The present invention provides an apparatus and method for energy saving of small cells. In one novel aspect, a
small cell that detects a
low load condition broadcasts a shutdown request. After receiving the shutdown request message, the
small cell enters a freeze state, in which the
small cell is prevented from being switched off. In another novel aspect, a small
cell in a
low load condition requests measurement reports from multiple UEs. Multiple UEs reply with a measurement report request message, which contains the detected neighbor ID and the
traffic load of the UE. The low-load small
cell contains information obtained from the measurement report in the shutdown request message. In another novel aspect, the small
cell broadcasts an open request message. After receiving the open confirmation message from the closed neighboring small cells, the small cell selects one or more target cells to send a
cell activation request. Close the small cell, and use the cost function to decide whether to open it after receiving a request to open it.