicating the cell entering a reduced power consumption state.

[0080]

[0099] Example 18 is the cell of Example 17, optionally including a local network controller operable to control the hardware to operate using cellular communications or to operate as a repeater in a reduced power consumption state.

[0081]

[0100] Example 19 is the cell of Example 18, optionally including the local network controller being operable to switch from using multiple bands to using one band when transitioning to a reduced power consumption state.

[0082]

[0101] Example 20 is the cell of Example 19, optionally including the local network controller controlling hardware to transmit using one or more but not all of the multiple bands when the cell transitions to a reduced power consumption state, with the remaining bands not transitioned to low power operation continuing to be used for transmission or being put to sleep.

[0083]

[0102] Example 21 is a method including: transmitting, by each cell of a plurality of cells in a communication network, using hardware for performing cellular communication operations; selecting, by a master network controller coupled to local network controllers in each of the plurality of cells, at least one cell to enter a reduced power consumption state; signaling, by the master network controller, the local network controller of the at least one cell to enable repeater hardware, thereby causing the at least one cell to operate as a repeater; and operating, by the at least one cell as a repeater using the repeater hardware during the reduced power consumption state.

[0084]

[0103] Example 22 is the method of Example 21, which may optionally include handing off, by a local network controller of the at least one cell, the UE to one or more cells neighboring the at least one cell in response to signaling from the master network controller that the at least one cell enters a reduced power consumption state.

[0085]

[0104] Example 23 is the method of Example 21, which may optionally include covering at least a portion of the coverage area of ​​the at least one cell by changing the tilt angle of one or more antennas of the donor cell to expand the coverage area of ​​the donor cell while the at least one cell transitions to and / or is in a reduced power consumption state.

[0086]

[0105] Some portions of the above detailed descriptions are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. These steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

[0087]

[0106] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless otherwise indicated, as will be apparent from the discussion that follows, throughout this description, discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," etc. will be understood to refer to the actions and processing of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and converts data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memory into other data that is similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memory or registers, or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0088]

[0107] The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as, but not limited to, any type of disk, e.g., floppy disk, optical disk, CD-ROM, and magneto-optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic or optical card, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, each coupled to a computer system bus.

[0089]

[0108] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. Additionally, this disclosure is not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be understood that a variety of programming languages ​​may be used to implement the teachings of the disclosure as described herein.

[0090]

[0109] A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, machine-readable media include read-only memory ("ROM"), random-access memory ("RAM"), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, acoustical, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), etc.

[0091]

[0110] Although many variations and modifications of the present disclosure will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the foregoing description, it should be understood that any particular embodiments shown and described by way of example are not intended to be considered limiting in any way. Accordingly, references to details of various embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite only those features deemed essential to the disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A base station operating in a first cell in a cellular communication system including a plurality of cells, the cellular communication system having a master network controller, the base station comprising: a local network controller; hardware for performing cellular communication operations and repeater hardware; Equipped with the hardware for performing cellular communication operations and the repeater hardware cause the first cell to operate as a repeater during a first reduced power state and to forward communications from neighboring cells to a coverage area of ​​the base station while in the first reduced power state; the local network controller, in response to signaling from the master network controller indicating that the first cell enters the first reduced power consumption state, hands off user equipment to one or more cells neighboring the first cell; the repeater hardware enables cellular communications with user equipment handed off to a base station outside the first cell while the first cell is in the first reduced power state; the local network controller is operable to control the hardware to operate using cellular communication or to operate as a repeater in the first reduced power consumption state, and the local network controller is operable to transition a user equipment in the first cell to the first reduced power consumption state by transitioning the user equipment from using a radio frequency spectrum consisting of a first portion and a second portion to using only the first portion of the radio frequency spectrum, ceasing use of the second portion of the radio frequency spectrum in the first cell, and thereafter transitioning the user equipment to using the second portion of the radio frequency spectrum when the user equipment is associated with a cell other than the first cell. Base station.

2. 2. The base station of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the radio frequency spectrum is a first radio frequency band and the second portion of the radio frequency spectrum is a second radio frequency band.

3. The local network controller powering on the repeater hardware in the second portion of the radio frequency spectrum after transitioning the user equipment associated with the first cell to the second portion of the radio frequency spectrum so that the repeater hardware is powered on in the second portion of the radio frequency spectrum; ceasing use of the first portion of the radio frequency spectrum in the first cell after transitioning the user equipment to the second portion when the repeater hardware is on in the second portion of the radio frequency spectrum; powering up the repeater hardware in the first portion of the radio frequency spectrum so that the repeater hardware is powered on in both the first and second portions of the radio frequency spectrum; 2. The base station of claim 1, operable to:

4. The local network controller handing off the user equipment associated with the first cell to one or more neighboring cells after tilting one or more antennas of the one or more neighboring cells adjacent to the first cell to provide coverage of the second portion of the radio frequency spectrum in an area of ​​the first cell.

2. The base station of claim 1, operable to:

5. The local network controller transitioning all user equipment associated with the first cell to the second portion of the radio frequency spectrum and ceasing use of the first portion of the radio frequency spectrum in the first cell after switching the association of the user equipment to the one or more neighboring cells; 2. The base station of claim 1, operable to:

6. The local network controller switching a power state from a normal power state to the first reduced power state or from the first reduced power state to the normal power state in response to a trigger from the master network controller in the cellular communication system; 2. The base station of claim 1, operable to:

7. a plurality of cells, each of the plurality of cells being equipped with a base station and a local network controller, and at least one of the plurality of cells having both hardware for performing cellular communication operations and repeater hardware for enabling the at least one cell to operate as a repeater in a first reduced power consumption state; a master network controller coupled to the local network controllers in each of the plurality of cells, the master network controller configured to select the at least one cell to transition to the first reduced power consumption state, and to signal the local network controller deployed in the at least one cell to enable the repeater hardware to cause the at least one cell to operate as a repeater and forward communications from neighboring cells to a base station coverage area of ​​the at least one cell when in the first reduced power consumption state; Equipped with The local network controller deployed in the at least one cell, handing off user equipment to one or more cells neighboring the at least one cell in response to signaling from the master network controller indicating that the at least one cell is entering the first reduced power consumption state; The master network controller: instructing the base stations of one or more cells of the plurality of cells to extend their coverage areas to cover at least a portion of the coverage area of ​​the base station of the at least one cell while the at least one cell is transitioning to or in the first reduced power consumption state; the repeater hardware and extending the coverage area of ​​the base station for the one or more cells to enable cellular communications with user equipment handed off to a base station outside the at least one cell while the at least one cell is in the first reduced power state; only the local network controller deployed in said at least one cell controls cell / repeater operation in the cell, said local network controller being operable to partially switch when transitioning to said first reduced power consumption state; Communications network.

8. 8. The communications network of claim 7, wherein one or more, but not all, of the bands of the cell transmit when transitioning to the first reduced power state, and the remaining bands not transitioned to low power operation continue to be used for transmission or are put to sleep.

9. The local network controller deployed in the at least one cell, 8. The communications network of claim 7, further comprising: in response to signaling from the master network controller indicating that the at least one cell is entering the first reduced power consumption state, handing off user equipment to one or more cells neighboring the at least one cell.

10. 8. The communications network of claim 7, wherein the master network controller signals one or more cells of the plurality of cells to act as donor cells for the at least one cell while the at least one cell transitions to and / or is in the first reduced power consumption state.

11. The communications network of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the donor cells donates one or more frequency bands for use in communicating with the at least one cell.

12. 11. The communications network of claim 10, wherein one donor cell of the plurality of donor cells is a donor cell for a first plurality of cells that has both hardware for performing cellular communications operations and repeater hardware.

13. 8. The communication network of claim 7, wherein a base station deployed in the donor cell changes the tilt angle of its antenna so that a signal reaches the donor antenna to expand the coverage area of ​​the donor cell.

14. when the base station deployed in the at least one cell enters a sleep state, and in response to entering the sleep state, signaling the base station to operate as a repeater or signaling one or more neighboring cells to perform tilt changes on antennas of the one or more neighboring cells, thereby expanding coverage over a coverage area of ​​the at least one cell; The communications network of claim 7 , wherein the master network controller is operable to detect potential coverage holes that may be created.

15. a plurality of cells, each of the plurality of cells being equipped with a base station and a local network controller, and at least one of the plurality of cells having both hardware for performing cellular communication operations and repeater hardware for enabling the at least one cell to operate as a repeater in a first reduced power consumption state; a master network controller coupled to the local network controllers in each of the plurality of cells, the master network controller configured to select the at least one cell to transition to the first reduced power consumption state, and to signal the local network controller deployed in the at least one cell to enable the repeater hardware to cause the at least one cell to operate as a repeater and forward communications from neighboring cells to a base station coverage area of ​​the at least one cell when in the first reduced power consumption state; Equipped with The local network controller deployed in the at least one cell, handing off user equipment to one or more cells neighboring the at least one cell in response to signaling from the master network controller indicating that the at least one cell is entering the first reduced power consumption state; The master network controller: instructing the base stations of one or more cells of the plurality of cells to extend their coverage areas to cover at least a portion of the coverage area of ​​the base station of the at least one cell while the at least one cell is transitioning to or in the first reduced power consumption state; the repeater hardware and extending the coverage area of ​​the base station for the one or more cells to enable cellular communications with user equipment handed off to a base station outside the at least one cell while the at least one cell is in the first reduced power state; the master network controller provides a trigger to the local network controller of the at least one cell to initiate a switch from normal power to the first reduced power state power and / or a switch from the first reduced power state power to the normal power, wherein in the first reduced power state, the at least one cell is switched to a sleep state and the tilt of an antenna of each of a plurality of donor cells is changed to extend the coverage of each donor cell. Communications network.

16. 16. The communications network of claim 15, wherein the master network controller provides a trigger to the local network controller of the at least one cell to initiate a switch from normal power to the first reduced power state power and / or from the first reduced power state power to the normal power.

17. The local network controller deployed in the at least one cell, 16. The communications network of claim 15, wherein in response to signaling from the master network controller indicating that the at least one cell is entering the first reduced power consumption state, handing off user equipment to one or more cells neighboring the at least one cell.

18. 16. The communications network of claim 15, wherein the master network controller signals one or more cells of the plurality of cells to act as donor cells for the at least one cell while the at least one cell transitions to and / or is in the first reduced power consumption state.

19. 16. The communications network of claim 15, wherein the first reduced power state includes switching the at least one cell to the sleep state and changing the tilt of an antenna of each of a plurality of donor cells to extend coverage of each donor cell.

20. 16. The communications network of claim 15, wherein the master network controller provides a trigger to the local network controller of the at least one cell to initiate a switch from normal power to the first reduced power state power and / or from the first reduced power state power to the normal power, and wherein while in the first reduced power state, the at least one cell is communicatively coupled to one or more donor cells and receives radio-over-fiber signals from at least one donor cell.

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