Dynamic energy-efficient cell coverage enhancement with network-controlled repeaters

Abstract

This patent application describes a comprehensive approach to enhancing energy efficiency and load balancing within wireless networks through the integration of NCRs (60) into the existing concept of "cell zooming" The core objective is to adjust transmission power at base stations (10) and NCRs (60) to achieve load balancing and energy savings while introducing additional dimensions for dynamic cell shaping. NCRs (60) empower the fine-tuning of power levels and strategic allocation to base stations (10), allowing for flexible coverage area (70) shaping. The control of cell zooming can be managed centralized or in a decentralized manner, ensuring compatibility with existing network protocols. Moreover, NCRs (60) introduce the possibility of creating dedicated links (80) between base stations (10) and NCRs (60), minimizing interference, and enhancing spectral efficiency. Overall, this innovative approach promises to significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of wireless networks while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure and protocols.

Description

[0001] Dynamic Energy-Efficient Cell Coverage Enhancement With Network-Controlled Repeaters

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention resides within the technical domain of wireless network enhancement, specifically focused on addressing the critical issues of enhancing energy efficiency and efficiently managing traffic loads in advanced wireless networks such as 5G and beyond. This innovative approach introduces Network-Controlled Repeaters (NCRs) into the network architecture to enable dynamic and flexible cell zooming, enhancing transmission power, coverage areas, and traffic distribution. By doing so, it aims to reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and improve network performance, thereby contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness in the wireless communication industry.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] The drive to enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in modern wireless networks has grown significantly, spurred by both environmental concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions and the economic benefits associated with lower operating costs. A careful analysis of 5G networks reveals that a substantial portion of their energy consumption is attributed to the radio access network (RAN), accounting for approximately 73% of the total power usage in a typical cellular network. Within the RAN, it is evident that radio frequency equipment, including power amplifiers, transceivers, and associated cables, contributes to about 65% of the base-station's energy consumption. Additionally, components like cooling systems, digital signal processing, baseband processing, and converters collectively account for the remaining energy usage.

[0006] To address this energy consumption challenge in 5G networks, various energy-saving solutions have been developed. These solutions can be categorized into time-domain mechanisms, carrier-domain mechanisms, and antenna-domain mechanisms. Time-domain mechanisms involve temporarily deactivating hardware components of the base-station based on traffic presence or absence, carrier-domain mechanisms focus on deactivating components for longer time intervals, taking into account long-term traffic load variations, and antennadomain mechanisms achieve energy savings through antenna selection or channel shutdown. One notable approach to energy conservation is cell zooming, which departs from carrier shutdown methods and instead adjusts transmission power to reduce the coverage of lightly loaded cells while simultaneously expanding the coverage area of neighboring cells. However, existing cell zooming solutions primarily operate in a one-dimensional manner, primarily aiming to balance traffic loads and save energy by adjusting cell size.

[0007] The inventions disclosed in

[0001] - [2] introduce a method for adapting power transmission at military base stations to enable cell zooming, primarily focusing on the identification of intercarrier interference (ICI) for military applications. The innovation detailed in [3] is centered on cell zooming for allocating resources to users based on the received power of user terminals. Meanwhile, [4] introduces the concept of cell zooming to dynamically adjust cell sizes according to traffic conditions. When more users migrate to a particular area within a network, this approach allows the cell to zoom in to serve a smaller user population. Conversely, if the cell experiences a decrease in user count or users move away, the base station increases its transmission power to zoom out and provide service to users in other cells. [5] presents a data- driven framework for cell zooming in large-scale mobile networks and introduces a new metric for accurately assessing network status, which aids in deactivating underutilized base stations and executing cell zooming.

[0008] The inventions disclosed in [1] - [3] propose cell zooming primarily for purposes such as ICI recognition, load balancing, and resource allocation to users, with a focus on both energy conservation and distributing traffic load evenly. These methods involve adjusting base station transmission power or switching them on and off to achieve cell zooming, aiming to save energy and maintain efficient traffic distribution. However, these approaches lack flexibility because, even if one part of the cell experiences increased user activity, the base station must increase transmission power uniformly in all directions for zooming out and servicing those users. This uniform approach can result in interference with other cells and wasteful energy consumption in directions with no users. Furthermore, the process of toggling base stations on and off can be time-consuming and necessitates additional network configurations.

[0009]

[0001] KR102030779B1 : A military distributed base station for ICI-recognition-based adaptive transmit power control scheme.

[0010] [2] KR101941038B1 : A military distributed base station and method of ICI-recognition-based adaptive transmit power control scheme in military distributed base station.

[0011] [3] KR101633214B1 : An efficient cell zooming scheme in small cell environments. [4] Niu, Zhisheng, et al. "Cell zooming for cost-efficient green cellular networks." IEEE communications magazine 48.1 1 (2010): 74-79.

[0012] [5] Jiang, Hao, et al. "Data-driven cell zooming for large-scale mobile networks." IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management 15.1 (2018): 156-168.

[0013] Object of the Invention

[0014] The proposed invention introduces a new dimension to cell zooming by incorporating Network- Controlled Repeaters (NCRs) into the network architecture. These NCRs enable more flexible cell zooming at different power levels and control coverage areas, allowing for enhanced energy savings and traffic load balancing. NCR-enabled cell zooming offers the potential to offload users to NCRs, further enhancing traffic distribution and energy consumption.

[0015] Energy conservation in wireless networks is a critical concern from both cost and environmental perspectives. Solutions in the literature typically fall into two categories: antenna-based and time-domain solutions. Specifically, NCRs (Node Connection Relays), which serve as hops between users and base stations, play a pivotal role in enhancing network efficiency. Rather than offloading users to NCRs, the focus is on enhancing the assignment of NCRs to base stations. This hardware-level approach encompasses considerations related to antennas, time-domain strategies, and carrier management, all of which are essential for addressing energy conservation challenges in wireless networks.

[0016] The core objective of cell zooming is to adjust transmission power at base stations to achieve load balancing and energy savings. By integrating NCRs into the network, additional design dimensions are introduced. These include power level control at NCRs and the assignment of NCRs to base stations. These factors allow for more dynamic cell shaping, enabling the creation of coverage areas with desired shapes based on the deployment of NCRs.

[0017] To achieve all the objects mentioned above and that will emerge from the following detailed description, the present invention relates to a computer implemented method for enhancing energy efficiency and traffic load balancing in wireless networks having at least a zooming server, base stations and NCRs, through cell zooming, comprising the steps of:

[0018] - determining at least a target coverage area;

[0019] - dynamically controlling communication output power levels and beam configurations of at least one of the base station and at least one of the NCR for creating coverage are that covers said target coverage area. Thus, a matching coverage area may be provided to a target coverage are using base stations and NCRs and facilitating cell zooming therewith. This reduces energy used by the overall system, reducing overshooting of a target cell.

[0020] The control of cell zooming can be managed centrally, with a zooming server making network- wide decisions, or in a decentralized manner, with individual base stations making decisions based on their traffic load and knowledge of distributed NCRs. Regardless of the approach, NCRs remain transparent to users and are instructed by base stations for connection, disconnection, beamforming, power level control, and other configurations. This ensures compatibility with existing protocols and minimizes the need for additional network changes.

[0021] NCRs themselves have unique characteristics, including the ability to control their coverage areas with different power levels. Base station links to NCRs differ from links to users, often being dedicated and more stable.

[0022] Coverage areas for base stations connected to multiple NCRs may exhibit discontinuities to reduce interference and increase spectral efficiency. These discontinuities can result in dedicated links between base stations and NCRs, ensuring interference-free communication.

[0023] By enabling dynamic and asymmetric cell shaping / zooming, the NCR-enabled cell zooming invention enhances energy efficiency and traffic load balancing, adding value to the field of wireless network enhancing. The approach can be implemented in a centralized or decentralized manner, allowing for dynamic network enhancing while maintaining compatibility with existing protocols. NCRs introduce unique capabilities, including power level control and coverage shaping, contributing to more efficient and flexible network operations.

[0024] Brief Description of The Drawings

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment (s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention.

[0026] Figure-1 , Concept of Cell Zooming

[0027] Figure-2, The deployment of Network-Controlled Repeaters (NCRs) within a network

[0028] Figure-3, Relationship Between Base Stations and NCRs

[0029] Figure-4, Using NCRs to Minimize Interference Description Of References To Parts

[0030] 10. Base Station 60. NCR

[0031] 20. User Equipment 70. Coverage Area

[0032] 30. Zoom Out 80. Dedicated Link

[0033] 40. Zoom In 90: Control unit

[0034] 50. Zooming Server

[0035] Detailed Description Of The Invention

[0036] Energy conservation represents a significant concern within the realm of wireless networks due to its dual impact on costs and environmental considerations. Various solutions have been put forth in both standardization efforts and existing literature to address energy savings, broadly falling into two categories: antenna-based solutions and time-domain solutions. In the former category, energy consumption reduction is achieved through the utilization of multiantenna technology. In the latter category relies on signal processing and protocol design to achieve energy savings. The primary focus of this patent application centers on the former category, specifically enhancing an existing solution known as 'cell zooming' through the incorporation NCRs (60).

[0037] Essentially, subject matter is a computer implemented method for enhancing energy efficiency and traffic load balancing in wireless networks having at least a zooming server (50) base stations (10) and NCRs (60), through cell zooming, comprising the steps of:

[0038] - determining at least a target coverage area (70),

[0039] - dynamically controlling communication output power levels and beam configurations of at least one of the base station (10) and at least one of the NCR (60) (zooming in / zooming out) for creating coverage are that covers said target coverage area (70).

[0040] As illustrated in Figure-1 , the concept of cell zooming is centered around the modulation of transmission power by base stations (10) to achieve two primary objectives: load balancing and energy conservation. This entails enhancing the assignment of users to specific base stations (10) while controlling their transmission powers, ultimately resulting in an overall reduction in energy consumption. The proposed innovation introduces additional dimensions to the cell zooming concept by integrating NCRs (60). Figure-1 shows that base stations (10) are zoomed in (40) or zoomed out (30) according to the density of user equipment (20). Zooming in and zooming out is realized by controlling communication output power levels and beamforming configurations of base stations (10) and NCRs (60). Target coverage area (70) may be determined by base stations (10) or by the zooming server (50). Assignation of related base stations (10) and NCRs (60) may be realized by base station (10) or by the zooming server (50). Base stations (10) may decide to handover NCRs (60) to other base stations (10) in order to provide coverage to the target coverage area (70) depending on factors such as data traffic.

[0041] Figure-2 illustrates a network with NCR (60) deployment. In this scenario, power control can be exercised not only at the base station (10) level but also through NCRs (60), which offer the capability to dynamically adjust their power levels, enabling more flexible cell shaping. The target coverage area (70) can vary based on several factors, including the number of NCRs (60) used, their locations, and the beamforming techniques applied, all of which collectively influence the network's coverage characteristics. In this way, as mentioned in the previous sentence, a more flexible structure can be obtained. This enhanced approach provides greater design freedom and coverage topology options for serving an area, thereby facilitating improved load balancing and energy savings.

[0042] NCRs (60) introduce two design enhancements. Firstly, they empower the fine-tuning of power levels at NCRs (60), and secondly, they enable the strategic allocation of NCRs (60) to base stations (10). Consequently, the conventional fixed and circular coverage areas (70) typically associated with base stations is no longer a constraint. Instead, the deployment of NCRs (60) offers the flexibility to shape target coverage areas (70) according to specific requirements.

[0043] Within the wireless network landscape, energy conservation is of paramount concern due to its impact on both cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. A myriad of solutions has emerged in standardization efforts and existing literature, all aimed at achieving energy savings. These solutions can be broadly categorized into two groups: antenna-based solutions and time-domain solutions. In the former category, the emphasis lies on harnessing multiantenna technology to curtail energy consumption. In contrast, the latter category revolves around signal processing and protocol design to achieve energy efficiency. The primary focus of this patent application centers on the first category, specifically enhancing an existing solution known as 'cell zooming' through the integration of NCRs (60).

[0044] Cell zooming, as illustrated in Figure-1 , is designed with a dual purpose: the fine-tuning of transmission power by base stations (60) to achieve two critical objectives, namely load balancing and energy conservation. This approach enhances the allocation of user equipment (20) to specific base stations (10), enabling the precise control of their transmission powers and resulting in an overall reduction in energy consumption. Figure-2 illustrates the same network with NCR (60) deployment. In this setup, the control of power levels is not limited to base stations (10) alone, as NCRs (60) also offer the capability to dynamically regulate their power levels. This added dimension allows for more adaptive cell shaping. Consequently, a service area can be molded with greater flexibility and customized coverage topologies, ultimately leading to improved load balancing and enhanced energy savings.

[0045] The introduction of NCRs (60) injects two crucial elements of design freedom. Firstly, it permits the precise control of power levels at the NCR (60) level. Secondly, it enables the strategic allocation of NCRs (60) to various base stations (10). Consequently, the traditional fixed and circular coverage area (70) associated with base stations (60) no longer applies as a universal standard. Instead, the deployment of NCRs (60) grants the flexibility to tailor the coverage area (70) to meet specific needs and preferences, allowing for the creation of coverage zones with diverse shapes based on the strategic placement of NCRs (60).

[0046] The control of the zooming process can be managed in two distinct ways, similar to classical cell zooming: through a centralized zooming server (50) or in a distributed manner. In the former approach, a zooming server (50) is a virtual entity that can be deployed at any part of the network infrastructure. Zooming server (50) utilizes available information to make decisions regarding the zooming process. Conversely, in the distributed approach, individual base stations autonomously make zooming decisions. In both cases, NCRs (60) may operate transparently and receive instructions from their parent base stations (10) regarding any changes. This approach maintains compatibility with existing NCR (60) protocols and imposes minimal to no additional requirements or modifications.

[0047] The incorporation of NCRs (60) introduces novel aspects to the zooming process that warrant consideration.

[0048] Firstly, NCRs (60) themselves possess the capability to perform zooming by adjusting their power levels, thereby controlling their target coverage areas (70). A base station (10) may establish a multi-hop link to a specific NCR (60), leading to variations in the coverage areas (70) for user equipment (20) and other NCRs (60). These two distinct zooming layers are further elaborated below.

[0049] The links between base stations (10) and NCRs (60) exhibit different characteristics compared to those between base stations (10) and user equipment (20). These links are deliberately designed to be dedicated and more stable. Consequently, modifying the power level at the base station (10) affects two coverage areas (70), as depicted in Figure-3. The first coverage area (70) pertains to the links with users, while the second pertains to NCRs (60). Given the inherent differences in these two types of links, the boundaries of their respective coverage areas (70) may vary even at the same transmission power level. For example, a group of NCRs (60) might be strategically positioned to establish line of sight links with a base station (10), whereas such a level of link quality is not guaranteed for user connections. Additionally, NCRs (60) may incorporate more antenna elements, facilitating narrower beams and higher gains. Consequently, at a fixed power level, the boundaries of channels to NCRs (60) may be larger than those of channels to user equipment (20). Furthermore, as previously mentioned, similar distinctions apply to NCRs (60) involved in multi-hop links.

[0050] Coverage areas (70) served by base stations (10) connected to multiple NCRs (60) may be deliberately configured with discontinuities to minimize interference and enhance spectral efficiency. Typically, NCRs (60), much like regular user equipments (20) within the coverage area (70), receive signals from the base station (10) that serves them. Consequently, NCRs (60) need to be scheduled like any other standard user. However, when an NCR (60) is strategically positioned and equipped with a sufficient number of antenna elements to establish a dedicated, link (80) with the base station (10), a discontinuity in coverage areas (70) can be created, as illustrated in Figure-4. The dedicated link (80) in the figure-4 is intended to demonstrate the absence of interference in two specific areas: the coverage area (70) served by the same base station for user equipments (20), and the surrounding areas, which may belong to other base stations (10). The establishment of such dedicated links (80) can be achieved, for example, through beamforming techniques that function as spatial filters.

[0051] NCRs (60) operate transparently within the network's decisions regarding cell zooming. They receive instructions from base stations (10) for various functions, including connection establishment and disconnection, beamforming adjustments, power level control, and more. When the network decides to modify its topology, base stations (10) can either disconnect from NCRs (60) or issue instructions for changes such as altering beamforming patterns or power levels. In an alternative implementation, a mesh of NCRs (60) may function as a unified unit, with a designated NCR (60) connected to a base station (10). NCR (60) assumes responsibility for coordination, configuration, and other management tasks, while the subordinate NCRs (60) have no direct connections except to the NCR (60).

[0052] Zooming can be implemented in either a centralized or decentralized manner, with NCRs (60) operation instructions without direct knowledge of network decisions. In centralized zooming, a single zooming server receives critical information such as channel conditions and user equipment (20) requirements. It then makes decisions and issues instructions to the network. In decentralized zooming, individual base stations (10) may autonomously make zooming decisions based on their traffic load and information about distributed NCRs (60) and their allocation. Network-wide information, including base station (10) loads and NCR (60) allocation, is typically coordinated through a control unit (90) connected to all base stations (10).

[0053] For centralized zooming, each base station (10) is linked to one or more NCRs (60). The zooming server (50) informs base stations of triggering conditions for zooming, such as when the cell traffic load surpasses a specific threshold. When a condition is met at a base station (10), it notifies the zooming server (50) to initiate a reshaping process. Based on the information available to the zooming server (50), it determines which parts of the network are affected, possibly utilizing data-driven approaches. The zooming server (50) instructs base stations regarding their new power levels. The zooming server (50) also communicates instructions to NCRs (60) through their corresponding base stations (10). These instructions include new power levels and base station assignments. Reassigned NCRs (60) are handed over to their new base stations (10), and user handovers are performed as necessary. NCRs (60) may assist in forwarding data between base stations (10). Communication continues with the new network topology.

[0054] In decentralized zooming, base stations (10) make zooming decisions based on their traffic loads and knowledge of distributed NCRs (60) and their allocation. Network information, including base station (10) loads and NCR (60) allocation, can be retrieved from control unit (90) connected to all base stations (10) as in Figure-2. Similar to centralized zooming, the network defines triggering conditions for base stations (10). When a reshaping condition is met at a base station (10), it informs neighboring base stations (10) of its decision, and if they confirm, zooming takes place with requested resources. The triggering base station makes decisions regarding new assignments and power levels. Other base stations (10) confirm these decisions based on their respective loads, and negotiations may occur to establish an agreed resource allocation pattern. In some cases, zooming requests may affect non-neighboring base stations (10), leading to a cascade of zooming requests. Once neighboring base stations (10) confirm, both base stations (10) and NCRs (60) adjust their power levels as instructed by the triggering base station (10). NCRs (60) may be handed over if necessary, and user equipment (20) handovers may also be performed. NCRs (60) can assist in forwarding data between base stations (10). Communication resumes using the new network topology. In summary, this patent application outlines a comprehensive approach to energy conservation within wireless networks through the integration of NCRs (60) into the existing concept of "cell zooming." This innovation expands upon traditional cell zooming by introducing two key enhancements: precise power level control at the NCR (60) level and strategic allocation of NCRs (60) to base stations (10). By allowing NCRs (60) to dynamically adjust their power levels and coverage areas (70), the network gains greater flexibility in shaping coverage zones, leading to improved load balancing and energy savings. The zooming process can be managed centrally or in a decentralized manner, ensuring compatibility with existing protocols. Moreover, NCRs (60) introduce the possibility of creating dedicated links (80) between base stations (10) and NCRs (60), minimizing interference, and enhancing spectral efficiency. Overall, this innovative approach promises to significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of wireless networks while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure and protocols.

[0055] To achieve all the objects mentioned above and that will emerge from the following detailed description above, the present invention relates to a method for enhancing energy efficiency and traffic load balancing in wireless networks, through cell zooming. This method is characterized by comprising steps of; modifying the transmission power levels of base stations (10) by dynamically controlling their output in response to network-wide decisions, load conditions, and the strategic configuration of NCRs (60), controlling power levels of NCRs (60), and adapting the coverage areas (70) in real-time by strategically deploying and configuring NCRs (60), resulting in energy-efficient operations and effective load balancing.

[0056] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized by; in this method initiating cell zooming based on predetermined triggering conditions, wherein the triggering conditions are determined by network-wide decisions made by a centralized zooming server (50) or individual base stations (10) in a decentralized manner.

[0057] In another embodiment of the invention, in the method NCRs (60) are assigned to specific base stations (10) based on network requirements and traffic load distribution, and power levels of NCRs (60) are adjusted individually from base station (10) transmission power.

[0058] In another embodiment of the invention, in the method the control of cell zooming, and NCRs (60) can be managed either centrally or in a decentralized manner, ensuring compatibility with existing network protocols and minimizing the need for additional network changes. In another embodiment of the invention, in the method implementing both continuous cell zooming, which involves gradual adjustments in cell coverage, and discontinuous cell zooming, which involves deliberate variations in cell coverage areas (70) to reduce interference and enhance spectral efficiency, all based on the deployment and configuration of NCRs (60).

[0059] One aspect of the invention also provides a system for performing dynamic energy-efficient cell enhancing in wireless networks, comprising; at least one base station (10) for adjusting transmission power levels, at least one NCR (60) for dynamically controlling its power level, a zooming server (50) for making centralized network-wide decisions regarding cell zooming, a control unit (90) for coordinating decentralized cell zooming decisions made by individual base stations (10), wherein NCRs (60) facilitate coverage area (70) adjustments to achieve energy savings and load balancing.

[0060] In a possible embodiment of the system, NCRs (60) are equipped with multiple antenna elements for beamforming and creating dedicated links (80) between base stations (10) and NCRs (60) to enhance spectral efficiency.

[0061] In another embodiment of the system, the control unit (90) facilitates communication between base stations (10) and NCRs (60), allowing for dynamic network enhancing while ensuring compatibility with existing network protocols.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A computer implemented method for enhancing energy efficiency and traffic load balancing in wireless networks having at least a zooming server (50), base stations (10) and NCRs (60), through cell zooming, comprising the steps of:- determining at least a target coverage area (70);- dynamically controlling communication output power levels and beam configurations of at least one of the base station (10) and at least one of the NCR (60) for creating coverage are that covers said target coverage area (70).

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of “determining at least a target coverage area (70)” is realized by said zooming server (50); power output levels and beam configurations of at least one base station is dynamically controlled by the zooming server (50) and power output levels and beam configurations of at least one NCR (60) is controlled by at least one base station (10).

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that comprising the steps of: by the zooming server (50) assigning at least one NCR (60) and at least one base station; assigned base stations (10) and NCRs (60) are controlled in the step of “dynamically controlling communication output power levels and beam configurations of at least one of the base station (10) and at least one of the NCR (60) for creating coverage are that covers said target coverage area (70).”4. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that comprising the steps of: the step of “determining at least a target coverage area (70)” is realized by a base station (10) power output levels and beam configurations of at least one base station (10) and at least one NCR (60) are dynamically controlled by base station (10).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that comprising the steps of: by a base station (10) assigning at least one NCR (60) and at least one base station; assigned base stations (10) and NCRs (60) are controlled in the step of “power output levels and beam configurations of at least one base station (10) and at least one NCR (60) are dynamically controlled by base station (10)”.

6. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising the step of; initiating cell zooming based on predetermined triggering conditions, wherein the triggering conditions are determinedby network-wide decisions made by a centralized zooming server (50) or individual base stations (10) in a decentralized manner.

7. The method of Claim 1 , wherein NCRs (60) are assigned to specific base stations (10) based on network requirements and traffic load distribution, and power levels of NCRs (60) are adjusted individually from base station (10) transmission power.

8. The method of Claim 1 , wherein NCRs (60) are equipped with multiple antenna elements, allowing individualized adjustment of coverage areas (70) through beamforming techniques, facilitating the creation of dedicated links (80) between NCRs (60) and connected base stations (10) to minimize interference.

9. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising the step of; implementing both continuous cell zooming, which involves gradual adjustments in cell coverage, and discontinuous cell zooming, which involves deliberate variations in cell coverage areas (70) to reduce interference and enhance spectral efficiency, all based on the deployment and configuration of NCRs (60).

10. A system for performing dynamic energy-efficient cell enhancing in wireless networks, comprising:• at least one base station (10) for adjusting transmission power levels,• at least one NCR (60) for dynamically controlling its power level,• a zooming server (50) for making centralized network-wide decisions regarding cell zooming,• a control unit (90) for coordinating decentralized cell zooming decisions made by individual base stations (10), wherein NCRs (60) facilitate coverage area (70) adjustments to achieve energy savings and load balancing.

11. The system of Claim 7, wherein NCRs (60) are equipped with multiple antenna elements for beamforming and creating dedicated links (80) between base stations (10) and NCRs (60) to enhance spectral efficiency.

12. The system of Claim 7, wherein the control unit (90) facilitates communication between base stations (10) and NCRs (60), allowing for dynamic network enhancing while ensuring compatibility with existing network protocols.

13. The system of Claim 7, wherein NCRs (60) are equipped with multiple antenna elements, allowing individualized adjustment of coverage areas (70) through beamforming techniques, facilitating the creation of dedicated links (80) between NCRs (60) and connected base stations (10) to minimize interference.

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